cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fast approximating triagulation of large scattered datasets

Abstract This article describes algorithms and data-structures for the fast construction of three-dimensional triangulations from large sets of scattered data-points. The triangulations have a guaranteed error bound, i.e. all the data-points lie within a pre-specified distance from the triangulation. Three different methods for choosing triangulation vertices are presented, based on interpolation, and L 2 and L∞-optimization of the error over subsets of the data-points. The main focus of this article will be on devising a simple and fast algorithm for constructing an approximating triangulation of a very large set of points. We propose the use of adapted dynamic data structures and excessive caching of information to speed up the computation and show how the method can be extended to approximate multiple dependent datasets in higher-dimensional approximation problems.
Large-grained polycrystalline Si films obtained by selective nucleation and solid phase epitaxy

Abstract We investigated the formation of large-grain polycrystalline silicon films on glass substrates for application in low-cost thin film crystalline silicon solar cells. Since the use of glass substrates constrains process temperatures, our chosen approach to form large-grain polycrystalline silicon templates is selective nucleation and solid phase epitaxy (SNSPE). In this process, selective crystallization of an initially amorphous silicon film, at lithographically predetermined sites, enables grain sizes larger than those observed via random crystallization. Selective heterogeneous nucleation centers were created for both P-doped, B-doped and undoped, 100 nm thick amorphous silicon films, by masked implantation of In or Ni islands, followed by annealing at temperatures below 600°C. Seeded crystallization begins at the metal islands and continues via lateral solid phase epitaxy (SPE), thus obtaining crystallized regions of several tens of square microns. The maximum achievable grain size depends on the product of the SPE rate and the incubation time for the spontaneous nucleation. We have studied the dependence of the SPE rate and the incubation time on the type of metal (In and Ni) inducing the nucleation and on the electronic dopant (e.g. P and B) concentration in the 10 19 –10 21 cm −3 range.
Non-linear systems in Hilbert resolution spaces†

The setting of Hilbert resolution spaces is used to explore the properties of nonlinear functions. Natural generalizations of the properties; causality, dissipativity, passivity, and scattering are formulated and interrelationships explored.
Somatostatin: Central nervous system (CNS) action on glucoregulation☆

Abstract Somatostatin (SRIF) may potentially affect blood glucose concentrations by a variety of mechanisms. SRIF could alter hepatic glucose output by a direct effect on the liver 1 or by an effect on pancreatic insulin and glucagon secretion, which in turn could alter hepatic glucose output. 2 SRIF can also affect the pituitary secretion of growth hormone, which secondarily might alter blood glucose levels. Recently Unger et al. 3 have suggested that SRIF may play a role in controlling nutrient entry from the gut. The anatomic distribution of SRIF throughout the central nervous system (CNS) and gastrointestinal tract and the multiple potential sites of action of SRIF to affect glucoregulation at extra-CNS sites provide a rationale for questioning whether or not there are glucoregulatory sites of action of SRIF within the CNS. Since the studies of Bernard demonstrating that puncture of the floor of the fourth ventricle produced hyperglycemia, evidence has accumulated to support CNS control of glucose homeostasis. 4 We have recently demonstrated that the frog skin peptide, bombesin, when placed intracisternally (i.c.) evokes a rapid and sustained hyperglycemia in rats. 5 This action of bombesin was concluded to be mediated via the CNS since bombesin is 10,000 times more potent in producing hyperglycemia when given i.c. than when given intravenously (i.v.). 5 These findings provided a model in which to test whether or not SRIF could prevent the hyperglycemic action of bombesin and thus test whether or not SRIF might have glucoregulatory sites of action within the CNS. Bombesin is a tetradecapeptide isolated from the skin of the frog Bombina bombina . 6 Bombesin-like activity has been found in mammalian intestine 7–9 and brain 10,11 as determined by radioimmunoassay. Bombesin has been reported to have the following effects: increase blood pressure; stimulate the secretion of gastric acid, gastrin, and cholecystokinin; stimulate exocrine pancreatic secretion; and produce contraction of the gall bladder. 8 In addition, bombesin and bombesin-like peptides affect the CNS to lower body temperature, 12 to inhibit cold-induced thyrotropin secretion, 10 and to stimulate the secretion of growth hormone and prolactin 13 in the rat.
The effects of national culture and human development on environmental health

While there is considerable research on environmental performance of countries, there is very little that focuses on environmental health as a component of environmental performance and how environmental health is affected by national culture and human development. This study proposes and empirically tests three models that examine the effects of cultural values and human development on environmental health by incorporating different variables from Human Development Index, Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions, and Environmental Performance Index. Multiple linear regression models were employed to test the hypotheses on a sample of 67 countries. Empirical results conclude that cultural dimensions of individualism and uncertainty avoidance, as well as human development components of life expectancy at birth, education, and income significantly influence environmental health performance of countries when we execute separate models. A combined model of the effects of national culture and human development on environmental health, however, shows only significant effects of human development components. Theoretical and policy implications are discussed.
The Habit of Change

As technology has changed, the fundamental way of extracting meaning from data has also changed.
The brain angiotensin system and extracellular matrix molecules in neural plasticity, learning, and memory

The brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has long been known to regulate several classic physiologies including blood pressure, sodium and water balance, cyclicity of reproductive hormones and sexual behaviors, and pituitary gland hormones. These physiologies are thought to be under the control of the angiotensin II (AngII)/AT1 receptor subtype system. The AT2 receptor subtype is expressed during fetal development and is less abundant in the adult. This receptor appears to oppose growth responses facilitated by the AT1 receptor, as well as growth factor receptors. Recent evidence points to an important contribution by the brain RAS to non-classic physiologies mediated by the newly discovered angiotensin IV (AngIV)/AT4 receptor subtype system. These physiologies include the regulation of blood flow, modulation of exploratory behavior, and a facilitory role in learning and memory acquisition. This system appears to interact with brain matrix metalloproteinases in order to modify extracellular matrix molecules thus permitting the synaptic remodeling critical to the neural plasticity presumed to underlie memory consolidation, reconsolidation, and retrieval. There is support for an inhibitory influence by AngII activation of the AT1 subtype, and a facilitory role by AngIV activation of the AT4 subtype, on neuronal firing rate, long-term potentiation, associative and spatial learning. The discovery of the AT4 receptor subtype, and its facilitory influence upon learning and memory, suggest an important role for the brain RAS in normal cognitive processing and perhaps in the treatment of dysfunctional memory disease states.
Variation in DNA swivel enzyme activity during the mammalian cell cycle

Synchronized cells of a normal human lymphocytic cell line contain little swiven enzyme activity in G0 and G1 and high activity in Sphase. The level of activity in different growth phase appears to be related to the fraction of the population engaged in DNA replication. No endogenous inhibitor or activator of swiven activity could be demonstrated. The evidence implies that the enzyme may be present only during S phase; it is therefore a possible control factor for replication.
Mothers' reading skills and child survival in Nigeria: examining the relevance of mothers' decision-making power.

Abstract Mothers' literacy skills are emerging as a key determinant of children's health and survival in low-income contexts, with emphasis on the cognitive and psychological agency that literacy skills provide. This work has clearly established a strong association between mothers' reading skills—a key subcomponent of broader literacy and language skills—and child mortality. However, this relatively nascent literature has not yet considered how broader social structures condition the process. In Nigeria and in sub-Saharan Africa more broadly, gender-based social inequality constrains many mothers' decision-making power over children's health matters; this structural feature may condition the association between mothers' reading skills and child mortality. This paper uses data from the 2003 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey (N = 12,076) to test the conditionality of the relationship between mothers' reading skills and child survival on mothers' decision-making power, highlighting how structural realities should factor more heavily into this individual-action-oriented literature. Among Nigerian children whose mothers have decision-making power, mothers' reading skills convey a 27 percent lower risk of child mortality; however, for children whose mothers lack decision-making power, mothers' reading skills do not yield a significant survival advantage. Overall, these findings support the need for future work to further analyze how broader social structures condition the benefits of mothers' reading skills for children's health.
CHANGING ATTITUDES TOWARD THE ELDERLY: THE IMPACT OF THREE METHODS OF ATTITUDE CHANGE

This investigation presented undergraduate students with three different instructional procedures. The goal was to change attitudes toward aging in a positive direction. Three techniques were considered individually, and the three combined were assessed in order to explore the utility of classroom instruction. Three experimental groups participated in a workshop series consisting of three single workshop sessions which were presented in a different order to each group. The total workshop series was successful in changing attitudes toward the elderly. Of the single workshop sessions, direct experience with an elderly couple was most effective.
Performance of a light fluorescence device for the detection of microbial plaque and gingival inflammation.

The hypothesis to be tested was that using the SOPROCARE system in fluorescence perio-mode allows scoring of microbial plaque that is comparable to the Turesky modification of the Quigley Hein plaque index (T-QH) and scoring of gingival inflammation comparable to the Silness and Loe gingival inflammation index (GI). Fifty-five subjects with various amounts of microbial plaque were recruited. The T-QH and GI index were recorded. SOPROCARE pictures were recorded in fluorescence perio-mode and in daylight mode. Finally, conventional digital photographs were taken. All pictures were assessed using the same criteria as described for the clinical indices. The average T-QH was 1.1 ± 1.2 (mean ± SD). Scoring with SOPROCARE perio-mode led to a slightly higher average than the T-QH scores. SOPROCARE daylight mode and digital photography showed the highest plaque scores. The average GI index was 0.7 ± 0.9. SOPROCARE in perio-mode scored slightly lower. Linear regression fits between the different clinical indices and SOPROCARE scores were significantly different from zero demonstrating high goodness of fit. The study demonstrated that the SOPROCARE fluorescence assessment tool in perio-mode allows reliable judgment of microbial plaque and gingival inflammation levels similar to the established Turesky-modified Quigley Hein index and the Silness and Loe gingival inflammation index. Training on plaque-free teeth will actually reduce scoring errors. The SOPROCARE fluorescence tool in perio-mode provides reliable evaluation of microbial plaque and gingival inflammation for the dental clinician.
School Dress Codes in Post-Scarcity Japan Contradictions and Changes

Focusing on dress codes, this article aims at providing a better understanding of current practices of youth socialization in Japanese schools and of cultural consequences of post-scarcity on schoo...
Theater of Memory: The Plays of Kālidāsa . Edited by Barbara Stoler Miller. New York: Columbia University Press, 1984. xiv, 387 pp. Notes to the Introduction, Notes to the Plays, Selected Bibliography. $30 (cloth); $12 (paper).

Editor's Preface A Note on Sanskrit Pronunciation Introduction: Kalidasa's Dramatic Universe Kalidasa's World and His Plays Sanskrit Dramatic Theory and Kalidasa's Plays Sakuntala and the Ring of Recollection Urvasi Won by Valor Malavika and Agnimitra Notes to the Introduction Notes to the Plays Selected Bibliography
Clues as to the Pathophysiology of Retinal Hemorrhages in Shaken Baby Syndrome Determined with Optical Coherence Tomography

m r i c p t S s c f o v d b r c y d i d w s m t UTHKELCH IN 1971 REPORTED ON 22 PATIENTS younger than 18 months of age with various combinations of subdural hemorrhage, fractures, arenchymal brain injury, and retinal hemorrhages. He as the first to recognize the important role of repeated cceleration-deceleration forces—that is, shaking—as a orm of abusive injury. In 1972 and 1974, Caffey exanded on this topic and coined the term Whiplash-Shaken nfant syndrome. Both authors recognized the frequent bsence of external signs of trauma and the role of torn ridging vessels in the brain as the cause of the intracranial emorrhage. Using autopsy evidence and a rudimentary ummy model, Duhaime and associates in 1987 suggested hat blunt impact trauma may be a prerequisite to generate ufficient deceleration forces for the characteristic injuries o occur. Whereas it has since been shown that shaking lone can be injurious, some authors still prefer the term haken Impact syndrome, particularly when there is clear vidence of blunt impact. The relative contributions of haking vs impact in the pathogenesis of this syndrome are till debated, leading some clinicians and researchers to avor more generic terms such as abusive head injury, nflicted head trauma, inflicted traumatic brain injury, and nflicted childhood neurotrauma, among others. In Shaken Baby syndrome (SBS), retinal hemorrhages re seen in 50% to 100% of patients, with most studies eporting approximately 85%. Typically, the hemorhages are present in both eyes, although asymmetry and nilaterality are well recognized. The mechanism by hich retinal hemorrhages occur in SBS has not yet been ully elucidated, which in part has led a minority of esearchers to question the validity of the diagnosis of SBS. In this issue of THE JOURNAL, Sturm and associates tudied the optical coherence tomography (OCT) features n three victims of SBS in an attempt to gain insight into he pathophysiology of the retinal hemorrhages as well as o attempt to aid in the diagnosis and to gain prognostic nformation. In two of the three patients reported, the erpetrators had confessed, although information was lackng on all patients regarding the relative amounts of
Inequality, Health Infrastructure, and Spatial Context: Understanding Pathways to Variations in the Causal Determinants of Race-Specific Mortality Rates

Previous research examines the ecological relationship between income inequality and mortality, and results are inconclusive. This analysis builds upon these findings by implementing a spatially weighted path analysis to better understand the mediating relationships of economic and social inequality, health infrastructure, and mortality. In the analysis, overall and race-specific mortality rates are combined with local health infrastructure data, income inequality and racial segregation data, and a series of ecological controls to undertake this examination. Ultimately, findings show that income inequality is a stronger determinant of mortality than is segregation, for whites and blacks, regardless of the existing health infrastructure. We also find racial disparities in the direct effect of local health infrastructure on mortality. In contrast to previous literature suggesting no association between income inequality and mortality after accounting for race and model sophistication, we argue that the sign...
Surface morphology changes during Pb deposition on Cu(1 0 0): evidence for surface alloyed Cu(1 0 0)–c(2×2) Pb

Using Low Energy Electron Microscopy (LEEM), the authors have followed Cu(100) surface morphology changes during Pb deposition at different temperatures. Surface steps advance and 2-D islands nucleate and grow as deposited Pb first alloys, and then dealloys, on a 125 C Cu(100)surface. From LEEM images, they determine how much Cu is being displaced at each stage and find that the amount of material added to the top layer for a complete Pb/Cu(100) c(4x4) reconstruction (a surface alloy) is consistent with the expected c(4x4) Cu content of 0.5 monolayer. However, as the surface changes to the Pb/Cu(100) c(2x2) overlayer, they find that the displaced material from surface dealloying, 0.22ML, is more than a factor of two lower than expected based on a pure Pb c(2x2) overlayer. Further, they find that in the 70 to 130 C range the amount of Cu remaining in c(2x2) increases with increasing substrate temperature during the deposition, showing that surface Cu is alloyed with Pb in the c(2x2) structure at these temperatures. When holding the sample at 125 C, the transformation from the c(2x2) structure to the higher coverage c(5{radical}2 x{radical}2)R45{degree} overlayer structure displaces more Cu, confirming the c(2x2) surface alloy model. They also find the c(2x2) surface has characteristically square 2-D islands with step edges parallel to the (100) type crystallographic directions, whereas the c(5{radical}2 x{radical}2)R45{degree} structure has line-like features which run parallel to the dislocation double rows of this surface's atomic structure and which expand into 2-D islands upon coarsening.
D1-like dopamine receptor density in nuclei involved in social behavior correlates with song in a context-dependent fashion in male European starlings

Research in songbirds shows that singing behavior is regulated by both brain areas involved in vocal behavior as well as those involved in social behavior. Interestingly, the precise role of these regions in song can vary as a function of the social, environmental and breeding context. To date, little is known about the neurotransmitters underlying such context-dependent regulation of song. Dopamine (DA) modulates highly motivated, goal-directed behaviors (including sexually motivated song) and emerging data implicate DA in the context-dependent regulation of singing behavior. This study was performed to begin to examine whether differences in DA receptors may underlie, in part, context-dependent differences in song production. We used autoradiographic procedures to label D1-like and D2-like DA receptors to examine the relationship between DA receptor density and singing behavior in multiple contexts in male European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). Within a breeding context (when testosterone (T) was high), D1-like receptor density in the medial preoptic nucleus (POM) and midbrain central gray (GCt) negatively correlated with song used to attract a female. Additionally in this context, D1-like receptor density in POM, GCt, medial bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTm), and lateral septum (LS) negatively correlated with song likely used to defend a nest box. In contrast, in a non-breeding context (when T was low), D1-like receptor density in POM and LS positively correlated with song used to maintain social flocks. No relationships were identified between song in any context and D2-like receptor densities. Differences in the brain regions and directional relationships between D1-like receptor binding and song suggest that dopaminergic systems play a region and context-specific role in song. These data also suggest that individual variation in singing behavior may, in part, be explained by individual differences in D1-like receptor density in brain regions implicated in social behavior.
Effect of Type of Feeder, Feeder Space, and Bird Density Under Intermittent Lighting Regimens with Broilers

Abstract Three 49-day broiler experiments were carried out to study the relationship of intermittent light (1/3 hr L:1-2/3 hr D, recycled), feeder space requirements, types of feeders, and bird density on broiler performance. In Experiment 1, performance was comparable between broilers exposed to continuous (CL) and intermittent lighting (IL) if the hanging tube feeder space allowance per bird with IL exceeded 1 cm. In Experiment 2, broiler performance was not significantly affected by trough or hanging tube type feeders with CL or IL with feeder space allowance ranging from 2, 2.54, and 2.74 cm per bird. In Experiment 3, mean male and combined sex body weights and feed conversion were comparable between broilers provided IL, .056 m2 of floor space, and feeder space of either 2.54 or 5.08 cm and broilers provided .093 m2 of floor space, 2.54 cm feeder space, and with either IL or CL. Mean female body weights and mean feed consumption per broiler for the IL, .056 m2 of floor space, 2.54 cm feeder space group were significantly depressed when compared to broilers provided either CL or IL, .093 m2 of floor space, and 2.54 cm feeder space. Increasing the feeder space from 2.54 to 5.08 cm with IL and .056 m2 of floor space seems to correct the growth depressing effect.
Stability Analysis of a Certain Class of Distributed Parameter Systems

In this paper, a direct algebraic method is developed for a special class of the distributed parameter systems to determine the stability intervals or the stability independent of the system free parameter. An illustrative example is included.
Room Temperature Observation of p-Xylylenes by 1H NMR and Evidence for Diradical Intermediates in Their Oligomerization

p-Quinodimethanes (p-QDMs) are reactive molecules that have been invoked as transient intermediates in a number of reactions. Dilute solutions of benzene-based p-QDMs, p-xylylene (1), α-methyl-p-xylylene (10), and 2,5-dimethyl-p-xylylene (11) can be prepared by fluoride-induced elimination of trimethylsilyl acetate from the appropriate precursor. It has been found that these solutions are stable enough to allow these reactive p-QDMs to be observed by 1H NMR spectroscopy at room temperature. For the first time, the 13C NMR spectrum of p-QDM 1 was observed. After several hours at room temperature, these p-QDMs form dimers, trimers, and insoluble oligomers. Formation of trimers provides evidence that p-QDMs 1, 10, and 11 dimerize by a stepwise mechanism involving dimeric diradicals as intermediates.
Comparative genomics and evolution of the tailed-bacteriophages

The number of completely sequenced tailed-bacteriophage genomes that have been published increased to more than 125 last year. The comparison of these genomes has brought their highly mosaic nature into much sharper focus. Furthermore, reports of the complete sequences of about 150 bacterial genomes have shown that the many prophage and parts thereof that reside in these bacterial genomes must comprise a significant fraction of Earth's phage gene pool. These phage and prophage genomes are fertile ground for attempts to deduce the nature of viral evolutionary processes, and such analyses have made it clear that these phage have enjoyed a significant level of horizontal exchange of genetic information throughout their long histories. The strength of these evolutionary deductions rests largely on the extensive knowledge that has accumulated during intensive study into the molecular nature of the life cycles of a few 'model system' phages over the past half century. Recent molecular studies of phages other than these model system phages have made it clear that much remains to be learnt about the variety of lifestyle strategies utilized by the tailed-phage.
RADIATION EFFECTS IN SOLIDS

Abstract Some of the special demands made on a Van de Graaff machine intended for solid state research are discussed. Voltage calibration, a voltage stabilizing circuit, a current ratio recorder, beam deflection and pulsing and vacuum problems are all described. A brief description of some recent experiments performed with electron accelerators is offered. These include studies of damage threshold, recombination radiation and solar cell radiation damage studies.
Study of immune cytotoxicity with Herpesvirus hominis infected cells.

SummaryImmune cytotoxicity of herpesvirus-infected cells was studied by means of a direct cytotoxicity test which used failure to attach after treatment with antiviral serum and complement as a measure of cytotoxicity. Cells infected with herpesvirus, as well as uninfected cells, were found to settle out of suspension and attach to the surface of containers within one hour after suspension. Infected cells appeared to be damaged by serum-complement treatment and were unable to attach. Immune cytotoxicity was found to be complement-dependent, since either omission or heating of the normal rabbit serum used as a source of complement eliminated the cytotoxic effect. Cell susceptibility to cytotoxic effects was found to be directly related to viral multiplicity of infection and presumably, therefore, to the proportion of infected cells. Infected cells were not susceptible during the first four hours after viral infection, but developed this susceptibility within 5–6 hours after infection. Anti-serum produced b...
Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Shoulder arthroplasty has been the subject of marked advances over the last few years. Modern implants provide a wide range of options, including resurfacing of the humeral head, anatomic hemiarthroplasty, total shoulder arthroplasty, reverse shoulder arthroplasty and trauma-specific implants for fractures and nonunions. Most humeral components achieve successful long-term fixation without bone cement. Cemented all-polyethylene glenoid components remain the standard for anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty. The results of shoulder arthroplasty vary depending on the underlying diagnosis, the condition of the soft-tissues, and the type of reconstruction. Total shoulder arthroplasty seems to provide the best outcome for patients with osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthropathy. The outcome of hemiarthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures is somewhat unpredictable, though it seems to have improved with the use of fracture-specific designs, more attention to tuberosity repair, and the selective use of reverse arthroplasty, as well as a shift in indications towards internal fixation. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty has become extremely popular for patients with cuff-tear arthropathy, and its indications have been expanded to the field of revision surgery. Overall, shoulder arthroplasty is a very successful procedure with predictable pain relief and substantial improvements in motion and function.
Abstract 1002: Norrin controls colon cancer angiogenesis

The purposes of the study: Colorectal (CRC) tumors depend on mediators in the tumor microenvironment, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, to promote angiogenesis. Norrin is a ligand that binds to the cell surface Frizzled-4 receptor, stimulating canonical Wnt signaling, and is known to mediate blood vessel growth in the eye and ear. We investigate here the role of Norrin secreted by colon cancer cells in endothelial cell growth and motility as well as the expression of the Norrin signaling pathway components in the CRC tumor microenvironment. Experimental procedures: Primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) expressing green fluorescent protein and a HUVEC-derived endothelial cell line, EAhy926 were utilized for in vitro angiogenesis assays measuring cell motility and in vitro angiogenesis. Experiments were performed with and without the addition of Norrin-containing conditioned medium from a transfected CRC cell line CaCO2 and with and without blocking anti-Norrin antibodies. Tissue specimens from human CRC patients were evaluated with a double signal amplification system to define the expression of Norrin, Frizzled-4, LRP5 and TSPAN12 in tumor blood vessels. Summary of data: Blocking generated by the endothelial cells themselves Norrin reduced endothelial cell motility, branch point number during in vitro angiogenesis (1/sq. mm), and the network length (mm/sq. mm) during in vitro angiogenesis. Norrin conditioned medium produced by CRC cell line CaCO2 transfected with Norrin expression construct increased endothelial cell motility. Colorectal tumors express Norrin protein. Endothelial cells in the colorectal tumor blood vessels contain all of the components of the Norrin signaling pathway needed for the endothelial cells to respond to Norrin in the tumor microenvironment. Statement of the conclusions: This study presents both in vitro and in vivo data that colorectal tumors use Norrin protein as an alternative mechanism that promotes angiogenesis in the CRC tumor microenvironment. Citation Format: Kestutis Planutis, Marina Planoutene, Randall F. Holcombe. Norrin controls colon cancer angiogenesis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1002. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1002
Resting state connectivity correlates with drug and placebo response in fibromyalgia patients.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and memory and mood disturbances. Despite advances in our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, treatment is often challenging. New research indicates that changes in functional connectivity between brain regions, as can be measured by magnetic resonance imaging (fcMRI) of the resting state, may underlie the pathogenesis of this and other chronic pain states. As such, this parameter may be able to be used to monitor changes in brain function associated with pharmacological treatment, and might also be able to predict treatment response. We performed a resting state fcMRI trial using a randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over design to investigate mechanisms of action of milnacipran (MLN), a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), in fibromyalgia patients. Our aim was to identify functional connectivity patterns at baseline that would differentially predict treatment response to MLN as compared to placebo. Since preclinical studies of MLN suggest that this medication works by augmenting antinociceptive processes, we specifically investigated brain regions known to be involved in pain inhibition. 15 fibromyalgia patients completed the study, consisting of 6 weeks of drug and placebo intake (order counterbalanced) with an interspersed 2 week wash out period. As a main finding we report that reductions in clinical pain scores during MLN were associated with decreased functional connectivity between pro-nociceptive regions and antinociceptive pain regions at baseline, specifically between the rostral part of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the insular cortex (IC), as well as between the periaqueductal gray (PAG) and the IC: patients with lower preexisting functional connectivity had the greatest reduction in clinical pain. This pattern was not observed for the placebo period. However a more robust placebo response was associated with lower baseline functional connectivity between the ACC and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This study indicates that ACC–IC connectivity might play a role in the mechanism of action of MLN, and perhaps more importantly fcMRI might be a useful tool to predict pharmacological treatment response.
Apolipoprotein E ɛ2 and Functional Decline in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer Disease

Background Recent work has demonstrated the potentially protective effects of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ɛ2 allele on cognitive functioning in individuals at risk for developing Alzheimer disease. However, little is known regarding the effect of ɛ2 genotype on rate of change in daily functioning over time. The aim of the current study was to examine the relationship between APOE genotype and change over time in ability to perform daily activities. Methods We examined the relationship between APOE genotype and change in the ability to perform activities of daily living at 12- and 24-month intervals in 225 healthy comparison subjects, 381 individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment, and 189 individuals with Alzheimer disease who were enrolled in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative study. Neuropsychological measures were also collected at each follow-up. Results Overall, individuals with at least one APOE -ɛ2 allele showed less functional decline over time and better performance on neuropsychological measures than those without an ɛ2 allele, even after controlling for potential confounders. When diagnostic groups were examined individually, presence of the ɛ2 allele continued to be associated with slower functional decline, although the relationship was no longer statistically significant in most cases, likely due to reduced statistical power. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the APOE -ɛ2 allele provides a buffer against significant changes in daily functioning over time and is associated with better neuropsychological performance across a number of measures.
Analysis and Suggestions on Leakage of Boiler Low Temperature Reheater

Leakage causes of boiler low temperature reheater were discussed by means of macroscopic inspection, chemical composition analysis, metallurgical microstructure examination, SEM and EDS fracture analysis. Results showed that the reheater leakage occurred for cracks originating from the fillet seam of ear plate. The main causes lie in improper structural design of the ear plate welding directly on the reheater elbow where suffered from complicated stress condition, wall thinning and out-of-round. In addition, as a weak zone, heat effect zone of the fillet welding seam was more likely to crack under fatigue stress for frequent unit start and stop and pipeline vibration. Installation stress existed between the ear plate and support block also contributed to the cracking. Suggestions were provided to avoid similar accident based on the comprehensive analysis of leakage causes.
Infrared study of ion-irradiated N2-dominated ices relevant to Triton and Pluto: formation of HCN and HNC

Infrared spectra and radiation chemical behavior of N2-dominated ices relevant to the surfaces of Triton and Pluto are presented. This is the first systematic IR study of proton-irradiated N2-rich ices containing CH4 and CO. Experiments at 12 K show that HCN, HNC, and diazomethane (CH2N2) form in the solid phase, along with several radicals. NH3 is also identified in irradiated N2 + CH4 and N2 + CH4 + CO. We show that HCN and HNC are made in irradiated binary ice mixtures having initial N2/CH4 ratios from 100 to 4, and in three-component mixtures have an initial N2/(CH4 + CO) ratio of 50. HCN and HNC are not detected in N2-dominated ices when CH4 is replaced with C2H6, C2H2, or CH3OH. The intrinsic band strengths of HCN and HNC are measured and used to calculate G(HCN) and G(HNC) in irradiated N2 + CH4 and N2 + CH4 + CO ices. In addition, the HNC/HCN ratio is calculated to be ∼1 in both icy mixtures. These radiolysis results reveal, for the first time, solid-phase synthesis of both HCN and HNC in N2-rich ices containing CH4. We examine the evolution of spectral features due to acid–base reactions (acids such as HCN, HNC, and HNCO and a base, NH3) triggered by warming irradiated ices from 12 K to 30–35 K. We identify anions (OCN−, CN−, and N3−) in ices warmed to 35 K. These ions are expected to form and survive on the surfaces of Triton and Pluto. Our results have astrobiological implications since many of these products (HCN, HNC, HNCO, NH3, NH4OCN, and NH4CN) are involved in the syntheses of biomolecules such as amino acids and polypeptides.
A Novel Application of Principal Surfaces to Segmentation in 4D-CT for Radiation Treatment Planning

Radiation therapy is one of the most effective options used in the treatment of about half of all people with cancer. A critical goal in radiation therapy is to deliver optimal radiation doses to the observed tumor while sparing the surrounding healthy tissues. Radiation oncologists typically manually delineate normal and diseased structures on three-dimensional computed tomography~(3D-CT) scans. Manual delineation is a labor intensive, tedious and time-consuming task. In recent years, concerns about respiration induced motion have led to the popularity of four-dimensional computed tomography~(4D-CT) for the tracking of tumors and deformation of organs. However, as manually contouring in all phases would be prohibitively expensive, the development of fast, robust, and automatic segmentation tools has been an active area of research in 4D radiotherapy. In this paper, we describe a novel application of principal surfaces for the propagation of contours in 4D-CT studies. Regions of interest~(ROIs) are manually delineated slice-by-slice in the reference 3D-CT scans. Edges are detected on all of the slices of the target 3D-CT phase. A kernel density estimation~(KDE) based on the detected edges is then calculated. The principal surface algorithm is applied to find the ridges of the edge KDE to provide the object contours. Manually drawn contours from the reference phase are used as an initialization. Contours of ROIs are propagated recursively in all consecutive phases to complete a respiration cycle. Results are provided for a phantom data set of simulated tumor motion as well as on a de-identified data set of the lung of a patient. Evaluation of the efficacy of automatic segmentation in organs and tumors are based on the comparison between manually drawn contours and automatically delineated contours. The Dice coefficients are approximately 0.97 for the lung tumor on the phantom data sets and 0.95 for the patient data sets. The centroid distances between manually delineated lung volume and automatically segmented lung volume in each CT direction are
Ballistic I-V Characteristics of Short-Channel Graphene Field-Effect Transistors: Analysis and Optimization for Analog and RF Applications

With the recent upsurge in experimental efforts toward fabrication of short-channel graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs) for analog and high-frequency RF applications-where the advantages of distinctive intrinsic properties of gapless graphene are expected to be leveraged-a critical understanding of the factors affecting both output and transfer characteristics is necessary for device optimization. Analyzing the device characteristics through ballistic electronic transport simulations within the nonequilibrium Green's function formalism, we show that a doping in the drain underlap region can significantly improve the quasi-saturation behavior in the GFET output characteristics and, hence, the output resistance and intrinsic gain. From this understanding, we provide a unified and coherent explanation for seemingly disparate phenomena-quasi-saturation and the recently reported three-terminal negative differential resistance in GFETs. We also investigate the scaling behavior of cutoff frequency and comment on some of the observed scaling trends in recent experiments.
Facile Synthesis of (E)-4-Aryl-2-Methyl-3-Butenoic Acids and Their Methyl Esters by the Condensation of Tiglic Acid Dianion with Arynes

Abstract The condensation of various arynes with tiglic acid dianion yields (E)-4-aryl-2-methyl-3-butenoic acids exclusively, after proton quench. These acids were characterized as their methyl esters, which were prepared by treating the acids with diazomethane.
Flux Calculation Using Metabolic Control Constraints

Prediction of metabolic fluxes requires the knowledge of reaction stoichiometry and the overall reaction kinetics including various regulatory mechanisms. Lacking the complete reaction kinetics, one often uses available flux measurements or other constraints to calculate the intracellular fluxes. In this article, we show that the flux constraints derived from the dynamic metabolic control theory can be used instead of the kinetics to calculate the fluxes. This approach provides a possibility of predicting the flux distribution in a genetically modified organism using the flux control coefficients and the fluxes determined from the host or the parent strains. It shows that the regulatory constraints can be expressed in terms of the flux control coefficients. This result gives new significance to the flux control coefficients and provides new incentives to determine the flux control coefficients systematically.
An Integrated Genomic Approach to the Assessment and Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Traditionally, new scientific advances have been applied quickly to the leukemias based on the ease with which relatively pure samples of malignant cells can be obtained. Currently, our arsenal of approaches used to characterize an individual's acute myeloid leukemia (AML) combines hematopathologic evaluation, flow cytometry, cytogenetic analysis, and molecular studies focused on a few key genes. The advent of high-throughput methods capable of full-genome evaluation presents new options for a revolutionary change in the way we diagnose, characterize, and treat AML. Next-generation DNA sequencing techniques allow full sequencing of a cancer genome or transcriptome, with the hope that this will be affordable for routine clinical care within the decade. Microarray-based testing will define gene and miRNA expression, DNA methylation patterns, chromosomal imbalances, and predisposition to disease and chemosensitivity. The vision for the future entails an integrated and automated approach to these analyses, bringing the possibility of formulating an individualized treatment plan within days of a patient's initial presentation. With these expectations comes the hope that such an approach will lead to decreased toxicities and prolonged survival for patients.
Glomus Coccygeum: Report of a Case

The glomus coccygeum is a vestigial structure related to the canals of Sucquet-Hoyer, an arteriovenous anastomosis surrounded by glomus cells derived from modified smooth muscle and involved in thermoregulation. It is an incidental finding in specimens from the sacral area and may represent a diagnostic challenge to the unaware observer. We present a case of a glomus coccygeum, presenting as a 1.5 mm structure adjacent to a typical pilonidal cyst excised from a 7-month-old boy, that was the subject of a second opinion consultation. The lesion showed small to medium sized clusters of predominantly epithelioid cells with moderate amounts of clear to eosinophilic cytoplasm, intercellular borders and plump, round nuclei with fine chromatin. These cells were closely associated with small vascular channels and nerves. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the epithelioid cells expressed vimentin, muscle-specific actin, neuron-specific enolase, and S-100 protein, were weakly positive for smooth muscle actin, and negative for desmin, synaptophysin and chromogranin. The endothelial cells of the vascular channels were antibody CD31 positive. Recognition of the histological features of glomus coccygeum is important to avoid confusion with glomus tumor and neural or smooth muscle neoplasms in the sacral area.
Campaign Tactics and the Decision to Attack

Research on negative political campaigning can be sorted into two groups: formal theory that designs optimal campaign strategies, and empirical work that explores the consequences of negative ads on the motivation of voters. This paper establishes a link between these two approaches using a series of thought experiments involving political consultants. We design a variety of hypothetical campaigns that mimic theoretically distinct questions and ask a nationwide sample of political consultants to place themselves in each of these campaigns and to make tactical decisions. We then compare the consultants' responses with theory With the ability to manipulate our hypothetical campaigns, we can explore the political applicability of different theoretical models. We also examine party differences; that is, whether consultants who work for Democratic candidates advise more or less attack politics than Republican consultants.
Consideration set generation in commerce search

In commerce search, the set of products returned by a search engine often forms the basis for all user interactions leading up to a potential transaction on the web. Such a set of products is known as the consideration set. In this study, we consider the problem of generating consideration set of products in commerce search so as to maximize user satisfaction. One of the key features of commerce search that we exploit in our study is the association of a set of important attributes with the products and a set of specified attributes with the user queries. Those important attributes not used in the query are treated as unspecified. The attribute space admits a natural definition of user satisfaction via user preferences on the attributes and their values, viz. require that the surfaced products be close to the specified attribute values in the query, and diverse with respect to the unspecified attributes. We model this as a general Max-Sum Dispersion problem wherein we are given a set of n nodes in a metric space and the objective is to select a subset of nodes with total cost at most a given budget, and maximize the sum of the pairwise distances between the selected nodes. In our setting, each node denotes a product, the cost of a node being inversely proportional to its relevance with respect to specified attributes. The distance between two nodes quantifies the diversity with respect to the unspecified attributes. The problem is NP-hard and a 2-approximation was previously known only when all the nodes have unit cost.In our setting, we do not make any assumptions on the cost. We label this problem as the General Max-Sum Dispersion problem. We give the first constant factor approximation algorithm for this problem, achieving an approximation ratio of 2. Further, we perform extensive empirical analysis on real-world data to show the effectiveness of our algorithm.
Massive subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, and pneumopericardium in children

Massive subcutaneous emphysema (SE), pneumomediastinum (PM), and pneumopericardium (PP) are rare conditions in the pediatric population. Air leak syndrome is a constellation of disorders that include SE, PM, PP, and pulmonary interstitial emphysema. In children, SE, PM, and PP are associated with obstructive airway disease most often in the case of asthma. Management may be conservative or involve invasive procedures that require surgical intervention. Here, we describe a case of massive SE, PM, and PP in a 10-year-old child after placement of a peripherally inserted central line and review the literature.