cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anti–mitotic function of a synthetic compound MMPT disrupting microtubule polymerization in human lung cancer cell lines

5413 The microtubules is an important target in cancer chemotherapy. Various microtubule-interacting agents have been evaluated for their anticancer effects, and a few of them have been used as anticancer drugs clinically, including paclitaxel and the Vinca alkaloid vincristine. In searching for new anticancer agents, we identified the synthetic compound MMPT which can kill cancer cells more effectively than normal human fibroblasts. Subsequently, we investigated the antitumor property and mechanisms of action of MMPT in human lung cancer cell lines. MMPT inhibited cell growth with an IC 50 range of 4.9 to 6.7 μM in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. This inhibitory effect is independent of p53 status. Moreover, MMPT had almost no toxic effects in normal human cells at the IC 50 level for NSCLC cells. Furthermore, MMPT showed similar antiproliferative effects against parental H460 and taxol-resistant H460 cells that have high a level of P-glycoprotein expression, suggesting that MMPT is not affected by P-glycoprotein status. Treatment of NSCLC cells with MMPT led to a time- and dose-dependent accumulation of cell-cycle arrest at mitosis; modulated levels of G 2 -M checkpoint proteins such as cyclin B1, cdc25C, Bcl-2, and histone H 3 , and induced apoptosis with caspase activation. Finally, MMPT induced abnormal spindle formation and prevented tubulin polymerization in mitotic cancer cells. Together, these results indicate that MMPT is a novel antimitotic compound with microtubule depolymerization activity and may have be potent against human NSCLC cells.
Teaching Radiology Physics Interactively with Scientific Notebook Software.

Rationale and Objectives The goal of this study is to demonstrate how the teaching of radiology physics can be enhanced with the use of interactive scientific notebook software. Methods We used the scientific notebook software known as Project Jupyter, which is free, open-source, and available for the Macintosh, Windows, and Linux operating systems. Results We have created a scientific notebook that demonstrates multiple interactive teaching modules we have written for our residents using the Jupyter notebook system. Conclusions Scientific notebook software allows educators to create teaching modules in a form that combines text, graphics, images, data, interactive calculations, and image analysis within a single document. These notebooks can be used to build interactive teaching modules, which can help explain complex topics in imaging physics to residents.
Studies on the radiosensitivity of bone marrow. III. The dynamics of erythrocyte regeneration after hemorrhage and irradiation.

1. Six animals (cats) were subjected to four whole body irradiation exposures over a period of one and one-half years. Irradiation dosage was 200 r to the whole body, an amount producing severe hematopoietic abnormalities in the cat. Irradiation in each case was immediately preceded by a large phlebotomy, so that functional impairment of erythropoiesis resulting from irradiation could be assessed in terms of a defective regeneration of erythrocytes. The effect of multiple radiation exposures could also be evaluated for each animal in terms of its prior response to phlebotomy and irradiation. The effects of repeated exposures on the leukocytes could likewise be assessed by means of the comparative leukocyte regeneration curves. 2. Little evidence of permanent functional damage of erythropoietic tissue by repeated exposures under the conditions of this experiment were observed. Erythrocyte and hemoglobin regeneration patterns were very similar from one exposure to another. However, hemoglobin regeneration was slightly slower after the fourth and last irradiation. Whether this represents encroachment on marrow reserve by multiple irradiations or whether it was an artifact resulting from iron deficiency cannot be said with certainty. Multiple exposures exerted little apparent effect on the leukocyte regeneration curves. 3. After recovery from the fourth irradiation, the percentage of mononuclear leukocytes was somewhat less than that prior to the first. 4. It is concluded that while repeated irradiation insults under the conditions of our experiment probably result in hidden damage even in the presence of apparent complete recovery, this damage is so subtle that it is difficult to detect by the tests of marrow reserve employed in this study.
Syncope and inducible ventricular fibrillation in a woman with hemochromatosis.

Background: Hemochromatosis has been associated with atrial tachyarrhythmias and congestive heart failure as a consequence of dilated or restrictive cardiomyopathy. Inducible ventricular fibrillation has not been previously described.
Impact of early intervention for youth with problematic sexual behaviors and their caregivers

Targeting broad implementation of early intervention services has a high potential for impact given the prevalence of child sexual abuse committed by youth and the low recidivism rate following eff...
Comparison of Epidemiology, Clinical Features, and Outcomes of Patients with Reported Ewing Sarcoma and PNET over 40 Years Justifies Current WHO Classification and Treatment Approaches

Background. As of 2013, the WHO has classified peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) within the umbrella of Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFTs) given their shared biology. Histologic features differ between PNET and Ewing sarcoma (ES), and potential clinical differences between PNET and ES have not been fully elucidated. Methods. Through the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, we identified 3,575 patients identified with histologic diagnosis of ES or PNET from 1973 to 2014. We used Fisher's exact tests to compare patient and tumor characteristics between groups. Kaplan–Meier methods were used to estimate overall survival. Results. Patients with ES were more likely to be male, ≤18 years old at diagnosis, white, and hispanic compared to patients with PNET ( for sex; for all other variables). Patients with PNET were more likely to have soft tissue primary tumors ( ), and among those with bone tumors, a lower rate of axial or pelvic tumors ( ). Patients with PNET had significantly worse 5-year survival compared to ES patients, though the absolute difference was small (51.3% versus 55.5%; ). Survival of patients with PNET diagnosed in the 1990s or later more closely approximated patients with ES, while patients with PNET diagnosed in the 1980's and earlier had inferior outcomes. Conclusions. Despite shared underlying biology, patients with PNET and ES show differences in clinical presentation and overall survival, with the latter differences largely mitigated in more recent decades.
Delirium and Antipsychotic Medications at Hospital Intake: Screening to Decrease Likelihood of Aggression in Inpatient Settings Among Unknown Patients With Dementia:

For individuals with dementia, disorientation and both external and internal stimuli may trigger behaviors that are difficult to manage or dangerous to health-care providers. Identification of correlational risk factors to aggressive behavior in patients who are unknown to the hospital can allow providers to adapt patient care quickly. Records for patients aged 60+ who spent at least 24 hours at the hospital other than in the psychiatric unit were used (N = 14 080). The first 4000 records and every 10th person who met criteria (N = 5008) were searched for documentation of dementia (n = 505). Logistic regressions and χ2 tests were used to examine relationships between variables. Recognition of delirium (P = .014, Exp(B) = 2.53), coupled with an existing prescription for antipsychotic medication at intake (P < .001, Exp(B) < 4.37), may be a reliable means of screening for risk and intervening at the earliest possible contact, improving quality of care and safety in acute care for individuals with dementia.
Youth who use e-cigarettes regularly: A qualitative study of behavior, attitudes, and familial norms.

Abstract Limited research exists describing youth who use e-cigarettes on a regular basis, including knowledge of nicotine levels, health effects, and plans for future use. This qualitative study explored the patterns of use, social and familial norms, and perceptions of health effects among this group. Youth (N = 43), 14–17 years old, who described themselves as regular e-cigarette users, participated in 4 focus group discussions in Miami, Florida, and Raleigh, North Carolina in February 2016. Youth often initiated or continued e-cigarette use with a device obtained from a friend or family member, and often do not own their own device. They cite the flavors and doing tricks as the two main reasons they initially used e-cigarettes. Many reported that their family members are aware they use e-cigarettes, and that they have received implicit and explicit messages from family members that are positive toward ecigarette use. They are aware of the negative effects of nicotine, including addiction, but not confident that they are using e-liquids without nicotine. Participants reported they will stop using e-cigarettes when they become aware of reported negative health effects. Parents and family members are an important target audience for prevention campaigns and health messaging, given that their own use and acceptance could be encouraging initiation and continuation. Youth are using products containing nicotine and may be becoming addicted, even if they would not choose to use nicotine-containing e-juice. Increased awareness of negative health effects may encourage prevention and cessation of e-cigarette use among youth.
Automatically Charting Symptoms From Patient-Physician Conversations Using Machine Learning.

This study assesses the feasibility of using machine learning to automatically populate a review of systems of all symptoms discussed in an encounter between a patient and a clinician.
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion for The Unmet Clinical Needs of Stroke Prevention in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

Oral anticoagulation is the dominant strategy for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. However, lifelong oral anticoagulation is associated with major issues including inappropriate dosing, nonadherence, and adverse effects. Therefore, efforts have been made to develop site-specific therapy aimed to occlude the left atrial appendage, the anatomical site accountable for more than 90% of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation-related ischemic strokes. This review focuses on the growing literature to put into perspective the risk-balance ratio of left atrial appendage occlusion.
Relativistic short-pulse high harmonic generation at 1.3 and 2.1 μm wavelengths

While nearly all investigations of high order harmonic generation with relativistically intense laser pulses have taken place at 800 or 1053 nm, very few experimental studies have been done at other wavelengths. In this study, we investigate the scaling of relativistic high harmonic generation towards longer wavelengths at intensities of a 0 ~ 1. Longer driver wavelengths enable enhanced diagnostics of the harmonic emission, as multiple orders lie in the optical regime. We measure the conversion efficiency by collecting the entire harmonic emission as well as the divergence through direct imaging. We compare the emission with 2D particle-in-cell simulations to determine the experimental target conditions. This new regime of high order harmonic generation also enables relativistic scaling as well as improved discrimination of harmonic generation mechanisms.
A Twist on Nonlinear Optics: Understanding the Unique Response of π-Twisted Chromophores

ConspectusMaterials with large nonlinear optical (NLO) response have the ability to manipulate the frequency and phase of incident light and exhibit phenomena that form the basis of modern telecomm...
Do Emerging Military Technologies Matter for International Politics

We live in a digital world. This fact has significant consequences for warfare. Two technologies in particular, cyber and drones, feature in military and intelligence operations and in scholarship....
Risk of new-onset inflammatory bowel disease among patients with acne vulgaris exposed to isotretinoin.

Background Data on the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) among isotretinoin-exposed patients with acne vulgaris (AV) is controversial. Objective To compare IBD risk in isotretinoin-exposed and unexposed patients with AV. Methods Retrospective cohort analysis of patients with AV with and without isotretinoin exposure identified using electronic health records. Primary outcomes were 6-month and 1-year IBD incidence. Results The crude 6-month IBD incidence was 0.08% (21/27,230) among isotretinoin-exposed patients with AV compared to 0.04% (254/631,089) among those unexposed. The crude 1-year IBD incidence was 0.10% (28/27,230) among isotretinoin exposed patients with AV and 0.08% (477/631,089) among those unexposed. The odds of developing IBD within 6 months were 87% higher among isotretinoin-exposed patients with AV compared to those unexposed (adjusted odds ratio, 1.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20-2.93), although the absolute difference was small (risk difference, 2.6 more cases per 10,000 patients; 95% CI, 0.7-4.5). There was no significant difference in the odds of developing IBD at 1 year between isotretinoin-exposed and unexposed patients with AV (adjusted odds ratio, 1.40; 95% CI, 0.95-2.05). Limitations Isotretinoin-exposed patients may be more likely to have IBD detected by a health care provider. Conclusions IBD incidence among isotretinoin-exposed patients with AV is very low, and the risk appears similar to that for unexposed patients with AV.
Feasibility of intraoperative aortic root imaging in congenital heart surgery.

Background Intraoperative vascular imaging is a useful tool to evaluate coronary ostia in congenital heart patients with suboptimal preoperative imaging findings. Additionally, vascular imaging has potential value for visualization of the ascending aortic intima media thickness (IMT) in certain clinical scenarios. This study sought to evaluate the feasibility of intraoperative vascular imaging of coronary ostia and IMT during congenital heart surgery. Methods We describe the technique for performance of intraoperative vascular imaging by a pediatric cardiologist using a high-resolution linear sequential array transducer. Results Intraoperative vascular imaging was obtained on seven patients. Coronary ostia were normal in all except one. This patient had congenital stenosis of the left coronary ostium discovered during intraoperative imaging and confirmed by the surgeon. In another patient with Williams syndrome, the IMT was noted to be prominent. Conclusions It is feasible to perform intraoperative vascular imaging in less than 5 minutes of operator's time and provides superior visualization of the coronary ostia and IMT.
Early Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Neurosurgical Training in the United States: A Case Volume Analysis of 8 Programs.

Objective To determine the impact of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on operative case volume in 8 U.S. neurosurgical residency training programs in early 2020 and to survey these programs regarding training activities during this period. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of monthly operative case volumes and types for 8 residency programs for 2019 and January through April 2020. Cases were grouped as elective cranial, elective spine, and nonelective emergent cases. Programs were surveyed regarding residents' perceptions of the impact of COVID-19 on surgical training, didactics, and research participation. Data were analyzed for individual programs and pooled across programs. Results Across programs, the 2019 monthly mean ± SD case volume was 211 ± 82; 2020 mean ± SD case volumes for January, February, March, and April were 228 ± 93, 214 ± 84, 180 ± 73, and 107 ± 45. Compared with 2019, March and April 2020 mean cases declined 15% (P = 0.003) and 49% (P = 0.002), respectively. COVID-19 affected surgical case volume for all programs; 75% reported didactics negatively affected, and 90% reported COVID-19 resulted in increased research time. Several neurosurgery residents required COVID-19 testing; however, to our knowledge, only 1 resident from the participating programs tested positive. Conclusions This study documents a significant reduction in operative volume in 8 neurosurgery residency training programs in early 2020. During this time, neurosurgery residents engaged in online didactics and research-related activities, reporting increased research productivity. Residency programs should collect data to determine the educational impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on residents' operative case volumes, identify deficiencies, and develop plans to mitigate any effects.
Third-variable effect analysis with multilevel additive models

Third-variable effect refers to the effect transmitted by third-variables that intervene in the relationship between an exposure and a response variable. Third-variable effect analysis has been broadly studied in many fields. However, it remains a challenge for researchers to differentiate indirect effect of individual factor from multiple third-variables, especially when the involving variables are of hierarchical structure. Yu et al. (2014) defined third-variable effects that were consistent for all different types of response (categorical or continuous), exposure, or third-variables. With these definitions, multiple third-variables can be considered simultaneously, and the indirect effects carried by individual third-variables can be separated from the total effect. In this paper, we extend the definitions of third-variable effects to multilevel data structures, where multilevel additive models are adapted to model the variable relationships. And then third-variable effects can be estimated at different levels. Moreover, transformations on variables are allowed to present nonlinear relationships among variables. We compile an R package mlma, to carry out the proposed multilevel third-variable analysis. Simulations show that the proposed method can effectively differentiate and estimate third-variable effects from different levels. Further, we implement the method to explore the racial disparity in body mass index accounting for both environmental and individual level risk factors.
Robotics in spine surgery: A systematic review.

Abstract Robotic systems to assist with pedicle screw placement have recently emerged in the field of spine surgery. Here, the authors systematically reviewed the literature for evidence of these robotic systems and their utility. Thirty-four studies that reported the use of spinal instrumentation with robotic assistance and met inclusion criteria were identified. The outcome measures gathered included: pedicle screw accuracy, indications for surgery, rates of conversion to an alternative surgical method, radiation exposure, and learning curve. In our search there were five different robotic systems identified. All studies reported accuracy and the most commonly used accuracy grading scale was the Gertzbein Robbins scale (GRS). Accuracy of clinically acceptable pedicle screws, defined as
A method for analyzing nanomechanical deformation of nanocrystalline Ni at higher timesteps than is possible in classical molecular dynamics

A majority of computational mechanical analyses of nanocrystalline materials have been carried out using classical molecular dynamics (MD). Due to the fundamental reason that the MD simulations must resolve atomic level vibrations, they cannot be carried out at the timescale of the order of microseconds. Additionally, MD simulations have to be carried out at very high loading rates (~108 s-1) rarely observed in experiments. In this investigation a modified Hybrid Monte Carlo (HMC) method that can be used to analyze time-dependent (strain rate dependent) atomistic mechanical deformation of nanocrystalline structures at higher timescales than currently possible using MD is established. In this method there is no restriction on the size of MD timestep except that it must be such that to ensure a reasonable acceptance rate between consecutive Monte-Carlo (MC) time-steps. For the purpose of comparison HMC analyses of a nanocrystalline Ni sample at a strain rate of 109 s-1 with three different timesteps, viz. 2 fs, 4fs, and 8 fs, are compared with the analyses based on MD simulations at the same strain rate and a MD timestep of 2 fs. MD simulations of nanocrystalline Ni reproduce the defect nucleation and propagation results as well as strength values reported in the literature. In addition, HMC with timestep of 8 fs correctly reproduces defect formation and stress-strain response observed in the case of MD simulations with permissible timestep of 2 fs (for the interatomic potential used 2 fs is the highest MD timestep). Simulation time analyses show that by using HMC a saving of the order of 4 can be achieved bringing the atomistic analyses closer to the continuum timescales.
MicroRNA 379 Regulates Klotho Deficiency-Induced Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis Via Repression of Smurf1.

Klotho is an aging-suppressor gene. Klotho gene deficiency impairs heart function leading to heart failure, but the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. MicroRNAs are increasingly recognized to play important roles in the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy. The objective of this study is to investigate whether microRNA 379 (Mir379) regulates Klotho deficiency-associated cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Using inducible Cre-Loxp recombination technology, we first found that kidney-specific deletion of the Klotho gene caused heart failure. Using microRNA sequencing analysis, we found that Mir379 may be a target of Klotho. In cultured H9c2 heart cells, we found that treatment with Klotho-free medium increased Mir379 levels and induced apoptosis. To test whether Mir379 mediates Klotho deficiency-induced apoptosis, H9c2 cells were transfected with Mir379 inhibitor. Interestingly, Mir379 inhibitor (anti-Mir379) prevented Klotho deficiency-induced H9c2 cell apoptosis. On the contrary, Mir379 mimic itself caused apoptosis in H9c2 cells. These findings suggest that Mir379 may mediate Klotho deficiency-induced apoptosis in H9C2 cells. Using the mRNA-miRNA target interaction assay, we found that Smurf1(SMAD specific E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1) mRNA contained the 3-UTR binding site for Mir379. Importantly, Mir379 mimic suppressed Smurf1 expression, and the Mir379 mimic-induced apoptosis can be rescued by treatment with exogenous Smurf1 protein. Therefore, Smurf1 repression may be involved in Mir379-induced H9c2 cells apoptosis. In conclusion, Mir379 may mediate Klotho deficiency-associated cardiomyocyte apoptosis through repression of Smurf1 which is required for Mir379-induced apoptotic cell death. Mir379 may be a potential therapeutic target for cardiomyocyte apoptosis-associated heart failure due to Klotho deficiency.
The distribution of waiting distances in ancestral recombination graphs.

Abstract The ancestral recombination graph (ARG) contains the full genealogical information of the sample, and many population genetic inference problems can be solved using inferred or sampled ARGs. In particular, the waiting distance between tree changes along the genome can be used to make inference about the distribution and evolution of recombination rates. To this end, we here derive an analytic expression for the distribution of waiting distances between tree changes under the sequentially Markovian coalescent model and obtain an accurate approximation to the distribution of waiting distances for topology changes. We use these results to show that some of the recently proposed methods for inferring sequences of trees along the genome provide strongly biased distributions of waiting distances. In addition, we provide a correction to an undercounting problem facing all available ARG inference methods, thereby facilitating the use of ARG inference methods to estimate temporal changes in the recombination rate.
Localized Alfvén wave current drive in axisymmetric toroidal geometry

Abstract We develop the theory of the production of a steady state current in the Alfven resonance region for an incompressible resistive plasma in axisymmetric toroidal geometry. We discover the existence of a net total current associated with externally excited Alfven waves. The physics of the current generation lies within a dynamo mechanism, which assumes the form of a nonlinear wave mixing process caused by the plasma medium nonlinearities. The efficiency of the current drive is high and comparable to ohmic and the position of the current can be controlled externally. Therefore, Alfven waves can be successfully used to modify existing current profiles in order to improve confinement in nuclear fusion reactors. In the process of deriving the current drive theory, we analytically solve the linearized equations of resistive MHD in a boundary layer about the Alfven resonance surface.
Rare Upper Airway Anomalies

A broad spectrum of congenital upper airway anomalies can occur as a result of errors during embryologic development. In this review, we will describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management strategies for a few select, rare congenital malformations of this system. The diagnostic tools used in workup of these disorders range from prenatal tests to radiological imaging, swallowing evaluations, indirect or direct laryngoscopy, and rigid bronchoscopy. While these congenital defects can occur in isolation, they are often associated with disorders of other organ systems or may present as part of a syndrome. Therefore workup and treatment planning for patients with these disorders often involves a team of multiple specialists, including paediatricians, otolaryngologists, pulmonologists, speech pathologists, gastroenterologists, and geneticists.
The Effect of a Deceleration Force on a Melting Boundary Layer

Most analytical studies of ablating layers which melt before they vaporize have been restricted to the stagnation region of bodies (e.g., see Sutton). To determine conditions all along the body, it is important to include the deceleration force that opposes the downstream flow of liquid. Some treatment has already been given to this problem, but it is rather limited because of the idealization of the considered configuration or the omission of some important features of the problem. This note gives a more general discussion of the phenomena that occur when a body force acts on a melting boundary layer. The basis for these remarks is an analysis of the flow of a material like Pyrex over a two-dimensional body. The liquid density, specific heat, and conductivity are assumed constant. To determine the conditions under which deceleration effects are important and to simplify the basic equations, all variables except velocity and time are made dimensionless in the usual way.
Phylogeny and biogeographical history of Trogoniformes, a pantropical bird order

With highly conserved morphology throughout the family, a tropical distribution, and no close living relatives, the trogons (Aves: Trogonidae) pose a difficult problem for systematists. Disjunct tropical distributions are often attributed to Gondwanan vicariance, but the fossil record for trogons is mostly from the Tertiary of Europe. This study examined support for the basal relationships among trogons using a combination of nuclear (RAG-1) and mitochondrial (ND2) DNA sequence data. Although some nodes could not be resolved with significant support, there is strong support for the basal position of three New World genera (Pharomachrus, Euptilotis, and Priotelus). This phylogenetic hypothesis differs markedly from previous studies of trogon relationships and taxonomic treatments. Biogeographically, it implies an origin and early vicariance events for the crown clade in the New World. Molecular divergence estimates place all of the basal nodes of the trogon phylogeny in the Oligocene, precluding a Gondwanan origin for modern trogons. © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2005, 84, 725–738.
SARS coronavirus infection: pathology and pathogenesis of an emerging virus disease

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was first recognized during a global outbreak of severe pneumonia that first occurred in late 2002 in Guangdong Province, China, and then erupted in February 2003 with cases in more than two dozen countries in Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. The disease causes an influenza-like illness with fever, cough, dyspnea, and headache, and in severe cases, it can cause human death. Person-to-person transmission, combined with international travel of infected persons, accelerated the worldwide spread of the illness, and by the time the outbreak was contained, 8,098 probable cases resulting in 774 deaths were reported [1–4]. During the outbreak, a global network of 11 laboratories was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to identify the causal agent. Early in the investigation, the clinical, pathologic, and laboratory studies focused on previously known agents of respiratory illness. Subsequently, however, a previously unknown virus was isolated from the oropharynx of a SARS patient and identified by ultrastructural characteristics as belonging to the family Coronaviridae [5–7]. These findings shifted the focus of the investigation toward verification of the role played by this newly recognized coronavirus. A vast array of laboratory approaches was utilized in this investigation, including pathologic, serologic, and molecular assays [6–10]. Within weeks, infection of non-human primates was achieved, thus establishing an animal model for SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) [11]. This chapter presents the morphologic characteristics of SARS-CoV grown in tissue culture and the histopathologic changes, electron microscopic findings, and cellular localization of the virus in tissues from human patients and experimentally infected animals. In addition, the pathophysiology of this newly emergent virus will be discussed. SARS coronavirus infection: pathology and pathogenesis of an emerging virus disease
The Effect of Adenosine Diphosphate on Mitochondrial Acid-Base Changes Induced by Energy-linked Accumulation of Ca++

Abstract Respiration-linked Ca++ accumulation by rat liver or bovine heart mitochondria generates an apparent acid-base gradient between mitochondria and the suspending medium, composed of an increase in titratable alkalinity of the mitochondria (treated to render their dissociating groups accessible) and a decrease in pH and an increase of titratable acidity of the medium. This apparent gradient is not influenced or discharged during a subsequent addition of ADP and its phosphorylation to ATP. Thus, if respiratory energy is stored in the form of an acid-base or Ca++ gradient between mitochondria and medium, it is not available to be used for the phosphorylation of ADP. The significance of this finding with respect to the chemiosmotic hypothesis for oxidative phosphorylation and to the physical and chemical nature of the membrane changes during mitochondrial ion movements is briefly discussed.
Development and Self-Regulation

The concept of self-regulation has received heightened attention as a key mechanism that predicts a variety of developmental outcomes throughout the life span. Although researchers have focused on self-regulation from a diverse set of perspectives, it is clear that self-regulation has important implications for individual health and well-being starting early in life. In the fields of child psychology and developmental science, an emphasis on Relational-Developmental-Systems (RDS) illuminates how self-regulation contributes to individual development. This chapter reflects the RDS theoretical orientation and focuses on major issues in the study of self-regulation in childhood and adolescence. We start by situating the study of self-regulation within the RDS context and discussing key conceptual issues that guide researchers’ understanding of the development of self-regulation. We then define self-regulation and reviews research on important correlates of self-regulation including academic achievement, motor processes, intelligence, and risk factors. Next, we discuss cross-cultural variation in these skills and person-context relations. We conclude by discussing self-regulation from the perspective of RDS and next steps for studying self-regulation in context, improving intervention efforts, and advancing analytical and measurement methods. Keywords: cognition; cross-cultural research; developmental systems theory; early intervention; executive function; measurement; methods; relational self-control; self-regulation
Derivation of two well-behaved theoretical contagion indices and their sampling properties and application for assessing forest landscape diversity

Studies of spatial patterns of landscapes are useful to quantify human impact, predict wildlife effects, or describe variability of landscape features. A common approach to identify and quantify landscape structure is with a landscape scale model known as a contagion index. A contagion index quantifies two distinct components of landscape diversity: composition and configuration. Some landscape ecologists promote the use of relative contagion indices. It is demonstrated that relativized contagion indices are mathematically untenable. Two new theoretical contagion indices, r 1 and r 2 , are derived .using a mean value approach (Le., statistical expected value) instead of entropy. Behavior of r 1 and r 2 was investigated with simulated random, uniform, and aggregated landscapes. They are shown to be well-behaved and sensitive to composition and configuration. Distributional properties of f\ and r2 are derived. They are shown to be asymptotically unbiased, consistent, and asymptotically normally distributed. Variance formulas for r1 and r2 are developed using the delta method. The new index models are used to examine landscape diversity on three physiographic provinces in Alabama by analyzing the pattern and changes in forest cover types over the recent past. In comparing r1 and r2 , use of r1 in analysis of variance gave a more conservative test of contagion.
Digital techniques for improved /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ data conversion

Two digital techniques are described in this tutorial, both aimed at improving the accuracy of delta-sigma data converters. The first one corrects adaptively for mismatch errors in a MASH ADC, while the other acquires and then corrects for the nonlinearity of the internal multibit DAC used in the ADC.
Geomorphically based predictive mapping of soil thickness in upland watersheds

[1] The hydrologic response of upland watersheds is strongly controlled by soil (regolith) thickness. Despite the need to quantify soil thickness for input into hydrologic models, there is currently no widely used, geomorphically based method for doing so. In this paper we describe and illustrate a new method for predictive mapping of soil thicknesses using high-resolution topographic data, numerical modeling, and field-based calibration. The model framework works directly with input digital elevation model data to predict soil thicknesses assuming a long-term balance between soil production and erosion. Erosion rates in the model are quantified using one of three geomorphically based sediment transport models: nonlinear slope-dependent transport, nonlinear area- and slope-dependent transport, and nonlinear depth- and slope-dependent transport. The model balances soil production and erosion locally to predict a family of solutions corresponding to a range of values of two unconstrained model parameters. A small number of field-based soil thickness measurements can then be used to calibrate the local value of those unconstrained parameters, thereby constraining which solution is applicable at a particular study site. As an illustration, the model is used to predictively map soil thicknesses in two small, ∼0.1 km2, drainage basins in the Marshall Gulch watershed, a semiarid drainage basin in the Santa Catalina Mountains of Pima County, Arizona. Field observations and calibration data indicate that the nonlinear depth- and slope-dependent sediment transport model is the most appropriate transport model for this site. The resulting framework provides a generally applicable, geomorphically based tool for predictive mapping of soil thickness using high-resolution topographic data sets.
Crohn's disease and pregnancy

Crohn's disease is occasionally associated with pregnancy, but only rarely does the firth manifestation of Crohn's disease appear during pregnancy. Two cases of Crohn's disease commencing during pregnancy are reported. The English-language literature reveals eight others-a total of 10. Review of these 10 cases indicates that surgery was required during pregnancy or shortly afterward in six. The 10 pregnancies yielded 11 infants, six of whom died. In this unusual situation there is an increased risk to both mother and infant. Progress of the intestinal disease may make surgical treatment during pregnancy urgently necessary.
Structuring Deposit Insurance in Europe: Some Considerations and a Regulatory Game

The protection of savings and the creation of insurance schemes is becoming a hot topic for the European Union Regulator: incoming Directives seem to state a sort of "financial guarantee scheme model" valid not only for deposit insurance but also for investor compensation schemes in case of failure of investment firms. We describe the ongoing process, focusing on the recently approved deposit-guarantee scheme Directive which will compel the Member States to redraw their internal regulation; then, using a very simple game, we study the effects on the equilibria of different kinds of institutional regulations. The normative results, especially from this last analysis, are not easy to state: however, using also some results of Di Noia (1994a and 1994b), we end up with some suggestions on the way of regulating the single DIAs in the EU Member States.
Forensic DNA Profiling Protocols. Patrick J. Lincoln and Jim Thomson. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press, 1998, 309 pp., $79.50. ISBN 0-896-03443-7.

Forensic DNA Profiling Protocols is an extensive overview of various methodologies currently used in the forensic-testing community. Some of the topics included are DNA isolation, slot-blot quantification, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)-Southern blotting, PCR [both dot blot and short tandem repeat (STR) analysis], mitochondrial DNA sequencing, and capillary electrophoresis as well as a review of the statistical evaluation of forensic casework results. The detailed methodologies that are covered follow a retrospective look at DNA techniques as they have evolved since the late 1980s and conclude with a forward-looking chapter on future directions for forensic DNA testing. The first step in DNA profiling is isolating DNA from forensically relevant sources. In …
Influence of floodplain erosional heterogeneity on planform complexity of meandering rivers

[1] Although it is widely acknowledged that spatial heterogeneity in floodplain erosional resistance should affect the planform evolution of meandering rivers, past studies have not systematically explored the importance of this effect. Using a physically-based model of river meandering and stochastically-generated heterogeneous landscapes, we analyze in detail how spatial variability in erosional resistance influences meander evolution and the emergence of planform complexity. The simulated planforms are remarkably similar to natural freely-meandering rivers, both visually and in their spectral signatures. We quantify the dependence of meander morphology on both the scale of erosional heterogeneity and the magnitude of erosional variability in external forcing. We also show how the sensitivity of autogenic meandering processes to stochastic variability in the environment leads to different patterns of planform evolution even in landscapes with the same mean spatial heterogeneity and magnitude of variability. The results demonstrate that heterogeneity in erosional resistance has a major influence on meander evolution and should be incorporated into morphodynamic models to enhance our understanding of meandering dynamics at the landscape scale.
ATP-mediated release of arachidonic acid metabolites from venular endothelium causes arteriolar dilation.

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that venular administration of ATP resulted in endothelium-dependent dilation of adjacent arterioles through a mechanism involving cyclooxygenase prod...
Brief paper: Fault Detection and Isolation of discrete-time Markovian jump linear systems with application to a network of multi-agent systems having imperfect communication channels

This paper deals with the problem of Fault Detection and Isolation (FDI) for discrete-time Markovian Jump Linear Systems (MJLSs). A geometric property related to the unobservable subspace of an MJLS is first presented and the concept of unobservability subspace is introduced. Sufficient conditions for designing an H"~-based FDI algorithm for MJLSs subject to input disturbances and measurement noise are presented and developed. Our proposed approach is then applied to the problem of fault detection and isolation in a network of multi-agent systems when imperfect communication channels exist among the agents. A discrete-time communication link with a stochastic packet dropping effect is considered based on the Gilbert-Elliott model and the entire network is modeled as a discrete-time MJLS. Simulation results are presented for formation flight of satellites to demonstrate and verify the effectiveness and performance capabilities of our proposed FDI algorithm.
Standardization method for correcting spectral differences across multiple units of a portable near-infrared-based medical monitor

We have previously demonstrated the correlation of continuous-wave near infrared (CW-NIR) tissue measurements, to blood and tissue metabolic parameters using Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression. The practical use of this non-invasive measurement technique depends on the transfer of PLS calibration models from a single calibration unit to multiple secondary units. Variations in the spectral characteristics of the optical components across multiple units result in marked differences in the spectral output, preventing the direct transfer of parameter models from one unit to another. Consequently, we have developed a method for standardizing the spectral output across units that utilizes physical, traceable, reference materials for aligning the wavelength and intensity axes to fixed values, followed by spectral normalization via Standard Normal Variate transformation. The approach employed in this study adjusts the slope and bias differences in the optical spectra across multiple units, without the loss of useful information needed for parameter estimation. In this study, phantoms containing Agar, intralipid and lyophilized human hemoglobin (met-hemoglobin) were used to mimic human tissue. Using PLS regression, a hemoglobin calibration model was developed on the tissue-like phantoms on a prototype of the portable NIR medical monitor. The calibration model was successfully transferred to a second, distinctly different system. The Root Mean Squared Error of Prediction of met-hemoglobin in the phantom samples measured in the second system, improved from 4.94g/dl to 1.15g/dl after the standardization procedure. This compares favorably the PLS model error on the primary instrument (0.94g/dl).
Constitutive Modeling Based on Evolutionary Multi-Junctions of Dislocations

A latent hardening model based on binary junction-induced hardening can effectively describe the anisotropy measured in multiaxial tests. However, this approach still has some descriptive and predictive limitations. Recent findings show that binary junctions generated by interactions of pairs of dislocations can only induce short-term hardening effect due to the unzipping process of binary junctions. By contrast, multi-junctions, which are formed via multiple interactions of dislocations, can exert a strong and enduring influence on the hardening of polycrystals. In this study, we extend the modeling of dislocation junctions from the binary to multi-junctions, and implement this evolution into a self-consistent visco-plastic model. An application of this model for predicting the yield surface and texture evolution of AA5754 during uniaxial and plane strain loadings is given as a demonstration of the capabilities of the evolutionary binary-multi junction approach.
Cholesterol ester hydrolase activity in human cerebrospinal fluid.

Abstract This study demonstrates for the first time the presence of cholesterol ester hydrolase (EC 3.1.1.13) in human cerebrospinal fluid. The pH optimum of cholesterol ester hydrolase in that fluid is approximately 6.0. The activity of the enzyme is optimal when the substrate is introduced either as an acetone solution or as a suspension in Triton X-100. Cholesterol ester hydrolase activity was not detected in human serum. It is suggested that the cholesterol ester hydrolase in cerebrospinal fluid is derived from brain and that the assay of this enzyme in cerebrospinal fluid may be of diagnostic values in various demyelinating diseases.
Optimisation-based control for electrified vehicles: challenges and opportunities

Vehicle electrification is a trend that is transforming the transportation landscape. Automobiles, trains, ships and aircrafts are all being electrified as they are being designed to be more efficient, cleaner and more flexible. Vehicle electrification has brought many multi-faceted challenges and opportunities for control design and system integration. In this paper, we will discuss some of the control problems introduced by vehicle electrification. Case studies will be presented to illustrate the control implications. In particular, optimisation-based energy management solutions will be elucidated as representative examples of new design framework for control design and system integration for hybrid electric vehicles and all electric ships.
Hypothesis testing for families of ergodic processes

General sufficient conditions for the discernibility of two families of stationary ergodic processes are derived. The conditions involve the weak topology for stationary processes. They are analogous in several respects to existing conditions for the discernibility of families of independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) processes, but require a more refined type of topological separation in the general case. As a first application of the conditions, it is shown how existing discernibility results for i.i.d. processes may be extended to a countable union of uniformly ergodic families. In addition, it is shown how one may use hypothesis testing to study polynomial decay rates for covariance-based mixing conditions.
DOC: Fast and accurate congestion analysis for global routing

This work presents a fast and accurate congestion analysis tool at the global routing stage. It focuses on capturing the difficult-to-solve congestion in global routing designs. The proposed framework identifies the routing congestion using a novel Orthogonal Congestion Correlation (OCC) factor, which identifies the hard-to-route hot-spots. A key contribution of this work is a fast global router to minimize congestion caused by long nets and accurately reveal the distribution of hard-to-route spots due to high density short nets. The global router uses a dynamic representation of net to allow fast topology transformation. The proposed framework can evaluate the routability of a placement solution, and be utilized to aid the placer for a congestion-aware design.