cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modern Statistical Methods for Astronomy: Clustering, classification and data mining

Multivariate analysis discussed in Chapter 8 seeks to characterize structural relationships among the p variables that may be present in addition to random scatter. The primary structural relations may link the subpopulations without characterizing the structure of any one population. In such cases, the scientist should first attempt to discriminate the subpopulations. This is the subject of multivariate clustering and classification. Clustering refers to situations where the subpopulations must be estimated from the dataset alone whereas classification refers to situationswhere training datasets of known populations are available independently of the dataset under study. When the datasets are very large with well-characterized training sets, classification is a major component of data mining. The efforts to find concentrations in a multivariate distribution of points are closely allied with clustering analysis of spatial distribution when p = 2 or 3; for such low- p problems, the reader is encouraged to examine Chapter 12 along with the present discussion. The astronomical context Since the advent of astrophotography and spectroscopy over a century ago, astronomers have faced the challenge of characterizing and understanding vast numbers of asteroids, stars, galaxies and other cosmic populations. A crucial step towards astrophysical understanding was the classification of objects into distinct, and often ordered, categories which contain objects sharing similar properties. Over a century ago, A. J. Cannon examined hundreds of thousands of low-resolution photographic stellar spectra, classifying them in the OBAFGKM sequence of decreasing surface temperature.
A two-scale generalized finite element approach for modeling localized thermoplasticity

Summary Predicting localized, nonlinear, thermoplastic behavior and residual stresses and deformations in structures subjected to intense heating is a prevalent challenge in a range of modern engineering applications. The authors present a generalized finite element method targeted at this class of problems, involving the solution of intrinsically parallelizable local boundary value problems to capture localized, time-dependent thermo-elasto-plastic behavior, which is embedded in the coarse, structural-scale approximation via enrichment functions. The method accommodates approximation spaces that evolve in between time or load steps while maintaining a fixed global mesh, which avoids the need to map solutions and state variables on changing meshes typical of traditional adaptive approaches. Representative three-dimensional examples exhibiting localized, transient, nonlinear thermal and thermomechanical effects are presented to demonstrate the advantages of the method with respect to available approaches, especially in terms of its flexibility and potential for realistic future applications in this area. Parallelism of the approach is also discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
American Long-Distance Locomobility and the Spaces of Actor-Network Theory

Much of the discourse surrounding national intercity passenger rail service in the United States revolves around why it has lagged so far behind European and Asian counterparts. However, a more interesting question might be why it has survived despite competition from faster, more nimble transport modes, discriminatory public policy, and the ascension of neoliberal discourse hostile to public endeavor. This paper uses the concept of durability in actor-network theory to offer some insights into how the system has achieved a remarkable but problematic stability, and how that durability relates to an imagined role for national intercity passenger rail in a future of increasingly constrained material resources. This paper also demonstrates the application of actor-network theory (ANT) in a way that can serve as a useful introduction to and template for the use of that methodology.
“The Rope Breaks When it is Tightest”: Luther on the Body, Consciousness, and the Word

Martin Luther's revolutionary insight concerning the location of the event of justification in the "bottom of the heart" contained, as is well known, some ancillary results toward the displacing of external activities-"works"-from a central position in the quest for salvation. One effect of his theology was a radical redistribution of weight in his anthropological understanding, a shifting of focus away from a person's active participation in liturgy and the sacraments, asceticism and good works, and toward the event of justification in the "consciousness," "depths of the heart," or "the inmost heart."1 Moreover, a new understanding of the psychological situation in which the Gospel can operate involved Luther in new methods for preparing and reinforcing the justification event. This article will examine Luther's description of the psychological situation in which justification occurs; his revised anthropology, especially as it affected his view of the human body; his identification of the ear as the direct access to the "bottom of the
Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro cytocompatibility of Ga-bioactive glass/polymer hydrogel composites:

A bioactive glass series (0.42SiO2-0.10Na2O-0.08CaO-(0.40-x)ZnO-(x)Ga2O3) was incorporated in carboxymethyl cellulose-dextran hydrogels at three different loadings (0.05, 0.10, and 0.25 m2), and the resulting composites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, physical swelling characteristics, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. In vitro cytocompatibility was also evaluated for composite extracts in contact with L-929 mouse fibroblasts and MC3T3-E1 human osteoblasts. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that glass particles were distributed throughout the hydrogels, and swelling studies showed that glass presence can increase the amount of fluid that can be absorbed by the hydrogels after seven days of immersion in phosphate-buffered saline by up to 180%. Several trends were observed in the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy data, with the most important being the release of Ga3+ from both Ga-containing glasses at all three loadings, with a maximum of 4.7 mg/L released after 30 days of incubation in phosphate-buffered saline. Cell viability analysis suggested that most composite extracts did not decrease neither fibroblast nor osteoblast viability. These results indicate that it is possible to embed bioactive glass particles into carboxymethyl cellulose-dextran hydrogels, and upon submersion in aqueous media, release ions from the glass particles that may elicit therapeutic effects.
Treatment considerations in dementing illness.

The appropriate management of medical problems in demented patients plays an important role in maximizing their quality of life. Demented patients present medical problems differently and require treatment strategies that incorporate the strengths and weaknesses of the patients and their caregivers. The goals for treatment must be developed and followed in balance with any plans to limit the treatment because of the dementia.
Energy-Efficiency Gap*

The energy-efficiency gap stems from the observation that cost-effective energy-efficient technologies have not been adopted by consumers and firms at rates predicted by present-value calculations. This article summarizes the economic theory underlying purchase decisions by consumers or firms and then discusses the evidence on whether a gap exists and the main explanations for and against its existence. Those that argue against its existence point to unaccounted-for costs of adoption. Evidence with regard to market and behavioral failures in some markets, however, points to an energy-efficiency gap. Identifying the source and magnitude of a potential gap is important, as it informs the policy prescription.
The role of polyploidy in shaping morphological diversity in natural populations of Phlox amabilis

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Studies of natural populations of polyploids increasingly highlight complex patterns of variation in ploidy and geographic distribution of cytotypes. As our understanding of the complexity of polyploidy grows, our understanding of the morphological correlates of polyploidy should expand as well. Here we examine in what ways, and to what degree, polyploidy affects the overall phenotype of a species across its distribution when there are three ploidies and geographic complexity in cytotype distribution. METHODS We measured 31 morphological traits from stems, leaves, and flowers from up to 25 individuals from 11 sites across the distribution of Phlox amabilis. Chromosome counts and flow cytometry confirmed and expanded upon earlier research documenting diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid populations, and also identified a site with two ploidies. Univariate and multivariate statistics were used to characterize the morphological effects of polyploidy. KEY RESULTS We detected significant associations between morphology and ploidy in 11 traits spread across vegetative and reproductive structures. Generally, diploid individuals differed from polyploid individuals to a greater extent, and in different ways, than tetraploid and hexaploid plants differed from each other. Multivariate morphometrics demonstrated that the two primary axes of overall variation are driven by morphological traits associated with polyploidy, and individuals of different ploidies can be discriminated with 95% success. CONCLUSIONS Polyploidy plays a major role in shaping overall morphological diversity in natural populations of P. amabilis.
A Secure Homomorphic Encryption Algorithm Over Integers for Data Privacy Protection in Clouds

If a secure and efficient fully homomorphic encryption algorithm exists, it should be the ultimate solution for securing data privacy in clouds, where cloud servers can apply any operation directly over the homomorphically encrypted ciphertexts without having to decrypt them. With such encryption algorithms, clients’ data privacy can be preserved since cloud service providers can operate on these encrypted data without knowing the content of these data. Currently only one fully homomorphic encryption algorithm proposed by Gentry in 2009 and some of its variants are available in literature. However, because of the prohibitively expensive computing cost, these Gentry-like algorithms are not practical to be used to securing data in clouds. Due to the difficulty in developing practical fully homomorphic algorithms, partially homomorphic algorithms have also been studied in literature, especially for those algorithms homomorphic on arithmetic operations over integers. This paper presents a secure variant algorithm to an existing homomorphic algorithm over integers. The original algorithm allows unlimited number of arithmetic additions and multiplications but suffers on a security weakness. The variant algorithm patches the weakness by adding a random padding before encryption. This paper first describes the original algorithm briefly and then points out it’s security problem before we present the variant algorithm. An efficiency analysis for both the original and the variant algorithms will be presented at the end of the paper.
Phosphorylation of FANCA on S1449 Is Important for Fanconi Anemia (FA) Pathway Function.

Previous work in our lab and others has shown that the Fanconi anemia proteins, FANCG and FANCA, are phosphoproteins. FANCG is phosphorylated at mitosis, and these phosphorylations are required for proper exit from chromatin at mitosis. FANCG is also phosphorylated after DNA damage, with the phosphorylation site required for wild-type sensitivity to DNA damaging agents. FANCA is also phosphorylated after DNA damage and localized to chromatin, but the site and significance of this phosphorylation were previously unknown. Mass spectrometry of FANCA revealed one phosphopeptide with phosphorylation on serine 1449. Site-directed mutagenesis of this residue to alanine (S1449A) abolished a slower mobility form of FANCA seen after MMC treatment. Furthermore, the S1449A mutant failed to completely correct the MMC hypersensitivity of FA-A mutant cells. S1449A mutant cells displayed lower than wild-type levels of FANCD2 monoubiquitination following DNA damage, and an increased number of gross chromosomal aberrations were seen in metaphase spreads from S1449A mutant cells when compared to wild type cells. Using a GFP reporter substrate to measure homologous recombination, cells expressing the S1449A FANCA failed to completely correct the homologous recombination defect seen in FA cells. Taken together, cells expressing FANCA S1449A display a variety of FA-associated phenotypes, suggesting that the phosphorylation of S1449 is a functionally significant event. The DNA damage response in human cells is, in large part, coordinated by phosphorylation events initiated by apical kinases ATM and ATR. S1449 is found in a consensus ATM site, therefore studies are underway to determine if ATM or ATR is the kinase responsible for FANCA phosphorylation at S1449. Phosphorylation is a crucial process in transducing the DNA damage response, and phosphorylation of FA proteins appears critical to both localization and function of the proteins. Understanding how phosphorylation marks are placed on FANCA will give insight into the role of FANCA in the DNA damage response.
Energy policy, planning and the environment in developing countries

MICROCOSM is a modified system- dynamics model of the energy sector of a developing country, intended for energy analysis work of short duration in small, data-poor economies. It is also quite useful for quick survey use on a regional or national basis in more complex economies and assists in early identification of sectoral bottlenecks in major energy planning projects. Its other major application is in the teaching and training of energy planners and policy makers. MICROCOSM is an indicative planning tool for professionals in the energy-planning field. It does not-present an optimal solution to balancing energy supply and demand, but is intended for circumstances where there are insufficient data to reach such conclusions. The purpose of this article is to explain the way in which the model works, as well as the equations upon which it is based. It concentrates on the conceptual basis and methodology, in order to assist the reader-in understanding th-e model.
Suboptimal Implementation of Evidence-based Therapy for Acute Variceal Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies.

Background & Aims Gastroenterologists should strive to improve the outcomes associated with acute variceal hemorrhage (AVH) by optimizing care delivery and clinician preparedness through training. Unfortunately, data regarding contemporary outcomes and management of AVH are limited. Methods We performed a systematic review of cohort studies examining outcomes and management of AVH from January 1990 to September 2016. We pooled data on mortality and utilization of medical therapy, endoscopic interventions, balloon tamponade (BT), and salvage procedures (portal decompressive surgery or transjugular portosystemic shunt). Results The pooled 6-week mortality rate after AVH was 17.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 14.4%–21.7%). Sclerotherapy was used in 18.7% of cases (95% CI, 9.2%–34.3%), and no endoscopic intervention was provided in 14.3% of patients (95% CI, 9.7%–20.6%). The overall rate of BT use was 10.8% (95% CI, 8.2%–14.1%). Salvage procedures were used in 5.7% (95% CI, 3.7%–8.6%), falling to 1.7% (95% CI, 0.7%–3.8%) among patients treated after 2000. Although pooled rates of timely endoscopy and vasoactive medication use were high (85.8% and 83.0%, respectively), only half of patients received prophylactic antibiotics (52.8%; 95% CI, 40.0%–66.2%). In studies that enrolled patients exclusively after 2000, 13.8% of patients (95% CI, 7.0%–25.4%) received sclerotherapy, salvage transjugular portosystemic shunt fell to 1.7% (95% CI, 0.7%–3.8%), BT use fell slightly to 8.7% (95% CI, 6.4%–11.6%), and vasoactive medication and prophylactic antibiotic use rose to 91.4% (95% CI, 86.0%–94.9%) and 62.7% (95% CI, 48.9%–74.9%), respectively. Conclusions AVH is associated with high mortality rates and suboptimal implementation of evidence-based therapies including prophylactic antibiotics and endoscopic interventions, suggesting a need for quality improvement. In addition, the frequent need for BT and sclerotherapy suggests that specific attention to these procedures in gastroenterology training curricula may be warranted.
The impact of mortality awareness on meaning in life among Christians and atheists

Research derived from terror management theory suggests that reliance on a terror-managing set of beliefs when reminded of death can influence one’s perception of meaning in life. The present resea...
Prevalences of peri-implantitis and peri-implant mucositis: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Objectives Due to the inconsistent definitions, reporting methods and study characteristics, prevalences of peri-implant diseases significantly varied in studies. This study aimed to systematically analyze implant-based and subject-based prevalences of peri-implant diseases and assess clinical variables potentially affecting the prevalence. Sources Electronic search of studies was conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and Web of Science. Publication screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed. Study selection Clinical studies having an at least average three-year follow-up period were selected. The numbers of subjects and implants in the studies had to be equal to or more than thirty. Data Forty seven studies were selected and prevalences of peri-implant diseases were analyzed. Since heterogeneity existed in each outcome (I2 = 94.7, 95.7, 95.3, and 99.3 for implant-based and subject-based peri-implantitis and peri-implant mucositis, respectively), the random-effects model based on the DerSimonian and Laird method, which incorporate an estimate of heterogeneity in the weighting, was applied to obtain the pooled prevalence. Weighted mean implant-based and subject-based peri-implantitis prevalences were 9.25% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): [7.57, 10.93]) and 19.83% (CI [15.38, 24.27) respectively. Weighted mean implant-based and subject-based peri-implant mucositis prevalences were 29.48% (CI: [22.65, 36.32]) and 46.83% (CI: [38.30, 55.36]) respectively. Functional time and implant to subject ratio were associated with subject-based peri-implantitis prevalence, but not peri-implant mucositis prevalences. Conclusions Peri-implant diseases were prevalent and prevalence of peri-implantitis increased over time. Prevalences of peri-implantitis and peri-implant mucositis might not be highly associated since the prevalences were influenced by distinct variables. The results should be carefully interpreted because of data heterogeneity. Clinical significance Peri-implant diseases affect a significant number of dental implants and patients. It is important to understand the difficulties in diagnosis of these diseases and risk factors which may be modified to reduce the potential for disease occurrence or progression.
Repetitive TMS to augment cognitive processing therapy in combat veterans of recent conflicts with PTSD: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract Background The objective was to test whether repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) just prior to Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) would significantly improve the clinical outcome compared to sham rTMS prior to CPT in veterans with PTSD. Methods Veterans 18–60 years of age with current combat-related PTSD symptoms were randomized, using a 1:1 ratio in a parallel design, to active (rTMS+CPT) versus sham (sham+CPT) rTMS just prior to weekly CPT for 12–15 sessions. Blinded raters evaluated veterans at baseline, after the 5th and 9th treatments, and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment. Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) was the primary outcome measure with the PTSD Checklist (PCL) as a secondary outcome measure. The TMS coil (active or sham) was positioned over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (110% MT, 1 Hz continuously for 30 min, 1800 pulses/treatment). Results Of the 515 individuals screened for the study, 103 participants were randomized to either active (n = 54) or sham rTMS (n = 49). Sixty-two participants (60%) completed treatment and 59 (57%) completed the 6-month assessment. The rTMS+CPT group showed greater symptom reductions from baseline on both CAPS and PCL across CPT sessions and follow-up assessments, t(df ≥ 325) ≤ −2.01, p ≤ 0.023, one-tailed and t(df ≥ 303) ≤ −2.14, p ≤ 0.017, one-tailed, respectively. Limitations Participants were predominantly male and limited to one era of conflicts as well as those who could safely undergo rTMS. Conclusions The addition of rTMS to CPT compared to sham with CPT produced significantly greater PTSD symptom reduction early in treatment and was sustained up to six months post-treatment.
Polycrystalline micropillars by a novel 3-D printing method and their behavior under compressive loads

Abstract We present an entirely new method of bottoms-up fabrication of polycrystalline micropillars using direct printing and sintering of nanoparticles in 3D and study their behavior under compression for different microstructures. The pillars showed brittle behavior with higher effective modulus for small grain sizes with high porosity, while highly ductile behavior with a lower effective modulus and larger grain sizes but low porosity. These unusual trends are explained by a porosity model. The results point to a novel method of fabricating micropillars with different microstructures to study fundamental materials science of polycrystalline materials at micro to meso-length scales.
ADMIRE applied to fundamental and harmonic data acquired using a modern clinical platform

Previous studies demonstrated that our aperture domain model image reconstruction (ADMIRE) beamforming algorithm mitigates some common ultrasound imaging artifacts, which may increase ultrasound's clinical utility and reliability. Specifically, ADMIRE can suppress clutter caused by reverberation, off-axis scattering and wavefront aberration. Along with this, we demonstrated that ADMIRE is robust to model-mismatch caused by gross sound speed deviation. These findings suggest that ADMIRE may be an effective tool to provide high quality images in real clinical applications. Many of our previous effort have occurred on research platforms, but it is thought that dedicated clinical systems have better front-end electronics and transducers compared to research oriented platforms. If this is true then it is important to perform in vivo evaluations using the highest quality data possible in order to appropriately characterize (and not overemphasize possible) algorithmic gains. To this end, we modified a Siemens ACUSON SC2000 ultrasound system to capture I/Q channel signals. We acquired channel data using a full synthetic receive sequence. We also acquired channel data in conjunction with pulse inversion sequencing to obtain harmonic images. In this study, we collected data from a tissue-mimicking phantom and a human subject's abdomen and liver. We reconstructed both fundamental and harmonic B-mode images before and after applying ADMIRE. We then measured contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). When comparing in vivo images, ADMIRE using low and high degrees of freedom improves contrast by 12.2 ± 2.6 dB and 2.5 ± 0.5 dB, respectively, relative to fundamental delay-and-sum(DAS) B-mode, and boosts contrast by 8.7 ± 3.7 dB and 2.0 ± 0.7 dB, respectively, with harmonic B-mode images.
Cytoreductive Nephrectomy — Patient Selection Is Key

Metastatic renal-cell carcinoma has diverse clinical presentations ranging from incidental detection to a highly symptomatic systemic illness. Patients with metastatic renal-cell carcinoma are assigned a risk category — favorable, intermediate, or poor — on the basis of two published models containing five or six pretreatment selection factors, including presence of anemia, elevated serum calcium concentration, and degree of disability from cancer-related symptoms (performance status).1 This stratification provides important prognostic insight about whether patients should be treated with cytoreductive radical nephrectomy, systemic therapies, or both.1 Nephrectomy for stage IV disease removes the primary kidney tumor and its potential for bleeding and . . .
Statistical power in quantitative diffusion MRI of tumor response: strategies for future studies.

Rationale and Objectives Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging may be useful in tracking tumor growth and response to treatment. However, studies using these measures may lack statistical power to draw definitive conclusions regarding changes in tumor cellularity. Using apparent diffusion coefficient values taken from the literature, the investigators estimated sample sizes for a range of changes to the mean. Materials and Methods A literature search was performed of studies measuring the average apparent diffusion coefficients for various bodily tissues, and the mean and standard deviation from each study were recorded. Analyses of statistical power were then performed using these values and comparing them to a population of healthy controls. Results Tumor cellularity as measured by apparent diffusion coefficients may have high sensitivity, but the analyses indicate that investigations in this field may potentially suffer from low statistical power. For example, the findings indicate that samples of Conclusions Suggestions are offered for improvements in methodologic approaches and in data reporting to assist in overcoming the limitations of small sample sizes. On the basis of this literature review, reference values are provided to help investigators estimate study sample size to achieve adequate statistical power.
Sleep in Aquatic Mammals

Abstract The sleep of aquatic mammals is different from sleep in terrestrial mammals. These differences are determined by physical properties of the aquatic and terrestrial environments. Dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans) have only one sleeplike state, called unihemispheric slow-wave sleep (USWS). It has been suggested that USWS allows vigilance and motion and facilitates breathing controlled by the waking hemisphere. Semiaquatic pinnipeds can sleep both on land and in water. The pattern of sleep in fur seals and sea lions (Otariidae) is similar to that in terrestrial mammals when they are on land but similar to the sleep in cetaceans when they are in water. Sleep in “true seals” (Phocidae) and in the walruses (the only representative of the Odobenidae family) is similar to that in terrestrial mammals both on land and in water, with the exception of long apneas, which allow them to sleep in water at depth and survive predation and harsh freezing conditions.
The Role of Perceived School Responsiveness within a Psychosociocultural Understanding of Latinx High School Students’ Academic Persistence Decisions

Using the psychosociocultural approach, the mediating role of perceptions of high school responsiveness on perceived academic abilities, mentorship, and school environment with academic persistence...
Screening and biophysics in small molecule discovery

Abstract Biophysical methods measure binding between two or more molecules, such as two proteins or a protein and a small molecule. In the past 20 years, these methods have increasingly been used throughout small molecule discovery, from screening to lead optimization. By measuring the binding—rather than protein function—biophysical methods how compounds bind and can separate drug-like binding (1:1 binding between a small molecule and a protein site) from artifactual mechanisms of inhibition such as aggregation. Recent advances in biophysical methods for screening are driven by high-throughput, miniaturized assay formats and the availability of low-cost automation. Traditionally low-throughput, high-resolution structure-based methods are also now widely accessible through collaborative initiatives. This chapter outlines the key factors in developing biophysical screens and describes the major biophysical and structural methods used in small molecule drug discovery today.
Job satisfaction: a positive attribute of work-family integration for female social work faculty

Academic literature exploring the experiences and needs among women in the social work professorate has yet to explore the ways in which work-life and family-life are compatible, including work-lif...
AN ASSESSMENT OF FLIGHT VARIABLES AFFECTING CIVIL AVIATION ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS

Flight safety has been an important topic for both academia and the industry. Aviation experts and authorities, as well as commercial airline administrators, constantly seek to improve flight safety. Researchers, on the other hand, have tried to model avionic fatalities and suggest improvements or upgrades in flight systems to reduce risk. One approach has been to use data from past accidents and incidents to capture and model the relationship between the different factors involved in each event. However, some important factors are not included in the databases maintained by entities such as the National Transportation Safety Board. This study divides the factors involved into dependent variables (DVs) and independent variables (IVs). IVs include flight factors—for instance, weather and pilotrelated data. DVs report the magnitude of the incident/accident, such as the number of casualties. This research will improve existing databases—first, by adding variables, and second, by using multivariate statistical analysis to assess the effect each group of IVs has on correlations between flight factors and accident/incident-magnitude factors. Findings demonstrate that pilot-related factors exert the most influence on the correlation between the two categories. Our findings on the significance of factors or groups of factors will assist researchers, policy makers, flight managers, and flight-crew schedulers in their efforts to increase flight safety.
Early Cognitive Decline and its Impact on Spouse's Loneliness.

Loneliness is common in dementia caregivers as cognitive impairment (CI) alters marital and social relationships. Unexplored is how an individual’s loneliness is affected at earlier, more ambiguous...
Superallowed 0 + → 0 + nuclear β decays: 2020 critical survey, with implications for V ud and CKM unitarity

Superallowed $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay between nuclear analog states with isospin 1 and spin-parity ${0}^{+}$ offers access to fundamental tests of the properties of the electroweak interaction. With 15 such transitions precisely measured, the data collectively probe the conservation of the weak vector current, set tight limits on the presence of beyond-standard-model scalar currents, and yield the most precise value for the ${V}_{u\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}d}$ element of the CKM quark-mixing matrix. ${V}_{u\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}d}$ is a critical ingredient required to test the unitarity of that matrix. This work provides an in-depth review of the relevant nuclear physics input and connects these data to the fundamental couplings.
DNA Methylation and Immune Memory Response.

The generation of memory is a cardinal feature of the adaptive immune response, involving different factors in a complex process of cellular differentiation. This process is essential for protecting the second encounter with pathogens and is the mechanism by which vaccines work. Epigenetic changes play important roles in the regulation of cell differentiation events. There are three types of epigenetic regulation: DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA expression. One of these epigenetic changes, DNA methylation, occurs in cytosine residues, mainly in CpG dinucleotides. This brief review aimed to analyse the literature to verify the involvement of DNA methylation during memory T and B cell development. Several studies have highlighted the importance of the DNA methyltransferases, enzymes that catalyse the methylation of DNA, during memory differentiation, maintenance, and function. The methylation profile within different subsets of naive activated and memory cells could be an interesting tool to help monitor immune memory response.
Gigabit Concept Mining: A Sensitivity Analysis, Masters Thesis, December 2006

GIGABIT CONCEPT MINING: A SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS by Andrew A. Levine ADVISOR: Prof. R. P. Loui and Prof. John W. Lockwood December 2006 Saint Louis, Missouri Massive amounts of data are passed over public networks. There is a need for network administrators to analyze this traffic, but it was not previously possible to analyze live network data at high speed. It has been shown that streaming computation and deep packet analysis are possible at very high rates through the use of hardware acceleration. This work provides analysis for a larger project that involves digesting large amounts of network traffic. In this system, we process the traffic using hardware that has constraints. The workings of the system are first discussed. Tradeoffs in the design of hardware and software components are also discussed. Next, an experiment to classify topics of newsgroups is described that utilizes the system. The contribution of this thesis is to show that it is possible to change the parameters of the system to minimize the representation of concepts. To My Mother Pat Levine Dedication to my mother Pat Levine and my family. I dedicate this document to my mother Pat Levine and my family. I want to thank them for all the free meals and support. Without them, I would not have been able to complete my degree.
The Geriatric ICU Patient

Population aging is accelerating rapidly worldwide, from 461 million people older than 65 years in 2004 to an estimated 2 billion people by 2050 [1]. Age is associated with an increasing prevalence of multiple diseases and disabilities. Age is also associated with a decline of the functional reserve of multiple organ systems and a progressive restriction in personal and social resources. It is therefore not surprising that elderly patients will utilize a disproportionate share of health care resources. By virtue of having lived longer, increasing numbers of elderly patients (age >65 years) are being admitted to ICU’s and this trend is only likely to escalate in the years to come. In the US elderly patients currently account for 42–52 % of ICU admissions and for almost 60 % of all ICU days [2–5]. However, a disproportionate number of these ICU days are spent by elderly patients before their death. Thirty percent of Medicare expenditures are attributable to the 5 percent of beneficiaries who die each year, resulting in per-capita spending on decedents that is six times as great as for non-decedents [6]. Clearly ICU utilization by the elderly will increase exponentially over the next decades. The reality of our aging society dictates that we must focus on how to best care for the elderly who develop critical illness and how to more appropriately utilize critical care services.
De novo mutation of KIT discovered as a result of a non-hereditary white coat colour pattern

Summary A new dominant white allele was suspected when two Thoroughbred horses with minimal white marking on the coat produced a colt with a large amount of coat depigmentation. Because of its association with similar patterns in other horses, the KIT gene was selected as a candidate gene, and all 21 exons were sequenced in the colt. A novel 5-bp deletion was discovered in exon 3 and was confirmed with allele-specific PCR. The mutation introduced a pre-mature stop codon, resulting in truncation of the protein. The deletion was not present in either parent and is suspected to be responsible for the extensive white coat colour in the colt. Additionally, a previously described missense mutation was detected in exon 14 of both the colt and sire but is not believe to be causative. Parentage testing was conducted as required by The Jockey Club for Thoroughbred registration, and the foal qualified for the stated parentage. This novel deletion in exon 3 is the 12th discovered dominant white allele in the horse.
Studies on the nature of the repolarization process. XIX. Studies on the mechanism of ventricular activity.

Abstract The clinical significance of the T wave in representing the electrical recovery process of the ventricular myocardium is well known. This electrical phenomenon, however, has been the subject of much less basic research than other parts of the electrocardiogram. With the development, in recent years, of more reliable recording techniques and the introduction of an incubator in which animal experiments can be performed in a more physiologic medium, this study of the repolarization process of the heart muscle seemed justified. Abundant controversy and confusion have developed over the direction of repolarization through the ventricular wall on the basis of polarity of the T wave. T polarity was studied by means of minute plunge electrodes recording simultaneously at selected depths in the ventricular walls. Moreover, the time course of the electrical recovery process was examined by comparing analogous points of the T wave in simultaneous records from the myocardial surface and the under-lying subendocardium and from different surface points, and these results compared with the polarity of the T waves. Experiments were designed also to study (a) the effect of local thermal changes upon adjacent and remote regions of the heart, (b) the effect of primary T-wave changes upon secondary ones by superimposing thermal changes upon left bundle branch block, and (c) the effect upon the T wave of ischemia due to chronic obstruction of coronary arteries.
Respiratory arrest in infants secondary to gastroesophageal reflux.

Gastroesophageal reflux is being recognized with increasing frequency in infancy and childhood. Once thought to be rare, or of no significance, it is now commonly recognized when sought for by proper radiologic techniques in suspected individuals. Its manifestations are protean. Although in most instances it is relatively harmless, gastroesophageal reflux in infancy may be responsible for failure to thrive, blood loss anemia resulting from peptic esophagitis, and recurrent aspiration pneumonia, The importance of the last has been well described by several authors.1-5 In recent years, we have treated ten children less than 6 months old for episodes of respiratory arrest which appeared to be due to gastroesophageal reflux (Table I).
Viral Ribonucleic Acid Synthesis by Newcastle Disease Virus Mutants Isolated from Persistently Infected L Cells: Effect of Interferon

The synthesis of different viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) species was studied in chick embryo (CE) and mouse L-cell cultures infected with the Herts strain of Newcastle disease virus (NDV(o)) and a mutant isolated from persistently infected L cells (NDV(pi)). In CE cell cultures, both viruses synthesized significant amounts of 54, 36, and 18S RNA. However, in L cells, synthesis of 54S virion RNA was markedly reduced. From these results, it seems likely that the low yield of infective virus in L cells is due to a deficient synthesis of 54S RNA in this host. On this basis, however, it is apparent that the "covert" replication of NDV(o) in L cells is due to factors other than viral RNA synthesis. When low concentrations of interferon were used to pretreat CE cells, a differential effect on the synthesis of various RNA species was observed. The 18S RNA of NDV(o) was more sensitive to interferon action than the 36 and the 54S RNA species. In contrast, the 18S RNA of NDV(pi) was less sensitive than the 36S and the 54S RNA. The inhibition of 54S RNA synthesis correlated with the reduction of viral yield and explained the greater sensitivity of NDV(pi) to interferon.
The environment and global media and communication policy

Keywords: the environment and global media and communication policy; environmental communication network, specializing in questions - publishing Environmental Communication; media – and ICTs and consumer electronics (CEs) - not only a means for exchanging awareness and analysis of environmental issues; Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition (SVTC), facing a major political-economic obstacle - fight to ensure electronic technology; mainstream approaches to green governance - of environmental protections, being human centered; limits of eco-policy in global political economy; private sector policy and innovation; global effort, and nation states - adopting omnibus and specialized laws - banning harmful practices of ICT and CE sectors; watchword - being sustainability, not growth; new policy calculus, from careful popular and expert contributions - in epidemiological, environmental, and biological research
Studies on the activator 1 protein complex, an accessory factor for proliferating cell nuclear antigen-dependent DNA polymerase delta.

Activator 1 (A1) is a multiprotein complex which is essential for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-dependent DNA polymerase delta (pol delta) activity and efficient in vitro DNA synthesis in the SV40 dipolymerase replication system. In this report, we describe the isolation of A1 from HeLa cytosolic extracts. A1 stimulated pol delta activity in singly primed phi X174 DNA or (dA)4500.oligo(dT)12-18 in reactions containing PCNA, single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB), and ATP. Using this assay, A1 has been extensively purified. Purified preparations contained five discrete subunits of 145, 40, 38, 37, and 36.5 kDa. ATP hydrolysis to ADP and Pi is essential for A1-dependent pol delta activity, and we have shown that A1 contains an intrinsic ATPase which is stimulated by DNA. The DNA-dependent hydrolysis of ATP can be stimulated by PCNA and further activated by PCNA plus the human single-stranded DNA binding protein. These stimulatory effects were observed with (dA)4500.oligo(dT)12-18, but were not detected with each poly-deoxynucleotide alone. Furthermore, A1 formed a complex with (dA)4500.oligo(dT)12-18 which could be measured by nitrocellulose binding. No complex with (dA)4500 or oligo(dT)12-18 alone was detected by this procedure. Data are also presented which indicate that A1, in conjunction with PCNA, functions as a primer-recognition factor for pol delta, increasing its ability to utilize low levels of primer ends, but it does not increase the size of the DNA products. A1 also markedly reduced the amount of PCNA required for pol delta activity on a multiply primed DNA suggesting that PCNA interacts with A1 at the primer end. These multiple effects of A1 closely resemble the properties of the multisubunit protein RF-C described by Tsurimoto and Stillman (Tsurimoto, T., and Stillman, B. (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 87, 1023-1027).
Texts, illustrations, and physical objects: the case of ancient shipbuilding treatises

One of the main goals of the Nautical Archaeology Digital Library (NADL) is to assist nautical archaeologists in the reconstruction of ancient ships and the study of shipbuilding techniques. Ship reconstruction is a specialized task that requires supporting materials such as reference to fragments and timbers recovered from other excavations and consultation of shipbuilding treatises. The latter are manuscripts written in a variety of languages and spanning several centuries. Due to their diverse provenance, technical content, and time of writing, shipbuilding treatises are complex written sources. In this paper we discuss a digital library approach to handle these manuscripts and their multilingual properties (often including unknown terms and concepts), and how scholars in different countries are collaborating in this endeavor. Our collection of treatises raises interesting challenges and provides a glimpse of the relationship between texts and illustrations, and their mapping to physical objects.
START: a framework for facilitating e-rulemaking

Federal agencies implement laws passed by Congress by making rules and regulations that can be applied in practice. Stakeholders and members of the public usually want to know how proposed rules will affect them, so they can effectively respond to the proposals, during the comment period. While the stakeholders, like business and advocacy groups, can employ information specialists to get their answers, individuals will have to turn to the rulemaking agencies for such information. Consequently, for online rulemaking to encourage and support public participation, there will be need for information access that is simple and intuitive to use, comprehensive in the material covered, specific to the user's needs and timely.
On the Subunit Structure of the Cold Labile Adenosine Triphosphatase of Mitochondria

Abstract Mitochondrial ATPase has been studied by equilibrium ultracentrifugation. Under virtually all conditions examined, the oligomeric structure (mol. wt. 2.8 x 105) is in equilibrium with smaller polypeptide chains. In dilute buffer, however, the proportion of dissociated subunits become appreciaable only in the cold (5°). At this temperature, the molecular weight of the subunits can be measured directly, and a value of 4.6 x 104 is obtained. Additional experiments in solutions of guanidine hydrochloride (6 to 9 m) indicate that no further dissociation beyond the 4.6 x 104 unit occurs. The results are evaluated in terms of a probably hexameric structure for the ATPase.
So I Thought I Wanted to Be a Chief

In July 2000, Dr. William Hazzard published an article in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society entitled "So you think you want to lead an academic geriatric program?" My answer to that question the same month was "Yes," as I agreed to become the chief of the newly established Section of Geriatrics at the University of Chicago. With about 3.5 years on the job now, I offer a more complete reply to Dr. Hazzard's query. Although his paper covered many important and practical issues to consider in looking at becoming a chief, this article provides a perspective on the academic geriatric leadership position based on a new chief's observations. Topics covered include pressures for and against becoming a chief, changing perspectives on goals and rewards, good help, mentoring, money problems/issues, support for the chief, and communication and relationships. It is hoped that these observations will be of use to geriatricians considering leading an academic geriatrics program and to other newly appointed chiefs.
Abstract T MP22: Defining Mild Stroke: Outcomes Analysis of Treated and Untreated Mild Stroke Patients

Introduction: Mild deficit is a relative contraindication for the administration of IV rtPA in the setting of acute stroke. However, the definition of "mild" has not been well specified until recently. Prior studies have shown that patients with mild ischemic stroke have substantial disability rates at hospital discharge and at 90 days. We investigated whether the application of this new definition altered the rates of disability overall, and in association with treatment. Methods: This analysis included all adult acute ischemic stroke patients from a prospective registry of consecutive patients (the UCSD SPOTRIAS database, 2003-2013) with 90 day mRS score available who were defined as “mild” using a recently proposed definition from the TREAT Task Force (NIHSS 0-5 and not clearly disabling based on pre-specified syndromes). Dichotomized 90-day mRS scores (0-1 vs. 2-6) were compared between treated and non-treated patients and the subgroup of non-treated patients whose only exclusion reason was "deficit too mild." Results: Of 212 TREAT-defined mild stroke patients, 54 were rtPA-treated. Treated and non-treated patients had similar baseline characteristics except that the treated group had more smokers (79.6% vs. 58.9%; p=0.008), higher median NIHSS (3 vs. 2; p Conclusion: More than one-third of patients who fit the TREAT Task Force definition of "mild stroke" were not functionally independent (mRS 2-6) at 90 days, irrespective of treatment, raising the question of treatment efficacy for mild strokes. This study was likely underpowered to detect a significant treatment effect and is limited by its retrospective design. There remains equipoise regarding best acute treatment strategies for mild stroke patients. Randomized studies are necessary to determine rtPA treatment efficacy in mild stroke patients.