cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dyson–Schwinger equation constraints on the gluon propagator in BRST quantised QCD

Abstract The gluon propagator plays a central role in determining the dynamics of QCD. In this work we demonstrate for BRST quantised QCD that the Dyson–Schwinger equation imposes significant analytic constraints on the structure of this propagator. In particular, we find that these constraints control the appearance of massless components in the gluon spectral density.
Debye Dielectric Model Function for Seawater Based on Expanded L-Band Measurement Data Set

New seawater dielectric measurements have recently been made over a broad range of salinities and temperatures at the George Washington University (GW). These measurements have been used to refine the existing dielectric model function of seawater for salinity retrieval. The mathematical structure of the new model function has been investigated to: (a) look for a physical basis for the mathematical form; and (b) to optimize the accuracy of data fitting. The Debye model has been chosen to represent the dielectric constant of seawater as a function of salinity (S), temperature (T) and frequency (f). The retrieved salinity using the Debye model has good agreement with the in-situ data collected by Argo floats. The global differences in retrieved salinity and in-situ data will be presented at the meeting.
What basal membranes can tell us about viscous forces in Drosophila ventral furrow formation

Ventral furrow (VF) formation in Drosophila melanogaster is an important model of epithelial folding. Past studies of VF formation focus on the role of apical constriction in driving folding. However, the relative contributions of other forces are largely unexplored. When basal membrane formation is genetically blocked using RNAi-mediated anillin knockdown (scra RNAi), the VF is still capable of folding. scra RNAi and control embryos display quantifiable cell length differences throughout gastrulation, as well as qualitative differences in membrane integrity. To interpret our observations, we developed a computational model of VF formation that explicitly simulates the flows of the viscous cytoplasm. The viscosity included in our model is required for tissue invagination in the complete absence of basal membranes and explains the observed differences in membrane lengths across conditions. In the absence of basal membranes, epithelial folding requires the presence of viscous shear forces from cytoplasm. Our model characterizes folding during VF formation as a swimming phenomenon, where tissue deforms by pushing against the ambient viscous surroundings. Since VF formation is successful in scra RNAi embryos, we propose that models of gastrulation should also be tested for their ability to replicate folding in the absence of basal membranes.
Open reduction of pediatric lateral condyle fractures: a systematic review:

IntroductionLateral condyle fractures are the second most common pediatric elbow fracture. There exist multiple options for internal fixation including buried K-wires, unburied K-wires, and screw f...
An arm and a leg: A case of rheumatoid vasculitis and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome:

Rheumatoid vasculitis is a rare extra-articular complication of rheumatoid arthritis. The most common manifestation is cutaneous; however, it can manifest in various organ systems and is associated with a high degree of morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis is challenging, and there are no validated diagnostic or classification criteria. Most cases should be confirmed with tissue biopsy when possible given the severity of disease and the extent of immunosuppression required to treat this condition. We report the case of a 54-year-old white woman with long-standing, uncontrolled, and seropositive rheumatoid arthritis with a history of elevated anticardiolipin IgG and IgM antibodies who presented with acute stenosis of her left femoral artery which ultimately required a left above-the-knee amputation. Histopathology revealed findings consistent with vasculitis and thrombosis, and subsequent imaging revealed multifocal arterial and venous thromboses. She was diagnosed with rheumatoid vasculitis and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, and was treated with high-dose glucocorticoids, cyclophosphamide, and warfarin. Rheumatoid vasculitis is a rare but devastating complication of rheumatoid arthritis, and vigilance for this condition must be maintained, especially in patients with long-standing, seropositive disease.
Intrinsically disordered electronegative clusters improve stability and binding specificity of RNA-binding proteins

RNA-binding proteins play crucial roles in various cellular functions and contain abundant disordered protein regions. The disordered regions in RNA-binding proteins are rich in repetitive sequences, such as poly-K/R, poly-N/Q, poly-A, and poly-G residues. Our bioinformatic analysis identified a largely neglected repetitive sequence family we define as electronegative clusters (ENCs) that contain acidic residues and/or phosphorylation sites. The abundance and length of ENCs exceed other known repetitive sequences. Despite their abundance, the functions of ENCs in RNA-binding proteins are still elusive. To investigate the impacts of ENCs on protein stability, RNA-binding affinity, and specificity, we selected one RNA-binding protein, the ribosomal biogenesis factor 15 (Nop15), as a model. We found that the Nop15 ENC increases protein stability and inhibits nonspecific RNA binding, but minimally interferes with specific RNA binding. To investigate the effect of ENCs on sequence specificity of RNA binding, we grafted an ENC to another RNA-binding protein, Ser/Arg-rich splicing factor 3. Using RNA Bind-n-Seq, we found that the engineered ENC inhibits disparate RNA motifs differently, instead of weakening all RNA motifs to the same extent. The motif site directly involved in electrostatic interaction is more susceptible to the ENC inhibition. These results suggest that one of functions of ENCs is to regulate RNA binding via electrostatic interaction. This is consistent with our finding that ENCs are also overrepresented in DNA-binding proteins, whereas underrepresented in halophiles, in which nonspecific nucleic acid binding is inhibited by high concentrations of salts.
Large-scale digital library user searching: What role does domain play?

This poster presents findings of an exploratory comparative analysis of user search queries in three largescale digital libraries: two domain-specific functioning in the domains of STEM education and US history, and one domain-independent (. This study measured search query lengths and frequencies, and categorized search queries into ten search categories based on content analysis. Results suggest that domain-based differences (i.e., differences in user searching between digital libraries representing different domains) are more substantial than differences in user searching between domain-specific and domain-independent digital libraries. Domain-based differences in distribution of search categories between search query length and search query frequencies are statistically significant. These findings may have implications for design and evaluation of large-scale aggregations of digitized materials.
The importance of the fundamentals [Future Trends in I&M]

Dear Readers, This time, our guest author for the column on Future Trends in IM IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Society 2012 Outstanding Young Engineer Award; Teaching Commendation for 2012-2013 Academic Year; Outstanding Teaching Award for 2011-2012 Academic Year; the ASNT Fellowship Award for the 2002-2003 and 2006-2007 academic years; the Missouri ST and the Missouri S&T University Transportation Center Graduate Fellowship for 2006. She also received the Materials Evaluation Best Paper Award in 2005 and placed first in the student poster contest at Third International Conference on Electromagnetic Near-Field Characterization and Imaging in 2007. I’m sure you will like her nice contribution.
Microprocessors - 10 Years Back, 10 Years Ahead

Continuing improvements in semiconductor technology — as characterized by Moore’s law — have provided computer architects with an increasing number of faster ransistors with which to build microprocessors. In the past decade, architects have seized these opportunities to build microprocessors that bear litle resemblance to the microprocessors of the 1970s and 1980s. With Moore ’s law projected to hold beyond the next decade,microprocessor architects will have even larger transistor budgets with which to build innovative microproces sors; the microprocessor circa 2010 is likely to bear little resemblance to today ’s microprocessor.
Covariant Non-Equilibrium Transport Theory Solutions for RHIC

New numerical solutions of 3+1D covariant kinetic theory are reported for nuclear collisions in the energy domain Ecm∼200 AGeV. They were obtained using the MPC 0.1.2 parton transport code employing high parton subdivision to retain Lorentz covariance. The solutions are compared to those of relativistic hydrodynamics employing Cooper–Frye isotherm freeze-out. The transport solutions follow a different dynamical path than hydrodynamics due to large dissipative effects when pQCD scattering rates and HIJING initial conditions are assumed. The transport freeze-out four-volume is sensitive to the reaction rates. The final transverse momentum distributions are found to deviate by up to an order of magnitude from those of Cooper–Frye frozen hydrodynamics.
Characterization of the oestrogenic activity of non-aromatic steroids: are there male-specific endogenous oestrogen receptor modulators?

Background and purpose: The endogenous oestrogens have important biological functions in men as well as in women. Because 17β-oestradiol and oestrone are also formed in the male body, these aromatic oestrogens are generally thought to be responsible for exerting the required oestrogenic functions in the male. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that some of the non-aromatic steroids that are androgen precursors or metabolites with hydroxyl groups at C-3 and/or C-17 positions may also be able to serve as ligands for the oestrogen receptors (ER) in the male. Experimental approach: A total of sixty non-aromatic steroids (selected from families of androstens, androstans, androstadiens, oestrens and oestrans) were analysed for their ability to bind and activate the human ERα and ERβin vitro and in cultured cells. Key results: Six of the non-aromatic steroids, that is, 5-androsten-3β,17β-diol, 5α-androstan-3β,17β-diol, 5(10)-oestren-3α,17β-diol, 5(10)-oestren-3β,17β-diol, 4-oestren-3β,17β-diol and 5α-oestran-3β,17β-diol, were found to have physiologically relevant high binding affinity (∼50% of that of oestrone) for human ERα and ERβ. These non-aromatic steroids also activated the transcriptional activity of human ERs and elicited biological responses (such as growth stimulation) in two representative ER-positive human cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and LNCaP) with physiologically relevant potency and efficacy. Molecular docking analysis of these six active compounds showed that they could bind to ERα and ERβ in a manner similar to that of 17β-oestradiol. Conclusions and implications: These results provide evidence for the possibility that some of the endogenous androgen precursors or metabolites could serve as male-specific ER ligands.
The role of ammonia toxicity in the post transurethral prostatectomy syndrome.

To investigate the aetiology of altered mental status following transurethral prostatectonmy (TURP), serum electrolyte and blood ammonia levels were measured in 33 patients before and immediately after TURP. The irrigating fluid was 3% sorbitol in 12 patients and 1.5% glucine in 21. Seerum electrolyte changes were similasr in both groups. Elevated blood ammonia levels were observed in eight of the 21 patients receiving glycine irrigation. Three of these eight patients demonstrated clinical signs of encephalopathy. Absoporption of glycine during transurethral prostatectomy appears to produce hyerammonaemia in some patients and may contribute to be encephalopathy.
The identification of protein kinase C iota as a regulator of the Mammalian heat shock response using functional genomic screens.

Background The heat shock response is widely used as a surrogate of the general protein quality control system within the cell. This system plays a significant role in aging and many protein folding diseases as well as the responses to other physical and chemical stressors. Methods/Principal Findings In this study, a broad-based functional genomics approach was taken to identify potential regulators of the mammalian heat shock response. In the primary screen, a total of 13724 full-length genes in mammalian expression vectors were individually co-transfected into human embryonic kidney cells together with a human HSP70B promoter driving firefly luciferase. A subset of the full-length genes that showed significant activation in the primary screen were then evaluated for their ability to hyper-activate the HSP70B under heat shock conditions. Based on the results from the secondary assay and gene expression microarray analyses, eight genes were chosen for validation using siRNA knockdown. Of the eight genes, only PRKCI showed a statistically significant reduction in the heat shock response in two independent siRNA duplexes compared to scrambled controls. Knockdown of the PRKCI mRNA was confirmed using quantitative RT-PCR. Additional studies did not show a direct physical interaction between PRKCI and HSF1. Conclusions/Significance The results suggest that PRKCI is an indirect co-regulator of HSF1 activity and the heat shock response. Given the underlying role of HSF1 in many human diseases and the response to environmental stressors, PRKCI represents a potentially new candidate for gene-environment interactions and therapeutic intervention.
Interactive real-time media streaming with reliable communication

Streaming media is a recent technique for delivering multimedia information from a source provider to an end- user over the Internet. The major advantage of this technique is that the media player can start playing a multimedia file even before the entire file is transmitted. Most streaming media applications are currently implemented based on the client-server architecture, where a server system hosts the media file and a client system connects to this server system to download the file. Although the client-server architecture is successful in many situations, it may not be ideal to rely on such a system to provide the streaming service as users may be required to register an account using personal information in order to use the service. This is troublesome if a user wishes to watch a movie simultaneously while interacting with a friend in another part of the world over the Internet. In this paper, we describe a new real-time media streaming application implemented on a peer-to-peer (P2P) architecture in order to overcome these challenges within a mobile environment. When using the peer-to-peer architecture, streaming media is shared directly between end-users, called peers, with minimal or no reliance on a dedicated server. Based on the proposed software pevμa (pronounced [revma]), named for the Greek word meaning stream, we can host a media file on any computer and directly stream it to a connected partner. To accomplish this, pevμa utilizes the Microsoft .NET Framework and Windows Presentation Framework, which are widely available on various types of windows-compatible personal computers and mobile devices. With specially designed multi-threaded algorithms, the application can stream HD video at speeds upwards of 20 Mbps using the User Datagram Protocol (UDP). Streaming and playback are handled using synchronized threads that communicate with one another once a connection is established. Alteration of playback, such as pausing playback or tracking to a different spot in the media file, will be reflected in all media streams. These techniques are designed to allow users at different locations to simultaneously view a full length HD video and interactively control the media streaming session. To create a sustainable media stream with high quality, our system supports UDP packet loss recovery at high transmission speed using custom File- Buffers. Traditional real-time streaming protocols such as Real-time Transport Protocol/RTP Control Protocol (RTP/RTCP) provide no such error recovery mechanism. Finally, the system also features an Instant Messenger that allows users to perform social interactions with one another while they enjoy a media file. The ultimate goal of the application is to offer users a hassle free way to watch a media file over long distances without having to upload any personal information into a third party database. Moreover, the users can communicate with each other and stream media directly from one mobile device to another while maintaining an independence from traditional sign up required by most streaming services.
Pinus mutoi (Pinaceae), a new species of permineralized seed cone from the Upper Cretaceous of Hokkaido, Japan

Pinus mutoi is described as a new species on the basis of a permineralized seed cone from the Upper Cretaceous of Hokkaido, Japan. The cone is at least 20 cm long and up to 6 cm in diameter, consisting of a cone axis and numerous conescale complexes that are arranged helically around the axis. Two winged seeds are borne on the adaxial surface of each ovuliferous scale. Each complex receives a single trace from the vascular cylinder of the cone axis. In the scale base, all the resin canals occur abaxially to the vascular strand. The spatulate bract of the fossil is unique to the specimen among the cones of both living and fossil Pinus. The central umbo, broad sclerotic cortex of cone axis, and absence of serotinous features of the fossil cone suggest affinity with the subsection Sylvestres of the section Pinus, subgenus Pinus. This is the first record of permineralized preserved Pinus cone from the Cretaceous of Eastern Eurasia.
Panoramic display of the orderly sequenced 12-lead ECG

The standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) has been developed over many years. The ECG has had a long and successful history of providing diagnostic information in clinical medicine. Cardiac arrhythmias have been elucidated by deductive reasoning from continuous ECG recordings with confirmation from electrophysiologic studies. Recently, there has been renewed interest in the morphology of the QRS complex, ST-segment, and T wave, which raises the important question of considering whether the usual method of display provides maximal diagnostic capabilities. The conventional display provides a logical visualization of precordial lead recordings representing the horizontal plane, but does not provide a logical visualization of the limb lead recordings representing the frontal plane. Many clinical problems require the consideration of serial ECGs necessitating the comparison of separate pages. An alternate format presenting serial recordings on a single page would be advantageous. Some automated ECG analysis systems already include the capability for multiple display formats, but these have not yet been widely used in clinical practice. This point of view paper introduces a new display format for the standard 12-lead ECG that includes: (1) a presentation of an orderly sequence of leads to facilitate scanning through different points in space and (2) a presentation of recordings of 12-lead sequences to facilitate scanning through different points in time. This display format could either replace or supplement the conventional ECG format.
Kinetics of SN1 reactions in binary liquid mixtures near the critical point of solution

We have measured the rates of the SN1 hydrolysis reactions of 2-chloro-2-methylbutane in isobutyric acid + water and 2-bromo-2-methylpropane in trietylamine + water near their respective consolute ...
cis-Acting Element-specific Transcriptional Activity of Differentially Phosphorylated Nuclear Factor-κB

Phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) subunits emerges as a mechanism by which transcriptional activity of nuclear NF-κB complexes is regulated in an inhibitor κB-independent fashion. As the main transactivator, the p65 subunit of NF-κB has an outstanding position in the hierarchy of NF-κB proteins. p65 is a multiply phosphorylated protein with phosphorylation sites in the C-terminal transactivation domain and the N-terminal Rel homology domain (RHD). In this study, we describe two previously non-reported phospho-acceptor sites within the p65 RHD. We show that differential phosphorylation of serine residues within the RHD modulates transcriptional activity in a cis-acting element and promoter-specific context, thus leading to a phosphorylation state-dependent gene expression profile. RelA-/- mouse embryonic fibroblasts reconstituted with wild-type p65 or p65 phosphorylation-deficient mutants showed a distinctive expression profile of synthetic κB-dependent reporters as well as endogenous genes. Hypophosphorylated p65 did not display cis-acting element-specific changes in DNA binding or dimerization behavior. This study shows for the first time that site-specific phosphorylation can target a transcription factor to a particular subset of genes.
A single-center experience with eccentric syringomyelia found with pediatric Chiari I malformation

Introduction Eccentric syringes associated with Chiari I malformation have received scant attention in the medical literature. Herein, we describe our experience and long-term outcome in patients with this finding.
The diagnostic accuracy of inflammatory blood markers for purulent flexor tenosynovitis.

Purpose For patients with purulent flexor tenosynovitis, our purpose was to (1) calculate the diagnostic accuracy of white blood count (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) for those who underwent surgical drainage, (2) to correlate these markers for those treated with antibiotics alone, and (3) to evaluate the accuracy of diagnosis for surgical patients. Methods A total of 82 consecutive patients (71 surgical and 11 nonsurgical) with flexor tenosynovitis were identified from orthopedic databases at 2 academic centers. We evaluated inflammatory markers (WBC, ESR, and CRP), radiographs, descriptions of surgical findings, and intraoperative cultures for all patients. For nonsurgical patients, we evaluated inflammatory markers for possible correlation with the presumed diagnosis of purulent flexor tenosynovitis. For surgical patients, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated individually for inflammatory markers. Results For nonsurgical patients, WBC, ESR, and CRP were elevated in 3 of 11 patients (27%), 6 of 8 patients (75%), and 6 of 7 patients (86%), respectively. For surgical patients, the intraoperative findings or cultures were consistent with infection in 69 of 71 cases (97%), whereas calcific tendinitis was diagnosed in 2 cases. Cultures were positive in 56 patients (79%). All 3 markers had a specificity and positive predictive value of 100%. For WBC, ESR, and CRP, respectively, the sensitivity was 39%, 41%, and 76% and the negative predictive value was 4%, 3%, and 13%. Conclusions Commonly used inflammatory blood markers (WBC, ESR, and CRP) may be helpful in diagnosing purulent flexor tenosynovitis. If the levels of any of these markers are elevated in patients suspected of having the diagnosis, the likelihood of infection is extremely high. However, with low negative predictive values, these markers cannot reliably rule out infection. Type of study/level of evidence Diagnostic III.
Separation of histones from normal rat liver nuclei into easily extractable and residual histone and characterization of the fractions

Abstract The total histone of normal rat liver nuclei has been separated into an easily extractable histone fraction (H e ) and the residual histone (H r ) by rapidly lowering the pH of the nuclei (after removing the globulin fraction) to pH 2.8–2.9 in order to remove H e . H r is then recovered by extracting the nuclei with dilute HCl. The H e and H r fractions have been compared with the total histone extract (H t ) by disc gel electrophoresis, using Gilford scanning of the gels and resolving the curves with a Dupont curve analyzer. Two histone bands appear in H e [F1 and F2(a)2]. H e and H r have also been characterized by amino acid composition. The ratio of H t to DNA (dry weight) is approximately 2, while H e /DNA = ca . 0.84 and H r /DNA = ca . 1.04. Ammonia-soluble histone is electrophoretically identical with H e . The histone lost when nuclei are isolated in CaCl 2 - or MgCl 2 -sucrose solutions is not electrophoretically identical with H e , since the histone that remains gives an electrophoretic pattern which is identical with that of H t .
Language and Fluency Characteristics of Preschoolers’ Multiple-Utterance Conversational Turns

The present study examined language and fluency characteristics of singleutterance (SU) and multiple-utterance (MU) conversational turns produced by 15 preschoolers who stutter and 15 age- and sex-...
Hybrid model for the analysis of radar sensors

This paper presents a methodology for the evaluation of sensor performance utilizing the uniform theory of diffraction and method of moments. The target model is based on a combinatorial geometry representation and the sensor is described by its system response function. Data which can be obtained from the model are radar cross section, power spectral density, images, and range profiles.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
RAMA: a self-assembled multiferroic magnetic QCA for low power systems

Recently, with the discovery of multiferroic materials, there has been a great interest in creating logic devices which exploit both magnetic and electric properties of these materials. This paper proposes a reconfigurable array of magnetic automata (RAMA) made of multiferroic nanopillars which can be operated using electric fields. Furthermore, due to the switching nature of these nanopillars, the array can be reconfigured to implement multiple logic circuits in a similar fashion to FPGAs. The paper proposes a compact model of the multiferroic switching mechanism which can be used to describe the behavior of the nanopillars in a circuit simulator. In addition, results from micromagnetic simulations of the MQCA bits indicate that it can operate with energy consumptions that are magnitudes lower than conventional CMOS technologies. Finally, the paper discusses the reliability of the nanopillar switching and suggests ways to optimize the error rates.
Risk Transfer and the Insurance Industry

This paper asks whether the transfer of risk from banking to non-banking institutions, such as insurers, has reduced risk for the financial system as a whole or merely shifted it to less transparent sectors. If the latter is the case, then it may be that new forms of risk and vulnerability are being introduced into the global financial system.
The seven ages of a planet

On the basis of almost universally held assumptions concerning the formation of the planets and the isolation of the solar system from outside influences it follows rather plausibly that all terrestrial planets pass in principle through seven stages. The processes involved include the solidification of grains from gas in the condensation stage, planetesimal interactions, and formation processes. Vigorous convection processes lead to the gravitational separation of iron and the outgassing of oceans. Other stages are related to plate tectonics and terminal volcanism. The ultimate stage of quiescence is characterized by a thick lithosphere and no volcanism.
Combined subtalar and ankle arthritis.

Combined subtalar and ankle arthritis is a difficult entity to treat. The goals of treatment are to eliminate pain and correct deformity while creating a limb that can be used to ambulate in an energy-efficient manner. There are many different ways to attain these goals based on the cause of the arthritis, previous interventions, and comorbid conditions.
‘The Success of the Mentee Is the Mentor’s Ultimate Reward’

In this interview, Dr. Michael Steer shares his life experience in pancreatic research, discusses the importance of mentorship and gives advice to young investigators starting in this field. Dr. Michael Steer is a world-renown investigator who has made an extraordinary contribution to the understanding of pancreatic physiology. His achievements in the field of acute pancreatitis were the foundation for the characterization of the cellular basis for this disease.
Energy Bands of Alkali Metals. II. Fermi Surface

The Fermi energy, density of states, cyclotron effective mass, optical effective mass, and other parameters of the Fermi surfaces of the alkali metals are evaluated for the band structures calculated previously, using an interpolation formula suggested by the nearly free electron model. It is shown, however, that the nearly free electron model in its usual form based on a weak effective potential cannot provide a consistent description of the alkali band structures, and that generalization of the model to take account of the $l$ dependence of the effective potential is necessary. The calculated Fermi surface parameters are compared with the results of recent experiments and with analyses by Cohen, Heine, Dugdale, Collins, and Ziman of earlier experimental work. The trends in the calculated values agree qualitatively with those found in experiments and with trends in the band structure inferred by these authors. This comparison lends support to the interpretation that differences in the properties of the alkali metals arise to a considerable extent from differences in their electronic structure. The calculations predict appreciable anisotropy of the cyclotron mass, the de Haas-van Alphen effect, and the linear dimensions of the Fermi surface for all of the alkali metals except sodium. Values of the parameters are found to be changed considerably by distortion of the Fermi surface from values obtained in the spherical approximation. The calculated values for the thermal effective mass, however, are significantly smaller than the experimental values, except for cesium, so that at least for the lighter metals the effect of electron-electron correlation and electron-phonon interaction appears to be to enhance the effective mass.
An early solar dynamo prediction : cycle 23 ∼ cycle 22

In this paper, we briefly review the “dynamo” and “geomagnetic precursor” methods of long-term solar activity forecasting. These methods depend upon the most basic aspect of dynamo theory to predict future activity, future magnetic field arises directly from the magnification of pre-existing magnetic field. We then generalize the dynamo technique, allowing the method to be used at any phase of the solar cycle, through the development of the “Solar Dynamo Amplitude” (SODA) index. This index is sensitive to the magnetic flux trapped within the Sun's convection zone but insensitive to the phase of the solar cycle. Since magnetic fields inside the Sun can become buoyant, one may think of the acronym SODA as describing the amount of buoyant flux. Using the present value of the SODA index, we estimate that the next cycle's smoothed peak activity will be about 210 ± 30 solar flux units for the 10.7 cm radio flux and a sunspot number of 170 ± 25. This suggests that solar cycle #23 will be large, comparable to cycle #22. The estimated peak is expected to occur near 1999.7 ± 1 year. Since the current approach is novel (using data prior to solar minimum), these estimates may improve when the upcoming solar minimum is reached.
Reduction in X-ray Sensitivity of Seeds by Hydration

NUMEROUS investigators have reported that when seeds are soaked there is a parallel increase in their water content and sensitivity to X-rays1. These studies have been taken as strong support for the postulate that much radiation injury results ‘indirectly’ from the decomposition and/or ionization of water. Therefore, it was of some concern to us when it was shown there was actually an inverse relationship between the water content of dormant barley seeds and their sensitivity to X-rays2. For this reason it seemed desirable to re-investigate the relation between radiosensitivity and the water content of soaked seeds.
Learn to use and use to learn: Technology in virtual collaboration experience

This study examined how global learning teams utilized technology in a virtual collaboration to solve complex problems. The study offers an in-depth explanation of why and how the learning teams used technology to support computer-mediated communication. A model of technology application at different stages of virtual collaborative process is proposed. The model can be used to maximize potential of global teams and facilitate further integration of virtual collaboration into university curricula. Time difference and lack of nonverbal cues were identified as challenges the global teams faced. The benefits of virtual collaboration were the opportunities to: learn how to use technology in a meaningful way; practice using technology to solve problems; and broaden one's perspective by communicating with people from different cultures.
Parathyroid hormone activation of adenylate cyclase in liver.

SummaryThe effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on the membrane bound enzyme adenylate cyclase in rat and cat liver tissue homogenates was studied. Bovine PTH increased the accumulation of cyclic AMP (cAMP) over a range of 6 × 10−8 − 1 × 10−6M . The synthetic N-terminal peptide (1–34 amino acids) of the hormone increased the accumulation of cAMP over a range of 6 × 10−9 − 6 × 10−7M. Compared to well studied stimulators of liver adenylate cyclase, glucagon and epinephrine, PTH produced a greater stimulation than epinephrine but less than glucagon. Calcitonin, thyrotropin, and gastrin did not stimulate the liver adenylate cyclase. Maximal concentrations of the 1–34 peptide and epinephrine were additive but maximal concentrations of the 1–34 peptide and glucagon were only partially additive.The concentration of PTH showing maximal stimulation of liver adenylate cyclase is equivalent to that reported for bone and kidney, the two well studied end organs for the hormone. Although the data suggest that the liver ...
Current treatment and recent clinical research in Alzheimer's disease.

The transition from either epidemiological observation or the bench to rigorously tested clinical trials in patients with Alzheimer's disease is crucial in understanding which treatments are beneficial to patients. The amyloid hypothesis has undergone scrutiny recently, as many trials aimed at reducing amyloid and plaque have been completed or are in the testing phase. Examples include modulation of the secretases involved in beta amyloid formation, anti-aggregation agents, and immunotherapeutic trials. Other therapies targeting hyperphosphorylated tau and novel targets such as enhancement of mitochondrial function, serotonin receptors, receptor for advanced glycation end products, and nerve growth factor, as well as other strategies, are discussed. A brief review of the current Food and Drug Administration–approved treatments is included. Mt Sinai J Med 77:3&–16, 2010. © 2010 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Unveiling robotophobia and cyber-dystopianism: the role of gender, technology and religion on attitudes towards robots

A survey of 873 undergraduate students was conducted to understand which individual factors affect subjects' attitudes toward robots. A third of participants (N =284) were exposed to a humanoid robot, another third (N= 293) to a doggy robot, and the remaining third (N=296) to an android. Results showed that in the humanoid condition individuals recognize more humanlike characteristics in robots than in the other two conditions. However humanoid appearance did not affect participants' attitudes toward robots, as others predictors recognized by previous research indicate, such as gender, religion, and perceived competence with information and communication technologies (ICT).
Solar receiver with integrated optics

The current challenge for PV/Thermal (PV/T) systems is the reduction of radiation heat loss. Compared to solar thermal selective coating, the solar cells cannot be used as an efficient thermal absorber due to their large emissivity of the encapsulation material. Many commercial PV/T products therefore require a high concentration (more than 10x) to reach an acceptable thermal efficiency for their receivers. Such a concentration system inevitably has to track or semi-track, which induces additional cost and collects only the direct radiation from the sun. We propose a new PV/T design using a vacuum encapsulated thin film cell to solve this problem. The proposed design also collects the diffuse sun light efficiently by using an external compound parabolic concentrator (XCPC). Since the transparent electrode (TCO) of thin film cell is inherently transparent in visible light and reflective beyond infrared, this design uses this layer instead of the conventional solar cell encapsulation as the outmost heat loss surface. By integrating such a vacuum design with a tube shaped absorber, we reduce the complexity of conducting the heat energy and electricity out of the device. A low concentration standalone non-tracking solar collector is proposed in this paper. We also analyzed the thermosyphon system configuration using heat transfer and ray tracing models. The economics of such a receiver are presented.
Changing Attitudes towards Science among Adolescents

Ratings of students reveal an unfavourable image of physics and possible directions for improvement.
Variants in TNFAIP3, STAT4, and C12orf30 loci associated with multiple autoimmune diseases are also associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Objective Subtypes of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) share phenotypic features with other autoimmune disorders. We investigated several genetic variants associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune disorders for association with JIA to test the hypothesis that clinically distinct phenotypes share common genetic susceptibility factors. Methods Cases were 445 children with JIA, and controls were 643 healthy adults. Using the TaqMan assay, subjects were genotyped for 8 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in 7 loci including rs10499194 and rs6920220 in the TNFAIP3 locus, rs6679677 in the RSBN1 locus, rs17696736 in the C12orf30 locus, rs3761847 in the TRAF1/C5 locus, rs2104286 in the IL2RA locus, rs7574865 in the STAT4 locus, and rs2542151 in the PTPN2 locus. Alleles and genotypes were analyzed for association with JIA and JIA subtypes. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. Results The strongest associations with JIA risk or protection were observed for TNFAIP3 variants rs10499194 (OR 0.74 [95% CI 0.61–0.91], P < 0.004) and rs6920220 (OR 1.30 [95% CI 1.05–1.61], P = 0.015). We also observed associations between JIA and both STAT4 (OR 1.24 [95% CI 1.02–1.51], P = 0.029) and C12orf30 (OR 1.20 [95% CI 1.01–1.43], P = 0.041) variants. The PTPN2 variant rs2542151 deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and was excluded from analyses. Variants in IL2RA, TRAF1/C5, and RSBN1 were not associated with JIA. After stratification by JIA subtype, the TNFAIP3 and C12orf30 variants were associated with oligoarticular JIA, while the STAT4 variant was associated primarily with polyarticular JIA. Conclusion We have demonstrated associations between JIA and variants in the TNFAIP3, STAT4, and C12orf30 regions that have previously shown associations with other autoimmune diseases, including RA and systemic lupus erythematosus. Our results suggest that clinically distinct autoimmune phenotypes share common genetic susceptibility factors.
Nucleation and propagation of an edge crack in a uniformly cooled epoxy/glass bimaterial

Abstract An epoxy/glass bimaterial beam test configuration has been used to study cooling-induced crack nucleation and propagation. This effort extends a nucleation criterion, previously applied to tensile-loaded, adhesively bonded butt joints, to another geometry and type of loading. Loading by thermally induced straining complicates the application of a nucleation criterion based upon parameters defining the asymptotic stress fields at the interface edge (i.e. at the edge discontinuity defined by the intersection of the interface and stress-free boundary). In contrast to the tensile-loaded butt joint, where the magnitude of asymptotic stress state is fully characterized by a single interface-edge stress intensity factor K a , an additional, non-negligible r -independent regular term K a0 always exists for thermally induced strains. In the present work, a direct extension of the previously used nucleation criterion is applied: crack nucleation occurs when K a = K ac , but with the stipulation that interface-edge toughness K ac depends on K a0 .
A novel mass spectrometric procedure to rapidly determine the partial structure of heparin fragments

Summary The molecular weight and degree of sulfation has been obtained for di-, tetra- and hexasaccharide fragments of heparin obtained by enzymatic depolymerization of porcine mucosal heparin. The sodium salt form of the sulfated oligosaccharide is adsorbed onto an immobilized cationic surfactant film which is inserted directly into the mass spectrometer. Analyses are routinely obtained on 25–50 μ g samples in less than an hour. This approach provides rapid confirmatory structural information that is complementary to existing methodologies.
Computerized activation sequence mapping of the human atrial septum

Abstract To delineate the propagation of electrical activation in the atrial septum, atrial epicardial and atrial septal maps were recorded intraoperatively using a 156-channel computerized mapping system in 12 patients during sinus rhythm (n = 10), supraventricular tachycardia associated with septal pathways in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (n = 3), atrioventricular (AV) node reentrant tachycardia (n = 4), and atrial flutter (n = 5). The epicardial and septal data were recorded simultaneously from 156 atrial electrodes, digitized, analyzed, and displayed as isochronous maps on a two-dimensional diagram of the atria. During sinus rhythm, the activation wave fronts propagated most rapidly along the large muscle bundles of the atrial septum. During supraventricular tachycardia associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, the earliest site of retrograde atrial activation usually corresponded to the position of atrial insertion of the septal pathways. However, the earliest site of activation during orthodromic supraventricular tachycardia was different from that during ventricular pacing in 1 patient with a posterior septal accessory pathway localized by the epicardial mapping study. The data document the rationale for dividing the ventricular end of the accessory pathways (ie, the endocardial technique) rather than the atrial end (ie, the epicardial technique) in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. During AV node reentrant tachycardia, aural activation data suggested that atrial tissue lying outside the confines of the anatomical AV node is a necessary link in this common arrhythmia. Thus, these atrial septal maps explain why surgical dissection, or properly positioned small cryolesions placed in the region of the AV node, can ablate AV node reentrant tachycardia without altering normal AV node function. The maps recorded during atrial flutter suggest the importance of the atrial septum as one limb of a macroreentrant circuit responsible for the arrhythmia, and imply that atrial flutter is arnenable to control by surgical techniques. These studies demonstrate the details of normal atrial septal activation, the importance of the atrial septum in a variety of different atrial arrhythmias, and the basis of and potential for surgical ablation of the most common types of supraventricular arrhythmias.
Giant condyloma acuminatum of the anorectum: report of two cases.

Two cases of giant condylomata acuminata involving the anorectum, with extensive involvement of the anus, rectum, and adjacent structures, are reported. Applications of Podophyllin and local excisions were followed by prompt recurrence. Following radiotherapy, which produced regression of the lesions in both cases for a few months, the lesions recurred. In one case the lesions proved fatal due to diffuse intrapelvic and peritoneal spread, in spite of abdominoperineal resection and chemotherapy. The second patient was lost to follow-up after a year but continued to have progressive disease.
Correlation of AOL recanalization, TIMI reperfusion and TICI reperfusion with infarct growth and clinical outcome

Objective To understand how three commonly used measures of endovascular therapy correlate with clinical outcome and infarct growth. Methods Prospectively enrolled patients underwent baseline MRI and started endovascular therapy within 12 h of stroke onset. The final angiogram was given a primary arterial occlusive lesion (AOL) recanalization score (0–3), a Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) score (0–3) and a Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score (0–3). The scores were dichotomized into poor revascularization (AOL 0–2, TIMI 0–1 and TICI 0–2a) versus good revascularization (AOL 3, TIMI 2–3, TICI 2b–3). Patients were classified according to whether or not they had target mismatch (TMM). Good outcome was defined as a 90-day modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2. Results Endovascular treatment was attempted in 100. A good outcome was achieved in 57% of patients with a TICI score of 2b–3 and in 24% of patients with a TICI score of 0–2a (p=0.001). Patients with TIMI scores of 2–3 and an AOL score of 3 had lower rates of good outcome (44% and 47%, respectively), which were not significantly better than those with TIMI scores of 0–1 or AOL scores of 0–2. In patients with TMM, these rates of good outcome improved with all the scoring systems and were significantly better for TIMI and TICI scores. Patients with a TICI score of 2a had rates of good functional outcome and lesion growth which were not different from those with TICI scores of 0–1 but were significantly worse than those with TICI scores of 2b–3. Conclusions TIMI 2–3 and TICI 2b–3 reperfusion scores demonstrated improved outcome in patients with tissue mismatch with a small infarct core and a larger hypoperfused region but AOL scores did not. Patients with a TICI score of 2a had a poorer outcome and more lesion growth than those with TICI scores of 2b–3.
Urchin: an RX-derivative accounting for anisotropies in whitened clutter

The most widespread methods of anomaly detection in hyperspectral imagery (HSI) are the RX algorithm and its variants (e.g. Subspace RX). RX is optimal for any unimodal elliptically contoured distribution (ECD), and in certain data sets, it misinterprets any deviations from this model as true anomalies. Singleton outliers are by definition anomalous, but other RX detections can arise from less severe departures from the ECD, in the form of spectral "prominences." We describe a method that mitigates such persistent false alarms by augmenting RX in a recursive process with truncated versions of the Adaptive Cosine Estimator (ACE). ACE is applied to RX exceedances that arise from prominences, bulges appearing in the whitened clutter distribution that indicate anisotropy. The ACE-augmented RX decision surface resembles a sea urchin.
PS2-33: Incidence and Treatment of Ductal Carcinoma in Situ in Kaiser Permanente, 2000–2010

Background/Aims Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) makes up approximately 25% of all breast cancer diagnoses and is considered to be a precursor to invasive cancer. Most DCIS diagnoses will not progress to invasive cancer, but reliable prognostic and predictive markers to guide treatment have not been established. Considerable debate exists about how to best treat DCIS, and many have expressed concern that DCIS is over-diagnosed and over-treated. This study examined patterns of DCIS incidence and treatment across six regions of Kaiser Permanente (KP).