cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Demonstration of the asymmetric effect of CC-1065 on local DNA structure using a site-directed adduct in a 117-base-pair fragment from M13mp1

Abstract Using DNase I and Alu I endonuclease analysis of a site-directed CC-1065-[N3-adenine]DNA adduct in a 117-base-pair fragment from M13mp1 DNA, we have demonstrated that CC-1065 produces an asymmetric effect on DNA conformation that extends more than one helix turn to the 5' side of the covalently modified adenine. CC-1065 is a potent antitumor antibiotic produced by Streptomyces zelensis, which is believed to mediate its cytotoxic effects through covalent binding to DNA. Previous studies have demonstrated that CC-1065 binds covalently to N3 of adenine and lies within the minor groove of DNA spanning a 4-base-pair sequence to the 5' side of the modified adenine. DNase I footprinting of this site-directed CC-1065-DNA adduct on the noncovalently modified strand shows that inhibition of cleavage occurs over a 12-base region, which is bordered on the 3' side by a site of 2-fold enhancement of cleavage. On the covalently modified strand a much less pronounced inhibition/enhancement pattern of cleavage occurs as far as 11 bases to the 5' side of the covalently modified adenine. While Hae III is able to cleave the DNA on both strands on the 3' side of the covalently modified adenine, Alu I is only able to cleave the covalently modified strand on the 5' side of the adduct. By taking into account the recently published structure of DNase I, we are able to interpret these results and develop a model for the effect of CC-1065 on local DNA structure. In this model, we propose selective drug-induced distortion of the covalently modified strand as a consequence of the alkylation of adenine by CC-1065.
Microstructure and charge transport in hybrid metallophthalocyanine/rigid rod polymer fibers

Abstract Strong, environmentally stable, electrically conductive fibers can be fabricated from solutions of nickel phthalocyanine (Ni(Pc)) and the ultra-high modulus polymers poly-( p -phenyleneterephthalamide) (PPTA, Kevlar) or poly- p -phenylenebenzobisthiazole) (PBT) by dry-jet, wet-spinning techniques, followed by chemical or electrochemical doping. The fiber mechanical strength s at a particular composition is a simple linear function of the Ni(Pc) I volume fraction Φ c : s ≈ s p (1− Φ c ), where s p is the of a pure PPTA or PBT fiber. The electrical conductivity σ for Φ c >0.17 obeys the empirical relationship: 1n( σ ) = Φ c 1n( σ c ) + (1 − Φ c ) 1n( σ p ) where σ c represents the conductivity of polycrystalline Ni(Pc)I and σ p denotes the conductivity of pure PPTA or PBT. The temperature dependence of σ is thermally-activated and can be fit to a fluctuation-induced carrier tunnelling model. In contrast, the thermoelectric power S of the fibers is p-type and metal-like (S ∼ T ), strongly resembling that of Ni(Pc) I single crystals. X-ray diffraction shows microstructural evidence for phase separation and the presence of a fine (domain size
Engineering the I-V characteristics of an asymmetric double barrier device with variable period GaAs/AlAs superlattice injectors

Abstract This study represents a first-time examination of an asymmetric double barrier structure using variable period superlattice emitters. The layer thickness and period of the superlattices were systematically varied in order to define a unique emitter state in each structure grown. In each case, the emitter state was determined theoretically by calculating the miniband formation in the consituting superlattice. The relationship between the emitter state defined by the superlattice structure parameters and the current-voltage behavior of the diode at 77 K has been investigated here.
Sea floor roughness measured by a laser profiler on a ROV

Improvements to a method of seafloor roughness measurement using low-power lasers and a video recorder mounted on a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) are presented. The platform is a Saab Seaeye Falcon observation class ROV. Six green laser beams are spread into illuminated planes using gratings or cylindrical lenses. The intersection of the laser planes with the ocean bottom was imaged on a high-definition digital video recorder at an oblique angle. After correcting for aberrations due to refraction between air and water and other imperfections, the three-dimensional coordinates of the laser profiles relative to the video recorder are computed for each video frame. This is a low-cost device, since the laser modules are commercial line generator modules of moderate power output. Green lasers were chosen for their low attenuation in seawater. The power output of each laser module was chosen to be within the Class 3R designation to avoid the permitting issues of high power lasers, although high power units are being developed. The lasers are housed within an optically clear acrylic tube. In addition to the laser modules, a light-emitting diode (LED) white light source is also deployed within the laser housing to provide background illumination of the seabed around the laser lines. The digital video recorder is a high definition consumer-grade device, housed in a separate tube with a clear acrylic window. Power is provided by the ROV. The signal and controls are carried by one shielded twisted pair cable through the ROV umbilical to the shipboard control unit. Auxiliary data include roll, pitch and heading information are simultaneously recorded. Ultra short baseline (USBL) acoustic positioning information from the ROV is also recorded. In previous experiments, the laser planes were arranged in parallel, but in the current configuration some laser planes are rotated to intersect with the others. The intersections present additional difficulties for the automatic tracing and identifying software, but they provide a number of advantages in calibration and position tracking.
The discreet charm of the petite celebrity: gender, consumption and celebrity on My Super Sweet 16

This paper analyses MTV's My Super Sweet 16 as an articulation of a cultural position that the author has termed petite celebrity. The term petite (or petty) expresses a subordinated relationship to accomplished celebrity that is built upon reverence and aspiration because petite celebrities consume products and fashion associated with celebrity stars to try to articulate their own sense of distinction. An analysis of the first season generated two overarching themes. First, through consumption practices and coming-of-age birthday rituals of mostly teenage girls, the MTV programme links the subordinated position of petite celebrity to problematic gender representations. Secondly, the participants must actively work and engage in surveillance strategies to attempt to attain a desired sense of distinction. This labour also places them in a petite position in relation to accomplished celebrities, whose distinction is established and regulated through media and cultural intermediaries. Ultimately, the rituali...
MICROCERBERUS REMANEI ISRAELIS NEW SUBSPECIES (ISOPODA) FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN SHORES OF ISRAEL

[Mirrocerberus remanei israelis n. ssp. wurde in hoher Abundanz an 5 Stranden entlang der israelischen Mittelmeerkuste gefunden. Dies ist die erste Fundmeldung der Gattung aus diesem Gebiet. M. remanei israelis bevorzugt sandige Strande mit einer dominanten Sandkorngrosenklasse von 0,25 bis 0,50 mm oder groser., Mirrocerberus remanei israelis n. ssp. wurde in hoher Abundanz an 5 Stranden entlang der israelischen Mittelmeerkuste gefunden. Dies ist die erste Fundmeldung der Gattung aus diesem Gebiet. M. remanei israelis bevorzugt sandige Strande mit einer dominanten Sandkorngrosenklasse von 0,25 bis 0,50 mm oder groser.]
Operating Parameters to Minimize Emissions During Rotary Kiln Emergency Safety Vent Openings

ABSTRACT Certain designs of hazardous waste incinerator systems include emergency safety vents (ESVs). ESVs (also called dump stacks, vent stacks, emergency by-pass stacks, thermal relief valves, and pressure relief valves) are regarded as true emergency devices. Their purpose is to vent combustion gases directly from the combustion chambers to the atmosphere in the event of a failure of other system components. This is done for operator safety as well as to protect the incinerator and other downstream equipment from damage. ESVs are typically required for rotary kiln and hearth incinerators which process a portion of their waste load as bulk solids or contained liquids introduced continuously or in batch charges. Research has been performed at the U.S. EPA on a 73 kW (250,000 Btu/hr) rotary kiln incinerator simulator examining optimum settings of kiln operating parameters so as to minimize emissions during an ESV opening event. Experimental results are interpreted in the light of previous research result...
Spatial coherence and electromagnetic wave generation during electron beam experiments in space

A two-dimensional electromagnetic simulation model is used to investigate the production of whistler waves in connection with electron beam experiments in space. The spectrum is observed to peak near 0.7 ωe, and the conversion efficiency of beam energy to whistler waves is about 5 × 10−5. The whistlers can be trapped in a density trough extending out from the spacecraft and experience ducted propagation.
Selective epitaxial growth of 3C-SiC on patterned Si using hexamethyldisilane by APCVD

Abstract Selective growth of 3C-SiC on patterned Si substrates has been carried out by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition using hexamethyldisilane (HMDS) as the source and H 2 /Ar gas mixture as the carrier gas. Selective growth of 3C-SiC was achieved at 1200°C for growth times up to 30 min without a significant damage to the oxide mask with a HCl to HMDS ratio of ∼5. The amount of HCl determines the transition from nonselective to selective growth and to Si etching. It was also demonstrated that the HMDS source concentration was inversely proportional to the selectivity. The process of chemical etching of the polycrystalline SiC deposits on the mask during growth determines the degree of selectivity. For thin oxide mask, no selectivity was observed due to the very fast void formation.
Impact of practice on speed of mental rotation

We tested 11- and 20-year-olds on 3360 trials of a mental rotation task in which they judged if stimuli presented in different orientations were letters or mirror images of letters. Children's and adults' processing times decreased substantially over practice. These changes were well characterized by hyperbolic and power functions in which most of the parameters of those functions were constrained to adults' values. Performance on two transfer tasks, mental rotation of letter-like characters and memory search for numbers, indicated that the practiced skill did not generalize to other domains. The results are discussed in terms of different mechanisms that might be responsible for the impact of practice.
Systems of syntactic analysis

During the past several decades, linguists have developed and applied widely techniques which enable them, to a considerable extent, to determine and state the structure of natural languages without semantic reference. It is of interest to inquire seriously into the formality of linguistic method and the adequacy of whatever part of it can be made purely formal, and to examine the possibilities of applying it, as has occasionally been suggested, to a wider range of problems. In order to pursue these aims it is first necessary to reconstruct carefully the set of procedures by which the linguist derives the statements of a linguistic grammar from the behaviour of language users, distinguishing clearly between formal and experimental in such a way that grammatical notions, appearing as definienda in a constructional system, will be formally derivable for any language from a fixed sample of linguistic material upon which the primitives of the system are experimentally defined. The present paper will be an attempt to formalize a certain part of the linguist's generalized syntax language.From another point of view, this paper is an attempt to develop an adequate notion of syntactic category within an inscriptional nominalistic framework. The inscriptional approach seems natural for linguistics, particularly in view of the fact that an adequate extension of the results of this paper will have to deal with the problem of homonymity, i.e., with a statement of the conditions under which tokens of the same type must be assigned to different syntactic classes.
Rapid Trust Establishment for Pervasive Personal Computing

In the emerging Internet Suspend/Resume mobile computing model, users exploit pervasive deployments of inexpensive, mass- market PC hardware rather than carrying portable hardware. ISR's driving vision is that plummeting hardware costs will someday eliminate the need to carry computing environments in portable computers. Instead, ISR will deliver an exact replica of the last checkpointed state of a user's entire computing environment (including the operating system, applications, files, and customiza- tions), on demand over the Internet to hardware located nearby.
The Role of Intra- and Extragranular Microcrystalline Cellulose in Tablet Dissolution

The objective of this study was to examine the influence of intra- and extragranular microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) on drug dissolution from tablets made by high-shear granulation. Granulations w...
Surgical therapy for 101 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and symptomatic cholecystitis

background Hepatobiliary disease in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has been well documented. Cytomegalovirus and Cryptosporidium are the pathogens most frequently associated. Previous reports of cholecystectomies and AIDS have had conflicting results on morbidity and mortality. method Retrospective review of 101 patients with AIDS and symptomatic cholecystitis who underwent cholecystectomy from December 1989 to May 1995. results All patients had symptoms characteristic of gallbladder disease, the most common being abdominal pain and fever. Thickening of the gallbladder was the most common diagnostic finding. Fifty-six patients underwent open cholecystectomy and 45 laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Pathologic examination revealed an abnormal gallbladder in all cases and gallstones in 29%. A specific pathogen or malignancy was identified as the etiologic agent in 44% of patients. Perioperative morbidity was similar ( conclusions Both open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy improved the quality of life of these patients and should be considered as the treatment for persistent hepatobiliary symptoms in patients with AIDS.
Pax6 induces ectopic eyes in a vertebrate.

We report here that misexpression of the transcription factor Pax6 in the vertebrate Xenopus laevis leads to the formation of differentiated ectopic eyes. Multiple molecular markers indicated the presence of mature lens fiber cells, ganglion cells, Muller cells, photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelial cells in a spatial arrangement similar to that of endogenous eyes. Lineage tracing experiments showed that lens, retina and retinal pigment epithelium arose as a consequence of the cell-autonomous function of Pax6. These experiments also reveal that the cell autonomous activity of misexpressed Pax6 causes the ectopic expression of a number of genes including Rx, Otx2, Six3 and endogenous Pax6, each of which has been implicated in eye development. The formation of ectopic and endogenous eyes could be suppressed by coexpression of a dominant-negative form of Pax6. These data show that in vertebrates, as in the invertebrate Drosophila melanogaster, Pax6 is both necessary and sufficient to trigger the cascade of events required for eye formation.
Observed envelopes of coupled seismic free oscillations

On a rotating, aspherical earth, coupling between spheroidal and toroidal seismic free oscillations is manifested in the time domain as a slow alternation of the oscillation envelope between the transverse and the radial and/or vertical motion components. Using a narrow-band smooth envelope estimator, we have observed this behavior in data from the MS = 8.1 Macquarie Ridge earthquake of 5/23/89. Rotational coupling is the principal cause of mixed-type coupling for f < 4.2 mHz. However, envelope perturbations consistent with mixed-type coupling are observed for 0S38-0T36 and 0S37-0T35, which do not couple through rotation, and couple only weakly through smooth upper mantle velocity models. Such envelope perturbations can bias estimates of modal Q, and suggest that scattering may play a role in the attenuation of long-period surface waves.
Neutrophil Sequestration in Liver and Lung is Differentially Regulated by C-X-C Chemokines During Experimental Peritonitis

C-X-C chemokines play an important role in the migration and activation of neutrophils (PMNs) during an inflammatory event. We measured mRNA and protein expression of the murine C-X-C chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) and KC in the lungs, liver, blood, and peritoneal cavity of Swiss Webster mice after cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Neutralizing antibodies to MIP-2 and KC were also used to determine the biological effects of these chemokines on neutrophil sequestration and organ injury in the CLP model. The data showed that early after CLP, MIP-2 mRNA and protein were expressed predominantly by the lung, whereas KC mRNA and protein were expressed by the liver. Inhibition of MIP-2 reduced both lung neutrophil sequestration and peritoneal neutrophil migration. Inhibition of KC had no effect on overall neutrophil sequestration in liver but reduced injury as measured by serum transaminases. An early survival benefit was found with anti-KC treatment, although overall survival was not different. Our study showed a differential expression by organs of C-X-C chemokines during sepsis and suggested that such chemokine effects are tissue-specific.
DNA damage resulting from the oxidation of hydroquinone by copper: role for a Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox cycle and reactive oxygen generation

The myelotoxicity, including leukemia, associated with benzene exposure has been attributed to the further activation of benzene-derived metabolites. In a previous study, we observed that (Cu(II) strongly mediates the oxidation of hydroquinone (HQ) producing benzoquinone (BQ) and H2O2 through Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox mechanism. Since copper exists in the nucleus and is closely associated with chromosomes and DNA, in this study we investigated whether this chemical--metal redox system induces strand breaks in phi X-174 RFI plasmid DNA. In the presence of micromolar concentrations of Cu(II) and HQ, both single and double strand breaks were induced, whereas HQ, Cu(II), H2O2 or BQ alone at the employed concentrations elicited no significant damage to DNA. The HQ/Cu(II) system was at least twice as efficient as a H2O2/Cu(II) system at inducing DNA strand breaks. Of Cu(II), Fe(III), Mn(II), Cd(II) and Zn(II), only HQ/Cu(II) induced extensive DNA strand breaks. Among HQ, 1,2,4-benzenetriol (BT), catechol and phenol, HQ/Cu(II) and BT/Cu(II) were the two most efficient DNA cleaving systems. The presence of bathocuproinedisulfonic acid (BCS) or catalase prevented the HQ/Cu(II)-induced DNA strand breaks. In addition, the HQ/Cu(II)-induced DNA strand breaks could be completely blocked by reduced glutathione and dithiothreitol, but not by L-cysteine. The interaction of L-cysteine with copper in the absence of HQ induced significant DNA strand breaks with the same pattern of DNA strand breaks as that of HQ/Cu(II) plus L-cysteine. In contrast to the HQ/Cu(II) system, a HQ/myeloperoxidase (MPO)/H2O2 system did not induce any DNA strand breaks, and furthermore, the presence of MPO inhibited the HQ/Cu(II)-induced DNA strand breaks. When DNA pretreated with Cu(II) was exposed to HQ, DNA strand breaks were formed that could be prevented by BCS or catalase, indicating that DNA-bound copper can undergo redox cycling in the presence of HQ, generating H2O2. Similar to the H2O2/Cu(II) system, the HQ/Cu(II)-induced DNA strand breaks could not be efficiently inhibited by hydroxyl radical scavengers but could be protected by singlet oxygen scavengers, indicating that the localized generation of singlet oxygen or a singlet oxygen-like entity, possibly a copper-peroxide complex, rather than free hydroxyl radical probably plays a role in the HQ/Cu(II)-induced DNA strand breaks. The above results suggest that macromolecule-associated copper and reactive oxygen generation may be important factors in the mechanism of HQ-induced DNA damage in target cells.
Using a mathematical programming model to examine the marginal price of capacitated resources

Accurate information on dual prices of capacitated resources is of interest in a number of applications, such as cost allocation and pricing. To gain insight we focus on the dual prices of capacity and demand in a single-stage single-product production-inventory system, and discuss their interpretation. In particular, we examine the behavior of two different production planning models: a conventional linear programming model and a nonlinear model that captures queuing behavior at resources in an aggregate manner using nonlinear clearing functions. The classical linear programming formulation consistently underestimates the dual price of capacity due to its failure to capture the effects of queuing. The clearing function formulation, in contrast, produces positive dual prices even when utilization is below one and exhibits more realistic behavior, such as holding finished inventory at utilization levels below one.
Claudin Heterogeneity and Control of Lung Tight Junctions

Lung epithelial cells interconnected by tight junctions provide a barrier to the free diffusion of solutes into airspaces. Transmembrane tight junction proteins known as claudins are essential for epithelial barrier function. Claudins are regulated through interactions with each other that are coordinated with other transmembrane tight junction proteins and cytosolic scaffold proteins. Of the 14 claudins expressed by the alveolar epithelium, claudin-3, claudin-4, and claudin-18 are the most prominent; each confers unique properties to alveolar barrier function. In particular, a protective role for claudin-4 in preventing lung injury has emerged. By contrast, lung diseases that affect claudin expression and impair barrier function, including alcoholic lung syndrome and sepsis, prime the lung for pulmonary edema. Thus, approaches to restore and/or augment lung claudin expression provide potential targets for promoting healthy barrier function.
Consumer Direction in Long-Term Care Policy: Overcoming Barriers to Promoting Older Adults' Opportunity for Self-Direction

There has been a growing trend in long-term care policy to offer individuals with disabilities the option of consumer direction (CD), where responsibility of managing care and support services is transferred from agencies to care recipients, thus supporting clients' self-determination. Although CD has been accepted as an option for non-elderly individuals with disabilities, barriers persist to promoting older adults' autonomy through CD. This article reviews the incorporation of CD in long-term care policy, addresses the current barriers to providing older adults the right to self-direct, and makes recommendations for overcoming these barriers through social work practice, policy, and research.
Effect of pre-treatment with 5-bromouracil in an ultraviolet sensitive strain of Neurospora crassa.

5-Bromouracil was shown to enhance the mutation frequency in an ultraviolet sensitive strain of Neurospora crassa (uvs -2) that was previously irradiated with ultraviolet light. The design of the experiment eliminated light or dark repair as possible hypotheses to account for the observed enhancement. Since a similar effect was noted at the rib -1 locus in N. crassa , which is not a UV-sensitive strain, it appears that the error prone repair mechanism in N. crassa may be related to post-replication repair. This enhancement may be attributed to the interference of 5-bromouracil with post-replication repair. It is also postulated that the maximum increase in the mutation frequency occurs when the greatest number of unrepaired pre-mutational UV lesions are repaired in the presence of 5-bromouracil.
Incentives for Biological Conservation: Costa Rica's Private Wildlife Refuge Program

The alarming pace of tropical biodiversity loss requires development of innovative approaches for in situ biodiversity conservation. Incentive-based approaches have emerged as one possible option. We interviewed 68 private nature reserve owners to learn more about one of Costa Rica's incentive programs. The interview group included all reserve owners participating in the government's Private Wildlife Refuge Program ( n 5 22) and a control group of nonparticipating owners ( n 5 46). Quantitative and qualitative data led to seven main conclusions on the use of incentive programs: (1) a developing country can expand and enhance its formal park system through conservation incentives; (2) insufficient promotion, and resulting information gaps, can prevent an incentive program from realizing its full potential; (3) landowners enter a program not only in response to the intended incentive package, but also for several powerful and hidden incentives such as publicity and mar- keting purposes; (4) underutilization of official incentives by participants, in part due to sporadic delivery of in- centives by the government, can undermine program effectiveness; (5) biodiversity protection goals can be ac- complished by means of a wide range of incentives; (6) programs that require only a short-term commitment by landowners can still lead to long-term biodiversity protection; and ( 7) a program can produce unanticipated negative consequences at the national level, including putting conservation at odds with social justice. These and other lessons on the use of incentives should be of interest wherever biodiversity is threatened, wherever new conservation partners are being sought, and wherever incentive-based approaches are being considered.
Measurement of the thermal conductivity of erasable phase-change optical recording media

We describe a method to estimate the thermal conductivity of the substrate, the dielectric layer, the phase-change (PC) layer, and the reflective layer of PC optical recording media. The method relies on the amorphous-to-crystalline phase transition that occurs in the PC layer and takes advantage of the difference in the thermal diffusion behavior under different-sized focused spots. All the results obtained here are reliable with better than ±5% accuracy, which is within the margin of our experimental error.
Imagineering inauthentic legitimate peripheral participation: an instructional design approach for motivating computing education

Since its publication, Lave and Wenger's concept of legitimate peripheral participation (LPP) [18] has become an important concept for understanding situated learning. LPP states that learning only occurs when students perceive that what's being taught is aligned with their goals (in LPP terms, with the students' perceived community of practice). This has implications for our traditional CS courses (e.g., are we teaching what the students perceive as being relevant for their future careers?), but even greater implications for courses for non-CS majors. When computer science educators are asked to teach non-CS majors, we are often placed in the position of teaching in alignment with a community of practice that does not, or does not yet, exist. In that sense, our teaching is inauthentic---not aligned with a community of practice. However, there is the possibility that we can generate a perception of authenticity or alignment. We use the example of two classes at Georgia Tech that seem successful by several measures, yet suffer this inauthenticity. We propose that a useful tool for understanding how these classes work is the Disney Corporation's Imagineering---their process of story-telling in three-dimensions as used in their theme parks. However, in the end, we find that what students actually learn is not necessarily the story that we are telling them, which points toward future research.
Hybrid inflation in supergravity

We propose a simple realization of hybrid inflation in supergravity. Inflation in this scenario is relatively short, and inflationary density perturbations fall down on large scales, which corresponds to a blue spectrum with n{gt}1. Superheavy strings which are formed after inflation in this scenario produce density perturbations of comparable magnitude. In this mixed perturbation (MP) model one may have microwave anisotropy produced by strings and galaxy formation due to inflationary perturbations. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Introduction: Education Reform Past, Present, and Future

This is an introduction to the special issue of The Councilor on the topic of education reform.
Premenstrual flares of pyoderma gangrenosum controlled with use of a combined oral contraceptive and antiandrogen (ethinyl estradiol/drospirenone)

Abstract The effect of sex hormones on pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) has not been reported. We report the case of a 34-year-old woman with chronic PG leg ulcers who was found to have recurring, premenstrual flares of PG. Her PG flares were controlled with the use of ethinyl estradiol/drospirenone.
Can Managed Care Consumers Make Informed Decisions

The concept of managed competition in health care markets is predicated upon the assumption that informed consumers are able to evaluate health plans on the basis of not only cost but also other qualities which include provider choice, covered benefits, quality and patient satisfaction indicators, and convenience. This paper takes up the question of whether consumers are knowledgeable enough about managed care to be capable of make these informed decisions in the first place. A survey testing one's knowledge of managed care was drawn up and distributed to a sample of 100 randomly-selected adults. Scores on the 10-item quiz were remarkably low. Based on the criteria established in the paper, only 7 percent had adequate knowledge (scores of 8 or higher) to make an informed choice in the managed care marketplace. As such, it seems unlikely that consumers are able to evaluate health plans on criterion other than price. To remedy this, employers and governmental entities should pursue pro-competitive strategies that educate and inform the general population about their managed care options.
Methodological Considerations and Challenges to Conducting Research on Interethnic Relationships: Using the Right Toolkit!

This article discusses the methodological issues and challenges associated with research examining interethnic relationships and marriage. A major focus of this article is on the identification and classification of interethnic marriages. A second aim of the article is to explore the specific challenges faced by researchers who study these types of relationships. The third and final focus of the article is on reliable and specific guidance for researchers engaged in interethnic relationships research. The article provides an overview of specific methodological matters in conducting research on interethnic relationships and marriage including research design, sampling constraints, self-classification labels versus other labels, comfort in discussing or disclosing what may be perceived to be a sensitive issue, as well as the in-group or out-group status of the researcher. More generally, by presenting a discussion of both qualitative and quantitative methods for research in this area and the limitations of each, we provide a “tool kit” of helpful guidance to those engaged in this type of research.
Intraoperative neuropathology of glioma recurrence: cell detection and classification

Intraoperative neuropathology of glioma recurrence represents significant visual challenges to pathologists as they carry significant clinical implications. For example, rendering a diagnosis of recurrent glioma can help the surgeon decide to perform more aggressive resection if surgically appropriate. In addition, the success of recent clinical trials for intraoperative administration of therapies, such as inoculation with oncolytic viruses, may suggest that refinement of the intraoperative diagnosis during neurosurgery is an emerging need for pathologists. Typically, these diagnoses require rapid/STAT processing lasting only 20-30 minutes after receipt from neurosurgery. In this relatively short time frame, only dyes, such as hematoxylin and eosin (H and E), can be implemented. The visual challenge lies in the fact that these patients have undergone chemotherapy and radiation, both of which induce cytological atypia in astrocytes, and pathologists are unable to implement helpful biomarkers in their diagnoses. Therefore, there is a need to help pathologists differentiate between astrocytes that are cytologically atypical due to treatment versus infiltrating, recurrent, neoplastic astrocytes. This study focuses on classification of neoplastic versus non-neoplastic astrocytes with the long term goal of providing a better neuropathological computer-aided consultation via classification of cells into reactive gliosis versus recurrent glioma. We present a method to detect cells in H and E stained digitized slides of intraoperative cytologic preparations. The method uses a combination of the ‘value’ component of the HSV color space and ‘b*’ component of the CIE L*a*b* color space to create an enhanced image that suppresses the background while revealing cells on an image. A composite image is formed based on the morphological closing of the hue-luminance combined image. Geometrical and textural features extracted from Discrete Wavelet Frames and combined to classify cells into neoplastic and non-neoplastic categories. Experimental results show that there is a strong consensus between the proposed method’s cell detection markings with those of the pathologist’s. Experiments on 48 images from six patients resulted in F1-score as high as 87.48%, 88.08% and 86.12% for Reader 1, Reader 2 and the reader consensus, respectively. Classification results showed that for both readers, binary classification tree and support vector machine performed the best with F1-scores ranging 0.92 to 0.94.
EFFECT OF TRANSCATHETER MITRAL REPAIR WITH THE CARDIOBAND DEVICE ON 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY OF THE MITRAL ANNULUS

Several transcathether mitral repair devices are currently undergoing clinical studies. The Cardioband system employs direct anchoring to the mitral annulus from the left atrium. We report the acute intraprocedural effects of this device on three-dimensional anatomy of the mitral annulus. This
Jailbreaking benzene dimers.

We suggest four new benzene dimers, (C6H6)2, all featuring one or more cyclohexadiene rings trans-fused to 4- or 6-membered rings. These hypothetical dimers are 50–99 kcal/mol less stable than two benzenes, but have computed activation energies to fragmentation ≥27 kcal/mol. A thorough search of potential escape routes was undertaken, through cyclobutane ring cleavage to 12-annulenes, sigmatropic 1,5-H-shifts, electrocyclic ring-openings of the 6-membered rings, and Diels–Alder dimerizations. Some channels for reaction emerge, but there is a reasonable chance that some of these new benzene dimers can be made.
Contemporary Therapy for Advanced Soft-Tissue Sarcomas in Adults: A Review

Importance Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown promising results in several cancers and are now put to the test in sarcomas. This brief summary presents data regarding the previously approved and newer agents for more common sarcomas and focuses on specific sarcoma histologic subtypes or novel approaches for which there is particular optimism. Approaches involving epigenetic agents, metabolic therapy, and modulators of the tumor microenvironment represent other ways the field of sarcoma medical oncology will progress in 2016 and beyond. Observations A recent series of successful randomized trials provides new systemic therapy options for patients with metastatic soft-tissue sarcomas in the United States, after a gap of more than 10 years in which no new drugs were approved. The agents with most recent approval include pazopanib, trabectedin, and eribulin. As a sign that progress is not linear, 2 cousins of ifosfamide failed to show benefit in phase 3 trials, despite prior positive results of randomized phase 2 trials. Conclusions and Relevance The biological features of each sarcoma subtype are associated with specific sensitivity patterns to chemotherapy, and despite their rarity, future trials will need to emphasize specific histologic subtypes (many with well-defined genetic alterations) to best fit diagnosis to therapy.
Transformational literalism: the reactionary redefinition of the courts of High Commission and Star Chamber

In The Original and Growth of Printing (1664) Richard Atkyns looked with considerable nostalgia to an earlier era – before the collapse of the court of Star Chamber – when an ordered kingdom derived from a controlled press. “Printing,” he says, “is like a good Dish of Meat, which moderately eaten of, turns to the Nourishment and health of the Body; but immoderately, to Surfeits and Sicknesses: As the Use is very Necessary, the Abuse is very dangerous.” Atkyns had a ready means to control un unruly press – punishment. “How were the abuses [of printing] taken away in Queen Elizabeth, King James, and the beginning of King Charles his time, when few or no Scandals or Libels were stirring? Was it not by Fining, Imprisonment, Seizing the Books, and breaking the Presses of the Transgressors, by Order of Councel-Board?” Despite Atkyns's nostalgia, in 1641 England was rife with criticism of both the Star Chamber and High Commission. Addressing Parliament, Charles Howard, Earl of Berkshire's remarks reflect the spirit of the times: Your Lordships well know, there was a statute framed, tertio H7 . authorizing … the Kings Councell to receive complaints upon Bill, or Information; and cite such parties to appeare, as stand accused of any misdemeanour: And this was the Infancy of the Starre-Chamber … from whence being altogether unlimited, it is growne a monster, and will hourely produce worse effects …
Key Events Participating in the Pathogenesis of Alcoholic Liver Disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It ranges from fatty liver to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.The most prevalent forms of ALD are alcoholic fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis (AH) and alcoholic cirrhosis, which frequently progress as people continue drinking. ALD refers to a number of symptoms/deficits that contribute to liver injury. These include steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis and cirrhosis, which, when taken together, sequentially or simultaneously lead to significant disease progression. The pathogenesis of ALD, influenced by host and environmental factors, is currentlyonly partially understood. To date, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) translocation from the gut to the portal blood, aging, gender, increased infiltration and activation of neutrophils and bone marrow-derived macrophages along with alcohol plus iron metabolism, with its associated increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), are all key events contributing to the pathogenesis of ALD. This review aimsto introduce the reader to the concept of alcohol-mediated liver damage and the mechanisms driving injury.
Intraosseous Epidermal Inclusion Cyst of the Proximal Phalanx of the Fifth Toe and Review of the Literature: A Case Study.

Intraosseous epidermal inclusion cysts (IEpC) are benign bone tumors that often present in the phalanges of the fingers, but rarely are seen in the lower extremity. These tumors often present follo...
Numerical investigations of self- and cross-phase modulation effects in high-power fiber amplifiers (Conference Presentation)

The development of high-power fiber lasers is of great interest due to the advantages they offer relative to other laser technologies. Currently, the maximum power from a reportedly single-mode fiber amplifier stands at 10 kW. Though impressive, this power level was achieved at the cost of a large spectral linewidth, making the laser unsuitable for coherent or spectral beam combination techniques required to reach power levels necessary for airborne tactical applications. An effective approach in limiting the SBS effect is to insert an electro-optic phase modulator at the low-power end of a master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) system. As a result, the optical power is spread among spectral sidebands; thus raising the overall SBS threshold of the amplifier. It is the purpose of this work to present a comprehensive numerical scheme that is based on the extended nonlinear Schrodinger equations that allows for accurate analysis of phase modulated fiber amplifier systems in relation to the group velocity dispersion and Kerr nonlinearities and their effect on the coherent beam combining efficiency. As such, we have simulated a high-power MOPA system modulated via filtered pseudo-random bit sequence format for different clock rates and power levels. We show that at clock rates of ≥30 GHz, the combination of GVD and self-phase modulation may lead to a drastic drop in beam combining efficiency at the multi-kW level. Furthermore, we extend our work to study the effect of cross-phase modulation where an amplifier is seeded with two laser sources.
Accuracy-resource tradeoff for edge devices in Internet of Things

Modern power grid has evolved from a passive network into an application of Internet of Things with numerous interconnected elements and users. In this environment, household users greatly benefit from a prediction algorithm that estimates their future power demand to help them control off-grid generation, battery storage, and power consumption. In particular, household power consumption prediction plays a pivotal role in optimal utilization of batteries used alongside photovoltaic generation, creating saving opportunities for users. Since edge devices in Internet of Things offer limited capabilities, the computational complexity and memory and energy consumption of the prediction algorithms are capped. In this paper we forecast 24-hour demand from power consumption, weather, and time data, using Support Vector Regression models, and compare it to state-of-the-art prediction methods such as Linear Regression and persistence. We use power consumption traces from real datasets and a Raspberry Pi 3 embedded computer as testbed to evaluate the resource-accuracy trade-off. Our study reveals that Support Vector Regression is able to achieve 21% less prediction error on average compared to Linear Regression, which translates into 16% more cost savings for users when using residential batteries with photovoltaic generation.
Factors associated with early extubation after superior cavopulmonary connection: analysis from single ventricle reconstruction trial.

Background To evaluate the landscape of early extubation, and identify factors associated with early extubation (≤ 24 h) after superior cavopulmonary connection (stage 2 operation) among children with single ventricle anatomy. Methods Patients undergoing stage 2 operation after Norwood operation from the Pediatric Heart Network Single Ventricle Reconstruction (SVR) trial public-use dataset were included. Elastic net regularized logistic regression models were fitted to evaluate the factors associated with early extubation after stage 2 operation. Results In total, 390 patients from 15 North American centers qualified for inclusion. Of these, 42 patients (10.8%) were extubated in operating room, 151 patients (38.7%) were extubated outside the operating room within the first 24 h after stage 2 operation, and the remaining 197 patients (50.5%) required mechanical ventilation for > 24 h. In adjusted models, factors associated with early extubation after stage 2 operation were elective timing of stage 2 operation, lower incidence of post-Norwood complications, shorter CPB duration for stage 2 operation, and no cardiac catheterization after Stage 2 operation. We also performed multiple other alternative analyses to identify factors associated with early extubation that demonstrated same associations as the primary model. The mean hospital length of stay after Stage 2 operation was 20% shorter among patients with early extubation. Conclusions Data from this large multicenter study demonstrate that approximately one-half of the patients undergoing operation for superior cavopulmonary connection are extubated within 24 h after heart operation. Furthermore, early extubation is associated with shorter hospital length of stay.
Lateral rectus muscle resection following maximal recession of the medial rectus muscle in thyroid eye disease

Background Rectus muscle restriction is a common finding in thyroid eye disease (TED). Typically, restricted muscles are recessed to address strabismus and diplopia. However, some patients have residual strabismus following maximal recession of a restricted muscle. The purpose of this study was to report outcomes following resection of the lateral rectus muscle after maximal recession of the medial rectus muscle in patients with TED. Methods The medical records of patients with TED who underwent lateral rectus resection between 1998 and 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. Information regarding thyroid disease history and surgical treatment, including history of orbital decompressions, rectus muscle recessions, rectus muscle resections, and pre- and postoperative alignment was collected. Adjustable suture was used in all cases. Success was defined as a postoperative orthotropia with ≤2Δ of phoria at distance and a phoria at near. Results A total of 11 patients were included. Of these, 10 (91%) required postoperative adjustment. A successful outcome was achieved in 10 cases (91%). Conclusions Lateral rectus muscle resection to address residual esotropia and diplopia was effective at reducing residual esotropia following medial rectus recession in our study cohort.
Design of high-speed H-bridge converter using discrete SiC MOSFETs for solid-state transformer applications

The advancements in wide-band-gap (WBG) devices are enabling applications of power electronics converters coupled directly to medium voltage and incorporating galvanic insulation within the converter using high-frequency solid-state transformers. This paper presents the design and the characterization results of a SiC H-bridge converter suitable for up to 100 kVA single-phase ac-dc modular solid-state transformer comprised of a hard-switched ac-line interface and a resonant dc-dc stage switched at 175 kHz. To minimize the cost of switching elements per ampere and maximize design flexibility, the design uses multiple discrete SiC devices of, readily available, 1700 V ratings. The switching-cell layout concept together with the gate-drive solution is proposed to enable the design scalable for different power and voltage applications. The insulated metal substrate (IMS) is used to provide a simple but effective thermal management and mechanical packaging solution.
How to apply the phase field method to model radiation damage

Abstract The phase field (PF) method provides a valuable means of predicting radiation induced microstructure evolution of domains ranging roughly from 100 nm to 100 μm in size and for lengths of time ranging from microseconds to years, depending on the rate of diffusion. In this work we summarize how to apply the PF method to modeling radiation damage. We begin by summarizing the PF method, and discuss the numerical solution of the PF equations. We then summarize approaches for representing the free energy of defects within a material. Next, three PF approaches for representing extended defects are discussed: the Wheeler, Boettinger, and McFadden model, the Kim, Kim, Suzuki model, and the Grand Potential model. We use a simple 1D void growth problem to compare the predictions of these models, as well as their computational expense. We end by describing how defect generation, recombination and annihilation at sinks can be described by the PF method, as well as discussing modifications required to model nucleation.