cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of B-RafV600E in differentiated thyroid cancer and preclinical validation of compounds against B-RafV600E

B-Raf(V600E), an oncogenic protein kinase, is the most frequent genetic alteration in papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC). PTC represents 80-90% of all thyroid cancers and over the past five years, more than 200 manuscripts have been published about the relationship between "B-Raf(V600E) and thyroid cancer". B-Raf(V600E) genetically arises from a transversion point mutation (valine-to-glutamate substitution at amino acid residue-600, V600E) and leads to over activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway. The MAPK pathway is essential for transmitting proliferation signals generated by cell surface receptors and cytoplasmic signaling elements to the nucleus. In many cancers, including thyroid cancer, B-Raf(V600E) appears to play a crucial role in cell proliferation, survival and de-differentiation. In thyroid cancer, the V600E mutation occurs with greater frequently in aggressive subtypes of PTC, and in individuals that present at advanced stages of disease with extra-thyroidal extension and/or lymph node metastases. B-Raf(V600E) is considered a marker of aggressive disease in both PTC (>1 cm) and micro-PTC (</=1 cm), and interestingly, is associated with both loss of I-131 avidity and PTC recurrence. Though treatment of patients with thyroid cancer is usually successful and most patients are rendered disease-free, to date there are no effective therapies for patients with invasive, non-radioiodine sensitive tumors or metastatic disease. In this article we will review the relation between B-Raf(V600E) and PTC, as well as both non-selective and selective pharmacological agents currently under investigation for treatment of B-Raf(V600E) positive PTC.
A tale of goddesses, money, and other terribly wonderful things: spirit possession, commodity fetishism, and the narrative of capitalism in Rajasthan, India

In this article, I examine the spiritual possession of a young Indian woman'a member of a community of performers known as Bhats'by her husband's lineage goddess. The events unfold in the Rajasthani town of Udaipur where Bhats now market traditional culture to tourists. Showing how this possession responds to my informants' new exchange relations, I argue for the utility of the Marxist notion of "commodity fetishism." I contend, however, that Marxist accounts, because of their typically insistent condemnation of capitalist transformation, are not able to account fully for the Bhat experience of new money relations. I maintain, instead, that an analysis emphasizing multiple moral narratives more completely illuminates the Bhats' complex encounter with the economic forms of modernity. I further suggest that discourse-based descriptions of spiritual possession also cannot do full justice to this woman's case, which is as much a failure to communicate as a successfully articulated, if disguised, mode of communication. I thus argue for an appreciation of the way religious forms, and particularly spiritual possessions, represent a form of language and the failure of language, as well as a kind of story and the inability to narrate experience. Overall, I develop an analytical framework that draws out the representational implications of the notion of fetishism' which, according to Marx, describes a situation in which images (such as money), if compelling enough, eclipse their referents (labor)'and that might do more justice to the Bhats', themselves praise singers, own sophisticated engagement with fictions. [India, spirit possession, religion, money, commodity fetishism, capitalism, narrative, discourse, Marxism, poststructuralism]
Reconstruction of Periauricular and Temporal Bone Defects

Large periauricular and temporal bone defects most commonly follow resection of advanced nonmelanoma skin cancers. Reconstruction aims to cover the cutaneous defect and adjacent vital structures with the ability to heal in an irradiated field and withstand further treatment. Preferred reconstructions are class I, cervicofacial rotation or radial forearm free flap; class II, anterolateral thigh; and class II, rectus abominis free flap. Ancillary procedures, especially for associated facial paralysis, often are required. Although free flap reconstruction provides rapid wound healing, local and regional flaps are alternatives for patients unable to tolerate prolonged anesthesia and for use after recurrence or complications.
Complementation between a defective monkey cell-adapting component and human adenoviruses in simian cells

Abstract A defective monkey-adapting component, designated MAC, has been detected in a strain of human adenovirus type 7 capable of replicating in simian cells. MAC does not replicate in simian cells in the absence of helper adenovirus because MAC is dependent upon the adenovirus for the provision of capsid protein. During joint infection of simian cells, both MAC and adenovirus have a latent period of 16 hours and attain maximum titers 40 hours after infection. MAC appeals to be lost upon plaque purification of the adapted adenovirus populations in human cells. The plaque-purified progenies are then unable to replicate or replicate poorly in simian cells unless SV40 is added as helper virus. MAC can be transcapsidated to heterologous types of adenoviruses, a procedure which encases MAC in the protein coat of the heterologous helper adenovirus. The newly formed MAC-adenovirus populations then have the ability to replicate in simian cells; prior to the acquisition of MAC, the parent adenoviruses can replicate in monkey cells only when SV40 is present. MAC does not possess known SV40 determinants, including the tumor antigen marker. The origin of MAC is not known.
U.S. Cigarette Consumption: The Case of Low-Income Women

We use double-hurdle or Cragg models to test whether decisions about smoking participation and consumption levels are separate, endogenous choices. We also estimate several dominance models which assume that standard corner solutions are not applicable. A complete dominance model with independence between the participation and consumption decisions is the preferred specification for our data. The most important variables influencing participation are region, number of children, education, and ethnicity. Region, age, race, ethnicity, and health status most affected consumption levels.
Velocity of large drops and bubbles in media of infinite or restricted extent

A new theory gives a simple method of calculating the terminal velocity of fluid particles moving in media of either infinite or restricted extent. Empirical and semiempirical formulas [Equations (27) and (30)] and a graph (Figure 6) over the interval 0 ≤ d/D ≤ 1.3 are shown to yield satisfactory results for gas or liquid particles moving in liquid media. In the case of liquid drops falling through gaseous media they give only a rough approximation. Graphs showing the variation of the drag coefficient (Figure 1) and the shape (Figure 2) of fluid particles with the Eotvos number are given. A semiempirical equation for the terminal velocity of solid spheres in restricted media has also been developed [Equation (24)].
Stochastic differential equation models for ion channel noise in Hodgkin-Huxley neurons.

The random transitions of ion channels between conducting and nonconducting states generate a source of internal fluctuations in a neuron, known as channel noise. The standard method for modeling the states of ion channels nonlinearly couples continuous-time Markov chains to a differential equation for voltage. Beginning with the work of R. F. Fox and Y.-N. Lu [Phys. Rev. E 49, 3421 (1994)], there have been attempts to generate simpler models that use stochastic differential equation (SDEs) to approximate the stochastic spiking activity produced by Markov chain models. Recent numerical investigations, however, have raised doubts that SDE models can capture the stochastic dynamics of Markov chain models. We analyze three SDE models that have been proposed as approximations to the Markov chain model: one that describes the states of the ion channels and two that describe the states of the ion channel subunits. We show that the former channel-based approach can capture the distribution of channel noise and its effects on spiking in a Hodgkin-Huxley neuron model to a degree not previously demonstrated, but the latter two subunit-based approaches cannot. Our analysis provides intuitive and mathematical explanations for why this is the case. The temporal correlation in the channel noise is determined by the combinatorics of bundling subunits into channels, but the subunit-based approaches do not correctly account for this structure. Our study confirms and elucidates the findings of previous numerical investigations of subunit-based SDE models. Moreover, it presents evidence that Markov chain models of the nonlinear, stochastic dynamics of neural membranes can be accurately approximated by SDEs. This finding opens a door to future modeling work using SDE techniques to further illuminate the effects of ion channel fluctuations on electrically active cells.
Sensitivity analysis of the rapid decomposition of methane in an aerosol flow reactor

A one-dimensional, nonisothermal model is developed to describe the thermal dissociation of methane to hydrogen and carbon black occurring in a fluid-wall aerosol flow reactor. The model expressions are scaled and nondimensionalized to determine the minimum parametric representation of the system. The sensitivity of this thermal dissociation to three parameters (flow rate of carbon particles fed to initiate the reaction, carbon particle radius, and reactor wall temperature) is studied. The results of the study indicate that in order to achieve nearly complete conversion, high reactor wall temperatures must be maintained. In addition, micron-sized carbon black particles must be fed into the reactor to enhance the heat transfer to the gas phase. The actual flow rate of particles fed is not critical, as long as some flow rate of fine particles is maintained.
Monuments and Traditional Know-how: the Example of Mosques in Timbuktu

(2006). Monuments and Traditional Know-how: the Example of Mosques in Timbuktu. Museum International: Vol. 58, No. 1-2, pp. 49-58.
Numerical integration of the Navier-Stokes equations

Die Navier-Stokes-Gleichungen werden fur den allgemeinsten Fall in Divergenzform vektorwertiger Funktionen angeschrieben. Die Glieder, welche die Einflusse der Zahighkeit, der Warmeleitung usw. beschreiben, und diejenigen, welche infolge der Wahl nichtkartesischer Koordinaten auftreten, werden in einem Quellenvektor zusammengefasst. Dieses Differentialgleichungssystem wird im Abschnitt 3 durch ein modifiziertes Lax-Wendroff-Differenzenschema [1, 2] angenahert. Die Genauigkeit des Schemas ist von zweiter Ordnung.
Theory of collisionally aided radiative excitation in three-level systems

A theory of collisionally aided radiative excitation (CARE) for three-level systems in the weak-field limit is presented. Cross sections for the excitation of three-level atoms by two off-resonant pulsed radiation fields in the presence of collisions with structureless perturbers are calculated. Analytic expressions for the cross sections as functions of atom-field detunings are obtained under usual classical-trajectory and rotating-wave approximations using perturbation theory for various regions of detunings. Examples for the resulting excitation line shapes are given mostly for van der Waals potentials. A dressed-atom picture of the CARE processes is discussed. Emphasis is put on an interesting effect arising from the interference between the "stepwise" and the "direct" channel of excitation. Such an interference effect manifests itself as modulations in the total excitation cross section as a function of relative interatomic speed in some cases.
Noninvasive imaging of internal muscle activities from multi-channel surface EMG recordings

Surface Electromyogram (sEMG) technology provides a non-invasive way for rapid monitoring muscle activities, but its poor spatial resolution and specificity limit its application in clinic. To overcome these limitations, a noninvasive muscle activity imaging (MAI) approach has been developed and used to reconstruct internal muscle activities from multi-channel sEMG recordings. A realistic geometric hand model is developed from high-resolution MR images and a distributed bioelectric dipole source model is employed to describe the internal muscle activity space of the muscles. The finite element method and weighted minimum norm method are utilized solve the forward and inverse problems respectively involved in the proposed MAI technique. A series of computer simulations was conducted to test the performance of the proposed MAI approach. Results show that reconstruction results achieved by the MAI technique indeed provide us more detailed and dynamic information of internal muscle activities, which enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the surface EMG recordings.
Jamming dynamics of stretch-induced surfactant release by alveolar type II cells

Secretion of pulmonary surfactant by alveolar epithelial type II cells is vital for the reduction of interfacial surface tension, thus preventing lung collapse. To study secretion dynamics, rat alv...
114 INTRACRANIAL ABNORMALITIES IN PRETERM INFANTS, FOLLOW-UP AT AGE 3

Intracranial abnormalities may be demonstrated by ultrasound in 20 to 60 % of all sick preterm infants. The significance of these lesions for neurodevelopmental outcome is not yet fully understood. We studied the relationship between neonatal and one year ultrasound images of the brain and neurodevelopmental outcome at age 3. 107 preterm infants (gestational ages 26 to 35 weeks M=31, birthweights 850 to 3880 grams M=1440) were studied, 52 had normal neonatal cranial ultrasound scans, 28 had abnormal neonatal scans without (abnormal -) and 27 with (abnormal +) ventricular dilatation. A repeat scan was made at one year to visualize the endstage of neonatal lesions : 3 of the 52 children with normal neonatal scans and 19 of the 55 children with abnormal neonatal scans and abnormal scans at 1 year. All abnormal scans showed ventricular dilatation, indicating persistant posthaemorrhagic dilation and/or cerebral atrophy. At age 3 (3, 4 to 3, 11 years M=3, 8) we assessed: neurologic and motor function (Touwen), cognitive function (Stanford-Binet), language development (Reynell), and behaviour (a behavioural observation scale, adapted from the BSQ of Richman and Graham). Six of the 8 children with large hemorrhages extending into the parenchyma (ICH) and 3 of the 4 with cystic periventricular leucomalacia (PVL) had cerebral palsy. 3 of the 4 children with PVL had IQ's < -2SD and severe behavioural problems. CONCLUSION: 1. There is a significant overrepresentation of abnormal children in the group with ventricular dilation at 0 and 1 year. 2. The incidence of cerebral palsy is high in the group of children with ICH and/or PVL, in the group of children with PVL there is also a great risk of mental retardation and severe behavioural disturbances.
Identification and expression of a homologue of the murine HoxA5 gene in the Mexican axolotl (ambystoma mexicanum)

Abstract An excellent model for studying heart development in vertebrates is the cardiac non-function lethal mutant (gene c) Mexican axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum . In order to facilitate our analyses of the mutant system, we have undertaken a search for stage-specific molecular markers during embryonic development of the axolotl. We have concentrated on homeo☐ genes 'as suitable candidates for monitoring molecular changes during development. A 270-bp probe encoding a portion of the axolotl homeo☐ gene Ahox-1 was generated by PCR from a stage-18 axolotl embryonic cDNA library. 32 P-labelled PCR-amplified Ahox-1 DNA was used as the probe for screening a λAM18 cDNA library using moderately stringent conditions. We isolated six clones and determined their partial nucleotide (nt) sequences. One of the clones, which has very high homology to human, mouse and rat Hox A5 (83 and 99% at the nt and amino-acid levels, respectively, in the homeodomain region), was analyzed further. RT-PCR analyses show that the level of expression of HoxA5 is very low at stage 11 of embryonic development (gastrula). The level of expression reaches maximum at stage 25 (tailbud) and then plateaus at stages 30 and 35 (heartbeat onset). Although the expression of Ahox-1 was also found to start at stage 11, it reaches a maximum level at stage 25 and declines at stage 35. We have also studied, using RT-PCR, the tissue-specific expression of HoxA5 and Ahox-1 in juvenile axolotl.
Private Label Vendor Selection in a Supply Chain: Quality and Clientele Effects

Abstract We model a supply chain consisting of a national brand manufacturer and an independent manufacturer, both of whom are potential suppliers of store brand to a single retailer. The retailer serves two customer segments—a quality sensitive segment (high type) and a price sensitive (low type) segment. The retailer serves these two segments by targeting the national and store brands to the quality and price sensitive segments, respectively. When the national brand manufacturer supplies the store brand he internalizes the effect of store brand quality on the national brand's retail prices. This leads the national brand manufacturer to choose a lower store brand quality than the independent manufacturer. This decrease in store brand quality has the benefit of increased revenues from the high type customers along with an associated cost of decreased revenues from the low type customers. Thus, when the benefit outweighs the cost the retailer chooses the national brand manufacturer to supply the store brand. We show that the retailer will choose the national brand manufacturer to supply the store brand when (a) the size of the high type customer segment is large relative to the low type customer segment, (b) the valuations of the high type customer segment is large relative to the low type customer segment, and (c) the retailer's margin requirement on the store brand is not very high. Overall, these results suggest that retailers who serve a bigger sized quality (price) sensitive clientele would have the national brand (independent) manufacturer supply the store brand.
Overarousal interacts with a sense of fearlessness about death to predict suicide risk in a sample of clinical outpatients

Converging evidence suggests that acute states of overarousal are common prior to suicidal behavior. Yet, there has been very little theory-driven research of these phenomena. We consider two competing theoretical perspectives. The first is consistent with the interpersonal theory of suicide, which suggests that the prospect of engaging in lethal suicidal behavior should elicit some degree of arousal; however, the effect of arousal will be particularly relevant when considered in the context of an individual׳s capability for suicide. The second perspective draws from escape-based models, which would suggest that arousal alone should result in increased suicide risk, given the distress associated with high arousal states. Results indicated that the interaction of overarousal and capability for suicide was associated with suicidal symptoms. As overarousal increased, suicidal symptoms increased among high capability individuals and decreased among low capability individuals. These effects were observed beyond the effects of depression, anxiety, age, gender, and marital status. There was no significant main effect of overarousal. Results support a perspective in line with the interpersonal theory, suggesting that overarousal states may be particularly dangerous for individuals who have developed the capability for suicide.
Temporally and spatially resolved linear optical probe of adsorption and reaction on a metal surface

We demonstrate the se of an optical differential reflectivity technique to measure the rate of a surface reaction. The technique can be easily extended to a temporal resolution of nanoseconds and a spatial resolution of micrometers . The technique is used to study the reactions of acetylene on Cu(100). In the limit of low coverage acetylene undergoes two reactions: the first channel is desorption and the second channel is isomerization to vinylidene, which remains irreversibly bound to the surface. The rates of both the desorption and isomerization reactions have been measured. The desorption rates are in quantitative agreement with the predictions of transition state theory; the isomerization rates are in qualitative agreement.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A Unique Computational Algorithm to Simulate Probabilistic Multi-Factor Interaction Model Complex Material Point Behavior

The Multi-Factor Interaction Model (MFIM) is used to evaluate the divot weight (foam weight ejected) from the launch external tanks. The multi-factor has sufficient degrees of freedom to evaluate a large number of factors that may contribute to the divot ejection. It also accommodates all interactions by its product form. Each factor has an exponent that satisfies only two points--the initial and final points. The exponent describes a monotonic path from the initial condition to the final. The exponent values are selected so that the described path makes sense in the absence of experimental data. In the present investigation, the data used was obtained by testing simulated specimens in launching conditions. Results show that the MFIM is an effective method of describing the divot weight ejected under the conditions investigated.
An Architecture for Persistent Reactive Behavior

In this paper we describe ICARUS, an integrated architecture for intelligent physical agents. The framework supports long-term memories for hierarchical concepts and skills, along with mechanisms for recognizing concepts that hold in the environment, determining which skills are applicable, and selecting for execution the skill with the highest expected value. We illustrate these processes with examples from the domain of in-city driving, and we report experimental studies on a package-delivery task that examine ICARUS' ability to combine reactive behavior with persistence over time. We conclude with a discussion of related work on agent architectures and our plans for extending the system.
Three turbulent drag coefficients in beds of spheres

Form, shear, and total drag have been studied in the 2,500 to 65,000 range of Reynolds number over a wide range of porosity by using the data of Thodos and co-workers. The effect of Reynolds number was found to be the −0.14 power for form drag, the −0.19 power for total drag, and the −0.5 and highe power for shear drag, so that the ratio of shear drag to total drag decreased from about 16% to less than 5% with increasing Reynolds numbers. For the 2,500 to 6,000 range of Reynolds number, experimental evidence supports the apparently analogous behavior between average shear drag and average heat flux. Limitations and related evidence of this behavior are also discussed. Methods are suggested for estimating drag ratios and coefficients by using the correlation of this work.
Plane Slider Bearing Load Due to Fluid Inertia—Experiment and Theory

Experimental measurements of load in a simulated plane slider bearing have been performed. The flow is laminar but modified Reynolds numbers up to 30 are obtained. In comparison with actual bearings, large film thickness and slow velocity are used to avoid experimental difficulties and isolate the inertia effect. The load is found to have increased by 100 percent relative to lubrication theory at modified Reynolds number about ten. Most existing inertia theories predict only a small effect at this Reynolds number. A simple theory is proposed to account for this discrepancy, combining existing models which have considered an inlet pressure jump and small Reynolds number perturbation analysis.
Coteaching as a model for preservice secondary science teacher education

Abstract This paper focuses on a 3-year, longitudinal study of the implementation of coteaching, as an innovative approach for preparing high school science teachers enrolled in an undergraduate science teacher education programme located in the United States. The coteaching|co-generative dialogue|co-respect|co-responsibility dialectic is introduced as a way to conceptualise coteaching practice and support successful implementation. We also discuss means to introduce coteaching into the preservice programs and report on findings from an evaluative study of the implementation process. Coteaching has the potential to re-conceptualise teacher preparation and professional development models for science teachers.
Innovation in an Academic Setting: Designing and Leading a Business Through Market-Focused, Interdisciplinary Teams

The focus on entrepreneurship in business schools has never been stronger; however, preparing students for a career in developing new business innovations and ventures is challenging, and no shared...
Resistance, Loyalty and Recusant Politics: Sir Thomas Tresham and the Elizabethan State The Midland History Prize Essay

(1996). Resistance, Loyalty and Recusant Politics: Sir Thomas Tresham and the Elizabethan State The Midland History Prize Essay. Midland History: Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 37-72.
Endometrial thickness, Caucasian ethnicity, and age predict clinical pregnancy following fresh blastocyst embryo transfer: a retrospective cohort

Background In-vitro fertilization (IVF) with blastocyst as opposed to cleavage stage embryos has been advocated to improve success rates. Limited information exists on which to predict which patients undergoing blastocyst embryo transfer (BET) will achieve pregnancy. This study's objective was to evaluate the predictive value of patient and cycle characteristics for clinical pregnancy following fresh BET.
Gene-RiViT: A visualization tool for comparative analysis of gene neighborhoods in prokaryotes

The genomes of prokaryotes are dynamic and shuffling of gene order occurs frequently, along with horizontal transfer of genes from external sources. Local conservation of gene order tends to reflect functional constraints on the genome or on a biochemical subsystem. Comparison of the local gene neighborhoods surrounding a gene of interest gives insight into evolutionary history and functional potential of the gene. The Genomic Ring Visualization Tool (Gene-RiViT) is a high speed, intuitive visualization tool for investigating sequence environments of conserved genes among related genomes. Gene-RiViT allows the user to interact with interconnected global and local visualizations of gene neighborhoods and gene order, through a web-based interface that is easily accessible in any browser. The primary visualization is a wheel of nested rotating circles, each of which represents a single genome. This visualization is similar to common circular genome alignment views, except that the rings can be realigned with each other dynamically based on user selections within the ring view or one of the coordinated views. By allowing the user to dynamically realign genomes and focus on a locally conserved region of interest, and using or-thology connections to highlight corresponding structures among genomes, this view provides insight into gene context and preservation of neighbor relationships as genomes evolve. Visualizations are linked into a coordinated multiple view interface to provide multiple selection methods and entry points into the data. These approaches make Gene-RiViT a flexible, unique tool for examining gene neighborhoods that improves on existing methods.
Measuring catastrophic events on operating viability of firms: hurricane hugo and hospitals

It is important to be able to separate and analyze the effects of sudden changes in the operating environments of firms. Although man-made changes can be studied with the techniques employed in this paper, the effects of a natural disaster are examined here. A model is developed to isolate and make available for study the immediate, short-run and long-run effects of hurricane Hugo on hospitals in its path. This paper reports on the most seriously affected hospitals. Managers as well as regional and national policy makers should be able to isolate and examine the effects of important natural, administrative, and legislated changes in an industry's operating environment. This paper gives one example of how this may be accomplished.
Insights into the Influence of Nucleotides on Actin Family Proteins from Seven Structures of Arp2/3 Complex.

ATP is required for nucleation of actin filament branches by Arp2/3 complex, but the influence of ATP binding and hydrolysis are poorly understood. We determined crystal structures of bovine Arp2/3 complex cocrystalized with various bound adenine nucleotides and cations. Nucleotide binding favors closure of the nucleotide binding cleft of Arp3, but no large scale conformational changes in the complex. Thus, ATP binding does not directly activate Arp2/3 complex, but is part of a network of interactions that contribute to nucleation. We compared nucleotide-induced conformational changes of residues lining the cleft in Arp3 and actin structures to construct a movie depicting the proposed ATPase cycle for the actin family. Chemical crosslinking stabilized subdomain 1 of Arp2, revealing new electron density for 69 residues in this subdomain. Steric clashes with Arp3 appear to be responsible for intrinsic disorder of subdomains 1 and 2 of Arp2 in inactive Arp2/3 complex.
RNA polymerase is required for DNA initiation in vitro.

We have previously reported in vitro complementation assays for chromosome initiation that enable dnaA and dnaC mutant extracts to synthesize DNA. To examine the role of RNA polymerase in chromosome initiation, inhibitors of the enzyme and anti-RNA polymerase antibody were used. Though rifampicin failed to efficiently inhibit ribonucleoside triphosphate polymerization under the assay conditions, both streptolydigin and anti-RNA plymerase antibody abolished ribonucleic acid synthesis completely. Antibody effectively inhibited chromosome initiation in the dnoA mutant based reaction but streptolydigin did not. Neither streptolydigin nor antibody affected the dnaC-dependent assay. It was concluded that RNA polymerase is required for initiation but not necessarily to polymerize a polyribonucleotide. A scheme for the sequence of initiation events is presented.
Analysis of Proximity-1 Space Link Interleaved Time Synchronization (PITS) Protocol

To synchronize clocks between spacecraft in proximity, the Proximity-1 Space Link Interleaved Time Synchronization (PITS) Protocol has been proposed. PITS is based on the NTP Interleaved On-Wire Protocol and is capable of being adapted and integrated into CCSDS Proximity-1 Space Link with minimal modifications. In this work, we discuss the correctness and liveness of PITS. Further, we analyze and evaluate the time synchronization latency performance with various channel error rates in different PITS operational modes.
Problems in modeling evolutionary processes in close binaries

Abstract In modeling the evolutionary processes of interacting binaries, a number of assumptions are invoked by many workers concerning the manner of the mass flow between the two stars. This article reviews the validity of the four assumptions most commonly used, namely, assumptions concerning (A) the critical Roche equipotential surface (the so-called Roche lobe), (B) accretion of matter from one star to its companion, (C) mass loss from the binary system, and (D), which is related to the last two items, whether the mass flow in a binary system is conservative or not. A large number of workers in this field appear to assume that the critical Roche equipotential surfaces (Roche lobes, in their lexicon) control the mass flow with the Lagrangian 1 point acting like a nozzle, channeling a rather well collimated jet of gas. Similarly, they also assume that accretion ‘disks’ are formed in this process and those ‘disks’ have properties very similar to solid disks with well defined surfaces and with precession, nutation etc. Finally, they assume, except in the most extreme case of rapid mass flow, conservative mass flow in which all mass lost by one star is completely accreted by the companion. These commonly invoked assumptions are critically examined from both observational data and relevant physics and are shown to be lacking realistic justification. We show what the concept of Roche equipotential surfaces actually tells us, and examine the manners of actual mass flow observed in selected binaries.
Effects of prophylactic ibuprofen on cerebral and renal hemodynamics in very preterm neonates.

Objective To evaluate the effects on cerebral and renal blood flow velocities of ibuprofen when used as prophylaxis for patent ductus arteriosus in preterm neonates (gestational age ≤30 weeks). Methods Blood flow velocities in the anterior cerebral artery and the renal artery were measured with Doppler ultrasonography in 17 neonates before, during, and 10, 30, and 60 minutes after administration of 10 mg/kg ibuprofen lysine. Results In four (23.6%) neonates without echocardiographic patency of the ductus, no significant modifications in blood flow velocities and Doppler indexes were found either in the anterior cerebral artery or in the renal artery. In 13 (76.4%) neonates, cardiac echocardiographic Doppler showed patency of the ductus and left-to-right shunt. In these neonates diastolic and mean blood velocities rapidly increased both in the anterior cerebral artery and the renal artery (P < .0001). Resistance and pulsatility index decreased during the study period (P < .0001 and P < .001, respectively, in the anterior cerebral artery; P < .0001 in the renal artery). Conclusions Data suggest that ibuprofen does not determine any direct effect on cerebral and renal blood flow velocities; hemodynamic modifications observed in neonates with patency of ductus can be related to closure of the ductus induced by the drug. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2000) 67, 676–683; doi: 10.1067/mcp.2000.107048
Avoiding the Pitfall of Progress and Associated Perils of Evolutionary Education

People reflexively see all change as implying inevitably increasing progress and complexity. This expected directionality is especially observed in students’ views of living things, with some species envisioned as “higher” or more evolved. Students tend naturally to see all evolutionary change as adaptive, progressive, optimal, and teleological, with improvement achieved as needed or desired by organisms (if not as planned in advance). Following an extended outline of many interrelated ways, this basic yet unfortunately widespread and deep-seated misconception of evolutionary thinking ensnares students and hinders proper understanding of the actual pattern and process of evolution, a more useful pedagogical approach is presented. A strategy that involves eliciting preconceptions, engaging in numerous counterexamples, and continually reinforcing an alternative view is generally effective. This is best achieved by tackling the misconception of progress head-on, with an active learning model that forces students to come up with substitute explanations. Several examples of exercises and activities to combat the universal and automatically intuitive inclination toward teleological notions of progress are given, including analyses of paleontology, ecology, biochemistry, development, and systematics.
Effects of Di-(2-Ethylhexyl)-Phthalate (DEHP) and Its Metabolites on Fatty Acid Homeostasis Regulating Proteins in Rat Placental HRP-1 Trophoblast Cells

Di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) is a widely used plasticizer and ubiquitous environmental contaminant. The potential health hazards, including teratogenicity, from exposure to DEHP may be related to the role of DEHP or its metabolites in the trans-activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Fetal essential fatty acid (EFA) homeostasis is controlled by directional transfer across the placenta through a highly regulated process, including PPAR activation. Using HRP-1 rat trophoblastic cells, the effects of DEHP and two of its metabolites, mono-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (MEHP) and 2-ethylhexanoic acid (EHA), on the mRNA and protein expression of the three known PPAR isoforms (alpha, beta, and gamma), fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1), plasma membrane fatty acid binding protein (FABPpm), and the heart cytoplasmic fatty acid binding protein (HFABP) were investigated. This study also investigated the functional effects of exposure on the uptake and transport of six long chain fatty acids (LCFAs): arachidonic acid (AA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), linoleic acid (LA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), oleic acid (OA), and stearic acid (SA). In the presence of DEHP, MEHP, and EHA, the expression of PPARalpha, PPARgamma, FATP1, and HFABP were up-regulated in a dose- and time- dependent manner, while PPARbeta and FABPpm demonstrated variable expression. The uptake rates of EFAs (AA, DHA, LA, ALA) increased significantly upon exposure, and the transport of AA (omega-6) and DHA (omega-3) were directionally induced. These results suggest that DEHP, MEHP, and EHA can influence EFA transfer across HRP-1 cells, implying that these compounds may alter placental EFA homeostasis and potentially result in abnormal fetal development.
Comparison of cardiac events associated with liposomal doxorubicin, epirubicin and doxorubicin in breast cancer: a Bayesian network meta-analysis.

Abstract Background Anthracyclines play a broad and important role in the care of patients with either operable or metastatic breast cancer. However cardiotoxicity narrows the therapeutic index of this drug class leading to potentially clinically meaningful treatment delays or discontinuations. We conducted a Bayesian network meta-analysis, a validated statistical methodology, allowing direct and indirect comparison of cardiotoxicity of different anthracycline and non-anthracycline regimens. Methods We conducted a systematic review of prospective randomised controlled trials through MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Google Scholar comparing non-anthracycline based regimens (NON), doxorubicin (DOX), epirubicin (EPI) and liposomal doxorubicin (LD). We included studies published up to 1st January 2014 in both adjuvant and metastatic contexts. Notably, HER2/neu-targeted regimens were excluded. We assessed the studies’ eligibility criteria and data collection with consensus of two independent authors. Our primary outcome measure was cardiac events grade 3 or greater (CE3) in accordance with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Version 4.0. A Bayesian pairwise and network meta-analysis was conducted to estimate pooled Odds Ratio (OR). Findings Nineteen randomised controlled trials met eligibility criteria and were included in this analysis. We found a trend showing that LD is less cardiotoxic than DOX with an OR of 0.60 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34–1.07) There was no difference between Epi and LD with an OR of 0.95 (95%CI 0.39–2.33). DOX is more cardiotoxic than Non with an OR of 1.57 (95%CI 0.90–2.72). Interpretation DOX has higher CE3 rates than NON does. LD statistically trended to lower cardiac event rates than DOX. Non-statistical significance among EPI, LD and DOX with regard to cardiac toxicity indicates that avoidance of CE3 should not motivate selection of a particular anthracycline in otherwise healthy women in whom total lifetime anthracycline exposure will likely be limited. Overall low incidence of CE3 with any type of anthracycline indicates that we can safely use any anthracycline if cumulative dose limits are not exceeded. While CE3 does not limit our choice of anthracycline LD appears to be the least cardiotoxic. Funding Takeo Fujii is supported by the grant named Young Investigator Award for Study Abroad in Clinical Epidemiology from St. Luke’s Life Science Institution.
Principles of Antiretroviral Therapy for AIDS and Related Diseases

Every step in the life cycle of pathogenic human retroviruses could theoretically serve as a target for antiviral therapy. In particular, the process of reverse transcription appears to be an attractive target. A number of drugs and pharmacologic principles relevant to the administration of such drugs have been identified for application in the therapy of diseases mediated by pathogenic human retroviruses. One family of such drugs (2′,3′-dideoxynucleoside analogues) shows special promise. These drugs are now being administered to patients with AIDS and its related disorders.
Diversity and composition of tropical soil nitrifiers across a plant diversity gradient and among land‐use types

Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) perform the rate-limiting step of nitrification, a key ecosystem process that in part determines the fate of nitrogen in ecosystems. However, little is known about the factors that determine soil AOB diversity or composition, especially in tropical systems. Using a set of study systems in Costa Rica, we examined whether plant diversity or land-use influenced AOB diversity or composition and whether AOB diversity or composition were associated with nitrification rates. We characterized the molecular diversity and composition of AOB via polymerase chain reaction amplification, cloning, and sequencing of 16S rDNA. We found that AOB diversity or composition did not change significantly across plant diversity treatments. In contrast, AOB differed among land-use types in some measures of diversity and in composition, and differences in AOB composition among land-use types were correlated with potential rates of nitrification. Our results suggest that anthropogenic changes of ecosystems can alter microbial communities in ways that may affect the processes they mediate.
Bad Dates or Emotional Trauma?: The Aftermath of Campus Sexual Assault

Backlash critics of campus rape research have claimed that researchers exaggerate their figures by labeling as rape victims those women who experience bad dates. Although researchers have compared stranger with acquaintance rape victims, they have not compared women raped while too drunk to resist and those raped by force. This study of 65 rape victims (in a sample of 388 college seniors) found no evidence for critics' claims. Women raped by intoxication are not less emotionally affected and do not blame themselves more. Most women did not classify their experiences as rape, although all were victims under criminal law. This lack of recognition is what causes hidden victims, who do not report or seek help.
Focusing characteristics of symmetrically configured bootlace lenses

A symmetrically configured class of bootlace lenses (also known as Gent or Rotman lenses) is analyzed. These trifocal lenses are used to feed haft-wave spaced linear arrays to form a set of multiple beams. The lens dimensions are scaled' so that all lenses have transmission characteristics equivalent to those of a Butler matrix with the same number of ports. The relationship between the focusing characteristics and the lens dimensions is calculated, and it is shown that these symmetrically configured lenses form a one-parameter family. Design equations are derived, and a design procedure is described. It is found that, for a wavefront tolerance of \pm\lambda/16 , the maximum usable array length varies from 20 \lambda to 200 \lambda as the ratio of lens width to array length varies from one to 1.6.
Note---Author's Reply to Graves' Note on the Paper “Critical Ratio Scheduling: An Experimental Analysis”

Author's Reply to Graves' Note on the Paper Berry, W. L., V. Rao. 1975. Critical ratio scheduling: an experimental analysis. Management Sci.22 2, October 192--201.
Enhancers located within two introns of the vitamin D receptor gene mediate transcriptional autoregulation by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

The biological actions of 1,25-(OH)2D3 are mediated by the vitamin D receptor (VDR), a protein that binds to target genes and alters their expression. 1,25-(OH)2D3 is also capable of inducing transcription of the VDR gene itself. In the present study, we explored both the capacity of 1,25-(OH)2D3 to induce VDR gene expression in bone cells and the mechanism instrumental to this up-regulation. After establishing the ability of 1,25-(OH)2D3 to stimulate VDR mRNA up-regulation both in bone in vivo and in osteoblastic cells, we screened the mouse VDR gene locus from 20 kb upstream of the gene’s transcriptional start site (TSS) to 10 kb downstream of the final exon to identify VDR binding sites using chromatin immunoprecipitation-DNA microarray (ChIP-chip) analysis. Three conserved regions were identified 20, 27, and 29 kb downstream of the TSS. VDR binding to these sites in response to 1,25-(OH)2D3 was confirmed by ChIP analysis and was accompanied by differential localization of retinoid X receptor, histone acetylation, and RNA polymerase II recruitment. One of these regions was able to confer 1,25-(OH)2D3 regulation to downstream promoters, thereby permitting identification and characterization of the regulatory element located within. Importantly, a highly conserved region within the human VDR gene analogous to that discovered in the mouse was also capable of mediating 1,25-(OH)2D3 response. Our results demonstrate that 1,25-(OH)2D3 and its receptor autoregulate the expression of the VDR gene. The location of these regulatory regions and their apparent distances from the TSS are consistent with new findings suggesting the emerging relevance of distant enhancers. (Molecular Endocrinology 20: 1231–1247, 2006)
General Medical Conditions in the Athlete

Cuppett M, Walsh KM. St Louis, MO 63146, Elsevier Mosby, 2005, hardcover (with DVD), 464 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-323-02623-0, $57.95. Although the target audience for this text is athletic trainers, the information presented is useful to a variety of health care professionals who care for athletes, including physical therapists. Many texts on the care of athletes focus primarily on musculoskeletal injuries, and, although this book contains a chapter on musculoskeletal disorders (chapter 14), the text focuses on the overall general health of the athlete. Athletes may have medical concerns that do not stem from injuries but may still significantly affect their participation in a given physical activity. Diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, and cancer are a few examples covered in chapter 11 on systemic disorders. The book contains 16 chapters, 7 appendixes, and a glossary. The introductory chapter provides information about pre-participation examinations, medical histories, effective communications, and prevention of disease transmission, including standards for preventing the transmission of blood-borne pathogens. A brief section on legal considerations includes topics such as standards of care, medical referral, obligatory reporting of specific conditions, and privacy issues related to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Family Education Right and Privacy Act (FERPA). Chapter 2 describes medical evaluation techniques and evaluative equipment. The body system review, which is similar to the procedures and language in APTA's Guide to Physical Therapist Practice , is briefly described. …