cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developmental and hormonal regulation of the Arabidopsis CER2 gene that codes for a nuclear-localized protein required for the normal accumulation of cuticular waxes

The previously cloned CER2 gene is required for the normal accumulation of cuticular waxes and encodes a novel protein. Earlier reports suggested that the CER2 protein is either a membrane-bound component of the fatty acid elongase complex or a regulatory protein. Cell fractionation and immunoblot analyses using polyclonal antibodies raised against a chemically synthesized peptide with a sequence based on the predicted CER2 protein sequence have demonstrated that the 47-kD CER2 protein is soluble and nuclear localized. These results are consistent with CER2 being a regulatory protein. Detailed studies of plants harboring a CER2 promoter/GUS transgene (CER2-GUS), in combination with immunoblot analyses, revealed that CER2 is expressed and the CER2 protein accumulates in a variety of organs and cell types. Expression is highest early in the development of these organs and is epidermis specific in most tissues. In agreement with the activity of the CER2 promoter in hypocotyls, cuticular wax accumulates on this organ in a CER2-dependent fashion. In leaves CER2 expression is confined to the guard cells, trichomes, and petioles. However, application of the cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine induces ectopic expression of CER2-GUS in all cell types of leaves that emerge following treatment.
Solidarity means inclusion: race, class, and ethnicity within Tampa's transnational Cigar Workers' Union

This study analyzes the transnational migration of interracial cigar workers from Cuba to Tampa, Florida, from the 1880s to the early 1900s, focusing on the cigar workers' attempt to transplant union movement, La Resistencia, from Cuba to the agrarian, nativist, anti-union, Jim Crow American South. By the turn of the century the Cuban emigre workforce accounted for 20% of Tampa's population. The 6000 Cuban cigar makers, about 15% of them Afro-Cubans, toiled in 147 factories and produced almost 148 million cigars, or 20% of the nation's production. This case study also demonstrates an unusual south-to-north immigrant migration that brought with it a need for scholars to further explore, in David Montgomery's memorable phrase, the “racialized nature” of transnational trade unionism. Ultimately, the study argues that racialized union policies transplanted from the Cuban homeland to Florida subverted racial, class, and ethnic norms on which working-class solidarity was grounded in the new “Cigar-Making Capita...
A Tetragonal and an Uncommon Trigonal Dicobalt Paddlewheel Compound

Two dicobalt compounds containing Co–Co bonds with DAniF ligands (DAniF = N,N′-di-p-anisylformamidinate) were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. One has a typical tetragonal paddlewheel structure, Co2(DAniF)4 (1), while the other one has a rare trigonal paddlewheel structure with three formamidinate ligands spanning a low oxidation state in the Co 2 3+ unit in Co2(DAniF)3 (2). The singly bonded Co–Co distance in the Co 2 4+ unit in 1 is 2.3580(16) A while the Co–Co bond distance in 2 is 2.3773(5) A. The average torsion angles are 10.46° and 2.34° for 1 and 2, respectively. Compound 1 is diamagnetic but 2 is paramagnetic as shown by the 1H NMR spectra.
Electrical-thermal co-simulation for DC IR-drop analysis of large-scale integrated circuits

For accurate DC IR-drop analysis of integrated circuits, electrical-thermal co-simulation is necessary in order to take into account the effect of Joule heating. A suitable numerical method for this co-simulation is the finite element method due to its capabilities in modeling complex geometries and materials. In order to deal with large-scale problems, a domain decomposition scheme is applied to the finite element method to enable simulation with multiple processors in parallel and achieve significant reduction in computation time.
High-resolution isotope analysis of young alewife Alosa pseudoharengus otoliths: assessment of temporal resolution and reconstruction of habitat occupancy and thermal history

Otoliths of age 0 year alewife Alosa pseudoharengus collected in different Lake Michigan habitats were microsampled, and carbon and oxygen isotope ratios (δ18Ootolith and δ13Cotolith) of resulting microsamples were quantified. To assess the temporal resolution of the method, age and otolith growth rates were also estimated by counting otolith daily growth increments. Core and outer intra-otolith samples averaged 36 and 23 days, respectively. Because of the accretionary nature of otolith growth, a habitat switch by a larva occurring between 0 and 18 days post-hatch may not be recognized by this approach. Taking this temporal resolution into account, A. pseudoharengus habitat occupancy and thermal history in nearshore Lake Michigan, and a connecting drowned river-mouth lake were documented. Comparisons between δ18Ootolith and δ13Cotolith profiles, and isotope values of Lake Michigan habitats suggested that movements by individual fish between a nearshore area of Lake Michigan proper and drowned river-mouth lake habitats were rare. Some individuals evidently moved between habitats, and such movements occurred during different periods of ontogeny. Thermal reconstructions, based on δ18Ootolith values suggested that during early life (e.g. first month of life) young A.pseudoharengus appeared to inhabit microhabitats with temperatures greater than mean epilimnetic temperatures. This study demonstrates not only the utility of intra-otolith geochemical analysis to describe the complexity of fish behaviour in fresh water but also identifies limitations of the present approach.
Distribution of nitrogen and phosphorus in a Louisiana freshwater floating marsh

Abstract Freshwater floating marshes cover a significant area of coastal Louisiana, USA. These marshes consist of emergent vascular plants rooted in a surface mat of live and dead roots that grades downward into a decomposing peat layer. The mat floats over a layer of free water underlain by highly decomposed sludge. We sampled the floating marsh surrounding Lake Boeuf, Louisiana, every 10 weeks over a 16 month period in 1982–1983 to quantify the concentrations of nitrogen (total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), nitrite-nitrate and ammonium) and phosphorus (total phosphorus (TP) and phosphate) contained in interstitial water from the root mat and peat layer. Determinations were also made for water from the free-water zone beneath the floating mat, the adjacent lake and the encircling swamp. TKN and TP were analyzed in particulate samples from above-ground plants, roots, mat, peat and sludge. Both nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations in marsh water samples were consistently higher than in lake and swamp water samples, which were similar. Within the floating marsh, a gradient with depth existed for TKN from the mat (160 μg-atoms l−1) to the peat (205 μg-atoms l−1) to the free-water zone (400 μg-atoms 1−1). Inorganic N (primarily as ammonium) accounted for a large part of this trend. TP was also highest in the free-water zone (22 μg-atoms l−1) and lower in the mat and peat layers (11–13 μg-atoms l−1). In below-ground solid samples, a TKN gradient with depth also existed, and highest concentrations were in the sludge (28 mg g−1), decreasing upward in the peat (25 mg g−1), mat (18 mg g−1) and roots (10 mg g−1). The floating marsh rises and falls with changes in local water level. When water from the adjacent lake moves under the mat during periods of rising water, the high nutrient concentration in the free-water zone beneath the mat is diluted. As water levels fall, nutrients move out from under the floating mat. This flux of nutrients from the floating marsh may be an important contribution to the overall budget of the system.
INFLAMMATORY MYOFIBROBLASTIC TUMOR OF THE GASTROESOPHAGEAL JUNCTION IN CHILDHOOD

We report an unusual case of an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor arising at the gastroesophageal junction in a 14-year-old girl. The bland histologic appearance with concurrent infiltration into adjacent structures made diagnostic interpretation difficult, but suggested a neoplastic process. A literature review was undertaken to address diagnostic and management issues raised in this case. Although the anatomic location was unusual, clinical, gross, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical data substantiated the diagnosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor. The bland histologic appearance was consistent with the most widely accepted view of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor as a low-grade neoplasm. Wide surgical excision was performed. This is considered the preferred treatment given the potential risk of recurrence and aggressive behavior, most frequently noted with extrapulmonary disease. Although inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor represents an heterologous spectrum of benign to malignant neoplas...
Relapse among married or cohabiting substance-abusing patients: The role of perceived criticism

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the contribution of perceived criticism (PC) to the prediction of relapse among married or cohabiting heterosexual male substance-abusing patients (N = 106) entering outpatient treatment. After controlling for sociodemographic variables and substance abuse problem severity, higher levels of patients' PC by their spouses were significantly associated with greater likelihood of relapse, fewer days abstinent, and shorter time to relapse. PC continued to make a significant unique contribution to relapse variables even when level of relationship satisfaction was also controlled.
Oxygen Cost of Running at Submaximal Speeds while Wearing Shoe Inserts

(1985). Oxygen Cost of Running at Submaximal Speeds while Wearing Shoe Inserts. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport: Vol. 56, No. 1, pp. 86-89.
Congenital Dermoid Cyst of the Middle Ear

Dermoid cysts of the head and neck are rare lesions comprised of epidermal and mesodermal elements. We report a dermoid cyst presenting in the middle ear of the youngest patient reported to date. Structures of endodermal descent were also identified, but, given that the entire middle ear mucosa is of endodermal origin, specific classification as a teratoma would be imprecise. This lesion is interesting in that it did not directly involve the mastoid. Possible embryologic sites of origin are discussed.
Color-selective semiconductor nanocrystal laser

Theoretical predictions of the benefits of three-dimensional quantum confinement have provided motivation for the development of quantum-dot lasers. Such lasers, developed in the case of self-assembled quantum dots, have not been successfully demonstrated with quantum-confined colloidal nanocrystals (NCs). Here, using recently developed NC-titania chemistry, we report the successful development of an optically pumped, NC-based distributed feedback laser, in which the narrow gain profiles of these nanoparticles have been matched with the feedback of a second-order distributed feedback laser. This laser, whose output color can be selected by choosing appropriately sized nanocrystals, operates at 80 K and at room temperature.
Opportunity costs of implementing forest plans

Intellectual concern with the National Forest Management Act of 1976 has followed a course emphasizing the planning aspects of the legislation associated with the development of forest plans. Once approved, however, forest plans must be implemented. Due to the complex nature of the ecological systems of interest, and the multiple and often conflicting desires of user clientele groups, the feasibility and costs of implementing forest plans require immediate investigation. For one timber sale on the Coconino National Forest in Arizona, forest plan constraints were applied and resulting resource outputs predicted using the terrestrial ecosystem analysis and modeling system (TEAMS), a computer-based decision support system developed at the School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, With forest plan constraints for wildlife habitat, visual diversity, riparian area protection, and soil and slope harvesting restrictions, the maximum timber harvest obtainable was reduced 58% from the maximum obtainable without plan constraints.
The process of scapegoating in a neonatal nurses' group

This paper reviews the literature on scapegoating, elaborating on the underlying mechanisms before describing the process of scapegoating as it occurred in a neonatal nurse support group. Illustrative vignettes are used to discuss how scapegoating was used by group members to avoid painful feelings arising from their care of extremely ill infants. Group process is related to the stages of the group's development as feelings were addressed more directly and the need to use scapegoating as a defense decreased.
A "changing culture of fatherhood": Effects on affectionate communication, closeness, and satisfaction in men's relationships with their fathers and their sons.

Fatherhood is a familial role that is historically bound, in the sense that it is subject to social, economic, and political influences that can change expectations for how fathers should act. In this essay, we discuss the cyclical nature of shifts in cultural prescriptions for North American fathers and echo arguments raised elsewhere that fatherhood is currently in the midst of such a shift, away from the authoritarian, emotionally detached father and toward the involved, nurturant father. We reason herein that such a shift should manifest itself in observable differences between the qualities of men's relationships with their fathers and the qualities of their relationships with their own sons. A study involving 139 father‐son dyads revealed that men felt closer to, were more satisfied with, and expressed more verbal, nonverbal, and supportive affection with, their sons than with their own fathers. These findings emerged from both fathers' and sons' reports. Moreover, fathers reported feeling greater c...
The metabolism of l-fucose by HeLa cells

Abstract HeLa cells incorporate 14 C- l -fucose directly into macromolecules with no detectable randomization of 14 C-activity into other sugars. The pathway of incorporation probably proceeds via GDP- l -fucose, the concentration of which increases markedly when l -fucose is present in the growth medium.
Ergonomics and cytotechnologists: reported musculoskeletal discomfort.

Analysis of this survey of 244 responding cytotechnologists shows that a high percentage still suffer from musculoskeletal disorders commonly associated with poor ergonomic design in the workplace, despite the variety of ergonomically designed microscopes that have been introduced into the market. Although Kalavar and Hunting surveyed a small group of cytotechnologists in the Washington, DC, area in 1996, no broad-based study has focused specifically on these professionals. The landmark study of microscope ergonomics, published by Soderberg in 1980, documented widespread musculoskeletal complaints in the electronics industry. This article identifies and discusses the types of musculoskeletal discomforts experienced by cytotechnologists. We propose that both practicing and student cytotechnologists receive training in ergonomic principles and appropriate interventions, such as improved work practices, proper ergonomic aids, well-designed workstations, and ergonomically designed equipment. More than 85% of respondents reported some musculoskeletal discomfort. Among the symptoms presented are headache, neck pain and stiffness, pain of the lower and upper back, and upper-extremity discomfort. Neurological symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, and/or pain in the hand and fingers, are often associated with repetitive motion. More than one-third reported numbness, tingling, and/or pain in the left-hand fingers, usually used for the fine-focus control knob. Almost one-half of respondents reported such symptoms for the right hand and fingers, normally used to manipulate the mechanical stage controls. Only 9% of the respondents were left-handed. Most (91%) were right handed. Although just over one-third (34.4%) of respondents worked for an employer with an ergonomics program, ergonomic assessments had been performed for only about one-half (17.6%) of these. In addition, approximately 10% of respondents indicated that ergonomics assessments had been performed on their workstations, even though the employer did not have an ergonomics program. Because of the high prevalence of reported symptoms, we recommend that all cytologists be trained in basic ergonomic principles and the proper use of ergonomic aids. These interventions should reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort in medical microscopists.
Determining the best ventilatory efficiency measure to predict mortality in patients with heart failure.

Background Ventilatory efficiency, the relationship between ventilation (VE) and carbon dioxide production (VCO 2 ), predicts mortality in heart failure patients, but its determination has not been standardized. Additionally, it is unclear if the prognostic power of ventilatory efficiency is independent of exercise intensity. Therefore, we investigated the relative prognostic power of different measures of ventilatory efficiency calculated from maximal and sub-maximal exercise in patients with heart failure. Methods and Results Heart failure patients ( n = 355, 72% males, age 51 ± 10 years) had follow-up for at least 5 years from an exercise test. There were 145 events (133 deaths and 12 emergent cardiac transplants). Ventilatory efficiency calculations were not equivalent. Of the different measures of ventilatory efficiency, the VE/VCO 2 slope to peak exercise was the most significant predictor of mortality in a multivariable Cox model, including ejection fraction, systolic blood pressure, peak oxygen consumption (VO 2 ), gender, etiology, and heart rate. A 5 U increment of the VE/VCO 2 slope to peak exercise corresponded to a 9% increase in mortality risk. When tests were grouped by peak exercise intensity, by quartiles of peak respiratory exchange ratio, the VE/VCO 2 slope to peak exercise was always a better predictor than peak VO 2 . Conclusion Peak and sub-maximal measures of ventilatory efficiency were not equivalent, and the VE/VCO 2 slope to peak exercise was the best predictor of mortality in patients with heart failure. Thus, the prognostic power of ventilatory efficiency is enhanced when exercise extends beyond the ventilatory threshold and includes all of the available exercise data.
In-hospital cardiac arrest: impact of monitoring and witnessed event on patient survival and neurologic status at hospital discharge.

Abstract Context In-hospital cardiac arrest is a significant public health problem with a low probability of patient survival to hospital discharge. Objective We evaluated the survival rates for adults with in-hospital cardiac arrest based on whether the arrest was witnessed and/or monitored. Our hypothesis is that patients with either a witnessed or monitored arrest had improved survival to hospital discharge with intact neurologic function. Design, setting, and patients We studied a cohort study of 74,213 patients who suffered in-hospital cardiac arrest from January 1, 2000 through February 1, 2008 at the 369 hospitals participating in the National Registry of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Interventions The primary exposure of interest was whether the arrest was witnessed and/or monitored (i.e. electrocardiography, pulse oximetry, apnea, or bradycardia monitoring) at the time of arrest. Events were classified as being both monitored and witnessed, monitored only, witnessed only, or neither witnessed nor monitored. Main outcome measures Survival to hospital discharge and cerebral performance category at time of discharge. Results A total of 73% of patients suffering in-hospital cardiac arrest were witnessed and monitored; 10% were monitored but not witnessed; 9% were witnessed but not monitored; and 8% were neither witnessed nor monitored. Compared with those who were unmonitored/unwitnessed, each of the three groups of patients who were monitored and/or witnessed were over twice as likely to survive to hospital discharge with a cerebral performance category of 1 or 2 (monitored/witnessed OR = 2.40, 95% CI: 2.08, 2.76; monitored-only OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.81, 2.47; witnessed-only OR = 2.43, 95% CI: 2.10, 2.83). Conclusions Patients who are witnessed and/or monitored at the time of cardiac arrest demonstrate a significantly higher rate of survival to hospital discharge compared to those patients who are neither monitored nor witnessed. Monitored and/or witnessed cardiac arrest patients were also more likely to be discharged with favorable neurologic outcome. Cardiac monitoring confers no additional outcome benefit over direct observation of patients suffering in-hospital cardiac arrest.
The prevalence of malignant neoplasia in feline renal-transplant recipients.

Objective— To determine the prevalence of malignant neoplasia in a group of feline renal-transplant recipients (FRTR). Study Design— Retrospective clinical study. Animals— Ninety-five consecutive client-owned FRTR treated at the University of California, Davis, between 1987 and 1997. Methods— Medical records of the 95 cats were examined. The time to occurrence and type of malignant neoplasia, if present, was determined. Results— Nine of 95 cats (9.5%) developed apparently de novo malignant neoplasia after receiving renal allografts. The predominant type of neoplasm was lymphoma. The median time to diagnosis of neoplasia in these 9 patients was 9.0 months after transplantation, whereas the median survival time was 14.0 months after transplantation. This compares with a median survival time of 22 months after transplantation for cats that died for reasons other than development of malignant neoplasia. Conclusions— Although these transplant recipients were not compared with a control population, it would appear that, as in humans, malignant neoplasia is encountered with greater-than-expected frequency after renal transplantation and immunosuppression in cats. Clinical Significance— The apparent propensity to develop malignant neoplasia after renal transplantation and immunosuppression in cats is a fatal complication of which owners and clinicians should be aware.
Role of metalation in the topoisomerase IIα inhibition and antiproliferation activity of a series of α-heterocyclic-N4-substituted thiosemicarbazones and their Cu(II) complexes.

The topoisomerase-IIα inhibition and antiproliferative activity of α-heterocyclic thiosemicarbazones and their corresponding copper(II) complexes have been investigated. The CuII(thiosemicarbazonato)Cl complexes were shown to catalytically inhibit topoisomerase-IIα at concentrations (0.3−7.2 μM) over an order of magnitude lower than their corresponding thiosemicarbazone ligands alone. The copper complexes were also shown to inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells expressing high levels of topoisomerase-IIα (SK-BR-3) at lower concentrations than cells expressing lower levels of the enzyme (MCF-7).
The three‐for‐one model for Gram‐negative wall growth: a problem and a possible solution

The murein wall in Gram-negative bacteria is so thin that the mechanism of growth is necessarily complicated. From analytical data of murein components, Holtje suggested a model for the growth mechanism that would lead to safe wall enlargement. The model depended on the formation of trimers of peptidoglycan disaccharides linked via their pentapeptides. In the ‘three-for-one’ model three oligopeptidoglycan chains are linked to each other in the usual linkages between the carboxyl group of d-alanine residues and the e-amino group of diaminopimelic acid residues; these are designated ‘tail-to-tail’ linkages. This three-chained raft is then linked to the stress-bearing wall via the formation of trimers, defined as three peptide chains linked together by tail-to-tail linkages. Then by autolyzing the oldest bonds in each trimer, the old chain is excised and the raft becomes part of the stress-bearing wall and the wall is enlarged. There is a problem with the three-for-one model in that it demands a precise fitting of the prefabricated raft of three crosslinked chains to a stress-bearing chain in the wall fabric to allow the series of trimer linkages to form. Because the wall, when bearing stress, must be pulled into a ‘honeycomb’ structure, the end-to-end distance would be shortened. The possibility is raised here that the glycan chains in the stress-bearing wall are stretched to a sufficient degree by the cell's turgor pressure to compensate for its zig-zag structure; this could allow the model to function. A calculation is presented that assumes that the area of the pores in the fabric, called tessera, is maximized by the cell's turgor pressure. In this case the glycan chain must stretch 10% (and the end-to-end distance of peptide strands stretch 28%) so that the end-to-end distance of a glycan chain in the stress-bearing wall and the unstretched nascent wall can be the same and permit indefinite stable growth.
Actinomycin D Binds Strongly to d(CGACGACG) and d(CGTCGTCG)

Earlier calorimetric studies had indicated that despite the absence of a GpC sequence, the self-complementary octamer d(CGTCGACG) binds strongly to actinomycin D (ACTD) with high cooperativity and a 2:1 drug/duplex ratio. A subsequent optical spectral study with related oligomers led us to suggest that ACTD may likely stack at the G. C basepairs of the duplex termini. New findings are reported herein to indicate that despite the lack of complete self-complementarity, oligomers of d(CGXCGXCG) [X = A or T] motif exhibit unusually strong ACTD affinities with binding constants of roughly 2 x 10(7) M(-1) and binding densities of 1 drug molecule per strand. The ACTD binding affinity for the corresponding heteroduplex obtained by annealing these two oligomers is, however, considerably reduced. Although spectroscopic results with related oligomers obtained by removing, replacing, or appending bases at the termini appear to be consistent with the end-stacking model, capillary electrophoretic (CE) evidence provides additional insights into the binding mode. CE experiments with the self-complementary oligomers d(CGAGCTCG) and d(CGTCGACG) revealed contrasting migration patterns in the presence of ACTD, with mobility retardation and acceleration exhibited by the GpC- and non-GpC-containing octamers, respectively, whereas the X/X-mismatched d(CGXCGXCG) experienced retardation. These results, along with those of related oligomers, suggest that ACTD may in fact stack at the duplex stem end of a monomeric hairpin or at the 3'-end of dG as a single strand. The seemingly cooperative ACTD binding and the curved Scatchard plot for the self-complementary d(CGTCGACG) may thus be attributed to the drug-induced duplex denaturation resulting from strong binding to single strands of d(CGXCGYCG) motif. Detailed structural information on the ACTD-DNA complexes, however, must await further NMR investigations.
Long-term retention of tolerance to amphetamine hypophagia following cessation of drug injections and feeding tests

According to the instrumental learning model, tolerance to amphetamine hypophagia involves learning to suppress stereotyped movements that interfere with feeding. If both drug injections and feeding tests are then suspended, learning should be retained and no loss of tolerance should occur. However, previous studies have only assessed the retention of tolerance for 3-4 weeks. In the present study, retention intervals of 4-31 weeks were used. Rats were given daily injections of amphetamine (2 mg/kg) and access to milk for 30 min until tolerance developed to drug-induced hypophagia. Yoked controls were injected with saline. Both before and after this phase, dose-response (DR) tests were conducted. Drug injections and feeding tests were then suspended. At 4, 10, 18, and 31 weeks, both groups were injected with 2 mg/kg amphetamine and given access to milk for 30 min to assess the retention of tolerance. A final DR determination was then conducted. Most (88%) rats retained tolerance to 2 mg/kg amphetamine for 31 weeks. However, DR tests revealed that tolerance was not retained at 4 mg/kg. The results demonstrate that learned tolerance to amphetamine can be retained over long intervals when both drug injections and feeding tests are suspended.
Treating the patient with evidence. Can we get there from here

One widely used method to define evidence is to base the definition on the existence of at least one well-conducted randomized controlled trial. Through use of that criteria, published studies show that an average of 37% of medical interventions are supported by evidence from a randomized controlled trial (RCT), but 76% were supported by some compelling evidence,3 where compelling evidence means evidence below that of an RCT, such as prospective or comparative studies, retrospective case series, and so on. Furthermore, the percent varies by the area being considered. Areas such as ENT surgery, burn therapy, retinal breaks, lattice degeneration, and pediatric surgery3 are not strongly based on RCT evidence. Some areas such as psychiatric interventions (65% supported by an RCT) and general practice interventions (53% supported by an RCT) have studies showing a strong evidence base.
Popliteal artery thrombosis in a patient with Cogan syndrome: treatment with thrombolysis and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.

A 31-year-old woman with Cogan syndrome (a rare form of systemic vasculitis) was evaluated for a cold, painful left foot with diminished pulses. Arteriography demonstrated thrombosis of the left popliteal artery with evidence of vasculitis. Thrombolytic therapy was begun with initial success but eventual rethrombosis. After reinitiating thrombolytic therapy combined with intraarterial vasodilator therapy, successful angioplasty was performed with sustained results, at 6-month follow-up.
Stiffness of the Edwards-Anderson model in all dimensions.

A comprehensive description in all dimensions is provided for the scaling exponent $y$ of low-energy excitations in the Ising spin glass introduced by Edwards and Anderson. A combination of extensive numerical as well as theoretical results suggest that its lower critical dimension is exactly ${d}_{l}=5/2$. Such a result would be an essential feature of any complete theory of low-temperature spin glass order and imposes a constraint that may help to distinguish between theories.
Estimation of a genetically viable population for multigenerational interstellar voyaging: Review and data for project Hyperion

Abstract Designing interstellar starships for human migration to exoplanets requires establishing the starship population, which factors into many variables including closed-ecosystem design, architecture, mass and propulsion. I review the central issues of population genetics (effects of mutation, migration, selection and drift) for human populations on such voyages, specifically referencing a roughly 5-generation (c. 150-year) voyage currently in the realm of thought among Icarus Interstellar's Project Hyperion research group. I present several formulae as well as concrete numbers that can be used to help determine populations that could survive such journeys in good health. I find that previously proposed such populations, on the order of a few hundred individuals, are significantly too low to consider based on current understanding of vertebrate (including human) genetics and population dynamics. Population genetics theory, calculations and computer modeling determine that a properly screened and age- and sex-structured total founding population ( N c ) of anywhere from roughly 14,000 to 44,000 people would be sufficient to survive such journeys in good health. A safe and well-considered N c figure is 40,000, an Interstellar Migrant Population (IMP) composed of an Effective Population [ N e ] of 23,400 reproductive males and females, the rest being pre- or post-reproductive individuals. This number would maintain good health over five generations despite (a) increased inbreeding resulting from a relatively small human population, (b) depressed genetic diversity due to the founder effect, (c) demographic change through time and (d) expectation of at least one severe population catastrophe over the 5-generation voyage.
SU-DD-A2-02: Monte Carlo Design of An Internally-Shielded Peripheral Breast Brachytherapy Applicator

Purpose: The AccuBoost® breast brachytherapy system applies HDR 192 Ir irradiation under mammographicimage guidance. The round‐ and D‐type applicators have been developed and are in clinical use. However, it is possible to improve upon the resultant dose distributions through introduction of an internal shield for sparing the skin. The design of this internal shield has been optimized using Monte Carlo methods to retain tumordose uniformity while minimizing skindose.Materials and Methods:Dose distributions in breast tissue from a round applicator (60 mm internal diameter) were obtained by varying the dimensions of the tungsten‐alloy internal shield. Specifically, the superior diameter and inferior diameter of the shield were varied and generally took the shape of a truncated cone. Dimensions were chosen for cone foci at tissue depths, d, of 0, 2, 5, and 10mm with field edges −1, 0, and +1mm from the source dwell plane. The MCNP5 radiation transport code was used for calculating breast dose throughout a cylindrical phantom R=15cm radius and H=8cm high. Results: Cone design 7 was determined to be the best design. This design had relatively uniform skindose distribution and relatively good retained tumordose. Average skindose was about 70% of the maximum dose, which was improved by about 27%. Average skindose was reduced by more than 44% compared to that of an applicator without a cone. The maximum reduction in skindose was 92%, which was typically outside the applicator aperture. In the mean time, average tumordose at 30 mm depth was only about 5% lower than that of applicator without a cone. Conclusions: Significant improvements in critical structure dose can be obtained through introduction of an internal shield, with design optimization using Monte Carlo methods.
Holocene rock varnish microstratigraphy and its chronometric application in the drylands of western USA

Abstract Analyses of hundreds of rock varnish samples from latest Pleistocene and Holocene geomorphic features in the drylands of western USA reveal a regionally replicable Holocene microlamination sequence. This sequence consists of 12 approximately evenly spaced weak dark layers intercalated with 13 orange/yellow layers. Preliminary radiometric age calibration indicates that six dark layers in the upper portion of the sequence were deposited during the last 6000 yr, diagnostic of the Little Ice Age and late Holocene wet events; five dark layers in the lower portion of the sequence were deposited after the termination of the Pleistocene but slightly before 7000 YBP, indicative of the early Holocene wet events; and one dark layer in the middle portion of the sequence was deposited around 6500 YBP, suggestive of the middle Holocene wet phase. Our age calibration further indicates that the Holocene wet events represented by the dark layers largely correlate in time with the millennial-scale Holocene cooling events in the North Atlantic region. This radiometrically calibrated and climatically correlated Holocene microlamination sequence was then used as a unique correlative dating tool to determine surface exposure ages of geomorphic and geoarchaeological features in western USA deserts. The varnish microlamination (VML) dating of debris flow fan deposits in Death Valley, California, yields minimum ages of 12,500, 12,500–11,100, 11,100, 10,300, 9400, and 2800 YBP for six debris flow fan building events, suggesting that such events were more likely to have occurred during relatively wet periods of the Holocene. The VML dating of a prehistoric grinding stone from Chili of northern New Mexico yields a minimum age of 900–1100 YBP for the abandonment of this occupation site by the Anasazi Indians. The VML dating of a prehistoric flaked stone (a primary core) from Ocotillo, southern California, yields a minimum age of 12,500 YBP for the flaking of this stone artifact, suggesting at least a Paleo-Indian human occupation at Ocotillo during the terminal Pleistocene. These results indicate that, when properly applied, the VML dating technique has the great potential to yield numerical age assignments for surface stone tools, petroglyphs, and geoglyphs of prehistoric age in the drylands of western USA.
Utility of capsule endoscopy in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is a rare, dominantly inherited intestinal polyposis syndrome characterized by multiple hamartomatous polyps throughout the gastrointestinal tract and pigmented macules on the skin or mucous membranes. Small intestinal polyps are the most problematic aspect of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and occur in greater than 75% of individuals affected. Nearly 50% of patients require lapartomy for small bowel obstruction caused by polyps and relaparotomy is common. Biennial small bowel surveillance and resection of symptomatic or large polyps is recommended to prevent obstruction and small bowel cancer. Capsule endoscopy is the preferred method for evaluation of small bowel tumors in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.
VEGF receptor inhibition slows the progression of polycystic kidney disease

Although the receptors for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) exert their effects on vasculogenesis and angiogenesis through receptors located on endothelial cells, recent studies have shown that these receptors are also present on renal tubular epithelial cells. We investigated the role of VEGF on increased tubule cell proliferation in the Han:SPRD heterozygous (Cy/+) rat model of polycystic kidney disease. The levels of VEGF in the kidneys and the serum, and the expression of the two receptors on tubules were increased in Cy/+ rats. These rats were given ribozymes that specifically inhibited VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 mRNA expression. Tubule cell proliferation within the cysts was significantly decreased in the ribozyme-treated animals leading to decreased cystogenesis, blunted renal enlargement, and prevented the loss of renal function. Our studies show that inhibition of VEGF function may be an important therapeutic option to delay the progression of polycystic kidney disease.
Targeting angiogenesis beyond first-line bevacizumab progression: ziv-aflibercept or more bevacizumab?

*GI Medical Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; mfakih@coh.org Considerable debate has surrounded the use of bevacizumab beyond progression (BBP; i.e., use after progression on prior bevacizumab-based therapy). Advocates for this strategy cited data from observational studies that suggest a favorable outcome in patients continuing BBP in comparison to patients who did not [1,2]. Opponents of BBP refuted data emanating from observational studies due to potential patient selection bias. These opposing views led to significant heterogeneity in the application of BBP in clinical practice in the USA and around the world. The value of angiogenesis targeting beyond progression on bevacizumab had to be settled through prospective randomized clinical trials. 2012 was marked by two randomized Phase III clinical trials that addressed second-line VEGF targeting in metastatic colorectal cancer. The VELOUR and TML studies have finally set the record straight [3,4]. There is value in targeting angiogenesis beyond first-line bevacizumab progression. This value can be unleashed by continuing bevacizumab or by using the newly US FDA-approved agent, ziv-af libercept. Facing progression on first-line bevacizumab, medical oncologists in the USA now have two options to choose from. What is it going to be, BBP or ziv-aflibercept beyond progression (ABP)?
Shifting patterns in the epidemiology of nosocomial Candida infections

The incidence of candidemia—a common and potentially fatal nosocomial infection—has risen dramatically, and this increase has been accompanied by a shift in the infecting pathogen away from Candida albicans to treatment-resistant non-albicans species. Prophylactic azole antifungals, such as fluconazole, may play an important role not only in the management of candidemia but also in the proliferation of hard-to-treat Candida species. In a variety of acute nosocomial settings, IV fluconazole, 400 mg/d, has reduced Candida colonization and infection. A growing body of evidence supports the still controversial contention that the increasing use of azole antifungals is at least partially responsible for the proliferation of treatment-resistant, non-albicans isolates, especially Candida glabrata . Thus, selecting the most appropriate candidates for prophylactic antifungal intervention— ie , those with the highest risk for candidemia—may be indispensable, not only in preventing candidemia, but also in reducing antifungal overuse, which may contribute to the emergence of treatment-resistant Candida isolates.
Numerical integration of Einstein’s field equations

Many numerical codes now under development to solve Einstein's equations of general relativity in $(3+1)$-dimensional spacetimes employ the standard ADM form of the field equations. This form involves evolution equations for the raw spatial metric and extrinsic curvature tensors. Following Shibata and Nakamura, we modify these equations by factoring out the conformal factor and introducing three ``connection functions.'' The evolution equations can then be reduced to wave equations for the conformal metric components, which are coupled to evolution equations for the connection functions. We evolve small amplitude gravitational waves and make a direct comparison of the numerical performance of the modified equations with the standard ADM equations. We find that the modified form exhibits much improved stability.
On the scalability of an efficient “Nonscalable” key distribution scheme

Some important requirements of key distribution schemes for many emerging applications involving resource constrained devices (for example, ad hoc and sensor networks) are 1) low complexity; 2) the ability to support unmediated establishment of security associations and 3) scalability. We propose a novel key distribution scheme based on an elegant scheme proposed by Leighton and Micali (1994). While the scheme in (Leighton and Micali, 1994) was intended to be an alternative to Kerberos (employing a trusted server for mediation), the proposed modifications are towards realizing a scheme for nonmediated establishment of pairwise secrets. We enumerate several compelling advantages of the proposed scheme over existing schemes in the literature.
Excitation of EMIC waves detected by the Van Allen Probes on 28 April 2013

We report the wave observations, associated plasma measurements, and linear theory testing of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) wave events observed by the Van Allen Probes on 28 April 2013. The wave events are detected in their generation regions as three individual events in two consecutive orbits of Van Allen Probe-A, while the other spacecraft, B, does not detect any significant EMIC wave activity during this period. Three overlapping H+ populations are observed around the plasmapause when the waves are excited. The difference between the observational EMIC wave growth parameter (Σh) and the theoretical EMIC instability parameter (Sh) is significantly raised, on average, to 0.10 ± 0.01, 0.15 ± 0.02, and 0.07 ± 0.02 during the three wave events, respectively. On Van Allen Probe-B, this difference never exceeds 0. Compared to linear theory (Σh > Sh), the waves are only excited for elevated thresholds.
Guanylate cyclase-activating proteins and retina disease.

Detailed biochemical, structural and physiological studies of the role of Ca 2+ -binding proteins in mammalian retinal neurons have yielded new insights into the function of these proteins in normal and pathological states. In phototransduction, a biochemical process that is responsible for the conversion of light into an electrical impulse, guanylate cyclases (GCs) are regulated by GC-activating proteins (GCAPs). These regulatory proteins respond to changes in cytoplasmic Ca 2+ concentrations. Disruption of Ca 2+ homeostasis in photoreceptor cells by genetic and environmental factors can result ultimately in degeneration of these cells. Pathogenic mutations in GC1 and GCAP1 cause autosomal recessive Leber congenital amaurosis and autosomal dominant cone dystrophy, respectively. This report provides a recent account of the advances, challenges, and possible future prospects of studying this important step in visual transduction that transcends to other neuronal Ca 2+ homeostasis processes
Band gaps and the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability.

We consider the linear stability of two inviscid fluids, in the presence of gravity, sheared past each other and separated by a flexible plate. Conditions for exponential growth of velocity perturbations are found as functions of the flexural rigidity of the plate and the shear rate. This Kelvin-Helmholtz instability is then analyzed in the presence of plates with spatially periodic with period a flexural rigidity arising from, for example, a periodic material variation. The eigenvalues of this periodic system are computed using Bloch’s theorem Floquet theory that imposes specific Fourier decompositions of the velocity potential and plate deformations. We derive the non-Hermitian matrix whose eigenvalues determine the dispersion relation. Our dispersion relation shows that plate periodicity generally destabilizes the flow, compared to a uniform plate with the same mean flexural rigidity. However, enhanced destabilization and stabilization can occur for disturbances with wavelengths near an even multiple of the plate periodicity. The sensitivity of flows with such wavelengths arises from the nonpropagating, “Bragg reflected” modes coupled to the plate periodicity through the boundary condition at the plate.
The P wave and the Earth's core

A study of the travel times of the P wave for recent large-magnitude earthquakes indicates that the P curve is branched, the point of bifurcation occurring at an arcual distance of approximately 90°, From the slope of the earlier portion of the P curve the depth to the core of the Earth is found to be 2901 km. It is suggested that the later P wave may be one which has traveled to a depth of only 2700 km.
Chemisorption and the electronic structure of transition metal oxides and transition metals bonded to oxide surfaces

Abstract Some simple transition metal oxides such as NiO have incomplete atomic subshells and yet are highly insulating. This implies a high degree of electronic localization and also indicates that the chemical bonds are saturated. In this respect these oxides are similar to alkaline earth oxides such as MgO. The analogy extends to their surface properties. MgO and NiO, for example, are both good catalysts although a pure, perfect surface of either seems inactive. It is argued that defects or impurities are required to activate the perfect surface and that catalytic properties relate weakly, at best, to the nature of the cation. These oxides are contrasted with the more studied industrial catalyst which consists of a group of transition metal ions bonded to an oxide surface. The electronic structure properties which determine the behaviour of such catalysts are explored in terms of the unrestricted Hartree-Fock model augmented with explicit inclusion of correlation. The results obtained produce a satisfa...