cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic value of PET/CT versus PET/MRI in gynecological malignancies of the pelvis: A meta-analysis.

Abstract Purpose To perform a meta-analysis of the literature to compare the diagnostic performance of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) versus 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) for gynecological malignancies of the pelvis. Materials and methods We searched for English-language studies, published through May 2019, on the diagnostic accuracy of PET/CT and PET/MRI for gynecological malignancies. To reduce inter-study heterogeneity, we focused primarily on studies in which both PET/CT and PET/MRI were performed on the entire study cohort. We pooled the sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, and area-under-the-receiver-operating-characteristic curve values for PET/CT and PET/MRI and determined the 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Out of 30 studies, nine met the inclusion criteria. On patient-based analysis, PET/CT had a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 62.6% (95% CI: 47.1%–76%) and 91.6% (95% CI: 81.9%–96.3%), respectively, compared with 73.3% (95% CI: 63.1%–81.6%) (P = 0.22) and 91.2% (95% CI: 81.8%–96%) (P = 94) for PET/MRI. On lesion-based analysis, PET/CT had a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 81.5% (95% CI: 59.3%–93.1%) and 86.6% (95% CI: 77.3%–92.5%), respectively, compared with 84.7% (95% CI: 66.8%–93.8%) (P = 0.77) and 89.3% (95% CI: 85.2%–92.3%) (P = 0.51) for PET/MRI. The diagnostic odds ratios for PET/CT compared with PET/MRI were not significantly different in the patient-based (P = 0.48) and lesion-based analyses (P = 0.4). Conclusion Compared with PET/CT, PET/MRI had slightly better diagnostic performance to that of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the gynecological malignancies on lesion level (44 vs 26) and patient level analysis (28 vs 17). However, the differences between results showed no statistical significance (P = 0.4 and 0.48, respectively).
Theoretical Approaches to Understanding the Properties of Modulated Structures — A Review

Experimental studies on compositionally modulated alloys in systems like Cu-Ni, Cu-Pd, Ag-Pd and Au-Ni have shown remarkable increases (factors of 2 to 4) in the bi-axial elastic modulus when the modulation wavelength is close to a critical wavelength (on the order of 20A) depending on the system. This has been sometimes called the “supermodulus effect”. In contrast, compositionally modulated Cu-Au alloys appear to have no enhancement of elastic modulus at any wavelength.
Book Review of Legal Realism at Yale, 1927-1960

Levinson's book, in the words of its author, "is intended to make clearer the ambiguities of constitutional faith,', i.e., wholehearted attachment to the Constitution as the center of one's (and ultimately the nation's) political life." Levinson writes "not in the belief that [he] can resolve these ambiguities." He notes that "there will be many more questions than answers" in his book. Rather he writes "out of a conviction that there is an important conversation to be initiated about what it means to be 'an American' in the late twentieth century." Levinson's "central aim ... is to identify and discuss the problems that emerge if one seriously grapples with the Constitution's role as what might be termed the 'constituent agent' of our identity as Americans." Even beginning what Levinson variously describes as an exploration, a conversation, or a meditation is a difficult task, because he is (perhaps overly) self-conscious about writing "after the triumph of a distinctly (post) modernist sense of the contingencies of our own culture and the fragility of any community memberships." Yet, Levinson, after an appropriate caveat, sets forth "in the belief that such a dialogue is worth attempting."
Bing-Neel syndrome mimicking a meningioma.

A 42-year-old woman presented with progressively worsening right occipital headaches, increased with Valsalva. Brain MRI revealed an enhancing right tentorial leaflet extra-axial mass with adjacent vasogenic edema, which was presumed to be a meningioma (figure). A subtotal resection of the mass was performed and demonstrated pathologic features compatible with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (Bing-Neel syndrome), subsequently treated with ibrutinib. Bing-Neel syndrome is a very rare complication of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia that is characterized by CNS involvement by malignant lymphoplasmacytic cells.1,2 The most common imaging features are leptomeningeal or dural infiltration or localized tumoral form with parenchymal involvement.1,2
The role of frailty in geriatric cranial neurosurgery for primary central nervous system neoplasms

OBJECTIVE. Frailty is a clinical state of increased vulnerability due to age-associated decline and has been well established as a perioperative risk factor. Geriatric patients have a higher risk of frailty, higher incidence of brain cancer, and increased postoperative complication rates compared to nongeriatric patients. Yet, literature describing the effects of frailty on short- and long-term complications in geriatric patients is limited. In this study, the authors evaluate the effects of frailty in geriatric patients receiving cranial neurosurgery for a primary CNS neoplasm. METHODS. The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of geriatric patients receiving cranial neurosurgery for a primary CNS neoplasm between 2010 and 2017 by using the Nationwide Readmission Database. Demographics and frailty were queried at primary admission, and readmissions were analyzed at 30-, 90-, and 180-day intervals. Complications of interest included infection, anemia, infarction, kidney injury, CSF leak, urinary tract infection, and mortality. Nearest-neighbor propensity score matching for demographics was implemented to identify nonfrail control patients with similar diagnoses and procedures. The analysis used Welch two-sample t-tests for continuous variables and chi-square test with odds ratios. RESULTS. A total of 6713 frail patients and 6629 nonfrail patients were identified at primary admission. At primary admission, frail geriatric patients undergoing cranial neurosurgery had increased odds of developing acute posthemorrhagic anemia (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.23–1.98; p = 0.00020); acute infection (OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.70–6.36; p = 0.00022); acute kidney injury (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.07–1.62; p = 0.0088); urinary tract infection prior to discharge (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.71–2.29; p < 0.0001); acute postoperative cerebral infarction (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.17–2.11; p = 0.0026); and mortality (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.22–2.24; p = 0.0012) compared to nonfrail geriatric patients receiving the same procedure. In addition, frail patients had a significantly increased inpatient length of stay (p < 0.0001) and all-payer hospital cost (p < 0.0001) compared to nonfrail patients at the time of primary admission. However, no significant difference was found between frail and nonfrail patients with regard to rates of infection, thromboembolism, CSF leak, dural tear, cerebral infarction, acute kidney injury, and mortality at all readmission time points. CONCLUSIONS. Frailty may significantly increase the risks of short-term acute complications in geriatric patients receiving cranial neurosurgery for a primary CNS neoplasm. Long-term analysis revealed no significant difference in complications between frail and nonfrail patients. Further research is warranted to understand the effects and timeline of frailty in geriatric patients.
Automated cardiac volume assessment and cardiac long- and short-axis imaging plane prediction from electrocardiogram-gated computed tomography volumes enabled by deep learning.

Author(s): Chen, Zhennong; Rigolli, Marzia; Vigneault, Davis Marc; Kligerman, Seth; Hahn, Lewis; Narezkina, Anna; Craine, Amanda; Lowe, Katherine; Contijoch, Francisco | Abstract: AimsTo develop an automated method for bloodpool segmentation and imaging plane re-slicing of cardiac computed tomography (CT) via deep learning (DL) for clinical use in coronary artery disease (CAD) wall motion assessment and reproducible longitudinal imaging.Methods and resultsOne hundred patients who underwent clinically indicated cardiac CT scans with manually segmented left ventricle (LV) and left atrial (LA) chambers were used for training. For each patient, long-axis (LAX) and short-axis planes were manually defined by an imaging expert. A DL model was trained to predict bloodpool segmentations and imaging planes. Deep learning bloodpool segmentations showed close agreement with manual LV [median Dice: 0.91, Hausdorff distance (HD): 6.18 mm] and LA (Dice: 0.93, HD: 7.35 mm) segmentations and a strong correlation with manual ejection fraction (Pearson r: 0.95 LV, 0.92 LA). Predicted planes had low median location (6.96 mm) and angular orientation (7.96 ° ) errors which were comparable to inter-reader differences (P g 0.71). 84-97% of DL-prescribed LAX planes correctly intersected American Heart Association segments, which was comparable (P g 0.05) to manual slicing. In a test cohort of 144 patients, we evaluated the ability of the DL approach to provide diagnostic imaging planes. Visual scoring by two blinded experts determined ≥94% of DL-predicted planes to be diagnostically adequate. Further, DL-enabled visualization of LV wall motion abnormalities due to CAD and provided reproducible planes upon repeat imaging.ConclusionA volumetric, DL approach provides multiple chamber segmentations and can re-slice the imaging volume along standardized cardiac imaging planes for reproducible wall motion abnormality and functional assessment.
Comparison of the effects of corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid‐carboxymethylcellulose solution on selective nerve root block for lumbar radiculopathy: A prospective, double‐blind, randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND Selective nerve root block (SNRB) was shown to effectively control radiating pain and reduce the need for surgical intervention. However, repetitive injections may trigger corticosteroid-induced side effects (hypercorticism, hyperglycemia, or fluid retention). This study aims to compare the potency of hyaluronic acid-carboxymethylcellulose (HA-CMC) solution versus that of corticosteroids regarding lower leg radiating pain (LLRP) improvement and functional outcome. METHODS Among 128 patients, 44 patients who complain about having LLRP due to lumbar spinal stenosis and do not have neurological symptoms requiring surgery were enrolled for this study. Group A with 22 patients injected with cocktail A (local anesthetics and corticosteroid) and group B with 22 patients injected with cocktail B (local anesthetics and HA-CMC). Outcome measures were the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and short form-36 (SF-36). All patients were asked to fill in the questionnaires during the follow-up assessment period at 3 days, 7 days, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. RESULTS In all time periods, there were no statistical differences between the two groups for VAS scores and VAS improvement over time, ODI scores and ODI improvement over time, and SF-36 PCS scores and SF-36 mental component score scores. Additionally, the 95% confidence interval of the difference in VAS score improvement between the 2 groups in all time periods was within VAS 5.0, which is the minimum clinically relevant difference. CONCLUSIONS Considering the adverse effects of corticosteroids, and the similar LLRP improvements, functional outcome, and quality of life, the HA-CMC solution may be an alternative option to corticosteroid in SNRB.
Alterations in dopamine metabolism after chronic administration of haloperidol. Possible role of increased autoreceptor sensitivity.

Abstract Basal levels of the metabolites of dopamine (DA) were reduced following the chronic administration of haloperidol. The ability of small doses (50 or 100 μg/kg) of apomorphine to reduce the concentrations of the metabolite of DA, homovanillic acid (HVA), was also enhanced following the chronic administration of haloperidol. In addition, the accumulation of DA and of the metabolite of DA, 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT), in rats treated with pargyline was reduced following the chronic administration of haloperidol, suggesting that basal turnover and release of DA also may be reduced. These findings are discussed in relation to possible changes in the sensitivity of DA autoreceptors and the activity of DA-containing neurons.
Nitrogen photochemistry—VI

Abstract The irradiation of 2- and 4-(hydroxymethyl)pyridines in aqueous acid-2-propanol solutions provides the corresponding methylpyridines and 1,2-dipyridylethanes. Only retarded formation of 3-methylpyridine with low yields resulted from the irradiation of 3-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine. Neither the methylpyridines nor the 1,2-(dipyridyl)-1,2-ethanediols serve as precursors for the dipyridylethane products. It has also been demonstrated that the 1,2-dipyridylethanes do not generate the methylpyridines in the reaction solution. Evidence is presented for an excited singlet state mechanism for the reactions.
Acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase system of Escherichia coli. Site of carboxylation of biotin and enzymatic reactivity of 1'-N-(ureido)-carboxybiotin derivatives.

Abstract Methylation of enzymatically synthesized carboxy-d-biotin yields 1'-N-methoxycarbonyl-d-biotin methyl ester, a fact which earlier led to the conclusion that the site of carboxylation of biotin was the 1'-N position. However, as pointed out by Bruice and Hegarthy ((1970) Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 65, 805) this structural assignment is equivocal for if carboxylation were to occur at the ureido-O, methylation would facilitate intramolecular O to N migration of the "carboxyl" (methoxycarbonyl) group and lead to the same derivative, 1'-N-methoxycarbonyl-d-biotin methyl ester. In the present investigation definitive evidence was obtained which indicates that the ureido-N of biotin is in fact the site of carboxylation. Carboxy-d-biotins generated enzymatically by the biotin carboxylase or carboxyltransferase components of the Escherichia coli acetyl-CoA carboxylase system and tested immediately have stability properties indistinguishable from that of 1'-N-carboxy-d-biotin; first-order decarboxylation rates over the pH range 5 to 9 are identical for the enzymatic products and the authentic carboxybiotin derivative. Specificity studies reveal that the carboxylate terminus of the valeric acid side chain of biotin renders this molecule a poor model substrate for the E. coli carboxyltransferase; it accounts as well for the inability of this enzyme to utilize 1'-N-carboxy-d-biotin as a carboxyl donor substrate. Thus, derivatives lacking the side chain carboxylate function, e.g. biotinol and biotinyl acetate, which are excellent carboxyl acceptor substrates, were used as precursors for the synthesis of enzymatically active 1'-N carboxy derivatives. The carboxyltransferase-catalyzed reaction of [3-14C]malonyl-CoA and d-biotinyl acetate yields a product which after methylation and chromatography has properties identical with 1'-N-methoxycarbonyl-d-biotinyl acetate. Alkaline hydrolysis of the labeled compound yielded putative 1'-N-[14C]carboxy-dbiotinol which serves as a substrate for E. coli carboxyltransferase. 1'-N-Methoxycarbonyl-d-biotinyl acetate was chemically synthesized from d-biotinyl acetate and methylchloroformate under conditions known to effect 1'-N-acylation of a related d-biotin derivative. The product was characterized by chemical, mass spectral, and nuclear magnetic resonance (proton and 13C NMR) analyses; 13C NMR spectra indicated methoxycarbonyl substitution at the 1'-N, rather than the ureido-O, of the imidazolidone ring. Alkaline hydrolysis of 1'-N-methoxycarbonyl-d-biotinyl acetate yields a product, 1'-N-carboxy-d-biotinol, which served efficiently as a carboxyl donor substrate for carboxyltransferase-catalyzed transcarboxylation to acetyl-CoA giving rise to malonyl-CoA. These results and the fact that authentic 1'-N-carboxy-d-biotin also is a substrate for biotin carboxylase-catalyzed net ATP formation from ADP and Pi indicate that the 1'-ureido-N position of biotin is the enzymatic site of carboxylation.
Does the physical state of a mantle indicate the stage of evolution of a star

The physical state of the mantle of a star (its chromosphere, corona, and wind) is chiefly determined by the amount of nonradiative heat and momentum deposited in the mantle. Because the presence of magnetic lines of force buffeted by turbulent or convective elements in the photosphere seems to be a dominating factor for determining how much energy and momentum are deposited in the mantle, the question of the title can be rephrased to ask can the presence of magnetic fields in the mantle of a star and the presence of rotationally or convectively driven turbulence in the photosphere be related uniquely to any particular stage of evolution of a star. The answer to this question is important because many of the spectroscopic features which have been empirically selected as criteria for spectral type are products of the physical state of the mantle of the star rather than of its photosphere. The standard theory relates properties of the photosphere to the stage of evolution of a model star, not properties of the mantle. It is conditions in the envelope of the star that cause strands of magnetic flux to be created and expelled from the photosphere. The strands then expand, grow, and decay in the mantle of the star. Until the generation of the needed magnetic flux can be related uniquely and unambiguously to the age of the star, one cannot use the spectroscopic phenomena generated in the mantle as an unambiguous key to the stage of evolution of the star.
Embedding Data in 3D Models

The recent popularity of digital media such as CD-ROM and the Internet has prompted exploration of techniques for embedding data, either visibly or invisibly, into text, image, and audio objects. Applications of such data embedding include copyright identification, theft deterrence, and inventory.
Aging, body composition, and lifestyle: the Fels Longitudinal Study

Background: Changes in body composition in men and women occur with age, but these changes are affected by numerous covariate factors. Objective: The study examined patterns of change in body composition and determined the effects of long-term patterns of change in physical activity in older men and women and in menopausal status and estrogen use in women. Design: Serial measures of height, weight, body mass index (BMI), total body fat (BF), percentage BF, and fat-free mass (FFM) from underwater weighing of 102 men and 108 women enrolled in the Fels Longitudinal Study were analyzed. Physical activity levels and menopausal status were included as covariates. Results: There were significant age-related decreases in FFM and height and increases in total BF, percentage BF, weight, and BMI. Physical activity was associated with decreases in total BF, percentage BF, weight, and BMI in men and were associated with increases in FFM and decreases in total BF and percentage BF in women. Postmenopausal women had significantly higher total BF and percentage BF than did pre- and perimenopausal women. The longer the time since menopause the greater were the increases in weight, BMI, total BF, and percentage BF; however, estrogen use attenuated these increases. Conclusions: Low FFM can be improved by increased physical activity. The effects of an intervention program on body composition can be masked if only body weight or BMI is measured. The effects of physical activity were more profound in postmenopausal than in premenopausal women, and estrogen use had beneficial effects on body composition.
Preventing the revealing of online passwords to inappropriate websites with logininspector

Modern Web browsers do not provide sufficient protection to prevent users from submitting their online passwords to inappropriate websites. As a result, users may accidentally reveal their passwords for high-security websites to inappropriate low-security websites or even phishing websites. In this paper, we address this limitation of modern browsers by proposing LoginInspector, a profiling-based warning mechanism. The key idea of LoginInspector is to continuously monitor a user's login actions and securely store hashed domain-specific successful login information to an in-browser database. Later on, whenever the user attempts to log into a website that does not have the corresponding successful login record, LoginInspector will warn and enable the user to make an informed decision on whether to really send this login information to the website. LoginInspector can also report users' insecure password practices to system administrators so that targeted training and technical assistance can be provided to vulnerable users. We implemented LoginInspector as a Firefox browser extension and evaluated it on 30 popular legitimate websites, 30 sample phishing websites, and one new phishing scam discovered by M86 Security Labs. Our evaluation and analysis indicate that LoginInspector is a secure and useful mechanism that can be easily integrated into modern Web browsers to complement their existing protection mechanisms. Security system administrators in our university commented that such a tool could be very helpful for them to strengthen campus IT security.
The Drosophila seven-up gene, a member of the steroid receptor gene superfamily, controls photoreceptor cell fates.

Abstract The Drosophila seven-up (svp) gene was isolated as a lethal insertion in an "enhancer trap" screen. It is expressed and required in photoreceptor cell precursors R1, R3, R4, and R6 during eye development. The absence of svp + function causes a transformation of these cells toward an R7 cell fate, as judged by morphology and expression of an R7-specific marker. This transformation depends in part on the sevenless gene product. Our results show that svp is involved in control of cell fate during the generation of neuronal diversity. Molecular analysis of svp reveals that it is a member of the steroid receptor gene superfamily and is likely to be a Drosophila homolog of the human transcription factor COUP.
The Impact of Maternal Depression and Parenting Behaviors on Adolescents' Psychological Functioning in Romania

We examined the impact of maternal depression and parenting behaviors on adolescents' psychological functioning in Romania. The direct and indirect links between maternal depression, maternal acceptance, behavioral control, psychological control and adolescent internalizing and externalizing behaviors were analyzed. The sample consisted of 239, 12–14 year-old adolescents and their mothers. Results indicated that higher maternal depression were associated with higher levels of psychological control and higher levels of internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Higher levels of behavioral control were associated with higher levels of internalizing and externalizing behaviors in adolescents.
In situ measurement of nitric oxide production in cardiac isografts and rejecting allografts by an electrochemical method.

Abstract A number of previous studies have indirectly (electron paramagnetic resonance, nitrite/nitrate, ribonuclease protection assay for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA, l -citrulline assay) demonstrated the production of nitrogen monoxide (NO) during early cardiac allograft rejection. This study reports the first direct, quantitative measurement using an electrochemical method of NO producedfrom rejecting allograft tissue studied in vitro. A rat heterotopic abdominal transplant preparation was utilized. Day 7 isograft (ACI to ACI) or allograft (Lewis to ACI) transplanted hearts were atraumatically harvested and suspended at 4°C in Ringers–Hepes solution. An electrochemical system highly sensitive and specific for NO consisting of a Nafion-coated platinum disk electrode (lower limit, 50 nM NO) coupled to an analysis system measured ongoing oxidation of NO. Measurements were carried out after inserting the electrode in the tissue block and warming the block to 25°C. Additional measurements were also made after incubation of tissue with aminoguanidine (AG), a relatively selective iNOS inhibitor. Direct measurements (mean ± SEM) from allograft tissue indicated a fourfold increase in NO as compared with isografts (13.41 ± 4.40 μM NO vs 3.43 ± 2.04 μM NO). Incubation of allograft tissue with AG reduced NO levels to isograft levels (13.41 ± 4.40 μM NO vs 5.94 ± 3.14 μM NO); AG had no effect on measured isograft NO levels. Direct, quantitative measurement of NO from tissue is feasible and reproducible, and discrimination between different levels of NO production can be made. These results confirm the imputed results from the previous studies using this experimental model. This technology promises to be a valuable tool for evaluating specific modulators of NO production studied under a variety of physiologic and pathophysiologic conditions.
Nerve cell differentiation in vitro

The differentiation of cultured neurons from 4- and 8-day chick spinal ganglia has been studied when the nerve cell bodies rest on plastic, gelatin, glial cells, and heart fibroblasts, and when conditioned media are present. The percentage of neurons differentiated, time of axon initiation, total axonal length, rate of axon elongation, and level of 3H-leucine incorporation are employed as parameters of neuronal differentiation. Glia and heart fibroblasts increase the percentage of neuronal differentiation. Gelatin increases the percentage of neurons differentiated, as well as the rate of axon elongation and protein synthesis. Conditioned media also enhance the percentage of neuronal differentiation and the length of axon formed, but their effects are not equivalent to those of gelatin.
Using molecular mimicry to produce anti-receptor antibodies.

An innovative approach to the production of anti-receptor antibodies is now being fully exploited for a number of different cell receptors. This approach employs the concept that antibodies directed against pharmacologically active ligands have a three-dimensional binding site which is somewhat analogous to the natural receptor. Consequently, when anti-idiotype antibodies are produced against these anti-ligand antibodies, some of the anti-idiotypes will comprise a positive three-dimensional shape which mimics the original ligand. The anti-idiotypic antibodies generated in this fashion are able to bind to cell surface receptors. This approach has now been successfully applied to peptide hormones, small bio-active peptides, interferon, viral hemagglutinins, and a number of small neurotransmitter ligands. So far, the boundaries for this working ‘molecular engineering’ concept have not been reached. This concept may also shed light on the processes which take place in the generation of anti-receptor antibodies in several autoimmune diseases.
Adaptive Rejection Metropolis Simulated Annealing for Detecting Global Maximum Regions

A finite mixture model has been used to fit the data from heterogeneous populations to many applications. An Expectation Maximization (EM) algorithm is the most popular method to estimate parameters in a finite mixture model. A Bayesian approach is another method for fitting a mixture model. However, the EM algorithm often converges to the local maximum regions, and it is sensitive to the choice of starting points. In the Bayesian approach, the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sometimes converges to the local mode and is difficult to move to another mode. Hence, in this paper we propose a new method to improve the limitation of EM algorithm so that the EM can estimate the parameters at the global maximum region and to develop a more effective Bayesian approach so that the MCMC chain moves from one mode to another more easily in the mixture model. Our approach is developed by using both simulated annealing (SA) and adaptive rejection metropolis sampling (ARMS). Although SA is a well-known approach for detecting distinct modes, the limitation of SA is the difficulty in choosing sequences of proper proposal distributions for a target distribution. Since ARMS uses a piecewise linear envelope function for a proposal distribution, we incorporate ARMS into an SA approach so that we can start a more proper proposal distribution and detect separate modes. As a result, we can detect the maximum region and estimate parameters for this global region. We refer to this approach as ARMS annealing. By putting together ARMS annealing with the EM algorithm and with the Bayesian approach, respectively, we have proposed two approaches: an EM-ARMS annealing algorithm and a Bayesian-ARMS annealing approach. We compare our two approaches with traditional EM algorithm alone and Bayesian approach alone using simulation, showing that our two approaches are comparable to each other but perform better than EM algorithm alone and Bayesian approach alone. Our two approaches detect the global maximum region well and estimate the parameters in this region. We demonstrate the advantage of our approaches using an example of the mixture of two Poisson regression models. This mixture model is used to analyze a survey data on the number of charitable donations.
Pharmacopeial compliance of fish oil-containing parenteral lipid emulsion mixtures: Globule size distribution (GSD) and fatty acid analyses.

Recently, the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) has established Chapter 729 with GSD limits for all lipid emulsions where the mean droplet size (MDS) must be or =45%; total n3 or T-n3> or =60%) for fish oil. We assessed compliance with USP physical and EP chemical limits of two fish oil-containing lipid emulsion mixtures. All lipid emulsions passed USP 729 limits. No samples tested had an MDS >302 nm or a PFAT(5) value >0.011%. Only one product met EP limits while the other failed. All emulsions tested were extremely fine dispersions and easily met USP 729 GSD limits. The n3-FAs profiles were lower in one, despite being labeled to contain 50% more fish oil than the other product. This latter finding suggests the n3-FA content of the fish oil source and/or the applied manufacturing processes in these products is different.
Deviation from morphological intermediacy in interstrain hybrids of rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri

Deviations from morphological intermediacy in six first generation hybrids between three hatchery strains of rainbow trout, raised in a common environment, are reported. Hybrids have higher mean counts of four meristic characters than their maternal parental strain in a significantly greater number of cases (18 out of 24). Furthermore, eight of eleven hybrid indices are not intermediate. These results are discussed in reference to several mechanisms and models proposed to account for observed responses of meristic characters to environmental and genetic influences.
Ultrashort optical pulse characterization using WS_2 monolayers

We demonstrate the application of two-dimensional materials for ultrashort optical pulse characterization. Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides, such as tungsten disulfide (WS2), possess extraordinarily large second-order nonlinear susceptibility, and due to their atomic thickness, have relaxed phase-matching requirements and, hence, an inherently wide bandwidth. Synthesized monolayer WS2 triangular islands were used to characterize ultrashort optical pulses at the focal point of an objective lens through second-harmonic generation collinear frequency-resolved optical gating.
An economical microcomputer design for the generation and display of timed visual stimuli: The TDL VDB

Recent developments in microprocessor-based technology should be of particular interest to psychologists concerned with perceptual and cognitive processes. This paper describes the advantages of a Z-80-based system that uses the Technical Design Labs video display board (VDB) for the generation and control of visual stimuli.
A Monte Carlo model for in situ prompt gamma-ray analysis probes

Abstract A Monte Carlo model was developed to predict the photopeak response of in situ neutron capture, prompt gamma-ray analysis probes at all elemental concentrations of interest in the host matrix simultaneously. The model accounts for neutron and photon transport in the shielding components of the probe as well as in the medium. A test of the model was made by comparing with experimental results from a test configuration. Favorable agreement was noted for normalized chlorine and hydrogen responses over a range of concentrations. The model is expected to be useful for calibrating in situ analysis probes and for optimizing probe design parameters.
Titan Ballute Aerocapture Using a Perturbed TitanGRAM Model

Aerocapture using a towed, inflatable ballute system has been shown to provide significant performance advantages compared to traditional technologies, including lower heating rates and accommodation of larger navigational uncertainties. This paper extends previous results by designing a ballute aerocapture separation algorithm that can operate in a more realistic Titan atmospheric model based on TitanGRAM. This model incorporates both latitudinal variability as well as noisiness in the density profile.
The E7 oncoprotein of human papillomavirus type 16 interacts with F-actin in vitro and in vivo.

We report here that E7 oncoprotein of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) forms a complex in vivo and in vitro with actin, one of the components of the cellular cytoskeleton. The in vivo interaction was detected by immunofluorescent staining and confocal microscopic examination of normal human oral keratinocytes (NHOK) and CV-1 cells after transient expression of E7 employing the vaccinia virus-T7 RNA polymerase system and by coimmunoprecipitation from an immortalized, nontumorigenic cell line obtained after transfecting NHOK with the cloned HPV-16 DNA genome. The in vitro interaction was detected by cosedimentation of bacterially expressed E7 phosphorylated with rabbit reticulocyte lysate or purified casein kinase II (CKII) prior to incubation with F-actin. This interaction was inhibited if E7 phosphorylation by the rabbit reticulocyte lysate was prevented with heparin, a CKII inhibitor, or if the amino acids Ser-31 and Ser-32 in E7, which are phosphorylated by CKII, were replaced with amino acids that cannot be phosphorylated. Interestingly, a decrease in the amount of polymerized actin occurred in cells expressing E7.
Toward a judgment model of college satisfaction

We define college satisfaction as a student's cognitive evaluation of the overall quality of his/her college life at a particular institution of higher education. College satisfaction is worthy of study because of its link with GPA and turnover, and because it is an important subjective educational outcome in its own right. Most research on college satisfaction has been guided by Spady's (1970) framework. Overall, student attributes, objective college outcomes, and objective characteristics of college environments account for modest amounts of variance in college satisfaction. To augment Spady's framework, we present a preliminary model of college satisfaction that emphasizes inference components and information processing. Hypotheses are delineated concerning how the relations between objective college outcomes and college satisfaction judgments may be moderated by encoding and interpretation, identifying implications, integration of implications, response selection, attention, and memory.
Calculation of energy-barrier lowering by incoherent switching in spin-transfer torque magnetoresistive random-access memory

To make a useful spin-transfer torque magnetoresistive random-access memory (STT-MRAM) device, it is necessary to be able to calculate switching rates, which determine the error rates of the device. In a single-macrospin model, one can use a Fokker-Planck equation to obtain a low-current thermally activated rate ∝exp(−Eeff/kBT). Here, the effective energy barrier Eeff scales with the single-macrospin energy barrier KV, where K is the effective anisotropy energy density and V the volume. A long-standing paradox in this field is that the actual energy barrier appears to be much smaller than this. It has been suggested that incoherent motions may lower the barrier, but this has proved difficult to quantify. In the present paper, we show that the coherent precession has a magnetostatic instability, which allows quantitative estimation of the energy barrier and may resolve the paradox.
Direct dentin bonding technique sensitivity when using air/suction drying steps.

Statement of Problem: Moisture control before and after application of the primer/adhesive components of etch-and-rinse dentin bonding agents is usually achieved using a stream of air delivered by an air syringe. Suction drying with a suction tip is a common alternative for moisture control, but data about the use of suction drying instead of the air syringe is scarce or nonexistent. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the dentin microtensile bond strength (MTBS) using either the air syringe or the suction tip to control the amount of moisture. Materials and Methods: Fifteen freshly extracted human molars were divided randomly into three groups of five. A three-step etch-and-rinse dentin bonding agent (OptiBond FL) was used. Group 1 was the control group and utilized air drying alone (with an air syringe) during the placement of the dentin adhesive on the ground-flat occlusal dentin surface. Group 2 also used air drying alone, but teeth were prepared with a standardized MOD cavity. Group 3 utilized suction drying alone in the standardized MOD cavity. All teeth were restored with 1.5-mm-thick horizontal increments of composite resin (Filtek Z100). Specimens were stored in water for 24 hours, then prepared for a nontrimming MTBS test. Bond strength data were analyzed with a Kruskal–Wallis test at p < 0.05. Specimens were also evaluated for mode of fracture and interface characterization using scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. Results: The mean MTBSs were not statistically different from one another (p = 0.54) at 54.0 MPa (air-drying, flat dentin), 53.4 MPa (air-drying, MOD), and 49.2 MPa (suction drying, MOD). Microscopic evaluation of failure modes indicated that most failures were interfacial. Failed interfaces, when analyzed under SEM, appeared typically mixed with areas of failed adhesive resin and areas of cohesively failed dentin. Conclusions: There are no differences in MTBS to human dentin using either the air syringe or the suction tip to control the amount of moisture. The conventional three-step dentin bonding agent used in the present study not only proved insensitive to the moisture-control method but also to the effect of increased polymerization shrinkage stress (ground-flat versus MOD preparation). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Although the effect of common errors on the performance of total-etch adhesives has been investigated, data about the use of suction drying instead of an air syringe is scarce or nonexistent. The present study demonstrated that both the air syringe and the suction tip can be used to control moisture when using etch-and-rinse dentin bonding agents. The conventional three-step dentin bonding agent tested, OptiBond FL, demonstrated low technique sensitivity.
Insulin Receptors Mediate Growth Effects in Cultured Fetal Neurons. II. Activation of a Protein Kinase that Phosphorylates Ribosomal Protein S6

Abstract As an initial attempt to identify early steps in insulin action that may be involved in the growth responses of neurons to insulin, we investigated whether insulin receptor activation increases the phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 in cultured fetal neurons and whether activation of a protein kinase is involved in this process. When neurons were incubated for 2 h with 32Pi, the addition of insulin (100 ng/ml) for the final 30 min increased the incorporation of 32Pi into a 32K microsomal protein. The incorporation of 32Pi into the majority of other neuronal proteins was unaltered by the 30-min exposure to insulin. Cytosolic extracts from insulin-treated neurons incubated in the presence of exogenous rat liver 40S ribosomes and [7γ-32P]ATP displayed a 3- to 8-fold increase in the phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 compared to extracts from untreated cells. Inclusion of cycloheximide during exposure of the neurons to insulin did not inhibit the increased cytosolic kinase activity. Activat...
A first-order crumpling transition

Abstract Using a gaussian action with an extrinsic curvature term, we study the finite-size scaling behavior of the crumpling transition of a surface embedded in two dimensions. The data suggest that the transition is first order.
Radiographic evaluation of the acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joints

The shoulder girdle is comprised of three synovial articulations: the glenohumeral;theacromioclavicular(AC);andthesternoclavicular(SC)joints.Thisarticle discusses the radiographic evaluation of two of these articulations—the sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joints—with particular emphasis on sports-related injuries. Radiography is the most frequently used modality in the initial assessment of both the SC and the AC joints. This technique, however, is often limited by the obliquity of the joints, overlapping structures, and inability to delineate the soft tissues. Thus, although radiography is generally optimal in first line assessment, further work-up with computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often required for more complete evaluation. CTis ideal for the diagnosis of clavicular fractures with or without joint involvement, joint malalignment, and subtle osseous changes. MRI, however, is far superior in its ability to accurately assess both the intra- and extra-articular soft tissues. At present, ultrasound has a limited role in the evaluation of these small but complex joints. The sternoclavicular joint The sternoclavicular joint is an uncommon site of athletically induced trauma. Traumatic injuries (inclusive of fractures, subluxations/dislocations, ligamentous tears, cartilagenous injuries) and degenerative joint disease are the most frequent causes of pain and deformity in the athletic patient. Although the SC joint is affected in over 40% of patients with rhematoid arthritis with findings of joint effusion, joint space loss, pannus formation, erosions, and disc destruction [1], for the purpose of this article we will focus on the more common traumatic injuries.
Body size and leaping kinematics in Malagasy vertical clingers and leapers

Abstract The locomotor category of vertical clingers and leapers has been dominated conceptually from the beginning by its small-bodied representatives, galagos and tarsiers. Over the years, great morphological diversity has been documented within the group, much of it size-related. Corresponding behavioral differences remain to be explored, in large part because adequate data on the larger-bodied species were not available. The primary objective of this paper was to characterize the leaping kinematics of indriid primates, the much neglected large-bodied vertical clingers and leapers. We videotaped leaps of four species of indriids at four different sites in Madagascar:Indri indri,Propithecus diadema,Propithecus verreauxi, andAvahi laniger. Video images were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively after importing them into a computerized measuring program. Ranges of motion at the hip joint (a combination of extension, adduction, and medial rotation) probably exceed those of tarsiers and galagos. The foot of indriids usually releases the grip around the support and contributes little or nothing to propulsion, thus supporting the notion that indriids are “hip” leapers. With the forefoot stationary on the support, hindfoot eversion accommodates the adduction and medial rotation at the hip during acceleration for take off. Indriid leapers can be characterized as “tarsirotators” in contrast to “tarsifulcrumating” galagos and tarsiers. Size-related variation in hindlimb kinematics is surprisingly limited within the sample of indriid leapers, although acceleration time (the duration of the push off) does increase with increasing body size. In addition, forelimb kinematics reveal a clear size-related pattern; the smallest indriid species leaps with its arms tucked into the chest—like tarsiers and galagos—and the larger-bodied indriid species use their arms during acceleration for take off as well as to initiate body rotation while airborne. The small-bodied species rely exclusively on their tails for this same purpose. Whereas relative tail length decreases with increasing body size in vertical clingers and leapers, the relative weight of the forelimbs increases and makes their action more effective.
Disposition and metabolism of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF) in rainbow trout

Abstract In order to elucidate the metabolic fate of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF) in fish and to thereby facilitate the assessment of the risks posed by this environmental toxin, we determined the whole body half-life, tissue distribution and metabolism of [3H TCDF in rainbow trout (Onchorynchus mykiss), treated orally. A whole body biphasic elimination pattern resulted in the excretion of 60% of the administered chemical during the first 3 days, after which a much slower elimination-rate (half-life = 14 days) was observed. Significant amounts of water-soluble metabolites were found in both bile and liver. Of the TCDF-derived radioactivity in bile, approximately 50% represented glucuronide conjugates, predominantly 4-hydroxy-2,3,7,8-TCDF: substantial amounts of the sulfate conjugate of this same metabolite were also present. Except at early time points, muscle contained the predominant fraction of TCDF-derived radioactivity, amounting to 25–65% of the total radioactivity present in the fish. More than 95% of the radioactivity present in muscle represented unmetabolized TCDF.
Tumor-associated vacuolar ATPase subunit promotes tumorigenic characteristics in macrophages

Macrophage polarization contributes to distinct human pathologies. In tumors, a polarized M2 phenotype called tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are associated with promotion of invasion and angiogenesis. In cancer cells, vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase), a multi-subunit enzyme, is expressed on the plasma/vesicular membranes and critically influences the metastatic behavior. In addition, the soluble, cleaved N-terminal domain of a2 isoform of V-ATPase (a2NTD) is associated with in vitro induction of pro-tumorigenic properties in monocytes. This activity of a2 isoform of V-ATPase (a2V) caused us to investigate its role in cancer progression through the evaluation of the immunomodulatory properties of a2NTD. Here, we present direct evidence that surface expression of V-ATPase is associated with macrophage polarization in tumor tissue. Macrophages from BALB/c mice (peritoneal/bone marrow derived) were stimulated with recombinant a2NTD in both ex vivo and in vivo systems and evaluated for TAM characteristics. a2V was highly expressed in tumor tissues (breast and skin) as well as on the surface of tumor cell lines. The a2NTD-stimulated macrophages (a2MΦ) acquired TAM phenotype, which was characterized by elevated expression of mannose receptor-1, Arginase-1, interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-β. a2MΦ also exhibited increased production of other tumorigenic factors including matrix metalloproteinase-9 and vascular endothelial growth factor. Further, a2MΦ were cocultured with mouse B-16F0 melanoma cells for their functional characterization. The coculture of these a2MΦ subsequently increased the invasion and angiogenesis of less invasive B-16F0 cells. When cocultured with naive T cells, a2MΦ significantly inhibited T-cell activation. The present data establish the role of V-ATPase in modulating a macrophage phenotype towards TAMs through the action of a2NTD, suggesting it to be a potential therapeutic target in cancer.