cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty-based weighted least squares density integration for background-oriented schlieren

We propose an improved density integration methodology for Background-Oriented Schlieren (BOS) measurements that overcomes the noise sensitivity of the commonly used Poisson solver. The method employs a weighted least-squares (WLS) optimization of the 2D integration of the density gradient field by solving an over-determined system of equations. Weights are assigned to the grid points based on density gradient uncertainties to ensure that a less reliable measurement point has less effect on the integration procedure. Synthetic image analysis with a Gaussian density field shows that WLS constrains the propagation of random error and reduces it by 80% in comparison to Poisson for the highest noise level. Using WLS with experimental BOS measurements of flow induced by a spark plasma discharge shows a 30% reduction in density uncertainty in comparison to Poisson, thereby increasing the overall precision of the BOS density measurements.
PDMS/PAI-HF Composite Membrane Containing Immobilized Palladium Nanoparticles for 4-Nitrophenol Reduction

Abstract Catalytically active asymmetric membranes were developed by crosslinking a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) thin layer onto a porous polyamide‐imide hollow fiber (PAIHF) support, followed by grafting of aminosilane with hydroxyl derived-PDMS/PAIHF, and finally palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) immobilization using salicylic aldehyde. Aminosilane and salicylic aldehyde linkers were used to permanently immobilize PdNPs onto the PDMS surface through metal coordination chelation, which prevented their agglomeration and leaching from the catalytic membrane reactor (CMR) module. The obtained CMRs were used for hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) in a continuous-flow fashion. The effects of 4-NP concentration (0.5–4 mM) and flow rate (0.01–0.08 cm3 min−1) on 4-NP conversion and 4-AP selectivity were evaluated in both batch and continuous-flow systems. The newly developed continuous flow 4-NP hydrogenation module exhibited a good operating stability after six cycle run for 6 h’ time on stream, where complete 4-NP conversion (100%) was achieved in short residence time (2–3 s) via a single-pass-through the CMR module. Overall, the designed and developed method described herein offers an alternative platform to address PdNPs’ leaching issues that are commonly encountered in continuous-flow chemical transformation processes.
Incidence of Lymph Node Metastases and Impact of Radical Surgery for Duodenal Neuroendocrine Tumors.

ABSTRACT Background Despite the high frequency of regional lymph node (LN) metastases associated with duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (D-NETs), the impact of these metastases on survival and the ideal extent of LN dissection are unknown. We used the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to investigate factors associated with survival, including LN metastases and types of surgery, in patients with D-NETs. Methods All patients with D-NETs recorded in the NCDB between 2004 and 2016 were included in the study. We applied a multivariate Cox regression model to assess the relationship between the clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival (OS). Results We identified 7613 patients, among whom 4886 local excisions and 233 radical surgeries had been performed. Among patients with at least 1 LN pathologically examined, the overall incidence of LN metastasis was 41.2%. For all patients, the median OS was 10.6 years. Univariate analyses showed equivalent OS in N0 and N1 groups (HR,0.83; 95% CI,0.64-1.09) and diminished OS in those who had undergone radical surgery compared with those who had undergone local resection (HR,1.35; 95% CI,1.02-1.8). In multivariable analyses, tumor size >50 mm and having more than 9 positive LNs were associated with diminished OS (HR,1.64 and 5.2; 95% CI,1.25-2.16 and 1.91-14.18), whereas the type of surgery did not remain in the model. Conclusion Our study revealed that the presence of regional LN metastases and extent of surgery did not affect OS among patients with D-NETs. Radical resection to clear occult LN metastases for nonfunctioning, sporadic D-NETs was not supported by the current study.
Organizing For Power in/as Technical Rhetoric: Organizing Power in Technical Rhetoric

This article explores how to marry technical communication sensibilities with structure-based action of organizing. This article draws an initial framework from the work of McAlevey [16] and analyzes its overlap with technical communication and how organizing praxis can shape technical communication sensibilities. Structure-based work, prioritizing a strong organization before a message or document, as a product-focus of technical communication emerges as a fruitful avenue of further study.
Anti-CD25 antibody and denileukin diftitox deplete regulatory T cells in ID8 ovarian cancer equally, but αCD25 promotes more T cell cytotoxicity that correlates with better survival (VAC12P.1112)

In ovarian cancer (OC) regulatory T cells (Tregs) block anticancer immunity, suggesting Treg depletion could be beneficial. In our phase 2 denileukin diftitox (DDT) trial we found no clinical efficacy in 19 OC patients despite Treg depletion. αCD25 depletes Tregs but reportedly only works as cancer prophylaxis. We found that αCD25 did not treat subcutaneous B16 mouse melanoma whereas DDT did, and both reduced Tregs equally. We further show that in intraperitoneal ID8 challenge, αCD25 depletes Tregs in ascites and strikingly extends survival better than DDT, the first demonstration that αCD25 is effective cancer treatment (vs prophylaxis). Treg suppression of T cell proliferation in vitro from ID8-bearing mice was equal after DDT or αCD25. DDT and αCD25 could thus target or modulate Treg subsets or other immune cells differentially, as neither is Treg-specific. Despite reduced clinical efficacy, DDT increased beneficial IFN-γ+CD4+ and ID8-specific CD8+ T cells and NK cells in ascites better than αCD25, but also increased pro-tumorigenic IL-17+ and TNF-α+ CD4+ T cells, whereas αCD25 did not. αCD25 increased numbers of ascites GzB+CD107a+CD8+ T cells whereas DDT did not, suggesting increased cytotoxicity that could explain better clinical efficacy. These observations show that Treg depletion agents available for clinical use have distinct effects on antitumor immunity, help define clinical indications for αCD25 versus DDT and identify responsive cancers or anatomic compartments.
Does independent research with a faculty member enhance four-year graduation and graduate/professional degree plans? Convergent results with different analytical methods

This study examines the effects of undergraduate students participating in independent research with faculty members on four-year graduation and graduate/professional degree aspirations. We analyzed four-year longitudinal data from the Wabash National Study of Liberal Arts Education using multiple analytic techniques. The findings support the positive, net link between undergraduate research and fourth-year graduate degree aspirations and suggest that such involvement may have potential as a powerful programmatic and pedagogical tool.
Proliferation-dependent and -independent cytotoxicity by antitumor diarylsulfonylureas: Indication of multiple mechanisms of drug action

The mechanism(s) by which antitumor diarylsulfonylureas (DSU) cause cytotoxicity has been examined in GC3/c1 human colon adenocarcinoma cells and a subline selected for resistance to N-(5-indanylsulfonyl)-N'-(4-chlorophenyl)urea (ISCU). Resistance was stable in the absence of selection pressure. This mutant (designated LYC5) was 5.5-fold resistant to ISCU compared to parental GC3/c1 cells in serum containing medium when cells were exposed for 7 days. In contrast, LYC5 cells were not resistant to a 4-hr exposure to ISCU. These data indicated two possible mechanisms of action, dependent on concentration and time of exposure to ISCU. Proliferation-dependent and -independent mechanisms of cytotoxicity were identified in wild-type and resistant clones. In serum-free medium containing growth factors, the IC50 for parental cells was 0.51 microM and for LYC5 7.0 microM (13.6-fold resistance), whereas without growth factors both lines were 8- to 9-fold resistant relative to conditions of cellular proliferation. Accumulation of ISCU was similar in quiescent and proliferating cells, and was reduced only slightly in resistant LYC5 cells. Analysis of DNA by agarose gel electrophoresis showed that in GC3/c1 cells nucleosomal ladders were formed only when proliferating cells were exposed to ISCU. No nucleosomal ladders were detected in quiescent cells during exposure to toxic concentrations of drug (IC90), or after removal of ISCU and addition of serum to stimulate growth. These data indicate several mechanisms by which diarylsulfonylurea antitumor agents may cause cell death. In serum-free medium at very high concentration (IC50 approximately 370 microM) for short periods of exposure (4 hr), cytotoxicity was proliferation independent, and GC3/c1 and LYC5 cells were equally sensitive. This mechanism may relate to the uncoupling activity of ISCU. However, at pharmacological relevant concentrations, the primary mechanism was proliferation dependent and led to formation of nucleosomal DNA ladders (IC50 approximately 0.5 microM). A possible additional mechanism occurred at higher concentration (IC50 approximately 7 microM) in quiescent cells, and was not associated with DNA degradation.
Measuring the Effects of “Adults Only” Age Restrictions on Condominium Prices

Current U.S. housing policy prohibits discrimination in the sale or rental of housing or in the provision of brokerage services on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disabili...
Mutations in yeast HAP2/HAP3 define a hybrid CCAAT box binding domain.

Abstract We describe a detailed genetic analysis of the DNA-binding regions in the HAP2/HAP3 CCAAT-binding heteromeric complex. The DNA-binding domain of HAP2 is shown to be a 21 residue region containing three critical histidines and three critical arginines. Mutation of an arginine at position 199 to leucine alters the DNA-binding specificity of the complex to favor CCAAC over CCAAT. Residues in HAP3 that are critical for DNA-binding comprise a short, seven amino acid region. Three different mutations in the HAP2 DNA-binding domain are suppressed by a mutation in the HAP3 DNA-binding domain. This HAP3 mutation also suppresses mutations in a different region of HAP2 which promotes subunit assembly of the complex. These findings suggest that short regions of HAP2 and HAP3 comprise a hybrid DNA-binding domain and that this domain can help hold the two subunits together in the CCAAT-binding complex.
Automatic obfuscated cell layout for trusted split-foundry design

We present split-cellTK, a tool that automates the obfuscation of split-foundry layout, in which an untrusted foundry fabricates the devices (FEOL) and a trusted foundry completes the design with metalization (BEOL). split-cellTK does not alter the design netlist for obfuscation — it accepts an arbitrary transistor-level netlist as input. By obfuscating the the organization, placement and connectivity of devices in the FEOL, split-cellTK increases the difficulty of a reverse engineering effort. We evalute two FEOL obfuscation schemes: uniform layout and layout with random spacing. We extend the set of metrics previously defined in the literature to capture the benefits of obfuscation at the cell level. We use these metrics to evaluate the degree of obfuscation provided by our schemes and present the power, area, and throughput overheads for our obfuscation schemes. Finally, we present measured results for an asynchronous FPGA fabricated in a 65 nm split-foundry technology using our tool.
The Symmetric Group Defies Strong Fourier Sampling: Part II

AbstractPart I of this paper showed that the hidden subgroup problem over the symmetric group—includingthe special case relevant to Graph Isomorphism—cannot be eﬃciently solved by strong Fourier sampling,even if one may perform an arbitrary POVM on the coset state. In this paper, we extend these resultsto entangled measurements. Speciﬁcally, we show that the case of the hidden subgroup problem whichis relevant to Graph Isomorphism cannot be solved by any polynomial number of experiments on one-or two-register coset states. 1 Introduction: the hidden subgroup problem Many problems of interest in quantum computing can be reduced to an instance of the Hidden SubgroupProblem (HSP). This is the problem of determining a subgoup H of a group Ggiven oracle access to afunction f: G→ Swith the property thatf(g) = f(hg) ⇔ h∈ H .Equivalently, fis constant on the cosets of Hand takes distinct values on distinct cosets.All known eﬃcient solutions to the problem rely on the standard method or the method of
Optical Spectra of Fullerenes: C 60 a new amorphous semiconductor?

The optical absorption spectra for thin films of sublimed C60 and C70 are presented. Both transmission spectroscopy and photothermal deflection spectroscopy are used to obtain the spectrum over a wide energy range (0.4 to 6.2 eV) for the same film. The optical gap varies for the different fullerenes. The value for C60 is ∼ 1.6 eV and the corresponding transition appears to be optically forbidden given the weakness of the absorption. Structure is observed on the “gap edge” which can be attributed to vibronic transitions. The gap region can be described in terms used for amorphous semiconductors, having features such as an Urbach edge, and sub-gap defect absorption. The similarity suggests that the nature of fullerene thin films may be analogous to amorphous silicon and carbon films. These films have both a molecular and an amorphous semiconductor nature.
Wisdom in the social crowd: an analysis of quora

Efforts such as Wikipedia have shown the ability of user communities to collect, organize and curate information on the Internet. Recently, a number of question and answer (Q&A) sites have successfully built large growing knowledge repositories, each driven by a wide range of questions and answers from its users community. While sites like Yahoo Answers have stalled and begun to shrink, one site still going strong is Quora, a rapidly growing service that augments a regular Q&A system with social links between users. Despite its success, however, little is known about what drives Quora's growth, and how it continues to connect visitors and experts to the right questions as it grows. In this paper, we present results of a detailed analysis of Quora using measurements. We shed light on the impact of three different connection networks (or graphs) inside Quora, a graph connecting topics to users, a social graph connecting users, and a graph connecting related questions. Our results show that heterogeneity in the user and question graphs are significant contributors to the quality of Quora's knowledge base. One drives the attention and activity of users, and the other directs them to a small set of popular and interesting questions.
A false positive immunologic pregnancy test with tubo-ovarian abscess.

6 patients had tubo-ovarian abscesses and coexisting false positive pregnancy tests with a latex agglutination technic (Gravindex) but not with a hemagglutination-inhibition technic (UCG). In 5 of the cases hysterectomies and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomies were performed. Pathological examination of removed tissues confirmed the absence of pregnancy in all 5 cases. Clinical and laboratory followup confirmed that the other patient was not pregnant. The Gravindex test was negative 2 months after antibiotic therapy. Confusion with ectopic pregnancy may result if only 1 immunologic pregnancy test is available. Urine specimens containing more than 25 mg of protein per 100 ml give a high incidence of false-positive Gravindex tests but not with the UCG test. These patients all had less than 25 mg protein per 100 ml urine. Although several types of tumors and other clinical conditions have been reported as giving false-positive pregnancy tests tubo-ovarian abscess had not been so reported previously. Nonspecific interference rather than a cross-reacting substance in the urine is believed responsible.
Analysis of mcDESPOT- and CPMG-derived parameter estimates for two-component nonexchanging systems.

Purpose To compare the reliability and stability of the multicomponent-driven equilibrium single pulse observation of T1 and T2 (mcDESPOT) and Carl-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) approaches to parameter estimation. Methods The stability and reliability of mcDESPOT and CPMG-derived parameter estimates were compared through examination of energy surfaces, evaluation of model sloppiness, and Monte Carlo simulations. Comparisons were performed on an equal time basis and assuming a two-component system. Parameter estimation bias, reflecting accuracy, and dispersion, reflecting precision, were derived for a range of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and relaxation parameters. Results The energy surfaces for parameters incorporated into the mcDESPOT signal model exhibit flatness, a complex structure of local minima, and instability to noise to a much greater extent than the corresponding surfaces for CPMG. Although both mcDESPOT and CPMG performed well at high SNR, the CPMG approach yielded parameter estimates of considerably greater accuracy and precision at lower SNR. Conclusion mcDESPOT and CPMG both permit high-quality parameter estimates under SNR that are clinically achievable under many circumstances, depending upon available hardware and resolution and acquisition time constraints. At moderate to high SNR, the mcDESPOT approach incorporating two-step phase increments can yield accurate parameter estimates while providing values for longitudinal relaxation times that are not available through CPMG. However, at low SNR, the CPMG approach is more stable and provides superior parameter estimates. Magn Reson Med, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kink Radiation on Small Discrete Periodic Damped Driven Nonlinear sine-Gordon Arrays

In this paper, we explain the fundamental properties of the radiation processess of untrapped kinks moving on discrete lattices or any spatially periodic potential. In particular we explain qualitatively and quantitatively the interesting recent experiments of small discrete periodic dynamical arrays of Josephson junctions. We obtain and show the resonance condition for a kink to radiate phonons is the kink frequency or one of its harmonics K_j$\dot{X}$ where $\dot{X}$ is the velocity of the kink and the K_j are vectors of the reciprocal lattice must equal one of the phonon frequencies, $\omega(k)$, where k are the lattice vectors determined by the lattice spacing and the periodic boundary conditions. Then we show the radiation resonance conditions determine the voltage at line center in the experimental currently voltage (I-V) diagrams.
Technical Note-Theorems of Convergence for Improved Nonlinear Programming Algorithms

This note presents proofs of convergence of nonlinear programming algorithms under a weaker requirement than Zangwill's convergence theorems A and C. The objective is the removal of the closedness and the weakening of the adaption properties of the map-algorithm. In this approach two map-algorithms are used: one that provides the solution points, and one that provides convergence for the former.
Use of polarization techniques to investigate the dynamics of Penning ionization reactions

A new technique is used to probe the dynamics of Penning ionization reactions involving He(${2}^{3}$S) atoms and the targets K, Rb, Cs, ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{Cl}}_{2}$, and ${\mathrm{CF}}_{3}$Cl. In this technique, the electrons on the ${2}^{3}$S atoms are spin labeled and the polarization of the Penning electrons is determined. The data indicate that, for Rb, a significant fraction of the ionization occurs through energy transfer to a core excited state followed by autoionization. The data for the molecular targets confirm that ionization via ionic channels is important.
A Mixed-Methods Study of Early Intervention Implementation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: Supports, Services, and Policies for Young Children with Developmental Delays and Disabilities.

Participation in high quality early intervention programs is critical for eligible young children who experience atypical development for their future academic success. High quality programs promote access to services, incorporate instructional strategies that encourage children’s participation, and advocate public policy that supports professional development and collaboration among families, early childhood educators, and early intervention providers. Although program implementation according to evidence-based practice is recognized as the key, little research currently exists documenting the implementation of evidence-based practices in early intervention programs. The primary goal of this mixed-methods study was to determine if families, early childhood educators, and early intervention service providers were knowledgeable about evidence-based practices for early intervention and if these practices were currently being implemented consistently throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Families (n = 11), early childhood educators (n = 149), and early intervention providers (n = 66) completed online surveys, and 12 participants participated in semi-structured interviews to report their experiences. Early intervention providers reported a significantly higher perception than early childhood educators that early intervention services were implemented according to evidence-based practice. Early childhood educators were knowledgeable about evidence-based practices in early intervention, but they did not feel they were implemented in their programs. Study findings are discussed in the context of providing early childhood educators with recommendations for improving the quality of early intervention implementation for children with atypical development in their community preschools including access, participation, and policy support.
Economic stabilization, conditionality, and political stability

IMF conditionality is seldom so important that it dominates all other considerations for political stability. IMF stabilization programs often shift benefits from one group to another. They expose elites to charges of selling the sovereignty of their countries. The imposition of IMF conditions, particularly subsidy cuts, may lead to sharp outbreaks of civil disorder. Nonetheless, the IMF provides resources that make adjustment easier and thus may lessen the chances of political instability for a country. IMF programs are seldom implemented fully as negotiated, and the penalties for partial compliance are not great. Debtor countries have more flexibility in imposing austerity measures, and the economic constraints are less binding than often assumed. The very availability of alternatives to IMF programs results in internal divisions because some favor debt repudiation and others oppose it. Groups now contend over solutions to the debt problems of their countries.
How well are community-living women treated for osteoporosis after hip fracture?

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether women with recent hip fracture are receiving adequate treatment for osteoporosis. To examine patient and physician characteristics associated with adequate treatment for osteoporosis. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study with prospective and retrospective data collection. SETTING: Hartford County, Connecticut. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty community-living women age 65 and older identified from hospital databases with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, code for nontraumatic hip fracture. MEASUREMENTS: Treatment for osteoporosis, healthcare utilization, primary care physician's specialty, Katz activities of daily living scale, Lawton instrumental activities of daily living scale, Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire, Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 12, and Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. RESULTS: Only 13% of participants were receiving adequate treatment for osteoporosis as defined by the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) guidelines for osteoporosis, 47% reported partial treatment that did not meet NOF guidelines, and 40% were receiving no treatment for osteoporosis. No patient or physician characteristics were associated with the adequacy of treatment for osteoporosis in this small sample. CONCLUSIONS: Few of the women in our study were receiving adequate treatment for osteoporosis after hip fracture. There exists an opportunity to educate postmenopausal women and physicians about the importance of treatment for osteoporosis to increase the number of women offered and receiving osteoporosis treatment, especially older postmenopausal women with established, severe osteoporosis as evidenced by recent hip fracture. J Am Geriatr Soc 49:1197–1204, 2001.
Interleukin 15: biology and relevance to human disease

Since the cloning of interleukin (IL)-15 six years ago, there have been numerous studies examining the molecular and cellular biology of this cytokine. IL-15 and IL-2 have similar biologic properties in vitro, consistent with their shared receptor (R) signaling components (IL-2/15Rβγc). However,
Prognostic Factors and Outcomes After Definitive Treatment of Female Urethral Cancer: A Population-based Analysis

Objective To evaluate the prognostic factors and outcomes for a large observational cohort of female patients with urethral cancer in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Methods We identified 722 women diagnosed with urethral cancer from 1983 to 2008 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Descriptive statistics were used to explore the epidemiology, standard treatment practices, and tumor characteristics. A total of 359 women with nonmetastatic primary urethral cancer were identified for cancer-specific and survival analysis. Kaplan-Meier plots and log-rank tests were performed for each potential covariate. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was performed to evaluate age, demographic factors, T stage, nodal status, histologic findings, surgery, and radiotherapy. Results The median overall survival time was 42 months (95% confidence interval 35-57), and the 5- and 10-year overall survival rate was 43% and 32%, respectively. The median cancer-specific survival (CSS) time was 78 months, and the 5- and 10-year CSS rate was 53% and 46%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, black race, Stage T3-T4 tumors compared with T1, node-positive disease, nonsquamous histologic features, and advanced age were associated with shortened CSS. Surgery was associated with longer CSS. Black patients presented with a statistically significant greater T stage. Conclusion Advanced age, T stage, node-positive disease, nonsquamous histologic features, and black race were associated with reduced CSS, and surgical resection was associated with longer CSS. We found that black patients present with more advanced tumors and have shorter CSS than white women with urethral cancer.
Compositional Mapping of Micropatterned, Mixed Self-Assembled Monolayers by Lateral Force Microscopy

Lateral force microscopy (LFM) was used to image patterned organic surfaces and showed consistent changes in image contrast with surface composition. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of ω-substituted alkanethiolates were patterned on surfaces of gold films coated on silicon wafers. The patterns consisted of areas of gold modified by SAMs formed from dodecanethiol (HS(CH2)11CH3) and areas derivatized by mixed SAMs formed by exposure to solutions of mixtures of HS(CH2)11CH3 and hexaethylene glycol-terminated alkanethiol [HS(CH2)11(OCH2CH2)6OH]. Several types of patterned SAMs were investigated, each of which differed in the relative mole fractions of methyl- and hexaethylene glycol-terminated alkanethiolates in the mixed SAMs. Analysis of the relative friction measured for the different mixed SAMs suggests that LFM can be used as a semiquantitative technique for compositional mapping of mixed SAMs. Correlation between relative friction and the composition (as estimated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) a...
Reducing the influence of extrapersonal associations on the Implicit Association Test: personalizing the IAT.

The authors argue that the Implicit Association Test (IAT; A. G. Greenwald, D. E. McGhee, & J. L. K. Schwartz, 1998) can be contaminated by associations that do not contribute to one's evaluation of an attitude object and thus do not become activated when one encounters the object but that are nevertheless available in memory. The authors propose a variant of the IAT that reduces the contamination of these extrapersonal associations. Consistent with the notion that the traditional version of the IAT is affected by society's negative portrayal of minority groups, the personalized IAT revealed relatively less racial prejudice among Whites in Experiments 1 and 2. In Experiments 3 and 4, the personalized IAT correlated more strongly with explicit measures of attitudes and behavioral intentions than did the traditional IAT. The feasibility of disentangling personal and extrapersonal associations is discussed.
Microbial introductions to apple leaves: Influences of altered immigration on fungal community dynamics

Fungal immigration to apple leaves in the field was altered by the introduction of populations ofChaetomium globosum orAureobasidium pullulans to surface-disinfested leaves either immediately following, or 6 days after, disinfestation. Total numbers of fungal individuals and numbers of filamentous fungal and yeast individuals were estimated and compared over time for 4–7 weeks on control leaves (leaves disinfested but no populations applied), onAureobasidium-treated, and onChaetomium-treated leaves. Fungal communities developing on leaves during three experiments in two different time frames (experiment 1: July 9–August 27; experiments 2 and 3: July 29–August 27), and thus under different immigration regimes, were also compared. Survival of introduced populations was not related to the presence of prior fungal immigrants. Rates of increase in total numbers of fungi and numbers of filamentous fungi and yeasts per leaf varied among experiments, apparently in relation to differences in immigration and environmental history. Differences among leaves in immigration had a short-term (days) influence on community size. However, no long-term effects of altered immigration on phylloplane fungal community size were evident.
Evaporative freezing in isolated aggregates

Cooling by evaporation from an isolated aggregate can be quite rapid. The possibility of bypassing phase transitions and thus of preparing interesting amorphous materials by this vector must then be considered. Evaporation from binary solutions is identified as an especially attractive mechanism for realizing this prospect.
Disposition of [35s]-heparin in the rat

Abstract [35S]-Heparin is rapidly taken up by tissues after intraperitoneal injection andrapidly degraded. Skin, aorta and lung showed an especially high affinity for[35S]-heparin. In these organs, as well as in adrenal gland, stomach, heart and brain,the isotope was found preponderantly as dialysable metabolite(s) of heparin. Another group of tissues (large intestine, fat, kidney and liver) was characterized by a smaller proportion of dialysable material. Tissues that showed a high affinity for exogenous heparin appeared to catabolize it rapidly. It is also noted that some of the radioactive material present in tissues after the injection of [35S]-heparin could come from the uptake of [35S]-sulphate resulting from the degradation of [35S]-heparin. The incorporation of [35S]-sulphate into the sulphomucopolysaccharides of some tissues is recorded.
The transient response of a CSTR containing immobilized enzyme particles

Abstract A mathematical model is formulated for describing the transient substrate response in a continuous flow stirred tank reactor containing immobilized enzyme particles. The model considers the effects of internal and external substrate diffusion resistances as well as the inherent enzyme denaturation. Simulation of the model so formulated using the kinetic and physical parameters which are within the practical operating range, reveals that a substrate response minimum occurs in all the cases under consideration. Such a substrate response minumum is significantly affected by several characteristic dimensionless groups which govern the reactor performance equations. The unsteady state simulation is also extended to two CSTRs in series. It is found that the substrate response characteristics in the second reactor are similar to these in the first except for a much lower substrate concentration level.
Glucocorticoid responsiveness of mouse mammary tumor virus ( MMTV) promoters in a down-transcription hepatoma tissue culture (HTC) variant

Complement-mediated cytolysis of the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)-infected rat hepatoma (HTC) cell line, M1.54, resulted in recovery of a mutant derivative, designated CR5, in which the magnitude of both basal and dexamethasone-induced proviral MMTV RNA expression was selectively reduced. Variant CR5 cells were transfected with a plasmid containing the glucocorticoid-regulated MMTV promoter linked to the neomycin resistance gene (pLNL). Half-maximal resistance to G418 killing was glucocorticoid inducible in both pLNL-transfected CR5 and M1.54 cells and was dependent on glucocorticoid receptor occupancy. The down-transcription of MMTV provirus sequences cannot be conferred to transfected genes driven by the same viral promoter suggesting that CR5 cells are defective in cis acting factors. Consistent with this notion, indirect immunofluorescence of transient heterokaryons revealed that uninfected wild-type HTC cells failed to complement the defect in CR5 while CR5 cells did not suppress the wild-type phenotype of M1.54 cells.
Nonaneurysmal thunderclap headache with diffuse, multifocal, segmental, and reversible vasospasm

Objective. To highlight the clinical profiles and angiographic findings of two patients with recurrent thunderclap headache (TCH) without subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and to present modified diagnostic criteria for this unusual syndrome.Background. TCH may be a benign recurrent headache disorder or it may represent a serious underlying process such as SAH or venous sinus thrombosis. The pathophysiology of this disorder in the absence of underlying pathology is not well understood and its potential angiographic features are not well appreciated.Methods. Two case descriptions with illustrative angiography.Results. Both cases demonstrated the potential for reversible intracranial vasospasm without intracranial aneurysm or SAH and a benign clinical outcome.Conclusions. Primary TCH has a distinctive clinical and angiographic profile and must be distinguished from central nervous system vasculitis and SAH.
Characterization and Identification of Hepatic mRNA Related to Copper Metabolism and Homeostasis in Cattle

Copper is an essential trace mineral required for growth and development. Copper homeostasis within the cell is mediated by the expression of the Cu transporter protein (CTR1), ATPase7A (ATP7A), ATPase7B (ATP7B), Cox17, and Cu chaperone for Cu–Zn superoxide dismutase (CCS) which helps to regulate Cu uptake, export, and intracellular compartmentalization in non-ruminants. Copper also serves as a cofactor of antioxidant, superoxide dismutase1 (SOD1). Liver tissue from eighteen Holstein bull calves (average BW 201 ± 58.5 kg, 7.3 ± 1.9 months) from a previous experiment were utilized to characterize and identify hepatic mRNA related to Cu metabolism and homeostasis in cattle. Hepatic Cu concentration was determined via flame atomic absorption, and total RNA was extracted using TRI reagent and purified using RNeasy. Hepatic Cu concentrations ranged from 86 to 801 mg of Cu/kg DM. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that CTR1, ATP7A, and ATP7B mRNA expressions were negatively correlated with hepatic Cu concentration, while CCS (P = 0.0887) and SOD1 had a tendency (P = 0.0733) to be negatively correlated to hepatic Cu concentration. These data indicate that higher than normal hepatic Cu concentration downregulates gene expression of CTR1, ATP7A, ATP7B, and Cox17, which are involved in bovine liver copper homeostasis.
CALCIUM CARBONATE TOXICITY: THE UPDATED MILK-ALKALI SYNDROME; REPORT OF 3 CASES AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Objective: To describe 3 patients with calcium carbonate-induced hypercalcemia and gain insights into the cause and management of the milk-alkali syndrome. Methods: We report the clinical and laboratory data in 3 patients who presented with severe hypercalcemia (corrected serum calcium ³ 14 mg/dL) and review the pertinent literature on milk-alkali syndrome. Results: The 3 patients had acute renal insufficiency, relative metabolic alkalosis, and low parathyroid hormone (PTH), PTH-related peptide, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations. No malignant lesion was found. Treatment included aggressive hydration and varied amounts of furosemide. The 2 patients with the higher serum calcium concentrations received pamidronate intravenously (60 and 30 mg, respectively), which caused severe hypocalcemia. Of the 3 patients, 2 were ingesting acceptable doses of elemental calcium (1 g and 2 g daily, respectively) in the form of calcium carbonate. In addition to our highlighted cases, we review the history, classifi...
B cell memory: how to start and when to end.

Antigen-driven selection in germinal centers lays the foundation of effective B cell memory. Two reports in this issue reveal novel mechanisms that control effective formation of germinal centers and their long-term persistence in vivo.
SU‐E‐I‐26: A Monte Carlo Based Study on X‐Ray Characteristics of Two Commercial Multi‐Detector CT Simulators

Purpose: As multi‐detector computed tomography (MDCT) scan is routinely performed for treatment planning in radiation oncology, understanding the characteristics of MDCT x‐ray beam is essential to optimize scan protocols as well as to estimate patient dose. The purpose of this study was to characterize the x‐ray beams of two commercial MDCT simulators with Monte Carlo(MC) simulations. Methods: X‐ray tube systems of two wide bore MDCT scanners (GE LightSpeed RT, LS and Philips Brilliance Big Bore, BB) were modeled in the BEAMnrc/EGSnrc systems. All the tube components were modeled: tungsten target, inherent filter, bowtie filter, and beam collimators. Three benchmark processes were performed to validate the MC models. (1) X‐ray spectra comparison between MC and manufacturers' data, (2) Half‐value layers (HVLs) between MC and measurements using aluminum sheets and multi‐functional radiation detectors, (3) Lateral and axial beam profiles between MC and radiochromic film measurements To understand the scatter effect of the MDCT beams, scatter‐to‐primary energy fluence ratios (SPRs) were derived and the total SPR for each CT system was calculated with CTDI head and body phantoms.. Results: MC generated x‐ray spectra agreed well with the manufacturer‐specified data over the entire energy range. Effective photon beam energies for 120kVp beam were found to be (MC, vendor‐specified): (60.8, 60.2keV) for LS scatter, and (65.4, 64.9keV) for BB scanner. MC‐computed HVLs were found to be within 1% of the ion chamber measurements on average. The lateral and axial profiles between film and MC showed overall good agreement within 10% on average. The total SPR ranged from 3.5 to 4.9% for head phantom and from 7.1 to 11.1% for body phantom. Conclusion: Complete characterizations of two MDCT scanners have been performed using the BEAMnrc/EGSnrc MC system. This information can be utilized to optimize scan protocols as well as patient‐specific dosimetry for the MDCT systems.
Recent trends in hip fracture rates by race/ethnicity among older US adults.

Hip fracture incidence has declined among whites in the United States since 1995, but data on recent trends in racial and ethnic minorities are limited. The goal of this analysis was to investigate hip fracture incidence trends in racial/ethnic subgroups of older Medicare beneficiaries. We conducted a cohort study to determine annual hip fracture incidence rates from 2000 through 2009 using the Medicare national random 5% sample. Beneficiaries were eligible if they were ≥65 years of age and had 90 days of consecutive full fee-for-service Medicare coverage with no hip fracture claims. Race/ethnicity was self-reported. The incidence of hip fracture was identified using hospital diagnosis codes or outpatient diagnosis codes paired with fracture repair procedure codes. We computed age-standardized race/ethnicity-specific incidence rates and assessed trends in the rates over time using linear regression. On average, 821,475 women and 632,162 men were included in the analysis each year. Beneficiaries were predominantly white (88%), with African, Hispanic, and Asian Americans making up 8%, 1.5%, and 1.5% of the population, respectively. We identified 102,849, 4,119, 813, and 1,294 hip fractures in white, black, Asian, and Hispanic beneficiaries over the 10 years. A significant decreasing trend (p < 0.05) in hip fracture incidence from 2000-2001 to 2008-2009 was present in white women and men. Black and Asian beneficiaries experienced nonsignificant declines. Irrespective of gender, the largest rate of decline was seen in beneficiaries ≥75 years of age. The overall and age-specific rates of Hispanic women or men changed minimally over time. Hip fracture incidence rates continued to decline in recent years among white Medicare beneficiaries. Further research is needed to understand mechanisms responsible for declining rates in some and not others, as hip fractures continue to be a major problem among the elderly. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Analytical axisymmetric circulations for atmospheric transport studies

Abstract Analytical solutions are derived for two wind fields. The wind fields describe the meridional circulation of a compressible fluid and respectively differ in symmetry about the equator. The wind fields are derived with several approximations. The approximations include a linearization of atmospheric radiation and momentum dissipation. Further approximations are made by assuming quasi-geostrophic flow and by removing the latitudinal variation in the coriolis parameter. The derived wind fields can be useful in studies of meridional transport because their application requires only basic atmospheric properties. The solutions are then applicable when observations are insufficient for detailed simulations of the meridional circulation. Additionally, the wind fields can be used to comprehensively determine the effects from meridional transport because they include adjustable wind speeds so they can be used to comprehensively determine the effects of meridional transport.
Aggregate-free human growth hormone. II. Physicochemical and biological properties.

Evidence is presented for purity and potency of human growth hormone prepared by ultrafiltration. By analytical ultracentrifugation the material sedimented as a single peak with no evidence of skewing on the leading edge. The preparation was free of serum contaminants except for an extremely low concentration of a material that was detected in the γ-globulin region during immunoelectrophoresis. The contaminant was not γ-globulin. Thyrotropin, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and corticotropin were present in trace quantities. The prolactin activity as measured by the pigeon crop sac assay was approximately 3 IU/ mg. Tibial line and body weight gain assays for growth hormone indicated a potency equal to or greater than 1 USP U/mg. By radioimmunoassay the material was equal in potency to a radioimmunoassay standard. (Endocrinology 84: 332, 1969)
Scalable Link-Layer Key Agreement in Sensor Networks

Link layer key agreement between neighboring nodes is a fundamental issue for securing sensor networks deployed in unattended and hostile environments. Recent research often assumed a pre-distributing approach so that each pair of neighboring nodes agrees on a shared key directly or indirectly through a multi-hop path. The shortcomings include large memory cost, poor resilience against node compromise, low secure connectivity, etc. In this paper, we present a link-layer key agreement scheme combining a scalable key agreement model and space diversity. In contrast to previous proposals, our scheme have higher resilience to node compromise attacks with much smaller memory costs and high secure connectivity so that much less energy needs to be consumed in establishing indirect keys through multi-hop routing.
Abstract 2245: Mechanism of replicative senescence induced by SNF5 loss

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Cellular senescence was initially described as the phenomenon by which normal diploid cells cease to divide after reaching the Hayflick limit. However, with the identification of replicative senescence, other inducers of this process have appeared in the literature including oncogene induced senescence (OIS). Of interest, different oncogenes can initiate OIS through alternative pathways e.g. HRAS (G12V) and BRAF (V600E) that effect senescence through p16 dependent and p16 independent pathways, respectively. Alternatively, loss of tumor suppressor gene function can also induce senescence. In malignant rhabdoid tumors (MRTs), SNF5 behaves as a tumor suppressor and its re-expression in MRT cell lines results in growth arrest via the RB pathway. Paradoxically, when we knocked out SNF5 in normal human fibroblasts (NHF-1), we also observed senescence. We therefore hypothesize that perturbation of the SWI/SNF complex (e.g. knocking down SNF5) results in cellular senescence in most normal tissues. This suggests an epigenetic mechanism of senescence occurring through a p16 independent pathway, as previous publications have demonstrated a critical role for SNF5 in p16 expression. Additionally, in BRAF induced senescence, changes in levels of CD44, phospho-MEK1/2, and p16 are observed. However, we do not find these changes during SNF5 loss. Our findings suggest a relationship between SWI/SNF's chromatin remodeling activity and the regulation of cellular senescence. Importantly, our studies will identify the key signaling pathways that allow MRTs to escape cellular senescence after SNF5 loss. These results will further elucidate the role of SNF5 loss in MRT development and provide new targets for clinical intervention. Acknowledgement: We thank the members of the Weissman lab for their help, advice, and support and R01CA91048 (B.E.W.) , T32ES007126 (D.W.), UNC Dissertation Completion Fellowship (D.W.) for financial support. Citation Format: Darmood Wei, HoYoon Chung, Dennis A. Simpson, William K. Kaufmann, Bernard E. Weissman. Mechanism of replicative senescence induced by SNF5 loss. [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 2245. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2245
Entrance channel effects and the formation of hot nuclei

Abstract With an improved Boltzmann-Uehling-Uhlenbeck code, we have calculated the excitation energies and the angular momenta of heavy composite residues formed in 40 Ar + 27 Al collisions. At E A ⩾35 MeV , the maximum residue angular momenta are predicted to be significantly smaller than the static limits predicted by the liquid drop model. The excitation energy of residues produced in central collisions is predicted to increase with incident energy, reaching a value of about 5–6 MeV/nucleon at E A =40 MeV .