cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictors of adverse outcome in uterine smooth muscle tumours of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP): a clinicopathological analysis of 22 cases with a proposal for the inclusion of additional histological parameters.

AIMS The current World Health Organisation classification defines smooth muscle tumours of uncertain malignant potential (STUMPs) as neoplasms that cannot be diagnosed reliably as benign or malignant according to generally accepted criteria. This has led to the application of various sets of criteria; consequently, consistent and reliable outcome data are lacking. The aims of this study were: (i) to compare the frequency of adverse outcome in STUMP on the basis of enhanced criteria; and (ii) to perform failure analysis to identify feature(s) helpful in predicting outcome METHODS AND RESULTS: Cases of STUMP diagnosed between 1994 and 2009 were retrieved and follow-up data were collected. Morphological parameters were scored and correlated with outcome. Twenty-two subjects with a median follow-up of 74.5 months (range, 26-166 months) formed the study group. Their age ranged from 31.9 years to 51.8 years (median, 45.3 years). Sixteen subjects underwent hysterectomy and six underwent myomectomy. Adverse outcomes were noted in eight (36.4%) cases. In cases with adverse outcomes, notable features included moderate-severe nuclear atypia (seven), epithelioid features (one), infiltrative or irregular margins (five), atypical mitoses (two), and vascular intrusion (three) CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of adverse outcomes in our series (36.4%) was higher than that in previously published reports (7-26.7%), suggesting that the use of more stringent criteria can exclude some patients from further follow-up. Although 'significant' nuclear atypia was not discriminatory, its frequent association with adverse outcomes has pathobiological implications. The presence of necrosis was not particularly associated with adverse outcomes. Atypical mitoses, epithelioid differentiation, vascular involvement and infiltrative/irregular margins appear to herald adverse outcomes, and therefore merit inclusion in the diagnostic regimen.
Pregnancy and hemodialysis access: A case for patient satisfaction in favor of a tunneled dialysis catheter.

While an arteriovenous fistula is the best available access, many patients continue to rely on a tunneled hemodialysis catheter for dialysis therapy. Despite the highest risk of catheter-related ba...
Aspects of Percutaneous Cellular Cardiomyoplasty

The significant advances achieved over the past decade in the field of percutaneous coronary intervention have significantly increased our ability to use catheter-based techniques to modify cardiac physiology. The ongoing studies demonstrating the significant potential of cell-based therapy for the prevention and treatment of chronic heart failure has led to the development of multiple catheter-based systems for the delivery of cells to the injured myocardium. Advances have also been made in catheter-based systems that exploit electomechanical properties of the heart in order to direct the interventionalist as to the best areas in which to inject cells. In this chapter we will review the different catheter systems currently available or under development as well as discuss how different features of each may be optimal in the different settings of acute myocardial infarction and chronic heart failure.
Evidence-Based Multimodal Analgesia for Perioperative Management of Spinal Instrumentation

The purpose of the review is to highlight the importance of non-opioid analgesia in the perioperative management of patients presenting for spinal instrumentation. For decades, opiates have been the mainstay of perioperative analgesia for spinal surgeries. However, recent evidence shows the benefit of non-opioid agents as part of multimodal analgesia for spinal instrumentation surgeries. Multimodal analgesia includes non-opioid agents like pregabalin, dexmedetomidine, gabapentin, magnesium, lidocaine, acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and ketamine as well as use of local and regional anesthesia. For patients presenting for spinal instrumentation surgeries, multimodal analgesia should be used with a combination of local, regional techniques as well as non-opioid agents to achieve effective perioperative pain control while decreasing use of opiates and the associated adverse effects.
Surgical resection versus ablation for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective cohort analysis

Abstract Background The most appropriate treatment for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. This study compared the association of resection versus ablation with overall survival (OS) in patients with early-stage HCC. Methods Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), patients diagnosed with stage I/II HCC between 2004 and 2014 were identified. Cox analysis was used to determine predictors of OS. Results We identified 53,161 patients, of whom 15.9% underwent ablation and 14.5% underwent resection. Patients with fewer comorbidities, larger tumors, and private insurance were more likely to undergo resection. Resection was associated with significantly improved OS compared to ablation (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.54–0.61, p Conclusions Resection of HCC tumors of all sizes and any degree of underlying fibrosis was associated with significantly improved OS compared with ablation. There was pronounced variability in the use of ablation versus resection for early-stage HCC. Summary This study found that patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have improved overall survival (OS) after surgical resection, compared to ablation, at all tumor sizes and any extent of liver disease. There were also marked variations in treatment patterns for early-stage HCC.
PD65-03 TO STAGE OR NOT TO STAGE? - A COST MINIMIZATION ANALYSIS OF SACRAL NEUROMODULATION PLACEMENT STRATEGIES

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a standard therapy for refractory overactive bladder (OAB). Traditionally, SNM placement involves placement of an S3 lead with 1-3 weeks ...
The Role of the Pyranopterin Dithiolene Component of Moco in Molybdoenzyme Catalysis

An overview of the pyranopterin dithiolene (MPT) component of the molybdenum cofactor (Moco) and how MPT may contribute to enzymatic catalysis is presented. The chapter begins with a brief review of MPT and Moco biosynthesis and continues to explore the nature of what is arguably the most electronically complex ligand in biology. To explore this complexity, we have dissected MPT into its relevant molecular components. These include the redox-active ene-1,2-dithiolate (dithiolene) and pterin moieties, which are bridged by a pyran that may be found in ring-opened or ring-closed configurations. The various redox possibilities of MPT bound to Mo are presented, along with the electronic structure of the redox components. MPTs are found to display a remarkable conformational variance in pyranopterin Mo enzymes. This is discussed in terms of a relationship to enzyme function and the potential for the observed non-planer distortions to reflect different MPT oxidation and tautomeric states. The chapter ends with a series of case studies featuring model compounds that highlight how biomimetic small molecule studies have contributed to furthering our understanding of the roles this remarkable ligand plays in the catalytic cycles of the enzymes.
Effect of Field-Line Curvature on the Ionospheric Accessibility of Relativistic Electron Beam Experiments

Magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling is a particularly important process that regulates and controls magnetospheric dynamics such as storms and substorms. However, in order to understand magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling it is necessary to understand how regions of the magnetosphere are connected to the ionosphere. It has been proposed that this connection may be established by firing electron beams from satellites that can reach an ionospheric footpoint creating detectable emissions. This type of experiment would greatly aid in identifying the relationship between convection processes in the magnetotail and the ionosphere and how the plasma sheet current layer evolves during the growth phase preceding substorms. For practical purposes, the use of relativistic electron beams with kinetic energy on the order of 1 MeV would be ideal for detectability. However, Porazik et al. \cite{Porazik2014} has shown that, for relativistic particles, higher order terms of the magnetic moment are necessary for consideration of the ionospheric accessibility of the beams. These higher order terms are related to gradients in the magnetic field and curvature and are typically unimportant unless the beam is injected along the magnetic field direction, such that the zero order magnetic moment is small. In this article, we address two important consequences related to these higher order terms. First, we investigate the consequences for satellites positioned in regions subject to magnetotail stretching and demonstrate systematically how curvature affects accessibility. We find that curvature can reduce accessibility for beams injected from the current sheet, but can increase accessibility for beams injected just above the current sheet. Second, we investigate how detectability of ionospheric precipitation of variable energy field-aligned electron beams could be used as a constraint on field-line curvature, which would be valuable for field-line reconstruction and/or stability analysis.
Development of a Fluorinated Graphene-Based Flexible Humidity Sensor

A novel fluorinated graphene-based humidity sensor was successfully developed for humidity monitoring applications. The humidity sensor was fabricated by screen printing silver (Ag) interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) on a flexible polyimide substrate. A fluorinated graphene powder, that was uniformly dispersed in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) using the ultra-sonication process, was drop casted on the IDEs as a humidity sensing layer. The resistive response of the fabricated humidity sensor towards varying relative humidity (RH) levels ranging from 20% RH to 70% RH, in steps of 10% RH, was investigated at a constant temperature of 24 °C. A maximum resistance change of 12.1% was observed when the humidity was changed from 20% RH to 70% RH, with a sensitivity of 0.24 %/%RH.
BaF2:Y and ZnO:Ga crystal scintillators for GHz hard X-ray imaging

Abstract Gigahertz (GHz) hard X-ray imaging for the proposed MaRIE project presents an unprecedented challenge for the front imager in both speed and radiation hardness. We proposed two ultrafast inorganic-scintillator-based front imager concepts: a total absorption one and a multilayer one, and investigated optical and scintillation properties for a set of inorganic scintillators at the Caltech HEP crystal laboratory. The results show that yttrium doped barium fluoride crystals and gallium doped ZnO nano-particle-based films are promising for these two concepts, respectively. In this paper, we report their optical and scintillation property as well recent progresses on slow component suppressing in barium fluoride crystals by yttrium doping, and its radiation hardness.
Application of Partition Technology to Particle Electrophoresis

Recent investigations have led to the development of polymer coatings to control electroosmosis which adversely affects electrophoretic separation processes on Earth and in space. Similar chemistry has been employed to create polymer derivatised antibodies for use in immunoaffinity electrophoresis of particles. The effects of polymer-ligand concentration on particle electrophoretic mobility and partition in aqueous polymer two-phase systems are compared.
Are caregivers concerned about media violence? A survey of U.S. parents’ beliefs about specific media violence effects

Using the extended parallel process model (EPPM), we argue parents and caregivers will be concerned about media violence when they perceive the outcomes as being severe, and they perceive their fam...
Effects of Lateral Flow on the Convective Environment in a Coupled Hydrometeorological Modeling System in a Semiarid Environment

AbstractEvidence for surface and atmosphere coupling is corroborated in both modeling and observation-based field experiments. Recent advances in high-performance computing and development of conve...
A Truncated Fourier Based Analytical Model for SRMs with Higher Number of Rotor Poles

Switched reluctance motors (SRM) have been seen as a potential candidate for automotive, aerospace as well as domestic applications and High-Rotor pole SRM (HR-SRM) present a significant advancement in this area. This machine configuration offers most of the the benefits offered by conventional SRMs and has shown significant benefits in efficiency and torque quality. However, HR-SRM has a narrower inductance profile with a lower saliency ratio as compared to a conventional SRM with an identical stator. This can make it inherently challenging to directly adopt mathematical models and sensorless control approaches currently in use. This paper presents a time-efficient analytical model for the characterization of a 6/10 SRM using an inductance model utilizing truncated Fourier series as well as multi-order polynomial curve-fitting algorithm. The inductance model is extended to accurately predict back-EMF and electromagnetic torque response towards obtaining a comprehensive model for every operating point of the machine during dynamic operation. The effectiveness of the proposed concept has analyzed for a prototype machine and verified using Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
Endoscopic band ligation compared to thermal therapy for gastric antral vascular ectasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis:

BackgroundGastric antral vascular ectasia is an infrequent cause of gastrointestinal-related blood loss manifesting as iron-deficiency anemia or overt gastrointestinal bleeding, and is associated w...
Host antibacterial defense of 6–10 Gy γ-irradiated mice subjected to lentiviral vector-based Gas5 gene therapy

Gut bacteria-associated sepsis is a serious concern in patients with gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome (GIARS). In our previous studies, all mice exposed to 8 Gy of whole body γ-irradiation (8 Gy GIARS-mice) died by sepsis stemming from bacterial translocation. M1Mϕ located in the bacterial translocation site (i.e., the mesenteric lymph nodes, MLNs) have been characterized as major antibacterial effector cells. However, M2bMϕ, inhibitor cells for M1Mϕ polarization, predominated in the MLNs of these mice. The reduced expression of long noncoding RNA Gas5 was associated with M2bMϕ polarization. In this study, we tried to reduce the mortality rate of 8 Gy GIARS-mice through Gas5 gene transduction using lentivirus (Gas5 lentivirus). After Gas5 lentivirus injection, Gas5 RNA was overexpressed in MLN-F4/80+ cells of 8 Gy GIARS-mice, and these cells were identified as non-M2bMϕ. All of the 8 Gy GIARS-mice injected with Gas5 lentivirus survived 30 days or more after irradiation, and bacterial translocation and subsequent sepsis were shown to be minimal in these mice. These results indicate that the antibacterial resistance of 8 Gy GIASR-mice can be restored through the modulation of M2bMϕ located in the bacterial translocation site by Gas5 transduction.
Evaluation of a Transitional Care Program After Hospitalization for Heart Failure in an Integrated Health Care System.

Importance Prompted by null findings from several care transition trials and practice changes for heart failure in recent years, leaders from a large integrated health care system aimed to reassess the outcomes of its 10-year multicomponent transitional care program for heart failure (HF-TCP). Objective To examine the association of the individual HF-TCP components and their bundle with the primary outcome of all-cause 30-day inpatient or observation stay readmissions. Design, setting, and participants This retrospective cohort study included patients enrolled in the HF-TCP during an inpatient encounter for heart failure at 13 Kaiser Permanente Southern California hospitals from January 1, 2013, to October 31, 2018, who were followed up from discharge until 30 days, readmission, or death. Data were analyzed from May 7, 2019, to May 1, 2020, with additional review from September 2 to October 1, 2020. Exposures Patients received 1 home health visit or telecare (telephone) visit from a registered nurse within 2 days of hospital discharge, a heart failure care manager call within 7 days, and a clinic visit with a physician or a nurse practitioner within 7 days. Main outcomes and measures Multivariable proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the probability of 30-day readmission for those who received the individual or bundled HF-TCP components compared with those who did not. Results A total of 26 128 patients were included; 57.0% were male, and the mean (SD) age was 73 (13) years. The 30-day readmission rate was 18.1%. Both exposure to a home health visit within 2 days of discharge (hazard ratio [HR], 1.03; 95% CI, 0.96-1.10) and a 7-day heart failure case manager call (HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.99-1.18) compared with no visit or call were not associated with a lower rate of readmission. Completion of a 7-day clinic visit was associated with a lower readmission rate (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.81-0.94) compared with no clinic visit. There were no synergistic effects of all 3 components compared with clinic visit alone (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.87-1.28). Conclusions and relevance This study found that HF-TCP as a whole was not associated with a reduction in 30-day readmission rates, although a follow-up clinic visit within 7 days of discharge may be helpful. These findings highlight the importance of continuous quality improvement and refinement of existing clinical programs.
Multidimensional Boolean Patterns in Multi-omics Data

Motivation: Virtually all biological systems are governed by a set of complex relations between their components. Identification of relations within biological systems involves a rigorous search for patterns among variables/parameters. Two-dimensional (involving two variables) patterns are identified using correlation, covariation, and mutual information approaches. However, these approaches are not suited to identify more complicated multidimensional relations, which simultaneously include 3, 4, and more variables. Results: We present a novel pattern-specific method to quantify the strength and estimate the statistical significance of multidimensional Boolean patterns in multiomics data. In contrast with dimensionality reduction and AI solutions, patterns identified by the proposed approach may provide a better background for meaningful mechanistic interpretation of the biological processes. Our preliminary analysis suggests that multidimensional patterns may dominate the landscape of multi-omics data, which is not surprising because complex interactions between components of biological systems are unlikely to be reduced to simple pairwise interactions.
Literature Review on Adverse Events Following Immunization for Influenza Virus Vaccine

To evaluate security of influenza virus vaccines by analysis of adverse reaction to influenza virus vaccine,especially the relationship between Guillain Barre syndrome and influenza vaccines.
Mycobacterial membrane protein Large 3-like-family proteins in bacteria, protozoa, fungi, plants, and animals: A bioinformatics and structural investigation.

Lipid transporters play an important role in most if not all organisms, ranging from bacteria to humans. For example, in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the trehalose monomycolate transporter MmpL3 is involved in cell wall biosynthesis, while in humans, cholesterol transporters are involved in normal cell function as well as in disease. Here, using structural and bioinformatics information, we propose that there are proteins that also contain "MmpL3-like" (MMPL) transmembrane (TM) domains in many protozoa, including Trypanosoma cruzi, as well as in the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, where the fatty acid transporter FarE has the same set of "active-site" residues as those found in the mycobacterial MmpL3s, and in T. cruzi. We also show that there are strong sequence and predicted structural similarities between the TM proton-translocation domain seen in the X-ray structures of mycobacterial MmpL3s and several human as well as fungal lipid transporters, leading to the proposal that there are similar proteins in apicomplexan parasites, and in plants. The animal, fungal, apicomplexan, and plant proteins have larger extra-membrane domains than are found in the bacterial MmpL3, but they have a similar TM domain architecture, with the introduction of a (catalytically essential) Phe > His residue change, and a Ser/Thr H-bond network, involved in H+ -transport. Overall, the results are of interest since they show that MMPL-family proteins are present in essentially all life forms: archaea, bacteria, protozoa, fungi, plants and animals and, where known, they are involved in "lipid" (glycolipid, phospholipid, sphingolipid, fatty acid, cholesterol, ergosterol) transport, powered by transmembrane molecular pumps having similar structures.
Developments in Thermodynamic Models of Deposit-Induced Corrosion of High-Temperature Coatings

Degradation caused by silicate deposits limits the lifetime of protective coatings in gas turbine engines. In order to design more durable coating materials and architectures it is important to understand the behavior of ingested debris leading to the formation of deposits on component surfaces, and the subsequent reaction of those deposits with the coating materials. This article reviews recent advances in thermodynamic models and databases capable of predicting these reactions. It also describes the development of modeling approaches to capture key features associated with the intrinsic behavior of debris and deposits, their interaction with dense environmental barrier coatings, and reactions occurring during infiltration of molten deposits into porous or segmented thermal barrier coatings.
Dealing with flanking transmission in wood framed construction

A study of flanking transmission in wood frame construction has shown that for airborne excitation the floor/wall junction in multifamily buildings provides serious structural flanking. This can be controlled by systematic changes to the floor and wall assemblies. This paper presents the trends evident from the available data, to provide guidance for practical solutions and indicate some remaining challenges for designers and consultants.
Fusion of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus with the Cytoplasmic Membrane of L Cells

Abstract At an early stage in infection, vesicular stomatitis viruses were attached to the surface of L cells by fusion of the viral and cell membranes.
Clinical Versus Mechanical Prediction

This chapter compares and contrasts the relative utility of clinical and mechanical methods of prediction. Claims about the robustness of mechanical prediction are countered by recent meta-analyses demonstrating a modest improvement in judgment accuracy using mechanical formulas. Findings about clinical judgment are reviewed, including recent meta-analyses from the Meta-Analysis Clinical Judgment project showing a modest increase in judgment accuracy with increases in clinical and educational experience. These and other findings are placed in the context of over 50 years of debate about the relative utility of clinical judgment versus mechanical prediction. The conclusion reached is that the study of clinical judgment versus mechanical prediction has not optimally developed and that the field needs an infusion of new questions and areas of study to further develop. Keywords: clinical judgment; clinical prediction; mechanical prediction; statistical prediction
Child Sexual Abuse Accommodation

The child sexual accommodation syndrome was introduced as a clinical concept by Ronald C. Summit in 1983. His aim was to assist mental health practitioners to better understand the abnormal behavioral characteristics of some children who have been the victims of sexual abuse. Over the years, the syndrome has been misunderstood especially in the legal arena. This has led to some cynicism about the scientific authenticity of the syndrome. This article reviews the major clinical characteristics of the syndrome and its legal applications. Keywords: accommodation; assault; child; incest; molestation; rape, sexual abuse; syndrome
The application of a silver carbonate stain for the diagnosis of uterine cancer by the vaginal smear method.

Abstract 1.1. The silver carbonate staining method of Hortega was modified for staining the cellular elements of vaginal smears. The details of the procedure are described. 2.2. The affinity of chromatin material for the silver stain, together with the usual hyperchromatic character of atypical cells, combine to make this a useful stain in the diagnosis of uterine cancer by the vaginal smear method. 3.3. The cytoplasmic and nuclear characteristics of cells impregnated with silver carbonate are described and several noteworthy advantages of the technique over other conventional differential stains are listed.
Electrochemical oxidation of some 5-substituted barbituric acids at the pyrolytic graphite electrode

Abstract 5-Alkyl substituted barbituric acids are electrochemically oxidized at the pyrolytic graphite electrode by way of a single, major, 1 e voltammetric oxidation peak to form a barbiturate radical. This dimerizes to give the corresponding 5,5′-substituted hydurilic acid. Under conditions of controlled potential electrolysis the reaction proceeds in very high yield and the hydurilic acid derivative may be readily separated and purified.
Introduction and Perspective

This introductory chapter provides a brief perspective on the different types of modeling errors in the mathematical models of engineering systems and establishes a platform for the specific modeling error of real parameter variations. Then it presents various real parameter uncertainty characterizations and robustness measures for setting the stage for their elaborate discussion in future chapters. Finally it explores both the robustness analysis and robust control design aspects to be discussed thoroughly in later chapters.
Altered consciousness as an early manifestation of intussusception.

Two children who had neurologic symptoms as prodromal manifestations of intussusception are presented. Previously described alterations in central nervous system functioning with intussusception are reviewed.
A State Space Approach to Control of Interconnected Systems

We present a state space approach to controlling systems with a highly structured interconnection topology. It is shown that by capturing these systems as fractional transformations on temporal and spatial operators, many standard results in control — such as the bounded real lemma, H-infinity optimization, and robustness analysis — can be generalized accordingly. The state space formulation yields conditions that can be expressed as linear matrix inequalities.
Ontogeny of the Circadian System Controlling Release of Sperm from the Insect Testis

In the gypsy moth, the release of sperm bundles from the testis into the vas deferens is rhythmic and is controlled by a circadian pacemaker located in the reproductive system. However, in males kept since pupation in constant darkness (DD) and temperature, the release of sperm was arrhythmic. The release of sperm became rhythmic when males were transferred from a light-dark cycle (LD 16:8) to DD 6-7 days after pupation. To further investigate the development of the circadian system during the pupal stage, we exposed DD pupae to a single 8-hr pulse of light or 8-hr pulse of a 4 degrees C temperature increase on different days after pupation. The pattern of sperm release was determined 5-6 days after the pulse. Males that were exposed to light or temperature pulses 5 days after pupation subsequently showed nonrhythmic sperm release. However, about half of the pupae that received the pulse on day 6 and most of the pupae that received it on day 7 subsequently showed synchronized sperm release. These results suggested that the clock underlying rhythmic release of sperm becomes operational at approximately 6 days after pupation--that is, 2 days prior to initiation of rhythmic sperm release from the testis.
γ‐Herpesvirus neoplasia: A growing role for COX‐2

Both human γ-herpesviruses, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) induce neoplasia. Burkitt's and Hodgkin's lymphomas harbor EBV sequences, while KSHV has been associated with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), and multicentric castleman's disease (MCD). Each of these γ-herpesvirus-associated malignancies displays typical characteristics of neoplasia, such as angiogenesis and cell survival. One enzyme commonly overexpressed in breast, prostate, and colon cancers is cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Recently, COX-2 overexpression has been reported in herpesvirus infections in vitro. This review will outline potential mechanisms by which COX-2 may participate in herpesvirus-induced neoplasia. Microsc. Res. Tech. 68:120–129, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Transistor level placement for full custom datapath cell design

In this paper, we look into the problem of datapath synthesis in a full custom environment and identify various quality metrics which have a dominant e ect on the nal layout. In the process, we do an in-depth study of the problem of transistor-level placement for datapath cells and develop a prototype tool to test our concepts. Results obtained at this stage, in a reasonable number of testcases, compare fairly well (within 5% to 15%) against their manually generated counterparts.
A mechanism for cadmium- and zinc-induced tolerance to cadmium toxicity: involvement of metallothionein.

Abstract Mouse-derived metallothionein was found to consist of two distinct cadmium-binding proteins possessing similar absorption and metal-binding properties. A sensitive technique for analyzing proteins, pulse polarography, was successfully employed for the analysis of metallothionein. Mice exhibited tolerance to Cd toxicity after pretreatment with either Cd or Zn acetate. Cd doses of 0, 1.0, and 3.2 mg/kg, 48 hr prior to Cd challenge, resulted in LD50 values of 4.5, 6.0, and 8.2 mg/kg, respectively. The hepatic metallothionein content increased with the pretreatment dose of cadmium. The LD50 values for cadmium were 5.7 and 10.3 mg/kg, respectively, for the control animals and for animals given three doses of 6.5 mg/kg of Zn at 12, 30, and 48 hr prior to the Cd challenge. Zn pretreatment induced formation of a Zn-binding protein the molecular weight of which appears to be identical with that of Cd-induced metallothionein. Cd-induced liver metallothionein contained Cd and Zn, whereas metallothionein resulting from Zn injections contained only Zn. Cd or Zn pretreatment of mice challenged with 10–12 mg of Cd/kg 3 hr prior to sacrifice resulted in an in vivo displacement by Cd of Zn from both Cd- and Zn-metallothionein. These results suggest that tolerance to Cd seen in pretreated mice is a result of the subsequent in vivo displacement of Zn from, and the chelation of Cd to, metallothionein. 14C-amino acid incorporation into liver metallothionein was found to be higher 12 hr after the administration of Cd than after 48 hr. The total amount of metallothionein protein in the liver at 48 hr was twice that found a 12 hr, whereas metallothionein-bound Cd was increased only slightly.
Total syntheses and anticholinesterase activities of (3aS)-N(8)-norphysostigmine, (3aS)-N(8)-norphenserine, their antipodal isomers, and other N(8)-substituted analogues.

N(8)-Benzylesermethole (6) was prepared from 5-methoxytryptamine (1) in five steps. Resolution of compound 6 by dibenzoyl- and ditoluyltartaric acid provided enantiomers (−)- and (+)-7. After demethylation, reaction with isocyanates and catalytic debenzylation over hydrogen, the total syntheses of (−)- and (+)-N(8)-norphysostigmine [(−)- and (+)-11] and (−)- and (+)-N(8)-norphenserine [(−)- and (+)-12] were accomplished. (−)-N(8)-Norphysostigmine [(−)-11] and (−)-N(8)-norphenserine [(−)-12] were also obtained by transformations of natural physostigmine [(−)-13] and phenserine [(−)-14] prepared from (−)-13. The absolute configurations and optical purity of compounds (−)-11, (−)-12, (+)-11, and (+)-12 were confirmed by a comparison of their optical rotations with those of the compounds synthesized from physostigmine [(−)-13]. The anticholinesterase activities of N(8)-nor- and N(8)-substituted analogues, (−)- and (+)-9, -10, -11, -12, 15, and 16, were compared with those of physostigmine [(−)- and (+)-13] an...
Debt vs. equity in a simple model with transaction costs, 1: Form of the optimal policy

Several authors have studied the problems of financial management for a limited liability firm owned by a homogeneous group of risk neutral investors (e.g. [1], [2], [6], [7], and [8]). Using the same basic model, we allow the firm to acquire debt in each period, and we investigate the form of the optimal debt policy when there are transaction costs that discourage the use of equity funds to maintain solvency. The acquisition of debt is assumed to be limited by a coverage provision in the contract of an outstanding bond. In spite of the simplicity of the assumptions, the optimal debt policy is complex: for a given observed interest rate, it depends both on the current level of the total interest payment, and on the current level of business income, with several critical values playing a role in the decision. In this paper, we present the model description and the results, together with an intuitive explanation of the optimal policy. In a companion paper [4], we present the mathematical development.
On using micromechanical models to describe dynamic mechanical behavior of asphalt mastics

Abstract The applicability of micromechanical models in describing the dynamic mechanical behavior of asphalt mastics is explored. The complex sets of equations from the “generalized self-consistent scheme” (GSCS) are simplified using an order of magnitude analysis. The simplification provides a better perspective and insight into how the model operates and predicts. For asphalt mastics, it is found that the stiffness ratio is sensitive only to the Poisson’s ratio of the binder and the volume fraction of the fine aggregates. The results from the model when compared with experimental data indicate that the theoretical predictions fall short of the experimental values. This is because the GSCS model in its original complex form as well as in the simplified form is unable to capture the effects of all the variables involved in the increase of the stiffness ratio of the mastics. The concepts of percolation theory are incorporated to obtain a modified form of the model. This modified model fits the experimental data of asphalt mastics well when appropriate values of two adjustable parameters, namely, the volume fraction at percolation threshold and the maximum volume fraction of the filler are used.
Microfluorescence and Microtomography Analyses of Heterogeneous Earth and Environmental Materials

Analytical techniques with high sensitivity and high spatial resolution are crucial for understanding the chemical properties of complex earth materials and environmental samples, and these so-called 'microprobes' have become workhorses of the geochemical community as well as important tools for environmental scientists. These microanalytical instruments are based on various forms of sample excitation and detection. They are complementary in terms of spatial resolution, element sensitivity, energy deposition and non-destructiveness. Several techniques fall in the class of methods employing charged particle excitation of X-ray fluorescence, including electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) and particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE). EMPA is capable of {micro}m-sized spots with minimum detection limits near 100 mg kg{sup -1}. PIXE is well suited for analyses of relatively light elements with 10 mg kg{sup -1} sensitivity and {micro}m-sized spots. The relatively large energy deposited by the charged particle beam can complicate the analysis of volatile elements or induce valence state changes of redox sensitive elements. Sensitivity of these technologies is a relatively smooth function of atomic number. Other techniques are based on sample sputtering followed by mass spectrometry of the vaporized products, including secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Beam sizes are inmore » the few to tens of {micro}m range. Elemental sensitivities for SIMS are highly variable depending on ion yield, and quantification can be difficult because of matrix effects in the ion production process. SIMS and LA-ICP-MS have very high sensitivities for some elements and low sensitivity for others. These and other microanalytical techniques used in earth science research are described in Potts et al. (1995). The subject of this chapter is synchrotron X-ray fluorescence (SXRF) microprobe analysis (Horowitz and Howell 1972) and microtomography.« less
Limitations of the rhesus macaque draft genome assembly and annotation

Finished genome sequences and assemblies are available for only a few vertebrates. Thus, investigators studying many species must rely on draft genomes. Using the rhesus macaque as an example, we document the effects of sequencing errors, gaps in sequence and misassemblies on one automated gene model pipeline, Gnomon. The combination of draft genome with automated gene finding software can result in spurious sequences. We estimate that approximately 50% of the rhesus gene models are missing, incomplete or incorrect. The problems identified in this work likely apply to all draft vertebrate genomes annotated with any automated gene model pipeline and thus represent a pervasive challenge to the analysis of draft genomes.
Computerized grading of ID-individualized homework problems

This paper describes an efficient scheme in which a computer is used to grade ID-individualized homework problems on demand while keeping records for these homeworks. The scheme was developed and used for an undergraduate numerical methods course at the University of Louisville. Results so far indicate that it is an effective pedagogical tool for courses in which homeworks have numerical answers.
NEW YORK CITY AND THE NEW CARIBBEAN IMMIGRATION: A Contextual Statement1

This paper explores the socio-historical, demographic and cultural aspects of Caribbean migration to New York as a traditional entrepot of immigration and as an indicator of the degree of economic ...
Markov Chains and Stochastic Stability

Meyn & Tweedie is back! The bible on Markov chains in general state spaces has been brought up to date to reflect developments in the field since 1996 - many of them sparked by publication of the first edition. The pursuit of more efficient simulation algorithms for complex Markovian models, or algorithms for computation of optimal policies for controlled Markov models, has opened new directions for research on Markov chains. As a result, new applications have emerged across a wide range of topics including optimisation, statistics, and economics. New commentary and an epilogue by Sean Meyn summarise recent developments and references have been fully updated. This second edition reflects the same discipline and style that marked out the original and helped it to become a classic: proofs are rigorous and concise, the range of applications is broad and knowledgeable, and key ideas are accessible to practitioners with limited mathematical background.
Some phases in the embryonic development of Diacrisia virginica fabr. (Lepidoptera)

The cells of the blastoderm which are to form the serosa are two- to four-nucleate; the smaller cells of the embryonic rudiment, uninucleate. The band-like embryonic rudiment encircles the yolk at the equator of the egg. The amnion does not begin to form until after the serosa completely covers embryo and yolk. The epithelium of the midgut arises from cells situated at the tips of stomodaeum and proctodaeum. These cells, though not differentiated from adjacent ectoderm at the time of the invagination, are nevertheless interpreted as part of the preprimordium of the endoderm. In the eighty-four-hour stage a fold of amnion grows over the dorsal side of the embryo, entirely covering it in the course of the next few hours. A portion of the amnion thus forms the dorsal wall of the embryo. At the completion of the amnion the embryo rotates so that its ventral side is directed toward the egg center. The amnion raptures just before the larva begins to feed on the yolk which still remains around it. The serosa is consumed before hatching, which takes place about five and one-half days after deposition.
Theoretical analysis of the 13C NMR of iodoalkynes upon complexation with Lewis bases.

Recent experiments have demonstrated that the 13C NMR spectra of iodoalkynes exhibit a strong solvent effect because of complexation with Lewis-basic solvents. This paper describes DFT NMR calculations (B3LYP-GIAO with LanL2DZ or Sadlej pVTZ basis set) of iodoalkynes and their Lewis acid−base complexes, interpreted by using Natural Chemical Shift (NCS) analysis within the framework of the Ramsey formalism for chemical shift. In particular, the paper presents calculations on diiodoethyne and its complexes with one and two ammonia molecules. Examination of the orbital changes upon forming the mono- and bisammonia complexes indicates that mixing of the nitrogen lone pair with the C−I antibonding orbital increases the paramagnetic deshielding at C1. Further increases can be attributed to increased polarization of the iodine lone-pair orbitals onto C1. The haloiodoalkyne series XCCI (X = F, Cl, Br, I) offers additional support for this model of the solvent effect.
Safety of peginterferon in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

Background: Combination of ‘pegylated’ interferons (IFNs) plus ribavirin, the standard treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC), is frequently associated with side effects. Anticipation, recognition and proper management of these side effects are important to ensure compliance with therapy and achievement of sustained virologic response. Objective: To illustrate the side effect profile of pegIFN-α in the treatment of CHC. Methods: Studies and abstracts were identified through a computerized, English language literature search. Key search terms included peginterferon and CHC. Information available only in abstract form was retrieved from national and international hepatology associations. Results: Most adverse events occurring with combination therapy can be anticipated and managed appropriately; therefore, premature discontinuation of therapy owing to side effects is not required in most patients.
Laryngeal keratosis and subsequent carcinoma

The frequency with which carcinoma develops in laryngeal keratoses is a controversial subject. A study of 92 cases of laryngeal keratosis with a minimum of five years' follow-up resulted in identification of three patients (3.26%) who developed laryngeal carcinoma. A reviews of the literature reveals that, in series of keratoses defined by stringent pathologic criteria, subsequent laryngeal carcinoma develops in 3.33%-4.31%. These findings support a low but predictable frequency of conversion to malignancy in laryngeal keratosis. A grading system for keratosis is presented and discussed with reference to clinicopathologic correlation.
What Is the Relationship between Inequity in Family Law and Violence against Women? Approaching the Issue of Legal Enclaves

“Family law” is the term applied to the legal regulation of marriage and parenthood within a society, and may serve to express a society's accepted ideals concerning male–female relations. Adopting a feminist evolutionary analytic (FEA) approach, we hypothesize that nation-states with higher degrees of inequity in family law favoring men, codifying an evolutionary legacy of male dominance and control over female reproduction, will experience higher rates of violence against women. This hypothesis is borne out in conventional statistical analysis, both bivariate and multivariate, suggesting that policy attention to family law so as to make it more concordant with norms of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) may have salutatory effects on women's physical security over time. These results may also have policy implications for societies with, or contemplating, enclaves of inequitable family law. Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home.—Eleanor Roosevelt
Reversed-polarity items and scale unidimensionality

A standard procedure in the development of multi-item measurement scales is to incorporate reversed-polarity items to control for and/or identify acquiescence response bias. In spite of the broad acceptance of this approach, very little work has been done to evaluate the impact of reversed-polarity items on the dimensionality of scales. This study empirically evaluates the impact of reversed-polarity items on the unidimensionality of several well-known marketing measures. The authors suggest that use of reversed-polarity items may present a substantive problem for marketing scholars because of the resulting degradation of scale unidimensionality. The existence of this phenomenon is confirmed in a multisurvey, multiscale, binational research design. Implications for marketing scale developers and measurement theoreticians are discussed, theoretical bases that might explain the phenomenon are explored, and further research suggestions are presented.
Rapid genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism discovery in soybean and rice via deep resequencing of reduced representation libraries with the illumina genome analyzer.

Massively parallel sequencing platforms have allowed for the rapid discovery of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among related genotypes within a species. We describe the creation of reduced representation libraries (RRLs) using an initial digestion of nuclear genomic DNA with a methylation-sensitive restriction endonuclease followed by a secondary digestion with the 4bp-restriction endonuclease DpnII. This strategy allows for the enrichment of hypomethylated genomic DNA, which has been shown to be rich in genic sequences, and the digestion with DpnII serves to increase the number of common loci resequenced between individuals. Deep resequencing of these RRLs performed with the Illumina Genome Analyzer led to the identifi cation of 2618 SNPs in rice and 1682 SNPs in soybean for two representative genotypes in each of the species. A subset of these SNPs was validated via Sanger sequencing, exhibiting validation rates of 96.4 and 97.0%, in rice (Oryza sativa) and soybean (Glycine max), respectively. Comparative analysis of the read distribution relative to annotated genes in the reference genome assemblies indicated that the RRL strategy was primarily sampling within genic regions for both species. The massively parallel sequencing of methylation-sensitive RRLs for genome-wide SNP discovery can be applied across a wide range of plant species having suffi cient reference genomic sequence.
Compact and portable terahertz source based on frequency mixing using dual-frequency solid-state laser

We review the recent progress made by us on power scaling of terahertz (THz) waves and development of compact and portable THz sources. By reversely stacking GaP plates, we were able to improve the photon conversion efficiency from 25% to 40%, which is the record-high value. As the number of the stacked GaP plates was increased from 4 to 5, the output power was decreased. This is the evidence on back conversion. In order to make our THz source truly compact and portable, we investigated a new route to THz generation by mixing two frequencies generated by a single Nd:YLF solid-state laser. After two Nd:YLF crystals were introduced in the laser cavity, the output power was scaled up to 4.5 μW. Such a configuration exhibits versatile characteristics such as the generation of different THz frequencies by combining two different laser crystals. Our recent investigation of THz generation based on passively Q-switched dual-frequency pulses may help us with further reducing the dimension of our compact and portable THz source.