cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 500: Discovering epigenetic regulators of cells states in triple negative breast cancers

The implementation of targeted therapies have been instrumental in achieving clinical responses for ER, PR, and HER2 receptor expressing breast cancers. However, triple negative breast cancers in themselves do not respond to such therapies and are highly heterogeneous diseases with significantly worse progression and survival. Our preliminary data and literature have also shown that in TNBC different cancer cell subpopulations are present in any given tumor, each with its own unique chemo-response and resistance. To discover novel targets regulating cancer cell states in TNBCs, we have created a reporter cell line using CRISPR/Cas9 mediated knock-in of fluorescent reporter proteins after the endogenous loci of major cell type markers in SUM149. Using this reporter line allows for the direct visualization of ALDH1A3+/- and CD24+/- cells, facilities tracking of distinct cell state transitions in a given cell, and allows for lineage tracing following cell divisions. These reporter cells were subjected to HTS-FACS analysis after exposure to a siRNA library of known epigenetic regulators. Following secondary screening, three siRNA targets are able to uniquely inhibit distinct subpopulations of cells within the cell line DCAF1 (ALDH-/CD24- cells), MLL2 (ALDH-/CD24+ cells), and TRIM24 (ALDH+ cells). In combination, these siRNA9s proportionally eliminated all cell types. Due to the inherent heterogeneity of TNBCs we then sought to determine if efficacy was consistent or unique across different cell lines with varying percentages of CD44, CD24, and Aldefluor+ cell populations. Most notably, in MDA-MB-468 which contains similar cell population percentages to SUM149 each siRNA was capable of reducing cell proliferation. Similarly, TRIM24 was also capable of reducing cellular proliferation in BT20, MLL2 in MDA-MB-231, and DCAF1 in HCC1937. Knockdown of TRIM24 consistently reduced Aldefluor+ cells in MDA-MB-468 and BT20 cells. Finally, coupled with sc-Omics technologies we utilized this efficacy data identify a subset of TNBC patients likely to respond to therapies which will target these genes in the future. Citation Format: Joseph Patrick Burnett, Garrett Johnson, Nathan Truchan, Michael Brooks, Max S. Wicha, Duxin Sun. Discovering epigenetic regulators of cells states in triple negative breast cancers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 500.
On S-ramified T-split Iwasawa modules

We correct the faulty formulas given in a previous article and we compute the defect group for the Iwasawa $\lambda$ invariants attached to the S-ramified T-decomposed a belian pro-{\ell}-extensions on the Z{\ell}-cyclotomic extensionof a number field. As a consequence, we extend the results of Itoh, Mizusawa and Ozaki on tamely ramified Iwasawa modules for the cyclotomic Z{\ell}-extension of abelian fields.
Discharge Summary Completion Timeliness and the Association of 30-Day Readmission.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to review the association between timeliness to completion of a discharge summary to 30-day readmission to the hospital. METHODS This was a retrospective chart review of 109 patients discharged from Mayo Clinic Hospital. RESULTS Twenty-four of these patients were readmitted within 30 days. The time to completion of discharge summary was categorized for these readmissions to 7 days: 7 (43.7%). There was no statistical significance for readmission for discharge summaries completed between 72 hours and 7 days compared with 7 days compared with 7 days have an increased association with 30-day readmission rate.
Abstract P042: Association Between Covid-19 Pandemic Related Unemployment And Change In Sedentary Screen Time Among Previously Employed Adults

Association between COVID-19 Pandemic Related Unemployment and Change in Sedentary Screen Time among Previously Employed Adults Jennifer L. Mattingly, MPH & Megan E. Petrov, PhD Introduction: World...
Optic Nerve Engraftment of Neural Stem Cells.

Author(s): Do, Jiun L; Allahwerdy, Salam; David, Ryan Caezar C; Weinreb, Robert N; Tuszynski, Mark H; Welsbie, Derek S | Abstract: PurposeTo evaluate the integrative potential of neural stem cells (NSCs) with the visual system and characterize effects on the survival and axonal regeneration of axotomized retinal ganglion cells (RGCs).MethodsFor in vitro studies, primary, postnatal rat RGCs were directly cocultured with human NSCs or cultured in NSC-conditioned media before their survival and neurite outgrowth were assessed. For in vivo studies, human NSCs were transplanted into the transected rat optic nerve, and immunohistology of the retina and optic nerve was performed to evaluate RGC survival, RGC axon regeneration, and NSC integration with the injured visual system.ResultsIncreased neurite outgrowth was observed in RGCs directly cocultured with NSCs. NSC-conditioned media demonstrated a dose-dependent effect on RGC survival and neurite outgrowth in culture. NSCs grafted into the lesioned optic nerve modestly improved RGC survival following an optic nerve transection (593 ± 164 RGCs/mm2 vs. 199 ± 58 RGCs/mm2; P l 0.01). Additionally, RGC axonal regeneration following an optic nerve transection was modestly enhanced by NSCs transplanted at the lesion site (61.6 ± 8.5 axons vs. 40.3 ± 9.1 axons, P l 0.05). Transplanted NSCs also differentiated into neurons, received synaptic inputs from regenerating RGC axons, and extended axons along the transected optic nerve to incorporate with the visual system.ConclusionsHuman NSCs promote the modest survival and axonal regeneration of axotomized RGCs that is partially mediated by diffusible NSC-derived factors. Additionally, NSCs integrate with the injured optic nerve and have the potential to form neuronal relays to restore retinofugal connections.
Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Medical Management of Hyperalgesia: an Educational Review

Hyperalgesia may be an iatrogenic consequence of surgery or pain management. Thus, it is essential for anesthesiologists, pain management specialists, surgeons, and primary care physicians to regularly update their awareness and strategies for addressing this problem. This educational review of hyperalgesia provides up-to-date knowledge of the contributing mechanisms, differential diagnoses, and medical therapy. A particular focus is placed on common types of postoperative hyperalgesia and recent evidence that anesthesiologists and surgeons should be aware of. Hyperalgesia may acutely manifest due to tissue injury and peripheral sensitization; it can progress to a chronic condition developing from central nervous system sensitization. While clinical evaluation begins with a detailed history, physical examination, and sensory testing, an improved understanding of the clinical and cellular mechanisms involved in hyperalgesia pathology continues to drive future research and advance our understanding of this complex presentation. Opioid-induced hyperalgesia may be confused with opioid tolerance and withdrawal and must also be differentiated from other diagnoses to optimize patient management and promote disease regression. Hyperalgesia is a common clinical condition with evolving guidelines for testing and treatment. Opioid-induced hyperalgesia is a potential cause of hyperalgesia and must be differentiated to optimize therapeutic decision-making.
SU-E-T-326: Dosimetric Impact of Beam Energies and Jaw Tracking On Intracranial Tumors Using RapidArc

Purpose: To determine the dosimetric impact of jaw tracking and beam energies on dose conformity and normal-brain-tissue doses for intracranial tumors using VMAT (RapidArc). Methods: Seven patients with 1–2 and three patients with 4–6 intracranial tumors were planned using RapidArc for Varian TrueBeam STx machine with beam energies 6MV-FFF (Flattening-Filter-Free), 8MV, 10MV, and 10MV-FFF. The prescription dose ranged from 14–23Gy. Between 2 and 8 arcs were used with the following geometries: 2 full coplanar arcs and the non-coplanar half arcs. Plans were optimized (jaw tracking ON) with a high priority to Normal-Tissue-Objective and normal-brain-tissue. Plans were calculated on 1mm grid size using AAA algorithm and then normalized so that 99% of each target volume received the prescription dose. Plans for the 6MV-FFF were also optimized without jaw tracking (No-JT) for comparison. Plan quality was assessed by target coverage using Paddick Conformity Index (PCI), sparing of normal-brain-tissue through analysis of V4Gy, V8Gy and V12Gy, and integral dose. Results: The average PCI ± standard deviation was 0.76±0.21 and 0.76±0.22 for 6MV-FFF and 10 MV-FFF, respectively. The average ratio in normal brain tissue volume (reported as follows V4,V8,V12) were (1.12±0.07,1.12±0.07,1.14±0.04), (1.12±0.08,1.12±0.09,1.13±0.06), (1.19±0.10,1.18±0.10,1.20±0.04), and (1.04±0.03,1.03±0.03,1.03±0.04) for 8MV/6MV-FFF, 10MV-FFF/6MV-FFF, 10MV/6MV-FFF, 6MV-FFF No-JT/6MV-FFF, respectively. Statistically significant differences in normal-brain-tissue for V4, V8, and V12 were observed in all cases for the different energies (p-values <0.05). V4 data shows significant differences in JT vs. No-JT (p=0.04), however no difference was found for V8 and V12. Brain tissue sparing from best to worst occurred in this order 6MV-FFF, 6MV-FFF no-JT, 10MV-FFF, 8MV, and 10MV. The average ratio of integral brain dose was 1.05±0.04 (p=0.21), 1.04±0.05 (p=0.33), 1.09±0.06 (p=0.04), and 1.02±0.06 (p=0.61) for 8MV/6MV-FFF, 10MV-FFF/6MV-FFF, 10MV/6MV-FFF, and 6MV-FFF No-JT/6MV-FFF, respectively. Conclusion: Normal brain tissue and integral dose improved using the lower energy and FFF beams, though plan conformity showed energy independence.
Molecular structure and component blending effects on knock related chemistry

Atmospheric pressure flow reactor experiments were conducted on the oxidation and pyrolysis of n-octane and iso-octane and the oxidation of blends of iso-octane and n-heptane have led to the conclusions that a) the difference in knocking tendency of fuels may result primarily from the comparative oxidation rates of the intermediates rather than the rate of attack on the initial fuel molecule, b) certain small unsaturated hydrocarbons interfere with the oxidation of other intermediates and serve as model compounds for the development of octane number enhancers, c) high temperature homogeneous oxidation chemistry of n-heptane/iso-octane mixtures and single component paraffin fuels can be correlated with the global phenomena of octane number measurement in a test engine, d) the contribution of thermal and oxidative processes to the rapid decay of the initial fuel can be evaluated from rate parameters from pyrolysis studies of pure hydrocarbon fuels.
Simulated apnoeas induce serotonin-dependent respiratory long-term facilitation in rats.

Long-term facilitation (LTF) is a form of respiratory neuroplasticity frequently induced by acute intermittent isocapnic hypoxia (AIH, three 5 min isocapnic hypoxic episodes). Although repetitive apnoeas are a frequent natural occurrence producing brief (< 30 s) episodes of hypoxia and hypercapnia, it is unknown if repetitive apnoeas also elicit LTF. Apnoea-induced LTF may preserve upper airway patency during sleep, thereby limiting further apnoeic events. We tested the hypothesis that repeated, brief ventilator-induced apnoeas are sufficient to induce serotonin-dependent phrenic and hypoglossal (XII) LTF in anaesthetized rats. Anaesthetized, male Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed to three or six 25 s ventilator apnoeas with 5 min intervals, and compared to time control and AIH-treated rats. Three and six ventilator apnoeas induced phrenic and XII LTF with a magnitude similar to AIH. Both apnoea-induced and AIH-induced LTF were associated with a decreased CO2 recruitment threshold for phrenic and XII activity (∼4 mmHg). Spinal methysergide, a serotonin receptor antagonist, blocked apnoea-induced LTF but not changes in the CO2-recruitment threshold. Thus, brief ventilator apnoeas elicit phrenic and XII LTF. Similar to AIH-induced LTF, apnoea-induced LTF is serotonin dependent, and the relevant serotonin receptors for phrenic LTF are located in the cervical spinal cord. Apnoea-induced LTF may have implications for the maintenance of breathing stability, particularly during sleep.
Stereochemistry of valine and isoleucine biosynthesis: IV. Synthesis, configuration, and enzymatic specificity of α-acetolactate and α-aceto-α-hydroxybutyrate

Abstract A new synthetic route, involving acetylenic intermediates, has been developed for the preparation of the valine and isoleucine biosynthetic intermediates α-acetolactic acid ( III ) and α-aceto-α-hydroxybutyric acid ( IV ) including the optically active form of these labile acids. The absolute configuration of acetolactate methyl ester XV was confirmed as (R)-(−), and the configuration of XVI was also established as (R)-(−). Two trideuterio analogs of acetolactate were prepared by this route. The acetolactate anion was found to undergo a rapid room-temperature degenerate rearrangement resulting in racemization and methyl interchange. The isomeroreductase of Salmonella typhimurium was found to be specific for the (S) enantiomers of III and IV , allowing conclusions about the conformation of IV during the ethyl migration step in isoleucine biosynthesis. Acetolactate decarboxylase of Acidobacterium aerogenes was found to decarboxylate specifically the (S) enantiomers of III and IV , forming (−)-acetoin from III with inversion of configuration.
Probabilistic modeling of solar power systems

The author presents a probabilistic approach based on Markov chain theory to model stand-alone photovoltaic power systems and predict their long-term service performance. The major advantage of this approach is that it allows designers and developers of these systems to analyze the system performance as well as the battery subsystem performance in the long run and determine the system design requirements that meet a specified service performance level. The methodology presented is illustrated by using data for a radio repeater system for the Boston, Massachusetts, location. >
Floating Provisos and Sinking Islands

Rising sea levels may sink entire countries. Individualistic solutions to this climate catastrophe, such as those proposed by Meisels and Risse, are inadequate on both Kantian and Lockean criteria. This article concurs with Cara Nine's recent argument that such ‘ecological refugee states’ are entitled to territorial remedies. But Nine's proposal, founded on Locke's ‘sufficiency’ proviso and Nozick's famous application of it to waterholes in the desert, is instructively incorrect. Careful consideration of the distinction between land and territory, and of the structure of Proviso arguments, supports a new theory of how territorial claims can be positive-sum — how the amount of territory can increase even as the land base remains constant or decreases. This normative conception of territory as the ratio of justice to land use provides a better foundation for a political solution to the problem of ecological refugee states and also generates deeper insight into the nature of territory itself. The article thus contributes not only to our thinking about redress for ecological refugees, but also to the burgeoning literatures on territory and on the Lockean Provisos.
A New Σ-D Relation and Its Application to the Galactic Supernova Remnant Distribution

Technological advances in radio telescopes and X-ray instruments over the last 20 years have greatly increased the number of known supernova remnants (SNRs) and have led to a better determination of their properties. In particular, more SNRs now have reasonably determined distances. However, many of these distances were determined kinematically using old rotation curves (based on R☉ = 10 kpc and V☉ = 250 km s-1). A more modern rotation curve (based on R☉ = 8.5 kpc and V☉ = 220 km s-1) is used to verify or recalculate the distances to these remnants. We use a sample of 36 shell SNRs (37 including Cassiopeia A) with known distances to derive a new radio surface brightness-to-diameter (Σ-D) relation. The slopes derived here (β = -2.64 including Cas A, β = -2.38 without Cas A) are significantly flatter than those derived in previous studies. An independent test of the accuracy of the Σ-D relation was performed by using the extragalactic SNRs in the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. The limitations of the Σ-D relation and the assumptions necessary for its use are discussed. A revised Galactic distribution of SNRs is presented based on the revised distances as well as those calculated from this Σ-D relation. A scaling method is employed to compensate for observational selection effects by computing scale factors based on individual telescope survey sensitivities, angular resolutions, and sky coverage. The radial distribution of the surface density of shell SNRs, corrected for selection effects, is presented and compared with previous works.
Synthesis of cyclic hydrocarbons via intramolecular coupling of bis-pentadienyl iron tricarbonyl cations

Abstract A general synthesis for the preparation of medium sized cycloalkanes having 1,2-butadienyl substituents is described. The reaction sequence involved acylation of butadiene-iron tricarbonyl with a diacid chloride, reduction of the resultant diketone to a diol derivative and conversion with HBF 4 to an acyclic bis-pentadienyl Fe(C0) 3 dicationic complex. Upon treatment with zinc the dication undergoes intramolecular ring closure to afford the bis-Fe(C0) 3 complex of the 1,2-dibutadienyl cycloalkane. Five-, six- and ten-membered cyclolalkene derivatives have been prepared in this manner.
The ultrastructural changes induced by HN2 in the sciatic nerve

Summary A light and electron microscopic study was directed at clarification of the toxic mechanism of action of HN2 on peripheral nerves. Early changes observed were the rearrangement of chromatin in the nucleus, the loss of RNP particles and the exposure of C fibers. After five days almost all structures in the peripheral nerve were undergoing severe degeneration. It was thought that the primary effect of HN2 was on the Schwann nucleus since it was the first area to show signs of degeneration. With the further degeneration of the entire Schwann cell, including the myelin, the axis cylinders began to degenerate. The pain-conducting C fibers were the first of the axis cylinders to degenerate. This type of degeneration would be one of the few instances in which Schwann cell destruction caused axis cylinder degeneration and therefore it is to be distinguished from Wallerian degeneration. This study emphasizes the importance of the Schwann cell to the maintenance of the axon.
Thermal Destruction Behavior of Selected Waste Compounds Under Short-Time, High Quench Rate Conditions

ABSTRACT Emission of waste compounds and byproducts from thermal treatment systems is generally recognized to be due to limitations in the transport processes. A relatively small fraction of the feed material experiences an environment in which complete waste destruction cannot occur within the time available. These environments involve low temperatures, short times (i.e., high quench rates), oxygen-starved conditions, and possibly combinations of these. The research reported here examines waste compound destruction under the short reaction times that are representative of flame zone extinction processes. An externally fired stirred reactor system is used to study the behavior of toluene, chlorobenzene, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and chloroform. Each of these is added to the reactor at a rate equivalent to a concentration of 10,000 ppm of carbon atoms. Major byproducts include the light paraffin and olefin hydrocarbons and species that are specific to the individual parent compounds. Tests...
Verifying the FM9801 microarchitecture

Hardware verification accounts for a considerable portion of the costs in the microprocessor design process. Traditionally designers have verified microprocessor designs using simulation techniques that help find most design faults. However, simulation never guarantees the correct operation of the final product. Some design faults are very difficult to detect by simulation; they may slip through the verification process into manufactured chips, raising costs. We believe that verification costs can be reduced by the judicious application of formal methods, which should lower the overall costs of design.
SU-C-103-05: Automated Interstitial Brachytherapy Catheter Localization From Volumetric MR Data

Purpose: This work seeks to validate an automatic method for extracting interstitial catheter locations from volumetric MR data. Methods: A 3D b-SSFP (balanced Steady State Free Precession) MRI sequence was used to enhance catheter detection, utilizing a controlled enlargement of size caused by magnetic susceptibility artifacts . Starting with a user-provided needle-tip location, the needle extraction algorithm searched the MR image for segments that maximized the “needle likelihood” and iteratively fit Bezier curves to these segments. To validate the geometry of extracted catheters, a phantom was constructed from transparent gel wax. An obturator was placed at the center of a transparent plastic container, and wax gel was melted and poured around it. A Syed-Neblett template was then placed at one end of the obturator and 12 MR compatible catheters were inserted into the gel. The catheter trajectories extracted from the MR scan by the algorithm were compared to a CT scan. The algorithm was applied to patient scans under an IRB approved protocol. Results: The volumetric b-SSFP sequence produced an artifact enhancement that enabled brachytherapy catheters to be distinguished from other signal voids. Comparison in a phantom of catheter locations extracted automatically from MR to those extracted manually from CT showed agreement of 3.5 mm Hausdorff Distance. When applied to patient scans, the presence of low signal regions between template and the target tumor required some manual intervention to ensure proper catheter extraction. Conclusion: An automatic algorithm for extracting interstitial catheter locations from MR scans has been developed. Using a b-SSFP sequence allowed an iterative curve fitting algorithm to track MR artifacts from user provided tips to template. This algorithm should prove helpful to facilitate MR based treatment planning for interstitial brachytherapy. NIH P41 EB015898
Pause, play, repeat: CDKs push RNAP II's buttons.

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) play a central role in governing eukaryotic cell division. It is becoming clear that the transcription cycle of RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) is also regulated by CDKs; in metazoans, the cell cycle and transcriptional CDK networks even share an upstream activating kinase, which is itself a CDK. From recent chemical-genetic analyses we know that CDKs and their substrates control events both early in transcription (the transition from initiation to elongation) and late (3′ end formation and transcription termination). Moreover, mutual dependence on CDK activity might couple the “beginning” and “end” of the cycle, to ensure the fidelity of mRNA maturation and the efficient recycling of RNAP II from sites of termination to the transcription start site (TSS). As is the case for CDKs involved in cell cycle regulation, different transcriptional CDKs act in defined sequence on multiple substrates. These phosphorylations are likely to influence gene expression by several mechanisms, i...
Microhabitat‐Specific Foraging Behavior, Diet, and Growth of Juvenile Coho Salmon

Abstract Observations of behavior were made on marked juvenile coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch in pools in Huckleberry Creek, Washington. Fish exhibited two distinct types of forage behavior during observations made from May to August 1988 and from June to August 1989. Some coho salmon formed dominance hierarchies wherein fish defended forage stations in ranks determined by an individual's ability or willingness to defend access to drifting food. Other coho salmon foraged as nonhierarchical floaters. Eight percent of marked individuals changed their foraging behavior class during their first summer. Focal point velocity (FPV) differentiated specific microhabitats used by these two foraging behavior classes. Coho salmon in dominance hierarchies (FPV > 0.06 m/s) fed most frequently on drifting invertebrates, which contributed 81% of their energy intake. Floaters (FPV ≤ 0.06 m/s) fed by patrolling large forage arenas, where they fed opportunistically on items delivered by aerial drop and instream drift. Ene...
Should the Kuznets Effect be Relied on to Induce Equalizing Growth: Evidence from Post- 1950 Development

Abstract The large body of cross-sectional statistical research assessing 1. (a) Kuznets inverted-U for less-developed countries (LDCs), 2. (b) a turning point, is analyzed. An alternative methodology is presented. Those countries which started in 1950 well below the “turning point” in RGDP and which reached an RGDP well above the “turning point” by 1980 are utilized as key cases. Income distribution data and assessments from individual country experts are combined with historical-comparative microanalyses for each key case — Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, and Turkey — to construct patterns of income distribution during this crucial growth period. It is demonstrated that the jury is still very much out on the Kuznets inverted-U for LDCs, and the notion of a turning point should be rejected. Copyright © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd
Intrinsically fuzzy approach to mathematical morphology

Whereas gray-scale morphology has been formally interpreted in the context of fuzzy sets, heretofore there has not been developed a truly fuzzy mathematical morphology. Specifically, mathematical morphology is based on the notion of fitting, and rather than simply characterize standard morphological fitting in fuzzy terms, a true fuzzy morphology must characterize fuzzy fittings. Moreover, it should preserve the nuances of both mathematical morphology and fuzzy sets. In the present paper, we introduce a framework that satisfies these criteria. In contrast to the unusual binary or gray-scale morphology, herein erosion measures the degree to which one image is beneath (which is a subset type relation) another image, and it does so by employing an index for set inclusion. The result is a quite different `fitting' paradigm. Based on this new fitting approach, we define erosion, dilation, opening, and closing. The true fuzziness of the theory can be seen in a number of ways, one being that the dilation does not commute with union. (The commutativity lies at the heart of nonfuzzy lattice-based mathematical morphology.) However, we do arrive at a counterpart of Matheron's Representation Theorem for increasing translation-invariant mappings.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Tracking spatial disorder in an optical ruler by time-resolved NSET.

For biomolecular applications, potential interactions between newly developed dye molecules and the biomolecule of interest can dramatically influence the accuracy of optical ruler techniques. By u...
The Arabidopsis At1g30680 gene encodes a homologue to the phage T7 gp4 protein that has both DNA primase and DNA helicase activities

The Arabidopsis thaliana genome encodes a homologue of the full-length bacteriophage T7 gp4 protein, which is also homologous to the eukaryotic Twinkle protein. While the phage protein has both DNA primase and DNA helicase activities, in animal cells Twinkle is localized to mitochondria and has only DNA helicase activity due to sequence changes in the DNA primase domain. However, Arabidopsis and other plant Twinkle homologues retain sequence homology for both functional domains of the phage protein. The Arabidopsis Twinkle homologue has been shown by others to be dual targeted to mitochondria and chloroplasts. To determine the functional activity of the Arabidopsis protein we obtained the gene for the full-length Arabidopsis protein and expressed it in bacteria. The purified protein was shown to have both DNA primase and DNA helicase activities. Western blot and qRT-PCR analysis indicated that the Arabidopsis gene is expressed most abundantly in young leaves and shoot apex tissue, as expected if this protein plays a role in organelle DNA replication. This expression is closely correlated with the expression of organelle-localized DNA polymerase in the same tissues. Homologues from other plant species show close similarity by phylogenetic analysis. The results presented here indicate that the Arabidopsis phage T7 gp4/Twinkle homologue has both DNA primase and DNA helicase activities and may provide these functions for organelle DNA replication.
Science Fiction Cinema: between fantasy and reality

Science Fiction Cinema: between fantasy and reality CHRISTINE CORNEA Edinburgh, Edinburgh University Press, 2007 xii+308 pp., illus., £60 (cloth), £18.99 (paper) The academic criticism of science f...
Transsphincteric removal of rectal tumors.

A description of a posterior transsphincteric operation for the removal of certain rectal tumors has been presented. This operation restores normal physiologic function in a very short time. It is not recommended that this procedure be used in the routine treatment of all cases of carcinoma of the rectum.
A problem in enumerating extreme points, and an efficient algorithm for one class of polytopes

We consider the problem of developing an efficient algorithm for enumerating the extreme points of a convex polytope specified by linear constraints. Murty and Chung (Math Program 70:27–45, 1995) introduced the concept of a segment of a polytope, and used it to develop some steps for carrying out the enumeration efficiently until the convex hull of the set of known extreme points becomes a segment. That effort stops with a segment, other steps outlined in Murty and Chung (Math Program 70:27–45, 1995) for carrying out the enumeration after reaching a segment, or for checking whether the segment is equal to the original polytope, do not constitute an efficient algorithm. Here we describe the central problem in carrying out the enumeration efficiently after reaching a segment. We then discuss two procedures for enumerating extreme points, the mukkadvayam checking procedure, and the nearest point procedure. We divide polytopes into two classes: Class 1 polytopes have at least one extreme point satisfying the property that there is a hyperplane H through that extreme point such that every facet of the polytope incident at that extreme point has relative interior point intersections with both sides of H; Class 2 polytopes have the property that every hyperplane through any extreme point has at least one facet incident at that extreme point completely contained on one of its sides. We then prove that the procedures developed solve the problem efficiently when the polytope belongs to Class 2.
Dahl (S × R) rat congenic strain analysis confirms and defines a chromosome 17 spatial navigation quantitative trait locus to <10 Mbp.

A quantitative trait locus (QTL) linked with ability to find a platform in the Morris Water Maze (MWM) was located on chromosome 17 (Nav-5 QTL) using intercross between Dahl S and Dahl R rats. We developed two congenic strains, S.R17A and S.R17B introgressing Dahl R-chromosome 17 segments into Dahl S chromosome 17 region spanning putative Nav-5 QTL. Performance analysis of S.R17A, S.R17B and Dahl S rats in the Morris water maze (MWM) task showed a significantly decreased spatial navigation performance in S.R17B congenic rats when compared with Dahl S controls (P = 0.02). The S.R17A congenic segment did not affect MWM performance delimiting Nav-5 to the chromosome 17 65.02-74.66 Mbp region. Additional fine mapping is necessary to identify the specific gene variant accounting for Nav-5 effect on spatial learning and memory in Dahl rats.
Deposition of suspensions in the entrance of a parallel-plate channel with gravity effect

Abstract The deposition of aerosols near the inlet region of a horizontal parallel channel (for a distance of 7 channel widths) was investigated by solving numerically the governing equations for both the fluid and particulate phases with boundary layer assumptions. Surface adhesion between the channel walls and the aerosol particles along with the gravitational influence was varied. This analysis took into consideration the simultaneous development of both the fluid and particle phases. The deposition for the present analysis for high surface adhesion was found to be greater for X ≥ 2 than the deposition obtained by Ingham for Plug flow who used only the diffusion equation with zero particulate density at the wall.
SU‐GG‐J‐157: Quantitative Feasibility Evaluation of Contrast Enhanced CBCT for IGRT in An In‐Vitro Model

Purpose: The aim of this work is to evaluate the feasibility of using contrast agent in CBCT and to quantitatively measure the impact of contrast medium on CBCTimages. This pilot study seeks to investigate the ability to better visualize radiation targets/tumors utilizing intravenous contrast medium for purpose of targeting with CBCT.Method and Materials: The impact of contrast medium on the CBCT was investigated through comparison of its CT numbers with the conventional CT (CCT) acquired on same object. Two in‐vitro studies were performed with one study using balloons filled with different concentrations of diluted contrast materials (Omnipaque™ (Iohexol Injection 300 mgI/mL), GE Healthcare) and the other using test tubes. Balloons or the test tubes were placed inside a uniform water phantom and were scanned with a conventional CT scanner (Philips Big Bore Brilliance) and a CBCT equipped linear accelerator (Varian Cl‐iX). In‐house image analysis software was used to obtain the mean CT pixel values, standard deviation, and imagenoise in regions of interest (∼100 pixels/ROI). Electron density calibration was also performed by scanning a Catphan‐504 phantom (Phantom Laboratory) with both CCT and CBCT as a base‐line study. Results: The analysis showed that CT numbers were fairly consistent between CCT and CBCT measurements, namely less than 7% in the mean values of overall contrast media. However, with the test tube study, the CBCT had more scatter artifacts from high density structures nearby and its noise level was about 2.5 times more than that the CCT. Conclusion: This study quantitatively verified that CBCTimages are more apt to scatter artifacts from surrounding high density structures. We conclude that contrast enhanced CBCTimaging may be potentially useful for improving target localization in selected cases. Clinical evaluation of contrast enhanced IGRT is warranted.
Statistical Simulations on Parallel Computers

The potential benefits of parallel computing for time-consuming statistical applications are well known, but have not been widely realized in practice, perhaps in part due to associated technical obstacles. This article develops a simple framework for programming statistical simulations using parallel processing, which does not require changing programming language or forgoing the use of standard statistical libraries. The basic idea of using parallel computing for statistical simulation studies is straightforward in principle, and is based on the standard master-slave model. However, there are several technical obstacles that can make it difficult to implement in practice. These include: nonreproducibility of results due to variations in the distribution of random numbers among processes, creation of excessive numbers of slaves, proliferation of slaves with very short lifetimes, and slaves destroyed due to hardware failures. This article proposes solutions for each of these difficulties, and together the...
Breast cancer in elderly women (≥ 80 years): variation in standard of care?

Objective The study aim was to investigate the methods of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment for women at advanced ages. Methods We identified 134 patients ≥80 years old treated for breast cancer. Data included patient and tumor characteristics, treatment, and outcomes. Results Of 134 women ≥80 years old, 146 breast cancers were diagnosed. Sixty-five (45%) were detected by mammography. Surgical therapy included partial mastectomy in 50% and mastectomy in 50%. Although 12 (9%) women had no axillary staging, 22 (16%) underwent axillary lymph node dissection for node-negative disease. Of 73 patients undergoing partial mastectomy, 34 (47%) received adjuvant radiation. Of 113 cancers with known estrogen receptor (ER) status, 83% were ER positive; 95% received endocrine therapy. Fourteen (10%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. Eleven (8%) were Her-2neu-amplified; one patient received adjuvant trastuzumab. At follow-up, 87 (65%) patients were alive without evidence of disease, while 6 (4%) died of breast cancer. Conclusions Breast cancer in women ≥80 years is more likely to be early-stage with favorable tumor biology. While most women eligible for anti-estrogen therapy received it, adjuvant radiation, chemotherapy, and/or trastuzumab were utilized infrequently. Despite these variations, older women with breast cancer are unlikely to suffer breast cancer-related mortality. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 103:201–206. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Space Weather: The Physics Behind a Slogan

Space weather is an emerging field of space physics that has as its focus the understanding of the societal and technological impacts of the solar-terrestrial relationship. The variable Sun's electromagnetic and charged particle outflows affect the Earth's space environment and the satellites, communications systems, electrical power grids, astronauts, and airline passengers that operate within it. The energy mass, and momentum outflow from the Sun changes over all timescales and gives rise to dynamics of the magnetic field and plasma environment around the Earth. Many terms used in space physics have been borrowed from meteorology: The mass outflow of the Sun is called the “solar wind,” and the constant drizzle of energetic electrons into the polar cap is called “polar rain.” In the last decade, the term “space weather” has become the umbrella term to describe space physics research.
High Speed Laser Ablation of Microbial Holes in Non‐woven Aramid Reinforced Printed Wiring Boards to Reduce Cost

Emerging ‘chip‐size’ packages, and bare flip‐chips, require new substrate properties if high lead count chips are to be reliably interconnected on printed wiring boards and multichip modules at low cost. Blind via holes have been shown to increase interconnect density significantly without adding layers which contribute to high cost. Until recently, the use of blind vias has been limited to high‐end applications since standard fabrication methods, either sequential lamination or controlled depth drilling, are too slow and expensive for most high volume commercial applications. To maintain a low layer count while interconnecting higher I/O packages, commercial and consumer electronics require a substrate technology which supports high speed, micro‐via hole formation. This paper describes a process for fabricating high speed micro‐vias in dimensionally stable non‐woven Aramid reinforced laminates using laser ablation technology. Laser equipment capable of producing over 100 blind micro‐via holes per second ...
Parallel column gas chromatography

A parallel column gas chromatography (PCGC) methodology that simultaneously collects retention information on multiple stationary phases is presented. The multidimensional PCGC configuration links a precolumn in series with a set of parallel analytical columns (having different stationary phases) all connected to a single detector. GC peaks heartcut from the precolumn are detected as a series of peaks due to retention differences on parallel columns. This provides a GC retention pattern that is characteristic of the analyte, the stationary phase array, and the conditions of the analysis. PCGC peak patterns observed for groups of C8, C9, and C10 compounds are presented. The use of PCGC with infrared and mass spectral detectors is reported. A methodology to account for changes in GC operating parameters using relative retentions of analytes to internal standards is presented. The first use of thermodynamic retention parameters to model retention behavior on parallel analytical columns under different temperature profiles is presented. Retention predictions within 0.3-0.6% of experimental values are reported. These results indicate that PCGC has potential as a general qualitative analysis tool. Future efforts to calibrate retention predictions, to transport PCGC results between instruments, and to optimize the number of parallel columns are proposed. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Increasing the Value of Uncertain Weather and River Forecasts for Emergency Managers

AbstractEmergency managers (EMs) use National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts to prepare for and respond to severe weather events. To effectively facilitate such decision making, the NWS needs to understand this large and important group of clients. EMs translate the forecasts to local topography, suggest actions to take in preparation of high water levels, and use their local network and reputation to make people act. For this study, 17 EMs in towns along rivers were interviewed and asked to describe their use of river and weather forecasts.Forecast uncertainty is one of the many uncertainties an EM has to manage when coordinating an emergency response. Each of the interviewed EMs who uses river forecasts was acutely aware that river forecasts often have substantial uncertainty. To cope with this uncertainty, EMs engage in extensive information gathering before forming their own judgments. However, EMs often do not communicate their judgment of the situation to the public, fearing potential liability cla...
Service delivery platform and the merging of IT and telecoms

The article consists of a Powerpoint presentation on service delivery platform and the merging of IT and telecoms. The areas discussed include: IBM; Telco industry; next generation SDP; service delivery platform; Web service; service oriented architecture; SDP ontology.
Perceived Burdensomeness And Suicidality: Two Studies On The Suicide Notes Of Those Attempting And Those Completing Suicide

Abstract From an evolutionary-psychological perspective, it has been argued that a sense of burdensomeness toward kin may erode self-preservational motives, which in turn, fosters suicidality. We reasoned that if this were so, perceived burdensomeness should specifically characterize those who complete suicide, even as compared to those who attempt suicide, whereas other dimensions (e.g., hopelessness, emotional pain) may not differentiate completers from attempters. Moreover, we predicted that perceived burdensomeness may be related to more lethal means of suicide among those who complete suicide. Two samples of suicide notes were rated on dimensions of burdensomeness, desire to control one's own feelings, desire to control others, emotional pain, and hopelessness. Perceived burdensomeness significantly correlated with completer status and with more lethal means of suicide, even controlling for other relevant dimensions. The other dimensions, in contrast, did not significantly correlate with suicide comp...
Exact solution for the scattering and absorption properties of sphere clusters on a plane surface

A formulation and computational scheme are presented for predicting the scattering and absorption cross-sections, and the scattering matrix elements, of clusters of non-intersecting spheres that are lying on or above an infinite plane surface and exposed to plane-wave radiation. The formulation provides an exact solution to Maxwell's equations and the associated boundary conditions on the spheres and the plane surface, and is applicable for arbitrary refractive indices for the spheres and the surface. A simplified strategy is presented for the calculation of the surface reflection matrix, which transforms the reflected scattered field from one sphere into a regular vector spherical harmonic expansion centered about another sphere. The calculation results are presented for the clusters of one, two, and four polystyrene spheres, with size parameters of one and 10, lying on a silicon substrate, and are compared with the predictions from the normal incidence approximation (NIA) in which the reflectance of the surface is assumed constant at the normal incidence value. The results show that the accuracy of the NIA is highly dependent on the extent of the sphere cluster, the angle of incidence, and the particular quantity (cross-sections, scattering matrix elements) under examination.
A new P-velocity model for the Tethyan margin from a scaled S-velocity model and the inversion of P- and PKP-delay times

We estimate a 3D P-velocity model for the Tethyan margin by inverting P- and PKP-delay times. The inversion is relative to a 3D reference model, which is a scaled S-velocity model for the same region. This S-velocity model was derived by jointly inverting regional S and Rayleigh waveform fits, teleseismic arrival times, Rayleigh-wave group velocities, and independent Moho constraints. Thus, our 3D reference model includes structures resolved over a larger depth range as well as more information on aseismic regions with few stations than is typically obtained from traditional teleseismic delay time inversions. We then inverted P- and PKP-delay times to obtain perturbations relative to the scaled 3D reference model. Comparing our P-velocity model (EAPV11) with P-velocity models derived from P data only, we find a model with more uniform and better depth resolution, including velocity anomalies for aseismic regions with few stations such as North Africa, southeastern Arabia, and the East European platform. Using EAPV11 to predict arrival times for relatively accurately located events that were not used in the inversion shows that our model produces significant variance reductions for these data as well. Therefore, our approach to build P-velocity models based on 3D reference S-velocity models may provide a practical way to better estimate P-velocity anomalies in the uppermost mantle and beneath aseismic regions with few stations.
Prostaglandins in bone: bad cop, good cop?

Prostaglandins (PGs) are multifunctional regulators of bone metabolism that stimulate both bone resorption and formation. PGs have been implicated in bone resorption associated with inflammation and metastatic bone disease, and also in bone formation associated with fracture healing and heterotopic ossification. Recent studies have identified roles for inducible cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and PGE 2 receptors in these processes. Although the effects of PGs have been most often associated with cAMP production and protein kinase A activation, PGs can engage an extensive G-protein signaling network. Further analysis of COX-2 and PG receptors and their downstream G-protein signaling in bone could provide important clues to the regulation of skeletal cell growth in both health and disease.