cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mes2, a MADF-containing transcription factor essential for Drosophila development

The development of the Drosophila mesoderm is initiated by the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor twist. We identified a gene encoding a putative transcription factor, mes2, in a screen for essential mesoderm-expressed genes that function downstream of twist. Mes2 protein belongs to a family of 48 Drosophila proteins containing MADF domains. MADF domains exist in worms, flies, and fish. Mes2 is a nuclear protein first produced in trunk and head mesoderm during late gastrulation. At later embryonic stages, mes2 is expressed in glia of the central and peripheral nervous systems, and in tissues derived from the head mesoderm. We have identified a null mutation of mes2 that leads to developmental arrest in first instar larvae. Increased production of Mes2 in multiple embryonic and larval tissues almost always causes lethality. The ubiquitous or epidermal misexpression of mes2 in the embryo causes a dramatic loss of epidermal integrity resulting in the failure of dorsal closure. Our data show that the precise regulation of mes2 expression is critical for normal development in Drosophila and implicate Mes2 in the regulation of essential target genes.
Can calcium supplementation improve stress echocardiography

Coronary heart disease (CHD) continues to be a major global cause of death and morbidity. Tremendous resources have been invested in diagnosing CHD and predicting CHD mortality and morbidity. Although Framingham and other risk scores have contributed importantly to risk stratification of patients
DNA Ligase: Getting a Grip to Seal the Deal

The crystal structure of human DNA ligase I catches the enzyme just before the last step of ligation and shows that the protein wraps completely around nicked DNA. The elegant structure explains how ligase attains fidelity for the sealing operation.
PTEN activation contributes to tumor inhibition by trastuzumab, and loss of PTEN predicts trastuzumab resistance in patients

The ErbB2-targeting antibody, trastuzumab (Herceptin), has remarkable therapeutic efficacy in certain patients with ErbB2-overexpressing tumors. The overall trastuzumab response rate, however, is limited and what determines trastuzumab response is poorly understood. Here we report that PTEN activation contributes to trastuzumab's antitumor activity. Trastuzumab treatment quickly increased PTEN membrane localization and phosphatase activity by reducing PTEN tyrosine phosphorylation via Src inhibition. Reducing PTEN in breast cancer cells by antisense oligonucleotides conferred trastuzumab resistance in vitro and in vivo. Patients with PTEN-deficient breast cancers had significantly poorer responses to trastuzumab-based therapy than those with normal PTEN. Thus, PTEN deficiency is a powerful predictor for trastuzumab resistance. Additionally, PI3K inhibitors rescued PTEN loss-induced trastuzumab resistance, suggesting that PI3K-targeting therapies could overcome this resistance.
Understanding Children's Divorce Adjustment from an Ecological Perspective

Using an ecological perspective, the comprehensive effect of divorce variables on children's post-divorce adjustment was investigated. The microsystem, exosystem and overall composite scores accounted for significant proportions of variance in children's self-reported maladjustment and self-esteem, but not in parents' reports of children's maladjustment. The implications for preventive interventions are discussed.
Histologic Evaluation of Platinum Coil Embolization in an Aneurysm Model in Rabbits

PURPOSE: To characterize the histologic response to platinum coil embolization by using a rabbit aneurysm model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Saccular aneurysms were created in New Zealand White rabbits by using vessel ligation with intraluminal elastase incubation. Aneurysms were subsequently embolized by using platinum coils. Subjects were sacrificed at various intervals up to 12 weeks following coil embolization. The aneurysm cavities and adjacent vessels were embedded in methylmethacrylate, were sectioned, and were stained for histologic examination. RESULTS: Two weeks following coil implantation, aneurysms were filled predominantly with unorganized thrombus. Six weeks following coil implantation, histologic features included complete filling of the aneurysm lumen with either prominent laminated but unorganized thrombus or areas of unorganized thrombus interspersed among areas of cellular infiltration. At 12 weeks following coil implantation, aneurysms were filled with the loosely packed, disordered cells c...
Scaffolding creativity with open-source hardware

In this paper we discuss the role of open-source hardware in supporting creativity. We use the case study of an open-source FM radio and explore the modes of creation that emerged from a workshop in which participants modified and produced the design: making, personalizing, designing, engineering, and experimenting. We contrast open-source hardware with other approaches to supporting creativity and explore some of its unique challenges and opportunities.
Purification of brush border membrane by thiocyanate treatment.

Abstract Rat small intestinal brush border membranes are purified from brush borders by homogenization in relatively high concentrations of thiocyanate salts (0.56 m LiSCN, 0.41 m NaSCN, or 0.52 m KSCN), removal of this salt, and differential centrifugation to separate cytoskeletal material from membranes. The marker enzyme, sucrase, is enriched 98-fold in the final membranes over the starting homogenate of intestinal scrapings at a yield of about 20%. The isolated membranes are capable of secondary active sodium-dependent glucose transport as demonstrated by sodium gradient-supported overshooting glucose uptake.
An Evaluation of Otis Urethrotomy in Female Patients with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

Summary 200 female patients who underwent internal urethrotomy with an Otis urethrotome have been studied. 68 % of patients had benefited at a 33 year follow-up and it was necessary to repeat the procedure in less than 9 % of cases. Complications occurred in less than 2 % of cases and were mild.
A theoretical study of the effects of driven motion on rotational correlations of biological systems

We have mathematically analyzed the angular correlation of molecules subject to coupled Brownian torques and driven rotational motion. In our approach a stochastic rotation operator is used to generate the time-dependent orientation of a Brownian particle. All required expectation values can then be computed from just a knowledge of the average of the rotation operator. In particular, the angular correlation function of molecules moving under the influence of both Brownian and driving torques can be shown to exhibit an exponential decay modulated by a periodic term arising from the nonrandom force. The associated power spectrum exhibits a resonance at a frequency characteristic of the driving torque. We discuss DNA/RNA polymerase, muscle, and flagellar systems to which our analysis is applicable.
Hormonal Requirements for Growth of Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells in vitro: An Endocrine Approach to Atherosclerosis

In this study the hormonal requirements for the growth of arterial smooth muscle cells in vitro were determined. A serum-free, biochemically defined medium, supplemented with the relevant hormones, permitted proliferation and propagation of normal diploid mammalian arterial smooth muscle cells. Serum-free, hormone-supplemented cultures spontaneously formed atherosclerotic plaque-like nodules. Thus atherosclerosis may be mediated by a complex endocrine system.
Familial hyperostosis of obscure nature.

Abstract Two young girls with hyperostosis are described. Results of detailed investigation of the metabolic balances, bone kinetics, and bone tissue analyses carried out on these sisters are presented. Their abnormal bone metabolism is characterized by the following: familial incidence with onset in early childhood and a pedigree suggesting autosomal recessive inheritance; multiple fractures, bowing of the long bones, macrocranium, and other skeletal deformities; elevated serum alkaline phosphatase levels; a very rapid turnover of bone mineral; markedly increased urinary excretions of hydroxyproline and glycylproline; and metabolic studies demonstrating them to be in calcium, phosphorus, and nitrogen equilibrium. The nature of their defect remains obscure.
a New Saddle Point State of the t-J Model

A new saddle point state is proposed for the lightly doped t-J model in both one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) cases. It is shown that in 2D a long range antiferromagnetic (AF) order is recovered in the zero-doping limit, while in the same limit the well-known power law spin-spin correlation can also be obtained in 1D. At finite doping, interesting properties for both dimensions are exhibited in this new saddle point state, known as the flux binding state.
PULSE HEIGHT TALLY RESPONSE EXPANSION METHOD FOR APPLICATION IN DETECTOR PROBLEMS

A new incident flux response expansion method (IFLEX) is developed to perform on-the-fly detector pulse height spectra calculations with Monte Carlo accuracy. Given the flux incident on the detector window, the method uses pre-computed continuous energy Monte Carlo based response functions to generate the pulse height tallies. B-spline functions are selected for the expansion of the incident flux in the energy phase space. Response functions are generated for a CsI(Na) crystal using an energy dependent B-spline form of the IFLEX method. The method is verified for two incident flux spectra on the crystal. Results of the energy dependent B-spline form of the method are compared to the solutions generated using the direct Monte Carlo code MCNP5. The method is shown to be several orders faster than MCNP5 while maintaining paralleled accuracy.
Technique and Imaging for Transthoracic Echocardiography of the Laboratory Pig

Figure 1. Schematic drawings of the human (left panel) from an anterior projection, and a pig (right panel) from the left lateral direction. Compared to the human, the pig heart long axis is anterior–posterior. (Modified with permission from: Crick SJ, Sheppard MN, Ho SY, Gebstein L, Anderson RH. Anatomy of the pig heart: Comparisons with normal human cardiac structure. J Anat 1998; 193; Figure 1c and d). several reasons. The ribs are in close proximity necessitating a small transducer footprint. The thorax is more “oval” in the anterior–posterior direction and the long axis of the heart follows an anterior–posterior direction (Fig. 1). These differences between human and pig are related to a basic difference in body orientation, as
Mixing windows in discontinuous cavity flows

Abstract The presence of islands, in particular those generated by P-1 points, are major obstacles to chaotic mixing. We study discontinuous cavity flow mixing systems, where the form of P-1 orbits are known as a combination of two segments of streamlines caused by the motion of the top and bottom walls, respectively. P-1 islands are born and collapse periodically with increasing alternating period of the walls, leaving mixing windows in between where nearly global chaos and hence, uniform mixing takes place.
Spinal Dopaminergic Projections Control the Transition to Pathological Pain Plasticity via a D1/D5-Mediated Mechanism

The mechanisms that lead to the maintenance of chronic pain states are poorly understood, but their elucidation could lead to new insights into how pain becomes chronic and how it can potentially be reversed. We investigated the role of spinal dorsal horn neurons and descending circuitry in plasticity mediating a transition to pathological pain plasticity suggesting the presence of a chronic pain state using hyperalgesic priming. We found that when dorsal horn neurokinin 1 receptor-positive neurons or descending serotonergic neurons were ablated before hyperalgesic priming, IL-6- and carrageenan-induced mechanical hypersensitivity was impaired, and subsequent prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) response was blunted. However, when these neurons were lesioned after the induction of priming, they had no effect on the PGE2 response, reflecting differential mechanisms driving plasticity in a primed state. In stark contrast, animals with a spinally applied dopaminergic lesion showed intact IL-6- and carrageenan-induced mechanical hypersensitivity, but the subsequent PGE2 injection failed to cause mechanical hypersensitivity. Moreover, ablating spinally projecting dopaminergic neurons after the resolution of the IL-6- or carrageenan-induced response also reversed the maintenance of priming as assessed through mechanical hypersensitivity and the mouse grimace scale. Pharmacological antagonism of spinal dopamine D1/D5 receptors reversed priming, whereas D1/D5 agonists induced mechanical hypersensitivity exclusively in primed mice. Strikingly, engagement of D1/D5 coupled with anisomycin in primed animals reversed a chronic pain state, consistent with reconsolidation-like effects in the spinal dorsal horn. These findings demonstrate a novel role for descending dopaminergic neurons in the maintenance of pathological pain plasticity.
Ventricular fibrillation during orotracheal intubation of hypothermic dogs.

Physical manipulation of the hypothermic patient is well known to cause ventricular fibrillation. Careful review of the literature fails to demonstrate a true temporal relationship between orotracheal intubation and ventricular fibrillation (VF) when acceptable temperature-corrected arterial blood gases have been obtained. Eleven mongrel dogs were anesthetized and cooled, with orotracheal intubation and extubation performed every two degrees centrigrade, starting at 27 C. Ventilator settings were adjusted to maintain normal pH according to arterial blood gases drawn every two degrees and corrected for temperature. There was only one episode of VF during 42 intubations performed at temperatures less than 28 C (2.38%). There were eight separate episodes of spontaneous VF unrelated to intubation in five dogs. Four of these five with spontaneous VF were resuscitated with countershock only, further cooled, and reintubated an additional 11 times without a single episode of VF during intubation. Our data suggest that the incidence of VF during intubation in the hypothermic patient is much less than previously described, provided that normal pH is maintained and hypoxemia is corrected.
Label transition and selection pruning and automatic decoding parameter optimization for time-synchronous Viterbi decoding

Hidden Markov Model (HMM)-based classifiers have been successfully used for sequential labeling problems such as speech recognition and optical character recognition for decades. They have been especially successful in the domains where the segmentation is not known or difficult to obtain, since, in principle, all possible segmentation points can be taken into account. However, the benefit comes with a non-negligible computational cost. In this paper, we propose simple yet effective new pruning algorithms to speed up decoding with HMM-based classifiers of up to 95% relative over a baseline. As the number of tunable decoding parameters increases, it becomes more difficult to optimize the parameters for each configuration. We also propose a novel technique to estimate the parameters based on a loss value without relying on a grid search.
Comparing Selected Mapping and Partial Transmit Sequence for PAR Reduction

Selected mapping (SLM) and partial transmit sequence (PTS) are two existing distortionless peak-to-average power ratio (PAR) reduction schemes that have been proposed for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). Previously, it was argued that SLM and PTS have comparable PAR reduction performance but that the latter has lower computational complexity because it uses fewer IFFTs. In this paper, we show that the overall computational complexity of PTS is only lower than that of SLM in certain cases, and that SLM always has better PAR reduction performance. We compare the two schemes using three different performance metrics by assuming a given amount of computational complexity that can be afforded. Using the metrics, we show that SLM outperforms PTS for a given amount of complexity.
Unusual dehydroxylation of antimicrobial amidoxime prodrugs by cytochrome b5 and NADH cytochrome b5 reductase.

Furamidine is an effective antimicrobial agent; however, oral potency of furamidine is poor. A prodrug of furamidine, 2,5-bis(4-amidinophenyl)furan-bis-O-methylamidoxime (DB289), has greatly improved oral potency. DB289 is transformed to furamidine via O-demethylation, and N-dehydroxylation reactions with four intermediate metabolites formed. The O-demethylation reactions have been shown to be catalyzed by cytochrome P450. The enzymes catalyzing the reductive N-dehydroxylation reactions have not been determined. The objective of this study was to identify the enzymes that catalyze N-dehydroxylation of metabolites M1, a monoamidoxime, and M2, a diamidoxime, formed during generation of furamidine. M1 and M2 metabolism was investigated using human liver microsomes and human soluble cytochrome b5 and NAD cytochrome b5 reductase, expressed in Escherichia coli. Kinetics of M1 and M2 reduction by human liver microsomes exhibited high affinity and moderate capacity. Metabolism was significantly inhibited by antibodies to cytochrome b5 and b5 reductase and by chemical inhibitors of b5 reductase. The amidoximes were efficiently metabolized by liver mitochondria, which contain cytochrome b5/b5 reductase, but not by liver cytosol, which contains minimal amounts of these proteins. Expressed cytochrome b5/b5 reductase, in the absence of any other proteins, efficiently catalyzed reduction of both amidoximes. Km values were similar to those for microsomes, and Vmax values were 33- to 36-fold higher in the recombinant system compared with microsomes. Minimal activity was seen with cytochrome b5 or b5 reductase alone or with cytochrome P450 reductase alone or with cytochrome b5. These results indicate that cytochrome b5 and b5 reductase play a direct role in metabolic activation of DB289 to furamidine.
Buffering and caching in large-scale video servers

Video-on-demand servers are characterized by stringent real-time constraints, as each stream requires isochronous data playout. The capacity of the system depends on the acceptable jitter per stream (the number of data blocks that do not meet their real-time constraints). Per-stream read-ahead buffering avoids the disruption in playback caused by variations in disk access time and queuing delays. With heavily skewed access patterns to the stored video data, the system is often disk arm-bound. In such cases, serving video streams from a memory cache can result in a substantial reduction in server cost. In this paper, we study the cost-performance trade-offs of various buffering and caching strategies that can be used in a large-scale video server. We first study the cost impact of varying the buffer size, disk utilization and the disk characteristics on the overall capacity of the system. Subsequently, we study the cost-effectiveness of a technique for memory caching across streams that exploits temporal locality and workload fluctuations.
The Effect of Restricting Light During the Adolescent Period on Reproductive Performance in Turkeys Subsequently Exposed to a 12-, 14-, and 20-Hour Day

Abstract ARTIFICIAL illumination has been extensively used with chickens for decades; for evidence of this fact one needs only to refer to the classical review by Whetham (1933). In the ensuing years since her review, research on artificial lighting of poultry has been sporadic until the report by King (1958) on “stimulighting.” In turkeys the research by Asmundson et al. (1946) and Asmundson and Moses (1950) indicated the necessary optimums of light intensity and total day for normal reproduction of mature spring hatched turkeys. Currently there has been increased interest in year around turkey productions so that another factor in illumination, namely light-conditioning or light-restriction is being investigated in order to bring hens into egg production during the summer and early fall months (Harper and Parker, 1957). This paper reports the conditioning effects of short days, 6 and 10 hours, respectively, for a period of 3 weeks beginning at age 20 …
Predicting the Nexus between Post-Secondary Education Affordability and Student Success: An Application of Network-Based Approaches

The cost of postsecondary education in the U. S. continues to grow faster than salaries and inflation. In fact, the real cost of a college education has climbed almost 30 in the past 10 years and shows no sign of stabilizing in the near future. The economic competitiveness of the country increasingly depends on a skilled workforce with a postsecondary education capable of dealing with the demands of the global market. Thus, college attainment is at the center of producing a skilled workforce, and so it is, postsecondary education affordability. Using the National Postsecondary Student Aid Surveyor the year 2003- 2004, which is representative of the entire undergraduate population in the U.S., this study examines the various ways students and families pay for postsecondary education and its subsequent effect on persistence and performance for all groups of students across racial/ethnic and social-economic status lines.We use a spectral clustering algorithm based on Normalized cuts to classify students based on their similarities. More specifically, we construct a social network with the students as the nodes of the graph and edge between pair of the students is weighted based on their similarity in attributes. We then obtain three non-trivial smallest of the laplacian matrix. We use these to perform a k-means clustering in the eigenspace. We were able to establish meaningful clusters by this approach that helps in classifying students based on the relation between their persistence level and conditions of living.
Chemical polymerization and Langmuir‐Blodgett techniques, 1. The polymerization of a monolayer of 2‐pentadecylaniline

Abstract : In this studys the spreading of 2-Pentadecylaniline to form monolayers on a Langmuir trough is discussed. This functionalized aniline is found to form stable monolayers which can subsequently be polymerized at an air/water interface. The polymer produced has the properties of being both extremely anisotropic and of high molecular weight. The spreading behavior of the solution polymerized polymer is also discussed.
Improved optical pulse propagation in water using an evolutionary algorithm

Optical pulse propagation in water is experimentally investigated using an evolutionary algorithm (EA) to control the shape of an optical pulse. The transmission efficiency (ratio of output to input optical power) is maximized by searching the combined amplitude and phase space governing an optical pulse shaper. The transmission efficiency of each tested pulse is physically determined by experiment during the course of the optimization. Combining the EA with an experiment in this manner is a powerful means of improving some figure of merit because no analytical or computational model is required-we optimize directly given the physics of the experiment. In addition, the EA is capable of efficiently searching a large parameter space. Here, we demonstrate improved linear optical pulse propagation near 800nm. Our results demonstrate a pulse with a dramatically narrower bandwidth that coincides with a local absorption minimum (near 800 nm) implying that the transmission efficiency is dominated by water's absorption spectrum.
General formula for coupling-loss characterization of single-mode fiber collimators by use of gradient-index rod lenses

A general formula for determining the coupling loss between two single-mode fiber collimators with the simultaneous existence of separation, lateral offset and angular tilt misalignments, and spot-size mismatch is theoretically derived by use of the Gaussian field approximation. Based on this general formula, the formulas for coupling losses that are due to the misalignment of insert separation, lateral offset, and angular tilt are given. The formula for the coupling loss that is due to Gaussian spot-size mismatch of two single-mode collimators is also given. Good agreement between these formulas and experimental results is demonstrated with gradient-index rod lens-based fiber collimators operating in the 1300-nm band.
CD2-Associated Protein Regulates Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Migration, but Is Dispensable for Their Development and Cytokine Production

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are a dendritic cell subset that secrete type I IFNs in response to microbial stimuli. The scaffold protein, CD2-associated protein (CD2AP), is a marker of human pDCs as it is highly expressed in this cell type. Recently, in human pDCs, decreased CD2AP expression appeared to enhance the production of type I IFNs via an inhibitory receptor-induced signaling cascade. In this study, we sought to determine the role of CD2AP in murine pDCs using CD2AP knockout (KO) mice. CD2AP was dispensable for the development of pDCs and for the upregulation of activation markers following stimulation. Loss of CD2AP expression did not affect the production of type I IFNs stimulated by TLR ligation, and only slightly impaired type I IFN production when inhibitory pathways were engaged in vitro. This was also confirmed by showing that CD2AP deficiency did not influence type I IFN production by pDCs in vivo. Because CD2AP plays a role in regulating actin dynamics, we examined the actin cytoskeleton in pDCs and found that activated CD2AP KO pDCs had significantly higher levels of actin polymerization than wild-type pDCs. Using two different inflammation models, we found that CD2AP KO pDCs have a defect in lymph node migration, correlating with the defects in actin dynamics. Our work excludes a role for CD2AP in the regulation of type I IFNs in pDCs, and suggests that the major function of CD2AP is on the actin cytoskeleton, affecting migration to local lymph nodes under conditions of inflammation.
Retrospective audit: heroin addiction.

A utilization review criteria for a retrospective audit on heroin addiction is presented. The audit is an attempt to deal with the audit requirement rather than being prototypal.
Re-considering the association between negative urgency and suicidality

Prior research has reported that negative urgency was positively associated with both the acquired capability for suicide and lifetime number of suicide attempts. Given the range of outcomes associated with negative urgency, we hypothesized that that prior work linking negative urgency both suicidal behavior and the acquired capability for suicide might be better accounted for by dysregulated behaviours. Results supported our hypotheses, as the addition of dysregulated behaviours, many of which could be considered painful and/or provocative, reduced those relationships to non-significance. These findings indicate that specific behaviours rather than negative urgency itself increase risk for the acquired capability or suicidal behaviour. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate on the driving performance of young adults with ADHD: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study using a validated driving simulator paradigm

Young adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have been shown to be at increased risk for impairment in driving behaviors. While stimulant medications have proven efficacy in reducing ADHD symptomatology, there is limited knowledge as to their effects on driving impairment. The main aim of this study was to assess the impact of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) on driving performance in young adults with ADHD using a validated driving simulation paradigm. This was a randomized, double-blind, 6-week, placebo-controlled, parallel-design study of LDX vs. a placebo on driving performance in a validated driving simulation paradigm. Subjects were sixty-one outpatients of both sexes, 18-26 years of age, who met DSM-IV criteria for ADHD. Subjects were randomized to receive LDX or placebo after a baseline driving simulation and completed a second driving simulation six weeks after beginning drug or placebo. Examination of reaction time across five surprise events at post-treatment showed a significant positive effect of medication status. LDX treatment was also associated with significantly fewer accidents vs. placebo. LDX treatment was associated with significantly faster reaction times and a lower rate of simulated driving collisions than placebo. These results suggest that LDX may reduce driving risks in young adults with ADHD.
Commentary on: ''Technology in the Classroom: Teaching Business Marketing in the 21st Century,'' by Richard P. Vlosky and David T. Wilson

The authors bring to marketing educators the opportunity to analyze and evaluate the positive impact of technology in education and learning. The central statement is that instructional technology has not been widely adopted and integrated into the marketing curriculum. The purpose of their work is to review current technology-driven instructional methods and project the role of technology in teaching marketing in the future. The essay discusses the alternative educational technologies available as Advanced Technology Classroom (ATC) developed initially by IBM, Integrated Software, Internet (WWB) and Distance Learning to enhance the learning experience. However, it falls short in connecting how these technologies may be used to enhance the learning experience as a process. Instructional technologies may be used as delivery systems, or enhance learning mediators. Ronchetto et al. (1992) suggests that multimedia technology may be used as delivery systems to accomplish a learning objective. Once learning outcomes are defined, the learning process is a function of the learning environment, teaching method, and student learning style (Frontezak, 1990). Student learning and study styles, methods of instruction, and educational objectives are components of the learning process (Rumelhart and Norman, 1981). Thus,
A Modified Technique for Partial Pneumonectomy in the Mouse

Partial pneumonectomy (PNX) in mice results in compensatory growth in the remaining lung and is a useful model for lung repair. However, common pitfalls to the technique present a challenge for researchers. A complete description of murine PNX is thus provided, with a modification that, in our hands, enhanced animal survival. Materials and Methods: 10 ± 2 weeks old mice were anesthetized using 5% inhalational isoflurane via tracheotomy. Mechanical ventilation was provided using a HarvardModel 687 ventilator. In a procedure optimized to be performed in ≤20 min, left lateral thoracotomy was used to access to the left lung, which was grasped with a blunt forceps just distal to the hilum and clipped using a single 5-mm neuro clip. The left lung was resected, leaving a small rim of lung tissue immediately adjacent to the clip. The thoracotomy was closed, and while anesthesia was titrated, sterile saline was injected subcutaneously to replace insensible fluid losses. Upon return of spontaneous breaths, the trachea was decannulated, and the tracheotomy was closed. Results: Even when performed by a single operator, thismodified technique produced a survival rate of >85% during the procedure and >90% up to seven days postoperatively in wild-type C57BL/6J mice. Conclusions: Minimizing the time required to perform left lobe pneumonectomy is critical for animal survival. Using a 5-mm neuro clip, rather than silk suture, to isolate the lobe streamlines the procedure, helps reduce cardiac arrythmia, and results in significantly increased rates of intraoperative and immediate postoperative survival.
Sometimes Kicking and Screaming: Language Teachers‐in‐Training React to a Collaborative Learning Model

Discussions of collaborative classrooms rarely reflect upon the anxiety and ambiguity that can result for students who have not experienced this learning and teaching approach. This article describes a collaborative model as operationalized in a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) teacher training course across two stages of course implementation—first in the piloted course, then in the revised course. Qualitative and quantitative data analyses of student reactions through both stages of course implementation led to identification of most positive and most negative student responses. Positive responses related mostly to learner-centered, experiential aspects of the course. Negative responses indicated learner confusion and stress. A number of changes were made to the course after piloting, and comparison of piloted to revised course implementation results indicated areas of improvement as well as areas of continuing concern. A number of implications are discussed for the benefit of instructors interested in collaborative models.
Mechanisms of Hydrogen Exchange of Methane with H-Zeolite Y: An ab Initio Embedded Cluster Study

We present ab initio embedded cluster studies on the mechanism of hydrogen exchange of methane with H-Zeolite Y. We found that inclusion of the Madelung field stabilizes the formation of a carbonium-like transition state, and consequently reduces the reaction barrier by 17−23 kJ/mol, relative to the corresponding bare cluster predictions. Using the CCSD(T)/6-31G(d,p) level of theory, including zero-point energy (∼10 kJ/mol) and tunneling (1.6 kJ/mol) corrections, the activation energy is predicted to be 124 ± 5 and 137 ± 5 kJ/mol for hydrogen exchange from two different binding sites. These predictions agree well with the experimental estimate of 122−130 kJ/mol. We also found that it is necessary to include the Madelung potential to find preferrential proton siting at site O1 versus site O4, in agreement with experimental observation.
Asymptotic performance loss in bayesian hypothesis testing under data quantization

In a variety of decision systems, processing is performed not on the underlying signal but on a quantized version. Accordingly, assuming fine quantization, Poor observed a quadratic variation in f-divergences with smooth f. In contrast, we derive a quadratic behavior in the Bayesian probability of error, which corresponds to a nonsmooth f, thereby advancing the state of the art. Unlike Poor's purely variational method, we solve a novel cube-slicing problem, and convert a volume integral to a surface integral in the course of our analysis. In this paper, we elaborate our method, and sharpen our result, a preliminary version of which were outlined in our previous work.
Towards Whole-Book Recognition

We describe experimental results for unsupervised recognition of the textual contents of book-images using fully automatic mutual-entropy-based model adaptation. Each experiment starts with approximate iconic and linguistic models---derived from (generally errorful) OCR results and (generally incomplete) dictionaries---and then runs a fully automatic adaptation algorithm which, guided entirely by evidence internal to the test set, attempts to correct the models for improved accuracy. The iconic model describes image formation and determines the behavior of a character-image classifier. The linguistic model describes word-occurrence probabilities. Our adaptation algorithm detects disagreements between the models by analyzing mutual entropy between (1) the a posteriori probability distribution of character classes (the recognition results from image classification alone), and (2) the a posteriori probability distribution of word classes (the recognition results from image classification combined with linguistic constraints). Disagreements identify candidates for automatic model corrections. We report experiments on 40 textlines in which word error rates fall monotonicaly with passage lengths. We also report experiments on an enhanced algorithm which can cope with character-segmentation errors (a single split, or a single merge, per word). In order to scale up experiments, soon, to whole book images, we have revised data structures and implemented speed enhancements. For this algorithm, we report results on three increasingly long passage lengths: (a) one full page, (b) five pages, and (b) ten pages. We observe that error rates on long words fall monotonically with passage lengths.
Engineering Antibodies for Cancer Therapy

The advent of modern antibody engineering has led to numerous successes in the application of these proteins for cancer therapy in the 13 years since the first Food and Drug Administration approval, which has stimulated active interest in developing more and better drugs based on these molecules. A wide range of tools for discovering and engineering antibodies has been brought to bear on this challenge in the past two decades. Here, we summarize mechanisms of monoclonal antibody therapeutic activity, challenges to effective antibody-based treatment, existing technologies for antibody engineering, and current concepts for engineering new antibody formats and antibody alternatives as next generation biopharmaceuticals for cancer treatment.
Returning to Their Roots: Iron-Oxidizing Bacteria Enhance Short-Term Plaque Formation in the Wetland-Plant Rhizosphere

In the wetland rhizosphere, high densities of lithotrophic Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria (FeOB) and a favorable environment (i.e., high Fe(II) availability and microaerobic conditions) suggest that these organisms are actively contributing to the formation of Fe plaque on plant roots. We manipulated the presence/absence of an Fe(II)-oxidizing bacterium (Sideroxydans paludicola, strain BrT) in axenic hydroponic microcosms containing the roots of intact Juncus effusus (soft rush) plants to determine if FeOB affected total rates of rhizosphere Fe(II) oxidation and Fe plaque accumulation. Our experimental data highlight the importance of both FeOB and plants in influencing short-term rates of rhizosphere Fe oxidation. Over time scales ca. 1 wk, the FeOB increased Fe(II) oxidation rates by 1.3 to 1.7 times relative to FeOB-free microcosms. Across multiple experimental trials, Fe(II) oxidation rates were significantly correlated with root biomass, reflecting the importance of radial O 2 loss in supporting rhizosphe...
Neurocognitive function and quality of life in patients with newly diagnosed brain metastasis after treatment with intra-operative cesium-131 brachytherapy: a prospective trial

Intraoperative permanent Cesium-131 (Cs-131) brachytherapy can provide a viable alternative to WBRT with excellent response rates and minimal toxicity. This study reports the results of the prospective trial of the impact of intraoperative Cs-131 on neurocognitive function and quality of life (QoL) in patients with resected brain metastases. Between 2010 and 2012, 24 patients with newly diagnosed metastasis to the brain were accrued on a prospective protocol and treated with Cs-131 brachytherapy seeds after surgical resection. Physicians administered the mini-mental status examination (MMSE) and functional assessment of cancer therapy-brain (FACT-Br) questionnaire to all patients before treatment and again every 2 months for the duration of 6 months with additional follow-up again at 12 months. Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to analyze statistically significant changes in MMSE over time and paired t test was used to analyze changes in FACT-BR. There was a statistical improvement in overall FACT-BR score at 4 and 6 months of follow-up when compared to baseline (162 vs. 143, P = 0.004; 164 vs. 143, P = 0.005 respectively) with a non-significant trend toward improvement at 2 and 12 months (154 vs. 143, P = 0.067; 159 vs. 149, P = 0.4). MMSE score was statistically improved at 4 and up to 12 months compared to pre-treatment MMSE (30 vs. 29, P = 0.017; 30 vs. 29, P = 0.001 respectively). Patients with brain metastasis who received intra-operative permanent Cs-131 brachytherapy implants saw an improvement of their neurocognitive status and self-assessment of QoL. In addition to the excellent local control of metastasis, this approach may contribute to the improvements in cognitive function and QOL.
Regulation strategies mediate associations between heavy drinking and relationship outcomes in married couples

Heavy drinking patterns during marriage can be problematic for both spouses and the relationship. Moreover, spouses use different strategies in an attempt to change their partner's drinking behavior, which can impact the relationship in different ways. The current research examined whether associations between heavy drinking and marital adjustment are mediated by partner regulation strategies (i.e., punishment and reward). Married couples (N=123 dyads) with at least one spouse who consumed alcohol regularly and at least one undergraduate spouse completed web-based assessments at baseline and three and six months later. Mediation hypotheses were tested using a repeated-measures version of the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model. As predicted, a significant partner effect emerged suggesting that heavy drinking was associated with greater use of punishment strategies, which were in turn associated with diminished satisfaction. Another significant partner effect revealed that heavy drinking also predicted greater use of reward strategies, which were positively associated with satisfaction. However, the magnitude of the indirect effects via punishment was more than twice as large as the mediated effect via reward. Results underscore the importance of an interdependent, dyadic perspective in understanding associations between heavy drinking and marital outcomes as well as differences between punishing and rewarding regulation strategies in these associations.
High Tibial Osteotomy for Osteoarthritis of the Knee with Valgus Deformity

In forty-nine osteotomies performed for valgus deformity, the results with regards to retention of mobility, relief of pain, and achievement of stability were far inferior to the results in a previously published series of sixty-three knees osteotomized for varus deformity. Instability was still present in thirty of forty-nine compared with eighteen of sixty-three; pain in twenty-three of forty-nine compared with eleven of sixty-three; and lack of adequate mobility in three of forty-nine compared with ten of sixty-three. The optimum position was 5 degrees of vaigus and overcorrection was bad. Knees with medial tilting of more than 15 degrees did poorly.
CMR measures of left and right ventricular systolic performance and mortality: a factor analysis

Background Left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) systolic performance, typically measured as the ejection fraction (EF), is strongly correlated with mortality. However, CMR provides multiple measures that may also reflect systolic performance including LV volumes and cardiac outflow. We examined the predictive relationship of multiple potential measures of cardiac systolic performance with mortality in a large CMR clinical database.
Label-free detection of Staphylococcus aureus captured on immutable ligand arrays.

The rapid capture and label-free detection of Staphylococcus aureus, an opportunistic bacterium that can infect upon contact, can be performed using periodic microarrays of ligand–protein conjugate...
Solution on insufficient output after retrofit of medium speed pulverizer in 300 MW unit

After throat ring was replaced by rotating throat ring at the No.4 mill of No.8 coal-fired boiler in Zhangjiakou power plant, mill output became insufficient, electricity consumption became obviously high and serious slagging problem came on corresponding burners. Analysis showed that insufficient mill output was caused by too fine pulverized coal, which was due to too small separator baffle opening, making much part of pulverized coal sent back to mill. While slagging around the burner area was due to high primary air speed deviation among the four coal pipes of the mill and terrible airflow state in boiler, which resulted in slag bonding around burners. By means of all-around adjustment and optimization tests, the problem of insufficient mill output was solved, slag bonding in boiler has been alleviated, and the pulverizer performance was brought back to the original level.
Aearch for epidemic foci of angiostrongylus cantonensis in Shanghai

[Objective] To know the distribution of epidemic foci of angiostrongylusis and to provide the basis for its control and prevention in Shanghai. [Methods] Two pilot sites,e.g.Xingchang township of Nanhui district,and Jinze township of Qingpu district,were selected.The distribution and infection of the intermediate,paratenic and reservoir hosts of A.cantonensis were surveyed in the field,free markets and restaurants of each study site. [Results] In the survey of intermediate hosts,two species of freshwater snails(Bellamya aeruginosa,Cipangopaludina chinensis),two species of slugs(Phiolomycus bilineatus,Limax flavus),and one species of land snail (Brddybaena ravida sieboldiana),5 types of paratenic host(fresh-water fishes,shrimps,crabs,frogs and toads) and feces of wild rats(reservoir host) were collected.But none collected samples mentioned above was found infected with A.cantonensis. [Conclusion] No epidemic focus is found in Shanghai,but transmission factors are present.It is essential to strengthen health education program for control and prevention of angiostrongylusis.
Pregnancy rates after double versus single insemination with frozen donor semen

Ninety-nine females (mean age 34 years ± 1) were seen for therapeutic donor insemination using frozen semen. All patients used over-the-counter urinary ovulation predictor kits, with the insemination scheduled either the day after the positive test (group I; n = 46) or consecutively the day of and the day after the positive test (group II; n = 53). Group I patients underwent a total of 113 cycles of insemination (mean 2.5 cycles/patient). Seven pregnancies were achieved in group I for an overall success of 15.2% and a monthly fecundability of 0.06. Group II patients underwent a total of 100 cycles of therapeutic donor insemination (mean of 1.9 cycles/patient). Twenty-one pregnancies were achieved in this group for an overall success rate of 39.6% and fecundability of 0.21. The estimated cumulative probability of conception (F) for 6 months was 0.32 in group I and 0.78 in group II. These data indicate that the F after therapeutic donor insemination with frozen semen is greater if two consecutive inseminations are performed at midcycle.
Dynamics of Markets: Neo-classical economic theory

Why study “optimizing behavior”? Globalization via deregulation and privatization is supported by the implicit and widespread belief in an economic model that teaches the avoidance of government intervention in socio-economic life. The old laissez faire belief was revived in the Reagan-Thatcher era, and then gained ground explosively after the collapse of central planning in communist countries. The old fight through the 1970s was between the idea of regulated markets in the west and strong central planning under communism. The question for our era is whether markets should be regulated for social purposes, as they were in western Europe prior to the fall of the wall, or whether the current laissez faire binge will continue in spite of its inherent financial instabilities and the irreversible loss of jobs in previously well-off western nations. In particular, laissez faire teaches that regulations should have been avoided, and this has led to the peculiar problem that financial derivatives are a highly leveraged and unregulated form of credit creation. In contrast, the standard economic theory to be described in this chapter does not admit “money” in any form, shape, or fashion. The “losing side” in the Cold War has adopted capitalism with a vengeance, and is now beating its former enemies: China and Russia, as of 2007, sit on the largest Dollar reserves in the world.