cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EGF does not enhance corneal epithelial cell motility.

Although it is well known that epidermal growth factor (EGF) accelerates corneal epithelial wound healing by stimulating mitosis, it is also believed that EGF may directly stimulate the motility of individual corneal epithelial cells. We employed three different experimental methods to determine if EGF does indeed enhance the motility of corneal epithelial cells (independent of mitotic effects). First, the effects of EGF on the motility of tissue-cultured rat and rabbit corneal epithelial cells were investigated by a Boyden chamber assay. In rat corneal epithelium, these effects were further investigated by a second method, the agarose drop assay. Both assay techniques demonstrated no increase in corneal epithelial cell motility in the presence of EGF. These findings were corroborated by a third method which consisted of measuring the closure rate of epithelial wounds in organ-cultured rat corneas in the presence and absence of EGF, while concurrently arresting mitosis with colchicine. The wound closure rate before addition of any drug was 0.46 ± 0.03 mm 2 /hr. The wound closure rate with EGF (50 ng/ml) was 0.55 ± 0.03 mm 2 /hr, significantly {P 0.50) from that of the drug-free control. These results, together with the Boyden chamber and agarose drop assay results, suggest that the acceleration of corneal epithelial wound healing by EGF is due primarily to increased cell proliferation (with the increase in cell population causing the cells to spill over into the epithelial defect). It appears that individual cell motility, independent of mitosis, is not primarily responsible for accelerated wound healing in the presence of EGF. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 30:1808-1812,1989
Male Genitourinary Exam

During adolescence, examination of the male genitalia should be part of the annual examination. The purposes of this examination are to stage development, detect disease, and instruct boys on testicular self-examination. In addition, some boys are assured by “normal” findings in the exam. A chaperone is generally unnecessary but could be offered to younger adolescent males. Usually parents should be excused. Some boys prefer to be gowned. The genital exam is best performed when the boy is standing and the area well illuminated. A brief description of the exam should be given beforehand. It is best to have the patient roll back the foreskin (see Fig. 1).
Grinding Technology and New Grinding Wheels

High-speed grinding offers great potential for significant advances in component quality combined with high productivity. A factor behind the process has been the need to increase productivity for conventional finishing processes. In the course of process development it has become evident that high-speed grinding enables the configuration of new process sequences with high performance capabilities. By using appropriate grinding machines and grinding tools, it is possible to expand the scope of grinding to high-efficiency machining of soft, ductile materials. In this chapter, a basic examination of process mechanisms that relates the configuration of grinding tools and the requirements for grinding soft materials is discussed.
Automated Visual Inspection Algorithms

In most mass-production manufacturing facilities, an attempt is often made to achieve 100% quality assurance of all parts, subassemblies, and finished products. One of the most difficult tasks in this process is that of inspecting for visual appearance —an inspection that seeks to identify both functional and cosmetic defects. Undoubtedly, the automation of visual inspection will increase productivity and improve product quality.
Abrogation of established inflammatory arthritis by the GABAA agonist Honokiol. (50.18)

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease characterized by debilitating stiffness and erosive joint destruction. Honokiol (HNK), a phenolic compound isolated and purified from magnolia, has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties without the toxicity found with current treatments. Whether given i.p. or orally, HNK abrogated established collagen induced arthritis in a dose dependent manner. Treatment with HNK in vivo resulted in decreased antigen-specific pro-inflammatory responses as well as altered T- and B-cell activation and antibody responses. The anti-inflammatory effects of HNK could be reversed using inhibitors of the neurotransmitter GABA(A), a previously reported target for HNK interaction. Preliminary evidence indicates that HNK influences transcriptional regulators of T- and B-cell activation. Thus, the anti-inflammatory properties of HNK show significant promise for blocking the autoimmune response, effectively and without toxicity. These findings also suggest that other agonists of neurotransmitter receptors should be investigated as anti-inflammatory agents. This research was supported by NIH grant 1 R21 AT003998-01 .
Evolutionary Developmental Biology: Philosophical Issues

Evolutionary developmental biology (Evo-devo) is a loose conglomeration of research programs in the life sciences with two main axes: (a) the evolution of development, or inquiry into the pattern and processes of how ontogeny varies and changes over time; and, (b) the developmental basis of evolution, or inquiry into the causal impact of ontogenetic processes on evolutionary trajectories—both in terms of constraint and facilitation. Philosophical issues are found along both axes surrounding concepts such as evolvability, novelty, and modularity. The developmental basis of evolution has garnered much attention because it speaks to the possibility of revising a standard construal of evolutionary theory, but the evolution of development harbors its own conceptual questions. This article addresses the heterogeneity of Evo-devo’s conglomerate structure (including disagreements over its individuation), as well as the concepts and controversies of philosophical interest pertaining to the evolution of development and the developmental basis of evolution. Future research will benefit from a shift away from global theorizing toward the scientific practices of Evo-devo.
ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF POLYSACCHARIDE ISOLATED FROM METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA STEM BARK

Objective: Investigation of the antioxidant efficacy of a novel polysaccharide isolated from the methanolic extract of Tinospora cordifolia stem bark with reference to its action as free radical scavengers using in vivo and in vitro approaches was performed in the study. Methods: Lipid peroxidation (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were determined with and without polysaccharide treatment in the cell lines and breast and liver tissues. 7, 12- Dimethylbenz (α) anthracene-induced albino Wistar rats were used as animal models. Results: The IC50 concentration of polysaccharide was 100 μM for both the cell lines. The lipid peroxidation levels were decreased in both breast cancer cell lines and liver and breast tissues. Polysaccharide treatment showed remarkably low levels of TBARS in breast cancer cells, and a significant reduction in the activity of SOD, GPx, and CAT levels in cancer groups was found to be increased with polysaccharide treatment. The alteration was found to be induced in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines and in breast and liver tissues of in vivo models. Conclusion: The results showed that the polysaccharide from T. cordifolia has antioxidant potential on human breast cancer cell lines and tissues with induction of apoptosis.
Contraception for Women with Epilepsy

The purpose of this review is to summarize the current available literature on contraception for women with epilepsy, and to provide recommendations for women with epilepsy on enzyme-inducing anti-seizure drugs and on non-enzyme-inducing anti-seizure drugs. A recent study has confirmed the safety of the levonorgestrel-containing intrauterine device for women with epilepsy, with no effect on seizure control or anti-seizure drug levels. Other recent studies have found low serum etonogestrel or levonorgestrel levels in women on enzyme-inducing anti-seizure drugs and the etonogestrel or levonorgestrel implant, making this an unsuitable method for women on such drugs. Women with epilepsy have an especially compelling need to avoid unplanned pregnancy, as some common anti-seizure medications have teratogenic or detrimental neurocognitive effects on exposed children. Women on enzyme-inducing anti-seizure drugs and their physicians must be particularly aware of drug interactions with hormonal contraceptive methods.
ezCADD: A Rapid 2D/3D Visualization-Enabled Web Modeling Environment for Democratizing Computer-Aided Drug Design

As abundant and user-friendly as computer-aided drug design (CADD) software may seem, there is still a large underserved population of biomedical researchers around the world, particularly those with no computational training and limited research funding. To address this important need and help scientists overcome barriers that impede them from leveraging CADD in their drug discovery work, we have developed ezCADD, a web-based CADD modeling environment that manifests four simple design concepts: easy, quick, user-friendly, and 2D/3D visualization-enabled. In this paper, we describe the features of three fundamental applications that have been implemented in ezCADD: small-molecule docking, protein–protein docking, and binding pocket detection, and their applications in drug design against a pathogenic microbial enzyme as an example. To assess user experience and the effectiveness of our implementation, we introduced ezCADD to first-year pharmacy students as an active learning exercise in the Principles of ...
Teachers as Learners: Engaging Communities of Learners in Mathematical Modelling Through Professional Development

Mathematical modelling is a cyclic process in which a modeller evaluates a real-life scenario using mathematics. It is rarely included in the curriculum for pupils prior to secondary school in the United States and is thus unfamiliar to most elementary teachers. In this study, we begin by describing our perspectives and stance on professional development for elementary school teachers in mathematical modelling from both content and pedagogical aspects. We then describe how engaging teachers and students in mathematical modelling promoted mathematical communities of practice through classroom values of relevance, access, and engagement. Findings from a narrative analysis of field notes and transcripts from teacher study groups suggest that when teachers create modelling tasks with these values in mind, modelling provides opportunities for all students to use mathematics to solve problems that matter to them in a way that fosters and benefits community.
Gastrointestinal Problems in Overweight and Obese Individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome (P21-033-19)

Objectives Individuals affected by Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) exhibit altered body composition, depressed metabolic rate and hyperphagia, leading to morbid obesity if not managed by life-long energy restriction. The extent of gastrointestinal problems in this population has been less studied. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, GI-related hospitalizations and surgeries, use of GI-related medications, and their associations to weight status in a cohort of individuals affected by PWS.
Evolution and Challenges in Frontal Sinus Surgery

Diseases of the frontal sinus have long challenged otorhinolaryngologists who debated over the optimal surgical approach. Historical techniques in frontal sinus surgery focused on obliteration of disease through predominantly external approaches. Unfortunately, these procedures were disfiguring and wrought with high failure rates and frequent revisions. The advent of endoscopic techniques and innovative instrumentation have advanced our understanding of frontal sinus anatomy and improved surgical outcomes. The modern approach to frontal sinus disease involves mucosal-sparing techniques and a restoration of a nasofrontal outflow tract. This chapter highlights the spectrum and evolution of frontal sinus surgery and the technological advances that have changed our management of frontal sinus disease.
Blue radiation attenuates the effects of the red to far-red ratio on extension growth but not on flowering

Abstract Phytochromes, which primarily absorb red (R; 600–700 nm) and far-red (FR; 700–800 nm) radiation, and cryptochromes, which primarily absorb blue (B; 400–500 nm) radiation, coordinately control plant morphological and developmental traits, including extension growth and flowering. However, the effects of B and the R:FR on plant responses have usually been investigated independently, and how they interact to regulate plant traits has not been well characterized. We postulated that B radiation would attenuate the effect of the R:FR on extension growth, and with FR, promote flowering. We grew seedlings of petunia (Petunia ×hybrida), geranium (Pelargonium ×hortorum), and coleus (Solenostemon scutellariodes) at 20 °C under six sole-source light-emitting diode treatments with an 18-h photoperiod. The treatments delivered the following photon flux densities (subscript in μmol·m−2·s−1) of B (peak = 447 nm), R (peak = 660 nm), and/or FR radiation (peak = 731 nm): B80R80, B80R80FR10, B80R80FR80, R160, R160FR20, and R160FR160. Seedlings were then transplanted and subsequently grown in a common greenhouse environment at 20 °C with a 16-h photoperiod. Seedling height of all species increased linearly with additions of FR [as the R:FR or estimated phytochrome photoequilibrium (PPE) decreased]. When R was partly substituted with B radiation (B80R80), seedling height of all species also increased linearly with decreasing PPE, but substantially less (55–86%) than under R160. In all species, shoot dry weight decreased linearly with increasing PPE similarly under R160 and B80R80. In the long-day plant petunia, decreasing the PPE promoted subsequent flowering by 7–11 d, regardless of the presence of B radiation. We conclude that a moderately high B photon flux density attenuates the effects of the R:FR on extension growth but has no apparent effect on the FR promotion of flowering in a long-day plant. This suggests that cryptochrome-mediated B signaling dominates phytochrome-mediated FR signaling in the regulation of extension growth, but not flowering.
c-Kit suppresses atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic mice.

This study describes the novel vasculoprotective role of c-Kit against atherosclerosis and its function in the preservation of the SMC contractile phenotype.
Model and Machine Learning based Caching and Routing Algorithms for Cache-enabled Networks.

In-network caching is likely to become an integral part of various networked systems (e.g., 5G networks, LPWAN and IoT systems) in the near future. In this paper, we compare and contrast model-based and machine learning approaches for designing caching and routing strategies to improve cache network performance (e.g., delay, hit rate). We first outline the key principles used in the design of model-based strategies and discuss the analytical results and bounds obtained for these approaches. By conducting experiments on real-world traces and networks, we identify the interplay between content popularity skewness and request stream correlation as an important factor affecting cache performance. With respect to routing, we show that the main factors impacting performance are alternate path routing and content search. We then discuss the applicability of multiple machine learning models, specifically reinforcement learning, deep learning, transfer learning and probabilistic graphical models for the caching and routing problem.
State-Constitutional Departures From the Supreme Court: The Fourth Amendment

This article comprehensively canvasses cases in which states have declined to follow, as a matter of state law, cases from the United States Supreme Court interpreting the Fourth Amendment. Considering the 342 Fourth Amendment cases in Harold Spaeth’s database, we collect all of these cases that Westlaw marks as “Not Followed on State Law Grounds.” Of these cases, 125 cases have triggered a total of 306 such state-level disagreements, from 37 states. 17 states have disagreed with United States v. Leon, 16 states with Hodari D., and 10 with Illinois v. Gates. Washington has disagreed with 39 cases, New Jersey 23, Hawaii 22, New Mexico 19, and Pennsylvania 18. Whether a case has been overruled by the Supreme Court itself does not correlate significantly with state-court disagreement, but the existence of dissenting votes is mildly correlated. Nonetheless, more politically-liberal states disagree somewhat more. We find that the states least likely to follow other states’ lead are Texas, Oregon, Hawaii, Washington, New York, California, Florida, Indiana, and Nevada, while the states most likely to match nationwide trends are Delaware, Connecticut, Tennessee, Minnesota, New Mexico, Alaska, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania.
Robust Instance Tracking via Uncertainty Flow

Current state-of-the-art trackers often fail due to distractorsand large object appearance changes. In this work, we explore the use ofdense optical flow to improve tracking robustness. Our main insight is that, because flow estimation can also have errors, we need to incorporate an estimate of flow uncertainty for robust tracking. We present a novel tracking framework which combines appearance and flow uncertainty information to track objects in challenging scenarios. We experimentally verify that our framework improves tracking robustness, leading to new state-of-the-art results. Further, our experimental ablations shows the importance of flow uncertainty for robust tracking.
Development of a Structured Regional Analgesia Program for Postoperative Pain Management

OBJECTIVES: We pursued the use of regional analgesia (RA) to minimize the use of postoperative opioids. Our aim was to increase the use of postoperative RA for eligible surgical procedures in the NICU from 0% to 80% by June 30, 2019. METHODS: A multidisciplinary team determined the eligibility criteria, developed an extensive process map, implemented comprehensive education, and a structured process for communication of postoperative pain management plans. Daily pain team rounds provided an opportunity for collaborative comanagement. An additional 30 minutes for catheter placement was added in operating room (OR) scheduling so that it would not affect the surgeon OR time. RESULTS: There were 21 eligible surgeries in the baseline period and 34 in the intervention period. In total, 30 of 34 infants in eligible surgeries (88%) received RA. The average total opioid exposure in intravenous morphine milligram equivalents decreased from 5.0 to 1.1 mg/kg in the intervention group. The average time to extubation was 45 hours in the baseline period and 19.9 hours in the intervention group. After interventions, 75% of infants were extubated in the OR, as compared with 10.5% in the baseline period. No difference was seen in postoperative pain scores or postoperative hypothermia between the baseline and intervention groups. CONCLUSIONS: We used quality improvement methodology to develop a structured RA program. We demonstrated a significant reduction in opioid requirements and need for mechanical ventilation postoperatively for those infants who received RA. Our findings support safe and effective use of RA, and provide a framework for implementation of a similar program.
Integrating Patient Perspectives into Medical Device Regulatory Decision Making to Advance Innovation in Kidney Disease

Understanding patient perspectives is critical to developing tailored care approaches that address patients’ needs and wants, with the ultimate goal of improving patient satisfaction and quality of life. Methods to better measure patients’ experiences living with their condition and its
Twelve tips for creating an escape room activity for medical education

Communication, teamwork, and resilience all require active practice by healthcare teams. Games such as escape rooms can add variety, interactivity, and value to teaching sessions. Escape room activities typically include a variety of sequential puzzles that lead participants to break free of a room, or can be adapted into an 'escape box' challenge where participants work to successfully unlock a box. Escape room or escape box exercises can help healthcare teams develop and enhance team skills, as well as reinforce medical knowledge. We developed an escape box session to teach and reinforce organizational Safety II principles and the resilience potentials: monitor, respond, learn, and anticipate. We report 12 tips to effectively organize and develop an escape room or escape box activity for multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
Introduction to Civil Wrongs and Justice in Private Law

This introduction to Civil Wrongs and Justice in Private Law (Paul B. Miller & John Oberdiek, eds., Oxford University Press, 2020) provides a thematic overview of the significance of civil wrongs to debate over conceptual and normative questions in private law theory, as well as a discussion of the contributions to the volume. The volume includes chapters by the editors and Maria Guadalupe Martinez Alles, Ahson Azmat, Nicolas Cornell, Christopher Essert, Lee Fennell, Kimberly Kessler Ferzan, Andrew Gold, John Goldberg, Ori Herstein, Larissa Katz, Gregory Keating, Liam Murphy, David Owens, James Penner, Jeffrey Pojanowski, Matthew Shapiro, Adam Slavny, Stephen Smith, Findlay Stark, Victor Tadros, and Benjamin Zipursky.
Safety and initial efficacy of ablative radioembolization for the treatment of unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Purpose To investigate safety, response, and survival after ablative glass microsphere 90Y radioembolization for unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Materials and methods A retrospective review of 37 radioembolizations in 28 patients treated with single compartment dose of ≥190 Gy encompassing >75% of the largest tumor was performed. Tumors were assessed for stage, morphology, and arterial supply. Response per Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST), freedom from progression (FFP), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), biochemical hepatic function, performance status, and adverse events were investigated. Results The median highest dose per patient was 256.8 Gy (195.7-807.8). Objective response at 3 months was 94.1% (complete 44.1% and partial 50%). Median OS was not reached and the 30-month OS rate was 59%, with a median follow-up of 13.4 months (5.4-39.4). FFP in the radiated field and overall FFP at 30 months were 67% and 40%, respectively. Favorable arterial supply was associated with improved OS (p = 0.018). Unfavorable arterial supply was associated with worse OS [HR 5.7 (95% CI 1.1-28.9, p = 0.034)], and PFS [HR 5.9 (95% CI 1.9-18.4, p = 0.002)]. Patients with mass-forming tumors had a survival benefit (p = 0.002). Laboratory values and performance status did not significantly change 3 months after radioembolization. Grade 3 and 4 adverse events occurred in 2 (7.1%) patients. Conclusions Radioembolization of unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with ablative intent has a high response rate, promising survival, and is well tolerated.
Obstacle Avoidance Path Planning for Worm-like Robot Using Bézier Curve.

Worm-like robots have demonstrated great potential in navigating through environments requiring body shape deformation. Some examples include navigating within a network of pipes, crawling through rubble for search and rescue operations, and medical applications such as endoscopy and colonoscopy. In this work, we developed path planning optimization techniques and obstacle avoidance algorithms for the peristaltic method of locomotion of worm-like robots. Based on our previous path generation study using a modified rapidly exploring random tree (RRT), we have further introduced the Bezier curve to allow more path optimization flexibility. Using Bezier curves, the path planner can explore more areas and gain more flexibility to make the path smoother. We have calculated the obstacle avoidance limitations during turning tests for a six-segment robot with the developed path planning algorithm. Based on the results of our robot simulation, we determined a safe turning clearance distance with a six-body diameter between the robot and the obstacles. When the clearance is less than this value, additional methods such as backward locomotion may need to be applied for paths with high obstacle offset. Furthermore, for a worm-like robot, the paths of subsequent segments will be slightly different than the path of the head segment. Here, we show that as the number of segments increases, the differences between the head path and tail path increase, necessitating greater lateral clearance margins.
1, 2-Anionic Rearrangements of Organosilicon and Germanium Compounds

Publisher Summary The discussion in this chapter will be limited to cases in which X and Y are directly bonded to each other— that is, to 1, 2-anionic rearrangements. The two classical anionic rearrangements are the Wittig rearrangement, wherein migration takes place from oxygen to anionic carbon and the Stevens rearrangement where migration is from nitrogen to carbon. Both of these are examples of heteroatomic anionic rearrangements—that is, ones where X and Y are different. Homoatomic anionic rearrangements, where X = Y, are also possible. The one example known before the discovery of organometallic migrating groups was the C­­-C anionic rearrangement. These are the best studied and in many ways the most interesting anionic rearrangements. This chapter has treated only 1, 2-anionic rearrangements. Anionic rearrangements to more distant sites are less thoroughly studied, but they too can be profitably investigated using organosilicon migrating groups. A few examples of remote anionic rearrangements of organosilicon groups are covered in this chapter. Another direction that is almost totally unexplored is migration of metal and metalloid groups other than silicon and germanium. The compounds may be more difficult to prepare and handle, but it can expected that R 2 B, R 2 AI, R 3 Sn, R 2 As, and other metalloid substituent may similarly provide low-energy transition states for anionic migration. As future developments take place in the study of anionic rearrangements, the exceptionally mobile organosilicon and other organometallic migrating groups seem likely to be of crucial and of increasing importance.
Photovoltaics materials and devices

The current status of research and technology of photovoltaic materials and devices are reviewed briefly. The review includes a discussion of fundamental concepts underlying the operation of photovoltaics. Photovoltaic power sources are the best opportunity to provide energy for the world of tomorrow. The technology is changing rapidly and the price of power produced by photovoltaics is dropping while the industry is growing at 25% or more per year. Alternative renewable energy sources will provide some of our energy but photovoltaics are the most efficient at converting sunlight to useable power. A variety of technologies are available including those operating under unconcentrated and concentrated sunlight. Single junction devices are the most common, while multijunction designs are more efficient. Much of the progress in some technologies in recent years has been due primarily to a shift from single junction to multijunction devices. The performance of the devices can be understood based on conventiona...
Nuclear proteins: V. Studies of histone-binding proteins from mouse liver by affinity chromatography

Abstract We examined four extracts of mouse liver for histone-binding proteins using histone affinity chromatography and positively charged resins. The extracts used were cytoplasm and washes from isolated nuclei with buffers containing 0.05 M Tris, 0.15 M NaCl or 0.35 M NaCl. Proteins from the nuclear washes showed greater binding to the columns than proteins from the cytoplasm. The binding fractions were heterogeneous in gel electrophoresis systems. Proteins bound to affinity columns of individual histones were similar to those bound to columns of whole histone, polylysine and DEAE. A 25 000 dalton polypeptide (J2), found only in nuclear washes was a prominent histone-binding protein. It could be competitively eluted from DEAE with histones, suggesting polypeptide J2 may show a specific affinity for histones. Polypeptide J2 has an acidic to basic amino acid ratio of 1.58, and its amino acid composition is not similar to that of the high mobility group 1 protein. Polypeptide J2 binds to hydrophobic columns and may play a role in modifying histone-histone and histone-DNA interactions.
Robust Treatment of Interfaces for Fluid Flows and Computer Graphics

Researchers have used numerical techniques to solve partial differential equations describing physical phenomena for many years. One challenging area, the numerical treatment of interfaces, motivated the creation of a topologically robust interface capturing algorithm, the level set method of Osher and Sethian [29]. The level set method has been used to track interfaces in a wide variety of applications. Utilizing geometrical information about the interface, which is naturally obtained from the level set function, an accurate treatment of material discontinuities across the interface can be obtained via the Ghost Fluid Method [15]. Discontinuities are implicitly enforced with the ghost fluid method, avoiding any numerical smoothing of discontinuous quantities across the interface. The ghost fluid method and related techniques have been used to model discontinuities in compressible and incompressible flows [15, 24, 22, 3], flames and detonations [27, 16], solid fluid coupling [14] and Stefan problems [19, 18, 4]. A newly proposed, fully conservative ghost fluid method has been used to track contact discontinuities, inert shocks and detonation waves [25]. Accurate modeling of the motion of a contact discontinuity itself for incompressible flows has been a challenge for level set methods. Recently a new method, the “particle level set method” [10], has been proposed to accurately track contact discontinuities for incompressible flows.
Constraints on the Thickness of be Star Disks Derived from Combined IR Excess and Optical Polarimetry Data

Analytic expressions are developed for the 12 μm infrared excess and for the optical intrinsic polarization, accounting for occultation of part of the envelope by the stellar disk or depolarization effects due to the finite angular size of the stellar disk. It is assumed that the wind is isothermal and that the electron scattering optical depth is less than unity for all lines of sight. The model is applied to the data for four Be stars which have inclination angles near 90° (equator-on). Fits to the observed IR excess predict a polarization larger than observed unless the model has either of two quite different electron density distributions: a) the electrons are in a very narrow equatorial disk (HWHM< 15°) or b) the electron envelope is very broad (HWHM~ 50°). This is because polarization can be reduced relative to the infrared excess by either greatly restricting the volume of the electron envelope, or by having partial cancellation of the equatorial polarization from contributions near the pole. The two solutions have different base densities, ρ 0, and may be differentiated by yet other observational data.
Session-based admission control: a mechanism for improving performance of commercial Web sites

We introduce a new, session-based workload for measuring Web server performance. We define a session as a sequence of client individual requests. We then measure server throughput as a number of successfully completed sessions. Using a simulation model we show that an overloaded Web server can experience a severe loss of throughput measured as a number of completed sessions compared with the server throughput measured in requests per second. Moreover statistical analysis of completed sessions reveals that the overloaded Web server discriminates against longer sessions. We introduce a session-based admission control (SBAC) to prevent a Web server from becoming overloaded and to ensure that longer sessions can be completed. We show that a Web server augmented with the admission control mechanism is able to provide a fair guarantee of completion, for any accepted session, independent of session length. This provides a predictable and controllable platform for Web applications, and is a critical requirement for any E-business.
Can we develop effective combination antiangiogenic therapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Antiangiogenic therapy has shown promise in the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Bevacizumab, sorafenib, and sunitinib showed efficacy in patients with HCC; and sorafenib is approved by the FDA for treatment of this cancer. In practice, the clinical benefit of these agents has been heterogeneous; and in patients who do respond, the benefit is modest and/or short-lived. Recent advances in the molecular understanding of tumor angiogenesis along with the rapid development of targeted drug discovery have made it possible to explore novel combination therapy for HCC. We review the clinical trial results, discuss possible molecular mechanisms of resistance, and suggest novel combinations with antiangiogenic therapy.
Long‐Term Performance of Permeable Reactive Barriers Using Zero‐Valent Iron: Geochemical and Microbiological Effects

Geochemical and microbiological factors that control long-term performance of subsurface permeable reactive barriers were evaluated at the Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and the Denver Federal Center, Colorado, sites. These ground water treatment systems use zero-valent iron filings (Peerless Metal Powders Inc.) to intercept and remediate chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds at the Denver Federal Center (funnel-and-gate system) and overlapping plumes of hexavalent chromium and chlorinated hydrocarbons at Elizabeth City (continuous wall system). Zero-valent iron at both sites is a long-term sink for carbon, sulfur, calcium, silicon, nitrogen, and magnesium. After about four years of operation, the average rates of inorganic carbon (IC) and sulfur (S) accumulation are 0.09 and 0.02 kg/m2/year, respectively, at Elizabeth City where upgradient waters contain <400 mg/L of total dissolved solids (TDS). At the Denver Federal Center site, upgradient ground water contains 1000 to 1200 mg/L TDS and rates of IC and S accumulation are as high as 2.16 and 0.80 kg/m2/year, respectively. At both sites, consistent patterns of spatially variable mineral precipitation and microbial activity are observed. Mineral precipitates and microbial biomass accumulate the fastest near the upgradient aquifer-Fe0 interface. Maximum net reductions in porosity due to the accumulation of sulfur and inorganic carbon precipitates range from 0.032 at Elizabeth City to 0.062 at the Denver Federal Center (gate 2) after about four years. Although pore space has been lost due the accumulation of authigenic components, neither site shows evidence of pervasive pore clogging after four years of operation.
An extremely fast algorithm for identifying high closeness centrality vertices in large-scale networks

The significance of an entity in a network is generally given by the centrality value of its vertex. For most analysis purposes, only the high ranked vertices are required. However, most algorithms calculate the centrality values of all the vertices. We present an extremely fast and scalable algorithm for identifying the high closeness centrality vertices, using group testing. We show that our approach is significantly faster (best-case over 50 times, worst-case over 7 times) than the currently used methods. We can also use group testing to identify networks that are sensitive to edge perturbation.
Management of Arrhythmias in the Emergency Department

The authors present practical and concise advice on initial diagnosis and management of arrhythmias, on arrhythmia devices, and on syncope. There is discussion of tachyarrhythmias, both wide and narrow, bradyarrhythmias, and management of pacemakers and defibrillators. Common pitfalls and concerns are addressed.
Perceived Criticism and Marital Adjustment Predict Depressive Symptoms in a Community Sample

Depressive symptoms are related to a host of negative individual and family outcomes; therefore, it is important to establish risk factors for depressive symptoms to design prevention efforts. Following studies in the marital and psychiatric literatures regarding marital factors associated with depression, we tested two potential predictors of depressive symptoms: marital adjustment and perceived spousal criticism. We assessed 249 spouses from 132 married couples from the community during their first year of marriage and at three time points over the next 10 years. Initial marital adjustment significantly predicted depressive symptoms for husbands and wives at all follow-ups. Further, perceived criticism significantly predicted depressive symptoms at the 5- and 10-year follow-ups. However, at the 1-year follow-up, this association was significant for men but not for women. Finally, a model where the contributions of marital adjustment and perceived criticism were tested together suggested that both play independent roles in predicting future depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the potential importance of increasing marital adjustment and reducing perceived criticism at the outset of marriage as a way to reduce depressive symptoms during the course of marriage.
Failure of Ethanol to Induce Changes in Gonadotropin Gene Expression in Selectively Bred Ethanol-Sensitive Rats

The recent availability of genetically altered rat lines differing in sensitivity to ethanol (EtOH) has allowed deeper investigation into the mechanisms of EtOH-induced cellular toxicity in several systems. Since the male central reproductive axis has been demonstrated to be exquisitely sensitive to EtOH, studies were undertaken to determine if the gonadotropin suppression reported earlier could be duplicated in one of these selected rat lines. Castrated high alcohol sensitivity (HAS), low alcohol sensitivity (LAS) and control alcohol sensitivity (CAS) rats were given EtOH or saline acutely. Castrated non-selectively bred Sprague Dawley rats were treated similarly and used as an additional control. At sacrifice, serum and pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were obtained and the mRNA levels for both gonadotropins assessed. In the selectivity bred animal there was essentially no change in serum or pituitary LH or FSH levels between EtOH and saline treated animals. The mRNA levels for both LH and FSH similarly were unaffected by EtOH, in striking contrast to the non-selectively bred Sprague Dawley rats where serum LH, FSH and beta-LH mRNA levels are markedly suppressed after EtOH exposure. The selectively bred lines of rats genetically manipulated for high or low EtOH sensitivity, as well as their non-selected controls, appeared to have a hypothalamic-pituitary reproductive unit that is resistant to EtOH. This is in contrast to Sprague-Dawley rats, where suppression of this axis previously has been consistently demonstrated.
The metabolism of fumarate by peach, apple and privet roots

Abstract Excised roots of peach, apple and privet respired the bulk (40–73%) of absorbed fumarate-1,4- 14 C to CO 2 by 320 min. On the other hand, only 12% of the absorbed fumarate-2,3- 14 C was respired to CO 2 by peach roots, while privet roots converted less than 1%. The fate of fumarate-2,3- 14 C was greatly dissimilar among the three species; peach roots incorporated 50% of the absorbed label into protein, apple 33% and privet 10%. Privet roots contained the most, and peach roots the least, 14 C in organic acids. The rapid metabolism of fumarate-2,3- 14 C to glutamate and aspartate and the large incorporation of these amino acids into protein by the three species indicates the presence of enzyme systems important in amino acid synthesis in the roots of woody plants, and the labelling pattern suggests that aspartase is not physiologically important in these tissues.
Saturn's rings. I. Optical thickness of rings A, B, D and structure of ring B

A photometric study of high-resolution plates of Saturn taken at the Lowell Observatory in 1943 and 1945 is presented. N-S scans were taken over both the planet and rings. The excess brightness due to the planet seen through the rings is found by taking the difference between the central meridian (CM) scans and scans displaced by 5.7 sec. Adopting a value for the albedo of the planet, it is possible to obtain the optical thickness. After considering several possible explanations, we conclude that the ring particles are nonspherical and are in synchronous rotation around the planet with their long axis toward it.
Living conditions and everyday needs of the elderly with particular reference to social isolation.

This paper is concerned with social isolation, its consequences, and the programs which may possibly combat it. We, as well as others, have located extremely isolated aged persons who reside in the...
Noncompliant behavior, overactivity, and family stress as predictors of negative maternal control with preschool children

The independent contributions of preschool children's noncompliance and overactivity/inattention and measures of family stress to the prediction of negative maternal control were examined in two cohorts of children. In Cohort 1, children's noncompliant and hyperactive behavior each predicted more negative maternal control, whereas in Cohort 2, the interaction between noncompliance and overactivity was predictive of particularly high levels of negative control. In Cohort 2, stressful life events, maternal depression, and marital distress were also associated with negative maternal control. Stressful life events interacted with noncompliance indicating that the combination of a difficult child and a high level of family stress exacerbated the tendency of mothers of preschool children to exert negative control to gain compliance. Results indicate that factors external to the mother-child relationship exert an independent influence on maternal behavior.
Toxicity of camptothecin to Chinese hamster cells containing 5-hydroxymethyl-2'-deoxyuridine in their DNA.

Abstract 5-Hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxyuridine (hmdUrd) is incorporated into the DNA of V79 Chinese hamster cells as an analogue of thymidine. Incorporated residues are then recognized and excised by hmUra-DNA glycosylase (hmUDG). The removal of large numbers of hmUra residues and subsequent strand breakage is cytotoxic, as has been demonstrated by our finding that a mutant cell line, which is deficient in this enzyme, is resistant to hmdUrd (Boorstein et al., 1992a). In order to determine whether topoisomerase I plays a role in hmUDG initiated base excision repair, V79 cells and repair deficient V79mut1 cells were exposed to combinations of hmdUrd and the topoisomerase I inhibitors camptothecin (CPT), CPT-11, and β-lapachone. Treatment of V79 cells with hmdUrd followed by non-toxic concentrations of camptothecin or CPT-11 showed significant enhancement of the baseline cytotoxicity of the hmdUrd alone. In contrast, camptothecin and CPT-11 had no effect in combination with hmdUrd in the V79mut1 cells. Non-toxic concentrations of β-lapachone, which inhibits topoisomerase I by a different mechanism than camptothecin and CPT-11, produced no synergistic toxicity in V79 cells. Neither camptothecin nor CPT-11 inhibited removal of hmdUrd from hmdUrd treated cells, nor did they affect hmdUrd-induced poly(ADP-ribose) synthesis. Camptothecin did not alter the cell cycle distribution of either hmdUrd treated cells or untreated cells at concentrations sufficient to cause synergistic toxicity with hmdUrd. Results from our study indicate that the utility of topoisomerase I inhibitors may be enhanced by sensitizing cells with hmdUrd initiated repair activity which arrests cells in S-phase and produces DNA lesions that are further converted into lethal damage by camptothecin.
Growth Factor Therapies for Vascular Injury and Ischemia

In this issue of Circulation , Asahara et al1 report that reendothelialization of the rat carotid artery after balloon denudation is accelerated by a local 30-minute incubation of 100 μg of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF 165). This treatment also may have increased the final extent of reendothelialization by ≈50%, although the 4-week end point is too early to be certain. Recently, Callow et al2 reported equally dramatic effects using twice-weekly intravenous doses of 100 μg in the rabbit. Although no toxicity was described in the rabbit studies, the present report by Asahara and colleagues suggests that a single local administration is efficacious, eliminating concerns about other potential in vivo effects of VEGF, including vasorelaxation3 and increased vascular permeability.4 These outcomes were by no means guaranteed, since there was no previous evidence that VEGF played a role in this process. VEGF, a glycoprotein that is mitogenic for endothelial cells and angiogenic in vivo, is known to be expressed in ischemic and hypoxic myocytes5 6 and tumor cells (and indeed, the VEGF and erythropoietin genes have similar hypoxia-responsive regulatory regions7 ), but injured arteries are not hypoxic. VEGF is made by smooth muscle cells, and it may prove to be upregulated after balloon injury, since in other cells its expression is induced by protein kinase C and by tissue factor,8 which are activated after balloon injury. These studies are also noteworthy for the magnitude of the effects, which contrast with reports that growth factors only marginally enhance dermal wound healing in normal animals (in contrast to the considerable enhancement of wound healing by growth factors in old or diabetic animals or in infected wounds).9 Thus, the results might be even more dramatic in “problem wounds.” Is restenosis a “problem wound”? Coronary restenosis causes …
Discovering mechanisms of signaling-mediated cysteine oxidation

Accumulating evidence reveals hydrogen peroxide as a key player both as a damaging agent and, from emerging evidence over the past decade, as a second messenger in intracellular signaling. This rather mild oxidant acts upon downstream targets within signaling cascades to modulate the activity of a host of enzymes (e.g. phosphatases and kinases) and transcriptional regulators through chemoselective oxidation of cysteine residues. With the recent development of specific detection reagents for hydrogen peroxide and new chemical tools to detect the generation of the initial oxidation product, sulfenic acid, on reactive cysteines within target proteins, the scene is set to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms through which hydrogen peroxide acts as a second messenger in cell signaling.
Fractional step methods for thermohydraulic calculation

Abstract A method of fractional steps is used to extend a semi-implicit finite-difference technique for multidimensional two-phase flow calculations. This extension permits time step size to be chosen independent of convection velocities in one space direction, and still resolves multidimensional coupled sonic and phase exchange effects implicitly by forming a simple Poisson problem for pressure. Because pure time-splitting by physical phenomena was found unsuited to thermal hydraulics problems, a stabilizing corrections method was chosen. An application in nuclear reactor safety analysis is demonstrated.