cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An information theoretic approach to automated medical image segmentation

Automated segmentation of medical images is a challenging problem. The number of segments in a medical image may be unknown a priori, due to the presence or absence of pathological anomalies. Some unsupervised learning techniques founded in information theory concepts may provide a solid approach to this problem’s solution. We have developed the Improved “Jump” Method (IJM), a technique that efficiently finds a suitable number of clusters representing different tissue characteristics in a medical image. IJM works by optimizes an objective function that quantifies the quality of particular cluster configurations. Recent developments involving interesting relationships between Spectral Clustering (SC) and kernel Principal Component Analysis (kPCA) are used to extend IJM to the non-linear domain. This novel SC approach maps the data to a new space where the points belonging to the same cluster are collinear if the parameters of a Radial Basis Function (RBF) kernel are adequately selected. After projecting these points onto the unit sphere, IJM measures the quality of different cluster configurations, yielding an algorithm that simultaneously selects the number of clusters, and the RBF kernel parameter. Validation of this method is sought via segmentation of MR brain images in a combination of all major modalities. Such labeled MRI datasets serve as benchmarks for any segmentation algorithm. The effectiveness of the nonlinear IJM is demonstrated in the segmentation of uterine cervix color images for early identification of cervical neoplasia, as an aid to cervical cancer diagnosis. Studies are in progress in segmentation and detection of multiple sclerosis lesions.
Spectroscopic Analysis of Benzylidene Anabaseine Complexes with Acetylcholine Binding Proteins as Models for Ligand−Nicotinic Receptor Interactions†

The discovery of the acetylcholine binding proteins (AChBPs) has provided critical soluble surrogates for examining structure and ligand interactions with nicotinic receptors and related pentameric ligand-gated ion channels. The multiple marine and freshwater sources of AChBP constitute a protein family with substantial sequence divergence and selectivity in ligand recognition for analyzing structure-activity relationships. The purification of AChBP in substantial quantities in the absence of a detergent enables one to conduct spectroscopic studies of the ligand-AChBP complexes. To this end, we have examined the interaction of a congeneric series of benzylidene-ring substituted anabaseines with AChBPs from Lymnaea, Aplysia, and Bulinus species and correlated their binding energetics with spectroscopic changes associated with ligand binding. The anabaseines display agonist activity on the alpha7 nicotinic receptor, a homomeric receptor with sequences similar to those of the AChBPs. Substituted anabaseines show absorbance and fluorescence properties sensitive to the protonation state, relative permittivity (dielectric constant), and the polarizability of the surrounding solvent or the proximal residues in the binding site. Absorbance difference spectra reveal that a single protonation state of the ligand binds to AChBP and that the bound ligand experiences a solvent environment with a high degree of polarizability. Changes in the fluorescence quantum yield of the bound ligand reflect the rigidification of the ring system of the bound ligand. Hence, the spectral properties of the bound ligand allow a description of the electronic character of the bound state of the ligand within its aromatic binding pocket and provide information complementary to that of crystal structures in defining the determinants of interaction.
Dynamic analysis of the BPX machine structure

A preliminary analysis of the response of the BPX (Burning Plasma Experiment) machine structure to a seismic input was performed. MSC/NASTRAN, a general-purpose finite element computer code, was used. The purpose of this analysis was to assess the probable range of seismically induced stresses and deflections in the machine substructure which connects the machine to the test cell floor, with particular emphasis on the shear pins which will be used to attach the TF (toroidal field) coil modules to the machine substructure. The model consists of beams and plates which represent the mass and stiffness of the various components of the machine structure. These include the TF coils, PF (poloidal field) ring coils, PF solenoid, vacuum vessel, and machine substructure. The results of the current analysis indicate stresses in all load-bearing structural components fall well within the elastic limit (and below the machine design allowables) and the structure should not sustain any significant damage during a safe shutdown earthquake event. >
Research Considerations and Theoretical Application for Best Practices in Higher Education Latina/os Achieving Success

This scholarly article addresses the Latina/o undergraduate experiences proposing a (re)definition of educational success. Discussing strength-based practices of familia, mentorship, cultural congruity, and professional development from a psychosociocultural (PSC) approach, the article presents practical recommendations and directions for university personnel. The authors centralize culture through use of common dichos and everyday examples to illustrate effective and Latina/o student- focused practices. Resumen: Este articulo academico se ocupa de las experiencias de latinas/os de pre- grado y propone una re-definicion del exito educacional. Se discuten practicas de apoyo familiares, tutoria, congruencia cultural, y desarrollo profesional desde una perspectiva cultural y psicosocial (PSC). Se presentan ademas recomendaciones practicas y direcciones para el personal universitario. Los autores materializan la cultura a traves del uso de dichos comunes y ejemplos diarios para ilustrar practicas efectivas enfocadas en estudiantes latinas/os.
One-loop renormalization of Lee-Wick gauge theory

We examine the renormalization of Lee-Wick gauge theory to one-loop order. We show that only knowledge of the wave function renormalization is necessary to determine the running couplings, anomalous dimensions, and vector boson masses. In particular, the logarithmic running of the Lee-Wick vector boson mass is exactly related to the running of the coupling. In the case of an asymptotically free theory, the vector boson mass runs to infinity in the ultraviolet. Thus, the UV fixed point of the pure gauge theory is an ordinary quantum field theory. We find that the coupling runs more quickly in Lee-Wick gauge theory than in ordinary gauge theory, so the Lee-Wick standard model does not naturally unify at any scale. Finally, we present results on the beta function of more general theories containing dimension six operators which differ from previous results in the literature.
Multiple change in E2F function and regulation occur upon muscle differentiation.

We have examined regulation of the E2F transcription factor during differentiation of muscle cells. E2F regulates many genes involved in growth control and is also the target of regulation by diverse cellular signals, including the RB family of growth suppressors (e.g., the retinoblastoma protein [RB], p107, and p130). The following aspects of E2F function and regulation during muscle differentiation were investigated: (i) protein-protein interactions, (ii) protein levels, (iii) phosphorylation of the E2F protein, and (iv) transcriptional activity. A distinct E2F complex was present in differentiated cells but not in undifferentiated cells. The p130 protein was a prominent component of the E2F complex associated with differentiation. In contrast, in undifferentiated cells, the p107 protein was the prominent component in one of three E2F complexes. In addition, use of a differentiation-defective muscle line provided genetic and biochemical evidence that quiescence and differentiation are separable events. Exclusive formation of the E2F-p130 complex did not occur in this differentiation-defective line; however, E2F complexes diagnostic of quiescence were readily apparent. Thus, sole formation of the E2F-p130 complex is a necessary event in terminal differentiation. Other changes in E2F function and regulation upon differentiation include decreased phosphorylation and increased repression by E2F. These observations suggest that the regulation of E2F function during terminal differentiation may proceed through differential interaction within the RB family and/or phosphorylation.
The future of simulation: A field of dreams

Quantitative evaluation of next-generation computer architectures and processor enhancements is possible only by running simulations. However, since the insights that are gained through simulation are predicated on the accuracy of the simulation results, and since the design decisions for future processor architectures -- which cost billions of dollars to design and implement -- are based on those insights, periodic examination of the simulation process becomes a necessity, rather than a luxury. Accordingly, this panel discusses the deficiencies of existing simulators, benchmarks, and simulation methodologies and techniques, and, in addition, what future directions are available for each.
Regulation of osmotic stress-responsive gene expression by the LOS6/ABA1 locus in Arabidopsis.

Drought and high salinity induce the expression of many plant genes. To understand the signal transduction mechanisms underlying the activation of these genes, we carried out a genetic screen to isolate Arabidopsis mutants defective in osmotic stress-regulated gene induction. Here we report the isolation, characterization, and cloning of a mutation, los6, which diminished osmotic stress activation of a reporter gene. RNA blot analysis indicates that under osmotic stress the transcript levels for stress-responsive genes such as RD29A, COR15A,KIN1, COR47, RD19, andADH are lower in los6 plants than in wild type plants. los6 plants were found to have reduced phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation and to be allelic to the ABA-deficient mutant, aba1. LOS6/ABA1 encodes a zeaxanthin epoxidase that functions in ABA biosynthesis. Its expression is enhanced by osmotic stress. Furthermore, we found that there exists a positive feedback regulation by ABA on the expression of LOS6/ABA1, which may underscore a quick adaptation strategy for plants under osmotic stress. Similar positive regulation by ABA also exists for other ABA biosynthesis genes AAO3 and LOS5/ABA3 and in certain genetic backgrounds, NCED3. This feedback regulation by ABA is impaired in the ABA-insensitive mutantabi1 but not in abi2. Moreover, the up-regulation of LOS6/ABA1, LOS5/ABA3,AAO3, and NCED3 by osmotic stress is reduced substantially in ABA-deficient mutants. Transgenic plants overexpressing LOS6/ABA1 showed an increasedRD29A-LUC expression under osmotic stress. These results suggest that the level of gene induction by osmotic stress is dependent on the dosage of the zeaxanthin epoxidase enzyme.
PREDATOR CUES AND PESTICIDES: A DOUBLE DOSE OF DANGER FOR AMPHIBIANS

Amphibians are declining globally, and biologists have struggled to identify the causes. Pesticides may play a role in these declines, but pesticide concentrations in nature often are low and considered sublethal. Past research has found that the globally common pesticide carbaryl can become more lethal under different environmental condi- tions including differences in temperature and competition. A recent study has found that predatory stress, a situation common for most amphibians, can make carbaryl 2-4 times more deadly to gray tree frogs (Hyla versicolor). To determine whether this is a general phenomenon in amphibians, I examined how carbaryl affected the survival of six amphibian species in the presence and absence of predatory stress. Higher concentrations of carbaryl caused higher mortality. In two of the six species, carbaryl became even more lethal when combined with predatory stress (up to 46 times more lethal). This suggests that apparently safe concentrations of carbaryl (and perhaps other pesticides with similar modes of action) can become more deadly to some amphibian species when combined with predator cues.
Networked manufacturing-based supply chain operation model and contract research

The research presented the supply chain operation model based on networked manufacturing. It employs the Object-oriented Petri Net(OPN) to analyze the process of supply chain. The model of each object who takes part in supply chain operation was designed and the synthetical model was presented. Then, some properties such as deadlock, overflow and conflict can be analyzed. In such supply chain operation, the revenue-sharing contract has to be used for analyzing the coordination relation among the objects which take part in the supply chain operation. So, the two-stage supply chain coordination model was built. Through Stackelberg game analysis, some factors such as revenue-sharing proportion, order quantity, wholesale price were discussed. Then the coordination strategies were found. Numerical simulation based on MATLAB was used to get the results in this kind of contract. It also proved that the supply chain had great profit loss when punishment factor existed.
Undetected intraocular metallic foreign body causing hyphema in a patient undergoing MRI: a rare occurrence demonstrating the limitations of pre-MRI safety screening

The case reported is of a 47-year-old man with an undetected ferromagnetic metallic intraocular foreign body in the right eye who underwent elective MR examinations for chronic neck and low back pain. The patient underwent the MR scans and subsequently developed blurred vision in his right eye caused by a hyphema associated with an anterior chamber metallic foreign body. Case reports of orbital injuries in patients with intraocular metallic foreign bodies undergoing MRI are rare, with only one prior report in the radiology literature. While the incidence of intraocular foreign bodies causing injury in patients undergoing MRI is likely rare even among patients with foreign bodies, this case demonstrates that complications from an IMFB can potentially have a subtle presentation. Our case also illustrates potential limitations of pre-MRI safety questionnaires, particularly pertaining to a patient's understanding of the thoroughness of foreign body removal.
Effects of testosterone metabolites on copulation, medial preoptic dopamine, and NOS-immunoreactivity in castrated male rats.

The medial preoptic area (MPOA) is an important integrative site for male sexual behavior. Dopamine (DA) is released in the MPOA of male rats shortly before and during copulation. In a previous study, we identified 17h-estradiol (E2) as the metabolite of testosterone (T) that maintains MPOA basal extracellular DA levels. However, the presence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgenic metabolite of T, is required for the female-induced increase in MPOA DA observed during copulation. Recently, we reported that assays of MPOA tissue DA content showed that castrates actually had more stored DA than did gonadally intact males. Therefore, the reduction in extracellular levels in castrates was not due to decreased availability of DA; most likely it was due to decreased release. Furthermore, T upregulates neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the MPOA. NO has been implicated in the regulation of DA release in the MPOA. It is not known, however, which metabolite(s) of T regulate(s) tissue stores of DA and/or nNOS in the MPOA of male rats. The present experiments were designed to test the following: (1) whether E2, DHT, or the combination of the two influences MPOA DA tissue levels, an indication of stored DA, in male rat castrates; and (2) whether E2, DHT, or the combination of the two influences NOS-ir in the MPOA of castrated male rats. The results indicate that E2 up-regulates nNOS-ir in the MPOA and maintains tissue content of DA at levels similar to those in T-treated rats. DHT did not influence nNOS-ir, while attenuating the effect of castration on tissue DA content.
Reactive Follicular Hyperplasia

Reactive follicular hyperplasia (RFH) in lymph nodes is characterized by an increased number and size of lymphoid follicles. Lymphoid follicles are the functional units of the B-cell immune response and, as a result, inflammatory and immune reactions that trigger a humoral response and cause activation of B-cells are generally associated with reactive follicular hyperplasia. In broad terms, diseases that cause RFH include bacterial and viral infections, as well as autoimmune diseases. In some patients, the etiology of RFH cannot be ascertained. Follicular hyperplasia is commonly accompanied by hyperplasia of other compartments in the lymph node.
Lignin fate and characterization during ionic liquid biomass pretreatment for renewable chemicals and fuels production

The fate of lignin from wheat straw, Miscanthus, and Loblolly pine after pretreatment by a non-toxic and recyclable ionic liquid (IL), [C2mim][OAc], followed by enzymatic hydrolysis was investigated. The lignin partitioned into six process streams, each of which was quantified and analyzed by a combination of a novel solution-state two-dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) method, and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Pretreatment of biomass samples by [C2mim][OAc] at 120 and 160 °C enhances hydrolysis rates and enzymatic glucan digestions compared to those of untreated biomass samples. Lignin partitioning into the different streams can be controlled by altering the ionic liquid pre-treatment conditions, with higher temperatures favoring higher lignin partitioning to the IL stream. 2D NMR bond abundance data and SEC results reveal that lignin is depolymerized during ionic liquid pretreatment, and lignin of different molecular masses can be isolated in the different process streams. SEC suggested that higher molecular mass lignin was precipitated from the ionic liquid, leaving smaller molecular mass lignin in solution for further extraction. Lignin obtained as a residue of enzymatic hydrolysis contained the highest molecular mass molecules, similar in structure to the control lignin. The results suggest that isolated lignins via IL pretreatment from all three feedstocks were both depolymerized and did not contain new condensed structures. This finding leads to the possibility that lignin obtained from this IL pretreatment process may be more amenable to upgrading, thereby enhancing biorefinery economics.
Mechanisms of regulation of ovarian sterol metabolism by insulin-like growth factor type II: in vitro studies with swine granulosa cells

The present studies were designed to investigate the nature of the actions of insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) on granulosa cell steroidogenesis and assess the potential facilitative interactions between IGF-II and other major regulators of ovarian sterol metabolism, viz. estrogen, FSH, and low density lipoprotein (LDL). In serum-free first passage monolayer cultures of swine granulosa cells, human recombinant IGF-II stimulated progesterone production with a half-maximally effective concentration of 4.6 +/- 1.2 ng/ml (0.61 +/- 0.16 nM) between 0-48 h of culture and 27 +/- 5.7 ng/ml (3.6 +/- 0.76 nM) between 48-96 h. Maximal progesterone accumulation increased 12-fold over that in untreated cultures (48-96 h). Over the latter interval, IGF-I stimulated progesterone production approximately 10-fold, with a significantly lower ED50 of 6.1 +/- 0.70 ng/ml (0.78 +/- 0.09 nM; P < 0.01 vs. IGF-II effect). IGF-II (100 ng/ml) enhanced progesterone biosynthesis approximately 2-fold in the presence of 25-hydrox...
Lobe mediates Notch signaling to control domain-specific growth in the Drosophila eye disc

Notch (N) activation at the dorsoventral (DV) boundary of the Drosophila eye is required for early eye primordium growth. Despite the apparent DV mirror symmetry, some mutations cause a preferential loss of the ventral domain, suggesting that the growth of individual domains is asymmetrically regulated. We show that the Lobe (L) gene is required non-autonomously for ventral growth but not dorsal growth, and that it mediates the proliferative effect of midline N signaling in a ventral-specific manner. L encodes a novel protein with a conserved domain. Loss of L suppresses the overproliferation phenotype of constitutive N activation in the ventral, but not in the dorsal eye, and gain of L rescues ventral tissue loss in N mutant background. Furthermore, L is necessary and sufficient for the ventral expression of a N ligand, Serrate (Ser), which affects ventral growth. Our data suggest that the control of ventral Ser expression by L represents a molecular mechanism that governs asymmetrical eye growth.
Hyaluronan and its receptors in mucoepidermoid carcinoma.

Background. Hyaluronan (HA) is a prominent extracellular matrix component undergoing continuous production and degradation. Increased HA levels have been described in a variety of tumors. The objective of this study was to examine the staining patterns of HA and two of its associated receptors (CD44 and HARE) in relation to the metastatic potential of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MC). Immunohistochemical staining of preserved surgical specimens was used. Methods. Tissues from 12 patients with a histologic diagnosis of salivary MC (10 parotid, one submandibular gland, one minor salivary gland) were studied. Half (six of 12) of the patients had regional metastases. Tumor, normal salivary tissue, and regional lymph nodes were stained for HA, CD44, and HARE expression. Specimens were graded for staining intensity and a percent of the specimen stained. Results. Normal salivary tissue did not demonstrate epithelial cell surface HA expression, whereas HA was expressed on tumor cells and in regional lymph nodes containing metastases. These differences were both significant using Student's t test (p < .00002, and p < .0022, respectively). Tumors with positive nodes tended to have greater cell surface HA. Decreased expression or downregulation of HARE was also noted in involved lymph nodes. No differences in CD44 expression were seen between primary specimens and lymph nodes. The observed staining patterns for CD44 and HARE were not reflective of the metastatic potential of the primary MC. Conclusions. Increased HA expression was seen on mucoepidermoid carcinoma cells compared with adjacent normal salivary gland epithelium. This observation may assist in explaining the development of regional metastasis in these tumors. We did not identify specific HA, CD44, or HARE staining patterns in primary lesions that were predictive of regional metastases. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck27: XXX–XXX, 2005
Studies of LaSn3 as a Negative Electrode for Lithium-Ion Batteries

The intermetallic compound LaSn{sub 3} has been explored as a possible negative electrode for lithium-ion batteries. A combination of experiment and density functional theory calculations provides evidence that the structure is intolerant to lithium insertion and that the electrochemical reaction occurs via a displacement mechanism. Experiment shows that approximately six Li react initially with LaSn{sub 3}; calculated energetics suggest that during the reaction La{sub 3}Sn{sub 5} and lithiated tin are formed and that the electrode operates by delithiation and relithiation of the Sn particles within an inert lanthanum-tin matrix. LaSn{sub 3} electrodes provide a reversible specific capacity of 200-250 mAh/g, whereas In-substituted electrodes that form a solid solution with LaSn{sub 3}, such as LaSn{sub 2.7}In{sub 0.3}, yield a slightly lower capacity.
Some Effects of a Vitamin D Deficiency on Mature Dairy Cows

Summary Detailed observations on three liberal-milking cows and one dry, pregnant cow kept under vitamin D deficient conditions have been presented. Under these conditions the total calcium of the blood plasma declined to one-half normal values, and the inorganic phosphorus to one-fifth normal. The animals became stiff, the knees bent forward, the spine became rigid and in severe cases assistance was necessary before the cow could get up. Balance trials run while these conditions prevailed showed that significant drafts on the calcium and phosphorus reserves were being made. When vitamin D was administered the losses were immediately changed to unusually large retentions. The curves showing the calcium and phosphorus concentration in the milk are remarkably smooth and coincide closely with similar curves for previous normal lactations. Calves produced after the cows had been under the deficiency conditions for some time showed visible rachitic appearances but blood chemistry and histological studies revealed no abnormalties in these respects. Vitamin D could not be detected in butterfat samples saved from animals deficient in this factor. Whether or not the fragile bones encountered in one animal and the failure of all the animals to show estrum are directly connected with the lack of vitamin D cannot be established at the present time.
Multiscale Approach for Quantum Systems

In this work we propose an iterative multiscale scheme for eigen solutions of the Schrodinger equation with application to the quantum dot array (QDA) systems. The asymptotic expansion predictor and inverse iteration and Rayleigh quotient corrector are introduced. The predictor multiscale formulation is constructed by introducing an asymptotic approach of the original problem and an auxiliary problem. The predictor multiscale solution is corrected by the inverse iteration and the Rayleigh quotient iteration. The numerical results show that the multiscale formulation offers comparable accuracy compared to the solution of the single fine scale model with substantial CPU-time reduction for the tested QDA systems. With the additional corrections by the inverse iteration and Rayleigh quotient, the solution accuracy can be further enhanced.
Toward a Theory of Teacher Education for Social Justice

During the last decade, dramatic changes have occurred in education policy and practice and in the larger economic and political contexts in the USA and elsewhere. Based on the widely shared view that education and the economy are inextricably linked, it is now assumed that teachers can – and should – teach all students as per world-class standards, serve as the linchpins in educational reforms of all kinds, and produce a well-qualified labor force to preserve the nation’s position in the global economy. In the face of these daunting – and arguable – expectations, the question of how teachers are recruited and prepared has become a hot topic in the educational discourse of many nations. In the USA, despite many critiques (e.g., Earley, 2005; Michelli, 2005; Sleeter, 2009), a “new teacher education” (Cochran-Smith, 2005) has emerged, which is regarded as a problem that can be solved by the “right” public policies, based on evidence rather than values or ideals, and judged by outcomes rather than processes, resources, or curricula.
The Decomposition of a Polytope into Its Cones

In this chapter, we return to integer-point transforms of rational cones and polytopes and connect them in a magical way that was first discovered by Michel Brion. The power of Brion’s theorem—the centerpiece of this chapter—has been applied to various domains, such as Barvinok’s algorithm in integer linear programming, and to higher-dimensional Euler–Maclaurin summation formulas, which we study in Chapter 12 In a sense, Brion’s theorem is the natural extension of the familiar finite geometric series identity \(\sum _{m=a}^{b}z^{m} = \frac{z^{b+1}-z^{a}} {z-1}\) to higher dimensions.
Food Processing by High-Pressure Homogenization

High-pressure homogenization is applied to liquid foods by devices that consist of a positive displacement pump (usually a plunger-type pump) and one or more restrictions to flow (stages) created by valves or nozzles. This chapter reviews various valves utilized in high-pressure homogenization of liquid foods. The impact of high-pressure homogenization on various functional properties of protein and polysaccharides and microbial safety of pressure homogenized products is discussed.
Model Reduction and Analysis of Deep Dynamic Stall on a Plunging Airfoil using Dynamic Mode Decomposition

Recent years have seen increased emphasis on mathematical model reduction using modal decomposition techniques of high dimensional flow field data from experiments as well as numerical simulations. These tools decode the complex unsteady flow-field into several modes. Different tools highlight different flow dynamics. In the experimental community, Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) has been the most commonly used technique, ranking modes by their relative energy content, thereby losing temporal information. However, many dynamics are not highlighted by the most energetic structures. In transitional flows for example, growth of flow structures is a more important indicator. The Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD) technique highlighted by Schmid1 achieves this by ranking modes by the most dynamically varying flow features. In this work, we use DMD and POD to analyze flow past a SD7003 airfoil undergoing periodic plunging motion, which is representative of a wide variety of phenomena present in MAVs and UAVs.The DMD modes highlight the dynamically varying nature of highly transient low Reynolds number flows and identify the specific flow structures associated with the plunging motion.A stability analysis of the computed DMD modes is performed and unstable flow structures are identified. Flow structures which are common to the dominant modes in both POD and DMD are identified using the two techniques in conjunction with each other. Further, the original flow field is reconstructed from the DMD modes and their individual modal behavior is analyzed to understand the net contribution of the mode to the total flow field.Finally, DMD modes in local regions are used to decide optimum probe placement locations, which capture majority of the flow dynamics based on sparse available time signals.
Anaerobic Biodegradation of Benzene under Conditions Favorable to Iron-Reduction under Environmental Conditions of Sub-Arctic Groundwaters

This research was conducted to detect and understand anaerobic degradation of benzene in a sub-arctic aquifer environment. The major point in this paper is that indigenous microorganisms from anaerobic groundwater wells contaminated with BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzenes, xylenes) can use benzene as a carbon or energy source under conditions favoring iron reduction. Microcosms were prepared and incubated under anaerobic conditions, with hematite (Fe203) added to some to permit growth of iron reducing bacteria. Several concentrations of benzene were used as a substrate, and the microcosms were incubated at temperatures of 21 ~ and 4 ~ Results indicated that the aromatic hydrocarbon, benzene, was anaerobically transformed under both psychrophilic (4 ~ and mesophilic (21 ~ conditions. The temperature and substrate concentration played a role in determining the rate at which benzene was biodegraded under conditions favorable to iron-reducing bacteria. For example, under conditions favoring iron-reducing bacteria, benzene biodegraded faster at 21 ~ than at 4 ~ in most microcosms during the first two months. Benzene degradation slowed when the concentration of benzene became less than 7 ppb under all conditions. Phenol and propionic acid were detected as intermediates for this transformation. Problem and Background The soil and groundwater in Operable Unit 5 (OU5) at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, have become contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons as a result of leakage from underground tanks and accidental spills. This site is located in the continental climate zone of interior Alaska and has an average annual ground temperature of 4 ~ and, hence, offered the oppommity to collect bacteria living in this cold anaerobic environment and study BTEX degradation in vitro. For the i Nada I. Raad, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Civil and Environmental Department, 306 Yanana Drive, Fairbanks, Alaska 99775; phone 907-474-1933; flnir@uaf.edu
Performance Characterization of Cyclic Blade Pitch Variation on a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

This study characterizes the e ects of cyclic blade pitch actuation on the e ciency and operability of a high-solidity vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT). A VAWT utilizing a cam and control rod mechanism to prescribe the pitch dynamics is constructed and tested in MIT’s Wright Brothers Wind Tunnel over a wide range of design and operational variables. The experiment concludes that a tuned rst-order sinusoidal actuation system can achieve a maximum absolute e ciency of 0.436, an increase of 35% over the optimal xed-blade baseline con guration, with self starting capabilities and drastically improved performance at a wide range of suboptimal operating conditions. This performance is comparable to that which as been previously reported for more structurally demanding variable pitch VAWT designs of lower solidity and xed pitch designs operating at higher tip speed ratios (TSRs). Additionally, a low order order computational model is found to accurately predict the trends and maximum e ciencies of the system.
Inhibition of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme by SQ 14,225 in Anesthetized Dogs: Hernodynamic and Renal Vascular Effects

SummaryThe hemodynamic and renal vascular effects of SQ 14,225, a new angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, were studied in mongrel dogs under pentobarbital anesthesia. A dose-related inhibition of the pressor and renal vasoconstrictor effects of AI, but not of AII, were seen after SQ 14,225. After administration of SQ 14,225 (310 μg/kg iv) a moderate decrease in arterial pressure and increase in renal blood flow were observed. It is proposed that the hypotension and renal vasodilation seen after SQ 14,225 could be due to loss of endogenous AII; however, an enhancement of endogenously produced bradykinin cannot be excluded.
Determining authorship with style

Stylometry is the characterization of a text's author by capturing the style of writing as measurable features expressed in the text. There are three major applications for stylometry: authorship verification, authorship attribution, and deception detection. In authorship verification, the styles of a text and the body of work of the supposed author are matched. Stylometrics include the usages and frequencies of words, word categories, or some syntactic structures. Research questions include the use of current tools and techniques on different corpora of different size and origin, expansion of syntactic and possibly into semantic features, the exploration of style variance by topic rather than by author, and the performance tradeoffs in current tools.
Dorsal anterior cingulate: a Rorschach test for cognitive neuroscience.

The dorsal anterior cingulate cortex is one of the most beguiling regions of the brain. Understanding its essential function has become a holy grail for many cognitive neuroscientists. With this scrutiny has come contention. In this issue, two teams of neuroscientists with different views argue for their favored interpretation of neural activity in this region. Here, we provide some background and context for this debate.
Thermal and mechanical tyre modelling for handling simulation

TaMeTirE is a new thermo-mechanical tyre model for handling simulation developed by Michelin. Its main benefit compared to mathematical fit models is its capability to extrapolate tyre force and moment to the actual driving conditions of the vehicle by taking both speed and tyre temperature effects into account and showing their significant influence on the lateral force in pure cornering conditions. TaMeTirE can accurately predict the lateral force especially when the tyre is at the limit of friction.
Lessons Learned From a Generation of Community-Driven Business Retention and Expansion Programming

Business retention and expansion (BRE) can strengthen the economic and social fabrics of communities when led by a broad cross section of community leaders and supported by professionals skilled in...
Hemolysis-Associated Elevation in Tricuspid Regurgitation Velocity Predicts Reduction in Six-Minute Walk Distance After Two Years of Follow up in Children and Adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease.

Abstract 574 Background. Elevated tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) as determined by echocardiography correlates with elevated systolic pulmonary artery pressure and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in adults with sickle cell disease. The importance of elevated TRV in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease is not known. The Pulmonary Hypertension and the Hypoxic Response in SCD (PUSH) study is an ongoing, longitudinal and observational multicenter study of children with sickle cell disease. Methods. Baseline echocardiography and six-minute walk test were performed prospectively in 361 children and adolescents with sickle cell disease at steady state and then repeat studies were performed in 209 after a median of 22 months of follow up (range 10 months to 36 months), also at steady state. A hemolytic component was derived by principal component analysis of baseline values for reticulocyte count, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and total bilirubin. Results. TRV or six-minute walk test were measured at both baseline and follow-up in 193 patients. Twenty-one of these 193 patients had elevated TRV of 2.60 m/sec or higher at baseline. Elevated baseline TRV was associated with high hemolytic rate in 15 patients, defined as hemolytic component above the median for the population studied, and with lower hemolytic rate in six patients. Elevated baseline TRV with high hemolytic rate predicted elevated TRV at follow up (odds ratio 7.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.5 to 24.2; P Conclusion. Steady-state TRV elevation in association with a high hemolytic rate occurs on screening in about 8% of children and adolescents with sickle cell disease and is predictive of elevated TRV and reduced six-minute walk distance after approximately two years of follow. Such children may be at risk for adverse clinical consequences of pulmonary hypertension as young adults. Further studies are indicated to identify the molecular mechanisms and to develop appropriate medical management for children and adolescents with this complication. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Counter-philology: Ezra Pound as translator of Provencal and Cavalcanti, 1917–1932

Pound's Provencal translations ‘Homage a la Langue d’Oc' and ‘L’Aura Amara' (1918) are characterised by his deployment of philological objects and reading practices against orders of knowledge prod...
The Effect of Socio-Economic Factors on Adoption of Innovations in Dairy Farms

The research was conducted with the aim of determining the social and economic factors which are effective on the adoption of new technologies at dairy farms in the province of Konya. The data used in the research was obtained on a volunteer basis by questionnaire technique from 128 dairy farms determined with stratified sampling method that is one of random sampling method. 51.56% of enterprises investigated were high innovators and 48.44% of enterprises were low innovators. In conclusion, it was determined that the milk yield, enterprise income, education of enterpriser, family size, number of animals, existence of land, case of receiving services of consultancy and frequency of using mass media tools made positive contributions to adoption of innovations by enterprises in the research field. But the training level decreased as the age of enterpriser increased in the research field. This case retards the adoption process of innovations and deescalates the use of new technologies in the enterprises. The young farmers come to the forefront in the adoption and implementation of innovations.
Tools for Assessing Racism-Related Stress and Trauma Among Latinos

Hispanic Americans experience higher rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than their European American counterparts. One explanation for this finding is the differential experience of racism, which can in itself be traumatic. The mechanism by which racism results in PTSD is thought be due to the uncontrollable, anxiety-producing, and distressing nature of such events, combined with a lack of ability or opportunity to mentally process the experiences. PTSD caused by racism, or racial trauma, is underdiagnosed due to a lack of awareness among clinicians and a lack of validated measures for its assessment. This chapter describes racism toward Latino/as, measures for the assessment of racism-related stress and trauma, and introduces a new clinician-administered interview, the UConn Racial/Ethnic Stress and Trauma Survey (UnRESTS), to aid in its assessment. Translation procedures for the UnRESTS are described, and the measure is provided in English and Spanish.
Observational analysis of IDO-1 expression in MEL samples assessed using an RNAscope assay.

53Background: IDO-1 catalyzes the degradation of trp to kyn and can promote tumor escape from host immunosurveillance. IDO-1 expression evaluation has potential importance in identification of a population with worse prognosis and is important in the clinical evaluation of IDO-1 inhibitors. We have developed an optimized assay for IDO-1 specific message detection using RNAscope technology (RST) and applied it to an analysis of human melanoma (MEL) samples. Methods: 25 MEL samples were evaluated for IDO-1 by IHC and the samples used to optimize the RST assay. IDO-1 expression could be demonstrated in tumor cells (TC) as well as in immune cells (IC) infiltrating the tumor and in IC in the peritumoral area. A scoring method was developed to classify IDO-1 expression in all three populations. An H-score of 5 or greater was used as an arbitrary cutoff for IDO-1 positivity. An additional 27 MEL samples, collected as part of the ECHO202/KN037 study of epacadostat in combination with pembrolizumab, were evaluated...
Second Time Integral of the Impulse Response for Enhancing the Late-Time Target Response for Target Identification

A general problem, concerning target identification via the late-time aspectindependent complex natural resonant frequencies, is the presence of the large early-time response. It would be advantageous to enhance the late-time response relative to the early-time response. In a general sense this implies some kind of frequency-dependent filter which attenuates the high-frequency parts of the waveform while providing little or no attenuation to the complex resonant frequencies of interest. Such a low-pass filter (passive and/or active) is the subject of this paper. A desirable feature of such a filter is the temporal separation of earlyand latetime responses. Furthermore we would like to be able to still use time gating (windowing) to remove some of the clutter in the signal returned to the radar. So we do not wish to introduce significant dispersion into the scattering data. There are other problems associated with the signal including the response(s) of the radar antenna(s) and propagation characteristics (e.g., multipath). For present purposes we neglect such problems and assume that appropriate deconvolution, gating, etc., have been applied to give the target delta-function response.
Electrophysiological Effects of Taurine in Cardiac Purkinje Fibers and Myocardial Taurine Loss during Ischemia. Is There a Relationship

Interest in a role for taurine in the maintenance of normal electrophysiology of the heart originated from the experiments of Read and Welty (16) and later, Chazov and colleagues (1). These workers showed that exogenous taurine was capable of causing the disappearance or reduction in severity of arrhythmias, principally premature ventricular contractions, in whole animals or isolated hearts administered toxic doses of catecholamines or glycosides. The proposed mechanisms for these antiarrhythmic effects of taurine have not received uniform acceptance by workers in the field, and the subject is clearly in need of much investigation.
The fertility-related treatment choices of cancer patients: cancer-related infertility and family dynamics.

Cancer does not just affect the person battling the disease, but the patient’s family as well. Cancer can impact a broad range of family relationships from sexual relations with a partner to how someone parents their child. Family members are also often involved in the treatment decisions that someone with cancer makes, such as showing support for a particular medical decision [1] or even being the primary decision maker [2, 3]. The role that a family member plays in the decision-making process is contingent upon many factors including the age of the patient, their relationship to the cancer patient (e.g., parent vs. child), the patient’s own desires [4], prior family dynamics [4, 5], and cultural and community norms [2, 3]. Family members can be involved in many decisions directly related to an individual’s cancer battle including which treatment option to choose (e.g., lumpectomy or mastectomy) [6], whether or not to pursue alternative treatments [7], and end-of-life care [8].
Three generations of changing gender patterns of schooling in China.

AbstractThe rapid economic growth and rise in living standards in China and throughout much of Asia, is well documented. The changing economic conditions, including increases in the returns to schooling and employment opportunities for women, and increases in one-child families, have likely changed the incentives for parental investments in the education of children, and potentially differentially so for sons and daughters, and for families in rural and urban areas. In this paper, we use data spanning three generations of Chinese families to examine the evolution of educational attainment for boys and girls and the relative levels of schooling by gender. We also examine differences in trends across rural and urban areas. We find a substantial narrowing of the gender gap in schooling, so much so that girls now have more education on average than boys. In addition, policy initiatives had a larger effect in rural than urban areas.
Crystalline Si Solar Cells with Passivating, Carrier-selective Nickel Oxide Contacts

We examine the potential to enhance cell performance using wide bandgap metal oxide films as full-area rear contacts to p-type crystalline Si (c-Si) solar cells. We aim to introduce a band offset through wide bandgap nickel oxide rather than introducing a band bending through transition metal oxides (e.g. MoO x , V 2 Ox, WO x ). Our numerical simulation shows it is possible to achieve one-sun efficiency of 21.6% with the open-circuit voltage (V oc ) of 652 mV, the short-circuit current density (J sc ) of 39.9 mA/cm2 and the fill factor (FF) of 82.5% when the back surface recombination velocities is 100 cm/s at p-Si/NiO x .
Acidemia Can Occur Despite Category I Tracing.

Objective Electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) is intended to assess fetal well-being during labor. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that findings of a category I tracing at any time in the 60 minutes prior to delivery would rule out neonatal acidemia. Study Design This was a planned secondary analysis of a single-center prospective cohort study of 8,580 singleton pregnancies undergoing labor with nonanomalous infants at term. Monitoring was reviewed by obstetric research nurses at 10-minute intervals in the 60 minutes prior to delivery. The primary outcome was acidemia, defined as an umbilical cord arterial pH of 7.10 or less. Results Of the 4,274 patients included, 42 (0.98%) infants had acidemia at birth. Of the 42 infants with acidemia, 13 (31%) had category I tracings in the 30 minutes prior to delivery. Three (7%) infants had neonatal acidemia despite category I tracing for >40 minutes in the 60 minutes prior to delivery. Conclusion Even in the presence of category I tracing in the 60 minutes prior to delivery, neonatal acidemia can still occur. Periods of category I should be interpreted within the clinical context of a priori risk for acidemia, knowing that it does not completely rule out acidemia.