cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Flavopiridol Down-Regulates Genes Involved in Cell Cycle Regulation and Tumor Progression in Adults with Refractory or Poor-Risk Acute Leukemia.

Acute leukemia in adults continues to be a formidable clinical challenge that demands further investigation to identify more rational therapies. To optimize anti-leukemia therapy, we are investigating the prototypical cyclin dependent kinase (cdk) inhibitor, flavopiridol, in refractory or poor-risk disease. Flavopiridol is a cytotoxic molecule that is thought to induce cell cycle arrest by blocking cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk) function, thereby interfering with RNA Polymerase II activity and globally down-regulating gene expression. In the setting of pan-cdk inhibition, E2F1 is released and appears to drive apoptosis in transformed cells. Consistent with these proposed mechanisms of action, a previous study from our group showed that flavopiridol induces apoptosis in vitro in leukemic blasts from patients with refractory leukemia. Administration of flavopiridol was associated with a decrease in one or more of the following proteins in the leukemic blasts: RNA Polymerase II, STAT3, cyclin D1, Bcl-2, and Mcl-1. Serum VEGF levels also decreased in most patients. We are now investigating mRNA levels of the genes encoding these proteins by quantitative, RT-PCR in leukemic blasts from adult patients with refractory or poor-risk leukemia before and after flavopiridol therapy. We have treated 26 patients with flavopiridol at an escalating, hybrid dose followed by ara-c and mitxantrone. Adequate RNA from leukemic blasts before and after flavopiridol administration was available from 8 of 11 patients studied thus far. All cases (8/8) exhibit a marked decrease in mRNA for VEGF following flavopiridol. mRNA levels for other putative flavopiridol target genes is also decreased in a subset of leukemic blast samples after therapy, as follows: E2F1 (6/8), STAT3 (6/8), Mcl-1 (6/8), RNA Polymerase subunit 2a (3/3), and cyclin D1 (2/3). In contrast, bcl-2 mRNA levels increased after flavopiridol in most cases (7/8), which could represent a compensatory mechanism of leukemic blasts to avoid apoptotic cell death. Our preliminary studies indicate that flavopiridol is cytotoxic in poor-risk and refractory acute leukemia. Studies are underway to determine if down-regulation of any putative target genes correlates with pharmacologic data or clinical responses.
Outcomes of a faculty development conference in Mongolia

Background: Medical Education International (MEI), an organization that provides faculty development to medical educators in developing countries, wanted information on the program effectiveness of its faculty development conferences.Objectives: To assess the outcomes of an MEI faculty development conference in Mongolia on the knowledge, confidence in applying new skills, and attitudes of participants.Methods: A retrospective pretest survey of participants was used to assess the outcomes of a 3-day faculty development conference given twice at the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences. The survey assessed participant views on their ability to meet the objectives of the conference, the perceived overall value of the conference, and their suggestions for improvements in future MEI conferences.Results: Twenty participants (65%) completed surveys. Participants reported significant changes in agreement with their ability to meet the objectives of the conference in all of the pre-post measures (pre-post p<0.001). The value of attending the conference was ranked at a mean score of 4.05 on a Likert scale from 1 to 5, with 1 indicating “Strongly Disagree” and 5 “Strongly Agree.” Conference attendees indicated interest in additional training on more advanced topics. Conclusion: Overall, the findings indicate that conference attendees gained knowledge and confidence in applying new skills and valued the training received from a faculty development conference led by physicians from the USA. Further research is needed to determine long-term impact on residency education in Mongolia.
Phase II: The ICU Phase of Damage Control: Managing the Patient from Door to Door

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) phase has been central to the concept of delayed definitive care of trauma since it was described by Stone and colleagues and later systematically defined and named by Rotondo, Schwab, and colleagues [1, 2]. The initial operative procedures are abbreviated, and temporizing measures are employed, allowing transport to the ICU for correction of metabolic and physiologic problems. When the patient is to return to the operating room for definitive surgical procedures (Phase III) is determined by the success of this phase (Phase II) of care. In addition, careful ICU management can be the difference between prompt fascial closure and rapid liberation from the ventilator and an “unclose-able” abdomen with prolonged mechanical ventilation [3–13]. The massive fluid and blood component resuscitation utilized in the emergency room and operating theater, the dramatic visual nature of large devastating wounds, and an “open abdomen” with discontinuity of bowel can be overwhelming for even the most experienced ICU staff. Such cases require the implementation of dramatic adjustments to the ICU team’s time, priorities, and focus of care on a single patient. Routine progression of care and achievement of therapeutic end-points are often impossible, and “unconventional” management is often necessary. The ICU team will require a thorough and adequate understanding of all injuries and interventions from both the anesthesia and surgical team. No other patient population requires such close collaboration, communication, and repeat evaluations by all those responsible for their care. Given the overlapping nature of the resuscitation throughout the three phases of damage control, we have chosen to approach this chapter as a “door-to-door” process and management review. The ICU phase of Damage Control (DC) is a continuation of Phase I concepts, proceeding through the initial 24–48 h of addressing a
Erythrocyte Advanced Glycation End-Products as Novel Mediators of Endothelial Dysfunction Following Transfusion

Abstract SCI-47 Red cell transfusions are associated with the development of acute lung injury in critically ill patients, yet the mechanisms for this association remain unknown. We have previously shown that stored red blood cells (RBCs) express the advanced glycation end-product Ne-carboxymethyl lysine (Ne-CML) (1). Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), a heterogeneous group of adducts formed during states of increased oxidative stress or hyperglycemia, are thought to exert their effects by binding to membrane receptors, including RAGE (the receptor for advanced glycation-end products). RAGE is a multiligand pattern-recognition receptor implicated in vascular disease whose function in lung endothelium remains unknown. Our previous data demonstrate that RAGE ligands on stored erythrocytes can induce reactive oxygen species in lung endothelial cells. We therefore hypothesized that RAGE ligands on the surface of stored RBCs exacerbate lung inflammation by interacting with the pulmonary endothelium, thus possibly participating in the pathogenesis of lung injury following transfusion. We first examined lung endothelial cells at baseline using multiple techniques and observed low basal expression of RAGE. Because RAGE ligands can induce the expression of RAGE, and stored red blood cells (RBCs) express the RAGE ligand Ne-carboxymethyl lysine (Ne-CML), we investigated whether RBC transfusion would augment RAGE expression on lung endothelium utilizing a syngeneic model of RBC transfusion. Increased lung endothelial RAGE expression and enhanced lung inflammation and endothelial activation was observed, as evidenced by increases in lung high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) expression following transfusion. These effects were mediated by RAGE, as endothelial activation was absent in RBC-transfused Rage knockout mice. Therefore, functional consequences of RBC transfusion are augmented RAGE expression, increased RAGE ligation, and endothelial activation, thus linking RAGE activation to lung inflammation following RBC transfusion. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Potential and clinical translation of oncolytic measles viruses

Oncolytic viruses represent a novel treatment modality that is unencumbered by the standard resistance mechanisms limiting the therapeutic efficacy of conventional antineoplastic agents. Attenuated engineered measles virus strains derived from the Edmonston vaccine lineage have undergone extensive preclinical evaluation with significant antitumor activity observed in a broad range of preclinical tumoral models. These have laid the foundation for several clinical trials in both solid and hematologic malignancies, which have demonstrated safety, biologic activity and the ability to elicit antitumor immune responses. Areas covered: This review examines the published preclinical data which supported the clinical translation of this therapeutic platform, reviews the available clinical trial data and expands on ongoing phase II testing. It also looks at approaches to optimize clinical applicability and offers future perspectives. Expert opinion: Reverse genetic engineering has allowed the generation of oncolytic MV strains retargeted to increase viral tumor specificity, or armed with therapeutic and immunomodulatory genes in order to enhance anti-tumor efficacy. Continuous efforts focusing on exploring methods to overcome resistance pathways and determining optimal combinatorial strategies will facilitate further development of this encouraging antitumor strategy.
Matched Sibling Donor Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Sickle Cell Disease Using a Reduced Intensity Conditioning Regimen Can Lead To Stable Long Term Engraftment.

Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT) from sibling donors has been demonstrated to cure sickle cell disease. Concerns about high regimen related toxicity particularly in older patients and in those with advanced organ damage and the potential for late sequelae such as chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and infertility have limited the applicability of HCT. HCT following a reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) regimen has the potential for reducing toxicity and making this curative therapy more acceptable and applicable to this group of patients. We report preliminary results on the first five patients enrolled on a pilot study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of HCT following a RIC regimen for patients with high risk sickle cell disease. All patients received bone marrow from a matched sibling donor. The conditioning regimen consisted of Busulfan 2 mg/kg orally q12 hr x 2 days (0.8mg/kg IV q 6 hr x 2 days for patient#3, 4, 5), Fludarabine 35 mg/m 2 /dose IV daily x 5 days, anti-thymocyte globulin 30 mg/kg/dose IV daily x 5 days and total lymphoid irradiation 500 cGy with shielding of the liver, lungs, heart, and gonads. GVHD prophylaxis consisted of cyclosporine A and Mycophenolate mofetil. Clinical characteristics, outcomes and donor chimerism in peripheral blood genomic DNA and of subjects are summarized in the Table.1 The preparative regimen was well tolerated with no serious infections or mucositis in any patient. No patient has had recurrence of previous sickle cell related symptoms. Lineage-specific chimerism analysis (patients # 3, 4, 5), reveal predominance of donor erythropoiesis (Table 2). These findings indicate that HCT for sickle cell disease following a RIC regimen is well tolerated and can lead to stable long term engraftment.
Correspondence between KOLBAS experiential learning and rigor-relevance framework

Today, many theories of learning work in parallel. Each of these theories contains valuables notions useful in knowledge transfer but, unification efforts are weaker than efforts to create new concepts of learning. Recently, the powerful involving of technology (Internet, remote experiment, learning platforms, etc.) in teaching and learning led to a regrouping of the concepts regarding the transfer and acquisition of knowledge. One point of view regarding this process is presented in this paper. It is speaking about an independent combination between Bloom's taxonomy and applications and possible correlations with Kolb s learning model. Each theory contains irrefutable truths and simultaneously neglects important issues of the process. An attempt to build a correspondence between these two models shows that: • Teaching is a combination of theory and practical experiments, what usually are called courses for “knowledge transfer”. Today is generally accepted that the sum of courses contained in a curriculum adequately prepares the student for the future career; • Charts Rigor-Relevance however shows that the stage of “applications across disciplines” brings closer the student to the real life; • The same diagram shows that in teaching environment the applications located in unpredictable environment lead to the formation of skills closer to the real career problems; The question is whether the Kolbs experiential learning cycle has the same conclusions as Rigor-Relevance, especially since it considers learning starting from experiment not from knowledge. The paper reconsiders the cycle of Kolb theory content and shows that each of the four stages, which this cycle passes, contains obviously both elements from the taxonomy of Bloom and the possibility to organize experiments passing successively from those that are required for a single discipline towards the experiments across disciplines under predictable and unpredictable conditions.
Beyond "Managerial Judges": Appropriate Roles in Settlement

Settlement is prevalent, and crucial to the functioning of the U.S. judicial system. But the pretrial regulatory framework in the courts is largely discretionary, and its emphasis on management does not fully take into account all the consequences of combining settlement with adjudication. The label “managerial judge” does not differentiate between the functions involved in managing a settlement process and the very different role of serving as a settlement neutral. By introducing this distinction, this Article provides a framework for analyzing settlement that focuses on the conflicts between a judge’s role as a neutral in settlement and as a neutral in adjudication. This Article argues for reform that would prevent judges assigned to a case for pretrial management and trial from serving as the neutral at a settlement conference or judicial mediation. The proposal to separate these roles structurally would address the problems of coercion and partiality that can result from a dual-neutral role, while retaining the contributions of settlement judges. The proposal is informed by the history of judges’ involvement in settlement, and by their increasing reliance on mediation techniques. It draws on principles that are already recognized in some local and state ADR rules and rests on modern understandings of cognitive functioning and decisionmaking that should be incorporated into our thinking about frameworks for settlement.
Discourse and ideology in translated children’s literature: a comparative study

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we examine changes children’s literature frequently undergo when translated. Specifically, we investigate how the ideological manipulation of originals leads to shifts in these translations. We use a multilingual corpus of English children’s books translated into German, Greek, Korean, Spanish and Arabic. German and Greek translations are discussed intensively with some space given to translations into the other languages, where analyses are at an initial stage. In our comparative study we investigate the liberties taken by translators in their covert translations (House, J. (2015). Translation quality assessment: Past and present. London: Routledge) into different languages. Preliminary findings reveal shifts that highlight (a) underlying cross-cultural discourse preferences reflected in the translations through massive ‘cultural filtering’, (b) ideological leanings of translators who tacitly guide reader assumptions, and (c) educational adjustments to stock societal assumptions an...
Interprocessor memory contention

When programs execute together on a shared memory, multiprocessor system, each program’s performance, relative to its performance on a dedicated single system, degrades because of contention among processors for shared memory. This contention is a function of the kinds of programs executing, the number of memory banks, the bank reservation time, and the design of the interconnection network between processors and memories. On February 21, 1992 Robert Numrich from Cray Research described his ongoing research [1] of the nature of interprocessor memory contention as a function of the above parameters. Based on his simulation results [2] he proposed analytic forms for the asymptotic behavior of throughput, time delay and system efficiency as functions of system request rate. He also posed several open problems.
Structure of the Paramyxovirus Parainfluenza Virus 5 Nucleoprotein in Complex with an Amino-Terminal Peptide of the Phosphoprotein.

Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) belongs to the family Paramyxoviridae, which consists of enveloped viruses with a nonsegmented negative-strand RNA genome encapsidated by the nucleoprotein (N). Paramyxovirus replication is regulated by the phosphoprotein (P) through protein-protein interactions with N and the RNA polymerase (L). The chaperone activity of P is essential to maintain the unassembled RNA-free form of N in order to prevent nonspecific RNA binding and premature N oligomerization. Here, we determined the crystal structure of unassembled PIV5 N in complex with a P peptide (N0P) derived from the N terminus of P (P50) at 2.65 A. The PIV5 N0P consists of two domains: an N-terminal domain (NTD) and a C-terminal domain (CTD) separated by a hinge region. The cleft at the hinge region of RNA-bound PIV5 N was previously shown to be an RNA binding site. The N0P structure shows that the P peptide binds to the CTD of N and extends toward the RNA binding site to inhibit N oligomerization and, hence, RNA binding. Binding of P peptide also keeps the PIV5 N in the open form. A molecular dynamics (MD) analysis of both the open and closed forms of N shows the flexibility of the CTD and the preference of the N protein to be in an open conformation. The gradual opening of the hinge region, to release the RNA, was also observed. Together, these results advance our knowledge of the conformational swapping of N required for the highly regulated paramyxovirus replication. IMPORTANCE Paramyxovirus replication is regulated by the interaction of P with N and L proteins. Here, we report the crystal structure of unassembled parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) N chaperoned with P peptide. Our results provide a detailed understanding of the binding of P to N. The conformational switching of N between closed and open forms during its initial interaction with P, as well as during RNA release, was analyzed. Our data also show the plasticity of the CTD and the importance of domain movement for conformational switching. The results improve our understanding of the mechanism of interchanging N conformations for RNA replication and release.
Consumer perceptions of online advertising of weight loss products: the role of social norms and perceived deception

Despite the prevalence of unsubstantiated claims in online advertising of weight loss products (OAWP), consumers tend to believe they are less susceptible to advertising claims than others. Based o...
Structure—Function Relations of Natural Toxins and Nerve Agents: An Overview

Nature has endowed mankind with sources of an extraordinarily rich array of complex molecular structures and assemblies possessing functions that range from gene regulation and signal transduction to photosynthesis and protein biosynthesis (1). The creation of diverse collections of chemical structures followed by critical selection of specific molecules exhibiting a desired biological property allows the evolution of new molecular functions. As the structures and molecular mechanisms involved in the biological processes are elaborated and understood, the insights gleaned, as well as the processes themselves, can be combined with the tools of the physical and biological sciences to create new and novel molecules that incorporate functions found neither in Nature or the laboratory.
The Concepts of Thermodynamics

Abstract Elementary thermodynamics has been much neglected as an object of inquiry both by mathematicians and engineers. The basic concepts of heat and hotness can, however, be given a precise structure consistent with the foundations of classical continuum mechanics, and it is possible to develop a rigorous notion of absolute temperature and a rigorous discussion of the Clausius inequality. In this view entropy is a derived concept, and the existence of internal energy and entropy must be established for any given class of materials. To complete the fundamental notions of thermodynamics one must in addition consider the problem of stability of rest states, and the question of internally constrained materials. To illustrate the problems involved in the foundations of the thermodynamics we give examples of a material obeying the Clausius inequality which does not have a unique entropy function, and of an unstable material satisfying the Clausius-Duhem inequality which is cooled by the addition of heat. We also examine the thermodynamic structure of an internally constrained material whose density is a function of temperature, and finally show how a heat-conducting compressible Navier-Stokes fluid can be introduced as a thermodynamic entity without using either the notion of internal energy or of entropy.
Regulatory Gene Control of Transcription of the l-Arabinose Operon in Escherichia coli

Abstract The l-arabinose operon is under both positive and negative control by the product of its regulatory gene, araC. We have measured transcription of the arabinose genes by hybridization of 3H-labeled messenger RNA to single-stranded DNA from an arabinose transducing phage in order to study the effect of the regulatory gene on transcription. In strains in which the arabinose regulatory gene is completely nonfunctional due to deletion or nonsense mutation, only lack of activator, the positive controlling element, prevents expression of the arabinose operon. In these strains no mRNA from the arabinose operon can be detected, indicating that the positive control is exerted on the transcription process. Arabinoseconstitutive mutants which make functional activator in the absence of arabinose or which do not need the activator function for enzyme synthesis produce mRNA from the arabinose operon even in the absence of inducer. When an araC+ F'ara episome is introduced into these constitutive strains, making them diploid for the arabinose genes, the araC+ gene provides repressor function and transcription of the operon is shut off in the absence of inducer, demonstrating that negative control also functions at the transcription step. A number of araC mutants producing lower than wild type levels of enzymes from the arabinose operon were shown to have correspondingly lower levels of mRNA from the operon. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the araC gene affects only the process of transcription of the arabinose operon.
Easy Graphic Design for Librarians: From Color to Kerning

As library budgets decrease and jobs are combined, librarians are asked to take on more tasks than ever before, from IT work to printer repair. Another such task is graphic design, whether it be th...
Targeting Ligands Deliver Model Drug Cargo into the Central Nervous System along Autonomic Neurons

While biologic drugs such as proteins, peptides, or nucleic acids have shown promise in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) severely limits drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) after systemic administration. Consequently, drug delivery challenges preclude biological drug candidates from the clinical armamentarium. In order to target drug delivery and uptake into to the CNS, we used an in vivo phage display screen to identify peptides able to target drug-uptake by the vast array of neurons of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Using next-generation sequencing, we identified 21 candidate targeted ANS-to-CNS uptake ligands (TACL) that enriched bacteriophage accumulation and delivered protein-cargo into the CNS after intraperitoneal (IP) administration. The series of TACL peptides were synthesized and tested for their ability to deliver a model enzyme (NeutrAvidin-horseradish peroxidase fusion) to the brain and spinal cord. Three TACL-peptides facilitated significant active enzyme delivery into the CNS, with limited accumulation in off-target organs. Peptide structure and serum stability is increased when internal cysteine residues are cyclized by perfluoroarylation with decafluorobiphenyl, which increased delivery to the CNS further. TACL-peptide was demonstrated to localize in parasympathetic ganglia neurons in addition to neuronal structures in the hindbrain and spinal cord. By targeting uptake into ANS neurons, we demonstrate the potential for TACL-peptides to bypass the blood-brain barrier and deliver a model drug into the brain and spinal cord.
Exploring How Gay Latinx Men Cope in College Using Emotion Regulation

This narrative study used individual interviews with seven gay Latinx men to understand how they used emotion regulation to navigate academic and personal obstacles as well as heterosexism and inte...
Reducing Cognitive Workload in Electronic Health Records through the Visualization of Clinically Meaningful Patterns

Electronic health record (EHR) systems have the potential to both reduce and increase the cognitive workload experienced by clinicians resulting from the presentation and organization of data. Here we describe how three novel EHR prototypes influences the cognitive workload of physicians when completing a clinical task. Our results suggest EHR systems that highlight and feature clinically meaningful patterns instead of forcing users to search, find and keep in memory the details required to identify the same patterns reduce cognitive workload during clinical decision making.
A new interactive visual-aided decision-making supporting tool to predict severity of acute ischemic stroke

Advent of advanced imaging technology and better neuro-interventional equipment have resulted in timely diagnosis and effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, objective clinicoradiologic correlate to identify appropriate candidates and their respective clinical outcome is largely unknown. The purpose of the study is to develop and test a new interactive decision-making support tool to predict severity of AIS prior to thrombectomy using CT perfusion imaging protocol. CT image data of 30 AIS patients with LVO assessed radiologically for their eligibility to undergo mechanical thrombectomy were retrospectively collected and analyzed in this study. First, a computer-aided scheme automatically categorizes images into multiple sequences followed by indexing each slice to specified brain location. Next, consecutive mapping is used for accurate brain region segmentation from skull. The brain is then split into left and right hemispheres, followed by detecting blood in each hemisphere. Additionally, visual tools including segmentation, blood correction, select sequence and index analyzer are implemented for deeper analysis. Last, comparison between blood-volume in each hemisphere over the sequences is made to observe wash-in and wash-out rate of blood flow to assess the extent of damaged and “at risk” brain tissue. By integrating computer-aided scheme into a user graphic interface, the study builds a unique image feature analysis and visualization tool to observe and quantify the delayed or reduced blood flow (brain “at-risk” to develop AIS) in the corresponding hemisphere, which has potential to assist radiologists to quickly visualize and more accurately assess extent of AIS.
Biological behaviour of primary osteosarcoma of the digits, metacarpal and metatarsal bones in dogs.

Osteosarcoma (OSA) arising from the digits, metatarsal and metacarpal bones is rare and may carry a better prognosis compared with other locations. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the biological behaviour, the progression free interval (PFI), the survival time (ST) and evaluate the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy for OSA affecting these bones. Medical records from two academic institutions were reviewed and 15 cases were included. Descriptive statistics were used for signalment and history. For estimation of median PFI and median ST, the Kaplan-Meier method was utilized. The prognostic effect of chemotherapy, lymphocyte and monocyte count was investigated. Log-rank analysis was used to compare PFI and ST between groups. The overall median PFI and median ST were 377 and 687 days, respectively. No significant differences were noted for any of the variables evaluated. In this study, dogs affected by OSA of digits, metacarpal and metatarsal bones appear to have a longer ST compared with dogs with OSA of other appendicular locations. A study with a larger number of patients is needed to confirm these results and investigate the potential benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy.
Introduction to Sportswomen’s Apparel Globally

Uniformly, and globally, we find that both sporting and non-sporting publics are determinants of what girls and women wear while engaging in athletic forays both private and professional. Sometimes those “outfits” might be righteous or ridiculous, sexy or scary, detailed or downright simple. Oftentimes female athletes have no choice in what they wear, whether due to religious or rules-based reasons, but on their own they tend to choose “uniforms” that suit their own styles. While we realize that women make up 40 percent of athletes but only are featured in 4 percent of coverage, it is imperative that we analyze those perceptions.
Optimal hepatic surgery: Are we making progress in North America?

Abstract Background The aim of this analysis was to determine whether optimal outcomes have increased in recent years. Hepatic surgery is high risk, but regionalization and minimally invasive approaches have evolved. Best practices also have been defined with the goal of improving outcomes. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried. Analyses were performed separately for partial (≤2 segments), major (≥3 segments), and all hepatectomies. Optimal hepatic surgery was defined as the absence of mortality, serious morbidity, need for a postoperative invasive procedure or reoperation, prolonged length of stay ( Results From 2014 to 2018, 17,082 hepatectomies, including 11,862 partial hepatectomies and 5,220 major hepatectomies, were analyzed. Minimally invasive approaches increased from 25.6% in 2014 to 29.6% in 2018 (P Conclusion Over a 5-year period in North America, minimally invasive hepatectomies have increased, while operative time, postoperative sepsis, bile leaks, liver failure, and prolonged length of stay have decreased. Optimal hepatic surgery has increased for partial and all hepatectomies and is achieved more often in partial than in major resections.
On measuring and employing texture directionality for image classification

Directionality is useful in many computer vision, pattern recognition, visualization, and multimedia applications since it is considered as an important pre-attentive attribute in human vision. To support using directionality (i.e., orientedness) for texture discrimination, a new measure that uses both local and global aspects of texture, with such use, to our knowledge, novel vis-a-vis prior state-of-the-art, to determine the directionality status for a texture is described and validated in this paper. This paper has four major elements. Element one is the measure we have developed that examines both local and global aspects of directionality to signal if a texture is directional or not. The local aspect is provided mostly from local pixel intensity differences, while a frequency domain analysis provides most of the global aspect. Element two is a comparison study of the measure (which exhibits the best outcomes) versus the known alternatives for determining texture directionality. Element three considers the measure relative to human experience. Element four considers applications of the measure to image classification. The second element (i.e., the study) is a comprehensive comparison study of existing texture directionality measures, based on the full set of Brodatz textures and human sentiment, which is the first such study.
BRCA2 in American families with four or more cases of breast or ovarian cancer: recurrent and novel mutations, variable expression, penetrance, and the possibility of families whose cancer is not attributable to BRCA1 or BRCA2

In order to evaluate the role of inherited BRCA2 mutations in American families--particularly the appearance in America of European founder mutations--the BRCA2 coding sequence, 5' UTR, and 3' UTR were screened in 22 Caucasian American kindreds with four or more cases of breast or ovarian cancer. Six mutations were found that cause a premature-termination codon; four of them have been reported elsewhere, and two are novel. In the four families with previously seen mutations, the distinct lineages at high risk of cancer were of Dutch, German, Irish, and Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry; mutations in Europe reflect these ancestries. The families with novel mutations were Puerto Rican Hispanic (exon 9 deletion 995delCAAAT) and Ashkenazi Jewish (exon 11 deletion 6425delTT). Among female BRCA2-mutation carriers, risks of breast cancer were 32% by age 50 years, 67% by age 70 years, and 80% by age 90 years, yielding a lifetime risk similar to that for BRCA1 but an older distribution of ages at onset. BRCA2 families also included multiple cases of cancers of the male breast (six cases), ovary (three cases), fallopian tube (two cases), pancreas (three cases), bladder (two cases), and prostate (two cases). Among 17 Ashkenazi Jewish families with four or more breast or ovarian cancers, 9 families (including 3 with ovarian cancer and 1 with male breast cancer) carried none of the three ancient mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2. To date, both BRCA2 and BRCA1 have been screened by SSCA, supplemented by the protein-truncation test, in 48 families with four or more breast or ovarian cancers. Mutations have been detected in BRCA1 in 33 families, in BRCA2 in 6 families, and in neither gene in 9 families, suggesting both the probable cryptic nature of some mutations and the likelihood of at least one other BRCA gene.
A New Slender-Ship Theory of Wave Resistance.

Abstract : A new slender-ship theory of wave resistance is presented. Specifically, a sequence of explicit slender-ship wave-resistance approximations is obtained. These approximations are associated with successive approximations in a slender-ship iterative procedure for solving a new (nonlinear integrodifferential) equation for the velocity potential of the flow caused by the ship. The zeroth-, first, and second-order approximations are given explicitly and examined in some detail.
Near-field antenna as a Scanning Microwave Probe for characterization of materials and devices

The Scanning Microwave Probe (SMP) is emerging as an important broadband metrology tool for characterizing materials and devices in the micron and sub-micron length scales in the frequency range of 10 MHz to 110 GHz. In this document we establish three important characteristics of SMP: 1) the sensitivity of this tool to the materials properties by showing data in the conductivity range of 0 to 2000 S/cm in a stratified medium; 2) the breaking of the λ/2 barrier for spatial-resolution where we report measurement of 1µm spatially resolved features at the frequency of 4.6 GHz on SiGe sample; and 3) detection of sub-surface structures under 2 metal layers in an 8-layer CMOS IC with a measured 0.3% change in Q-factor at 1.8 GHz.
Accuracy of calculated arterial saturation in oxygen in neonatal foals and effects of monitor, sensor, site of sensor placement, and degree of hypoxemia on the accuracy of pulse oximetry.

Objectives To (1) assess the agreement between calculated values for arterial hemoglobin saturation of oxygen (SaO2) and values obtained by co-oximetry, (2) assess the accuracy of 2 pulse oximetry monitors for measurement of SaO2 in foals, and for each monitor, and (3) determine the optimal combination of sensor type and site of sensor placement for SaO2 monitoring. Design Prospective experimental study. Setting University teaching hospital. Animals Six neonatal foals. Interventions Foals were anesthetized with isoflurane and SaO2 was manipulated by varying the inspired fraction of oxygen. SaO2 was calculated from oxygen tension or measured by pulse oximetry using 2 monitors equipped with transmission or reflectance sensors attached to the foal's tongue, lip, ear, or inserted rectally (reflectance sensor only). SaO2 values measured by co-oximetry were used as the gold standard to calculate bias. Measurements and Main Results Mean (±SD) SaO2 determined by co-oximetry was 65.2% ± 11.8%, 85.4% ± 2.5%, and 97.2% ± 0.4% at the low, intermediate, and high SaO2 level, respectively. Sensors attached to the ear failed to provide SaO2 readings for most attempts. Reflectance sensors placed on the lip or rectally gave significantly larger biases at low SaO2 (−17.0% and −23.6%, respectively) than at higher levels. Bias of all other combinations of monitors, sensors, and sites (−1.8 to −4.1%) was not significantly influenced by the level of SaO2 or different from each other. The bias of calculated saturation was similar to that of pulse oximetry. Conclusions Transmission sensors placed on the lip or tongue or reflectance sensors placed on the tongue give the most accurate assessment of SaO2 in anesthetized neonatal foals. Calculated saturation is not more accurate than pulse oximetry to estimate SaO2.
MEMS based computed tomographic scanner for border security

High energy X-ray imaging is a well established-screening modality for large and high density cargo containers and vehicles at airports, seaports and border crossings. High energy X-rays are used for noninvasive detection of contraband goods and for curtailing illegal activities at the borders. The increased threat of global terrorism has led to the need for a non-intrusive imaging system that can yield high resolution images with reduced false alarms. In conventional X-ray systems, the constricted source detector arrangement and large container size prohibits the reconstruction of 2D cross sections. In this paper, we present a novel X-ray reflective mirror assembly for a more comprehensive screening of cargo containers. The proposed technique utilizes a micro-machined membrane deformable X-ray reflective mirror for efficient projection measurements. The deformable mirror compensates for the limited movement of the scan arrangement and yields high resolution 2D reconstruction
Nuclear Quadrupole Coupling Constants of Li 7 in Lithium Compounds

Quadrupolar splittings of ${\mathrm{Li}}^{7}$ nuclear magnetic resonance have been detected and measured in powders of LiOH, LiOH\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O, LiN${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, LiN${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}${3\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O, LiI${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, ${\mathrm{Li}}_{3}$P${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$, ${\mathrm{Li}}_{2}$Ti${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, and ${\mathrm{Li}}_{2}$${\mathrm{ZrO}}_{3}$. The theoretical powder pattern for a nonvanishing asymmetry parameter, $\ensuremath{\eta}$, has been checked by observations in spodumene, LiAl${(\mathrm{S}\mathrm{i}{\mathrm{O}}_{3})}_{2}$, and applied in the analysis of several of the observed spectra. It was found necessary to shorten the ${\mathrm{Li}}^{7}$ spin-lattice relaxation time, ${T}_{1}$, in most of the compounds before successful measurements could be made.
Early New World maritime technologies: sea grass cordage, shell beads, and a bone tool from Cave of the Chimneys, San Miguel Island, California, USA

Recent excavations at Cave of the Chimneys (CA-SMI-603), located on San Miguel Island, revealed well-preserved sea grass knots, twined cordage, Olivella spire-ground beads, and a bone gorge. The assemblage, dated to roughly 8000 years ago, is dominated by S-twist cordage and includes an assortment of strands, loops, and knotted pieces. Wrapped sea grass knotted balls, including some stained red, suggest they may have had a decorative function. Unique among Paleocoastal assemblages of the area, these artifacts offer a rare glimpse into the non-lithic technologies of early Native Americans on the Pacific Coast of North America.
Dual-field imaging polarimeter for studying the effect of clouds on sky and target polarization

Polarization signatures of ground-based objects depend upon both the physical characteristics of the object and the polarization of the incident light. Models of polarization can accurately represent the polarization of incident light for clear skies, but the effect of cloudy skies upon object signatures is more difficult to predict. In response to the need for measurements to characterize the effect of variable sky polarization on target polarimetry, a multispectral visible band polarimeter (440 - 710 nm) has been developed. This polarimeter quickly changes to measure both full sky polarization and narrow field-of-view target signatures. Sky polarization is measured with a fisheye lens. Target polarization is measured with a 300 mm telephoto lens. A Liquid Crystal Variable Retarder (LCVR) design has been selected that uses two Meadowlark LCVR-300 variable retarders at set rotation angles. Current calibration work involves the removal of the fisheye effects on the Stokes vector. Future measurements will be used for validation of Polarized MODTRAN.
Quantitative 1H NMR: development and potential of a method for natural products analysis.

Based on a brief revision of what constitutes state-of-the-art “quantitative experimental conditions” for 1H quantitative NMR (qHNMR), this comprehensive review contains almost 200 references and covers the literature since 1982 with emphasis on natural products. It provides an overview of the background and applications of qHNMR in natural products research, new methods such as decoupling and hyphenation, and analytical potential and limitations, and compiles information on reference materials used for and studied by qHNMR. The dual status of natural products, being single chemical entities and valuable biologically active agents that need to be purified from complex matrixes, results in an increased analytical demand when testing their deviation from the singleton composition ideal. The outcome and versatility of reported applications lead to the conclusion that qHNMR is currently the principal analytical method to meet this demand. Considering both 1D and 2D 1H NMR experiments, qHNMR has proved to be h...
Role of serotonin and noradrenaline in social dysfunction: a review of data on reboxetine and the Social Adaptation Self-evaluation Scale (SASS)

Social impairment is a common feature of depressive illness, often causing substantial and clinically meaningful dysfunction. Although the depressive symptoms and social impairment are linked, the naturalistic course and response to treatment of these two aspects of depression do not necessarily correlate. A variety of self-report and clinician-administered assessment scales which are specific for the measurement of social functioning and have good psychometric properties have been developed in the past 40 years. The most recent of these instruments is the Social Adaptation Self-evaluation Scale (SASS), a 21-item scale designed in 1989 to assess patient response to antidepressant treatment. SASS was used in two clinical trials comparing reboxetine, the new selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (selective NRI), with fluoxetine. While no difference in efficacy was detectable by traditional assessments of symptoms, reboxetine proved to be significantly more effective than fluoxetine in improving social functioning in patients with depression. Reboxetine was also more effective than fluoxetine in rectifying social functioning in the subset of patients who remitted from an episode of major depression. Specifically, reboxetine improved patient motivation, energy and self-perception. These results indicate that antidepressant therapy can achieve more than symptom relief in depression. It is speculated that there may be a difference in the roles played by serotonin and noradrenaline in social functioning.
Exhaustive checking of sparse algebras

Abstract We checked the 107-dimensional alternative algebra constructed by E. Kleinfeld (On centers of alternative algebras, Comm. Algebra 8 (3) 1980, 289–297) and verified that it was alternative. To straightforwardly check the alternative law for the basis elements proved to be too time consuming for the computer. We developed a new algorithm which is much faster for sparse multiplication tables and which requires much less memory. Instead of testing the identities for all possible choices of basis elements, our algorithm is based on “factoring” the basis elements in all possible ways. The factorization algorithm took 5 minutes of C.P.U. time; it is estimated direct substitution with no consideration for sparseness would take 600 hours. Even when the substitution technique was improved to account for sparseness it is estimated it would take 12 hours of C.P.U. time. Substitution also requires 100 times as much memory space as factorization.
Homeostatic signals do not drive post-thymic T cell maturation.

Recent thymic emigrants, the youngest T cells in the lymphoid periphery, undergo a 3 week-long period of functional and phenotypic maturation before being incorporated into the pool of mature, naive T cells. Previous studies indicate that this maturation requires T cell exit from the thymus and access to secondary lymphoid organs, but is MHC-independent. We now show that post-thymic T cell maturation is independent of homeostatic and costimulatory pathways, requiring neither signals delivered by IL-7 nor CD80/86. Furthermore, while CCR7/CCL19,21-regulated homing of recent thymic emigrants to the T cell zones within the secondary lymphoid organs is not required for post-thymic T cell maturation, an intact dendritic cell compartment modulates this process. It is thus clear that, unlike T cell development and homeostasis, post-thymic maturation is focused not on interrogating the T cell receptor or the cell's responsiveness to homeostatic or costimulatory signals, but on some as yet unrecognized property.
Metabolites of Aspergillus versicolor: 6,8-di-O-methylnidurufin, griseofulvin, dechlorogriseofluvin, and 3,8-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-1-methylxanthone

Abstract The isolation of the four title compounds from cultures of Aspergillus versicolor is described and a modified biosynthetic pathway for the conversion of averufin to versicolorin A is proposed.