cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photo-Reversible Inhibition of Mitotic Kinesin Eg5 by Photochromic STLC Analogues Composed of Azobenzene

The kinesin Eg5, is a microtubule plus-end directed homotetrameric molecular motor that is essential for the formation of a bipolar spindle during eukaryotic cell division. Eg5 exists only in proliferating cells, and is required for mitosis. Therefore, Eg5 is new target of cancer therapy. It is known that some small molecules specifically inhibit Eg5 activity. S-trityl-L-cysteine (STLC) is one of the potent Eg5 specific inhibitors. In this study, we tried to develop photochromic Eg5 inhibitors that control inhibitory activity of Eg5 by ultraviolet (UV) and visible (VIS) light irradiations reversibly. Azobenzene is one of the typical photochromic molecules, which shows cis, and trans isomerization by UV and VIS light irradiations respectively. In this study, we designed and synthesized photochromic inhibitors utilizing azobenzene. As the trityl group of STLC is a key moiety to exhibit inhibitory activity, we linked the trityl group to N-acetyl cysteine or maleic acid via azobenzene. The synthesized two photochromic inhibitors, TAB-MA and TAB-Ac-Cys inhibited the ATPase activity of Eg5 at the different inhibition constants between cis and trans isomers. Trans-isomers of the inhibitors showed more significant inhibition of ATPase activity than cis-isomers. Moreover, Eg5 driven microtubule gliding was photo controlled by TAB-Ac-Cys. Trans-TAB-Ac-Cys decreased the velocity of microtubule gliding more significantly than cis-TAB-Ac-Cys.
The two isozymes of rat intestinal alkaline phosphatase are products of two distinct genes.

Xie, Q., and D. H. Alpers. The two isozymes of rat intestinal alkaline phosphatase are products of two distinct genes. Physiol Genomics 3: 1–8, 2000.—Rat intestinal alkaline phosphatases (IAP-I and...
Overcomplete Knowledge Mining, Organization and Ensemble: A Multiple Kernel Support Vector Machine Approach

Although data mining techniques are made tremendous progress, "knowledge-poor" is still a large gap of the current data mining systems. Few researches notice the fact that useful knowledge not only is the final results of an intelligent classification, clustering or prediction algorithm, but also runs through the whole process of data mining in which much potential useful information is viewed as redundancy and discarded. In this paper, we propose a new framework: over complete knowledge mining, organization and ensemble to make fully used of redundant information, incorporate expert knowledge and enhance the robustness of the final decision. As a popular data mining tool, multiple kernel support vector machine (MK-SVM) is used to systematically carry out a series of data mining tasks in those three stages of the framework such as feature selection, classification, decision rule extraction, associated rule extraction, subclass discovery, multiple feature subset and decision rule set ensemble. This approach is applied for medical decision support and achieves good performance.
Detection of DNA in Ancient Skeletal Remains Using DNA Flow Cytometry

Cortical bone samples were removed from individual burials from Tomb Dk31 in the Dakhleh Oasis, Egypt. The tissue was disaggregated, stained with the DNA specific fluorescent dye DAPI and analyzed using the flow cytometer. DNA flow cytometry measures the cellular DNA content and this is correlated with modal chromosome content. When DNA is present in skeletal remains further investigations such as extracting, amplifying and sequencing may then be carried out. The method offers a relatively rapid and inexpensive means of pinpointing samples of skeletal DNA that can be further analyzed.
Microarray Analysis of Global Gene Expression in Mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the dominant pathogen causing chronic respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis (CF). After an initial phase characterized by intermittent infections, a chronic colonization is established in CF upon the conversion of P. aeruginosa to the mucoid, exopolysaccharide alginate-overproducing phenotype. The emergence of mucoid P. aeruginosa in CF is associated with respiratory decline and poor prognosis. The switch to mucoidy in most CF isolates is caused by mutations in the mucA gene encoding an anti-sigma factor. The mutations in mucA result in the activation of the alternative sigma factor AlgU, the P. aeruginosa ortholog of Escherichia coli extreme stress sigma factor sigma(E). Because of the global nature of the regulators of mucoidy, we have hypothesized that other genes, in addition to those specific for alginate production, must be induced upon conversion to mucoidy, and their production may contribute to the pathogenesis in CF. Here we applied microarray analysis to identify on the whole-genome scale those genes that are coinduced with the AlgU sigmulon upon conversion to mucoidy. Gene expression profiles of AlgU-dependent conversion to mucoidy revealed coinduction of a specific subset of known virulence determinants (the major protease elastase gene, alkaline metalloproteinase gene aprA, and the protease secretion factor genes aprE and aprF) or toxic factors (cyanide synthase) that may have implications for disease in CF. Analysis of promoter regions of the most highly induced genes (>40-fold, P < or = 10(-4)) revealed a previously unrecognized, putative AlgU promoter upstream of the osmotically inducible gene osmE. This newly identified AlgU-dependent promoter of osmE was confirmed by mapping the mRNA 5' end by primer extension. The recognition of genes induced in mucoid P. aeruginosa, other than those associated with alginate biosynthesis, reported here revealed the identity of previously unappreciated factors potentially contributing to the morbidity and mortality caused by mucoid P. aeruginosa in CF.
Implementation of Inelastic Displacement Patterns in Direct Displacement-Based Design of Continuous Bridge Structures

Through the use of nonlinear time-history analysis, the displacement patterns of bridges subjected to transverse seismic attack are investigated. The variables considered in the study consist of bridge geometry, superstructure stiffness, substructure strength and stiffness, abutment support conditions, and earthquake ground motion. A series of three inelastic displacement pattern scenarios were identified: 1 rigid body translation 2 rigid body translation with rotation, and 3 flexible pattern. A relative stiffness index that is a function of the superstructure and substructure stiffness was shown to be a key variable in determining the type of displacement pattern a bridge is likely to follow. The results described in this paper have significant implications for performance-based seismic design procedures such as direct displacementbased design DDBD. If the displacement pattern for a bridge can be identified with significant confidence at the start of the design process, application of approaches such as DDBD can be simplified. However, if the characteristics of the bridge are such that prescribing a pattern at the start of the process is not feasible, then an alternative approach must be employed for DDBD to proceed. Of the three displacement pattern scenarios defined in this paper, the first two require minimal effort in the design. For the third scenario, an iterative algorithm is proposed. Lastly, as a means for verification and demonstration, a series of bridges with various configurations was designed using DDBD for rigid body translation and flexible pattern scenarios. The designs for the flexible scenario showed good agreement with selected target profiles for bridges with up to five spans. DOI: 10.1193/1.2220577
Gordon Memorial Lecture. Chicken neoplasia--a model for cancer research.

Abstract 1. The use of animal models has been immensely important for the advancement of our knowledge of the aetiology and pathogenesis of human diseases, including neoplasia. 2. Viruses, as oncogenic agents, were first described in the early 1900s when cell‐free filtrates were used experimentally to transmit leukemias and sarcomas in chickens. In more recent years, studies with avian leukosis/sarcoma viruses have led the field in attempts to establish the genetic and molecular basis of viral oncogenesis. 3. Marek's disease of chickens was the first neoplasm proven to be caused by a herpesvirus and it remains the only neoplastic disease for which an effective vaccine has been developed and deployed. It serves as an elegant model as we seek an understanding of the pathogenesis of herpesvirus‐induced lymphomas at both the cellular and molecular levels.
Characteristics of consecutive in vitro fertilization cycles among patients treated with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and human menopausal gonadotropin versus FSH alone

Abstract Objective: To compare the endocrine responses of patients who first received hMG plus FSH, then were treated in a subsequent cycle with FSH alone. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: An academic research environment. Patient(s): Ninety-six women with pituitary down-regulation who underwent two sequential IVF treatments, the first with combined hMG and FSH and the second with FSH alone. Main Outcome Measure(s): Duration of stimulation, serum estradiol level on the day of hCG administration, amount of gonadotropin used, number of oocytes retrieved, number of oocytes fertilized, and selected preembryo morphologic features. Result(s): No difference in the mean duration of stimulation was observed between the treatment cycles among patients who received hMG and FSH (11.9 days) followed by FSH alone (11.7 days). The mean number of oocytes retrieved, the mean number of oocytes fertilized, the percentage of preembryo fragmentation, and the preembryo cell number at transfer did not differ significantly between the stimulation protocols. The cumulative amount of gonadotropin used during stimulation was slightly greater in the cycles stimulated with FSH alone, but this difference was not significant (29.4 ampules of hMG plus FSH versus 31.8 ampules of FSH alone). Serum estradiol levels measured on the day of hCG administration during stimulation with hMG and FSH (1,382 pg/mL) were higher than those measured during stimulation with FSH alone (1,149 pg/mL). Conclusion(s): Follicular response and preembryo quality were not significantly different when patients were treated first with hMG and FSH and then with FSH alone in a subsequent cycle. Similarities in ovarian response and preembryo characteristics, as well as differences in estradiol patterns seen in each stimulation setting, should be anticipated when patients receive these protocols.
Same-Sex Marriage and Civil Unions

Cet article decrit les tendances actuelles de l'opinion publique americaine concernant la mariage homosexuel. Les AA. analysent ici les soutiens publics en faveur de la reconnaissance juridique du mariage homosexuel, aux unions civiles qui partageraient certains droits des couples maries, ainsi qu'une proposition d'amendement de la constitution americaine qui interdirait le mariage homosexuel
Has e-marketing come of age? Modeling historical influences on post-adoption era Internet consumer behaviors

Abstract E-marketing evolved from a comparatively isolated group of “dot-com” firms to a mainstream marketing channel activity. This progress has also influenced customers and their “e-behavior” in the process. This study reviews the literature from information systems and marketing and uses meta-analysis to synthesize key findings. Three important insights emerged. From this exercise, a framework was developed integrating both perspectives, Marketing and IS empirical and conceptual literatures, enhancing the understanding of the customer “e-behavior” process by which attitudes, perceptions and evaluations interact to influence purchasing intentions. The analysis suggests also that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, the primary constructs of the technology acceptance model (TAM), continue to influence purchasing intentions in the post-adoption online context. Thus, the multi-disciplinary nature of online purchasing behavior was demonstrated, underscoring a need for both cross-disciplinary research and a more integrative and collaborative strategy for decision-makers and managers.
Observations of the frontal region of a buoyant river plume using an autonomous underwater vehicle

To characterize the transitional region from the near-field to far-field of a river plume entering coastal waters, we conducted four surveys using an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to target the outflow of the New River Inlet, North Carolina, during maximum ebb tide. The utilization of a mobile sensor to synoptically observe current velocity data in tandem with natural river plume tracers (e.g., colored dissolved organic matter, salinity) was essential in understanding the mechanisms driving the observed circulation and mixing patterns within these waters. We find that this region is regularly impacted by two primary processes: (1) the interaction of an old dredged channel plume with the main discharge and (2) the recirculation of the discharge plume by an eddy that persistently forms between the old channel and main discharge location. Wind-driven processes in the nearshore can enhance the interaction of these two plumes resulting in unstable regions where mixing of the merged plume with the receiving waters is accelerated. We also conduct comparisons between AUV velocity observations from two surveys and their corresponding velocity outputs from a parallelized quasi-3-D model. We conclude that the ability to observe the estuarine outflow transitional region at near-synoptic temporal scales and resolutions discussed in this paper is key in providing the mechanisms driving local circulation which is essential for proper parameterization of high-resolution numerical coastal models.
Effect of B addition on thermal stability of lamellar structure in Ti-47Al-2Cr-2Nb alloys

Thermal stability of fully lamellar microstructures in Ti-47Al-2Cr-2Nb (at.%) alloys with and without B additions has been evaluated in the temperature range of 800 to 1200oC. The alloy with 0.15B exhibits an α2 + γ fully lamellar microstructure containing ribbon-like structures (TiB2+β) inside the lamellar colonies. During aging at 800 and 1000oC, β particles surrounded by γ grains form adjacent to the ribbon-like structures. The formation of these grains is attributed to the precipitation of thin plate-like β phase along % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaagKart1ev2aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn % hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqr1ngB % PrgifHhDYfgasaacH8srps0lbbf9q8WrFfeuY-Hhbbf9v8qqaqFr0x % c9pk0xbba9q8WqFfea0-yr0RYxir-Jbba9q8aq0-yq-He9q8qqQ8fr % Fve9Fve9Ff0dmeaabaqaciGacaGaaeqabaWaaeaaeaaakeaadaGada % qaaiaaigdadaqdaaqaaiaaigdaaaGaaGimaiaaicdaaiaawUhacaGL % 9baadaWgaaWcbaGaaeivaiaabMgacaqGcbGaaeOmaaqabaaaaa!4040! $${\left\{ {1\overline 1 00} \right\}_{{\text{TiB2}}}}$$ within the TiB2 ribbon particles, resulting in the loss of α2 plates around the ribbon-like structure by scavenging Ti. This allows coarsening γ lamellar plates to form new γ grains, and then the ribbon-like structure completely dissolves to leave only β particles. At 1200oC, discontinuous coarsening (DC) of the lamellae becomes the dominant mode of microstructural change for all the alloys. However, the ribbon-like structures in the alloy with B additions play a role in pinning the DC cells, which leads to higher thermal stability of the lamellar microstructure in that alloy.
A fully digital architecture for wideband wireless transmitters

A fully digital architecture for wideband wireless transmitters is presented, which replaces high dynamic- range analog circuits with high-speed digital circuits and thus offers lower cost and higher performance compared to those of conventional analog transmitters. The proposed transmitter modulates wideband data in Cartesian coordinates and generates its RF output using a fully Digital Quadrature Modulator (DQM). The novel architecture employs a single digital-to-RF converter, as it is based on fully digital combining of the quadrature baseband signals. The design is based on a standard 90 nm CMOS process and is suitable for integration with a digital signal processor, memory and logic implemented in such digital process. Although the presented results demonstrate compliance of the transmitter's output with the IEEE 802.16a (WiMAX) standard, the proposed architecture may also be used for many other wideband wireless and non-wireless communication standards.
MODELING OF SUPERCRITICAL DESORBERS WITH AN EQUATION-OF-STATE-BASED ISOTHERM

An equation-of-state-based sorption isotherm is developed and used in modeling isothermal supercritical fluid desorption in fixed beds. The conventional fixed-bed desorber model when coupled with density-dependent sorption isotherm predicts the temperature, pressure, and density effects on desorber dynamics and regeneration efficiencies that are experimentally observed in supercritical fluid regeneration of fixed beds. Experimentally observed phenomena such as the presence of pressure-dependent optimal regeneration temperature, high-pressure-favored regeneration, and the reversal of temperature dependence of sorption isotherm—which formerly were attributed to supercritical fluid density and viscosity, and to the endothermicity of sorption isotherm—were fully predicted and explained in terms of a density-dependent sorption isotherm. The proposed method also promises prediction of regeneration efficiencies in cosolvent-aided supercritical fluid desorption.
Arrest of human mitochondrial RNA polymerase transcription by the biological aldehyde adduct of DNA, M1dG

The biological aldehydes, malondialdehyde and base propenal, react with DNA to form a prevalent guanine adduct, M(1)dG. The exocyclic ring of M(1)dG opens to the acyclic N(2)-OPdG structure when paired with C but remains closed in single-stranded DNA or when mispaired with T. M(1)dG is a target of nucleotide excision repair (NER); however, NER is absent in mitochondria. An in vitro transcription system with purified human mitochondrial RNA polymerase (POLRMT) and transcription factors, mtTFA and mtTFB2, was used to determine the effect of M(1)dG on POLRMT elongation. DNA templates contained a single adduct opposite either C or T downstream of either the light-strand (LSP) or heavy-strand (HSP1) promoter for POLRMT. M(1)dG in the transcribed strand arrested 60-90% POLRMT elongation complexes with greater arrest by the adduct when opposite T. POLRMT was more sensitive to N(2)-OPdG and M(1)dG after initiation at LSP, which suggests promoter-specific differences in the function of POLRMT complexes. A closed-ring analog of M(1)dG, PdG, blocked ≥95% of transcripts originating from either promoter regardless of base pairing, and the transcripts remained associated with POLRMT complexes after stalling at the adduct. This work suggests that persistent M(1)dG adducts in mitochondrial DNA hinder the transcription of mitochondrial genes.
Opportunity Structures in Established Firms Entrepreneurship versus Intrapreneurship in Mutual Funds

This study revisits the well-established notion that large and mature organizations stifle an employee’s ability and motivation to become an entrepreneur. Using unique data on U.S. mutual funds fou...
Metamaterial-Based Dispersion Engineering to Achieve High Fidelity Output Pulses From a Log-Periodic Dipole Array

A metamaterial-enabled approach is presented that allows one to engineer the dispersion of a log-periodic dipole array antenna (LPDA) to make it more suitable for wide bandwidth pulse transmission. By modifying the LPDA with electrically small transmission line metamaterial-based negative and positive phase shifters, the phase of each element of the LPDA are adjusted such that in the main beam direction, the phase shifts between each element approximates a linear phase variation. The performance characteristics of the resulting dispersion-engineered LPDA are obtained numerically with HFSS and MATLAB simulations. By measuring in the far field the fidelity between the actual transmitted pulse and the idealized output waveform, the required component values of the phase shifters are optimized. Significant improvements in the fidelity of the pulses transmitted are demonstrated with eight and ten element LPDAs.
Oxacillin-Induced Tissue Necrosis

Objective To report a case of oxacillin-induced tissue necrosis in which recommended concentration guidelines for dilution and administration were used. Oxacillin concentration data, potential risk factors, and treatment options for extravasation injuries are also briefly reviewed. Case summary Oxacillin was infused peripherally by infusion pump in a 79-year-old white woman as prophylactic antibiotic coverage for permanent pacemaker placement. Oxacillin extravasation occurred after the second postoperative dose. A dime-sized area of necrosis was noted at the heparin-lock insertion site. Discussion Only one case of oxacillin-induced necrosis has been reported. The degree of damage and concentration of drug used were not specifically described. Concentration may play a role in the appearance or absence of tissue damage after an antibiotic extravasation and should be taken into consideration when evaluating a drug's tissue toxicity potential. Conclusions The potential exists for oxacillin 50 mg/mL to cause tissue damage in humans if an extravasation occurs. This reaction may be avoided with use of a less-concentrated preparation, avoidance of infusion pump administration, and identification of high-risk patients.
Issues in the quality of umbilical cord blood stem cells for transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Because the frequency of umbilical cord blood (UCB) stem cell transplantation has increased, the quality of UCB available in banks is an important part of the success of UCB stem cell transplants. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A quality assurance monitoring system was used to evaluate 268 UCB units provided to us for transplant by UCB banks in the United States and Europe. RESULTS: Quality issues were found in 151 (56%) of 268 units, and there were a total of 246 specific issues in 151 units. The issues involved quality control (54%), medical history (40%), and labels and documentation (6%). Risks to patients from these issues were likely in 10 percent, potential in 35 percent, and unlikely in 55 percent. CONCLUSION: Because standards have evolved over time, cord blood banks contain units that have different levels of quality. Some units have been placed in the usable inventory with incomplete test results and/or documentation or that may not meet the bank's own current criteria. Information about any quality or operating procedure deviation should be provided in sufficient detail and at the initiation of the search process so that transplant physicians can consider these quality issues against the unique value of a particular UCB unit.
Enantioselectivity in fipronil aquatic toxicity and degradation.

Fipronil and its transformation products are being increasingly detected in aquatic ecosystems as a result of widespread use. Fipronil is a chiral compound, and enantioselectivity may greatly impact its environmental fate and effects. In the present study, fipronil enantiomers were isolated and used to investigate the possibility of enantioselectivity in their acute toxicity to Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) and cytotoxicity to primary hepatocytes from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Enantioselectivity was further evaluated in terms of fipronil degradation in sediments under aerobic and anaerobic conditions and in field-contaminated runoff water from urban watersheds. The 96-h median lethal concentrations to Japanese medaka were 94.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 82.9-107.1), 98.3 (95% CI, 85.6-113.0), and 95.4 (95% CI, 74.7-121.9) gμg/L for the racemic, R-(−)-, and S-(+)-fipronil, respectively, suggesting absence of enantioselectivity. The 24-h median effect concentration of racemic fipronil to primary rainbow trout hepatocytes was 26.7 (95% CI, 25.6-27.9) μg/ml. In contrast, exposure of the cells to the S-(+)- and R-(−)-enantiomers resulted in a 19.7 and 7.8% reduction in cell viability, respectively, at the highest treatment concentrations (100 μg/ml), potentially indicating a greater-than-additive interaction between enantiomers. Under aerobic or slightly reduced conditions, biodegradation of fipronil in sediments was essentially nonstereoselective, with the enantiomeric fraction (EF) similar to racemic (EF = 0.5) after 168 d of incubation. However, EF decreased to as low as less than 0.1 following short incubations under anaerobic conditions, suggesting preferential degradation of S-(+)-fipronil in strongly reduced sediments. A survey of urban runoff samples consistently showed near-racemic EF, indicating fipronil degradation that was not enantioselective. Results suggest that site-specific characteristics are critical in accurately predicting fipronil fate and toxicity in the environment.
SPRAY PROGRAM AT THE NUCLEAR SAFETY PILOT PLANT.

The spray program conducted at the Nuclear Safety Pilot Plant in 1967–1970 is summarized. Sprays have been proposed as a means for removing fission products from reactor containment building atmospheres following a loss-of-coolant accident. The problem was dealt with in three parts: removal of elemental iodine, removal of organic iodides, and removal of particles. Thirty iodine removal experiments were performed using borax, borax plus thiosulfate, and boric acid. Both borax and borax-thiosulfate were highly effective in removing elemental iodine. Boric acid is much more effective than expected. Fifteen methyl iodide removal experiments were performed. Only borax-thiosulfate at elevated temperatures removed methyl iodide at a significant rate. Extrapolation of the data to a large PWR indicates the dose reduction factor would be 1.1 for the flow, drop size, and reagent concentration normally specified. This can be improved by increasing flow and/or concentration or by reducing drop size. Fifteen particle r...
A hypothesis about the decline of fertility: evidence from the United States.

The hypothesis proposed earlier seems to be supported by the analysis of U.S. fertility. Urbanization was consistently negatively correlated with thelevel of fertility in 1810, 1860, 1920, and 1940. Urbanization was not significantly correlated with thedecline of fertility in the period, i.e. from 1800 to 1860; from 1860 to 1920; and from 1920 to 1940. For the period from 1800 to 1860, however, the decline was closely associated with a proxy variable for what is called the spirit of autonomy, i.e., a feeling of control over one's life. It is hypothesized that this sense of control extended to control over fertility. After 1860 the ideas became so widespread that they were no longer associated with any particular group, region, religion, or class. It was just a matter of time until the ideas spread slowly to all groups.
CRT-200.72 Cardiovascular Outcomes and Concomitant Proton Pump Inhibitors and Clopidogrel Users: Evidence From Meta-analysis

Evidence on cardiovascular outcomes with concomitant pharmacotherapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and clopidogrel is mixed and varies across studies. We performed a meta-analysis of studies examining this relationship in both matched and unmatched cohorts. PubMed, Google Scholar and EBSCO
You Gotta Work at It: Pupillary Indices of Task Focus Are Prognostic for Response to a Neurocognitive Intervention for Rumination in Depression

Treatments for severe depression have moderate success rates, often take many weeks to yield responses, and are often followed by relapse or recurrence. Neurobehavioral interventions address these limitations by targeting mechanisms of cognitive and emotional dysregulation directly. This study extends data and observations from a pilot study examining effects of 2 weeks (6 sessions) of adjunctive cognitive control training exercises added to medication and psychotherapy in severely depressed patients. We examined acute effects and predictors of change in rumination, and long-term effects on service utilization. Compared with treatment as usual, exercises were associated with decreases in rumination and decreased use of intensive outpatient services in the following year. Responses were strongest among patients who displayed physiological indicators (pupillary oscillations at the task frequency) of task engagement before the intervention. These indices changed following intervention, suggesting that the in...
Transforms, Finite Fields, and Fast Multiplication

Introduction The theme of a transform arises frequently. It entails transforming a problem into a setting where the new problem can be solved more easily and then applying the inverse transform to bring the solution back to the desired form. This is the general idea behind the fast Fourier transform (FFT) in a finite field for doing fast multiplication of large integers with absolute precision. Possible applications are to primality testing and cryptography where perfect accuracy is crucial. Long ago in the seventeenth century, one highly effective use of a transform to make multiplication more tractable had been discovered, and was indispensable up to the computer age. In 1614 John Napier invented logarithms which transformed the multiplication problem into simple addition of exponents. Shortly after, Edward Gunter and William Oughtred built the powerful mechanical realization: the slide rule ([4, p. 247]).
Predictive Modeling of Large-Scale Integrated Refinery Reaction and Fractionation Systems from Plant Data. Part 2: Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) Process

This work presents the methodology to develop, validate, and apply a predictive model for an integrated fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process. We demonstrate the methodology using data from a commercial FCC plant in the Asia Pacific with a feed capacity of 800 000 tons per year. Our model accounts for the complex cracking kinetics in the riser–regenerator with a 21-lump kinetic model. We implement the methodology with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and a commercial software tool, Aspen HYSYS/Petroleum Refining from Aspen Technology, Inc. The methodology is equally applicable to other commercial software tools. This model gives accurate predictions of key product yields and properties given feed qualities and operating conditions. In addition, this work presents the first lumped FCC kinetic model integrated with a gas plant model in the literature. We validate this work using 6 months of plant data. We also perform several case studies to show how refiners may apply this work to improve the gasoline yield a...
Heat-shock protein 70 expression in the equine cornea.

Objective Expression of the 70-kDa heat-shock protein (HSP70) has been demonstrated in normal canine corneal epithelium, and inducible expression has been suggested to facilitate wound resolution through organized migration, proliferation, and adhesion of the corneal epithelial cells. Diminished expression of HSP70 may therefore contribute to prolonged healing in the pathologic cornea of other companion animal species, including the horse. Animal studied Normal and pathologic equine cornea was evaluated to determine whether the expression of HSP70 is correlated with appropriate corneal epithelial wound healing. Procedures Paraffin-embedded tissue from normal equine cornea and therapeutic keratectomies of sterile keratopathies was subject to routine immunohistochemistry for HSP70. Results Normal equine corneas exhibited the baseline expression of HSP70 in the nuclei of all epithelial cells as well as the cytoplasm of the basal epithelium. Expression of HSP70 in suspected immune-mediated keratitis was localized to the cytoplasm of basal epithelial cells and nuclei of all epithelial cells, similar to the normal equine cornea. Expression in indolent ulcers was diminished; weak, diffuse staining was noted in the cytoplasm of all epithelial cells. Conclusions These findings suggest the expression of HSP70 is induced in the normal equine cornea during re-epithelialization and may be altered in sterile keratopathies.
Cybernetics: A mathematician of mind

Manuel Blum examines a biography of cybernetics pioneer Warren McCulloch and his revolutionary times.
Predictability and correlation in human metrology

Human metrology provides an important soft bio-metric, which can be used in challenging situations such as human identification at a distance, when traditional biometric traits such as fingerprints or iris cannot be easily acquired. We study the problem of predictability and correlation in human metrology, using the tools of uncertainty and differential entropy. We show that while various metrological features are highly correlated with each other, there exists some correlation clusters in human metrology, whereby measurements in a cluster tend to be highly correlated with each other but not with the others. Based on these clusters, we propose a two-step approach for predicting unknown body measurements. Using the same framework, we study the problem of estimating other soft biometrics such as weight and gender.
Enhancing Visibility of Distance Learners To Promote Sense Of Community

Communities comprised of students enrolled in distance education differ from traditional students in residential campus sites not only in the separation of distance and time and the invisibility of peers, but also because the majority of the members are adult learners. My research is dedicated to promoting online students' sense of community and collective community efficacy by enhancing the visibility of students' relevant information and connections with others in the online educational setting. Following a user-centered design approach, I am probing the stakeholders' needs and building prototypes grounded in these findings. With iterative evaluations in the field and lab studies, I aim to build and evaluate the impacts of these interactive visualizations on distance students' sense of community.
The Red Cell: How Erythropoiesis Modulates Hepcidin Expression

Abstract SCI-24 Erythroid precursors in the bone marrow require transferrin-bound iron for hemoglobin synthesis. Therefore, it is not surprising that the regulation of erythropoiesis and iron metabolism is interlinked. Iron demand for erythropoiesis is communicated to the iron-regulatory machinery through incompletely understood mechanisms. At the core of systemic iron homeostasis is the peptide hormone hepcidin, restricting cellular iron export to plasma by inducing the endocytosis and proteolysis of ferroportin. Hepcidin, a liver-synthesized peptide hormone, is released in response to increased iron load, and there is early evidence that circulating hepcidin concentrations affect the distribution of iron between the macrophage storage compartment (favored by higher hepcidin concentrations) and parenchymal cells, including cardiac myocytes and hepatocytes (favored by low hepcidin). Furthermore, ferroportin has recently been identified on erythroid precursors. Its purpose in this cell type and its function in the interface between erythropoiesis and iron metabolism are unclear. Additionally, in response to bleeding or the administration of erythropoietin, expansion of erythroid precursors suppresses hepcidin, most likely through one or more mediators released by the bone marrow and acting on hepatocytes. Iron-loading anemias with ineffective erythropoiesis, in particular β-thalassemia, demonstrate the effects of pathological “erythroid regulators” of hepcidin. Although erythrocyte transfusions are the main cause of iron loading in patients who receive them (β-thalassemia major), lethal iron overload is seen also in patients who are rarely or never transfused (β-thalassemia intermedia). Here, iron hyperabsorption is the cause of iron overload and, as in hereditary hemochromatosis, is caused by low hepcidin. Decreased hepcidin expression in β-thalassemia, with concurrent ineffective erythropoiesis and iron overload, indicates that the “erythroid regulator” may play an even more substantial role in iron metabolism than the “stores regulator.” Two members of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family, growth differentiation factor (GDF) 15 and Twisted Gastrulation (TWSG1), have been implicated as candidate bone marrow-derived hepcidin suppressors in β-thalassemia. Neither factor is responsible for the physiologic hepcidin suppression in response to hemorrhage-induced stress erythropoiesis, and the physiologic suppressor is not known. We focus here on the current state of knowledge regarding the regulation of iron metabolism and attempt to elucidate the interface between iron regulation and erythropoiesis using evidence in part derived from animal models of β-thalassemia. A more complete understanding of the coregulation of erythropoiesis and iron metabolism may lay the foundation for improving diagnosis, increasing treatment options, and ultimately impacting the well-being of patients afflicted with different anemias and/or iron overload related-disorders. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Regioselective Copper-Catalyzed Boracarboxylation of Vinyl Arenes

Regioselective copper-catalyzed boracarboxylation of vinyl arenes with bis(pinacolato)diboron and carbon dioxide has been achieved. New boron-functionalized α-aryl carboxylic acids, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are obtained in moderate to excellent yields. The synthetic utility of the transformation was shown through subsequent derivatization of the carbon–boron bond yielding formal hydroxy- and fluorocarboxylation products as well as anionic difluoroboralactones.
Renal Denervation Therapy for the Treatment of Arrhythmias: Is the Sky the Limit?

As the life expectancy of the general population continues to increase, cardiovascular disease is becoming an increasingly important driver of morbidity and mortality. Many of the recent advancements in our treatment armamentarium against cardiovascular disease center around curbing maladaptive
Remote focusing multifocal plane microscopy for the imaging of 3D single molecule dynamics with cellular context.

Three-dimensional (3D) single molecule fluorescence microscopy affords the ability to investigate subcellular trafficking at the level of individual molecules. An imaged single molecule trajectory, however, often reveals only limited information about the underlying biological process when insufficient information is available about the organelles and other cellular structures with which the molecule interacts. A new 3D fluorescence microscopy imaging modality is described here that enables the simultaneous imaging of the trajectories of fast-moving molecules and the associated cellular context. The new modality is called remote focusing multifocal plane microscopy (rMUM), as it extends multifocal plane microscopy (MUM) with a remote focusing module. MUM is a modality that uses multiple detectors to image distinct focal planes within the specimen at the same time, and it has been demonstrated to allow the determination of 3D single molecule trajectories with high accuracy. Remote focusing is a method that makes use of two additional objective lenses to enable the acquisition of a z-stack of the specimen without having to move the microscope’s objective lens or sample stage, components which are required by MUM to be fixed in place. rMUM’s remote focusing module thus allows the cellular context to be imaged in the form of z-stacks as the trajectories of molecules or other objects of interest are imaged by MUM. In addition to a description of the modality, a discussion of rMUM data analysis and an example of data acquired using an rMUM setup are provided in this paper.
Trends in utilization of smoking cessation agents before and after the passage of FDA boxed warning in the United States

Abstract Background In 2009, the FDA required a black box warning (BBW) on bupropion and varenicline, the two commonly prescribed smoking cessation agents due to reports of adverse neuropsychiatric events. We investigated if there was a decline in use of bupropion and varenicline after the BBW by comparing the percent using these medications before and after BBW. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational study using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey from 2007 to 2014. The study sample consisted of adult smokers, who were advised by their physicians to quit smoking. We divided the time period into “pre-warning”, “post-warning: immediate”, and “post-warning: late.” Unadjusted analysis using chi-square tests and adjusted analyses using logistic regressions were conducted to evaluate the change in bupropion and varenicline use before and after the BBW. Secondary analyses using piecewise regression were also conducted. Results On an average, 49.04% of smokers were advised by their physicians to quit smoking. We observed a statistically significant decline in varenicline use from 22.1% in year 2007 to 9.23% in 2014 (p value Conclusion The passage of the FDA boxed warning was associated with a significant decline in the use of varenicline, but not in the use of bupropion.
Survival and osmoregulation of the purple marsh crab (Sesarma reticulatum) at varying salinity and pH

Overfishing of top predators along the western Atlantic coastline has led to a trophic cascade in salt marshes, with increases in herbivorous purple marsh crab (Sesarma reticulatum (Say, 1817)) abu...
One-sided distribution-free simultaneous prediction limits for p future samples

Distribution-free one-sided prediction limits are derived for p additional samples based on a preliminary sample. The probability of all p additional samples meeting a criterion determined from the results of a preliminary sample is expressed in terms o..
Diagnosis and Management of Primary Aldosteronism

Primary aldosteronism (PA), the most common form of secondary hypertension, can either be surgically cured or treated with targeted pharmacotherapy. If left untreated, PA has associated cardiovascular morbidity and nephrotoxicity. Thus, clinicians should consider PA in all patients with hypertension and perform case detection testing in those who are at high risk for PA. Confirmatory testing is indicated in most patients who have positive case detection testing. The next step is to determine if patients with confirmed PA have disease that can be cured with surgery or if it should be treated medically—this step is guided by CT scan of the adrenal glands and adrenal vein sampling.
“A Dazzle of Light”: Edwin Lord Weeks and Royal India

The first known American artist to visit India in the early 1880s, Edwin Lord Weeks emerged as a celebrated painter of Indian scenes when most Orientalist painters were inspired by North Africa and the Holy Land. Weeks regularly exhibited his India-themed pictures at the Paris Salon and went on to display an impressive corpus of Indian paintings at the Empire of India Exhibition (1895) in London. In this chapter, I analyze how he engaged with the materiality of royal India at the height of the Victorian Raj when the vogue for Indian exotica had also peaked in America during the Gilded Age. Specifically, I look at how his painted surfaces can be understood as sites of imperial spectacle that were enhanced by new American technologies.
Sleep Quality in Patients With Rotator Cuff Disease.

Background:Little is known about the influence of rotator cuff pathology on sleep. The purpose of this study was to determine which patient-reported factors correlate with sleep disturbance in patients with rotator cuff disease.Methods:A nonrandomized, cross-sectional cohort study was performed to e
Left Ventricular Dysfunction and Chemotherapeutic Agents

We aim to summarize the effect of cancer therapy-related cardiotoxicity on the development of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. We discuss commonly used cancer therapeutics that have the potential for both acute and delayed cardiotoxicity. LV dysfunction from cancer therapies may be found by routine cardiac imaging prior to clinical manifestations of heart failure (HF) and we discuss the current multi-modality approaches for early detection of toxicity with the use of advanced echocardiographic parameters including strain techniques. Further, we discuss the role of biomarkers for detection of LV dysfunction from cancer therapies. Current approaches monitoring and treating LV dysfunction related to cancer therapy-related cardiotoxicity include addressing modifiable cardiovascular risk factors especially hypertension and early initiation of neurohormonal blockade (NHB) with disease-modifying beta-blockers and renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors. Once LV dysfunction is identified, traditional ACC/AHA guideline-directed therapy is employed. Further, we highlight the use of advanced heart failure therapies including mechanical resynchronization devices, the use of durable ventricular assist devices, and cardiac transplantation as increasingly employed modalities for treatment of severe LV dysfunction and advanced heart failure in the cardio-oncology population. This review seeks to highlight the importance of early detection, treatment, and prevention of LV dysfunction from cancer therapy-related cardiotoxicity.
Common Artifacts on PET Imaging

Whole-body positron emission tomography (PET) with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is fast becoming the standard of care in management of a variety of malignant and nonmalignant conditions. Two excellent reviews by Rohren et al. (1) and Kostakoglu et al. (2) describe the clinical applications of PET in oncology in adult patients. As more experience is gained in the pediatric population, indications for pediatric FDG-PET imaging are emerging (3–5).
A Thrombopoietin Receptor Mutant Deficient in Jak-STAT Activation Mediates Proliferation But Not Differentiation in UT-7 Cells

Thrombopoietin (TPO) stimulates proliferation and differentiation of cells of the megakaryocytic lineage. It exerts its function by binding and activating c-mpl, a member of the hematopoietic receptor superfamily. Upon binding of TPO to its receptor, numerous signaling events are triggered. These include activation of the Jak-STAT (signal transducers and activators of transcription) pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Tec, and phospatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase and phosphorylation of Shc and Vav. The contribution of different signaling pathways to the induction of specific cellular processes such as proliferation and differentiation is incompletely understood. We have previously described a mutant of c-mpl that fails to activate the Jak-STAT pathway but nevertheless retains its ability to mediate proliferation and activation of most signaling events in the murine hematopoietic precursor cell lines BAF/3 and 32D. We confirm here the ability of this mutant to mediate proliferation in the absence of Jak-STAT activation in the human cell line UT-7 and further show that this mutant fails to mediate TPO-induced megakaryocytic differentiation. Comparison of the signaling capacity of this mutant in UT-7 and BAF/3 cells shows considerable cell-type–specific differences. Whereas in BAF/3 cells the mutant still mediates activation of Shc, MAPK, Vav, and PI 3-kinase at levels comparable to the wild-type receptor, these events are strongly diminished in UT-7 cells expressing the mutant. Furthermore, we show that the C-terminal 25 amino acid residues of the receptor mutant are crucial for the mitogenic response in UT-7 cells.
The Linear Relationship Between Transcranial Doppler Pulsatility Indices and Intracranial Pressure Is Influenced by Traumatic Brain Injury and Vasospasm

The pulsatility index (PI) and the intracranial -pressure (ICP) may or may not be correlated; the evidence to date differs widely. A study of multiple measures of PI and the corresponding ICP in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) showed that some of the relationships were moderately strong when calculated as conventional Pearson correlation coefficients. However, that method makes no adjustment of any kind for statistical outliers in the data. With the TBI patients demonstrating a large fraction of skewed measurements, a set of robust correlations were calculated that demonstrated that the apparent relationships between PI and ICP were entirely attributable to the statistical outliers. We conclude that the fundamental relationship of PI to ICP is weakly positive at best.