cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Methods of Detection of Measurable Residual Disease in AML

The presence of measurable (“minimal”) residual disease (MRD) after induction and/or consolidation chemotherapy is a significant risk factor for relapse in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In recognition of the clinical significance of AML MRD, the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) recently recommended the establishment of CR-MRDNegative as a separate category of treatment response. This recommendation represents a major milestone in the integration of AML MRD testing in standard clinical practice. This review article summarizes the methodologies employed in AML MRD detection and their application in clinical studies that provide evidence supporting the clinical utility of AML MRD testing. Future MRD evaluations in AML likely will require an integrated approach combining multi-parameter flow cytometry and high-sensitivity molecular techniques applied to time points during and after completion of therapy in order to provide the most accurate and comprehensive assessment of treatment response.
The interacting W3 string

Abstract We present a procedure for computing gauge-invariant scattering amplitudes in the W 3 string, and use it to calculate three-point and four-point functions. We show that non-vanishing scattering amplitudes necessarily involve external physical states with excitations of ghosts as well as matter fields. The crossing properties of the four-point functions are soudied, and it is shown that the duality of the Virasoro string amplitudes generalises in the W 3 string, with different sets of intermediate states being exchanged in differnet channels. We also exhibit a relation between the scattering amplitudes of the W 3 string and the fusion rules of the Ising model.
Ultrafast magnetic memory bits using all-optical magnetic switching

Up until now, magnetic nanodots used for magnetic random access memory have required spin-polarized currents to transfer the angular momentum needed to switch the magnetization and thereby switch the magnetic memory bit. This particular switching process, however, is limited to nanosecond or greater timescales — too slow for use as low-level cache in energy efficient electronics systems. On the other hand, this work aims to achieve ultrafast femtosecond switching of nanomagnetic dots without the use of spin-polarized currents. Using just linearly polarized light, several research groups have demonstrated all-optical magnetization switching in large GdFeCo magnetic dots, ranging from several microns [1-4] down to 400 nm [5]; this work characterizes the switching behavior as these dots are scaled down further in size, with the aim of minimizing the energy required for switching the magnetic memory bit. The fabrication process, magnetization behavior and optical switching behavior are additionally characterized to better understand how size affects the functionality of these optically-switchable ferrimagnets. Knowledge of this behavior will allow future developments of simultaneously ultrasmall and ultrafast magnetic memory systems, thereby enabling increased data storage in future electronics.
Real Time Spectroscopic Ellipsometry Analysis of First Stage CuIn1-xGaxSe2 Growth: Indium-Gallium Selenide Co-Evaporation

Real time spectroscopic ellipsometry (RTSE) has been applied for in-situ monitoring of the first stage of copper indium-gallium diselenide (CIGS) thin film deposition by the three-stage co-evaporation process used for fabrication of high efficiency thin film photovoltaic (PV) devices. The first stage entails the growth of indium-gallium selenide (In1-xGax)₂Se₃ (IGS) on a substrate of Mo-coated soda lime glass maintained at a temperature of 400 °C. This is a critical stage of CIGS deposition because a large fraction of the final film thickness is deposited, and as a result precise compositional control is desired in order to achieve the optimum performance of the resulting CIGS solar cell. RTSE is sensitive to monolayer level film growth processes and can provide accurate measurements of bulk and surface roughness layer thicknesses. These in turn enable accurate measurements of the bulk layer optical response in the form of the complex dielectric function e = e₁ - ie₂, spectra. Here, RTSE has been used to obtain the (e₁, e₂) spectra at the measurement temperature of 400 °C for IGS thin films of different Ga contents (x) deduced from different ranges of accumulated bulk layer thickness during the deposition process. Applying an analytical expression in common for each of the (e₁, e₂) spectra of these IGS films, oscillator parameters have been obtained in the best fits and these parameters in turn have been fitted with polynomials in x. From the resulting database of polynomial coefficients, the (e₁, e₂) spectra can be generated for any composition of IGS from the single parameter, x. The results have served as an RTSE fingerprint for IGS composition and have provided further structural information beyond simply thicknesses, for example information related to film density and grain size. The deduced IGS structural evolution and the (e₁, e₂) spectra have been interpreted as well in relation to observations from scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy profiling analyses. Overall the structural, optical and compositional analysis possible by RTSE has assisted in understanding the growth and properties of three stage CIGS absorbers for solar cells and shows future promise for enhancing cell performance through monitoring and control.
Exciton dissociation dynamics and light-driven H 2 generation in colloidal 2D cadmium chalcogenide nanoplatelet heterostructures

Solar-to-H2 conversion is attracting much research attention as a potential approach to meet global renewable energy demands. Although significant advances have been made using metal-tipped colloidal cadmium chalcogenide zero-dimensional (0D) quantum dots and one-dimensional (1D) nanorod heterostructures in solar-to-H2 conversion, their efficiency may be further enhanced using an emerging class of colloidal cadmium chalcogenide nanocrystals, namely two-dimensional (2D) nanoplatelets (NPLs), because of their unique properties. In this review, we summarize the recent advances on exciton dissociation dynamics and light-driven H2 generation performance of colloidal nanoplatelet heterostructures. Following an introduction on the electronic structure of 2D NPLs, we discuss the dynamics of exciton dissociation by electron transfer to molecular acceptors. The exciton quenching dynamics of CdS NPL-Pt and CdSe NPL-Pt heterostructures are compared to highlight the effect of material properties on the relative contributions of the energy-transfer and electron-transfer pathways. Representative solar-to-H2 conversion performances of 2D NPL-metal heterostructures are discussed and compared with those of 1D nanorod-metal heterostructures. Finally, we discuss the challenges in further improving the solar-to-fuel conversion efficiencies of these systems.
Barrier Performance of CVD Graphene Films Using a Facile P3HT Thin Film Optical Transmission Test

The barrier performance of CVD graphene films was determined using a poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) thin film optical transmission test. P3HT is a semiconducting polymer that photo-oxidatively degrades upon exposure to oxygen and light. The polymer is stable under ambient conditions and indoor lighting, enabling P3HT films to be deposited and encapsulated in air. P3HT’s stability under ambient conditions makes it desirable for an initial evaluation of barrier materials as a complimentary screening method in combination with conventional barrier tests. The P3HT test was used to demonstrate improved barrier performance for polymer substrates after addition of CVD graphene films. A layer-by-layer transfer method was utilized to enhance the barrier performance of monolayer graphene. Another set of absorption measurements were conducted to demonstrate the barrier performance of graphene and the degradation mechanism of graphene/P3HT over multiple wavelengths from 400 to 800 nm. The absorption spectra for graphene/polymer composite were simulated by solving Fresnel equations. The simulation results were found to be in good agreement with the measured absorption spectra. The P3HT degradation results qualitatively indicate the potential of graphene films as a possible candidate for medium performance barriers.
Essential(ist) medicine: promoting social explanations for racial variation in biomedical research

Biomedical research has a long and complicated history as a tool of oppression, exemplary of the racial science used to legitimise and maintain racial hierarchies in the USA and abroad. While the explicit racism and racial inferiority supported by this research has dissipated and modern methods of inquiry have increased in sophistication and rigor, contemporary biomedical research continues to essentialise race by distilling racial differences and disparities in health to an underlying, biogenetic source. Focusing on the persistence of essentialism in an era of genomic medicine, this paper examines the deep social origins and social implications of the essentialist viewpoint in biomedicine and how it relates to the broader construction of social and scientific knowledge. Invoking Hacking's 'looping effects' as a useful conceptual tool, I then demonstrate how sociohistorical forces influence scientific and medical research in producing evidence that favours and legitimises a biological construction of race. I extend the looping framework to consider a parallel 'louping' process whereby applying a socially rooted meaning to race in biomedical research results becomes magnified to influence social norms and ideas about race. As many biomedical researchers are motivated by a desire to eliminate racial disparities in outcomes, I argue that greater social acuity allows scientists to avoid individualising and racialising health, challenge preconceived assumptions about the meaning of racial variation in health and medicine and thus promote and strengthen a socioenvironmental focus on how to best improve individuals' and population health. Concluding with a call for structural competency in biomedical research, I suggest that empowering scientists to more freely discuss sociostructural factors in their work allows for the continued use of race in biological and medical research, while social scientists and medical humanities scholars stand to benefit from seeing their work imbued with the cultural authority currently granted to biomedicine.
Genotyping β-globin Mutations (Hb S, Hb C, Hb E) by Multiplexing Probe Color and Melting Temperature

Human β-globin has over 50 known mutations in exon 1 causing various hemoglobinopathies (1,2). The mutations include base pair substitutions, deletions and splicing defects. Hemoglobin S and C, (codon 6) and E (codon 26) are base pair substitutions that occur often enough to allow for routine screening (Hb S occurs at an allele frequency of 1:400 in African American’s)(3). High performance liquid chromatography (4) and isoelectric focusing (5) are routinely used for primary patient screening. However, phenotypic screening does not always necessarily coincide with the genotype, for example Hb S, Hb GNorfolk and HbFort-de-France all have the same isoelectrofocusing point (6). Genotyping can be done by allele specific amplification (7), DNA amplification followed by restriction digestion (8) or by fluorescently labeled allele specific primers and gel based detection with color photography (9). These methods require hours to days for completion. Recently, genotyping by determining the melting temperature (Tm) of hybridized fluorescently-labeled oligonucleotide probes was reported (10,11). We have extended the power of this technique by multiplexing different colored probes to simultaneously genotype multiple alleles (12). This procedure has been applied to homogenous genotyping of hemoglobin S, C, and E in a single tube by melting curve analysis by using different colored probes and Tm multiplexing.
Examination of Wave Propagation in Wood from a Microstructural Perspective

Wood is an anisotropic, inhomogeneous material that strongly attenuates ultrasound due to scattering from the variety of inhomogeneities which constitute its microstructure. In addition, the distribution of inhomogeneities within a particular sample of wood varies considerably, causing the measured (macroscopic) properties to appear to be random variables with rather large variance. Wood biology research, however, tells us that the distributions of tissue elements are at least quasiperiodic. A knowledge of the ultrasonic effects of various tissue elements, coupled with wood anatomical data, should improve our capacity to interpret the interactions of ultrasonic signals with wood. We present here some early results in our investigation into the effects of the various inhomogeneities on the velocity and attenuation of ultrasonic signals.
Choosing a core set of disease activity measures for rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) clinical trials often include at least 10 measures of disease activity (e.g., tender and swollen joint counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, patient pain, grip strength, etc.), and each trial contains different measures. Using dissimilar disease activity (outcome) measures to assess therapies makes it impossible to judge therapies against a common standard. Furthermore, multiple statistical testing is performed, and outcome measures are often used which are insensitive to change. Ultimately, to compare different RA therapies, the same outcomes should be measured in all trials. In the first stage of an effort to develop a core set of outcome measures to be used in all RA trials, we present an approach to the selection of the measures. This approach is based on a critical evaluation of whether commonly used outcome measures have construct, face, content, criterion, and discriminant validity. In addition, our approach includes testing whether these measures are redundant. Also, selected evidence on the validity of currently used outcome measures is reviewed.
On the Double Bootstrap

We present a discussion of iterated bootstrap procedures for the problems of bias reduction in point estimation and the reduction of coverage error in confidence intervals. In the case of coverage correction in confidence intervals, bootstrap iteration is directed at obtaining intervals with high coverage accuracy. We consider several other properties of these intervals and assess some of the practical advantages and disadvantages of the double bootstrap technique.
Understanding the Relationship Between Relative Group Size and Hate Crime Rates: Linking Methods with Concepts

In recent studies, Hipp et al. caution that the selection of the appropriate denominator in computing the rate of intra- and inter-group interactions is consequential for key findings. The present ...
Dylan’s Deixis

Charles O. Hartman’s chapter is primarily concerned with “Dylan’s Deixis.” By offering a careful analysis of deixis in Dylan’s song-writing, Hartman ties that song-writing to a poetic tradition that Dylan both embraces and disregards. This chapter, to appropriate the author’s felicitous expression, sorts through the sometimes-fugitive operations of deixis in Dylan’s songs. Hartman carefully establishes “the core but easily overlooked operation of language called deixis” which “Dylan’s song lyrics have in common with the traditions and concerns of poetry in the usual, narrow sense.” Throughout this chapter, Hartman offers remarkable examples of “how Dylan uses deixis to create character and setting, draws parallels with how poets use it, and points out the ethical work that these manipulations enable.”
Aquifer systems extending far offshore on the U.S. Atlantic margin.

Low-salinity submarine groundwater contained within continental shelves is a global phenomenon. Mechanisms for emplacing offshore groundwater include glacial processes that drove water into exposed continental shelves during sea-level low stands and active connections to onshore hydrologic systems. While low-salinity groundwater is thought to be abundant, its distribution and volume worldwide is poorly understood due to the limited number of observations. Here we image laterally continuous aquifers extending 90 km offshore New Jersey and Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, on the U.S. Atlantic margin using new shallow water electromagnetic geophysical methods. Our data provide more continuous constraints on offshore groundwater than previous models and present evidence for a connection between the modern onshore hydrologic system and offshore aquifers. We identify clinoforms as a previously unknown structural control on the lateral extent of low-salinity groundwater and potentially a control on where low-salinity water rises into the seafloor. Our data suggest a continuous submarine aquifer system spans at least 350 km of the U.S. Atlantic coast and contains about 2800 km3 of low-salinity groundwater. Our findings can be used to improve models of past glacial, eustatic, tectonic, and geomorphic processes on continental shelves and provide insight into shelf geochemistry, biogeochemical cycles, and the deep biosphere.
Revisiting Nasal Reconstruction After Mohs Surgery: A Simplified Approach Based on the Liberal Application of Local Flaps.

IntroductionNasal reconstruction after oncologic resection often constitutes a technically demanding task. The aim of this study was to investigate our experience with nasal reconstruction after Mohs micrographic surgery using the following 3 well-established, versatile, and reliable techniques: the
Genome evolution and host‐microbiome shifts correspond with intraspecific niche divergence within harmful algal bloom‐forming Microcystis aeruginosa

Intraspecific niche divergence is an important driver of species range, population abundance and impacts on ecosystem functions. Genetic changes are the primary focus when studying intraspecific divergence; however, the role of ecological interactions, particularly host-microbiome symbioses, is receiving increased attention. The relative importance of these evolutionary and ecological mechanisms has seen only limited evaluation. To address this question, we used Microcystis aeruginosa, the globally distributed cyanobacterium that dominates freshwater harmful algal blooms. These blooms have been increasing in occurrence and intensity worldwide, causing major economic and ecological damages. We evaluated 46 isolates of M. aeruginosa and their microbiomes, collected from 14 lakes in Michigan, USA, that vary over 20-fold in phosphorus levels, the primary limiting nutrient in freshwater systems. Genomes of M. aeruginosa diverged along this phosphorus gradient in genomic architecture and protein functions. Fitness in low-phosphorus lakes corresponded with additional shifts within M. aeruginosa including genome-wide reductions in nitrogen use, an expansion of phosphorus assimilation genes and an alternative life history strategy of nonclonal colony formation. In addition to host shifts, despite culturing in common-garden conditions, host-microbiomes diverged along the gradient in taxonomy, but converged in function with evidence of metabolic interdependence between the host and its microbiome. Divergence corresponded with a physiological trade-off between fitness in low-phosphorus environments and growth rate in phosphorus-rich conditions. Co-occurrence of genotypes adapted to different nutrient environments in phosphorus-rich lakes may have critical implications for understanding how M. aeruginosa blooms persist after initial nutrient depletion. Ultimately, we demonstrate that the intertwined effects of genome evolution, host life history strategy and ecological interactions between a host and its microbiome correspond with an intraspecific niche shift with important implications for whole ecosystem function.
Opioid-prescribing Habits of Practitioner and Educator Members of the American Association of Endodontists: Report of a National Survey

Dentists and physicians alike often prescribe opioids for dental pain management. The purpose of this study was to identify the common practices among United States endodontists for prescribing opioids to their patients. A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was developed to query 1000 American Association of Endodontists members from all 7 districts in the United States. The 20-question survey addressed provider demographics, types and frequency of medications prescribed, and clinical scenarios that compelled prescription-writing habits. The anonymous survey was electronically mailed. There was a preference to prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or acetaminophen followed by hydrocodone to manage endodontic pain. The majority of respondents limited an opioid prescription to ≤4 days. Different demographics played a role in the response to direct questions if they ever felt or succumbed to pressure toward prescribing opioids. Opioids are the second most prescribed medication to manage endodontic postoperative pain. Practice background was a significant factor in feeling pressure to prescribe an opioid.
The Distribution of School Quality: Do Schools Serving Mostly White and High-SES Children Produce the Most Learning?:

What is schools’ role in the stratification system? One view is that schools are an important mechanism for perpetuating inequality because children from advantaged backgrounds (white and high soci...
Comprehensive comparative economic evaluation of woody biomass energy from silvicultural fuel treatments.

Fuel treatments are used in overstocked, fire-prone forests to alter wildfire behavior and reduce fire risk. Some of the benefits they provide are not captured in markets, and therefore represent unaccounted environmental externalities that can lead to inefficient decision making. This study uses a replicable method to integrate market and nonmarket economic values into a comprehensive economic evaluation of fuel treatment and bioenergy production using a case study of ponderosa pine and mixed-conifer forests in Colorado's wildland-urban interface. Treatment costs and people's willingness to pay for better forest health, lower likelihood of wildfire, improved air quality, and expanded renewable energy production are incorporated into techno-economic analysis of biopower production. Results show that fuel treatments are likely to be undervalued when evaluated strictly on a financial basis. Under the standard practice of disposing of treatment residues through pile-burning, net present value (NPV) of fuel treatment on 138,034 ha over 20 years is -$275 million, without consideration of nonmarket benefits. If nonmarket benefits associated with forest health, wildfire likelihood and air quality are included, NPV improves to -$116 million. Without the consideration of nonmarket benefits, when treatment resides are used for biopower production, NPV is -$178 million, with net cost savings compared to pile burning attributable to reduced biomass disposal costs and electricity revenue. Accounting for additional air quality benefits and nonmarket value associated with renewable energy, the bioenergy scenario improves NPV to -$25 million, with 27.7% of outcomes having positive NPV. The impact of additional nonmarket values and potential revenues from timber harvest are discussed, and are likely to make mean NPV positive for this scenario.
Circular Single-Stranded DNA Virus (Microviridae: Gokushovirinae: Jodiemicrovirus) Associated with the Pathobiome of the Flat-Back Mud Crab, Eurypanopeus depressus

ABSTRACT A single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) virus is presented from a metagenomic data set derived from Alphaproteobacteria-infected hepatopancreatic tissues of the crab Eurypanopeus depressus. The circular virus genome (4,768 bp) encodes 14 hypothetical proteins, some similar to other bacteriophages (Microviridae). Based on its relatedness to other Microviridae, this virus represents a member of a novel genus.
Routemaps for Highly Effective Tuberculosis Vaccination

There is no highly effective tuberculosis vaccine. Darrah et al. (2020) and Tait et al. (2019) are setting new benchmarks for protection against infection and pulmonary disease by changing the route of vaccine delivery and by using a protein subunit vaccine with a potent adjuvant.
The Spatial Probit Model of Interdependent Binary Outcomes: Estimation, Interpretation, and Presentation

We have argued and shown elsewhere the ubiquity and prominence of spatial interdependence, i.e., interdependence of outcomes among cross-sectional units, across the theories and substance of political and social science, and we have noted that much previous practice neglected this interdependence or treated it solely as nuisance, to the serious detriment of sound inference. These earlier studies considered only linear-regression models of spatial/spatio-temporal interdependence. For those classes of models, we (1) derived analytically in simple cases the biases of non-spatial and spatial least-squares (LS) under interdependence, (2) explored in simulations under richer, more realistic circumstances the properties of the biased non-spatial and spatial least-squares estimators and of the consistent and asymptotically efficient spatial method-of-moments (i.e., IV, 2SLS, GMM) and spatial maximum-likelihood estimators (ML), and (3) showed how to calculate, interpret, and present effectively the estimated spatial/spatio-temporal effects and dynamics of such models, along with appropriate standard errors, confidence intervals, hypothesis tests, etc. This paper begins a like set of tasks for binary-outcome models. We start again by stressing the ubiquity and centrality substantively and theoretically of interdependence in binary outcomes of interest to political and social scientists. We note that, again, this interdependence has typically been ignored in most contexts where it likely arises and that, in the few contexts where it has been acknowledged, or even rather centrally emphasized, those of policy diffusion and of social networks, the endogeneity of the spatial lag used (appropriately) to model the interdependence has only rarely been recognized. Next, we note and explain some of the severe challenges for empirical analysis posed by spatial interdependence in binary-outcome models, and then we follow recent advances in the spatial-econometric literature to suggest Bayesian or recursive-importance-sampling (RIS) approaches for tackling the estimation demands of these models. In brief and in general, the estimation complications arise because among the RHS variables is an endogenous weighted spatial-lag of the unobserved latent outcome, y*, in the other units; Bayesian or RIS techniques facilitate the complicated nested optimization exercise that follows from that fact. We show how to calculate estimated spatial effects (as opposed to parameter estimates) in such models and how to construct confidence regions for those, adopting simulation strategies for these purposes, and then how to present such estimates effectively.
Head Repositioning during Neurointerventional Procedures to Optimize Biplanar Imaging.

Background and purpose Head positioning is an important aspect for surgical planning in any cranial procedure. However, in neurointerventional cases, this is an afterthought due to advances in biplane imaging. We aim to present that the concept of head positioning may be applied to neurointerventional procedures to obtain optimal working projections to aide in the treatment of neurovascular pathology. Methods The operative log of the senior author was reviewed between 2016 and 2019. Seventeen patients were identified who required readjustment of head position to allow for ideal working projection during treatment. The reports and imaging of these patients were reviewed and categorized based on repositioning adjustments applied. Results Three specific head adjustments were performed to obtain working projections using biplanar angiography: head flexed position, head extended position, or extended-tilt positioning. All patients underwent endovascular coiling treatment for a variety of intracranial aneurysms. Conclusion In select cases, ideal views of vascular pathology can be difficult to obtain due to limitations of biplane rotation or patient-specific anatomy. Simple maneuvers in head positioning can be done to achieve better working projections for optimized endovascular treatment.
HIV survey in Mozambique: analysis with simultaneous model in contrast to separate hierarchical models

The analysis of correlated responses obtained one at a time in survey data is not as informative or as useful as modeling them simultaneously. Simultaneous modeling allows for the opportunity to evaluate the system in a more pragmatic form rather than to allow for responses that assumedly originated in isolation. This research uses the Mozambique National Survey data to demonstrate the benefits of simultaneous modeling on blood test results, knowledge of HIV/AIDS, and awareness of an HIV/AIDS campaign. This simultaneous modeling also addresses the correlation inherent due to the hierarchical structure in the data collection. Employment and self-perceived risk of HIV/AIDS have different impact on blood test, awareness of an HIV/AIDS campaign, and knowledge of HIV/AIDS when examined simultaneously as opposed to separate modeling. Simultaneous modeling of correlated responses improves the reliability of the estimates. More importantly, it provides an opportunity to engage in cost-saving decisions when designing future surveys and make better health policies.
Swings and Roundabouts: Attention-Structure Interaction Effect in Deep Semantic Matching

In the context of deep learning models for semantic matching problems, we propose a novel Multi-View Progressive Attention (MV-PA) mechanism general enough to operate on various linguistic structures of text. More importantly, we study the interaction effect between explicit linguistic structures (e.g., linear, constituency, and dependency) and implicit structures elicited by attention mechanisms . Empirical results on multiple datasets demonstrate salient patterns of substitutability between the two families of structures (explicit and implicit). Our findings not only provide intellectual foundations for the popular use of “linear LSTM + attention” architectures in NLP/QA research, but also have implications in other modalities and domains.
Comparison of Drug-Eluting Embolics versus Conventional Transarterial Chemoembolization for the Treatment of Patients with Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.

Abstract Purpose To compare the cost-effectiveness of using doxorubicin-loaded drug-eluting embolic (DEE) transarterial chemoembolization versus that of using conventional transarterial chemoembolization for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods A decision-analysis model was constructed over the lifespan of a payer’s perspective. The model simulated the clinical course, including periprocedural complications, additional transarterial chemoembolization or other treatments (ablation, radioembolization, or systemic treatment), palliative care, and death, of patients with unresectable HCC. All clinical parameters were derived from the literature. Base case calculations, probabilistic sensitivity analyses, and multiple two-way sensitivity analyses were performed. Results In the base case calculations for patients with a median age of 67 years (range for conventional transarterial chemoembolization: 28–88 years, range for DEE-transarterial chemoembolization: 16–93 years), conventional transarterial chemoembolization yielded a health benefit of 2.11 quality-adjusted life years (QALY) at a cost of $125,324, whereas DEE-transarterial chemoembolization yielded 1.71 QALY for $144,816. In 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations, conventional transarterial chemoembolization continued to be a more cost-effective strategy. conventional transarterial chemoembolization was cost-effective when the complication risks for both the procedures were simultaneously varied from 0% to 30%. DEE-transarterial chemoembolization became cost-effective if the conventional transarterial chemoembolization mortality exceeded that of DEE-transarterial chemoembolization by 17% in absolute values. The two-way sensitivity analyses demonstrated that conventional transarterial chemoembolization was cost-effective until the risk of disease progression was >0.4% of that for DEE-transarterial chemoembolization in absolute values. Our analysis showed that DEE-transarterial chemoembolization would be more cost-effective if it offered >2.5% higher overall survival benefit than conventional transarterial chemoembolization in absolute values. Conclusions Compared with DEE-transarterial chemoembolization, conventional transarterial chemoembolization yielded a higher number of QALY at a lower cost, making it the more cost-effective of the 2 modalities.
Global imbalances, the US dollar, and how the crisis at the core of global finance spread to ›self-insuring‹ emerging market economies

This paper investigates the spread of what started as a crisis at the core of the global financial system to emerging economies. While emerging economies had exhibited some resilience through the early stages of the financial turmoil that began in the summer of 2007, they have been hit hard since mid-2008. Their deteriorating fortunes are only partly attributable to the collapse in world trade and sharp drop in commodity prices. Things were made worse by emerging markets' exposure to the turmoil in global finance itself. As 'innocent bystanders', even countries that had taken out 'self-insurance' proved vulnerable to the global 'sudden stop' in capital flows. We critique loanable funds theoretical interpretations of global imbalances and offer an alternative explanation that emphasizes the special status of the US dollar. Instead of taking out even more self-insurance, developing countries should pursue capital account management to enlarge their policy space and reduce external vulnerabilities.
Businessperson Deputies and Party Cohesion: Evidence from the Russian State Duma:

Previous explorations of Russia’s mixed electoral system uncovered conflicting results on party discipline in legislative voting. The effect in recent convocations is modest, with single-member dis...
Credibility and Nominal Debt: Exploring the Role of Maturity in Managing Inflation

This paper focuses on the role of debt maturity in managing the government`s incentives to use opportunistic inflation to reduce the ex post real value of its nominal liabilities. The maturity structure of government debt is shown to be a powerful instrument to affect the time profile of the inflation tax base and, hence, to mitigate the distortions introduced by time inconsistency on taxation policies. The nature of the optimal policy is shown to be heavily dependent on the type of precommitment enjoyed by policymakers.
Volumetric and Acoustic Properties of Trans-Resveratrol in Ethanol

Several thermodynamic parameters for trans-resveratrol have been experimentally determined or calculated at different temperatures. The capability of trans-resveratrol to have strong solute–solvent interactions and weak solute–solute interactions in ethanol solution has demonstrated using density and speed of sound data. Furthermore, its ability to have structure breaking tendencies and the absence of caging effects are shown. The results of this investigation are consistent with molecular model images generated using Spartan 04 modeling.
Registration of 2D images from fast scanning ophthalmic instruments

Images from high-resolution scanning ophthalmic instruments are significantly distorted due to eye movement. Accurate image registration is required to successfully image subjects who are unable to fixate due to retinal conditions. Moreover, all scanning ophthalmic imaging modalities using adaptive optics will benefit from image registration, even in subjects with good fixation and anaesthetized animals. Transformation functions used tomap two images could in principle be very complex. Here, we show that when the scanning in ophthalmic instruments is sufficiently fast with respect to the speed of involuntary eye movement, these mapping functions become the addition of a linear term and a single variable function. Then, based on experimental data on eye movement amplitude and speed of the fixating eye, minimum sampling frequencies for these instruments are discussed. Finally, a simple method for estimating the image transformation functions by taking advantage of the finite bandwidth of the motion signals is presented.
Regulation of Homocysteine Biosynthesis in Salmonella typhimurium

Abstract The regulation of the homocysteine branch of the methionine biosynthetic pathway in Salmonella typhimurium has been reexamined with the aid of a new assay for the first enzyme. The activity of this enzyme is subject to synergistic feedback inhibition by methionine plus S-adenosylmethionine. The synthesis of all three enzymes of the pathway is regulated by noncoordinate repression. The enzymes are derepressed in metJ and metK regulatory mutants, suggesting the existence of regulatory elements common to all three. Experiments with a methionine/vitamin B12 auxotroph (metE) grown in a chemostat on methionine or vitamin B12 suggested that the first enzyme is more sensitive to repression by methionine derived from exogenous than from endogenous sources. metB and metC mutants grown on methionine in the chemostat did not show hypersensitivity to repression by exogenous methionine. Therefore, it appears that the metE chemostat findings are peculiar to the phenotype of this mutant; such evidence suggests a possible role for a functional methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine transmethylase in regulating the synthesis of the first enzyme. Thus there appear to be regulatory elements which are common to the repression of all three enzymes, as well as some that are unique to the first enzyme. The nature of the corepressor is not known, but it may be a derivative of S-adenosylmethionine. metJ and metK mutants of Salmonella have a normal capacity for S-adenosylmethionine synthesis but may be blocked in synthesis or utilization of a corepressor derived from it.
The demand for imports in Italy: A production analysis

Abstract As economic integration continues, the countries of southern Europe struggle to promote economic growth while keeping unemployment and national budget deficits at acceptable levels. The economic effects of integration are explored for Italy by estimating demand elasticities for capital, labor, and imported inputs in the context of an aggregate cost function. Our results are consistent with each input pair being substitutes, although domestic capital and labor are closer substitutes than imports and domestic inputs. A high elasticity of inverse output supply of investment goods relative to labor price suggests that Italian labor market reforms are critical to future domestic capital goods production and national growth.
Job disposition cost model

A comprehensive cost model has been developed to evaluate product dispositions in the substrate manufacturing line. The computer program allows manufacturing to make cost-related decisions for several processing alternatives: send-aheads, recycles, reworks, and scrap. The model ensures the lowest to-stock cost processing based on the following variables: unit hours, yields, product flow, materials, and operating expenses. The use of this strategy and methodology results in reduced product cost, shorter cycle times, highlighting of process problems, and increased CFM (continuous flow manufacturing) efficiency. This approach could be incorporated in an expert system for a business modeling procedure meeting internal manufacturing and customer requirements. >
ANOMALOUS ORIGIN OF BOTH CORONARY ARTERIES FROM PULMONARY TRUNK. MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN OTHERWISE NORMAL HEART.

Abstract A case is presented of a 33 day old infant in whom both coronary arteries arose from the pulmonary trunk in an otherwise normal heart. Death was due to subendocardial myocardial infarctions. Histologic criteria date the onset of infarction to the second week of life. The physiologic drop to “adult” levels of pressure in the pulmonary artery, which is normally reached by this time, was considered the prime cause. The implications of these findings for the understanding of the pathophysiology of the Bland, White and Garland syndrome (of one anomalous coronary artery arising from the pulmonary trunk) are discussed. The delayed and more gradual onset of symptoms should distinguish it from the presented condition, which generally becomes symptomatic by the second week of life and is invariably fatal.
Distinct Roles for the Two Rho GDP/GTP Exchange Factor Domains of Kalirin in Regulation of Neurite Growth and Neuronal Morphology

The actin cytoskeleton, essential for neuronal development, is regulated in part by small GTP binding proteins of the Rho subfamily. Kalirin-9, with two Rho subfamily-specific GDP/GTP exchange factor (GEF) domains, localizes to neurites and growth cones of primary cortical neurons. Kalirin-9 overexpression in cultured cortical neurons induces longer neurites and altered neuronal morphology. Expression of the first GEF domain alone results in drastically shortened axons and excessive growth cones, mediated by Rac1. Expression of the second GEF domain alone induces axonal over-elongation and abundant filopodial neurites, mediated by RhoA. Coordination of the actions of the individual GEF domains through their presence in Kalirin-9, with its Sec14p, spectrin, and Src homology domain 3 motifs, is essential for regulating neurite extension and neuronal morphology.
Non-deterministic chaos

Non-deterministic chaos is a new dynamical paradigm where a non-deterministic system is influenced by random perturbations to produce the appearance of complexity. The non-determinism is envisioned to occur only at a single point in phase space, where many trajectories intersect. In the presence of external random perturbations (noise), whenever the phase space trajectory approaches the singularity, it will jump in an unpredictable way to a different solution. This behavior, while similar in appearance to deterministic chaos, has rather different implications for prediction and control.
Dehydropyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Two Cryptantha Species: Including Two New Open Chain Diesters One of Which is Amphoteric

Introduction A livestock poisoning outbreak near Kingman, Arizona, USA, potentially linked to dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids, prompted an evaluation of some local plants for the presence of these hepatotoxic alkaloids. Objective To qualitatively and quantitatively examine two species of Cryptantha, a Boraginaceous genus previously shown to produce potentially toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, collected from the vicinity of Kingman, Arizona. Method Plant extracts were analysed using HPLC–electrospray ionisation (+)–MS and MS/MS to determine the presence of dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloid esters. Identities were confirmed by comparison of chromatographic and MS data with authenticated standards and, in the case of the previously undescribed alkaloids, using one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution mass measurement. Results Cryptantha inequata and C. utahensis were shown to produce retronecine-based dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids at approximately 0.05% and 0.09% w/w respectively. Cryptantha inequata produced mainly echimidine, acetylechimidine and echiuplatine; dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids that were previously associated with Echium plantagineum. The previously undescribed structure of echiuplatine was elucidated as an amphoteric, open chain diester with angelic acid and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acid. Along with lycopsamine, intermedine and dihydroxyechiumine, C. utahensis produced cryptanthine, a previously undescribed open chain diester alkaloid esterified with angelic acid and 2,3-dihydroxy-2-methylbutanoic acid. All pyrrolizidine alkaloids detected were present in the plants mainly as their N-oxides. Conclusion The retronecine-based alkaloids detected in both Cryptantha species herein investigated aligns them within the Krynitzkia subgenus. The dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids detected are expected to be toxic but the low levels in the plants potentially mitigate the risk. The identification of the amphoteric echiuplatine provides a cautionary note with respect to the analysis of total dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloid content. Published 2012. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Axial flux segmental rotor flux-switching synchronous motor

A novel three-phase, concentrated winding, axial flux, segmental rotor, flux-switching synchronous motor is presented. The proposed topology has rotor segments made of only iron laminations and operates with flux-switching principle. Compared to existing axial flux permanent magnet (AFPM) topologies, the proposed machine contains reduced amount of permanent magnets located only in its stator. This approach makes the assembly easier and reduce the cost compared to conventional AFPM. Moreover, the proposed topologies have higher torque density and torque-to-weight ratio compared to reported axial flux SRMs (AFSRMs). Detailed design and operation of the proposed machine is presented; the performance of the machine is evaluated for an in-wheel traction application.
Polymethylmethacrylate Particles Impair Osteoprogenitor Viability and Expression of Osteogenic Transcription Factors Runx2, Osterix, and Dlx5

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) particles have been shown to inhibit the differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells, but the mechanism of this inhibitory effect has not been investigated. We hypothesize that the inhibitory effects of PMMA particles involve impairment of osteoprogenitor viability and direct inhibition of transcription factors that regulate osteogenesis. We challenged MC3T3-E1 osteoprogenitors with PMMA particles and examined the effects of these materials on osteoprogenitor viability and expression of transcription factors Runx2, osterix, Dlx5, and Msx2. MC3T3-E1 cells treated with PMMA particles over a 72-h period showed a significant reduction in cell viability and proliferation as indicated by a dose- and time-dependent increase in supernatant levels of lactate dehydrogenase, an intracellular enzyme released from dead cells, a dose-dependent decrease in cell number and BrdU uptake, and the presence of large numbers of positively labeled Annexin V-stained cells. The absence of apoptotic cells on TUNEL assay indicated that cell death occurred by necrosis, not apoptosis. MC3T3-E1 cells challenged with PMMA particles during the first 6 days of differentiation in osteogenic medium showed a significant dose-dependent decrease in the RNA expression of Runx2, osterix, and Dlx5 on all days of measurement, while the RNA expression of Msx2, an antagonist of Dlx5-induced osteogenesis, remained relatively unaffected. These results indicate that PMMA particles impair osteoprogenitor viability and inhibit the expression of transcription factors that promote osteoprogenitor differentiation.
Tracking 2-D rigid targets with invariant constraints

Abstract An algorithm for tracking 2-D rigid non-point targets is presented. By introducing an interval turn model for center motion and considering a constraint of rigidity, the estimation of translation and rotation of the target can be obtained simultaneously when only measurements of target vertices with the presence of false alarms are available. A set of motion invariant coefficients are calculated along with the location estimates. Modeling vertices as a group of coupled members together with the coupled joint probabilistic data association (JPDA) algorithm improves tracking performance. This approach provides some insights to joint target tracking and identification (ID), and feature-aided tracking (FAT).