cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure of the 1,4-Bis(2'-deoxyadenosin-N(6)-yl)-2S,3S-butanediol intrastrand DNA cross-link arising from butadiene diepoxide in the human N-ras codon 61 sequence.

The 1,4-bis(2′-deoxyadenosin-N6-yl)-2S,3S-butanediol intra-strand DNA cross-link arises from bis-alkylation of tandem N6-dA sites in DNA by R,R-butadiene diepoxide (BDO2). The oligodeoxynucleotide 5′-d(C1G2G3A4C5X6Y7G8A9A10G11)-3′·5′-d(C12T13T14C15T16T17G18T19C20C21G22)-3′ contains the BDO2 cross-link between the second and third adenines of the codon 61 sequence (underlined) of the human N-ras protooncogene and is named the (S,S)-BD-(61-2,3) cross-link (X,Y = cross-linked adenines). NMR analysis reveals that the cross-link is oriented in the major groove of duplex DNA. Watson-Crick base pairing is perturbed at base pair X6·T17, whereas base pairing is intact at base pair Y7·T16. The cross-link appears to exist in two conformations, in rapid exchange on the NMR time scale. In the first conformation, the β-OH is predicted to form a hydrogen bond with T16 O4, whereas in the second, the β-OH is predicted to form a hydrogen bond with T17 O4. In contrast to the (R,R)-BD-(61-2,3) cross-link in the same sequence [Merritt, W.K., Nechev, L.V., Scholdberg, T.A., Dean, S.M., Kiehna, S.E., Chang, J.C., Harris, T.M., Harris, C.M., Lloyd, R.S., and Stone, M.P. (2005) Biochemistry 44, 10081–10092], the anti conformation of the two hydroxyl groups at Cβ and Cγ with respect to the Cβ-Cγ bond results in a decreased twist between base pairs X6·T17 and Y7·T16, and an approximate 10° bending of the duplex. These conformational differences may account for the differential mutagenicity of the (S,S)- and (R,R)-BD-(61-2,3) cross-links, and suggest that stereochemistry plays a role in modulating biological responses to these cross-links [Kanuri, M., Nechev, L. V., Tamura, P. J., Harris, C. M., Harris, T. M., and Lloyd, R. S. (2002) Chem. Res. Toxicol. 15, 1572–1580].
Optimal stopping for Shepp's urn with risk aversion

An (m,p) urn contains m balls of value − 1 and p balls of value +1. A player starts with fortune k and in each game draws a ball without replacement with the fortune increasing by one unit if the ball is positive and decreasing by one unit if the ball is negative, having to stop when k = 0 (risk aversion). Let V(m,p,k) be the expected value of the game. We are studying the question of the minimum k such that the net gain function of the game V(m,p,k) − k is positive, in both the discrete and the continuous (Brownian bridge) settings. Monotonicity in various parameters m, p, k is established for both the value and the net gain functions of the game. For the cut-off value k, since the case m − p < 0 is trivial, for p → ∞, either , when the gain function cannot be positive, or , when it is sufficient to have , where α is a constant. We also determine an approximate optimal strategy with exponentially small probability of failure in terms of p. The problem goes back to Shepp [8], who determined the constant α...
Recognizing shapes in planar binary images

Abstract Shape features are described which enable the identification of shapes of simply connected objects in a low resolution planar binary image. Invariance properties of the features are investigated. In the continuous case, a class of general shape measures is introduced. An experiment using low resolution real images to test the effectiveness of the features in discriminating similar shapes in digital images is described. Error-free classification is observed in low noise images.
Intermetallic Formation in PZT for MEMS Structures

Crack free lead zirconate titanate (PZT) films for piezoelectric based MEMS devices have been prepared by a multiple coating sol gel process on platinized silicon (100) substrates. Rapid thermal annealing and Conventional furnace annealing were used for densification and crystallization of the amorphous PZT films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to observe surface film morphology and grain growth. The phase content of the films was analyzed using X-ray diffraction. The role of intermetallics formed during the heat treatment in the growth of different orientations has also been observed. Film aging critical for device performance has been observed and methods to revert aging effects have been examined and discussed.
Continuous Piecewise Linear Delta-Approximations for Bivariate and Multivariate Functions

For functions depending on two variables, we automatically construct triangulations subject to the condition that the continuous, piecewise linear approximation, under-, or overestimation, never deviates more than a given $$\delta $$?-tolerance from the original function over a given domain. This tolerance is ensured by solving subproblems over each triangle to global optimality. The continuous, piecewise linear approximators, under-, and overestimators, involve shift variables at the vertices of the triangles leading to a small number of triangles while still ensuring continuity over the entire domain. For functions depending on more than two variables, we provide appropriate transformations and substitutions, which allow the use of one- or two-dimensional $$\delta $$?-approximators. We address the problem of error propagation when using these dimensionality reduction routines. We discuss and analyze the trade-off between one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) approaches, and we demonstrate the numerical behavior of our approach on nine bivariate functions for five different $$\delta $$?-tolerances.
Depletion of normal B cells with rituximab as an adjunct to IL-2 therapy for renal cell carcinoma and melanoma

ABSTRACT Background: We postulated that in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) or melanoma, depletion of normal B cells using the anti-CD20 mAb rituximab before treatment with low-dose interleukin (IL)-2 would improve clinical outcome. Patients and methods: Rituximab (375 mg/m2) weekly for 4 weeks. IL-2 [11 (million units) daily] s.c., 4 days a week for weeks 5–8, followed by a 2-week rest (weeks 9 and 10). Patients without disease progression continued on IL-2. Disease re-evaluation was performed after rituximab and after every course of IL-2. Results: Fifteen patients with RCC and six with melanoma were enrolled. One patient had a partial response and seven patients had stable disease. Toxicities were similar to those expected with IL-2 alone, and there were no grade 4 events. Circulating B cells were depleted in all patients. The subsequent low-dose IL-2 increased absolute numbers of natural killer cells, activated CD4+ and activated CD8+ T cells. Expanded T cells produced interferon-γ, but not IL-4. Proliferation of peripheral blood lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin was diminished following rituximab treatment, suggesting that B cells participate in this response in vitro. Conclusions: Our results suggest that depletion of circulating B cells with rituximab does not increase the response rate, alter the toxicity profile or change the biological activity in response to low-dose IL-2 in patients with RCC or melanoma.
Photon gated transport at the glass nanopore electrode.

The interior surface of the glass nanopore electrode was modified with spiropyran moieties to impart photochemical control of molecular transport through the pore orifice (15−90 nm radius). In low ionic strength acetonitrile solutions, diffusion of a positively charged species (Fe(bpy)32+) is electrostatically blocked with ∼100% efficiency by UV light-induced conversion of the neutral surface-bound spiropyran to its protonated merocyanine form (MEH+). Transport through the pore orifice is restored by either irradiation of the electrode with visible light to convert MEH+ back to spiropyran or addition of a sufficient quantity of supporting electrolyte to screen the electrostatic field associated with MEH+. The transport of neutral redox species through spiropyran-modified glass nanopores is not affected by light, allowing photoselective transport of redox molecules to the electrode surface based on charge discrimination. The glass nanopore electrode can also be employed as a photochemical trap, by UV light...
Melting and Solidification of a Pure Metal on a Vertical Wall

Etude experimentale de l'ecoulement de convection naturelle dans la phase liquide et de son influence sur le mouvement de l'interface liquide-solide et sur le transfert de chaleur au cours de la fusion et de la solidification de gallium a haute purete sur une paroi verticale
Glucocorticoid Modulates Angiotensin II Receptor Expression Patterns and Protects the Heart from Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury

Glucocorticoid regulates angiotensin II receptor (ATR) expression via activating glucocorticoid receptors and binding to glucocorticoid response elements. The regulation of ATR by glucocorticoids in the context of myocardial injury from ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is yet to be elucidated. The present study determined the role of ATR in glucocorticoid-induced cardiac protection. Adult male rats were administered once a day i.p. 1 mg/kg/day dexamethasone or dexamethasone plus 10 mg/kg/day RU486 for 5 days. Hearts were then isolated and subjected to I/R injury in a Langendorff preparation. Dexamethasone treatment significantly decreased I/R injury and improved post-ischemic recovery of cardiac function. Dexamethasone increased glucocorticoid receptor binding to glucocorticoid response elements at AT1aR and AT2R promoters, resulting in a significant increase in expression of AT1R protein but a decrease in AT2R expression in the heart. In addition, dexamethasone treatment significantly increased PKCe expression and p-PKCe protein abundance. These dexamethasone-mediated effects were blocked by RU486. More importantly, blockade of AT1R and AT2R with losartan and PD123319 abrogated dexamethasone-induced protection of the heart from I/R injury. The results indicate that glucocorticoid promotes a cardioprotective phenotype associated with the upregulation of AT1R and PKCe and downregulation of AT2R in the heart.
Youth Organizers as Young Adults: Their Commitments and Contributions

Nationally, youth organizing programs are growing in popularity. Although research has found positive short-term effects associated with participation, little work has examined longer-term implications. This study explores how alumni from one organizing group describe its influence on their subsequent developmental trajectories. Their descriptions highlight perceived effects in academic, professional, relational, and sociopolitical arenas. Although most respondents remain committed to the issues they came to care about as youth organizers, they express these commitments in various ways, including through traditional and nontraditional forms of civic engagement. They also credit a diverse set of programmatic factors with having influenced them. The findings introduce the various process and outcome factors that the participants find salient, raising implications for future longitudinal or survey research.
Reasoning about software using metrics and expert opinion

When comparing software programs on the basis of more than one metric a difficulty arises when the metrics are contradictory or if there are no standard acceptance thresholds. An appealing solution in such cases is to incorporate expert opinion to resolve the inconsistencies. A rigorous framework, however, is essential when fusing metrics and expert opinion in this decision-making process. Fortunately, the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) can be used to facilitate rigorous decision-making in this particular problem. In this work a combination of expert opinion and tool-collected measures are used to reason about software programs using AHP. The methodology employed can be adapted to other decision-making problems in software engineering when both metrics data and expert opinion are available, some of which are described.
A method for quantitative histological evaluation of neural cell populations

In an attempt to facilitate quantitative analysis of neural peri-karya, an inexpensive system of gridded coverslips has been developed to permanently map sections of tissue on microscopic slides. Utilizing common photographic copying techniques with Kodalith film, a mylar coverslip is produced which is imprinted with a grid of known dimensions. The exact scale of the grid can be varied precisely for compatibility with a particular field of magnification. The versatility and economy of this technique make it useful in many microscopic studies requiring superimposition of discrete landmarks.
Digestibilities and Diurnal Excretion Patterns of Several Carbohydrates Fed to Calves by Nipple Pail

Summary Four calves were employed, over the age period from 3 to 6 mo., to determine the apparent digestibility of seven carbohydrates. The calves were fed milk by nipple pail at a rate of 3lb. per 100lb. body weight daily. The carbohydrates were added to the milk at a level of 10%. Digestion coefficients for lactose, maltose, sucrose, amylose, amylopectin, Flojel, and tapioca starch were 94, 97, 57, 83, 89, 80, and 80%, respectively. The data suggest that disappearance of considerable sucrose and starch resulted from microbial fermentation in the lower part of the digestive tract. Essentially all of the soluble carbohydrate (about one-fourth of the total carbohydrate) in the feces of starch-fed animals was glucose. Responses in blood reducing sugar to ingestion of various carbohydrates agreed quite closely with digestibility data; the greatest increases resulted from lactose and maltose, the least from sucrose, and starches were intermediate. The diurnal pattern of carbohydrate in the fecal dry matter (based on samples collected every 2 hr. during a 24-hr. period) exhibited two peaks which were related to the time of feeding. Peaks for lactose, maltose, sucrose, and starch (all starches combined) occurred about 10, 8, 6, and 12 hr. after feeding, respectively. Estimated digestion coefficients (calculated from diurnal samples) for lactose, maltose, sucrose, and starch (all starches combined) were 95, 96, 32, and 80%, respectively.
Lyα damping wing constraints on inhomogeneous reionization

One well-known way to constrain the hydrogen neutral fraction, x HI , of the high-redshift intergalactic medium (IGM) is through the shape of the red damping wing of the Lya absorption line. We examine this method's effectiveness in light of recent models showing that the IGM neutral fraction is highly inhomogeneous on large scales during reionization. Using both analytic models and 'seminumeric' simulations, we show that the 'picket-fence' absorption typical in reionization models introduces both scatter and a systematic bias to the measurement of x HI . In particular, we show that simple fits to the damping wing tend to overestimate the true neutral fraction in a partially ionized universe, with a fractional error of ∼30 per cent near the middle of reionization. This bias is generic to any inhomogeneous model. However, the bias is reduced and can even underestimate x HI if the observational sample only probes a subset of the entire halo population, such as quasars with large H II regions. We also find that the damping wing absorption profile is generally steeper than one would naively expect in a homogeneously ionized universe. The profile steepens and the sightline-to-sightline scatter increases as reionization progresses. Of course, the bias and scatter also depend on x HI and so can, at least in principle, be used to constrain it. Damping wing constraints must therefore be interpreted by comparison to theoretical models of inhomogeneous reionization.
Use of Digital Epiluminescence Microscopy to Help Define the Edge of Lentigo Maligna

Objective To compare identification of the border of lentigo maligna (LM) with digital epiluminescence microscopy (DELM) with clinical and Wood light assessment. Design The borders of lesions identified clinically with the Wood light, with DELM, and after excision by Mohs micrographic surgery were traced onto plastic sheets. The borders defined on the tracings were compared for congruence and mean surface area. Setting Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center for Skin Cancer, Loyola University Health System, Maywood, Ill. Patients Twenty-six consecutive patients with LM of the head and neck. Main Outcome Measures Results of the comparison of the outlines of the borders and the mean surface area identified by the 4 methods. Results The border determined by clinical examination was smaller than that determined with the Wood lamp or by DELM. Most lesions underwent an additional excision 5 mm beyond the DELM-defined border. The DELM pattern of LM with asymmetric follicular openings and dark brown rhomboidal structures changed at the periphery and became a pigmented thin mesh that was associated with the histopathological features of melanoma in situ. More homogeneous pigmented areas extending from the LM were associated with the pathologic features of melanocytic hyperplasia. Conclusions Visualization of LM by DELM (dermoscopy) helps to guide resection. Because LM arises in sun-damaged skin with melanocytic hyperplasia, determining the tumor-free margin requires the judgment of an experienced physician.
Interactions between global motion and local binocular rivalry.

Binocular rivalry is thought to arise from a low-level cortical site. Experiment 1 evaluates this claim with respect to local and global motion processing by using a multiple-aperture motion stimulus and measuring the predominance of global coherence while one of the component gratings is engaged in rivalry. Results show that rivalry suppression of the component grating precludes global coherence. Presumably, suppression prevents the component motion signal from advancing to higher-level global motion areas, suggesting rivalry occurs between local and global motion processing. However, feedback from higher-level mechanisms might exert an influence on binocular rivalry and thus Experiment 2 measures how the predominance of a local target engaged in binocular rivalry with a competing local stimulus is affected when the target forms part of a globally coherent motion stimulus. The augmented level of target predominance during global motion relative to local motion indicates that higher-level motion mechanisms can feedback and influence the binocular rivalry process. Together, these data imply a looping hierarchy of motion processing stages, with rivalry suppression transpiring at an intermediate level and subject to feedback from higher-level motion areas.
Conditioned suppression with cocaine as the unconditioned stimulus.

Abstract A conditioned-suppression procedure was used to study drug conditioning using cocaine as the unconditioned stimulus (UCS). Rats were first trained to nose poke for food-reinforcement during daily 60-min sessions. At least 1 week following jugular vein catheterization, a 5-min tone–light compound stimulus was presented 30 min into the food-reinforcement session. Two minutes after the onset of the stimulus, either 0 (saline), 1.0, 3.0 or 5.6 mg/kg cocaine, was administered IV to separate groups of rats. For another group, the stimulus was presented, and the 5.6 mg/kg dose of cocaine was injected in an unpaired fashion (i.e., at different times). After 5 days of training a test was given with the tone–light stimulus presented alone. No disruption of responding during the tone–light stimulus was observed in the saline and 1.0 mg/kg cocaine groups or for the unpaired group. When the tone–light stimulus was paired with 5.6 mg/kg cocaine; however, it produced nearly a 50% reduction in responding, which then gradually extinguished when the stimulus was presented alone for 5 days. The 3.0 mg/kg cocaine group produced intermediate suppression. When the tone–light compound stimulus was shortened to 70 s and the interstimulus interval (ISI) was 0, 30, or 60 s in three separate groups of rats, the most robust conditioned suppression was observed at the 60 s ISI. Therefore, the conditioned suppression procedure, using 3.0 or 5.6 mg/kg IV cocaine doses as the UCS, produced robust conditioning effects comparable to other drugs and more conventional reinforcers. The conditioned suppression procedure may be a useful model for studying the classically conditioned effects of cocaine.
Steam Etched Porous Graphene Oxide Network for Chemical Sensing

Oxidative etching of graphene flakes was observed to initiate from edges and the occasional defect sites in the basal plane, leading to reduced lateral size and a small number of etch pits. In contrast, etching of highly defective graphene oxide and its reduced form resulted in rapid homogeneous fracturing of the sheets into smaller pieces. On the basis of these observations, a slow and more controllable etching route was designed to produce nanoporous reduced graphene oxide sheets by hydrothermal steaming at 200 °C. The degree of etching and the concomitant porosity can be conveniently tuned by etching time. In contrast to nonporous reduced graphene oxide annealed at the same temperature, the steamed nanoporous graphene oxide exhibited nearly 2 orders of magnitude increase in the sensitivity and improved recovery time when used as chemiresistor sensor platform for NO2 detection. The results underscore the efficacy of the highly distributed nanoporous network in the low temperature steam etched GO.
Heterogeneous Plantinum Nucleation and Crystallization of a Heavy-Metal Fluoride Glass

The effect of controlled heterogeneous nucleation by platinum on the crystallization of a ZrF4-BaF2-LaF3-AlF3-NaF (ZBLAN) glass was studied. Various levels of platinum were incorporated into this glass by a combination of PtCl2-doping and melting-atmosphere variation. The effect of doping levels and melting conditions on the incorporation of platinum and the subsequent nucleation of crystals was studied by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction. Increased platinum in the glass resulted in an increased number of nucleation sites for the growth of β-ZrF4-BaF2 crystals. Analysis of isothermal and ramp-rate DSC measurements indicated that the crystallization of this glass changed from surface controlled to bulk controlled with an increased number of nuclei. This was confirmed by optical microscopy. In addition, Avrami analysis of the isothermal crystallization data gave an accurate approximation of the number of nuclei in the glass.
Purification and characterization of pectin acetylesterase from orange peel

Abstract Pectin acetylesterase was purified from orange peel using ammonium sulphate fractionation, followed by chromatography on Sephadex G-25 superfine, mono S and Superose 6. The purified enzyme has a M r of 29 000. It has no pectin methylesterase activity, but rapidly de-esterifies triacetin. The pectin acetylesterase activity is increased 4.8-fold by prior incubation of sugarbeet pectin with pectin methylesterase, which suggests that the acetylesterase preferentially deacetylates galacturonyl residues containing a free C-6 carboxy group.
Combined Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis: Our Experience Compared to Others:

ObjectiveTo determine the clinical experience of using combined-modality [simultaneous hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD)] treatment in patients with end-stage renal disease.DesignWe re...
Delayed input and state observability

This paper considers the concept of input and state observability, that is, conditions under which both the unknown input and initial state of a known model can be determined from output measurements. We extend previous results on input and state observability for discrete-time systems by considering a more general framework. Particularly, we introduce a delay in the input estimation, that is, we consider estimation of delayed input instead of the current input. Furthermore, we derive results for cases in which partial inputs may be available. Finally, we present several illustrative examples, including a system in which partial inputs are available.
Post-transcriptional regulation of thioredoxin by the stress inducible heterogenous ribonucleoprotein A18

Thioredoxin (TRX) is a key protein of the cellular redox metabolism, which expression is increased in several tumors especially gastric tumors. Even though ultraviolet (UV) and hypoxia specifically induce TRX, the mechanisms that lead to increased TRX levels are still ill defined. Here, we show that the heterogenous ribonucleoprotein A18 (hnRNP A18) RNA Binding Domain (RBD) and the arginine, glycine (RGG) rich domain can bind TRX 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) independently but both domains are required for maximal binding. Immunoprecipitation (IP) of hnRNP A18-mRNAs complexes and co-localization of hnRNP A18 and TRX transcripts on ribosomal fractions confirm the interaction of hnRNP A18 with TRX transcripts in cells. Moreover, down regulation of hnRNP A18 correlates with a significant reduction of TRX protein levels. In addition, hnRNP A18 increases TRX translation and interacts with the eukaryotic Initiation Factor 4G (eIF4G), a component of the general translational machinery. Furthermore, hnRNP A18 phosphorylation by the hypoxia inducible GSK3β increases hnRNP A18 RNA binding activity in vitro and in RKO cells in response to UV radiation. These data support a regulatory role for hnRNP A18 in TRX post-transcriptional expression possibly through a kissing loop model bridging TRX 3′- and 5′-UTRs through eIF4G.
Comparative Development of the Spermatozoids of Cycads and Ginkgo biloba

I. Abstract Cycads and Ginkgo biloba are the only extant seed plants that produce flagellated male gametes. Superficially, the cells of both are similar in structure and function. In both the motile organelles arise from multicentriolar bodies, the blepharoplasts, and, in both forms, these give rise to a complex fibrous band, the multilayered structure (MLS), which bears numerous flagella. Generally speaking, these structures are much alike in cycads and Ginkgo. However, there are marked differences in details of their development, particularly in the presence of a “nucellar beak” in Ginkgo.
Life Satisfaction and Student Engagement in Adolescents

Situated within a positive psychology perspective, this study explored linkages between adolescent students’ positive subjective well-being and their levels of engagement in schooling. Specifically, using structural equation modeling techniques, we evaluated the nature and directionality of longitudinal relationships between life satisfaction and student engagement variables. It was hypothesized that adolescents’ life satisfaction and student engagement variables would show bidirectional relationships. To test this hypothesis, 779 students (53% female, 62% Caucasian) in a Southeastern US middle school completed a measure of global life satisfaction and measures of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral engagement at two time points, 5 months apart. A statistically significant bidirectional relationship between life satisfaction and cognitive engagement was found; however, non-significant relationships were found between life satisfaction and emotional and behavioral student engagement. The findings provide important evidence of the role of early adolescents’ life satisfaction in their engagement in schooling during the important transition grades between elementary and high school. The findings also help extend the positive psychology perspective to the relatively neglected context of education.
Midterm results of chemoembolization with drug eluting beads followed by percutaneous microwave ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma: single center evaluation of safety and efficacy

Purpose To evaluate the local efficacy, safety, and survival at midterm follow up using transarterial chemoembolization with doxorubicin eluting beads (DEB-TACE) followed by percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods Over an 18 month period, 45 patients with unresectable HCC (32 men, 13 women; mean age 66) underwent 49 percutaneous CT guided MWA procedures using the Certus 140 2.45GHz gas cooled probe (Neuwave Medical, Madison, WI). All patients were treated with DEB-TACE using doxorubicin loaded 100-300 LC Beads (Biocompatibles,Surrey,UK) 24 hours prior to MWA. A retrospective analysis was performed using patient medical records to review tumor location, size, and technical and clinical outcomes. Follow-up consisted of an office visit and imaging with CT and/or MR at one month and every 3-4 months thereafter. Complete response was defined as disappearance of arterial enhancement in target lesions. Primary endpoints included: rate of complete ablation, local tumor progression within 1cm from ablated site, and 30 and 90 day major and minor adverse events. Results A total of 49 tumors were treated (median size 2.1 cm; range 0.8-5.0). Lesion size included: 5cm - 0/45 (0%). Procedural technical success was 100% using a standard MWA protocol. Complete ablation was achieved at 1-,3-,6- and 9-month follow up in 38/39 (97.4%), 26/27 (96.3%), 15/16 (93.8%), and 12/12 (100%) patients, respectively. Local tumor progression rates at the ablated site at 1-,3-,6- and 9-month follow up were 2.6%, 3.7%, 6.2%, and 0%, respectively. Mortality was 0% at 30 and 90 days. Length of hospital stay was 2 days in 36/45 (80%) patients. Pneumothorax requiring chest tube occurred in 4/49 (8.2%) ablations. Minor adverse events included: post procedural pain and transient low grade fever occurring in 35/45 (77.8%) and 6/45 (13.3%) patients, respectively. Conclusion Combination therapy using DEB-TACE and percutaneous MWA is a safe and locally effective treatment for unresectable HCC as evidenced by high rates of complete ablations and low rates of major adverse events.
Engaging social imagination: The developmental work of wordless book reading

The reading process and reading development have been addressed by researchers for decades. As a result we know much about what reading is and how it happens. However, less is known about how readi...
Resuscitation of the injured patient with polymerized stroma-free hemoglobin does not produce systemic or pulmonary hypertension

Abstract Background: Hemoglobin-based blood substitutes appear poised to deliver the promise of a universally compatible, disease-free alternative to banked blood. However, vasoconstriction following administration of tetrameric hemoglobins has been problematic, likely because of nitric oxide binding. Polymerized hemoglobin is effectively excluded from the abluminal space because of its size, and is thus less likely to perturb vasorelaxation. We therefore hypothesized that hemodynamic responses would be no different in injured patients receiving polymerized hemoglobin versus banked blood. Methods: Injured patients requiring urgent transfusion were randomized to receive either polymerized hemoglobin or banked blood. Systemic arterial pressure, pulmonary arterial pressure, cardiac index, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, systemic vascular resistance, and pulmonary vascular resistance were measured serially. Results: There was no difference in any of the measured hemodynamic parameters between patients resuscitated with polymerized hemoglobin versus blood. Conclusions: Polymerized hemoglobin given in large doses to injured patients lacks the vasoconstrictive effects reported in the use of other hemoglobin-based blood substitutes. This supports the continued investigation of polymerized hemoglobin in injured patients requiring urgent transfusion.
Factors Affecting the Terminal Resolution Site Endonuclease, Helicase, and ATPase Activities of Adeno-Associated Virus Type 2 Rep Proteins

The Rep68 and Rep78 proteins (Rep68/78) of adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV) are critical for AAV replication and site-specific integration. They bind specifically to the AAV inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) and possess ATPase, helicase, and strand-specific/site-specific endonuclease activities. In the present study, we further characterized the AAV Rep68/78 helicase, ATPase, and endonuclease activities by using a maltose binding protein-Rep68 fusion (MBP-Rep68Delta) produced in Escherichia coli cells and Rep78 produced in vitro in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate system. We found that the minimal length of single-stranded DNA capable of stimulating the ATPase activity of MBP-Rep68Delta is 100 to 200 bases. The degree of stimulation correlated positively with the length of single-stranded DNA added to the reaction mixture. We then determined the ATP concentration needed for optimal MBP-Rep68Delta helicase activity and showed that the helicase is active over a wide range of ATP concentrations. We determined the directionality of MBP-Rep68Delta helicase activity and found that it appears to move in a 3' to 5' direction, which is consistent with a model in which AAV Rep68/78 participates in AAV DNA replication by unwinding DNA ahead of a cellular DNA polymerase. In this report, we also demonstrate that single-stranded DNA is capable of inhibiting the MBP-Rep68Delta or Rep78 endonuclease activity greater than 10-fold. In addition, we show that removal of the secondary Rep68/78 binding site, which is found only in the hairpin form of the AAV ITR, causes a three- to eightfold reduction in the ability of the ITR to be used as a substrate for the Rep78 or MBP-Rep68Delta endonuclease activity. This suggests that contact between Rep68/78 and this secondary element may play an important role in the Rep-mediated endonuclease activity.
Interpreting the success of Zappos.com, Four Seasons, and Nordstrom: Customer centricity is but one-third of the job

Can organizations that are noted for outstanding customer service rely solely on their remarkable customer-centricity to achieve success? An analysis incorporating Internet-based surveys, traditional measures of customer satisfaction and financial performance, and an examination of the practices at three exceptionally successful customer-focused companies—Zappos.com, Four Seasons, and Nordstrom—shows that an emphasis on employee satisfaction and productivity also play key roles in organizational excellence. Management practices at these firms illustrate the validity of the Cube One framework, which posits that a combination of customer-, employee-, and productivity-directed practices drives organizational performance. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Axillary lymph node dose with tangential whole breast radiation in the prone versus supine position: a dosimetric study

Prone breast positioning reduces skin reaction and heart and lung dose, but may also reduce radiation dose to axillary lymph nodes (ALNs). Women with early stage breast cancer treated with whole breast irradiation (WBI) in the prone position were identified. Patients treated in the supine position were matched for treating physician, laterality, and fractionation. Ipsilateral breast, tumor bed, and Level I, II, and III ALNs were contoured according to the RTOG breast atlas. Clips marking surgically removed sentinel lymph nodes (SLN)s were contoured. Treatment plans developed for each patient were retrospectively analyzed. V90% and V95% was calculated for each axillary level. When present, dose to axillary surgical clips was calculated. Treatment plans for 46 women (23 prone and 23 supine) were reviewed. The mean V90% and V95% of ALN Level I was significantly lower for patients treated in the prone position (21% and 14%, respectively) than in the supine position (50% and 37%, respectively) (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Generally, Level II & III ALNs received little dose in either position. Sentinel node biopsy clips were all contained within axillary Level I. The mean V95% of SLN clips was 47% for patients treated in the supine position and 0% for patients treated in the prone position (p < 0.0001). Mean V90% to SLN clips was 96% for women treated in the supine position but only 13% for women treated in the prone position. Standard tangential breast irradiation in the prone position results in substantially reduced dose to the Level I axilla as compared with treatment in the supine position. For women in whom axillary coverage is indicated such as those with positive sentinel lymph node biopsy who do not undergo completion axillary dissection, treatment in the prone position may be inappropriate.
The Mechanism of Thought

A fast winners-take-all competition process, termed confabulation [1], [2], is proposed as the fundamental mechanism of all aspects of cognition (vision, hearing, planning, language, initiation of thought and movement, etc.). Multiple, contemporaneous, mutually interacting confabulations – in which millions of items of relevant knowledge are applied in parallel – are typically employed in thinking. At the beginning of such a multiconfabulation, billions of distinct, potentially viable, conclusion sets are considered. At the end, only one remains. This fast, massively parallel application of relevant knowledge (an alien kind of information processing with no analogue in today's computational intelligence, computational neurobiology, or computer science) is hypothesized to be the core explanation for the information processing effectiveness of thought. This paper presents a synopsis of this confabulation theory of human cortical and thalamic function.
Performance bounds for peer-assisted live streaming

Peer-assisted streaming is a promising way for service providers to offer high-quality IPTV to consumers at reasonable cost. In peer-assisted streaming, the peers exchange video chunks with one another, and receive additional data from the central server as needed. In this paper, we analyze how to provision resources for the streaming system, in terms of the server capacity, the video quality, and the depth of the distribution trees that deliver the content. We derive the performance bounds for minimum server load, maximum streaming rate, and minimum tree depth under different peer selection constraints. Furthermore, we show that our performance bounds are actually tight, by presenting algorithms for constructing trees that achieve our bounds.
Modified insertion techniques for Copper 7, Copper T and progestasert intrauterine contraceptive devices

Abstract Modified insertion techniques are presented for Copper 7 (Cu7), Copper T (TCu), and Progesterone T (Progestasert) intrauterine contraceptive devices. These include a withdrawal technique for the Copper 7 using the prepackaged inserter and a push-in technique for the Copper T and Progesterone T using a Loop inserter. It is proposed that the modified techniques allow easier insertion for all three devices and provide consistently high fundal placement leading to decreased expulsion and pregnancy rates for the copper devices.
Heat and mass transfer in the vicinity of the triple interline of a meniscus

Heat and mass transfer in triple interline region of stationary evaporating meniscus on flat plate immersed in liquid pool
Cognitive Spread: Under What Conditions Does the Mind Extend Beyond the Body?

The extended mind hypothesis (EMH) is the claim that the mind can and does extend beyond the human body. Adams and Aizawa (A&A) contend that arguments for EMH commit a ‘coupling constitution fallacy’. We deny that the master argument for EMH commits such a fallacy. But we think that there is an important question lurking behind A&A's allegation: under what conditions is cognition spread across a tightly coupled system? Building on some suggestions from Haugeland, we contend that the system must exhibit a distinctive sort of semantic activity, semantic activity that the system as a whole takes responsibility for.
Buckling analysis of unitized curvilinearly stiffened composite panels

Abstract Innovative manufacturing technology has led to the fabrication of complex shape and multi-functional structures by using the concept of integrated and bonded unitized structural components. To study the stability behavior of such structural designs, this paper presents an efficient finite element buckling analysis of unitized stiffened composite panel stiffened by arbitrarily shaped stiffeners. A first-order shear-deformation theory is employed for both the panel and the stiffeners. Displacement compatibility conditions are imposed at the panel-stiffeners interfaces. To obviate remeshing when the stiffener shape changes, the stiffeners’ geometry and displacement are expressed in terms of those of the panel middle surface through compatibility conditions that make use of the interpolation polynomials employed in the finite element method. To accommodate any shaped stiffeners, a generalized geometry parametrization tool is developed to parameterize the shape of the stiffeners including the stiffener placement and the stiffener geometric curvature. Convergence and validation studies using the present method for the buckling analysis of stiffened isotropic and composite panels are conducted to illustrate the accuracy of the present method. Parametric studies show that the stiffener placement, the stiffener geometric curvature, the stiffener depth ratio (height-to-width ratio) and laminates fiber ply orientation influence both the plate bucking load and the correspond buckling mode shape. The tailoriability of the stiffeners shape and the laminates fiber ply orientation provides an enhanced design space in the structural design for improving the structural stability.
Sensitivity of MRI in Patients with New Onset Seizures who have Normal CT Imaging and Neurologic Examinations (P6.291)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the yield of potential epileptogenic lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in adults presenting to the emergency department (ED) with a first time seizure, and who have a normal neurologic examination and non-contrast computed tomography (CT) imaging. BACKGROUND: In 2007 the American Academy of Neurology issued a practice guideline that recommended obtaining neuroimaging (CT or MRI) after first time seizure in adults. However, clear preference for which study should be done, or both, could not be determined. Our review of the literature did not yield any studies addressing this neuroimaging question and the applicability of the neurologic examination with imaging since the guideline was instituted. DESIGN/METHODS: Medical charts were reviewed of adult patients presenting to the ED. Criteria for inclusion were: age between 18-85, first time seizure with or without provoking factors, a non-contrast CT of the head, an MRI of the brain with contrast, and a full neurologic examination by a board certified adult neurologist. RESULTS: 3123 charts were reviewed between 1/2010 and 3/2014. 100 patients met inclusion criteria. Of those 100 patients, 7 had potential epileptogenic lesions on MRI which were not apparent on CT, but these patients also had focally abnormal neurologic examinations. Only one patient had a potential epileptogenic lesion found on MRI with a normal CT and neurologic examination. CONCLUSIONS: CT without contrast of the brain combined with a complete neurologic examination appears to be a sensitive tool in screening patients for potential epileptogenic lesions on MRI. There are financial implications in admitting this subset of patients solely to obtain an MRI. Further studies with more patients are needed to confirm our findings, and conclude if this subset of patients may be safely discharged from the ED with further outpatient evaluation. Study Supported by: Disclosure: Dr. Smith has nothing to disclose. Dr. Subei has nothing to disclose. Dr. Garza has received personal compensation for activities with UpToDate as an author. Dr. Flink has nothing to disclose.
Coupled bisection for root ordering

We consider the problem of solving multiple "coupled" root-finding problems at once, in that we can evaluate every function at the same point simultaneously. Using a dynamic programming formulation, we show that a sequential bisection algorithm is a close-to-optimal method for finding a ranking with respect to the zeros of these functions. We show the ranking can be found in linear time, prove an asymptotic approximation guarantee of 1.44, and conjecture that this policy is near-optimal.
Scattering of Inertial Waves in a Rotating Fluid

The scattering of plane inertial waves by both a flat strip and a circular cylinder whose generators are perpendicular to the rotation vector is examined. The properties of the reflected and diffracted fields, viz. spatial decay, propagation, structure, etc....are contrasted with those of the classical scattering fields in the limit where the wave length is small compared to the size of the scatterer.
Cytochrome P-450-derived eicosanoids participate in the renal functional effects of ET-1 in the anesthetized rat

We evaluated the contribution of cytochromeP-450 (CYP450)-dependent arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites and prostanoids to the renal hemodynamic and tubular effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in anesthet...
The use of feedback in optical information processing

The use of feedback techniques in optical information processing systems is growing rapidly. This review describes methods by which feedback has been produced, and discusses their applications to processing problems. The methods are classified according to the coherence length of the light source used, ranging from long (single axial mode lasers) through medium (multimode lasers) to short (incoherent light sources). Particular attention is paid to their potential for complex feedback, and for nonlinear and space-variant processing. The temporal characteristics of the systems and the means by which gain can be introduced into the feedback loop are considered. A current bibliography is given.
Combined Blowing and Suction to Control Both Midspan and Endwall Losses in a Turbomachinery Passage

A flow control scheme was implemented in a low pressure turbine cascade that simultaneously mitigated profile and endwall losses using midspan vortex generator jets (VGJs) and endwall suction. The combined system had an approximate zero-net mass flux. During the design, a theoretical model was used that effectively predicted the trajectory of the passage vortex using inviscid results obtained from two-dimensional CFD. The model was used in the design of two flow control approaches, the removal and redirection approaches. The emphasis of the removal approach was the direct application of flow control along the passage vortex (PV) trajectory. The redirection approach attempted to alter the trajectory of the PV with the judicious placement of suction holes. A potential flow model was created to aid in the design of the redirection approach. The model results were validated using flow visualization and particle image velocimetry (PIV) in a linear turbine cascade. Detailed total pressure loss wake surveys were measured while matching the suction and VGJ mass flow rates, for the removal and redirection approaches at ReCx = 25000 and blowing ratio, B, of 2. When compared with the no control results, the addition of VGJs and endwall suction reduced the wake losses by 69% (removal) and 68% (redirection). The majority of the total pressure loss reduction resulted from the spanwise VGJs while the suction schemes provided modest additional reductions (<2%). At ReCx = 50000 the endwall control effectiveness was assessed for a range of suction rates without midspan VGJs. Area-averaged total pressure loss reductions of up to 28% were measured in the wake at ReCx = 50000, B = 0, with applied endwall suction (compared to no suction at ReCx = 50000), at which point, the loss core of the PV was almost completely eliminated. A system analysis showed that only 23% of the total power gained was needed to power the flow control scheme.Copyright © 2010 by ASME