cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Three IMRT advanced planning tools: A multi-institutional side-by-side comparison

Purpose To assess three advanced radiation therapy treatment planning tools on the intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) quality and consistency when compared to the clinically approved plans, referred as manual plans, which were planned without using any of these advanced planning tools. Materials and methods Three advanced radiation therapy treatment planning tools, including auto-planning, knowledge-based planning, and multiple criteria optimization, were assessed on 20 previously treated clinical cases. Three institutions participated in this study, each with expertise in one of these tools. The twenty cases were retrospectively selected from Cleveland Clinic, including five head-and-neck (HN) cases, five brain cases, five prostate with pelvic lymph nodes cases, and five spine cases. A set of general planning objectives and organs-at-risk (OAR) dose constraints for each disease site from Cleveland Clinic was shared with other two institutions. A total of 60 IMRT research plans (20 from each institution) were designed with the same beam configuration as in the respective manual plans. For each disease site, detailed isodoseline distributions and dose volume histograms for a randomly selected representative case were compared among the three research plans and manual plan. In addition, dosimetric endpoints of five cases for each site were compared. Results Compared to the manual plans, the research plans using advanced tools showed substantial improvement for the HN patient cases, including the maximum dose to the spinal cord and brainstem and mean dose to the parotid glands. For the brain, prostate, and spine cases, the four types of plans were comparable based on dosimetric endpoint comparisons. Conclusion With minimal planner interventions, advanced treatment planning tools are clinically useful, producing a plan quality similarly to or better than manual plans, improving plan consistency. For difficult cases such as HN cancer, advanced planning tools can further reduce radiation doses to numerous OARs while delivering adequate dose to the tumor targets.
EXP1 is required for organization of the intraerythrocytic malaria parasite vacuole

Abstract Intraerythrocytic malaria parasites reside within a parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM) that closely overlays the parasite plasma membrane (PPM) and constitutes the barrier between parasite and host compartments. The PVM is the site of several essential transport activities but the basis for organization of this membrane system is unknown. We utilized the second-generation promiscuous biotin ligase BioID2 fused to EXP2 or HSP101 to probe the content of the PVM, identifying known and novel candidate PVM proteins. Among the best represented hits were members of a group of single-pass integral membrane proteins that constitute a major component of the PVM proteome but whose function remains unclear. We investigated the function of EXP1, the longest known member of this group, by adapting a CRISPR/Cpf1 genome editing system to install the TetR-DOZI-aptamers system for conditional translational control. EXP1 knockdown was essential for intraerythrocytic development and accompanied by profound changes in vacuole ultrastructure, including increased separation of the PVM and PPM and formation of abnormal membrane structures in the enlarged vacuole lumen. While previous in vitro studies indicated EXP1 possesses glutathione S-transferase activity, a mutant version of EXP1 lacking a residue important for this activity in vitro still provides substantial rescue of endogenous exp1 knockdown in vivo. Intriguingly, while activity of the Plasmodium translocon of exported proteins was not impacted by depletion of EXP1, the distribution of the translocon pore-forming protein EXP2 was substantially altered. Collectively, our results reveal a novel PVM defect that indicates a critical role for EXP1 in maintaining proper PVM organization. Importance Like other obligate intracellular apicomplexans, blood-stage malaria parasites reside within a membrane-bound compartment inside the erythrocyte known as the parasitophorous vacuole. Although the vacuole is the site of several transport activities essential to parasite survival, little is known about its organization. To explore vacuole biology, we adopted recently developed proteomic (BioID2) and genetic (CRISPR/Cpf1) tools for use in Plasmodium falciparum, which allowed us to query the function of the prototypical vacuole membrane protein EXP1. Knockdown of EXP1 showed that a previously reported glutathione S-transferase activity cannot fully account for the essential function(s) of EXP1 and revealed a novel role for this protein in maintaining normal vacuole morphology and PVM protein arrangement. Our results provide new insight into vacuole organization and illustrate the power of BioID2 and Cpf1 (which utilizes a T-rich PAM uniquely suited to the P. falciparum genome) for proximity protein identification and genome editing in P. falciparum.
Does the disclosure of gun ownership affect crime? Evidence from New York

Abstract While the social costs of gun violence are high, opponents of gun restrictions argue that gun ownership deters crime and creates a positive externality by increasing unobserved risk to criminals. This paper investigates the evidence for these two deterrence channels, exploiting the sudden disclosure of all handgun permit holders' names and addresses in two New York counties. Permit holders have more crime incidents at their homes relative to non-permit holders in the baseline, which is not driven by selection into neighborhoods. I find little evidence in favor of direct deterrence, and little evidence of peer deterrence. Instead, I find that victimization is associated with a higher likelihood of future gun ownership.
Low prevalence of patellar tendon abnormality and low incidence of patellar tendinopathy in female collegiate volleyball players

The prevalence of patellar tendinopathy has been reported to be as high as 50% in elite male volleyball (VB) players; however, the rate of injury in female collegiate VB athletes is unknown. The purpose of this study was to 1) identify the prevalence of ultrasonographic evidence of patellar tendon abnormality at the start of the preseason in female collegiate VB players; 2) report the incidence of tendinopathy during the season; and 3) determine if the preseason presence of tendon abnormality is associated with onset of disease. One hundred and six female collegiate VB players had both patellar tendons imaged. Incidence of patellar tendinopathy was tracked during the course of the 4-month season. Twenty-two athletes presented with ultrasonographic evidence of patellar tendon abnormality in at least one knee at the start of the preseason. The incidence of time-loss patellar tendinopathy was 0.26 (95% CI: 0.04, 0.85) per 1000 athletic exposures. This study was unable to determine if preseason presence of tendon abnormality was associated with a greater risk of tendinopathy due to power. The prevalence of tendon abnormality in the preseason and the incidence of patellar tendinopathy in female collegiate VB players are lower than that observed in other populations.
Screening for Functional Cognition Using a Simple Performance-Based Test of Cognition and Medication Management

Date Presented 04/05/19 This study was conducted to examine the utility of three functional cognition screening measures: a performance-based revision of the Medication Transfer Screen, the Mini-Cog, and the Mini-Cog combined with the Medication Transfer Screen (Medi-Cog). Findings support the conclusion that the Medi-Cog may be effective at identifying persons with impaired functional cognition who are at risk for IADL impairment. Primary Author and Speaker: Timothy Marks Additional Authors and Speakers: Vanessa Everson, Meaghan Leighton, Shelby Manor, Lionel Palomer, Guadalupe Rivas, Muhammad Al-Heizan, Gordon Giles, Dorothy Farrar Edwards
Retrospective Analysis of Root-end Microsurgery Outcomes in a Postgraduate Program in Endodontics Using Calcium Silicate-based Cements as Root-end Filling Materials.

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the clinical and radiographic outcomes of root-end microsurgery in a postgraduate program in endodontics using modern techniques and calcium silicate–based root-end filling materials (ProRoot MTA; Dentsply International, Johnson City, TN, and EndoSequence Root Repair Material [ERRM]; Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA) and to identify any potential prognostic factors that may have affected healing outcomes. Methods Clinical records and periapical radiographs were collected from patients who had undergone endodontic microsurgery between 2007 and 2018 in a postgraduate endodontic clinic with a minimum follow-up interval of 6 months. Either ProRoot MTA or ERRM was used as the root-end filling material. Outcomes were categorized into healed, healing, and nonhealing based on clinical and radiographic findings. Healed and healing cases were pooled and considered as successes, whereas nonhealing cases were considered as failures. Results A total of 129 patients with 142 teeth were included in the final analysis. Seventy-six cases were root-end filled with ProRoot MTA and 66 root-end filled with ERRM. The ProRoot MTA group had a success rate of 92.1%, and the ERRM group had a success rate of 92.4% with no significant difference between the groups (P > .05). Vertical root fracture was found to be the predominant cause of failure. No patient- or treatment-related factor was identified to have any significant impact on healing. Conclusions High overall success can be achieved in a postgraduate endodontic program when either ProRoot MTA or ERRM is used as the root-end filling material.
Commentary on special issue on individual placement and support (IPS) international.

Objective In this commentary, we identify major themes found in this set of 11 articles, which examine the history of individual placement and support (IPS) adoption within each nation. Method We summarize major barriers and strategies to achieve to IPS adoption and implementation and briefly discuss IPS research conducted in these countries. Findings Faced with many barriers, countries are developing strategies to promote IPS implementation and dissemination. IPS research has consistently found superior employment outcomes for people receiving IPS compared to usual services. Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of IPS for new populations. Conclusions and implications for practice IPS is expanding worldwide, aided by strong leadership, national directives, and the International IPS Learning Community. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Process Evaluation of Literacy Practices within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports Framework

Extant coverage of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) in the research literature has tended to focus on student outcomes as opposed to the process of adult implementation. This conceptual artic...
How We Do It: Implementing a Virtual, Multi-Institutional Collaborative Education Model for the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond.

Objective To describe the implementation of a virtual, multi-institutional educational collaboration involving over 50 general surgery residency programs during the COVID-19 pandemic that enabled enhanced learning for surgical residents despite social-distancing requirements. Design Description of Virginia Commonwealth University's virtual educational augmentation program and the development of a collaborative teaching network during the coronavirus pandemic. Setting This collaboration was initiated by Virginia Commonwealth University's Department of Surgery, Richmond, VA, and grew to include general surgery residency programs from across the nation. Participants General surgery residents and faculty from Departments of General Surgery were recruited locally via direct emails and nationally via the Association of Program Directors’ listserv and Twitter. In total, 52 institutions participated from every part of the country. Results A virtual, multi-institutional collaborative lecture series was initiated that grew to involve over 50 general surgery residency programs, allowing for daily didactics by experts in their fields during the initial surge of the COVID-19 pandemic, while maintaining social distancing and the provision of essential clinical care. Conclusion A multi-institutional collaboration enabled continued didactic education during the coronavirus pandemic, vastly broadening the expertise, scope and variety available to residents, while decreasing burden on faculty. We believe this can serve as a framework for future multi-institutional collaborations that extend beyond the COVID-19 era.
Efficacy of prothrombin complex concentrate in the management of oral factor Xa inhibitors associated major bleed assessed by ISTH and ANNEXA-4 criteria

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly used for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation and treatment and prevention of venous thromboembolism. They are also associated with bleeding risk. Existing literature suggests that prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) administration may help control bleeding due to factor Xa inhibitors (FXaI). To determine the hemostatic efficacy of PCC in patients with major bleeding due to FXaI, we performed a retrospective chart review of 50 patients who presented with FXaI associated major bleeding that required urgent hemostatic management. Hemostatic assessment was performed using ISTH and ANNEXA-4 criteria. Twenty patients presented with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), 20 had gastrointestinal bleeding, 3 had visceral bleeding, 3 had genitourinary bleeding, and 4 had miscellaneous types of bleeding. Fifty-six percent (28/50) had effective hemostasis using ISTH criteria and 84% (42/50) achieved effective hemostasis by ANNEXA-4 criteria. Hemostatic efficacy was similar by both tools for ICH (75% each). However, there was a major difference between ISTH and ANNEXA-4 hemostatic efficacy assessments for GI bleeding (45% and 95%, respectively). When comparing rivaroxaban and apixaban, there was no significant difference in effective hemostasis using either criteria, time to hemostasis, thromboembolic events, or patient mortality. Five (10%) patients had thromboembolic events within seven days of PCC administration, and the 30-day mortality rate was 14% (7/50). Our study shows similar efficacy, thromboembolic events, and mortality associated with PCC compared to andexanet alfa using ANNEXA-4 criteria, suggesting that PCC may be a viable alternative.
General Postoperative Complications

Postoperative complications are a potential outcome of any colorectal operation. These complications can occur in any organ system, but the most common ones include ileus, bleeding, and surgical site infections. Numerous strategies exist to reduce the harmful effects of complications including optimization of modifiable risk factors preoperatively and early identification/treatment of complications if they occur. Ultimately, all colorectal surgeons should be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experience to manage general postoperative complications.
Spinal epidural abscesses: Diagnosis and current treatment options

Spinal epidural abscess is relatively infrequent diagnosis with life-threatening potential. Early diagnosis is imperative as neurological deficits negatively impact a patient’s prognosis. This process results from purulent material accumulating between the thecal sac and the osseous-ligamentous structures of the spine. Developments in imaging techniques have permitted earlier diagnosis of this condition. Emergent surgical decompression with intravenous antibiotics remains the cornerstone of treatment.
Genetic mapping and dominance of the amber suppressor, Su1 (supD), in Escherichia coli K-12.

In this report Su1 (supD), which is known to suppress “amber” mutations by means of a specific transfer ribonucleic acid, has been mapped relative to his and uvrC and has been found to be located at about 37.5 min on the Taylor and Trotter genetic map of the Escherichia coli K-12 chromosome. In addition, Su1+ has been shown to be dominant over Su1−, which supports the idea that Su1 is the structural gene for the suppressing transfer ribonucleic acid.
Fast implementation of time-frequency distributions

Cohen's class of bilinear time-frequency energy distributions (TFDs) offer improved resolution over linear time-frequency representations (TFRs). Several problems with TFDs persist. Many TFDs are costly to evaluate, nonrepresentational, and not associated with low-cost signal synthesis algorithms. It is shown that a recently introduced decomposition into spectrograms (SPs) can be used to construct low-cost approximations to high-resolutions TFDs. Performance examples are provided. The approximations constructed are attractive because they can be evaluated using relatively few SPs, for which there exist widely available hardware and software packages. >
Parallel sub-convolution filter bank architectures

This paper provides an overview of the design and properties of parallel discrete-time filter bank architectures based on the concept of frequency-domain sub-convolution developed by the author. It is demonstrated that this lossless filter bank method is an excellent choice for implementing many signal processing functions in real-time high rate systems. These filter bank architectures incorporate vector processing, the discrete Fourier transform-inverse discrete Fourier transform (DFT-IDFT) overlap-and-save convolution method, and the sub-convolution method. The parallel processing architectures presented facilitate processing for very high rate sampled systems (multi-giga-samples per second) with lower rate CMOS hardware with relatively low complexity (low transistor count). Complexity comparisons demonstrate that the sub-convolution filter bank results in less complex concurrent implementations than parallel time-domain convolution and conventional frequency-domain convolution methods for many processing rate reductions and filter orders. In addition, the sub-convolution filter bank may be used to provide intermediate computation gain, with computation requirements lying in between those of these two conventional methods. As such, the parallel sub-convolution filter bank may also be useful in low-power hardware realizations.
Neural network driven fuzzy inference system

Based on theoretical results, fuzzy systems are universal approximators. In this paper, the authors propose a novel learning approach, self-organizing and self-adjusting fuzzy modeling (SOSAFM), for inference rules. Basically, the proposed system consists of two stages, the self-organizing stage (SOS) and the self-adjusting stage (SAS). In the first stage, the input data is divided into several groups by applying Kohonen's feature maps. Gaussian distribution functions are employed as the standard form of the membership functions. Methods of statistics are used to determine the center and width of the membership function for each group. Regarding the consequences, the linear regression method is used. After the above procedures, one can decide the initial parameters of fuzzy systems. Then, the error backpropagation-type learning method is used to fine-tune the parameters. The simulation results show that the proposed approach is better than conventional neural networks in both accuracy and speed. >
Itinerant antiferromagnetism in the Mott compound V 1.973 O 3

The doping-induced metallic state of the Mott system V{sub 2{minus}{ital y}}O{sub 3} has spin-density-wave order for {ital T}{lt}{ital T}{sub {ital N}}{approx_equal}9 K. Dynamic spin correlations in such a cation-deficient sample, V{sub 1.973}O{sub 3}, were measured with inelastic neutron scattering throughout the Brillouin zone for energies up to {approximately}20{ital k}{sub {ital B}}{ital T}{sub {ital N}} and temperatures up to {approximately}20{ital T}{sub {ital N}}. The dynamic spin-correlation function, {ital S}({ital q},{omega}), consists of a single ridge as a function of {h_bar}{omega} centered at each antiferromagnetic Bragg point. The {bold q}, {omega}, and {ital T} dependence of magnetic fluctuations can be described by the self-consistent renormalization theory for weak itinerant antiferromagnets developed by Moriya, Hasegawa, and Nakayama. Thermodynamic properties below {approximately}10{ital T}{sub {ital N}} are quantitatively accounted for by this theory in its simplest form with only four parameters, which are determined by our neutron-scattering experiment. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Depression of the Interferon Response to Polyinosinic·Polycytidylic Acid by Specific Antibody

SummaryThe relationship in mice between immune status to polyinosinic·polycytidylic acid (poly I·Poly C) and interferon induction by poly I·Poly C was studied in vivo and in vitro. Circulating antibody to poly I·Poly C reduced the in vivo interferon response to poly I·Poly C. A similar but less profound inhibitory effect of specific antibody upon interferon induction was demonstrated in vitro. The findings imply that antibody-poly I·Poly C immune complexes are less potent interferon inducers than poly I·Poly C without antibody. Immunological tolerance to poly I·Poly C did not alter interferon induction by poly I·Poly C indicating dissociation between immunological status and interferon induction with this synthetic RNA in vivo.
PET111, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae Nuclear Gene Required for Translation of the Mitochondrial mRNA Encoding Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit II

Mutations in the nuclear gene PET111 are recessive and specifically block accumulation of cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (coxII), the product of a mitochondrial gene. However, the coxII mRNA is present in pet111 mutants at a level approximately one-third that of wild type. The simplest explanation for this phenotype is that PET111 is required for translation of the coxII mRNA. The reduced steady-state level of this mRNA is probably a secondary effect, caused by increased degradation of the untranslated transcript. Mitochondrial suppressors of pet111, carried on rho- mtDNAs, bypass the requirement for PET111 in coxII translation. Three suppressors are fusions between the coxII structural gene and other mitochondrial genes, that encode chimeric proteins consisting of the N-terminal portions of other mitochondrially coded proteins fused to the coxII precursor protein. When present together with rho+ mtDNA in a heteroplasmic state, these suppressors allow coxII synthesis in pet111 mutants. Thus in wild type, the PET111 product, or something under its control, probably acts at a site coded in the proximal portion of the gene for coxII to promote translation of the mRNA. PET111 was isolated by molecular cloning and genetically mapped to a position approximately midway between rna1 and SUP8 on chromosome XIII.
Occupation held at the time of asthma symptom development.

Background Examining occupations other than those held when asthma symptoms first developed may not correctly identify occupations with higher risk of asthma onset. Methods To determine the occupation held when individuals first developed asthma symptoms, we examined 2010 National Health Interview Survey data for working adults with current asthma. Results Overall 37.1% of working adults with current asthma developed asthma while employed. Of these, the highest proportions of individuals identified office and administrative support (13.3%), sales and related (9.4%), and management (8.5%) as the occupation held when asthma first developed; 37.8% had a different current occupation than at asthma onset, and estimates of a change in occupation were highest for those who developed asthma while working in business and financial operations (49.3%), sales and related (48.6%), and healthcare support (43.8%) occupations. Conclusion Future population-based studies should further examine associations between asthma and occupation held at time of asthma onset. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:1165–1173, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.†
Ab initio studies of structural features not easily amenable to experiment. 32. Conformational analysis and molecular structures of isopropyl and ethyl formate and comparison with spectroscopic data

The geometries of several conformations of ethyl and isopropyl formate were optimized by the ab initio gradient method on the 4-21G level. The calculations are in agreemnt with the existence of two conformers of ethyl formate of nearly equal energy. The COCC torsional angle in one is anti (180°) and in the other is gauche (about 80°). The equilibrium configuration of the isopropyl group in the formate is found to be unsymmetrical, with a COCH torsional angle of about 40°. A second minimum of torsional energy, at COCH = 180°, is 1.2 kcal/mol less stable than the unsymmetrical form. The calculations demonstrate the tranferability of internal rotational-potential parameters and of conformationally dependent geometrical trends between ethyl and isopropyl formate. There is good agreement between the calculated results and empirical potential-energy functions and rotational constants determined from microwave spectroscopy.
H(+)-translocating NADH-quinone oxidoreductase (NDH-1) of Paracoccus denitrificans. Studies on topology and stoichiometry of the peripheral subunits.

The proton-translocating NADH-quinone oxidoreductase (NDH-1) of Paracoccus denitrificans is composed of at least 14 subunits (NQO1–14) and is located in the cytoplasmic membrane. In the present study, topological properties and stoichiometry of the 7 subunits (NQO1–6 and NQO9) of the P. denitrificans NDH-1 in the membranes were investigated using immunological techniques. Treatments with chaotropic reagents (urea, NaI, or NaBr) or with alkaline buffer (pH 10–12) resulted in partial or complete extraction of all the subunits from the membranes. Of interest is that when NaBr or urea were used, the NQO6 and NQO9 subunits remained in the membranes, whereas the other subunits were completely extracted, suggesting their direct association with the membrane part of the enzyme complex. Both deletion study and homologous expression study of the NQO9 subunit provided a clue that its hydrophobic N-terminal stretch plays an important role in such an association. In light of this observation and others, topological properties of the subunits in the NDH-1 enzyme complex are discussed. In addition, determination of stoichiometry of the peripheral subunits of the P. denitrificans NDH-1 was completed by radioimmunological methods. All the peripheral subunits are present as one molecule each in the enzyme complex. These results estimated the total number of cofactors in the P. denitrificans NDH-1; the enzyme complex contains one molecule of FMN and up to eight iron-sulfur clusters, 2×[2Fe-2S] and 6×[4Fe-4S], provided that the NQO6 subunit bears one [4Fe-4S] cluster.
Unmitigated Communion and Adjustment to Breast Cancer: Associations and Explanations1

The goal of this study was to examine the implications of unmitigated communion (a focus on others to the exclusion of the self) for adjustment to breast cancer and to explain any observed relations. Cognitive adaptation theory was the primary explanatory framework adopted. Unmitigated communion was cross-sectionally associated with poor mental and physical functioning among women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Prospectively, unmitigated communion predicted a decline in a couple of indicators of mental and physical functioning over 3 months. Unmitigated communion was inversely associated with indicators of cognitive adaptation: low self-esteem, poor body image, less optimism, and greater reliance on external control. Unmitigated communion also was associated with more negative interactions with network members and a decline in support over time. The decline in body image over time had the greatest potential to explain links of unmitigated communion to poor adjustment to disease.
Concentrations of Volatile Fatty Acids and Lactic Acid in the Rumen as Influenced by Diet and Post-Feeding Time

Abstract The concentration and the percentage of individual volatile fatty acids and the concentration of lactic acid was determined in the rumen fluid of rumen-fistulated cattle at 15 intervals after feeding. Diets consisted of long alfalfa hay, dehydrated alfalfa pellets, flaked corn, rolled barley, dried beet pulp, rolled milo, cracked corn and corn silage, and flaked corn and corn silage. An acetic: propionic acid ratio similar to that for hay was produced by dried beet pulp or milo. Flaked corn produced a lower ratio than cracked corn but more lactic acid when both were fed with corn silage. Dried beet pulp resulted in the highest lactic acid levels (73 mg %). The possible significance of ruminal lactate levels to milk-fat depression is discussed.
Risk Factors for Occasional and Recurrent Wheezing after RSV Infection in Infancy

ABSTRACT. Sixty-seven children who were hospitalized with a verified RSV infection were reexamined after 4 years at the age of 4 to 7 years. Twenty-four children had had no subsequent respiratory symptoms, 22 had wheezed 1–3 times and 21 had recurrent wheezing. A family history of atopy and a personal history of neonatal respiratory problems were more common in the group with recurrent wheezing, whereas paternal smoking was more frequent in the group with occasional wheezing. RSV infection in early infancy was more related to occasional wheezing than recurrent episodes. The spirometric data obtained from the forced expirograms were normal, compared to the predicted normal values. In the children with recurrent wheezing, however, the values for PEF and the MEF25 were significantly lower in comparison with all the other children showing a mild obstruction.
Mutated kinases as targets for cancer drugs

The recent clinical success of three cancer drugs (Gleevec, Iressa and Tarceva) that selectively target specific tyrosine kinases has revealed a theme in which tumors that harbor activating mutations of the targeted kinases exhibit substantially enhanced sensitivity to the growth inhibitory effects of these drugs. These findings highlight the importance of identifying additional mutated kinases in human cancers and ultimately matching those tumors with an appropriate kinase inhibitor as a broadly applicable therapeutic strategy for cancer.
Evaluating the sustainability of alternative farming systems: A case study

The sustainability of farming systems must be assessed by their potential environmental, economic, and social performance. We present a case study to illustrate an assessment of relative sustainability that uses all three performance criteria.We developed two scenarios for farmland currently enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) in Putnam County, Missouri: a conventional scenario reflecting farming practices typical of northern Missouri, and an alternative that we hypothesize to be more environmentally sound. We used selected economic and social indicators to assess whether the latter would be at least as economically viable and socially responsible as the conventional system.Estimated direct farm income was 2.4 million for the conventional scenario. The alternative system applies more labor and management to a given land resource and may support more farming families. Estimated total community economic impacts were 25% greater for the alternative than the conventional farming scenario. CRP land, therefore, could be returned to production in a way that could significantly enhance local economic and social benefits while retaining many of the CRP's environmental benefits.
Analytical approximations of the effect of a fiber size distribution on the performance of hollow fiber membrane separation devices

This work provides approximate analytical expressions for the effect of a fiber size distribution on the performance of a hollow fiber membrane separation device. The analysis considers a Gaussian size distribution in two limiting mass transfer regimes, membrane and lumen-fluid resistance dominated. The results indicate that the effective mass transfer coefficient for a fiber distribution is smaller than that calculated assuming that all fibers are of the average size and decreases as either the ratio of the Sherwood number to the Graetz number or the standard deviation of the fiber size distribution increases. Furthermore, for a given fiber size distribution, the reduction in the effective mass transfer coefficient is greatest when the lumen-fluid mass transfer resistance controls the overall transport rate.
Cosmic superstring gravitational lensing phenomena: Predictions for networks of ( p , q ) strings

The unique, conical space-time created by cosmic strings brings about distinctive gravitational lensing phenomena. The variety of these distinctive phenomena is increased when the strings have nontrivial mutual interactions. In particular, when strings bind and create junctions, rather than intercommute, the resulting configurations can lead to novel gravitational lensing patterns. In this brief note, we use exact solutions to characterize these phenomena, the detection of which would be strong evidence for the existence of complex cosmic string networks of the kind predicted by string theory-motivated cosmic string models. We also correct some common errors in the lensing phenomenology of straight cosmic strings.
Further studies of plasminogen proactivator.

Abstract A proactivator for human plasminogen was isolated from the euglobulin fraction of human plasma. Highly purified, the proactivator shows two peaks on gel filtration, through Sephadex G-200 (both peaks are in the macroglobulin fraction), or through Biogel A-50m. The proactivator forms precipitates at 4°C overnight in Tris-HCl solution. The supernatant shows one peak in a later fraction in Biogel. Concentration of proteins in this peak and its elution through Biogel A-1.5m results in one peak for protein and proactivator activity. The proactivator loses its activity in 5 M urea, suggesting that further decomposition of the molecule results in loss of its activity. The molecular weight was calculated to be 300 000 from the elution volume in Biogel A-1.5m fractionation. The proactivator migrates in the α2-macroglobulin region in electrophoresis, but does not cross-react with anti-α2-macroglobulin or anti-β-lipoprotein. Ultracentrifugal analyses indicate that the proactivator has a sedimentation rate of 11.7 S (s20,w 15.6), and is very homogeneous. Sedimentation equilibrium analyses indicated a molecular weight of 275 000 ± 25 000. The proactivator activity of the human euglobulin fraction was demonstrated, and the yield of the purified proactivator was calculated from the activity of the starting euglobulin fraction. The proactivator has no effect on the activation of human plasminogen by urokinase.
The Cylinder-Head Episode in ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN

A notorious exchange takes place between Huck and Aunt Sally in chapter 32 of Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn that through the years has drawn much critical attention. The boy, trying t...
Simulation of the Alcator C-Mod Divertor with an Improved Neutral Fluid Model

We have simulated detachment in Alcator C-Mod, using an improved neutral fluid model. It features a parallel neutral momentum equation, fully coupled to the ions, allowing parallel plasma momentum to be converted into neutral momentum, which is dispersed to the material walls due to the high neutral viscosity. The simulations reproduce the pervasive experimental feature that the plasma detaches gradually, starting at the strike point, while always remaining attached above the nose of the divertor channel. The strike point heat flux and current drop by an order of magnitude as 0.5% of carbon is introduced to induce partial detachment. The plate temperature remains at or above about 1 eV all the way out to the divertor nose, in agreement with the experimental data.
Transient acute severe aortic regurgitation complicating balloon aortic valvuloplasty

Transient, acute severe aortic regurgitation documented by hemodynamic and Doppler-echocardiographic assessment was observed in an elderly woman immediately following balloon aortic valvuloplasty for critical aortic stenosis. Aortic regurgitation responded to medical therapy and resolved within 24 hr. Potential mechanisms are discussed. We suspect that an oversized balloon to aortic ring area stretched the annulus, separating the valve cusps and resulting in severe regurgitation, which rapidly normalized.
Sustained Release Preparations, XVI. Collagen as a Drug Carrier

Collagen-drug complexes were prepared by dispersing acid swollen collagen (1 to 2 % on a dry weight basis) in water, adding a tetracycline antibiotic and inducing crosslinking with formaldehyde while maintaining the slurry at temperatures below 0°C. Water was mechanically removed from the spongelike network and the material was air dried. The ability of acid swollen collagen to retain tetracycline antibiotics was independent of the pH of the slurry used. Maximal release in vitro (220 mg/g of sponge) was obtained from a collagen-oxytetracycline dihydrate system. The same preparation implanted in rabbits provided plasma levels of 2–4 μg/ml lasting more than 7 days. Arzneistoffzubereitungen mit Langzeitwirkung, 16. Mitt.: Kollagen als Arzneistofftrager Durch Dispersion von im sauren gequollenen Kollagen (1–2% Trockengewicht) in Wasser, Hinzufugen von Tetracyclin und Auslosen der Quervernetzung durch Formaldehyd bei einer Temperatur von unter 0°C wurde ein Arzneistofftragersystem auf Kollagenbasis hergestellt. Anschliesend wurde das Wasser von dem schwammahnlichen Material abgegossen und die Masse an der Luft getrocknet. Die Fahigkeit des im sauren gequollenen Kollagens das Antibiotikum Tetracyclin zu binden ist unabhangig vom pH-Wert des Polymerisationsansatzes. Die maximale Arzneistoffreigabe in vitro (220 mg/g Arzneistofftrager) wurde fur das Kollagen-Oxytetracyclin Dihydrat-System gefunden. Mit derselben Zubereitung konnte nach Implantation in Kaninchen ein Plasmaspiegel zwischen 2–4 μg/ml fur mehr als sieben Tage aufrechterhalten werden.
Blister growth in layered cylinders

Abstract The problem of growth of a pre-existing “thru” delamination situated at the interface between an elastic layer and the inner surface of a rigid, possibly porous, cylinder is considered for the case of loading by applied interfacial pressure. The domain of application of the load is considered to spread with the debonded region as it propagates, and/or to spread/contract with a propagating contact zone emanating from the delamination edge, in an attempt to simulate the effects of an invasive fluid entering the debonded region via the pores of the cylinder or through some other opening to the interface. A geometrically nonlinear shallow shell theory is employed as the mathematical model of the layer and the governing differential equations, boundary and matching conditions are obtained via a variational formulation. The associated energy release rates are obtained as a consequence of the corresponding transversality conditions for the propagating delamination boundary, and the condition which defines the propagating boundary between the contact zone and a lift zone is similarly obtained. Analytical solutions are found and numerical simulations performed, revealing characteristic behavior of the evolving system. While certain of these characteristics are seen to be qualitatively similar to those observed for such systems under other types of loading, heretofore unobserved behavior is revealed for the present case. Underlying mechanisms for delamination growth in these types of systems are thus further illucidated by the results of the present analysis.
Pediatric AML: From Biology to Clinical Management

Pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represents 15%–20% of all pediatric acute leukemias. Survival rates have increased over the past few decades to ~70%, due to improved supportive care, optimized risk stratification and intensified chemotherapy. In most children, AML presents as a de novo entity, but in a minority, it is a secondary malignancy. The diagnostic classification of pediatric AML includes a combination of morphology, cytochemistry, immunophenotyping and molecular genetics. Outcome is mainly dependent on the initial response to treatment and molecular and cytogenetic aberrations. Treatment consists of a combination of intensive anthracycline- and cytarabine-containing chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation in selected genetic high-risk cases or slow responders. In general, ~30% of all pediatric AML patients will suffer from relapse, whereas 5%–10% of the patients will die due to disease complications or the side-effects of the treatment. Targeted therapy may enhance anti-leukemic efficacy and minimize treatment-related morbidity and mortality, but requires detailed knowledge of the genetic abnormalities and aberrant pathways involved in leukemogenesis. These efforts towards future personalized therapy in a rare disease, such as pediatric AML, require intensive international collaboration in order to enhance the survival rates of pediatric AML, while aiming to reduce long-term toxicity.
Solvent Dependent Conformational Relaxation of cis-1,3,5-Hexatriene

Ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy was used to study the conformational relaxation dynamics of 1,3,5-cis-hexatriene (Z-HT) produced in the photochemical ring-opening reaction of 1,3-cyclohexadiene (CHD) in methanol and n-propanol solvents. The results are compared with earlier investigations performed using cyclohexane and hexadecane solvents [Anderson, N. A.; Pullen, S. H.; Walker II, L. A.; Shiang, J. J.; Sension, R. J.; J. Phys. Chem. A 1998, 102, 10588−10598.]. The conformational relaxation between hot cZc-HT, cZt-HT, and tZt-HT, where the labels c and t designate cis and trans configurations about the single bonds, is much faster in alcohol solvents than in alkane solvents. The hot Z-HT produced in the photochemical ring-opening reaction evolves from the conformationally strained cZc-HT form to the more stable cZt-HT form on a time scale of 2 ps in alcohols compared with 6 ps in alkanes. The overall decay of the internal vibrational temperature of the hot Z-HT is faster in alcohols (5−6 ps) ...
Money in a globalized world: From monopoly to oligopoly

Abstract When addressing issues of global finance, we are accustomed to thinking of money as effectively insular: each currency sovereign within the territorial frontiers of a single state or monetary union. In fact, cross‐border currency competition has become increasingly prevalent. Money today is effectively deterritorialized. What does this mean for national monetary sovereignty? A strictly territorial currency privileges government in relation to societal actors. Conversely, the benefits of monetary sovereignty are noticeably compromised by currency deterritorialization, which gives the private sector a critical degree of leverage over public policy. So long as governments remain the main source of money, however, the state still retains a significant role. Monetary sovereignty has been not so much lost as transformed. Where once existed monopoly, we now find oligopoly—a finite number of autonomous suppliers, national governments, all vying ceaselessly to shape and manage demand. Globalized money, at...
Direct immobilization and hybridization of DNA on group III nitride semiconductors

A key concern for group III-nitride high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) biosensors is the anchoring of specific capture molecules onto the gate surface. To this end, a direct immobilization strategy was developed to attach single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) to AlGaN surfaces using simple printing techniques without the need for cross-linking agents or complex surface pre-functionalization procedures. Immobilized DNA molecules were stably attached to the AlGaN surfaces and were able to withstand a range of pH and ionic strength conditions. The biological activity of surface-immobilized probe DNA was also retained, as demonstrated by sequence-specific hybridization experiments. Probe hybridization with target ssDNA could be detected by PicoGreen fluorescent dye labeling with a minimum detection limit of 2 nM. These experiments demonstrate a simple and effective immobilization approach for attaching nucleic acids to AlGaN surfaces which can further be used for the development of HEMT-based DNA biosensors.
Abstract 2272: Heme oxygenase-1 regulates apoptosis and autophagy for the survival of renal cancer cells

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), the rate-limiting enzyme in heme degradation pathway is classically known for its cytoprotective role during tissue injury. However, this protective function of HO-1, which is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis under stress conditions, may act as a double-edged sword by promoting survival of cancer cells. HO-1 is overexpressed in different cancers, and cancer cells may utilize the anti-apoptotic effects of HO-1 as a shield against chemotherapeutic agents. We have recently demonstrated that activation of the oncogenic Ras pathway induces HO-1 to promote survival of renal cancer cells. Recent studies show that along with apoptosis, type II cell death or autophagy also plays a vital role in regulating the fate of cancer cells. While some groups suggest that toxic autophagy cooperates with chemotherapeutic agents to facilitate apoptosis of cancer cells, others propose a protective role of autophagy in cancer. Here, we investigated whether HO-1 can control apoptosis- and autophagy-related genes to regulate survival of human renal cancer cells (786-0 and Caki-1). We overexpressed HO-1 in these cells either by CoPP treatment, a known inducer of HO-1, or by transfecting the cells with a human HO-1 overexpression plasmid. We observed that the overexpression of HO-1 increased the level of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xL as observed by Western blot analysis; and this was associated with a significant decrease in the expression of autophagic proteins Beclin-1 and LC3B-II. The knockdown of HO-1 using specific siRNA led to down-regulation of Bcl-xL, and a marked increase in LC3B-II expression. Moreover, we found that the treatment of renal cancer cells with either rapamycin or sorafenib (two commonly used drugs for the treatment of renal cancer) induced the protein expression of HO-1; and apoptotic effects of these drugs on cancer cells were markedly enhanced in presence of the HO-1 inhibitor SnPP as observed by FACS analysis using Annexin-V staining. Together, our results indicate that HO-1 is up-regulated in renal cancer cells for their survival against chemotherapeutic agents, and it may protect the cells from both apoptosis- and autophagy-mediated death. Besides, recent studies demonstrated that both rapamycin and sorafenib can induce autophagy. Considering this together with our data, we suggest that application of these drugs along with HO-1 inhibitor may result in more efficient killing of renal cancer cells by reducing cytoprotective effects of HO-1 and by simultaneous induction of both autophagy and apoptosis. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2272. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2272