cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Half Riordan array sequences

Abstract We construct sequences of vertical and horizontal halves of various Riordan arrays by using the vertical and horizontal halve Riordan array transform operators. The sequence characterizations of halves of Riordan arrays are presented and applied to the halve Riordan array transformation. The conditions of transforming a Riordan array to a pseudo-involution Riordan array by using the halve Riordan array transform are given. The condition of preserving the elements of a certain subgroup of the Riordan group under the halve Riordan array transformation are shown. Other properties of the halves of Riordan arrays and their entries such as related recurrence relations, double variable generating functions, combinatorial interpretations are also studied.
U.S. policy in the euro crisis and the institutional deepening of the monetary union

Theoretical approaches to European integration often downplay and sometimes ignore the role of external actors. But the regime complex through which the euro crisis of 2010-2015 was prosecuted inv...
A transgenic toolkit for visualizing and perturbing microtubules in mice reveals unexpected functions for non-centrosomal arrays in epidermal morphogenesis

Abstract Differentiation induces reorganization of microtubules (MTs) into non-centrosomal arrays in a variety of tissues. The physiological functions of these microtubule arrays are just beginning to be understood as few tools currently exist to genetically perturb microtubule organization in vivo , particularly in mammals. We developed a genetic toolkit that can be broadly applied to the study of microtubule dynamics and function in many cell types. Using a TRE-EB1-GFP mouse we demonstrate that distinct differentiation transitions in the epidermis cause a decrease in microtubule growth rates and microtubule growth lifetimes, resulting in strong suppression of dynamics. To understand the physiological functions of these stable, non-centrosomal microtubules, we generated a TRE-spastin mouse, which can be used to perturb microtubule organization in a wide-variety of tissues in vivo. Unexpectedly, microtubule perturbation exclusively in post-mitotic keratinocytes had profound consequences on epidermal morphogenesis. We uncoupled novel cell-autonomous roles for MTs in differentiation-driven cell flattening from non-cell autonomous functions in regulating proliferation, differentiation, and tissue architecture. Taken together, we have created tools that will be broadly useful for the study of microtubule dynamics and function in mammalian tissue physiology and have used them to uncover previously unknown functions for non-centrosomal microtubules during mammalian epidermal development.
Behavioral synthesis for testability

A synthesis for testability approach is presented. In this approach test points or flip-flops to be used in test point insertion or partial scan to enhance circuit testability are selected. The selection is based on circuit behavioral information rather than low level structural description. This allows test point insertion or partial scan usage on circuits described as interconnections of high level modules. Test statement insertion is also proposed as an alternative to test point insertion and to partial scan. The major advantage of using test statement insertion is a lower pin count and lower test application time overhead than test point insertion and partial scan. The tool has been implemented in a computer program. >
Unpaired Majorana fermions in quantum wires

Certain one-dimensional Fermi systems have an energy gap in the bulk spectrum while boundary states are described by one Majorana operator per boundary point. A finite system of length $L$ possesses two ground states with an energy difference proportional to $\exp(-L/l_0)$ and different fermionic parities. Such systems can be used as qubits since they are intrinsically immune to decoherence. The property of a system to have boundary Majorana fermions is expressed as a condition on the bulk electron spectrum. The condition is satisfied in the presence of an arbitrary small energy gap induced by proximity of a 3-dimensional p-wave superconductor, provided that the normal spectrum has an odd number of Fermi points in each half of the Brillouin zone (each spin component counts separately).
Utilization of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and changes in clinical characteristics in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients by chronic kidney disease stage in Japan: A descriptive observational study using nationwide electronic medical record databases.

AIM To describe the utilization of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and changes in clinical characteristics before and after GLP-1 RA initiation in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients by chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective descriptive study using nationwide electronic medical record databases in Japan, we included patients with GLP-1 RA prescriptions between June 2010 and October 2019. Clinical characteristics at GLP-1 RA initiation, persistence proportion and changes in clinical measurements after GLP-1 RA initiation were described for all patients and by CKD stage defined by baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). RESULTS We included 8,049 patients. During the study period, the proportion of T2DM patients initiating GLP-1 RAs increased from 1.5% in 2010 to 3.3% in 2019. Also, the mean (95% confidence interval) of baseline age and eGFR ranged from 58.6 (56.7, 60.4) to 66.3 (65.5, 67.2) years and 72.9 (68.0, 77.9) to 64.0 (62.2, 65.8) mL/min/1.73m2 , respectively. The persistence proportion at 12 months was 49.5% overall, 37.8% in CKD patients with baseline eGFR<30 mL/min/1.73m2 , and 34.6% in those undergoing dialysis. The rate of deterioration in renal function reduced after GLP-1 RA initiation. CONCLUSIONS The utilization of GLP-1 RA has been increasing over the past decade, and GLP-1 RAs have been used in patients with limited treatment options, such as the elderly or those with CKD. In T2DM patients with CKD, the persistence proportion of GLP-1 RAs was not low, and the renal dysfunction may be moderated by GLP-1 RA initiation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Why Europe Grew Rich and Asia Did Not: The European response to Indian cottons

Introduction In the late seventeenth century consumers in Europe embraced the cotton textiles of India for their beauty, convenience and fashionability. European cloth manufacturers were less welcoming as they saw the Indian goods as a threat to their livelihoods and in many parts of Europe agitations were launched to block imports from the subcontinent, virtually all of which succeeded. Antipathy to Indian cottons was not the only response of European textile manufacturers, however. From the late seventeenth century, opposition to Indian goods was accompanied by efforts to imitate them. In Western, Southern and Central Europe, cloth printers set up shop with linen cloth from Europe or plain white calicoes from India and attempted to reproduce the chintzes that were so characteristic of the subcontinent. The growing demand for cotton fabrics led spinners and weavers to work with the unfamiliar fiber of the cotton plant to create the wide variety of plain, striped and checked cloths that were so desired in Europe, West Africa and the Americas. At times, the silk and wool opponents of Indian imports turned their fury upon local manufacturers who from the eighteenth century were slowly taking over markets with their new cotton goods.
Interpretation of the vibrational spectra of small ring systems: I. 1,1,2,2-Tetrachlorotetrafluorocyclobutane and 1-chloro-2,2,3,3-tetrafluorocyclobutane

Abstract The infrared spectra of the vapor and crystalline states of cyclo-C 4 Cl 4 F 4 and cyclo-C 4 ClF 4 H 3 have been measured between 200 and 4000 cm −1 . The low temperature infrared spectrum of each molecule has also been studied down to 33 cm −1 . A weak band at 102 cm −1 in the infrared spectrum of polycrystalline c-C 4 ClF 4 H 3 has been assigned to the ring-puckering fundamental; however, the corresponding vibration for c-C 4 Cl 4 F 4 was not observed. The Raman spectra of each compound have been recorded at ambient and liquid nitrogen temperatures to within 50 cm −1 of the exciting line. Although it has not been possible to establish the equilibrium structure of the c-C 4 ClF 4 H 3 skeleton from the infrared and Raman data, the spectra of c-C 4 Cl 4 F 4 are explained in terms of C 2v molecular symmetry. A vibrational assignment is suggested for each molecule on the basis of relative band intensities, group frequency correlations and depolarization ratios.
Studies of Solar Helicity Using Vector Magnetograms

observations of photospheric magnetic fields made with vector magnetographs have been used recently to study solar helicity. In this paper we indicate what can and cannot be derived from vector magnetograms, and point out some potential problems in these data that could affect the calculations of 'helicity'. Among these problems are magnetic saturation, Faraday rotation, low spectral resolution, and the method of resolving the ambiguity in the azimuth.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Reduces Functional Disability

Vertigo caused by vestibular disorder may be successfully treated with a physical therapy program of graded exercises to habituate the patient to the vertiginous stimulus and to increase the range of motion through which the patient can tolerate moving. Performance on daily self-care tasks is an important indicator of the patient's tolerance for head movement and the success of treatment. In this study, self-care skill in subjects with labyrinthine and brainstem lesions before and after receiving vestibular rehabilitation was examined. Subjects improved significantly after physical therapy, demonstrating greater independence in their abilities to care for themselves. These data provide further support for the value of vestibular rehabilitation procedures.
Network demonstration of self-routing wavelength packets using an all-optical wavelength shifter and QPSK subcarrier routing control

Summary form only given. We present a novel demonstration, which applies the method of subcarrier self-routing control to a wavelength (/spl lambda/)-routing network using all-optical wavelength shifting. This network features: (1) packet routing onto different wavelengths rather than waveguide/fiber paths; (2) the use of an all-optical /spl lambda/-shifter; and (3) the packets being self-routing-switching information is encoded in the subcarrier headers. All-optical wavelength shifting is implemented by using semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) cross-gain compression, and routing control is implemented by using quadrature-phase-shift-key (QPSK)-encoded subcarriers.
A Few Points Concerning Galaxy Luminosity Functions

The luminosity function provides, arguably, the two most basic descriptions of the galaxy population: their spatial density and their distribution in luminosity. In this chapter I review some topics which I considered in my thesis. In the presence of large scale structure sophisticated techniques are needed for luminosity function. I will discuss one of these and its extension to a photometric data set. All luminosity function estimation techniques which are insensitive to large scale structure require that only the normalization, not the shape, of the luminosity function vary with radial position. In the final two sections of this chapter we will see that this is not strictly true.
Diagnosis of Mycobacterium avium bacteremia by polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract We describe a rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based test for diagnosing Mycobacterium avium directly from blood specimens. Blood was collected in anticoagulant (EDTA) from patients who also had blood cultures performed by the lysis-centrifugation method. Blood samples were centrifuged on a Ficoll-Hypaque gradient to purify peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The purified cells were washed and incubated in the presence of Chelex-100 (a divalent cation-binding resin), boiled to release mycobacterial DNA, and then amplified with M. avium-specific PCR primers. Amplification was detected by hybridization with radiolabelled probe, and the results were compared with the culture results. The PCR assay gave positive results for 12 of 15 specimens that were taken from patients with positive cultures for M. avium complex (sensitivity, 80%). The three PCR-negative specimens in this group showed evidence of PCR inhibition. The PCR assay gave positive results for 32 of 228 specimens taken from patients with negative cultures (specificity, 86%). Of these 32 PCR-positive culture-negative specimens, 27 were also positive when amplified with primers specific for the genus Mycobacterium, suggesting that PCR may be more sensitive than culture.
Prions: What Are They Good For?

Prions, a self-templating amyloidogenic state of normal cellular proteins such as PrP, have been identified as the basis of a number of disease states, particularly diseases of the nervous system. This finding has led to the notion that protein aggregation, namely prionogenic aggregates and amyloids, is primarily harmful for the organism. However, identification of proteins in a prion-like state that are not harmful and may even be beneficial has begun to change this perception. This review discusses when and how a prion-based protein conformational switch may be utilized to generate a sustained physiological change in response to a transient stimulus.
Hormonal control of polyamine pools in experimental breast cancer in vivo: correlation with estrogen and progesterone receptor levels.

The present experiments were designed to test whether, in the hormone responsive N-nitrosomethyl-urea (NMU)-induced rat mammary tumor, polyamine levels are under hormonal control and whether they correlate with estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PgR) receptor content. We observed that tumor regression induced by ovariectomy was associated with a decline in putrescine (Pu), spermidine (Sd) and spermine (Sm). Administration of estradiol and perphenazine (to stimulate endogenous prolactin release) to castrated rats restored tumor growth and contents of Pu and Sd to control values in a time dependent fashion while Sm levels were only modestly raised. The hormonal modulation of tumor polyamine levels was particularly obvious when the treatment effects on total pools (i.e. Pu+Sd+Sm) were analyzed. No significant correlation was observed between ER and PgR and polyamines in the tumors of intact rats as well as most of the treated groups. In contrast, a highly significant correlation was observed between ER and PgR levels. We conclude that in this experimental system cellular polyamine levels are hormonally regulated but are not correlated with the ER and PgR content of the tumor.
Separation and Characterization of Pigments from Bleached and Deodorized Canola Oil

An analysis of pigments responsible for color formation during bleaching and deodorization of canola oils treated with activated bleaching earth (ABE) or novel mineral-acid/silica (AS) adsorbents is presented. The chromophores are trace glycerides and were concentrated by silica column chromatography. The concentrated color bodies were hydrolyzed and analyzed as free acids or methyl esters by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array and mass spectrometry detection,1H and13C nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopies. Absorbance in deodorized oils is mostly from oxygenated C18 and C20 fatty acids with 1 to 4 double bonds. High-wavelength absorbance in AS-bleached oils is from conjugated pentane fatty acids that are not observed for ABE-bleached oils. Thus, both the bleaching agent and the deodorization treatment affect the distribution and concentration of such stable chromophores.
Some empirical evidence on stock returns and security credit regulation in the OTC equity market

Abstract This paper studies price reactions of OTC stocks that are added to and deleted from the Federal Reserve Board's Official List of OTC Margin Stocks . We interpret any price reactions as economic effects related to the Fed's security credit regulatory activities under the 1969 Amendment to the 1934 Securities Exchange Act. We test for three effects: (1) Fed endorsement, (2) credit, and (3) asymmetric information. Using both weekly and daily data we find strong positive stock price reactions when OTC stocks are added to the Fed's list. No major effects are discernible when stocks are removed from the Fed's list. We interpret these findings to be consistent with a credit convenience effect.
Abstract 2872: Functional inhibition of HSP90 potentiates the effects of ionizing radiation in colorectal cancer

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Purpose/Objectives: Attempts at improving the outcome of colorectal cancer patients by incorporating novel agents have been disappointing indicating that in the majority of patients the therapeutic challenge remains primary resistance to chemoradiotherapy. Major cellular signaling pathways contributing to growth and resistance to chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer includes the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway. The heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) regulates the activity, turnover, and trafficking of several proteins involved in these pathways of resistance. Inhibition of HSP90 provides a novel mechanism to target these pathways simultaneously. Ganetespib (STA-9090) is a small molecule functional inhibitor of HSP90. We tested the hypothesis that HSP90 inhibition can sensitize colorectal cell lines to the effects of ionizing radiation (XRT). Methods: Immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses of 10 colorectal paired normal and tumor tissue samples from the same 10 patients were stained with antibodies against HSP90, HSP70, and p-AKT. Cell proliferation (XTT), colony formation (clonogenic assay), migration (spheroid), apoptosis (Apoptosis/Necrosis Detection Kit), and Western blot analyses were carried out in HCT-116 and HT-29 colorectal cell lines to determine the effect of ganetespib alone or in combination with XRT. Results: IHC analyses of paired human colorectal normal and tumor samples revealed significant overexpression of HSP90, HSP70, and p-AKT in the tumors when compared to the normal tissues. In both colorectal cell lines, treatment with ganetespib significantly inhibits proliferation in the XTT assay (p<0.001); significantly decreased expression of PI3K and p-AKT, as well as significantly increased levels of HSP70 in Western blot analyses (p<0.05); and inhibited the nuclear translocation (immunocyto studies) and the DNA binding activity (EMSA) of the NF-κB p65 molecules. We found that ganetespib indeed potentiates the effects of XRT in both cell lines: significant decrease in colony formation as determined by the clonogenic assay (p<0.001); increase in the induction of necrosis; and decreased migration. Conclusions: The HSP90 pathway is selectively activated in patient's rectal tumors and is a rational target for drug development. HSP90 inhibition potentiates the effects of ionizing radiation in preclinical models. Evaluating HSP90 inhibitors in rectal cancer is a rational approach that could have a significant impact on the outcome of this common and deadly disease. 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 2872. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2872
Patent ductus venosus in an adult presenting as pulmonary hypertension, right-sided heart failure, and portosystemic encephalopathy

Ductus venosus is a normal fetal structure connecting the portal and umbilical veins with the inferior vena cava, allowing a fraction of the umbilical vein blood to bypass the liver and reach the central circulation. Patent ductus venosus is the persistence of this embryonic portosystemic shunt. It is rarely seen in adults. Fewer than 20 cases of patent ductus venosus have been reported in the literature (1–13), presenting as portosystemic hepatic encephalopathy and hyperammonemia (1,2,4). We describe adult patent ductus venosus presenting not only with portosystemic encephalopathy, but also with pulmonary hypertension and right-sided heart failure.
Integral Solutions for Transient Temperature Profiles in Stably-Stratified Open Enclosures

The stably-stratified filling of an enclosure produces an interfacial layer, or thermocline, separating the hot and cold fluid volumes which is transported through the vessel with the bulk flow. The evolution of this interfacial layer is characterized by profile asymmetries and growth rates not explained by simple molecular diffusion. The present paper presents integral solutions to the horizontally-averaged energy equation with variable diffusivities exhibiting these same characteristics. The formulation requires only two parameters in addition to those of the uniform diffusivity case. The solutions are compared to published data to illustrate determination of the empirical constants and show that key characteristics of the model, specifically a constant fill-line temperature and symmetric growth rates, are satisfied for a range of moderate flow rates. At higher flow rates, the layers are seen to exhibit an increasingly higher degree of growth rate asymmetry.
Effects of energy or protein restriction on weight and composition of diabetic and control rats

Abstract Adult (170 ± 1 g) male Sprague-Dawley diabetic (50 mg/kg of streptozotocin) and control rats were fed for 21 days a diet with adequate protein (28%) at three restricted levels of intake (34, 45 or 57 kcal/day), or were fed at a single level of intake (ad libitum) diets containing different percentages of protein (2.25, 5.5 and 11.1). When dietary protein was adequate (28%), but energy intake was severely restricted (34 kcal/day), diabetic and control rats lost 80 ± 5 and 100 ± 6 g/kg 0.75 in body weight, respectively. Diabetic and control rats lost 110 ± 4 and 139 ± 7 g/kg 0.75 in body weight, respectively, when energy was unrestricted and dietary protein was at a submaintenance level (2.25%). Body weight of diabetic and control rats did not differ when dietary protein was adequate (28%) and energy intake was moderately restricted (45 kcal/day) or when energy intake was unrestricted and dietary protein was at a maintenance level (5.5%). This study showed that diabetic rats fared as well as or better than their control counterparts when the intake of either energy or protein was moderately or severely restricted.
The malleability of injunctive norms among college students

Alcohol use among college students has been associated with injunctive norms, which refer to the perceived acceptability of excessive drinking, and descriptive norms, which refer to perceptions of actual drinking. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a brief injunctive norms manipulation on both injunctive and descriptive norms about drinking alcohol and to explore differences in the malleability of norms across referent groups, sex, and gender role. Participants were 265 undergraduates (43% male, 70% freshmen) who completed a web-based survey for course credit. A randomly selected half was exposed to a page of information-based feedback about typical student injunctive norms. Relative to the control condition, the manipulation produced lower injunctive and descriptive norms related to typical students' drinking but no change in either type of norm related to close friends. Femininity was associated with less permissive normative beliefs about the acceptability of excessive drinking whereas masculinity was associated with elevated perceptions of peer drinking, but neither sex nor gender role moderated the manipulation effect. We conclude that perceptions of peer approval of drinking are malleable with a very brief information-based manipulation.
Short-term ethanol administration impairs the elimination of chlordiazepoxide (Librium®) in man

Ethanol may enhance the sedative effect of benzodiazepines leading to greater psychomotor impairment, but the mechanism is not clear. The present study was carried out to determine the effect of acute ethanol ingestion on the disposition and elimination of chlordiazepoxide (Librium), a widely used benzodiazepine. Five healthy, 22–39-year-old, male volunteers ingested ethanol 0.8 g/kg as 25% in orange juice 1 h before chlordiazepoxide 0.6 mg/kg was injected intravenously. To maintain plasma ethanol concentrations of 50–150 mg/100 ml for 32 h additional ethanol 0.5 g/kg was given orally every 5 h. Plasma clearance of chlordiazepoxide fell from 26.6±2.6 ml/min (mean±SD) without ethanol to 16.6±3.1 ml/min (P<0.05) after ethanol. There was no change in the volume of distribution and therefore the elimination half-life was prolonged from 7.1±1.9 h to 11.8±6.0 h (P<0.05) after ethanol. Ethanol also lowered the plasma binding of chlordiazepoxide from 94.7± 0.6% to 93.4±1.3% (P<0.05). The plasma clearance of unbound chlordiazepoxide fell from 468± 51 ml/min to 264±98 ml/min (P<0.05) after ethanol. The plasma level of the metabolite desmethylchlordiazepoxide was higher and its elimination slower after ethanol. Thus using a pharmacokinetic approach this study has demonstrated that short-term ethanol ingestion in moderate doses impairs the elimination of chlordiazepoxide and accounts, at least partly, for the greater sedation that results when ethanol is taken concomitantly.
Negative Concord in English

This paper argues that Negative Concord is generated by the grammars of all English varieties, but just not “realized” in the standardized variety, in the sense of Barbiers (2005, 2009). I show that Double Negation constructions, wherein two negative elements yield a doubly negated meaning, are formed identically by English varieties that realize Negative Concord and those that do not. Unlike previous Minimalist Agree approaches to English Negative Concord, this proposal accounts for the fact that English varieties generate both Double Negation and Negative Concord constructions. This paper employs Tortora’s (2009, in press) mechanism of feature spreading, and Lopez’s (2009) derivational assignment of the pragmatic feature [contrast], to successfully capture the facts of Negative Concord and Double Negation in English. In so doing, it contributes insight into the representation of sentential negation, and supports the Barbiersian notion that not all grammatical structures are realized in a given variety.
Phase 1b-2a study to reverse platinum resistance through use of a hypomethylating agent, azacitidine, in patients with platinum-resistant or platinum-refractory epithelial ovarian cancer

DNA methylation plays an essential role in regulating normal biologic processes as well as carcinogenesis1. Methylation of DNA is a heritable, DNA methyltransferase-induced modification of DNA structure that does not alter the specific sequence of base pairs responsible for encoding the genome, but can directly inhibit gene expression2. Two patterns of DNA methylation have been observed in cancer cells3: global hypomethylation across the genome, and localized hypermethylation at specific CpG islands within the gene promoter regions of certain genes. Decreased methylation due to global hypomethylation may permit the expression of previously quiescent proto-oncogenes and pro-metastatic genes and promote tumor progression. Alternatively, an aberrant increase in methylation patterns at previously unmethylated sites, such as the promoter regions of tumor suppressor genes, may result in transcriptional silencing and an inability to control tumor development4-8. Methylation microarray analyses of late-stage ovarian cancers identified two distinct groups based on tumor methylation levels which appeared to have prognostic significance9. Progression-free survival after chemotherapy was significantly shorter for patients with higher levels of methylation (8 months or less) than those with lower levels (12 months or greater; p< 0.001), suggesting that a higher degree of CpG island methylation is associated with early recurrence and/or chemotherapy resistance. Azacitidine is a hypomethylating agent that has been shown to induce the re-expression of hMLH1 in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer cell lines, leading to re-sensitization of treated cells to carboplatin10. Studies with clonogenic assays as well as human tumor xenografts have shown that treatment of platinum resistant ovarian cancer cells with hypomethylating agents such as decitabine or azacitidine increases sensitivity to platinum compounds, including carboplatin and cisplatin, in addition to other chemotherapeutic agents11, 12. Our preclinical studies revealed that in platinum resistant ovarian cancer cells, sequential treatment with azacitidine followed by carboplatin produced synergistic cytotoxicity. Additionally, azacitidine enhanced the sensitivity of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer cells to carboplatin associated with a DR4-mediated caspase 8-dependent apoptosis13. In this trial, we have assessed the safety and efficacy of a sequential regimen, in which azacitidine has been used to reverse resistance to carboplatin in patients with platinum resistant or refractory epithelial ovarian cancer. Choice of this design is based on the fact that platinum is the most effective chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of human epithelial ovarian cancer14-17, on previous clinical experience that reversal of epigenetic changes can overcome chemotherapy resistance in other tumor types18, 19 and on our own preclinical data with ovarian cancer cell lines.
Chain Coding with a Hexagonal Lattice

This paper investigates the performance of chain code quantization of general curves using a hexagonal lattice structure, as a means of improving efficiency over the standard square lattice. Performance is first computed theoretically, assuming a generalization of grid-intersect quantization, and the curve to be quantized is assumed to be a straight line. An algorithm is then developed to perform chain coding using the hex lattice. Computer simulations were performed to evaluate hexagonal chain coding for a variety of curves, including circles of various curva-ture, straight lines, and a stochastic curve model. We find that the straight-line theory is substantiated for curves whose radius of curvature is roughly twice the lattice constant. For a given peak error in quanti-zation, hexagonal coding reduces the bit rate about 15 percent relative to the square lattice codes, and exhibits qualitative improvements in fidelity as well.
Structural and thermodynamic properties of end‐grafted polymers on curved surfaces

Conformational and thermodynamic properties of polymer chains end‐grafted to cylindrical and spherical surfaces under good solvent conditions have been studied using the single‐chain mean‐field theory. We have considered chains of 50, 100, and 150 segments, and five different radii from R=2 up to R=100. We have found excellent quantitative agreement with all the available molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations for the conformational properties at all curvatures. Further, the chemical potential of the chains for planar geometries is found to be in excellent agreement with recent Monte Carlo simulations. In the limit of strong curvature for the cylindrical geometry our findings qualitatively agree with the analytical prediction of Li and Witten for the structure but not for the polymer free energy. The chemical potential of the grafted chains was calculated as a function of the surface coverage and the radius of curvature of the surface. Our findings suggest that for all curvatures and surface coverage the chemical potential has to be properly calculated to obtain realistic adsorption isotherms.
Adaptive stochastic integrated assessment modeling of optimal greenhouse gas emission reductions

We develop a method for finding optimal greenhouse gas reduction rates under ongoing uncertainty and re-evaluation of climate parameters over future decades. Uncertainty about climate change includes both overall climate sensitivity and the risk of extreme tipping point events. We incorporate both types of uncertainty into a stochastic model of climate and the economy that has the objective of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions at lowest overall cost over time. Solving this problem is computationally challenging; we introduce a two-step-ahead approximate dynamic programming algorithm to solve the finite time horizon stochastic problem. The uncertainty in climate sensitivity may narrow in the future as the behavior of the climate continues to be observed and as climate science progresses. To incorporate this future knowledge, we use a Bayesian framework to update the two correlated uncertainties over time. The method is illustrated with the DICE integrated assessment model, adding in current estimates of climate sensitivity uncertainty and tipping point risk with an endogenous updating of climate sensitivity based on the occurrence of tipping point events; the method could also be applied to other integrated assessment models with different characterizations of uncertainties and risks.
Pilot studies using melanoma tumor‐associated antigens (TAA) in specific‐active immunochemotherapy of malignant melanoma

Highly purified melanoma TAA which induce melanoma-related cellmediated immune responses have been further characterized using hyperimmune TAA antisera after affinity chromatography for double immunodiffusion-immunoelectrophoresis and indirect immunofluorescence studies. An additional study of antigenic modulation was performed in 23 nonanergic and seven anergic melanoma patients, tested simultaneously with melanoma TAA prepared from primary and metastatic tumors, which had been obtained from one patient at different time periods. The results of pilot clinical trials are reported, including toxicity, timing and dosage studies in 20 patients and subsequent studies of patients with metastatic melanoma treated at three separate centers, using a single lot of purified, allogeneic melanoma TAA. The results of these latter studies in 51 patients with Stage III (distantly metastatic) melanoma and in five patients with earlier stages of disease indicate that: (1) when the interval from primary therapy to recurrence is greater than one year and when liver, bone and brain are not involved, partial or total clinical regression may be noted in up to 25% of patients with metastatic disease receiving immunochemotherapy; (2) when total regression does occur, the effect usually lasts from one to three years; (3) cytoreductive (debulking) surgery, when possible, in cutaneous, nodal retroperitoneal, and visceral regions may enhance the response to specific active immunochemotherapy, although some debulked patients had less tumor burden and this factor alone may lead to an improved prognosis in patients undergoing any subsequent treatment; (4) when circulating inhibitory factors are modified through preimmunization chemotherapy, an enhanced host response may be seen; and (5) Cancer Serum Indices (CSI) may be useful in predicting recurrence and in following tumor load and response to therapy. Information obtained from these studies suggests the need for further trials to determine the effect of immunization on patients with earlier stages of disease where recurrence rates remain high, and to evaluate the mechanisms of tumor rejection or tumor progression in the face of immune stimulation.
Factors affecting the nutritional quality of crops

Several factors can directly or indirectly affect the nutritional quality of crops. Among these are soil factors, such as pH, available nutrients, texture, organic matter content and soil-water relationships; weather and climatic factors, including temperature, rainfall and light intensity; the crop and cultivar; postharvest handling and storage; and fertilizer applications and cultural practices. This paper deals primarily with fertilizer and cultural management practices, and on certain environmental factors that affect the nutritional quality of field crops and of fruits and vegetables. Earlier research that has investigated the nutritional status of crops grown with either chemical fertilizers or organic fertilizers is discussed. These studies often have given contradictory results on crop yields and on crops' mineral and vitamin contents. Other factors, such as maturity at harvest, postharvest handling and storage, anti-nutritive components, and residues of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are reviewed with respect to food safety and quality, and their implications for human and animal health. Future research needs are identified so that comparable results and valid comparisons can be obtained to identify the best management practices to ensure that food is safe and nutritious for the consumer.
Prolactin action on extracellular fluid volume in tails of stage XII bullfrog tadpoles

Abstract The effect of prolactin (PRL) on electrolyte and water content of total tail and tail muscle tissues of stage XII bullfrog tadpoles was studied after injection of ovine PRL or removal of endogenous PRL by injection of a specific antiserum to ovine PRL (PRL A S ). PRL treatment (5 μg per tadpole daily for 5 days) caused a significant increase in sodium and water content while potassium content of total tail tissues decreased, when compared to saline-treated controls. No differences were observed in electrolyte and water content in tail muscle tissues, and plasma electrolyte concentrations were unchanged. These data indicate that the increased tail sodium and water represent an expansion of extracellular fluid volume in the tail fin. Injection of PRL A S (every 5 days for 15 days) caused a decreased sodium and water content of total tail tissues as compared to control animals injected with normal rabbit serum. Again, no differences were found in tail muscle electrolytes, water content, and plasma electrolyte concentrations in the PRL A S group. Thus, removal of endogenous PRL caused a decreased extracellular fluid volume in the tail. These results indicate that a prolactin-like substance is present in stage XII bullfrog tadpoles and may be involved in chronic regulation of extracellular fluid volume in the tail fin.
Circadian oxygen consumption rhythm of the flour beetle, Tribolium confusum☆

Abstract Oxygen consumption is circadian (about 24 hr) rhythmic in sterilized Tribolium confusum adults kept on a 12 hr light-12 hr dark regimen. High values for oxygen consumption occur shortly after ‘light-on’ and low ones at the beginning of the dark span. When the light-dark cycle is advanced by 6 hr, the oxygen consumption rhythm is phase-shifted within about 6 days; with a delay of the light-dark schedule (a return to the initial regimen) the oxygen consumption rhythm re-adjusts in 3 days. This directedness or polarity of the phase-shift adjustment constitutes a quantitative circadian system characteristic shared by organisms studied thus far.
The Legacy of Hephaestus: The First Craniotomy

Hephaestus is best known as the Greek god of metalworking, fire, and fine arts. As the only Olympian deity not endowed with physical perfection, he has been considered misfortunate among the Olympians. However, textual analysis of his myths reveals that Hephaestus was highly regarded by Greeks for his manual skills and intelligence. Furthermore, one of the myths about Hephaestus indicates that he performed the first recorded craniotomy. This text asserts that Hephaestus intentionally performed the craniotomy to remove a mass growing inside Zeus' head, thereby relieving him of an excruciating headache. The successful craniotomy resulted in the birth of the goddess Athena. From a neurosurgical perspective, the story is allegorical. Nonetheless, it represents the surgical management of intracranial ailments, which is thought to have been reported in Greece centuries later by Hippocrates.
Breakup of helium nuclei in high-temperature plasmas

Abstract The rate of breakup of helium nuclei by particle-induced reactions is computed. It is shown that the rate is determined by the endothermic reaction p+ 4 He→ 3 He+d, becoming effective at kT ≳few MeV; the characteristic breakup temperature has a logarithmic dependence on density and available time. The rate is computed from experimental data on the reaction cross section, extrapolating to lower energies near threshold with insertion of Coulomb-barrier penetration factors. The Coulommb factor for the outgoing particles, being essentially an exponential function of energy, results in a “Gamow peak” for the reaction rate and, effectively, a shift of the threshold energy from 18 MeV to about 24 MeV. Competing particle-induced breakup reactions are considered, in particular,the process p+ 4 He→ 3 He+p+n. It is found that the energy dependence of the cross section ( σ 3 ) for this reaction can be understood in terms that ( σ 2 ) of the former reaction (→ 3 He+d) from phase space considerations. The magnitude of the calculated σ 2 /σ 3 also agrees well with experimental data, being determined by the 2- and 3-body phase space factors and the short-range deuteron wave function u d (0). A brief discussion is given of the possibility of the occurence of helium breakup in astrophysical plasmas. The phenomenon might be seen in matter ejected from the vicinity of black holes, for example.
Using Performance Measurements to Improve MapReduce Algorithms

Abstract The Hadoop MapReduce software environment is used for parallel processing of distributively stored data. Data mining algorithms of increasing sophistication are being implemented in MapReduce, bringing new challenges for performance measurement and tuning. We focus on analyzing a job after completion, utilizing information collected from Hadoop logs and machine metrics. Our analysis, inspired by [1] [2] , goes beyond conventional Hadoop Job-Tracker analysis by integrating more data and providing web browser visualization tools. This paper describes examples where measurements helped diagnose subtle issues and improve algorithm performance. Examples demonstrate the value of correlating detailed information that is not usually examined in standard Hadoop performance displays.
Navigating Galileo at Jupiter Arrival

Analysis of Doppler tracking data from the Galileo spacecraft contributed to a successful encounter with Jupiter and one of its moons, Io, as well as to the successful delivery of the  rst instrumented probe into Jupiter’s atmosphere. In support of this navigation work, geophysical parameters of the Jovian system have been determined. These include an estimate of the third-order gravity  eld of Io, masses and ephemerides of Io and Europa, and a revision to themassof Jupiter. These results are consistent with previouslypublished results forVoyagers 1 and 2.A new Jupiter ephemeris was also computed from the tracking data. Jupiter showed a signi cant 23⁄4 shift in position with respect to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory ephemeris DE-143. Subsequently, using this updated ephemeris, accurate reconstructions of the encounters of the Galileo spacecraft pair (orbiter and probe) with Jupiter and Io were possible.
Lattice location of trace elements within minerals and at their surfaces with X-ray standing waves

The x-ray standing waves generated by dynamical Bragg diffraction were used to directly measure lattice locations of trace elements within and at the surface of a mineral single crystal. These high-precision measurements were made on natural Iceland spar calcite cleaved along the (1014) plane and reacted with a dilute aqueous lead solution. Within the bulk crystal, naturally occurring trace manganese was found within (1014) planes, consistent with its substitution for calcium. At the crystal surface, sorbed lead was found to be highly ordered and mostly within (1014) planes. This demonstrates a powerful application of synchrotron radiation in the earth and environmental sciences.
Affective lexicons and indigenous responses: therapeutic interventions in social work practice with Chinese immigrant elders

This article discusses social work practice with a group of Chinese‐speaking immigrant elders in New York City who favour the use of traditional affective lexicons that communicate distress in oblique, metaphorical and somatic forms. It examines the therapeutic values of the social workers' indigenous responses, as shaped by their intuitive understanding of the latent emotional content of communication within the cultural context. The discussion affirms the importance of the emotional connection between worker and client, invariably shaped by language, cultural norms, and individual proclivity, as the universal substrate of cross‐cultural social work practice. 本文讨论关于针对一群移居纽约市但仍然喜欢以传统中文词汇， 隐喻等沟通的华语长者的社会工作实务。本文也探索了社会工作者的本土反应包括:通过理解语言背后的文化脉络， 从而认识当事人的潜在情绪等在治疗学上的价值。本文申明了社会工作者与当事人之间情感联系的重要性， 而这种联系往往是由跨文化社会工作底下的语言和文化规范等塑造而成的。
Emerging Adults’ Perceptions of Acceptable Behaviors Prior to Forming a Committed, Dating Relationship

Recent available research demonstrates the pervasive use of communication technologies among emerging adults. The utilization of such digital media has redefined the process of contemporary coupling. The determination of appropriate behaviors in pre-romantic relationships differs on the basis of a variety of intrapersonal variables. This study examines the intrapersonal constructs of gender and religious involvement in the determination of acceptable pre-romantic relationship behaviors. Researchers collected data from 1,003 participants (aged 18–25) through an online survey about communication technology and “acceptable” dating behaviors. Data were analyzed using chi-square testing in and between independent variable groups to determine significance. Significant differences in gender and religious involvement were discovered. Application of findings is presented, and future directions for research are set forth.
Arenediazonium Salts as Versatile (meso-Ionic) Tectons. Charge-Transfer Intercalates and Clathrates in Unusual Crystalline Networks Self-Assembled with Neutral Aromatic π-Donors

The surprisingly uniform crystal packings of various arenediazonium salts (ArN2+X-) largely consist of two-dimensional ionic layers from various (N2+···X-) interactions coupled with a series of antiparallel arrays of pendant aryl groups (Ar). This crystalline architecture can be deliberately modified by the introduction of different (neutral) aromatic π-donors. On the basis of the exceptional electron-acceptor strength of the (N2+) group, the principal crystal-forming interactions of the arenediazonium tecton can be dissected into (a) strong coordination to anionic and electron-rich (neutral) σ-donors within the equatorial plane, (b) enhanced capacity for (C−H···X) hydrogen bonding, and (c) remarkable aptitude to form (noncovalent) charge-transfer bonds with aromatic π-donors. Thus, the detailed analysis of crystalline networks found in 3,5-dinitro and 4-carboethoxy derivatives of benzenediazonium salts recognizes them as remarkable intercalate and clathrate structures in which various charge-transfer int...
Obstetricians seldom provide postpartum diabetes screening for women with gestational diabetes.

Objective We aimed to determine whether obstetrician-gynecologists provided postpartum type 2 diabetes mellitus screening for women with a history of gestational diabetes. Study Design We identified women diagnosed with gestational diabetes, and then assessed whether obstetrician-gynecologists provided postpartum diabetes mellitus screening by ordering American Diabetes Association-recommended glucose tests or by referring women to primary care physicians for such testing. Results Of 2617 gravid women with a 1-hour glucose challenge test, 90 had gestational diabetes and postpartum follow-up. Only 20.0% (18/90) of women with a history of gestational diabetes had documented orders from obstetrician-gynecologists for American Diabetes Association-recommended postpartum diabetes mellitus screening tests. Even when we broadened our definition of “providing postpartum diabetes mellitus screening” to also include referrals to primary care physicians, only 33.3% (30/90) of women met such criteria. Conclusion Obstetrician-gynecologists at an academic medical center did not provide postpartum diabetes mellitus screening for 66.7% of women with a history of gestational diabetes.