cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incidence, Extent and Location of Unsuspected Pelvic Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer

AbstractBetween March 1, 1983 and December 31, 1985, 18 of 130 patients (14 per cent) undergoing radical cystectomy had unsuspected metastasis. In 17 patients (94 per cent) only 1 or 2 nodes were involved. The mean size of the involved nodes was 0.81cm. and the mean size of metastasis was 0.39cm. In patients with 1 or 2 positive nodes metastasis was not observed above the bifurcation of the common iliac arteries or lateral to the external iliac arteries. In patients in whom the primary bladder tumor was localized clearly to 1 side of the bladder unsuspected metastasis was observed only in ipsilateral lymph nodes. In accordance with these findings, we advocate a restricted pelvic lymphadenectomy in patients in whom gross examination reveals no evidence of nodal metastasis at radical cystectomy.
Some Common Misconceptions About the Eyes

In considering common misconceptions regarding ocular problems, the author points out the following:Farsightedness, tumors, retinal detachment, cataract or even glaucoma may be present in a person who has 20/20 vision.Early treatment is important in cases of cross-eye. If glasses and exercises cannot overcome the deviation, surgery often is performed.Development of a cataract does not mean eventual blindness. Advances in treatment have dispelled much of the fear accompanying this condition.The chronic, wide-angle type of glaucoma is much more common than is the acute phase with a blocked angle.Immediate, definitive care of an injured eye is necessary only in cases in which the eye has been burned with chemicals.
Host stress hormones alter vector feeding preferences, success, and productivity.

Stress hormones might represent a key link between individual-level infection outcome, population-level parasite transmission, and zoonotic disease risk. Although the effects of stress on immunity are well known, stress hormones could also affect host–vector interactions via modification of host behaviours or vector-feeding patterns and subsequent reproductive success. Here, we experimentally manipulated songbird stress hormones and examined subsequent feeding preferences, feeding success, and productivity of mosquito vectors in addition to defensive behaviours of hosts. Despite being more defensive, birds with elevated stress hormone concentrations were approximately twice as likely to be fed on by mosquitoes compared to control birds. Moreover, stress hormones altered the relationship between the timing of laying and clutch size in blood-fed mosquitoes. Our results suggest that host stress could affect the transmission dynamics of vector-borne parasites via multiple pathways.
Channel Assignment with Route Discovery (CARD) using Cognitive Radio in Multi-channel Multi-radio Wireless Mesh Networks

For better spectrum utilization, efficient channel allocation in multi-radio wireless mesh networks has become an active research area. Our proposed CARD algorithm deals with the application of cognitive mesh routers for fixed channel assignments to mesh clients under each router's domain. The farthest channel assignment by the cognitive radio in mesh routers ensures minimum inter-router and intra-router interference. Initial fixed assignment of channels to clients supporting k-connectivity (k = 3 and 5 sub-channels) shows substantial increase with 15 concurrent transmissions when compared to 4 in case of the CCA scheme with k=3 and 3 channels to choose, i.e., a factor of almost 4. The improvement in communication delay is about a factor of 80 when compared to SC and a factor of 35 compared to CCA.
Ketamine’s Mechanisms of Rapid Antidepressant Activity: Evidence from Preclinical Studies

Enthusiasm over the growing series of reports describing ketamine’s rapid onset of robust antidepressant activity in clinical trials has ignited a large number of back-translational efforts attempting to employ rodent models to better characterize the antidepressant properties of the drug and to improve our understanding of its underlying mechanisms of antidepressant action. On balance, these preclinical studies have yielded fairly consistent findings demonstrating that ketamine has a broad range of behavioral effects consistent with antidepressant activity in a variety of rodent models. Many of these studies further suggest that ketamine’s effects are unique from other classic antidepressant drugs in producing more durable effects in some models and more rapidly reversing the behavioral effects of chronic stressor exposure in other models. The preclinical studies are also beginning to elucidate the drug’s mechanisms of antidepressant activity, with the majority of recent studies suggesting that increased levels of regional alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole proprionic acid (AMPA) receptor activation and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, as well as enhanced synaptic plasticity, are critical components of the response. However, there remain several points of disagreement and inconsistency in the preclinical literature that require additional investigation, including the effectiveness of other NMDA receptor-targeting drugs and the specific targets of ketamine’s proximal effects. This chapter provides an overview and critical review of this preclinical literature. It is anticipated that a more complete understanding of ketamine’s mechanisms of antidepressant action will allow for a safer and more efficient use of ketamine in the clinical setting and afford us new opportunities for novel drug development.
CutFEM topology optimization of 3D laminar incompressible flow problems

Abstract This paper studies the characteristics and applicability of the CutFEM approach of Burman et al. (2014) as the core of a robust topology optimization framework for 3D laminar incompressible flow and species transport problems at low Reynolds numbers ( R e 200 ). CutFEM is a methodology for discretizing partial differential equations on complex geometries by immersed boundary techniques. In this study, the geometry of the fluid domain is described by an explicit level set method, where the parameters of a discretized level set function are defined as functions of the optimization variables. The fluid behavior is modeled by the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. Species transport is modeled by an advection–diffusion equation. The governing equations are discretized in space by a generalized extended finite element method. Face-oriented ghost-penalty terms are added for stability reasons and to improve the conditioning of the system. The boundary conditions are enforced weakly via Nitsche’s method. The emergence of isolated volumes of fluid surrounded by solid during the optimization process leads to a singular analysis problem. An auxiliary indicator field is modeled to identify these volumes and to impose a constraint on the average pressure. Numerical results for 3D, steady-state and transient problems demonstrate that the CutFEM analyses are sufficiently accurate, and the optimized designs agree well with results from prior studies solved in 2D or by density approaches.
Effect of statins and metformin on survival in epithelial ovarian cancer.

e16561 Background: Prior studies have shown that metformin and statin medications may have anti-cancer properties in solid tumors. The study’s objective is to analyze if their use is associated wit...
Flash, buzz, zap and ouch!: the sounds and sights of the internet of things in the classroom

This paper provides an overview of IoT technologies, highlighting those most appropriate from a pedagogical and budgetary perspective; a survey of existing IoT courses; and details a 14-week, project-based Internet of Things (IoT) course suitable for sophomore-to-junior level undergraduates.
Association of diversity and composition of the gut microbiome with differential responses to PD-1 based therapy in patients with metastatic melanoma.

2Background: Tremendous advances have been made in cancer therapy through the use of immune checkpoint blockade, although responses are not always durable. There is a growing appreciation of the ro...
Comment on ``Spontaneous Fission: A Kinetic Approach''

A Comment on the Letter by Aldo Bonasera and Akira Iwamoto, Phys.Rev.Lett.{bold 78}, 187 (1997). The authors of the Letter offer a Reply. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Monomers and Polymers from Nalidixic Acid — Synthesis, Characterization and Hydrolysis Study

Over the past few years, quinolone derivatives, in particular nalidixic acid and its structural analogues have proven themselves as potential antibacterial agents. These compounds are highly effective against gram negative bacteria in addition to their activity against gram positive organisms. The synthesis of polymeric derivatives of quinolone antibacterials and their biological activities are not available in the literature. In order to prepare safer, potential antibacterial agents, we planned to prepare macromolecules containing quinolones as pendent moieties. This paper will report the synthesis of three new monomers and polymers from nalidixic acid. Their characterization and hydrolysis study at pH 7.4 will also be described.
Alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor stimulated calcium release is transduced by Gi-associated G(beta gamma)-mediated activation of phospholipase C.

Proposed mechanisms by which α2-adrenergic receptors (α2AR) regulate intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) include stimulation and inhibition of cell surface calcium channels, stimulation of calcium release via receptor coupling to Gq with subsequent activation of phospholipase C and release of IP3, or stimulation of calcium release via coupling to Gi in an IP3-independent manner. These potential mechanisms were explored in cells that expressed α2AAR endogenously (HEL cells), permanently transfected CHO cells, and transiently transfected COS-7 cells. Each cell type displayed agonist (UK14304)-dependent increases in [Ca2+]i that were blocked by yohimbine, ablated by pertussis toxin, and largely unaffected by chelation of extracellular calcium. Furthermore, calcium release was associated with IP3 accumulation and was blocked by an inhibitor of phospholipase C (PLC). When expressed in CHO cells, a mutated α2AAR which has the amino and carboxyl termini of the third intracellular loop substituted with β2AR sequence ...
Cholinesterase Inhibitors as Therapy in Alzheimer’s Disease: Benefit to Risk Considerations in Clinical Application

Currently available data about cholinesterase inhibitors in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) indicate that knowledge of differences in pharmacology among the inhibitors is essential to physicians to maximize clinical benefits to patients. We express the concern that commercial promotion may not recognize the relevant issues. We caution physicians to consider carefully the rationale of their use of compounds from this class.
Water and Ion Metabolism in Placenta: II. Water Compartments and Electrolytes in Slices of Rabbit Placenta, at Different Periods of Gestation, Incubated at 0-1d`c

The movement and the distribution of water, sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium and calcium have been studied in slices prepared from rabbit placentae at different periods of gestation, incubated in condition of depressed metabolism (0-1d`C). In these conditions the tissue takes up water from the external medium up to a maximum of about 2.0 kg/kg d. wt., which represents 30 per cent of the initial H2O content of the fresh tissue. The extracellular compartment swells progressively and proportionally to the age of the placenta. The sodium and chloride content of the tissue increases while that of potassium decreases and their intracellular concentration reaches, after 120 min, that of the external medium. Magnesium does not show appreciable changes and calcium, too, despite its extreme variability, does not seem to undergo significant variations during the cold incubation.The results obtained show that placenta, like most of other mammalian cell systems, possesses specific metabolism-dependent mechanisms...
Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethane to Ethylene in an Oxygen-Ion-Transport-Membrane Reactor: A Proposed Design for Process Intensification

Recent major discoveries of gas and oil in the United States in shale plays have significantly increased the amount of ethane available for steam-cracking to produce ethylene; and numerous large pe...
Optimal Accelerated Test Regions for Time- Dependent Dielectric Breakdown Lifetime Parameters Estimation in FinFET Technology

This paper proposes a methodology to find optimal accelerated test regions for lifetime parameter estimation for not only the traditional reliability concern, frontend-of-line dielectric breakdown (FEOL TDDB), but also the newly emerging wearout mechanism, middle-of-line time dependent dielectric breakdown (MOL TDDB) in 14nm FinFET technology. The framework to find the optimal test regions is introduced; the error estimating methodology is discussed in detail. Three digital circuits are presented for evaluation and comparison. The optimal test regions depend on the circuit size as well as the types of standard cells in the circuits. To ensure accurate lifetime parameter estimation, both error from sampling and error from selectivity should be considered at the same time. As a general guideline, higher estimation accuracy will be achieved by testing gate TDDB lifetime parameters at higher voltages, while testing middle-of-line TDDB at higher temperatures.
Examining the Influence of Religious and Spiritual Beliefs on HPV Vaccine Uptake Among College Women.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is an effective mechanism to prevent HPV-associated cancers; however, uptake is low among women aged 18–26. Religiosity/spirituality is associated with sexual health decision-making. This study examined the role of religious/spiritual beliefs on HPV vaccination among college women (N = 307) using logistic regression and mediation analyses. Findings indicate that sexual activity is the main factor associated with HPV vaccination; and sexual activity fully mediates the relationship between religious/spiritual beliefs and HPV vaccination. Health promotion efforts should highlight the importance of HPV vaccination regardless of current sexual activity and may benefit from partnerships with religious/spiritual organizations.
Customer degree centrality and supplier performance: the moderating role of resource dependence

This study builds on social network and resource dependence perspectives and examines whether the central position occupied by a customer firm affects supplier financial performance. The research setting for this study is the manufacturing and service industries. To test proposed hypotheses, we collect data from the Compustat segment customer database and use pooled ordinary least squares regression in our main analysis. Our findings show that customer degree centrality enhances supplier performance. We found that the positive effect of customer degree centrality on supplier performance is more pronounced when there is a high level of resource dependence between a customer and its supplier. This study extends the social network theory and the resource dependence theory by delineating how customer degree centrality is related with supplier performance. Our finding contributes to a better understanding of the contingency view of the relationship between a central position and performance that is not always straightforward.
Applying Lessons from Vaccination Hesitancy to Address Birth Dose Vitamin K Refusal: Where has the Trust Gone?

Abstract Refusal of intramuscular Vitamin K at birth is an emerging public health issue resulting in increased rates of intracranial bleeding. Parents who refuse this intervention bear epidemiologic resemblance to vaccine-refusing parents, are geographically clustered and share a mistrust of public health interventions. We review the prevalence of Vitamin K refusal and discuss individual and societal recommendations that may reduce Vitamin K refusal, adapted from vaccine hesitancy literature. We note the prevalence of misinformation on social media as a contributor to refusal and explore how changes in healthcare practices may influence growing physician mistrust. We propose solutions to the issue including state-based mandates and a pervasive social media strategy to combat misinformation as a contributor to Vitamin K refusal.
Editorial Commentary: Stem Cells in Rotator Cuff Surgery: In Search of the Holy Grail.

Abstract The use of stem cells in orthopaedics remains a controversial topic, stem cells remain experimental, and significant concerns exist. Studies evaluating diagnoses that may spontaneously resolve could be of low value absent a control group. Only same-day harvest of minimally manipulated stem cells is approved for use in the United States, and these minimally manipulated products may contain insufficient cells to affect outcomes. Extensively cultured cells do not qualify for use in the United States outside of an approved Investigational New Drug Application. Moreover, in other arenas, significant, serious adverse events have been reported after the use of manipulated stem cells. Both the US Food and Drug Administration and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons have recognized the potential for abuse regarding this evolving technology. Published results using stems cells to treat rotator cuff disease are inconsistent, and the optimum source and preparation of the stem cells remains unknown.
Extrusion-based additive manufacturing of functionally graded ceramics

Abstract The Ceramic On-Demand Extrusion (CODE) process has been recently proposed for additive manufacturing of dense, strong ceramic components via extrusion with uniform layered drying. This study focuses on enabling CODE to fabricate functionally graded ceramics. A controlled volumetric flowrate for each ceramic paste was used to achieve a gradient between alumina and zirconia. A dynamic mixer was built to mix constituent ceramic pastes homogeneously. Functionally graded alumina/zirconia samples were printed, sintered, and tested to examine the capability of CODE in fabricating functionally graded components. The desired and actual material compositions were compared using energy dispersive spectroscopy. Dimensions of sintered samples were evaluated to study the deformation of functionally graded components during drying and sintering. Vickers hardness was also measured at different locations, corresponding to different material compositions. Finally, a case study was conducted to demonstrate the capability of the proposed method to build functionally graded ceramics with complex geometries.
Introduction to Wide Sargasso Sea at 50

This introduction to the volume traces the reception of Wide Sargasso Sea from its publication in 1966 through the various theoretical paradigms used over the decades to articulate its current status as an influence upon other works of literature and the arts, literary criticism and theory. In considering the reasons for the novel’s ability to speak to literary, visual, and critical texts over different time periods, we look at Jean Rhys’s uniquely efficient prose and the geopolitics of her novel. The introduction goes on to provide an overview of the sections and chapters of the volume as a whole.
SAMGEP: A Novel Method for Prediction of Phenotype Event Times Using the Electronic Health Record

ABSTRACT Objective While there exist numerous methods to predict binary phenotypes using electronic health record (EHR) data, few exist for prediction of phenotype event times, or equivalently phenotype state progression. Estimating such quantities could enable more powerful use of EHR data for temporal analyses such as survival and disease progression. We propose Semi-supervised Adaptive Markov Gaussian Embedding Process (SAMGEP), a semi-supervised machine learning algorithm to predict phenotype event times using EHR data. Methods SAMGEP broadly consists of four steps: (i) assemble time-evolving EHR features predictive of the target phenotype event, (ii) optimize weights for combining raw features and feature embeddings into dense patient-timepoint embeddings, (iii) fit supervised and semi-supervised Markov Gaussian Process models to this embedding progression to predict marginal phenotype probabilities at each timepoint, and (iv) take a weighted average of these supervised and semi-supervised predictions. SAMGEP models latent phenotype states as a binary Markov process, conditional on which patient-timepoint embeddings are assumed to follow a Gaussian Process. Results SAMGEP achieves significantly improved AUCs and F1 scores relative to common machine learning approaches in both simulations and a real-world task using EHR data to predict multiple sclerosis relapse. It is particularly adept at predicting a patient’s longitudinal phenotype course, which can be used to estimate population-level cumulative probability and count process estimators. Reassuringly, it is robust to a variety of generative model parameters. Discussion SAMGEP’s event time predictions can be used to estimate accurate phenotype progression curves for use in downstream temporal analyses, such as a survival study for comparative effectiveness research.
The Seismic Structure of the Antarctic Upper Mantle

Abstract The deployment of seismic stations and the development of ambient noise tomography as well as new analysis methods provide an opportunity for higher-resolution imaging of Antarctica. Here we review recent seismic structure models and describe their implications for the dynamics and history of the Antarctic upper mantle. Results show that most of East Antarctica is underlain by continental lithosphere to depths of approximately 200 km. The thickest lithosphere is found in a band 500–1000 km inboard from the Transantarctic Mountains, representing the continuation of cratonic lithosphere with Australian affinity beneath the ice. Dronning Maud Land and the Lambert Graben show much thinner lithosphere, consistent with Phanerozoic lithospheric disruption. The Transantarctic Mountains mark a sharp boundary between cratonic lithosphere and the warmer upper mantle of West Antarctica. In the southern Transantarctic Mountains, cratonic lithosphere has been replaced by warm asthenosphere, giving rise to Cenozoic volcanism and an elevated mountainous region. The Marie Byrd Land volcanic dome is underlain by slow seismic velocities extending through the transition zone, consistent with a mantle plume. Slow-velocity anomalies beneath the coast from the Amundsen Sea Embayment to the Antarctic Peninsula are likely to result from upwelling of warm asthenosphere during subduction of the Antarctic–Phoenix spreading centre.
Hotspot dune erosion on an intermediate beach

Abstract A large, low pressure Nor’easter storm and Hurricane Joaquin contributed to multiple weeks of sustained, elevated wave and water level conditions along the southeastern Atlantic coast of the United States in Fall 2015. Sea level anomalies in excess of 1 m and offshore wave heights of up to 4 m were recorded during these storms, as observed at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Field Research Facility in Duck, NC, USA. In response to these energetic oceanographic conditions, there were highly variable morphologic changes to the dune over short spatial scales (
The future of crisis communication from an international perspective

Crisis communication is a rapidly expanding field with a bright future. In spite of its bright future there are still a number of critical factors that would benefit from research. One striking aspect of the field’s development is the lack of an international perspective on crisis communication. Some writers have criticized the crisis communication research for being myopic and ethnocentric (e.g. Lee 2004). This is a valid observation more than a critique. The researchers from the U.S. have been among the most active in the field. Their work reflects the backgrounds of the researchers rather than a purposeful attempt to craft a hegemonic view of crisis communication. Regardless of the reason, the internationalization of crisis communication is a critical area for future research in the field. This book is an excellent example of the benefits that are derived from a richer, international view of crisis communication.
Abstract 15524: Diaphragmatic Breathing Retraining Intervention to Improve Dyspnea, Physical Activity, and Functional Status in Heart Failure Patients

Dyspnea and its consequences (decreased physical activity [PA] and functional status) are main contributors to disability in patients with heart failure (HF) and are associated with poorer quality of life and more hospital readmissions. The objective of this feasibility study was to examine the effects of a Deep Breathing Retraining (DBR) intervention vs. attention control (AC) group in improving dyspnea, PA, and functional status in HF patients. We hypothesized that the primary effect of the DBR intervention would be to reduce dyspnea and, in turn, increase PA and improve functional status. We used an experimental, two-group (n=18/group), repeated measures design to recruit rural patients with NYHA functional class II-IV HF. The DBR group received information and practiced DBR for 8 weeks at home, guided by social cognitive theory concepts through 4 telephone calls. The AC group received general health information through 4 telephone calls. Measures were: dyspnea by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, and two investigator-developed measures of dyspnea with activities of daily living (ADLs) and physical functioning; PA by the ActiGraph accelerometer; and functional status by the 6-Minute Walk Test. Data were collected at baseline, 8 weeks (post-intervention), and 5 months after baseline and were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance controlling for age, gender, comorbidities, and baselines scores for each variable. Effect sizes were used to interpret the results (η2 small effect size=.01, medium=.06, large=.13). In the DBR group, mean adherence rate was 93%. Compared to the AC group, the DBR group reported more daily minutes of PA and kcals expended (ESs>.14), and performed better on the 6-MWT (ES=.11). In contrast, the DBR intervention only had a small effect on reducing dyspnea (ES=.02). In conclusion, the DBR intervention demonstrated promising preliminary results in increasing physical activity and functional status but not by reducing dyspnea as initially hypothesized. DBR patients may have increased their physical activity levels in response to the intervention because they were instructed to use DBR while engaging in all ADLs. Further exploration of the theoretical mechanism of the intervention is needed.
Succinylacetone and δ-Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase in Hereditary Tyrosinemia: Immunochemical Study of the Enzyme

Immunochemical determinations of δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) dehydratase were performed in erythrocytes and in liver of a patient with hereditary tyrosinemia who underwent liver transplantation for correction of this metabolic disorder. Both erythrocytic and hepatic ALA dehydratase activities were extremely low before liver transplantation, but they appeared normal after transplantation. According to results of immunochemical quantification of ALA dehydratase, the level of the enzyme protein in erythrocytes was not different before, during, and after liver transplantation. Immunoguantifiable enzyme concentrations were not substantially different in the patient9s own liver as compared with the transplanted liver. These findings indicate that although succinylacetone, an abnormal metabolite produced in tyrosinemia, is a potent inhibitor of the activity of ALA dehydratase, it has a far less effect on the synthesis of the enzyme protein.
The Roles of Sustained (P) and Transient (M) Channels in Reading and Reading Disability

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the roles of sustained (P) and transient (M) channels in reading and reading disability. Reading, like other visual scanning of the environment, relies on fixation-saccade sequences. It is generally agreed among a number of investigators that the M and P cells are characterized by response properties attributed to transient and sustained channels, respectively. The transient M and sustained P pathways originate in the anatomically and physiologically distinct classes of A and B ganglion cells of the retina. These two classes of cells project to the separate LGN M and P layers, which, in turn, project to area V1 of the cortex from where they branch into three identifiable pathways. There is general agreement among the various models that the P and M pathways are closely tied to the analysis of color and motion, respectively; however, there is disagreement as to the specifics of the colour/motion distinction and the roles of these pathways in the processing of form and depth.
Computing multiple watchman routes

We present heuristics for computing multiple watchman routes. Given a polygon (with or without holes) and a parameter k, we compute a set of k routes inside the polygon such that any point inside the polygon is visible from at least one point along one route. We measure the quality of our solutions by either the length of the longest route or the sum of the route lengths, where the goal is to minimize each. We start by computing a set of static guards [2], construct k routes that visit all the static guards and try to shorten the routes while maintaining full coverage of the polygon. We implemented the algorithm and present extensive results to evaluate our methods, including a comparison with lower bound routes based on the idea of visiting large number of visibility-independent "witness points". Our experiments showed that for a large suite of input data our heuristics give efficient routes that are comparable with the optimal solutions.
Explorative learning approach of problem-based research project, a pilot study in anatomy and physiology course (721.4)

Teaching basic sciences has been approached through various teaching techniques aimed to facilitate learning and to improve student’s engagement. Oftentimes the students were presented with a speci...
Generalizing logic circuit designs by analyzing proofs of correctness

This paper presents a method of learning to solve design problems by generalizing examples. The technique has been developed in the domain of logic circuit design. It involves the use of domain knowledge to analyze examples and produce generalized circuit designs. The method utilizes proofs of design correctness to guide the process of generalization. Our approach is illustrated by showing it can generalize a rotational shift register into a schema describing devices capable of computing arbitrary permutations.
Iron: Beta Phase frays

Earth's core is almost entirely iron, so geoscientists are keenly interested in the properties of this element at high temperature and pressure. In his Perspective, Anderson discusses the results reported in the same issue by [ Andrault et al .][1] in which they identify a controversial phase of iron--the b phase. The existence and structure of this phase has been debated since it was first reported by a group at Uppsala University. The measurements of Andrault et al ., taken with a synchrotron at Grenoble, support the existence of this phase but suggest that it has a different structure than first believed. Anderson reviews the controversy and discusses the latest experimental findings. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/278/5339/831
A MOSFET transformerless inverter with reactive power capability for micro-inverter applications

The state-of-the-art transformerless inverters can use MOSFET to achieve high efficiency, but difficult to do reactive power generation for upcoming standards. This paper proposed a MOSFET based transformerless inverter and a novel PWM modulation method for reactive power generation. PWM modulation and circuit operation are then detailed under reactive power generation condition. Ground loop voltage is derived with common mode and differential model circuit analysis. The hardware prototype of a two-stage micro-inverter with the proposed MOSFET inverter as the secondary stage has been designed. The experiment results demonstrate the reactive power capability, high efficiency, and high-frequency component free of the ground loop voltage of the proposed transformerless inverter.
Morphological evaluation of olive plants propagated in vitro culture through axillary buds and somatic embryogenesis methods

The morphological fidelity of the olive plants propagated through axillary buds, microplants and somatic embryogenesis, somatic plants was evaluated. Thirty-two morphological traits were used to characterize the tissue culture propagated olive plants. The microplants showed very high phenotypic similarity compared to plants produced by conventional cutting propagation method. The somatic plants exhibited variant morphological stable phenotypes, among somaclonal population two variant phenotypes were studied: BOS (bush-olive somaclone) and COS (columnar-olive somaclone). A wide range of plant traits were differently involved in somaclonal variation as plant height, canopy dimensions, leaf, inflorescence and fruit dimensions in respect to the putative control plants. The present study has established that the morphological stability of tissue culture-derived olive plants is strictly related with the in vitro propagation method used. Key words: Tissue culture, phenotypic stability, somaclonal variation, Olea europaea.
Reproducibility of 3D chromatin configuration reconstructions.

It is widely recognized that the three-dimensional (3D) architecture of eukaryotic chromatin plays an important role in processes such as gene regulation and cancer-driving gene fusions. Observing or inferring this 3D structure at even modest resolutions had been problematic, since genomes are highly condensed and traditional assays are coarse. However, recently devised high-throughput molecular techniques have changed this situation. Notably, the development of a suite of chromatin conformation capture (CCC) assays has enabled elicitation of contacts - spatially close chromosomal loci - which have provided insights into chromatin architecture. Most analysis of CCC data has focused on the contact level, with less effort directed toward obtaining 3D reconstructions and evaluating the accuracy and reproducibility thereof. While questions of accuracy must be addressed experimentally, questions of reproducibility can be addressed statistically - the purpose of this paper. We use a constrained optimization technique to reconstruct chromatin configurations for a number of closely related yeast datasets and assess reproducibility using four metrics that measure the distance between 3D configurations. The first of these, Procrustes fitting, measures configuration closeness after applying reflection, rotation, translation, and scaling-based alignment of the structures. The others base comparisons on the within-configuration inter-point distance matrix. Inferential results for these metrics rely on suitable permutation approaches. Results indicate that distance matrix-based approaches are preferable to Procrustes analysis, not because of the metrics per se but rather on account of the ability to customize permutation schemes to handle within-chromosome contiguity. It has recently been emphasized that the use of constrained optimization approaches to 3D architecture reconstruction are prone to being trapped in local minima. Our methods of reproducibility assessment provide a means for comparing 3D reconstruction solutions so that we can discern between local and global optima by contrasting solutions under perturbed inputs. © 2014 The Author.
Design for Six Sigma (DFSS): A Case Study

This paper provides a demonstration of how design for six sigma (DFSS) is utilized to design and engineer a new product. At the center of DFSS approach, is a five-step process, DMADV which is an acronym - define, measure, analyze, design, and verify. We find that when the product is clearly identified in the Define stage, rest of the DMADV application proceeds in sequential and rational manner. However, if we find that if the product is not clearly defined in the define stage, the rest of DMADV application proceeds in recursive and reflective manner. Over time, as DMADV approach is applied, the rate of progress dramatically decreases and the speed of product development becomes painfully slow, which was at times a very frustrating experience for the developer. We provide additional insights for implementing the DFSS approach to develop new products, which is important for both practicing managers and academicians. Most importantly, we conclude that DFSS appears to work well in new product development projects for evolutionary or derivative products, but not so well for revolutionary or breakthrough product projects.
Localization of lanthanum tracer in oral epithelium using transmission electron microscopy and the electron microprobe

Although water soluble tracers have been used to localize intercellulr permeability barriers with the transmission electron microscope, there is the possibility of translocation or loss of the tracer during processing. This study compares the localization of lanthanum tracer in keratinized oral epithelium after routine processing with lanthanum seen after using freeze drying to avoid aqueous fixation and dehydration. The electron probe was used to identify the lanthanum tracer in the tissue and to distinguish it from other electron-dense material. After incubating small biopsies of rat palate mucosa in 1% lanthanum nitrate, specimens were either routinely processed for electron microscopy or quick frozen, dehydrated, fixed in osmium vapour and infiltrated with epoxy resin. Examination in the transmission electron microscope indicated that preservation of the freeze dried tissue did not compare favourably with that of normally processed tissue, but the distribution of the electron-dense tracer in the intercellular spaces and the extent of the penetration through the epithelia was similar in the two types of preparations. Confirmation of the tracer as lanthanum was obtained by wavelength dispersive X-ray analysis with the electron probe. The results indicate that no appreciable shift in the localization of the tracer is introduced by routine aqueous fixation and dehydration for electron microscopic examination.
Restrictive cardiac disease. Pericarditis and the myocardiopathies

Abstract Restriction of the normal range of motion of the myocardium produces a consistent pattern of hemodynamic and clinical events. The features are similar, whether the limited cardiac action results from cardiac tamponade, constrictive pericarditis, or restrictive myocardiopathy. Persistent elevation of systemic venous pressure, prominent jugular x and y waves, and paradoxical arterial pulse may be present with any one of these disorders. Intracardiac pressures may be similar, with narrow pulse pressure in the right ventricle, an early diastolic dip in both ventricles, and approximately equal right atrial and pulmonary wedge pressures. On physical examination, evidence of right or left ventricular hypertrophy, atrial and/or ventricular gallop rhythm, or murmurs of relative mitral or tricuspid insufficiency support a diagnosis of myocardial disease rather than pericardial disease. A diagnosis of myocardiopathy is favored by an electrocardiographic pattern of bundle branch block, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, or left ventricular hypertrophy. Although routine roentgen studies are often of no diagnostic value, contrast studies with cardiac radioisotope scanning, intravenous CO2, or angiocardiography will usually permit distinction between pericardial and myocardial disease. In rare instances, the diagnostic problem cannot be resolved without resort to exploratory thoracotomy.
Irritant contact dermatitis in humans from phorbol and related esters.

Abstract Nine compounds, based on four biogenetically-related polycyclic diterpene skeletons, were subjected to open and closed patch testing on human volunteer subjects. The tigliane esters phorbol-12, 13, 20-triacetate, 12- O -2 Z -4 E -octadienoyl-4-deoxyphorbol-13-acetate and 12- O -tigloyl-4-deoxyphorbol-13-isobutyrate, in increasing order of potency, produced symptoms of toxicity in closed patch tests, with the dose of the most potent compound in this series being 0.5 μg in 5 μl acetone. Phorbol, a tigliane alcohol, was inactive in closed tests at a dose level of 50 μg/5 μl. The daphnane derivative, daphnetoxin, produced bullae and vesiculation in closed patch tests, but daphnetoxin-5,20-diacetate was devoid of these effects when applied at 10 times the dose of daphnetoxin. The ingenane compounds, ingenol-3,5,20-triacetate and 20-deoxy-16-hydroxyingenol-3,5,16-triacetate, and the lathyrane compound, ingol-3,7,8,12-tetraacetate, were obtained from the hydrolyzed, acetylated irritant latex of Euphorbia hermentiana . At the doses tested, ingenol-3,5,20-triacetate was the only compound derived from this plant to exhibit irritant activity in closed patch tests. In contrast, this compound is inactive as an irritant to the mouse ear at doses up to 250 μg/ear. Only three compounds, 12- O -2 Z -4 E -octadienoyl-4-deoxyphorbol-13-acetate, 12-O-tigloyl-4-deoxyphorbol-13-isobutyrate and daphnetoxin, produced dermatological toxicity in open patch tests at the doses used. Inflammatory signs and symptoms for several of the compounds under test persisted for over four days in open patch tests and for a week or more after application in closed patch testing.
Purification and properties of hepato-pancreas and green gland cytosolic glutathione S-transferases of the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii

Abstract Cytosolic fractions from hepato-pancreas and green gland of the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii contained high glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity, 5·4±0·6 and 4·2±0·2 μmol/min/mg protein, respectively as measured with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB). The GSTs have been purified to electrophoretic homogeneity from 105 000 x g supernatant of hepato-pancreas and green gland homogenates by employing Sephadex G-200, DEAE-Sephacel and chromatofocusing. Two isoenzymes were purified from hepato-pancreas; one which eluted at pH 5·2 with a specific activity of 86·8 μmol/min/mg, and one at pH 5·1 with a specific activity of 58·3 μmol/min/mg. Purification of GST from green gland resulted in two isoenzymes which eluted at pH 5·1 and 4·6 and had specific activities of 38·0 and 164 μmol/min/mg, respectively. Preliminary data suggest that all of the isoenzymes are dimers with subunit molecular weights of 22 000–23 000 Da. The purified GST were most active in the conjugation of CDNB and showed little or no activity towards other common substrates. Cytosolic activities with p -nitrophenyl acetate and p -nitrophenyl trimethylacetate were higher than could be accounted for by the activity of the purified isoenzymes. These data suggest the presence of isoenzymes in cytosol that might have gone undetected using a purification scheme which employs CDNB as the electrophilic substrate. Kinetic parameters and inhibition characteristics further distinguished between the isoenzymes.
Investigating the relationship between fingerprint image quality and skin characteristics

This paper reports the correlations between skin characteristics, such as moisture, oiliness, elasticity, and temperature of the skin, and fingerprint image quality across three sensing technologies. Fingerprint images from the index finger of the dominant hand of 190 individuals, were collected on nine different fingerprint sensors. The sensors included four capacitance sensors, four optical sensors and one thermal fingerprint sensor. Skin characteristics included temperature, moisture, oiliness and elasticity, were measured prior to the initial interaction with each of the individual sensors. The analysis of the full dataset indicated that the sensing technology and interaction type (swipe or touch) were moderately and weakly correlated respectively with image quality scores. Correlation analysis between image quality scores and the skin characteristics were also made on subsets of data, divided by the sensing technology. The results did not identify any significant correlations. This indicates that further work is necessary to determine the type of relationship between the variables, and how they impact image quality and matching performance.
The genetics of hybrid male sterility between the allopatric species pair Drosophila persimilis and D. pseudoobscura bogotana: dominant sterility alleles in collinear autosomal regions.

F1 hybrid male sterility is thought to result from interactions between loci on the X chromosome and dominant-acting loci on the autosomes. While X-linked loci that contribute to hybrid male sterility have been precisely localized in many animal taxa, their dominant autosomal interactors have been more difficult to localize precisely and/or have been shown to be of relatively smaller effect. Here, we identified and mapped at least four dominant autosomal factors contributing to hybrid male sterility in the allopatric species pair Drosophila persimilis and D. pseudoobscura bogotana. Using these results, we tested predictions of reduced recombination models of speciation. Consistent with these models, three of the four QTL associated with hybrid male sterility occur in collinear (uninverted) regions of these genomes. Furthermore, these QTL do not contribute significantly to hybrid male sterility in crosses between the sympatric species D. persimilis and D. pseudoobscura pseudoobscura. The autosomal loci identified in this study provide the basis for introgression mapping and, ultimately, for molecular cloning of interacting genes that contribute to F1 hybrid sterility.
Do DNA sequence variants in ABCA1 contribute to HDL cholesterol levels in the general population

HDL has a key role in reverse cholesterol transport, mobilizing cholesterol from the peripheral tissues to liver. In this process, the ABC transporter A1 (ABCA1) protein controls the efflux of intracellular cholesterol to apoAI, the major apolipoprotein of HDL. Since ABCA1 mutations were discovered to cause Tangier disease, a rare recessive HDL deficiency, it has been speculated that sequence variants in ABCA1 might also contribute to variations in plasma HDL cholesterol levels in the general population. A new study provides genetic evidence supporting this hypothesis.
Cell Type-Specific Phosphorylation and Proteolysis of a Transcriptional Regulator Controls the G1-to-S Transition in a Bacterial Cell Cycle

The global transcriptional regulator CtrA controls multiple events in the Caulobacter cell cycle, including the initiation of DNA replication, DNA methylation, cell division, and flagellar biogenesis. CtrA is a member of the response regulator family of two component signal transduction systems and is activated by phosphorylation. We report here that this phosphorylation signal enters the cell cycle at mid S phase. In addition, CtrA function is modulated by temporally and spatially controlled proteolysis. When an active CtrA protein is present at the wrong time in the cell cycle, owing to expression of a mutant CtrA derivative that is active in the absence of phosphorylation and is not turned over during the cell cycle, the G1-to-S transition is blocked and the cell cycle aborts. Thus, both phosphorylation and proteolysis are critical determinants of bacterial cell cycle control in a manner that is analogous to the control of the eukaryotic cell cycle.