cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Noninvasive imaging of the biliary ducts.

The noninvasive imaging techniques of conventional ultrasound and CT scanning and the new methods of MRCP and CT cholangiography have advanced rapidly during the past decade in terms of availability, speed, and accuracy. In the vast majority of patients, the presence of common duct dilatation and the presence or absence of obstructing common bile duct stones can be determined by these noninvasive imaging methods (Fig. 1). When these techniques are available, the need for invasive diagnostic endoscopy should be minimized. Endoscopic techniques with their inherent cost and risk should increasingly be reserved only to guide therapeutic maneuvers.”
Single stream inertial focusing in a straight microchannel.

In the past two decades, microfluidics has become of great value in precisely aligning cells or microparticles within fluids. Microfluidic techniques use either external forces or sheath flow to focus particulate samples, and face the challenges of complex instrumentation design and limited throughput. The burgeoning field of inertial microfluidics brings single-position focusing functionality at throughput orders of magnitude higher than previously available. However, most inertial microfluidic focusers rely on cross-sectional flow-induced drag force to achieve single-position focusing, which inevitably complicates the device design and operation. In this work, we present an inertial microfluidic focuser that uses inertial lift force as the only driving force to focus microparticles into a single position. We demonstrate single-position focusing of different sized microbeads and cells with 95–100% efficiency, without the need for secondary flow, sheath flow or external forces. We further integrate this device with a laser counting system to form a sheathless flow cytometer, and demonstrated counting of microbeads with 2200 beads s−1 throughput and 7% coefficient of variation. Cells can be completely recovered and remain viable after passing our integrated cytometry system. Our approach offers a number of benefits, including simplicity in fundamental principle and geometry, convenience in design, modification and integration, flexibility in focusing of different samples, high compatibility with real-world cellular samples as well as high-precision and high-throughput single-position focusing.
Design and Test of a 73-MW Water Cooled Gas Turbine

This paper presents a preliminary design of a water-cooled gas turbine capable of operating on coal derived fuels and producing 73 MW when burning low Btu coal gas. Particular emphasis is placed on the critical technology issues of combustion and heat transfer at 2600 deg firing temperature. The recent technology developments; i.e., materials developments, composite construction, water cooling, fuels cleanup, etc., which now make this advanced concept possible are discussed. Detailed descriptions of the hot gas path components, the staged sectoral combustor, the water cooled nozzles and buckets, are described showing the implementation of these recent developments. The component development test program which is underway, is described and where testing results are available, design confirmation is demonstrated. Future plans for the construction of a full scale prototype machine and for design verification testing are presented. An analytical evaluation is included which demonstrates the advantages of the water-cooled gas turbine in an integrated gasification combined cycle.Copyright © 1980 by ASME
In vitro synthesis of tissue-specific type ii collagen by healing cartilage

The healing of surgically induced defects in mature rabbits' hyaline cartilage was examined histologically and biochemically. The subchondral bone underneath the lesion was the source of repair. At the end of the first month, mushroom-shaped chondroid buds were seen sprouting from the subchondral bone. By the tenth week, these buds fused to a cartilagenous plug filling the lesion. The repaired cartilage synthesized Type II collagen.
Ovotesticular disorder of sexual development (true hermaphroditism).

Objectives To determine the mechanism for the 46,XX/46,XY karyotype observed in a patient with an ovotesticular disorder of sexual development (ie, true hermaphroditism). Methods Cytogenetic, molecular cytogenetic, and molecular DNA analyses were performed on the blood, skin, and left and right gonadal tissue from 2 surgical procedures. The results of these studies were used to determine whether the ovotesticular disorder of sexual development resulted from mosaicism or tetragametic chimerism. Results Cytogenetic and molecular analyses revealed a mixture of 46,XX and 46,XY cells in most tissues. DNA analysis from the gonadal tissues from surgeries 1 and 2 was performed. Highly polymorphic loci from 12 different chromosomes were examined for the presence of ≥1 paternal or maternal alleles. Three loci were highly informative: D14S544 (14q32.2), DS14S583 (14q21.3), and SE33 (6q14). Each demonstrated the presence of 2 paternal and 2 maternal alleles, indicating that the ovotesticular disorder of sexual development resulted from tetragametic chimerism. Conclusions Based on the findings of the cytogenetic, molecular cytogenetic, and DNA analyses of the polymorphic markers from several different loci, it was confirmed that the patient had tetragametic chimerism. This case has assisted in increasing our knowledge of the possible mechanisms causing this rare and complex disorder.
Detection of partial anomalous right pulmonary venous return with an intact atrial septum by transesophageal echocardiography

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage with intact atrial septum is a rare congenital anomaly. We report a case of a 63-year-old woman who recently had dyspnea on minimal exertion and was found to have pulmonary hypertension, right atrial enlargement, and right ventricular enlargement by two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography. Transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated anomalous venous drain-age of the right lung into the superior vena cava with an intact interatrial septum. This diagnosis was confirmed by angiography and the patient underwent successful repair. This case illustrates the importance of locating all four pulmonary veins in patients with pulmonary hypertension or suspected intracardiac shunt in addition to scanning the atrial septum.
Changes in Women’s Condom Use over the First Year of College

Most college students are sexually active, engage in serially monogamous relationships, and use condoms inconsistently. Little is known about how condom use changes during college, and even less about variables predicting changes in use. Latent growth modeling (LGM) was used to examine changes in condom use during the first year of college among 279 women (mean age = 18.0; 74% White), who provided monthly reports on condom use frequency. At study entry, participants also reported on theoretically suggested risk and protective factors. Predictors of changes in use were examined after controlling for use of alternative contraception and partner type. LGM showed that women decreased their condom use during the first year of college. Levels of condom use were initially lower among women with strong alcohol–sexual risk expectancies, women with more previous sexual partners, women who did not smoke marijuana, and African American women. Decreases in condom use were greater among women with lower grade point ave...
Bubble migration in UO2—A study using a laser image furnace

Abstract The migration rate of bubbles in UO2 has been studied. Migration was induced by a temperature gradient caused by a laser beam focused on one surface of the UO2 sample. Temperatures within the specimen were computed from knowledge of the boundary conditions for heat flow and the temperature-dependent physical properties of the material. (The hot surface temperature was calculated from the rate of evaporation of the material, and the cold surface temperature was measured by a thermocouple.) The migration velocities were determined from the length of columnar grains lying behind lenticular bubbles. We found that bubble migration velocities were much slower than forecast by a diffusion-controlled migration mechanism. In the case of one bubble, we estimated that of a total driving force of 8.6 deg C, about 5.8 deg C was used to develop new ledges on the condensing surface, and only about 0.2 deg C was used to promote diffusion of UO2 molecules across the bubble. From this study we conclude that bubble migration in nuclear fuels is likely to be variable, and especially sensitive to impurities which might affect the processes involved in migration (particularly surface active materials, which grossly affect layer nucleation). Consequently, the response of the fuel to bubble migration under irradiation (swelling and gas release) is in principle subject to control.
The carboxyterminal processing protease of D1 protein: expression, purification and enzymology of the recombinant and native spinach proteins.

The carboxyterminal processing protease of D1 protein (CtpA) is predicted to be an excellent target for a general broad-spectrum herbicide. The gene for spinach CtpA has been expressed in Escherichia coli. The expressed protein that was found mainly in inclusion bodies has been purified and refolded on a nickel-chelate column. Active recombinant CtpA was recovered. Two assays for CtpA activity were developed, a medium-throughput HPLC assay using a fluorescent substrate and a high-throughput assay based on fluorescence polarization capable of application in a high-throughput 96-well plate format. This high-throughput assay was developed to screen chemistry for CtpA inhibitors. Native spinach CtpA was partially purified and the native and recombinant enzymes were compared kinetically for their Km and Vmax values using different peptide substrates. Native CtpA partially purified from spinach was shown to have similar kinetic properties to recombinant CtpA. Antibodies developed against the recombinant protein were used to estimate the in planta abundance of the native enzyme in spinach. Since only a small proportion of the recombinant protein is refolded during isolation and it appears that only a small proportion of this enzyme is active, size-exclusion chromatography and light scattering experiments were performed on rCtpA in order to gain insight into its structure and the reasons why most of the protein is not active. The use of rCtpA to screen for herbicidal compounds and the more general question of how good a herbicide target the enzyme is are discussed. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Teaching Computer and Policy Analysis Skills in a Case Study Course

The ability to assess the impacts of alter native policy formulations in a timely man ner is an essential skill for a policy analyst The time available for analysis is often severely constrained Low priced com puters with existing software which is inexpensive and easy to use can dramat ically increase the ability of a policy analyst to evaluate very large numbers of alternatives
A GENERALIZATION OF PRÜFER'S ASCENT RESULT TO NORMAL PAIRS OF COMPLEMENTED RINGS

Let R ⊆ T be a (unital) extension of (commutative) rings, such that the total quotient ring of R is a von Neumann regular ring and T is torsion-free as an R-module. Let T ⊆ B be a ring extension such that B is a reduced ring that is torsion-free as a T-module. Let R* (respectively, A) be the integral closure of R in T (respectively, in B). Then (R*, T) is a normal pair (i.e. S is integrally closed in T for each ring S such that R* ⊆ S ⊆ T) if and only if (A, AT) is a normal pair. This generalizes results of Prufer and Heinzer on Prufer domains to normal pairs of complemented rings.
Elevated second-trimester maternal serum hCG alone or in combination with elevated alpha-fetoprotein.

Objective To evaluate the clinical significance of a secondtrimester elevated maternal serum hCG in women carrying singleton, chromosomally normal fetuses. Methods The results of second-trimester maternal serum screening (alpha-fetoprotein IMSAFP), hCG, and unconjugated estriol) for 25,438 women were reviewed, and those with hCG values exceeding 3.0 multiples of the median (MoM) were identified. A control population was selected only on the basis of samples accessioned by the laboratory at the same time as the study group. Follow-up information was collected from physicians' offices for both groups. Incidence of fetal or neonatal loss (spontaneous abortion, fetal death, and neonatal death combined), preterm birth (before 37 weeks' gestation), small for gestational age, and preeclampsia were compared. Results Three hundred twenty-two women (1.3%) had hCG levels exceeding 3.0 MoM. In addition to chromosomal abnormalities and fetal death at the time of testing, this group showed a significantly higher incidence of fetal or neonatal death, preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia than did controls. For patients with elevated second-trimester hCG, many of the preterm deliveries occurred before 34 weeks' gestation. Logistic regression analysis indicated that hCG, MSAFP, and race were significant independent factors in predicting risk for adverse outcome. Conclusions Similar to elevated AFP, elevated hCG is associated with poor pregnancy outcome. By combining the results of the two tests, it may be possible to improve substantially the identification of patients at very high risk for adverse outcomes.
A cognitively normal PDH‐deficient 18‐year‐old man carrying the R263G mutation in the PDHA1 gene

Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) is a crucial multienzyme system linking glycolysis to the tricarboxylic acid cycle by catalysing the decarboxylation of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA. Deficiency in pyruvate dehydrogenase is most commonly secondary to mutations in the X-linked PDHA1 gene encoding the E1 alpha subunit. There is a wide range of clinical presentations from severe neonatal lactic acidosis to chronic encephalopathy (Leigh syndrome). In recent years, a small subset of patients was recognized with less severe involvement, presenting initially only with intermittent symptoms, mainly of ataxia. Most of these patients remain stable for a number of years before developing progressive neurological deterioration around puberty at the latest. There does not appear to be a reliable correlation between genotype, phenotype, or enzyme activity. This makes counselling in a clinical setting challenging. We report a case with a previously known common mutation in PDHA1 (R263G) with an excellent outcome at 18 years of age. Previous patients with this mutation have presented with mental retardation and/or Leigh syndrome, while our patient’s clinical outcome is exceptional. He is cognitively normal and has normal brain MRI. His management includes a stringent carbohydrate-free diet, as well as supplementation with thiamine, carnitine and vitamin E. This case further broadens the clinical spectrum, including now an example of a cognitively normal adult with PDH deficiency.
Solvent Dynamics and Mechanism of Proton Transfer in Human Carbonic Anhydrase II

In this paper we describe the first all-atom aqueous-phase MD simulations of human carbonic anhydrase II in three protonation states relevant to the rate-limiting intramolecular proton-transfer step. In particular, we have examined the zinc−water form of the enzyme (CHOH), the zinc−hydroxide form of the enzyme with a doubly protonated His-64 (COHH, the putative intramolecular proton-transfer proton-accepting residue), and the native zinc−hydroxide form (COH) of the enzyme (i.e., with an unprotonated His-64). From these MD simulations (up to ∼1 ns in length) we have studied in detail the dynamics of these three systems. Overall the dynamics of the three systems do not vary significantly (e.g., the active site region is rigid, the number of long-lived hydrogen bonds is constant, etc.) with the exception of COHH. In this case the residues that line the entrance to the active site cavity (near the location of His-64) undergo significantly higher fluctuations than in the CHOH and COH cases. It is postulated th...
Failure to Mentalize Self and Masochistic Functioning

Mentalization includes the ability to apprehend and reflect upon one's subjective state, as well as an appreciation of one's agency (Fonagy & Target, 2006). Masochism is a character pattern that is traditionally defined as pleasure in pain or suffering (Million, 1996). In some cases the etiology of this character pattern may mirror failures on the part of the caregiving surround that contribute to deficits in the ability to mentalize self (Fonagy, Gergely, & Target, 2007; Benjamin, 1988). When this occurs masochism may be more profitably understood as an inability to register pain, rather than pleasure in pain. A case example demonstrates that when a deficit in mentalization underlies masochistic functioning, treatment may include interventions aimed at helping the patient improve the ability to reflect upon his or her mental state, especially negative affect such as pain and anger, and connect to a sense of agency.
Need fulfillment and stay–leave behavior On the diagnosticity of personal and relational needs

Need fulfillment has been found to be associated with numerous positive relationship outcomes, but its impact on stay–leave behavior is less clear. In the current study, we considered whether the fulfillment of different needs might differentially affect stay–leave behavior. We distinguished between needs that are personal in nature and those that are relational in nature. Central to our theoretical analysis is the interdependence-based contention that the fulfillment of different kinds of needs provides diagnostic information regarding a partner’s motives and intentions regarding a relationship. Using two-wave longitudinal data obtained from romantically involved participants, we tested the relative fit of two alternative models that specified the associations between the fulfillment of different kinds of needs, commitment, and stay–leave behavior. Consistent with an interdependence approach, we found that the influence of the fulfillment of personal needs on stay–leave behavior was mediated by commitmen...
Rapid post-polishing of diamond-turned optics

Abstract A simple technique for post-polishing single-point, diamond-turned optics is described. Synthetic fabric-faced laps are used. Surface finish converges to a limiting value set by process parameters. Lap construction and diamond grit size affects both convergence rate and ultimate finish.
DNA immobilization onto electrochemically functionalized Si(100) surfaces.

Abstract N-type Si(1 0 0) surfaces were modified by reduction of 4-nitrobenzenediazonium through cyclic voltammetry. Contact mode AFM was employed to produce holes in the deposited layers and cross-sectional profiles were obtained to determine their thicknesses. Layer thickness was found to increase with the number of cyclic potential scans in both aqueous and non-aqueous media. In acetonitrile, the single scan thickness was determined to be approximately 15 nm, whereas for three scans the layer thickness was found to be approximately 35 nm. These thicknesses were also measured and confirmed by ellipsometry. Both thicknesses are indicative of multilayer formation on the silicon surface. Layers formed in acetonitrile were more uniform and of better quality (without holes), compared to those prepared in water. This type of functionalized surface, after further cyclic voltammetric reduction of the nitro groups and treatment with glutaraldehyde, was then used to immobilize single strand DNA-C 6 H 12 NH 2 probe sequences for hybridization with complementary DNA sequences. Fluorescein-labeled probe and target oligonucleotide sequences were used to validate the immobilization of the probe layer and hybridization with the complementary sequence. No binding was observed when using a non-complementary sequence as probe.
“Le plus beau récit de notre temps”: Bataille's Ethics of the Literary and the Erotic

Contrary to a prevalent caricature of his work as misogynistic, femininity can be found in Georges Bataille's work as difference that interrupts the self-presence of the subject. His approach to “virility” reveals an understanding of desire that unsettles rather than reinforces masculinity. Attending to Maurice Blanchot's surprising description of Madame Edwarda as “le plus beau recit de notre temps,” Bataille's story can be read as exceeding its inspiration in the thought of G. W. F. Hegel and Martin Heidegger, opening the possibility of an attention to the literary and to femininity that is necessary to his account of alterity. This awareness of the specificity of literary expression suggests a reformulation of the ethical; the literary formally implies ethics rather than merely illustrating specific dilemmas. An extended comparison with Pierre Klossowski's reading of the Marquis de Sade reveals a divergence in the writing of the feminine body that allows an ethicized eroticism, eliminating the alibi of...
PIAS adds methyl-bias to HSC-differentiation

Epigenetic modifications of stem cell genome including DNA methylation and histone modifications are critical for the regulation of stem cell gene expression and maintenance of stem cell pool and their differentiation. Although the importance of epigenetic modifications specifically DNA methylation to adult hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) has been established, the identity of specific modulators and precise mechanism of integration of methylation events remain to be uncovered. In this issue, Shuai and colleagues identify the SUMO E3 ligase PIAS1 (protein inhibitor of activated STAT1) as a key regulator of DNA methylation of HSC required for their maintenance and lineage commitment (Liu et al, 2014).
An Electron Microscope Study of the Contractile Vacuole in Tokophrya infusionum

Contractile vacuoles are organelles that collect fluid from the cytoplasm and expel it to the outside. After each discharge (systole), they appear again and expand (diastole). They are widely distributed among Protozoa, and have been found also in some fresh water algae, sponges, and recently in some blood cells of the frog, guinea pig, and man. In spite of the extensive work on the contractile vacuole, very little is known concerning its mode of operation. An electron microscope study of a suctorian Tokophrya infusionum provided an opportunity to study thin sections of contractile vacuoles, and in these some structures were found which could be part of a mechanism for the systolic and diastolic motions the organelle displays. In Tokophrya, as in Suctoria and Ciliata in general, the contractile vacuole has a permanent canal connecting it with the outside. The canal appears to have a very elaborate structure and is composed of three parts: (1) a pore; (2) a channel; and (3) a narrow tubule located in a papilla protruding into the cavity of the contractile vacuole. Whereas the pore and channel have fixed dimensions and are permanently widely open, the tubule has a changeable diameter. At diastole it is so narrow (about 25 to 30 mµ in diameter) that it could be regarded as closed, while at systole it is widely open. It is assumed that the change in diameter is due to the contraction of numerous fine fibrils (about 180 A thick) which are radially disposed around the canal in form of a truncated cone, with its tip at the channel, and its base at the vacuolar membrane. It seems most probable that the broadening of the tubule results in discharge of the content of the contractile vacuole. In the vicinity of the very thin limiting vacuolar membrane, small vesicles and canaliculi of the endoplasmic reticulum, very small dense particles, and mitochondria may be found. In addition, rows of closely packed vesicles are present in this region, and in other parts of the cytoplasm. It is suggested that they might represent dictyosome-like bodies, responsible for withdrawing fluids from the cytoplasm and then conveying them to the contractile vacuole, contributing to its expansion at diastole.
Design of Turbomachinery Blading in Transonic Flows by the Circulation Method

The newly developed three-dimensional design technique for turbomachinery blading based on the circulation method has been successfully extended into the transonic flow regime. The main task involves replacing the classical Fourier series expansion technique by a finite-volume method. Calculations were carried out for the design of infinitely thin cascaded blades in transonic flows, including shocked and shock-free cascaded blades.
Salient findings: Summaries of key findings in the research literature

(2001). Salient findings: Summaries of key findings in the research literature. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis: Vol. 49, No. 4, pp. 364-370.
Identification of the nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in subcellular fractions of mouse brain.

Binding of radioactive cholinergic ligands was assayed by equilibrium dialysis to mitochondrial and synaptosomal preparations from mouse brain. Whereas 3H-atropine bound to two sites. 3H-nicotine. 3H-pilocarpine and 3H-acetylcholine (ACh) (after inhibition of cholinesterases in the tissue preparation with pyridostigmine) bound reversibly to single sites with high affinities (7·2, 8·1 and 23 nm. respectively). The 3H-nicotine binding sites (3·1 pmol/g brain) were inhibited by nicotinic but not muscarinic drugs, and the reverse effect was on the 3H-pilocarpine binding sites (3·7 pmol/g brain). The 3H-ACh binding sites were inhibited by both nicotinic and muscarinic drugs and α-bungarotoxin. and equalled approximately the total concentration of the nicotinic and muscarinic sites. It is suggested that the ACh binding sites are on the ACh receptor (AChR), which is found at concentrations similar to acetylcholinesterase in the mouse brain. These AChR sites are divided almost equally between muscarinic and nicotinic types. The data also suggest that most of the binding sites for 3H-atropine or 125I-α-bungarotoxin in the mouse brain are not on AChR.
Somatic hypermutation of TCR γ V genes in the sandbar shark.

Abstract In a recent publication we demonstrated that somatic hypermutation occurs in the V region of the TCR γ gene of the sandbar shark ( Carcharhinus plumbeus ). We hypothesize that similar mechanisms are used to generate somatic mutations in both immunoglobulin and TCR γ genes of the sharks. Two distinct patterns of mutation occur, single nucleotide mutations (point mutations) and mutations comprising 2–5 consecutive bases (tandem mutations). Our data indicates that point mutations occur by a mechanism similar to that of somatic hypermutation in immunoglobulin genes of mammals, whereas tandem mutations may be generated by an error-prone DNA polymerase with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-like activity. Shark hotspot motifs identical to those of higher vertebrates were identified. We confirm that, as in immunoglobulin of sharks and higher vertebrates, highly significant targeting of AID activity to the classical D G YW/WR C H motif occurs in somatic hypermutation of sandbar shark TCR γ V genes. Our analysis suggests that the purpose of somatic mutations in shark TCR γ V-regions is to generate a more diverse repertoire in γ/δ receptors, rather than receptors with higher affinity.
Mappings of Acyclic and Parking Functions.

The two functions in question are mappings: [n]→[n], with [n] = {1, 2,⋯,n}. The acyclic function may be represented by forests of labeled rooted trees, or by free trees withn + 1 points; the parking functions are associated with the simplest ballot problem. The total number of each is (n + 1) n-1. The first of two mappings given is based on a simple mapping, due to H. O. Pollak, of parking functions on tree codes. In the second, each kind of function is mapped on permutations, arising naturally from characterizations of the functions. Several enumerations are given to indicate uses of the mappings.
The predissociation of Li2 b3Πu by a3Σ+u

Abstract 6 Li 2 1 3 Δ g (F 1 ) → b 3 Π u (F 1 v = 0–11) rotationally resolved fluorescence spectra are recorded following perturbation-facilitated optical—optical double resonance excitation of 1 3 Δ g via spin—orbit mixed A 1 Σ + u ∼ b 3 Π u (F 1 e) intermediate levels. The f-symmetry Λ-components of b 3 Π u (F 1 ) are broadened above the 0.05 cm −1 detection threshold owing to predissociation by the vibrational continuum of the a 3 Σ + u state. The observed v = 0–11, N = 31f level widths were used to determine the potential energy curve for the Li 2 a 3 Σ + u state in the region 2.35 R E −1 (relative to E = 0 at the minimum of X 1 Σ + g ). The a 3 Σ + u ∼ b 3 Π u curve crossing is at R = 2.57 A and E = 11246 cm −1 and the electronic part of the − B N·L L -uncoupling matrix element is 〈b Π¦ L + ¦aΣ〉 = 1.216 H at an R -centroid Rv b ϵ a = 2.61A.
Process Variation-Aware Multiple-Fault Diagnosis of Thermometer-Coded Current-Steering DACs

In this brief, we first introduce a process-variation-aware test-point generation method. With this method, faults are not obscured by process variations and we are able to generate new test points by measuring a very limited number of current values on-chip and estimating values of the remaining currents. We furthermore introduce a multiple-fault diagnosis procedure where we use the process-variation aware test-point generation method. The proposed methods can also be used for structural test. For the application, we have used a thermometer coded current steering digital to analog converter, as they are widely used due to their suitability for high speed applications and the symmetric design is suitable for the application of our method. We introduce a design-for-test hardware for the diagnosis cost reduction, while implementing our methods. Experimental results show that parametric errors as small as 20% can be diagnosed with up to 97.8% accuracy
The human ATR-mediated DNA damage checkpoint in a reconstituted system

DNA damage checkpoints are signal transduction pathways that coordinate the cell cycle with other cellular responses to DNA damage in order to maintain genomic integrity. The ATR kinase is responsible for initiating the DNA damage checkpoint in response to UV-damaged DNA and incompletely replicated DNA. We have recently established an in vitro system that recapitulates most but not all features of the human ATR-mediated DNA damage checkpoint response. With this system we have shown that damaged DNA can be a direct signal for ATR activation, and that TopBP1 specifically stimulates ATR in the presence of damaged DNA under physiological ionic strength conditions. This system provides a powerful tool to gain insight into the molecular mechanism of the ATR pathway. Here we describe preparation of the checkpoint components and our specific kinase assay in more detail.
Analysis of a diallel cross to estimate effects of crossing on performance of red swamp crawfish, Procambarus clarkii

Abstract A complete diallel cross among three populations of red swamp crawfish, Procambarus clarkii , was used to estimate genetic effects for body size traits and dressout percentage. Offspring were grown in 2.4-meter diameter fiberglass pools with rice as forage. Crawfish were harvested after 150 days, sorted by sex and male maturity stage, and measured for dressout percentage and nine body size traits. Estimates of heterosis, line, maternal, reciprocal effects and general combining ability for traits were obtained by forming contrasts among appropriate least squares means. Estimates were made for all animals combined and for mature males, immature males, and females separately. Significant ( P P
Clearing the cervical spine in obtunded patients.

Study design Retrospective cohort study. Objective To determine the frequency of injuries missed by initial computed tomography (CT) of the cervical spine in obtunded blunt trauma victims. Summary of background data Optimal method for excluding cervical spine injury in obtunded trauma patients remains controversial. Trauma centers show marked variation in spine clearance protocols. Methods We reviewed medical records of consecutive obtunded blunt trauma victims admitted over 2 years to a level 1 trauma center and selected patients who had CT imaging of the cervical spine during their initial emergency room evaluation. We excluded patients in whom this study identified an injury and also patients who became examinable before subsequent imaging with upright cervical spine radiographs, as required by institutional protocol. Using composite reference standard of cervical injury diagnosed by subsequent imaging or clinical examinations by the time of discharge from the hospital, we evaluated the frequency and type of injuries missed by the initial CT and the delay in spine clearance due to additional imaging. Results Of 590 screened patients, 367 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study cohort had mean age 40.2 years (SD 20.8), 75.5% males, mean Glasgow Coma Scale score 5.9 (SD 3.4), and mean Injury Severity Scale score 24.5 (SD 10). Initial CT imaging failed to identify an injury in 1 patient, for a false negative rate of 0.3% (1/367): a cervical cord contusion identified on subsequent physical examination, confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging, and managed nonoperatively. Upright cervical spine radiographs did not identify any injuries missed by CT, but they delayed spine clearance by a mean of 2.6 days and by more than 48 hours in 42% of the patients. Conclusion Initial CT imaging identified all unstable cervical spine injuries in obtunded trauma patients. Subsequent upright radiographs did not identify any additional injuries but significantly delayed spine clearance.
Arsenic Incorporation Behavior in Nitrogen-rich GaNAs Alloys Synthesized by Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD)

Homogeneous GaNAs alloy films containing 3 to 4 percent of arsenic anion fraction were synthesized by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Post-growth annealing resulted in the formation of GaAs precipitates of several nanometers in size embedded in the nitrogen-rich GaN(As) matrix, while as-grown ternary films exhibited no evidence of phase segregation. Band gap reduction due to alloying was observed by the optical transmission measurements, leading to an estimate for the bowing parameter of 25 eV in the films with the arsenic content of 3.5%.
Quantification of Amphetamine-Induced Changes in [11C]Raclopride Binding with Continuous Infusion

Positron emission tomography and single-photon emission computer tomography receptor-binding ligands can be used to measure changes in neurotransmitter levels. In particular, amphetamine-induced dopamine release has been assessed with [11C]raclopride by paired bolus injections and with [123I]iodobenzamide by using a single bolus plus infusion (B/I) study. Here, we measured the change in [11C]raclopride-specific binding in rhesus monkeys after i.v. administration of 0.4 mg/kg amphetamine by using both the bolus and B/I paradigms. Paired bolus studies (control and postamphetamine) were analyzed using compartment modeling and graphical analysis with a new plasma metabolite model to measure the total distribution volume (VT). Specific binding, calculated with three measures linearly proportional to the binding potential, demonstrated a 22-42% reduction in the postamphetamine study. VT values from B/I studies were determined by the tissue-to-plasma ratio at equilibrium, in addition to the bolus methods. There was good agreement between the control VT values between bolus and B/I studies. The amphetamine-induced change in specific binding in B/I studies was 19 +/- 16%, measured directly from tissue radioactivity levels. This study demonstrates that stimulus-induced changes in specific binding can be measured with a single [11C]raclopride study using the B/I method.
O quê sabemos sobre democratização depois de vinte anos

This essay synthesizes the results of the large number of studies of late 20th-century democratization published during the last 20 years. Strong evidence supports the claims that democracy is more likely in more developed countries and that regime transitions of all kinds are more likely during economic downturns. Very few of the other arguments advanced in the transitions literature, however, appear to be generally true. This study proposes a theoretical model, rooted in characteristics of different types of authoritarian regimes, to explain many of the differences in democratization experience across cases in different regions. Evidence drawn from a data set that includes 163 authoritarian regimes offers preliminary support for the model proposed.
Role of the meniscus in the etiology of post-traumatic temporomandibular joint ankylosis

From an analysis of the factors that could contribute to the development of post-traumatic TMJ ankylosis, it is evident that a number of different conditions are probably operant. Based on clinical and experimental findings, however, it is suggested that of primary importance is the location of the meniscus in relation to the fracture site. It is proposed that the meniscus normally serves as a barrier to prevent fusion of the distal fragment with the glenoid fossa, and that ankylosis generally occurs if this relationship is not maintained. Based on this concept, possible modifications in the management of fractures of the condyloid process are suggested.
Exploring the general-purpose visual alternative

Although it is now universally accepted that graphics should be an integral part of the human-computer interface, the proper role for graphics in programming, if any, remains controversial. Some impressive visual programming systems have been developed for novices, and for specific application domains. But visual environments that support larger-scale general-purpose programming, in the sense of main-line textual languages such as Pascal or C, are not yet available. In this paper, we report on two experiments involving the design and implementation of general-purpose visual programming environments: SunPict and C^2. In each case, we explain the motivation for the project, provide an overview of system capabilities, and discuss and evaluate system advantages and drawbacks. We then draw conclusions, based on our experiences, as to where future efforts in this field should probably be directed.
Focus on pancreas cancer

Cancer research focused on deciphering the human genome sequence is dissecting the pathobiology of pancreatic cancer and is leading to new targets for diagnosis, prevention, and therapy. This new era raises new challenges for translating these new discoveries. New animal models are required for understanding the biologic significance of identified genetic pathways, for rapidly evaluating potential new therapies, and for revealing potential synergistic interactions among interventions that target multiple biologic pathways. In addition, innovative clinical trial designs are required that incorporate new endpoints for evaluating these new therapeutic interventions that are cancer specific. To this end, noninvasive methods for repetitive sampling of tissues from treated patients and for imaging biologic responses are also essential.
Self-Efficacy and the Addictive Behaviors

Self-efficacy evaluations have been studied rather extensively in smoking cessation, but only initially for alcohol and eating disorders. Results of current studies indicate that self-efficacy is a valuable and useful construct for exploring successful change in addictive behaviors. This is especially true for the prediction of relapse and maintenance. Self-efficacy evaluations not only predict successful abstinence, but are also related to coping activities during maintenance. Research in the area of the addictive behaviors, on the other hand, has supported several critical theoretical assumptions of the self-efficacy construct. Perceived self-efficacy is a unique and complex self-evaluation related to performance and the process of change. However, issues regarding adequacy of measurement, clarity of target behaviors, and the development or erosion of self-efficacy expectations remain largely unanswered.
The Diversity Ideology in the Business World: A New Oppression for a New Age:

Diversity has become a common term in the business world. But, what exactly does it mean to be diverse? In this article, I examine the notion of diversity in the business world and explore how, in ...
Surgical trends in pulmonary tuberculosis.

DISCUSSION AND SUMMARY Like others, we have practically abandoned the use of artificial pneumothorax, phrenemphraxis and primary thoracoplasty in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis. Most of the patients on our service who do not manifest adequate resolution of their disease under medical management, become candidates for pulmonary resection, unilateral or bilateral. Pulmonary resection is preferred to collapse therapy because: 1) It is considered to offer a more definitive and permanent means of control. 2) It is generally more conserving of respiratory function. 3) It avoids the late complications of artificial pneumothorax and extrapleural plombage. 4) It generally results in immediate sputum conversion. 5) Patients, usually, have a much shorter period of morbidity and can be rehabilitated earlier. 6) It permits a more rapid hospital turnover, reducing the bed shortage and permitting definitive treatment of a much larger number of patients during a specific period of time. 7) We believe that its wider use will materially reduce the number of readmissions due to reactivation and spread of disease. 8) Concomitantly there should be public health benefits if infectiousness is more readily and promptly controlled. 9) By reducing the length of therapy required for treating the individual patient the economic savings, to the patient and the State, should become of great magnitude. I admit that we may be using resection therapy too widely. We may learn that the antimicrobial medications now available, and new ones which will doubtless be discovered, can obviate the need for much of the surgery which we now perform. I have tried to review the trends which the surgical treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis has shown in our hands and certainly in those of many others. We must, however, continually re-evaluate our position. I have not attempted to offer statistics concerning the results of treatment, feeling that they would not have much value, as yet, from the standpoints of numbers and of time. In another 10 years we may look back on this heyday of resection as we do now on that of pneumothorax therapy. For while time is said to heal all wounds, it must also wound all those who would continue to heal by the convictions of yesterday.
Complementary actions of VEGF and angiopoietins on blood vessel permeability and growth in mice

The families of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and angiopoietins regulate blood vessel growth, maturation and function via distinct endothelial-cell specific tyrosine kinase receptors. We have gained some insight into the actions of these growth factors by comparing 2 systems in which VEGF or angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) was overexpressed in mice. In one set of studies we compared the blood vessels in the skin of transgenic mice in which VEGF, angiopoietin-1, or both factors, were expressed locally under the keratin-14 (K14) promoter. Mice overexpressing VEGF (K14-VEGF) had numerous tortuous capillary-sized skin vessels which were leaky to the plasma tracer Evans blue under baseline conditions and became even leakier in response to inflammatory stimuli such as topical mustard oil. The dermis of K14-VEGF mice was increased in thickness and contained numerous infiltrating leukocytes. In contrast mice overexpressing angiopoietin-1 had increased size of vessels in the skin without a significant increase in vessel number. Furthermore the skin vessels in K14-Ang1 mice were less leaky than those of wild-type mice in response to inflammatory stimuli and did not leak under baseline conditions. The dermal thickness was normal and there were normal dermal leukocytes. In double transgenic mice overexpressing both factors, both the size and number of skin vessels were increased, however, the vessels were not abnormally leaky under baseline or inflammatory conditions and the dermis was relatively normal. In a second set of studies we compared the effects of systemically delivered VEGF or angiopoietin-1 using an adenoviral-mediated system to produce the factors in vivo. Intravenous injection of adenovirus encoding VEGF (Ad-VEGF) into mice resulted in widespread tissue oedema within 1–2 d after administration. In contrast injection i.v. of Ad-Ang1 resulted in the skin vessels becoming less leaky in response to topical inflammatory stimuli or local injection of VEGF. The decreased leakage in the skin vessels was found at one day after Ad-Ang1 injection, was not accompanied by morphologic changes, and was reproduced by systemic administration of recombinant Ang1 proteins. Thus overexpression of VEGF appears to promote growth of new vessels accompanied by plasma leakage and inflammation, whereas overexpression of Ang1 promotes the enlargement of existing vessels and a decrease in inflammation induced leakage. Further understanding of the interrelationship of these factors during normal development could lead to their application in the treatment of ischaemic diseases. Studies were supported in part by NIH HL59157.
SU‐FF‐T‐264: Applications of Optically Stimulated Luminescent Detectors in Patient Dosimetry

Purpose: Provide some clinical applications of optically stimulated luminescent detectors ( OSLDs) in radiation therapy. These include measurements of in‐vivo absorbed doses to patients receiving total body (TBI) and total skin electron irradiation (TSEI), and measurements of output factors for clinical irregularly shaped electron fields. Method and Materials: The OSLDs used are 0.7 cm diameter, 0.02 cm thick, plastic disks containing Al 2 O 3 : C encapsulated in a light‐tight plastic holder with dimensions 2.4×1.2×0.2 cm3. TLD 100 LiF thermoluminescent detectors(TLDs) are used to compare the in‐vivo measurements with the OSLD measurements. A diode is used to measure the electron blocked field output factors (BFFs) to compare with those measured with the OSLDs. A Varian CL 2100 provided the 18 MV photons and the 6 MeV high dose rate electrons for the TBI and TSEI irradiations, respectively, and the 6, 9 and 12 MeV electrons for measurement of the BFFs for the patients' blocks. Results: The TBI patient dose measurements are made at the head, umbilicus, and feet, and for the TSEI patients dose measurements are made at eight anatomical sites from the forehead to the shin. The TLD and OSLD measured doses agreed within 1% for the TBI patients and within 3% for the TSEI patients. The electron BFF measurements ranged from 0.55 to 0.94 for 96 to 83% blocking of the open fields at source to surface treatment distances of 113 cm. Conclusion: The agreement between the OSLD and TLD measured patient doses for the TBI and TSET patients show these detectors provide accurate patient dose measurements which can be obtained 8 minutes post radiation. The agreement between the OSLDs and diode for measurement of BFFs, demonstrates that they provide an accurate and convenient method for obtaining BFFs.
Increasing interdependence of the obstetrician and the pediatrician.

Summary The present directions taken by the specialties of obstetrics and pediatrics seem to indicate a progressively increased overlapping of the fields, especially where psychologic and psychosomatic aspects are concerned. It behooves obstetricians and pediatricians to give more thought to the development of planned, cooperative programs, starting early in pregnancy, designed to give the most expert attention to these areas of mutual responsibility. It seems certain that such programs will benefit not only the mother during childbearing but also her newborn infant.
A computer program for calculating, tabulating, and plotting outgassing rates of selected gases

Computer program for selected gases outgassing rates calculation, tabulating and plotting for NERVA fuel elements gas evaluation
On the greedy algorithm for satisfiability

Abstract We show that for the vast majority of satisfiable 3CNF formulae, the local search heuristic that starts at a random truth assignment and repeatedly flips the variable that improves the number of satisfied clauses the most, almost always succeeds in discovering a satisfying truth assignment.