cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cell fusion competence and its induction in Physarum polycephalum and Didymium iridis.

Abstract In heterothallic Myxomycetes, diploid plasmodia arise when haploid amoebae of two different mating types are cultured together. In this mating process, the amoebae fuse in pairs, and the resulting zygotes develop directly into plasmodia. It has been shown previously that plasmodia start to form in this fashion only when the growing amoebae in a mixed culture reach a critical density. We have investigated the cellular basis of this phenomenon by growing amoebae of different mating type separately from one another and then mixing them to test their mating ability. Amoebae from cultures above and below the critical density were, respectively, competent and incompetent to mate. Furthermore, both partners had to be competent in order for mating to occur. No binucleate cells were formed in mixtures of incompetent amoebae, indicating that they failed to fuse with one another. Incompetent amoebae growing at low density on filters with 0.2-μm pores became competent when the filters were placed on dense cultures of amoebae. We suggest that amoebae release a filter-transmissible material that accumulates during growth and induces the cells to become fusion competent.
Critical appraisal through a new lens.

Many websites, nursing education sessions and journal articles stress the importance of critical appraisal of research for evidence-informed decision-making. Prior to starting our doctoral program, we assumed that because a study was published, it had strong evidence. In reading research reports we, like others, had a tendency to focus on results and sample size, taking what was presented more or less as fact or at face value. We often gave all evidence equal weight regardless of the strength of the study design or the internal validity of the methods. After all, these published articles had been peer reviewed! However, we have now learned that astute critical appraisal requires the ability to critically appraise the research methodology, the quality of the evidence, the applicability to clinical practice and the opportunities to improve patient care and outcomes. Furthermore, it is also important to be able to assess the quality of a body of evidence in addition to the quality and limitations of individual studies. So, critical appraisal is a skill that nurses require. But how can we develop it?
How evidence-based practices contribute to community integration.

Since the groundbreaking work of the Robert Wood Johnson Conference in 1998 identifying six evidence-based practices (EBPs) for people with severe mental illness (SMI), the mental health field has moved in the direction of re-examination and redesign of service systems. Surprisingly, one area that has not been fully explicated is the role that EBPs play in promoting community integration. In this paper, we explain how community integration is a unifying concept providing direction and vision for community mental health for people with SMI. As one crucial aspect of the recovery process, community integration clarifies the link between EBPs and recovery. We propose an alternate view, grounded in the empirical literature, to the assertion by Anthony, Rogers, and Farkas [2003, Community Mental Health Journal, 39, 101–114] that “EBP research has rarely demonstrated a positive impact on recovery related outcomes.”
The why and how of discrete structures

Eight years after Curriculum 68 there is still much uncertainty regarding the place of discrete mathematics in a computer science curriculum. This paper explores the purposes of discrete mathematics courses in a very broad context. It is suggested that discrete mathematics be distributed over two courses, and that the attitudes established in the courses are more important than the contents of the courses.
The role of surgery in the management of metastatic spinal tumors

The role of surgery in the treatment of metastatic spinal tumors causing epidural compression traditionally consisted of posterior decompression. This procedure plus radiotherapy, however, could not be demonstrated to provide any benefit over radiotherapy alone, and surgery fell into disfavor in managing metastatic vertebral tumors. The advent of newer, more sophisticated approaches, along with improved spinal instrumentation and reconstruction techniques, which allowed direct decompression of neural elements and resection of the tumor, have revived the use of surgery in these tumors. These modern spinal surgery techniques, in combination with radiotherapy, have yielded significantly superior functional outcomes and prolonged survival in symptomatic metastatic epidural compression when compared to radiotherapy alone. Management of spinal metastases is evolving, and a multitude of factors determine the indication for and the technique and goals of surgical intervention. Between 1993 and 2005, 21.1% of patients with metastatic spinal tumors evaluated at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center were treated surgically by the Department of Neurosurgery. The most common spinal metastasis operated upon was metastatic kidney cancer (31.5%), even though kidney cancer was only the third most common primary tumor (after lung and breast cancers) giving rise to vertebral metastases observed during the same time period at this institution. This highlights the importance of the histology of the primary cancer (among other factors) in determining the indication for surgical intervention.
Elektrochemisches Verhalten von N‐Aryl‐Δ2‐pyrazolinen. VIII. Zusammenhänge zwischen dem anodischen und kathodischen Verhalten und den Absorptions‐ und Fluoreszenz‐eigenschaften von N‐Aryl‐Δ2‐pyrazolinen

Die anodischen und kathodischen Halbstufenpotentiale in Acetonitril bzw. Dimethylformamid (DMF) sowie die Absorptions- und Fluoreszenzspektren in DMF und Cyclohexan von 61 N-Aryl-Δ2-pyrazolinen wurden gemessen. Zwischen der Differenz der Halbstufenpotentiale E — E der ersten Oxydations- und Reduktionsstufe und dem Fluoreszenzmaximum in DMF h ·maxf besteht folgender Zusammenhang, der den Charge-Transfer-Charakter des entsprechenden spektroskopischen Uberganges bestatigt: Die Abweichungen einiger Verbindungen von dieser Beziehung sind auf strukturbedingt veranderte elektrochemische Eigenschaften wie z. B. die kathodische Halogenidabspaltung der halogensubstituierten Pyrazoline oder die Bildung einer intramolekularen Wasserstoffbrucke bei den 1, 5-Diaryl-3-o-hydroxyphenyl-Δ2-pyrazolinen zuruckzufuhren. Electrochemical Behavior of N-Aryl-Δ2-pyrazolines. VIII. Relationships between the Anodic and Cathodic Behaviour and the Absorption and Fluorescence Properties of N-Aryl-Δ2-pyrazolines The anodic and cathodic half-wave potentials in acetonitrile and dimethylformamide (DMF) and the absorption and fluorescence spectra in DMF and cyclohexane of 61 N-aryl-Δ2-pyrazolines have been measured. The following correlation has been found between the difference of the half-wave potentials E–E of the first oxidation and reduction steps and the fluorescence maximum in DMF, h · ν: This confirms the charge-transfer character of the corresponding spectroscopical transition. The deviations of some compounds from this correlation are due to differences in the electrochemical behaviour as, e.g., the cathodic elimination of halogen from halogen substituted pyrazolines or the intramolecular hydrogen bond in 1, 5-diaryl-3-o-hydroxyphenyl-Δ2-pyrazolines.
Size of ovulatory follicles in cattle expressing multiple ovulations naturally and its influence on corpus luteum development and fertility.

Long-term genetic selection of cattle for fraternal twins has increased the frequency of twin and triplet ovulations. In contrast, the ratio of fetal numbers to ovulation sites in pregnant females with twin (0.83) or triplet (0.73) ovulations is or =2.5 yr). Pregnancy and fetal status were diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography between 42 and 72 d after AI. Fertility was reduced (P or =22 vs. 14 to 17.9 mm). Plasma progesterone concentrations increased with ovulation rate and were correlated positively with total CL or ovulatory follicle volume per female, indicating that CL size and function were influenced by the size of the follicle of origin. Progesterone was greater (P < 0.05) in the blood of nulliparous heifers compared with parous cows. The increased proportion of small ovulatory follicles associated with twin and triplet ovulations indicates that some ovulatory follicles were either selected to ovulate at a lesser stage of maturity or rescued while undergoing atresia, thus compromising oocyte competency or ovulation. Of greatest importance for reduced fertility was the greater incidence of pregnancy losses occurring in the middle of gestation in females gestating 2 or more fetuses as an apparent effect of uterine crowding, especially when 2 or more fetuses were contained within 1 uterine horn.
Estimating the fractional synthetic rate of plasma apolipoproteins and lipids from stable isotope data

The use of isotopic tracer studies to quantitate parameters characterizing apolipoprotein metabolism is enjoying a resurgence. This is due in large part to the availability of a number of stable isotopes and methods to measure them accurately in small quantities. Most experimental protocols in which stable isotopes are used call for endogenous labeling of the apolipoprotein of interest by an infusion of a labeled amino acid. Unlike the radioactively labeled amino acid counterpart in which turnover studies have traditionally been carried out for 72 hours to 14 days, the duration of the stable isotope experiment is normally less than 24 hours. This has contributed to some problems related to estimating the kinetic parameters because simplistic formulas whose underlying assumptions are not applicable to the lipoprotein system under study are often invoked. This is particularly true for the fractional synthetic rate (FSR). The purpose of this review is to address some of these problems. We derive the formula commonly used to estimate the FSR. In so doing, the underlying assumptions are carefully delineated. We then discuss several ways in which the formula is applied. Finally, we discuss the implications of these assumptions when the formula is applied to specific lipoprotein systems.
Education and Outreach Program Designed for NASA Specialized Center of Research and Training in Advance Life Support (ALS/NSCORT)

The NASA Specialized Center of Research and Training in Advanced Life Support (ALS/NSCORT) Education and Outreach Program is designed to engage audiences through concepts and technologies highlighted in the NSCORT research program. The outreach program is composed of three thrust areas. These areas are technical outreach (graduate education, technology transfer, presentations to industry, etc.), educational outreach (professional development, undergraduate, K-12), and public outreach (museums, state fairs, etc.) Program design of the technical and educational outreach began in January 2003. This paper reports anecdotal data on one ALS/NSCORT outreach program and gives a brief description of the other programs in their pilot stages. Technical and educational outreach programs developed to date include: 1) Summer Fellowship Research Program, 2) Distance Learning Course, 3) Key Learning Community Collaborative Project and 4) Mission to Mars.
Assessment of volumetric growth rates of small colorectal polyps with CT colonography: a longitudinal study of natural history

Summary Background The clinical relevance and in-vivo growth rates of small (6–9 mm) colorectal polyps are not well established. We aimed to assess the behaviour of such polyps with CT colonography assessments. Methods In this longitudinal study, we enrolled asymptomatic adults undergoing routine colorectal cancer screening with CT colonography at two medical centres in the USA. Experienced investigators (PJP, DHK, JLH) measured volumes and maximum linear sizes of polyps in vivo with CT colonography scans at baseline and surveillance follow-up. We defined progression, stability, and regression on the basis of a 20% volumetric change per year from baseline (20% or more growth classed as progression, 20% growth to −20% reduction classed as stable, and −20% or more reduction classed as regression). We compared findings with histological subgroups confirmed after colonoscopy when indicated. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00204867. Findings Between April, 2004, and June, 2012, we screened 22 006 asymptomatic adults and included 243 adults (mean age 57·4 years [SD 7·1] and median age 56 years [IQR 52–61]; 106 [37%] women), with 306 small colorectal polyps. The mean surveillance interval was 2·3 years (SD 1·4; range 1–7 years; median 2·0 years [IQR 1·1–2·3]). 68 (22%) of 306 polyps progressed, 153 (50%) were stable, and 85 (28%) regressed, including an apparent resolution in 32 (10%) polyps. We established immediate histology in 131 lesions on colonoscopy after final CT colonography. 21 (91%) of 23 proven advanced adenomas progressed, compared with 31 (37%) of 84 proven non-advanced adenomas, and 15 (8%) of 198 other lesions (p 3 at surveillance CT colonography identified proven advanced neoplasia (including one delayed cancer) with a sensitivity of 92% (22 of 24 polyps), specificity of 94% (266 of 282 polyps), positive-predictive value of 58% (22 of 38 polyps), and negative-predictive value of 99% (266 of 268 polyps). Only 16 (6%) of the 6–9 mm polyps exceeded 10 mm at follow-up. Interpretation Volumetric growth assessment of small colorectal polyps could be a useful biomarker for determination of clinical importance. Advanced adenomas show more rapid growth than non-advanced adenomas, whereas most other small polyps remain stable or regress. Our findings might allow for less invasive surveillance strategies, reserving polypectomy for lesions that show substantial growth. Further research is needed to provide more information regarding the ultimate fate of unresected small polyps without significant growth. Funding US National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute.
Gender Differences in End-User Debugging, Revisited: What the Miners Found

We have been working to uncover gender differences in the ways males and females problem solve in end-user programming situations, and have discovered differences in males versus females use of several debugging features. Still, because this line of investigation is new, knowing exactly what to look for is difficult and important information could escape our notice. We therefore decided to bring data mining techniques to bear on our data, with two aims: primarily, to expand what is known about how males versus females make use of end-user debugging features, and secondarily, to find out whether data mining could bring new understanding to this research, given that we had already studied the data manually using qualitative and quantitative methods. The results suggested several new hypotheses in how males versus females go about end-user debugging tasks, the factors that play into their choices, and how their choices are associated with success.
Phenotypic Analysis of Separation-of-Function Alleles of MEI-41, Drosophila ATM/ATR

ATM/ATR kinases act as signal transducers in eukaryotic DNA damage and replication checkpoints. Mutations in ATM/ATR homologs have pleiotropic effects that range from sterility to increased killing by genotoxins in humans, mice, and Drosophila. Here we report the generation of a null allele of mei-41, Drosophila ATM/ATR homolog, and the use of it to document a semidominant effect on a larval mitotic checkpoint and methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) sensitivity. We also tested the role of mei-41 in a recently characterized checkpoint that delays metaphase/anaphase transition after DNA damage in cellular embryos. We then compare five existing mei-41 alleles to the null with respect to known phenotypes (female sterility, cell cycle checkpoints, and MMS resistance). We find that not all phenotypes are affected equally by each allele, i.e., the functions of MEI-41 in ensuring fertility, cell cycle regulation, and resistance to genotoxins are genetically separable. We propose that MEI-41 acts not in a single rigid signal transduction pathway, but in multiple molecular contexts to carry out its many functions. Sequence analysis identified mutations, which, for most alleles, fall in the poorly characterized region outside the kinase domain; this allowed us to tentatively identify additional functional domains of MEI-41 that could be subjected to future structure-function studies of this key molecule.
Peptide Production and Decay Rates Affect the Quantitative Accuracy of Protein Cleavage Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry (PC-IDMS)

No consensus has been reached on the proper time to add stable-isotope labeled (SIL) peptides in protein cleavage isotope dilution mass spectrometry workflows. While quantifying 24 monolignol pathway enzymes in the xylem tissue of Populus trichocarpa, we compared the protein concentrations obtained when adding the SIL standard peptides concurrently with the enzyme or after quenching of the digestion (i.e. postdigestion) and observed discrepancies for nearly all tryptic peptides investigated. In some cases, greater than 30-fold differences were observed. To explain these differences and potentially correct for them, we developed a mathematical model based on pseudo-first-order kinetics to account for the dynamic production and decay (e.g. degradation and precipitation) of the native peptide targets in conjunction with the decay of the SIL peptide standards. A time course study of the digests confirmed the results predicted by the proposed model and revealed that the discrepancy between concurrent and postdigestion introduction of the SIL standards was related to differential decay experienced by the SIL peptide and the native peptide in each method. Given these results, we propose concurrent introduction of the SIL peptide is most appropriate, though not free from bias. Mathematical modeling of this method reveals that overestimation of protein quantities would still result when rapid peptide decay occurs and that this bias would be further exaggerated by slow proteolysis. We derive a simple equation to estimate the bias for each peptide based on the relative rates of production and decay. According to this equation, nearly half of the peptides evaluated here were estimated to have quantitative errors greater than 10% and in a few cases over 100%. We conclude that the instability of peptides can often significantly bias the protein quantities measured in protein cleavage isotope dilution mass spectrometry-based assays and suggest peptide stability be made a priority when selecting peptides to use for quantification.
Inclusion-body myositis: muscle-fiber molecular pathology and possible pathogenic significance of its similarity to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease brains

Sporadic inclusion-body myositis (s-IBM), the most common muscle disease of older persons, is of unknown cause and lacks successful treatment. Here we summarize diagnostic criteria and discuss our current understanding of the steps in the pathogenic cascade. While it is agreed that both degeneration and mononuclear-cell inflammation are components of the s-IBM pathology, how each relates to the pathogenesis remains unsettled. We suggest that the intra-muscle-fiber degenerative component plays the primary role, leading to muscle-fiber destruction and clinical weakness, since anti-inflammatory treatments are not of sustained benefit. We discuss possible treatment strategies aimed toward ameliorating a degenerative component, for example, lithium and resveratrol. Also discussed are the intriguing phenotypic similarities between s-IBM muscle fibers and the brains of Alzheimer and Parkinson’s diseases, the most common neurodegenerative diseases associated with aging. Similarities include, in the respective tissues, cellular aging, mitochondrial abnormalities, oxidative and endoplasmic-reticulum stresses, proteasome inhibition and multiprotein aggregates.
Studies of self-incompatibility in wild tomatoes: I. S-allele diversity in Solanum chilense Dun. (Solanaceae)

Studies of self-incompatibility in wild tomatoes: I. S-allele diversity in Solanum chilense (Dun.) Reiche (Solanaceae)
Atomistic modeling of β-Sn surface energies and adatom diffusivity

Energies for low number Miller index surfaces of -Sn (b.c.t. structure) were computed and the (1 0 0) plane was found to have the lowest un-relaxed energy of 0.0497 eV/A2. We then used the Dimer method to find mechanisms and corresponding activation energies, EA, for a Sn adatom moving on a -Sn (1 0 0) surface. After extensive dimer searches and comparison to long molecular dynamics simulations, we conclude that two simple hopping mechanisms dominate transitions on this surface. For each, we determined hopping rates of the adatom using transition state theory and computed its tracer diffusivity. A hop of the adatom in the lattice c-direction gives D300 K = 1.893 × 10−06 cm2/s (EA = 0.1493 eV), while in the
Yield-driven multi-project reticle design and wafer dicing

The aggressive scaling of VLSI feature size and the pervasive use of advanced reticle enhancement technologies has lead to dramatic increases in mask costs, pushing prototype and low volume production designs at the limit of economic feasibility. Multiple project wafers (MPW), or "shuttle" runs, provide an attractive solution for such low volume designs, by providing a mechanism to share the cost of mask tooling among up to tens of designs. However, MPW reticle design and wafer dicing introduce complexities not encountered in typical, single-project wafers. Recent works on wafer dicing adopt some assumptions to reduce the problem complexity. Although using one or more assumptions makes the problem solvable, the feasibility or performance of the solutions may be degraded. Also, the delay cost associated with schedule alignment was ignored in all previous works. In this paper we propose a general MPW flow including four main steps: (1) schedule-aware project partitioning (2) multi-project reticle floorplanning, (3) wafer shot-map definition, and (4) wafer dicing plan definition. Our project partitioner provides the best trade-off between the mask cost and delay cost. Our reticle floorplaner can automatically clone a design to better fit given production volumes. The round wafer shot-map definition step allows extracting functional dies from partially printed reticle images. Finally, our dicing planner allows multiple side-to-side dicing plans for different wafers and image rows/columns within a wafer. Experiments on industry testcases show that our methods outperform significantly not only previous methods in the literature, but also reticle floorplans manually designed by experienced engineers.
Imbalance between cell proliferation and cellular DNA fragmentation in hepatocellular carcinoma.

: Aim/Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is known for its rapid growth. This study was undertaken to determine the expression of proliferative markers, apoptosis (DNA fragmentation) and oncogene products known to regulate apoptosis (p53, bcl-2) in HCC. Methods: 150 Chinese patients with HCC were studied (M:F 128:22, age 14–88 years), Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect cell proliferative markers (PCNA, Ki67), and oncogene products known to regulate apoptosis (p53, bcl-2). DNA fragmentation was determined by terminal dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). Results: 98% and 95% of HCC had PCNA (median 2+) and Ki67 (median 2+) detected respectively. TUNEL labeling was detected in only a small number of tumor cells (no labeling in 11%, median 1/1000 cell labeled, range: 0–70/1000 cells). There was no correlation between TUNEL labeling and the clinical parameters (sex, age, cirrhosis, and survival) and the expression of cell proliferative markers. p53 was detected in 53% of the patients (median 1+, range: 0–4+) and bcl-2 was detected in a small proportion of tumor cells in only 13% of the HCCs (range: 0–1+). The expression of p53 and Bcl-2 did not correlate with TUNEL labeling or the natural survival. Conclusions: Cell proliferation in HCC is unmatched by apoptosis, accounting for the rapid growth of this tumor. This lack of apoptosis in HCC is unrelated to the expression of p53 or bcl-2 over-expression.
Development and Evaluation of The Michigan Occupational Health and Safety Management System Assessment Instrument: A Universal OHSMS Performance Measurement Tool

A universal Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) Assessment Instrument has been developed to measure the effectiveness of a wide range of OHSMSs. The development and evaluation of the instrument's overall structure, its OHSMS principles, and its measurement criteria are presented in this article. Thirteen OHSMS and environmental management system (EMS) models were reviewed in an effort to define the OHSMS universe. Four of these models were selected as instrument input models. These models are (1) the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP); (2) the British Standards Institute's OHSMS, BS 8800:1996; (3) the American Industrial Hygiene Association's OHSMS; and (4) the International Organization for Standardization's (ISO) EMS ISO 14001:1996. The instrument in its final form contains 27 sections, 118 OHSMS principles, and 486 measurement criteria. Evaluation of the instruments principles and measurement criteria was conducted by a 16-member pan...
Practical pharmacovigilance analysis strategies

Purpose To compare two recently proposed Bayesian methods for quantitative pharmacovigilance with respect to assumptions and results, and to describe some practical strategies for their use. Methods The two methods were expressed in common terms to simplify identifying similarities and differences, some extensions to both methods were provided, and the empirical Bayes method was applied to accumulated experience on a new antihypertensive drug to elucidate the pattern of adverse-event reporting. Both methods use the logarithm of the proportional risk ratio as the basic metric for association. Results The two methods provide similar numerical results for frequently reported events, but not necessarily when few events are reported. Using a lower 5% quantile of the posterior distribution gives some assurance that potential signals are unlikely to be noise. The calculations indicated that most potential adverse event–drug associations that were well-recognized after 6 years of use could be identified within the first year, that most of the associations identified in the first year persisted over time. Other insights into the pattern of event reporting were also noted. Conclusion Both methods can provide useful early signals of potential drug–event associations that subsequently can be the focus of detailed evaluation by skilled clinicians and epidemiologists. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peptidyl Carbamates as Novel Elastase Inhibitors: Structure-Activity Relationship Studies

Twenty-six novel peptidyl carbamates and thiocarbamates were synthesized and evaluated as elastase inhibitors. Eighteen compounds inhibited porcine pancreatic elastase, whereas only eleven of the newly synthesized compounds inhibited human leukocyte elastase. Neither of the other serine dependent proteases, trypsin or chymotrypsin, were affected by any of the active inhibitors. Structure-activity relationship studies indicated that inhibition was dependent on P1 and P'1 substitution as well as on the presence of the carbamate functionality. Placement of an isostere of valine at P1 and a 1-(phenyl mercaptotetrazole at P'1 resulted in the most active human leukocyte elastase inhibitor within this series of compounds (Ki - 3.0 x 10(-7) M).
Quantifying the ‘Worst of the Worst’: Victim, Offender and Crime Characteristics Contributing to ‘Heinous, Atrocious, or Cruel’ Findings in Alabama

This study focuses on capital sentencing in Alabama. Specifically, it will attempt to identify characteristics of homicides that distinguish cases with “heinous, atrocious, and cruel” (HAC) findings from those homicides that do not have this finding. Critics of HAC assert that it lacks a clear statutory definition, and is, as a result, particularly vulnerable to being applied inconsistently. HAC is found in approximately forty percent of the cases in which an individual is sentenced to death in Alabama and is one of the most highly litigated aggravating circumstances across the country.In order to examine how Alabama trial courts have been applying the HAC aggravating circumstance this study gathered data from all 414 individuals sentenced to death in Alabama from 1976 to 2008. Information was collected about procedural aspects of the cases, perpetrator and victim characteristics, and characteristics of the homicide. I examined the relationship between HAC findings and various crime characteristics using a logistic regression model. Even though the results of this analysis indicated that some case characteristics may be statistically relevant in predicting whether a particular case will result in a HAC finding, this study’s overall quantitative and qualitative examination was unable to identify a unifying set of characteristics that categorically distinguish the cases in which HAC is found from those where it is not. Because of these results, it appears that Alabama’s construction of HAC does not result in a consistent application of this aggravating circumstance.
Effect of the Perioex(R) Fil ter on Peritonitis Rates in a CAPO Population

A unidirectional filter for CAPD fluid was tested in a population of CAPD patients at one center, to determine its effectiveness in reducing peritonitis. Incidence of peritonitis was compared in fo...
Measurement of the polarization of 7–8 MeV protons inelastically scattered from the first excited states of Ni58 and Ti48

Abstract The polarization of 7 to 8 MeV protons inelastically scattered to the first excited states of Ni 58 and Ti 48 has been measured at several angles. Rather large polarizations are observed. At these energies, it is known that both compound nucleus and direct interaction processes contribute to the inelastic scattering, the former probably being most important. Since the conditions of the present experiment were such that the statistical compound nucleus model should be applicable, the appearance of polarization probably indicates a failure of the statistical assimption. This conclusion would be more certain if estimates of the polarization to be expected in direct interactions were available. If the observed polarization arises from compound nucleus processes, then the compound elastic scattering may be expected to be polarized also. Since compound elastic scattering is quite important for even nuclie at low energies, this effect might account for the difficulties found in fitting low energy polarization measurements with optical model calculations.
Will Padilla reach across the border

In Padilla v. Kentucky, the Supreme Court recognized a noncitizen criminal defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to receive accurate advice regarding the immigration consequences of a guilty plea. This Article argues that although Padilla represents a major step forward, its reach will be uneven. Looking at what Padilla will mean for those who have been deported on the basis of constitutionally defective guilty pleas, the author identifies two factors that may limit the decision’s impact. First, restrictions on state and federal postconviction relief, combined with the logistical and evidentiary complexities inherent in litigating a claim from abroad, will present significant obstacles to pursuing Padilla claims. Secondly, a deportee who prevails on a Padilla claim may find that the vacatur of the conviction fails to provide her with any basis for regaining her former immigration status. In response to these potential limitations, this Article proposes a set of reforms to bring Padilla’s promise to fruition. The proposals focus on making mechanisms for postconviction review accessible to deportees and providing ways for deportees to return to the United States temporarily to pursue Padilla claims and permanently if they are successful in such claims.
Long-Term Outcomes of Liver Transplantation for Hepatic Sarcoidosis: A Single Center Experience.

Aim Hepatic sarcoidosis is a rare indication for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Hence, studies evaluating these patients are scarce. We present a single center experience with OLT for hepatic sarcoidosis in a case–control study. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on 970 patients with OLT at our center, and 13 patients (1.3%) were identified who underwent 14 OLTs for hepatic sarcoidosis. For each case, two controls matched for etiology of liver disease, recipient age (±5 years), and duration since transplant (within 5 years) were selected. Results For the 13 patients transplanted for sarcoidosis, the median age was 46 years. The majority were women (62%) and African-American (85%). Cholestatic liver disease was the primary manifestation. Portal hypertensive complications were present in 11 patients (84%). The median MELD score at transplantation was 19. Extra-hepatic manifestations were present in ten patients (77%). All patients received whole deceased 14 donor allografts. Six patients remain alive with a median post-OLT follow-up of 8.4 years. The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year patient survival rates were 84.6%, 76.9%, 61.1%, and 51.3%, respectively for the sarcoidosis group and 82.1%, 78.6%, 78.6%, and 61.9%, respectively for the matched PSC/PBC group (P = 0.739). Re-graft free survival for sarcoidosis patients was 84.6%, 76.9%, 61.5%, and 51.3% for 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-years and for the matched control group re-graft free survival was 78.6% at 1-, 3-, 5-years, and 64.8% at 10-years (P = 0.661). Recurrence of hepatic sarcoidosis was found in 4 patients at 11 days, 112 days, 222 days, and 6.6 years. Conclusions Our study depicts the long-term benefit of liver transplantation in patients with end stage liver disease secondary to sarcoidosis. It shows statistically comparable graft and patient survival for such patients when compared to other cholestatic diseases. Disease recurrence, although possible, has not been shown to cause allograft dysfunction.
Combining Feature Subset Selection and Data Sampling for Coping with Highly Imbalanced Software Data

In the software quality modeling process, many practitioners often ignore problems such as high dimensionality and class imbalance that exist in data repositories. They directly use the available set of software metrics to build classification models without regard to the condition of the underlying software measurement data, leading to a decline in prediction performance and extension of training time. In this study, we propose an approach, in which feature selection is combined with data sampling, to overcome these problems. Feature selection is a process of choosing a subset of relevant features so that the quality of prediction models can be maintained or improved. Data sampling seeks a more balanced dataset through the addition or removal of instances. Three different approaches would be produced when combing these two techniques: 1- sampling performed prior to feature selection, but retaining the unsampled data instances; 2- sampling performed prior to feature selection, retaining the sampled data instances; 3- sampling performed after feature selection. The empirical study was carried out on six datasets from a real-world software system. We employed one filter-based (no learning algorithm involved in the selection process) feature subset selection technique called correlation- based feature selection combined with the random undersampling method. The results demonstrate that sampling performed prior to feature selection, but retaining the unsampled data instances (Approach 1) performs better than the other two approaches. Index Terms—software defect prediction, feature selection, data sampling, subset selection
Systematics of Oligoryzomys: Protein-Electrophoretic Analyses

The oryzomyines are a speciose tribe of Neotropical muroid rodents within which morphological comparisons have so far failed to produce well-resolved phylogenies. We report allozymic variation that provides information on the phylogeny of the genus Oligoryzomys and some other oryzomyines. We examined five species of Oligoryzomys , five species of Oryzomys , and representatives of Microryzomys, Neacomys, Nectomys , and Holochilus . Distributions of alleles were analyzed using a variety of phylogenetic estimation methods, applying different resampling strategies to estimate robustness. Character randomization was used to test for overall structure, and the technique was extended to test for structure beyond a set of nonoverlapping groups. The five species of Oligoryzomys examined were found to form a monophyletic group, although hierarchical relationships among them were not evident. Oligoryzomys is cladistically related to the similarly small-bodied mice of the genera Microryzomys and Neacomys to the exclusion of five species of Oryzomys, Nectomys , and Holochilus .
Modeling, Fabrication, and Characterization of Low-Cost and High-Performance Polycrystalline Panel-Based Silicon Interposer With Through Vias and Redistribution Layers

Interconnections between integrated circuits and print circuit boards are primarily achieved currently with organic packages at high I/O pitch. Organic packages, however, are limited by poor thermal and dimension stabilities for them to act as fine pitch interposers. To address these challenges, silicon interposers are being developed. Current silicon interposers, based on through-silicon via (TSV) techniques, suffer from high production cost, because of expensive CMOS-grade silicon, expensive TSV process and smaller wafer sizes. They also suffer from high electrical loss in spite of thin SiO 2 interfacial layers. This paper, for the first time, demonstrates a lower cost and higher performance silicon interposer. It is based on panel-based polycrystalline silicon with through-package vias (TPVs) and redistribution layers, and a simple and double-side process with thick polymer liner inside the TPV. Electrical modeling was carried out that shows the better electrical performance of polycrystalline silicon interposer compared with traditional single-crystalline silicon interposer. The polycrystalline silicon interposer test vehicles with up to four metal layers were demonstrated and characterized. The measurement results showed good electrical performance and matched well with the simulations.
Biomimetic Carbon Nanotube for Catalytic CO2 Hydrolysis: First-Principles Investigation on the Role of Oxidation State and Metal Substitution in Porphyrin

Hydrolysis of carbon dioxide is an important reaction for CO2 collection. Using accurate first-principles electronic structure calculations, we predict how the catalytic hydrolysis reaction in carbonic anhydrase (CA) can be mimicked in a metal-porphyrin carbon nanotube. The two-step catalytic process can be improved remarkably by controlling the porphyrin oxidation state via the nanotube charge state and by substituting the porphyrin metal atom. The oxidation state and the metal substitution both have profound effects on the reaction energetics for the initial hydration reaction step. For the subsequent product-release reaction step, two different reaction mechanisms could take place. These mechanisms are distinctively sensitive to either the oxidation state change or the metal substitution, but not to both. For the overall catalytic cycle, a significant dependence on the nanotube charge state at low pH and on the metal substitution at high pH is expected.
A Subkilometer-Gridlength Ensemble for Representing Stable Boundary Layer Forecast Uncertainty over Complex Terrain

AbstractAn ensemble prediction system featuring subkilometer horizontal grid spacing and high vertical resolution is used to quantify forecast uncertainty in the stable boundary layer (SBL). Diversity in initial conditions and/or planetary boundary layer/surface layer physics within the WRF Model provides ensembles with up to 12 members. WRF explicit ensemble data drive trajectory calculations and the Second-Order Closure Integrated Puff (SCIPUFF) model for hazard prediction. Explicit ensemble SCIPUFF forecasts are compared to single-member SCIPUFF forecasts leveraging WRF ensemble wind field uncertainty statistics. The performance of 1.3- and 0.4-km horizontal-gridlength ensemble configurations is evaluated for two case studies of differing flow regimes with respect to the Nittany Valley in central Pennsylvania where uncertainty in atmospheric transport and dispersion (ATD) is dependent on drainage flows and circulations related to trapped lee-wave activity.Results demonstrate that a 12-member ensemble p...
Multi-region approach to free-boundary three-dimensional tokamak equilibria and resistive wall instabilities

Free-boundary 3D tokamak equilibria and resistive wall instabilities are calculated using a new resistive wall model in the two-fluid M3D-C1 code. In this model, the resistive wall and surrounding vacuum region are included within the computational domain. This implementation contrasts with the method typically used in fluid codes in which the resistive wall is treated as a boundary condition on the computational domain boundary and has the advantage of maintaining purely local coupling of mesh elements. This new capability is used to simulate perturbed, free-boundary non-axisymmetric equilibria; the linear evolution of resistive wall modes; and the linear and nonlinear evolution of axisymmetric vertical displacement events (VDEs). Calculated growth rates for a resistive wall mode with arbitrary wall thickness are shown to agree well with the analytic theory. Equilibrium and VDE calculations are performed in diverted tokamak geometry, at physically realistic values of dissipation, and with resistive walls of finite width. Simulations of a VDE disruption extend into the current-quench phase, in which the plasma becomes limited by the first wall, and strong currents are observed to flow in the wall, in the SOL, and from the plasma to the wall.
Bounded linear operators that commute with shifts are scaled identity

We prove that every bounded linear operator on Lp≔Lp(R'),s≥1 and 1≤p<∞, that commutes with both the spatial shift operator and the phase shift operator must be a constant multiple of the identity. We also apply this result to identify analysis-synthesis dual Lq-Lp paris and to characterize bi-orthogonal unconditional bases of Lq-Lp, where p−1+q−1=1.
NOAA Radios and Neighbourhood Networks: Demographic Factors for Channel Preference for Hurricane Evacuation Information

This paper reviews literature on information channel type and disasters, and presents results on hurricane evacuation information gathering. Results show that respondents reported they would use television and radio most frequently for gathering information about hurricane evacuation. Minority respondents reported more preference of the use of community or local government as information sources than white respondents, females gathered information from multiple channels more than males, and younger residents gathered information from multiple channels more than older respondents. Implications include areas for future research in how channel utilization occurs during slow onset hazards in predominantly black communities, how age and gender relate to channel preference, and how channel preferences affect length of time to make decisions and engage in protective actions.
Delirium in people living with dementia: a call for global solutions

Delirium is a state of confusion and altered level of consciousness characterized by a decline in cognitive function (Inouye, Westendorp, & Saczynski, 2014). It comes on suddenly, usually following...
Catalase as a Potential Biomarker of Pharmacological Ascorbate Cancer Therapy

Pharmacological ascorbate (P-AscH–) has been shown to induce toxicity in a various cancer cell lines both in vitro and in vivo. P-AscH– can readily oxidize and deliver a high flux of H2O2, which can easily cross cell membrane and convert to more reactive species inside the cell. We hypothesize differential sensitivity of cells to P-AscH– is due to their ability to remove H2O2. The principal enzymes responsible for the elimination of H2O2 are catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and peroxiredoxins (Prx). Among these, catalase is the principal enzyme that involved in the detoxification of H2O2 at high concentration. In this study, we compared catalase levels and peroxide removal capacity in several pancreatic cancer cell lines MIA PaCa-2, AsPC-1, 403, 339 and Panc-1. Preliminary results indicated that MIA PaCa-2 cells had the lowest level of catalase and were most sensitive to P-AscH–, while Panc-1 had the highest level of catalase and were the least sensitive. In mice with pre-established xenograft pancreatic tumor, P-AscH– (4g/kg, i.p. twice daily) showed a greater inhibition of tumor growth for MIA PaCa-2 xenografts in comparison to Panc-1 xenografts. Furthermore, immunofluorescent staining of catalase in xenograft tumors also indicated that MIA PaCa-2 had lower level of catalase than Panc-1 in vivo. Taken together, catalase activity in tumors may predict which cancers will respond to P-AscH– therapy. Supported by VA Merit grant and NIH grants CA184051, CA137230, and CA169046.
Small molecule inhibitors block Gas6-inducible TAM activation and tumorigenicity

TAM receptors (Tyro-3, Axl, and Mertk) are a family of three homologous type I receptor tyrosine kinases that are implicated in several human malignancies. Overexpression of TAMs and their major ligand Growth arrest-specific factor 6 (Gas6) is associated with more aggressive staging of cancers, poorer predicted patient survival, acquired drug resistance and metastasis. Here we describe small molecule inhibitors (RU-301 and RU-302) that target the extracellular domain of Axl at the interface of the Ig-1 ectodomain of Axl and the Lg-1 of Gas6. These inhibitors effectively block Gas6-inducible Axl receptor activation with low micromolar IC50s in cell-based reporter assays, inhibit Gas6-inducible motility in Axl-expressing cell lines, and suppress H1299 lung cancer tumor growth in a mouse xenograft NOD-SCIDγ model. Furthermore, using homology models and biochemical verifications, we show that RU301 and 302 also inhibit Gas6 inducible activation of Mertk and Tyro3 suggesting they can act as pan-TAM inhibitors that block the interface between the TAM Ig1 ectodomain and the Gas6 Lg domain. Together, these observations establish that small molecules that bind to the interface between TAM Ig1 domain and Gas6 Lg1 domain can inhibit TAM activation, and support the further development of small molecule Gas6-TAM interaction inhibitors as a novel class of cancer therapeutics.
Types of Interaction in Alcoholism Complicated Marriages and their Relationship with Existing Patterns of Sexual Difficulties. I. Preliminary Data and Methodological Considerations

Many hypotheses have attempted to explain the clinical behavior of the alcoholic and his interpersonal (Hore 1971) and marital difficulties (Orford et al. 1976), but they usually do not build one upon the other and are not integrated in a unifying model or theoretical framework (Steinglass 1971).
Incorporating Emotion Perception into Opponent Modeling for Social Dilemmas

Many everyday decisions involve a social dilemma: cooperation can enhance joint gains, but also make one vulnerable to exploitation. Emotion and emotional signaling is an important element of how people resolve these dilemmas. With the rise of affective computing, emotion is also an important element of how people resolve these dilemmas with machines. In this article, we learn a predictive model of how people make decisions in an iterative social dilemma. We further show that model accuracy improves by incorporating a player's emotional displays as input to this model, and provide some insight into which emotions influence social decisions. Finally, we show how this model can be used to perform "social planning": i.e., to generate a sequence of actions and expressions that achieve social goals (such as maximizing individual rewards). These techniques can be used to enhance machine-understanding of human behavior, as social decision-aids, or to drive the actions of virtual and robotic agents.