cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hamartomas and tubers from defects in hamartin-tuberin

her brain as well as in numerous other organs. 1 In time, additional patients with this inherited disease were studied and found to have benign tumors in virtually every organ, including the brain (cortical tubers, subependymal nodules, and giant cell astrocytomas), eyes (retinal hamartomas), kidneys (angiomyolipomas, cysts), heart (cardiac rhabdomyomas), lungs (lymphangioleiomyomatosis), and skin. Recent molecular investigations have revealed that this potpourri of seemingly unrelated findings, called tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC),results from a dysregulated signaling pathway. These discoveries have profound clinical implications. The skin is paradigmatic for TSC. TSC presents a variable clinical picture, and the skin lesions are no less variable. TSC skin lesions range from subtle to disfiguring. A patient may have one or several types of skin lesions, and each type may be single or multiple. Many of the skin and internal tumors in TSC are hamartomas that are highly vascular. Both skin tumors and internal tumors occur in characteristic locations with typical ages of onset. Proclivity of skin tumors for certain regions of the body is indicated by the names of lesions, such as facial angiofibromas, periungual fibromas, and forehead plaques. In contrast, hypopigmented macules seemingly occur at random locations, and exhibit differences in size and shape (ash leaf vs confetti-like), location (hypopigmented macule vs poliosis), and extent. Hypomelanotic macules are typically present at birth or appear during early infancy. Angiofibromas usually develop at about 3 to 5 years, while periungual fibromas emerge in the teen years or later. 2 Skin lesions may be a presenting feature and can form the basis for the diagnosis of TSC. Among the diagnostic criteria, mucocutaneous lesions comprise 4 major features (angiofibromas or forehead plaque, subungual or periungual fibromas, hypomelanotic macules, and the shagreen patch) and 3 minor features (confetti-like hypopigmentation, gingival fibromas, and multiple dental pits). 3 These 1998 criteria were modified from earlier versions to accommodate recent observations. Multiple facial angiofibromas are no longer considered pathognomonic for TSC, as they are also observed in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. More than 3 hypomelanotic macules must be observed to qualify as a major feature of TSC, because solitary lesions are commonly observed in the general population. Finally, consideration is given to the fact that single ungual fibromas may occur in the general popu
The scope of the problem of primary tumor control

The purposes of this article are (1) to point out several aspects of the magnitude and importance of the overall cancer problem, (2) to emphasize that the treatment of the primary lesion is far from being uniformly successful, and (3) to consider one component of a strategy to help assure an effective level of support for research at the laboratory and clinical level to promote improvement in the efficacy of primary treatment modalities.
a measure of the degree of correspondence of folk to scientific biological classification1

The paper begins by discussing the utility of new techniques for measuring the degree to which various folk systems of biological classification approximate the scientific zoological or botanical classification. One such technique is described and applied to the Tzeltal classification of mammals. Statistics provided by the proposed measure provide a test of the hypothesis that there is a psychologically fundamental and logically general set of folk biological taxa. The measure is formally defined.
Optimal Storage Assignment in Automatic Warehousing Systems

In the past few years, increasing numbers of automatic warehousing systems using computer-controlled stacker cranes have been installed. Our research concerns the scientific scheduling and design of these systems. There are three elements to scheduling: the assignment of multiple items to the same pallet Pallet Assignment; the assignment of pallet loads to storage locations Storage Assignment; and rules for sequencing storage and retrieve requests Interleaving. This paper deals with optimal storage assignment. Results are obtained which compare the operating performance of three storage assignment rules: random assignment, which is similar to the closest-open-location rule used by many currently operating systems; full turnover-based assignment: and class-based turnover assignment. It is shown that significant reductions in crane travel time and distance are obtainable from turnover-based rules. These improvements can, under certain circumstances, be directly translated into increased throughput capacity for existing systems, and may be used to alter the design e.g., size and number of racks, speed of cranes, etc. of proposed systems in order to achieve a more desirable system balance between throughput and storage capacity.
A calcium-bridged porphyrin coordination network

The hydrothermal assembly of a very stable porphyrin network with nanoscale cavities is described. A tightly packed and interpenetrated, linear polymeric framework was observed in the solid-state X-ray structure of freebase 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin coordinated to calcium(II) ions. Strong hydrogen-bonding interactions between the coordination polymers form a two-dimensional network. Perpendicular bands interpenetrate generating an unusual three-dimensional box that clathrates a pyridine molecule.
EFFECT OF MICROBIAL GROWTH UPON SARCOPLASMIC AND UREA-SOLUBLE PROTEINS FROM MUSCLE

SUMMARY– A comparison of starch gel patterns of sarcoplasmic proteins from aseptic and inoculated porcine and rabbit muscles after storage for 0, 8 and 20 days at 10°C indicated that different microorganisms preferentially utilized specific proteins. Pseudomonas fragi showed the greatest amount of proteolytic activity upon the sarcoplasmic fraction, causing extensive breakdown in both rabbit and porcine muscle. Leuconostoc mesenteroides caused extensive alteration in the sarcoplasmic proteins of rabbit muscle, but had less effect upon porcine muscle. Pediococcus cerevisiae exhibited similar action to L. mesenteroides upon rabbit muscle sarcoplasmic proteins, but had no effect upon pig muscle. Micrococcus luteus showed only minor breakdown of rabbit muscle sarcoplasmic proteins, and had no action upon porcine muscle. Both P. fragi and P. cerevisiae caused considerable breakdown of the urea-soluble proteins in pig muscle and to a lesser extent in rabbit muscle. Neither M. luteus nor L. mesenteroides exerted any measurable proteolytic effect upon the urea-soluble proteins. Possible implications concerning meat spoilage are discussed.
Transcription factor mediated epigenetic reprogramming

Input from various signaling pathways in conjunction with specific transcription factors (TFs), noncoding RNAs, and epigenetic modifiers governs the maintenance of cellular identity. Endogenous or exogenous TFs operate within certain boundaries, which are set, in part, by the cell type-specific epigenetic landscape. Ectopic expression of selected TFs can override the cellular identity and induce reprogramming to alternative fates. In this minireview, we summarize many of the classic examples and a large number of recent studies that have taken advantage of TF-mediated reprogramming to produce cell types of biomedical relevance.
Retinal Pigment Epithelial Tear after Intravitreal Ranibizumab

Purpose To report two cases of a retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) tear after intravitreal injection of 0.05 mg ranibizumab. Design Observational case report. Methods Two patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) resulting from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were treated with an intravitreal injection of ranibizumab. Results Both patients were found to have a RPE tear on follow-up visits at one month, confirmed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and by fluorescein or indocyanine green angiography. Conclusions RPE tears may occur after intravitreal injection of ranibizumab. Further study is needed to determine whether CNV membranes associated with pigment epithelial detachments (PED) are more likely to develop RPE tears after treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents.
Improved eating behavior in eating‐disordered inpatients after treatment: Documentation in a naturalistic setting

Objective: Abnormalities of eating behavior are definitional components of eating disorders (ED), but are seldom observed directly. This study assessed abnormalities of eating behavior in ED patients before treatment and documented changes after multidisciplinary treatment. Method: Thirty-three ED patients (13 ANR, 10 ANB, 10 BN) and 10 controls selected a lunch meal in a cafeteria before and after treatment with energy intake (kilocalories) and macronutrients covertly observed. Visual analog scales (VAS) measured hunger and satiety. Results: Before treatment, all ED patient groups experienced low hunger and high fullness, compared to controls. After treatment, hunger increased and satiety decreased. ANR patients, after treatment, increased energy intake from 366 to 916.5 kcal (p <.001), while BN patients increased from 409.9 to 663 kcal (p =.03). ANB nonsignificantly increased. ANR chose significantly more fats (22. 7% to 36.2%, p =.05). Discussion: Treatment partially normalizes pre-meal hunger and satiety in ED patients and significantly improves eating behavior (total energy intake and fat content) in ANR and BN patients. Reasons for nonsignificant changes in ANB are not obvious. We recommend documentation of eating behavior by simple, inexpensive, observational methods in a naturalistic setting before and after treatment of ED patients.
LIVER GROWTH IN RATS TREATED WITH ANTERIOR PITUITARY GROWTH HORMONE

TREATMENT WITH ANTERIOR PITUITARY GROWTH HORMONE or its overproduction by the gland causes a relatively greater growth of the visceral and glandular organs than of the other body tissues (1, 2). Conversely, splanchnomicria is regularly found in pituitary dwarfism, and atrophy of the visceral organs characteristically ensues after hypophysectomy in animals (3). In rats treated with A P growth principle the liver shows a relatively greater growth response than most of the other visceral organs or the body as a whole (1, 4). The experiments reported below were undertaken to determine the histological character of this hepatic growth response to anterior pituitary treatment. The primary question was whether the cellular elements are increased in number or in size. The animals used were 54 female rats (Wistar strain), weighing between 175 and 224 gm. and 3 to 8 months of age. These were grouped into pairs or trios, the members of each pair or trio being litter mates and weighing the same within a few grams at ...
Bottom-up, top-down, and within-trophic level pressures on a cactus-feeding insect

The relative importance of host-plants and predators in the population dynamics of herbivorous insects, and the frequency and intensity of inter-specific competition among herbivores, have both been intensively studied and debated. The joint effects of bottom-up, top-down, and within-trophic level interactions, however, have rarely been integrated in a single system. 2. I studied the dynamics of the cactus bug ( Narnia pallidicornis ), a specialist feeder on tree cholla cactus ( Opuntia imbricata ), in response to variable host-plant quality, spider predation, and interactions with cactus-feeding beetles ( Moneilema appressum ). Previous work suggests that cactus reproductive effort (the proportion of meristems allocated to reproduction) is an important component of host-plant quality for Narnia. I conducted a 2-year field experiment to test the hypotheses that Narnia abundance is positively related to host-plant reproductive effort, and that interactions with predators and putative competitors alter the shape of this relationship. 3. I found strong support for the first prediction (positive Narnia - plant quality relationship) in both years, but neither predator removal nor beetle exclusion had detectable effects on this relationship in either year. I conclude that the dynamics of this insect herbivore are driven predominantly from the bottom-up, and that available data from this work and from previous studies are too variable to permit broad generalisations for the combined effects of host-plants, predation, and competition on herbivore dynamics.
Injectable Electronic Identification, Monitoring, and Stimulation Systems

Historically, electronic devices such as pacemakers and neuromuscular stimulators have been surgically implanted into animals and humans. A new class of implants made possible by advances in monolithic electronic design and implant packaging is small enough to be implanted by percutaneous injection through large-gauge hypodermic needles and does not require surgical implantation. Among these, commercially available implants, known as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, are used for livestock, pet, laboratory animal, and endangered-species identification. The RFID tag is a subminiature glass capsule containing a solenoidal coil and an integrated circuit. Acting as the implanted half of a transcutaneous magnetic link, the RFID tag is powered by and communicates with an extracorporeal magnetic reader. The tag transmits a unique identification code that serves the function of identifying the animal. Millions of RFID tags have been sold since the early 1980s. Based on the success of the RFID tags, research laboratories have developed injectable medical implants, known as micromodules. One type of micromodule, the microstimulator, is designed for use in functional-neuromuscular stimulation. Each microstimulator is uniquely addressable and could comprise one channel of a multichannel functional-neuromuscular stimulation system. Using bidirectional telemetry and commands, from a single extracorporeal transmitter, as many as 256 microstimulators could form the hardware basis for a complex functional-neuromuscular stimulation feedback-control system. Uses include stimulation of paralyzed muscle, therapeutic functional-neuromuscular stimulation, and neuromodulatory functions such as laryngeal stimulation and sleep apnea.
What's the difference? Diversity constructs as separation, variety, or disparity in organizations.

Research on organizational diversity, heterogeneity, and related concepts has proliferated in the past decade, but few consistent findings have emerged. We argue that the construct of diversity requires closer examination. We describe three distinctive types of diversity: separation, variety, and disparity. Failure to recognize the meaning, maximum shape, and assumptions underlying each type has held back theory development and yielded ambiguous research conclusions. We present guidelines for conceptualization, measurement, and theory testing, highlighting the special case of demographic diversity
Conceptual Design Methods and the Application of a Tradespace Modeling Tool for Deep Space Missions

Concept studies for deep space missions are typically time-consuming and costly, given the variety of missions and uniqueness of each design. Yet, in an increasingly cost-constrained environment, it is critical to identify the most scientifically valuable and cost-effective designs early in the design process. Modeling is an integral part in helping to identify the most desirable design option. While some spacecraft design models currently exist for Earth-orbiting spacecraft, there has been less success with deep space missions. Instead, these missions require a modified design and modeling approach to enable the same construction of a comprehensive, yet credible, mission tradespace. This paper presents an approach for efficiently constructing such a mission tradespace. In addition to a proposed design and modeling approach, three case study missions are presented including a solar orbiter, a Europa orbiter, and a near-Earth asteroid (NEA) sample return mission.
'No room for her here!' The Numerical Feminization of Public Librarianship in England, 1871-1914

This study will examine the extent to which the provisions of the Public Libraries Acts of 1850 and 1855, the overcrowding of traditional female professions and the Langham Place Circle served as the social, economic, and ideological catalysts which started the numerical feminization of English public librarianship during the long nineteenth century. It will explore how English lower-middle-class and upper-working-class women came to view public librarianship both as a socially respectable profession to enter and as a profession suitable for their sex.
Generation of 356 W peak power from all-semiconductor master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) system based on extreme chirped pulse amplification (X-CPA) concept

Based on the X-CPA concept, to authors' knowledge, we demonstrate the generation of a 356 W record peak power from all-semiconductor mode-locked MOPA system implemented with chirped fiber Bragg grating as an extreme pulse stretcher and compressor.
Sources and composition of submicron organic mass in marine aerosol particles

The sources and composition of atmospheric marine aerosol particles (aMA) have been investigated with a range of physical and chemical measurements from open-ocean research cruises. This study uses the characteristic functional group composition (from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) of aMA from five ocean regions to show the following: (i) The organic functional group composition of aMA that can be identified as mainly atmospheric primary marine (ocean derived) aerosol particles (aPMA) is 65 ± 12% hydroxyl, 21 ± 9% alkane, 6 ± 6% amine, and 7 ± 8% carboxylic acid functional groups. Contributions from photochemical reactions add carboxylic acid groups (15%–25%), shipping effluent in seawater and ship emissions add additional alkane groups (up to 70%), and coastal or continental emissions mix in alkane and carboxylic acid groups. (ii) The organic composition of aPMA is nearly identical to model-generated primary marine aerosol particles from bubbled seawater (gPMA, which has 55 ± 14% hydroxyl, 32 ± 14% alkane, and 13 ± 3% amine functional groups), indicating that its overall functional group composition is the direct consequence of the organic constituents of the seawater source. (iii) While the seawater organic functional group composition was nearly invariant across all three ocean regions studied and the ratio of organic carbon to sodium (OC/Na+) in the gPMA remained nearly constant over a broad range of chlorophyll a concentrations, the gPMA alkane group fraction appeared to increase with chlorophyll a concentrations (r = 0.66). gPMA from productive seawater had a larger fraction of alkane functional groups (42 ± 9%) compared to gPMA from nonproductive seawater (22 ± 10%), perhaps due to the presence of surfactants in productive seawater that stabilize the bubble film and lead to preferential drainage of the more soluble (lower alkane group fraction) organic components. gPMA has a hydroxyl group absorption peak location characteristic of monosaccharides and disaccharides, where the seawater organic mass hydroxyl group peak location is closer to that of polysaccharides. This may result from the larger saccharides preferentially remaining in the seawater during gPMA and aPMA production.
SNARE-mediated rapid lysosome fusion in membrane raft clustering and dysfunction of bovine coronary arterial endothelium.

The present study attempted to evaluate whether soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) mediate lysosome fusion in response to death receptor activation and ...
The Distinctiveness of the Society of Jesus

The Society of Jesus has a number of features making it distinctive among the religious orders of the Catholic Church. The ten founders all held university degrees, which meant that they established a tradition of a high regard for learning and of articulated procedures, as exemplified in the Formula instituti (the rule of the order) and in the Constitutions. The high degree of authority enjoyed by the superior general was not only itself distinctive, but it led to a distinctly international character to the Jesuit missions. Once the Society undertook the staffing and management of schools, its distinctiveness only increased and led to its having, besides its religious mission, also a cultural and a civic mission.
Scanning Photocurrent Microscopy of as-Grown Silicon Nanowire Metallurgical Junctions

During the epitaxial bottom up growth of nanowire (NW) arrays, occasional kinks in growth direction can lead to intersecting and consequently self-welded crystalline connections between NWs. In order to study these self-welded metallurgical NW junctions, a NW bridge device architecture which requires no post-growth processing was used to grow and stabilize Si NW junctions. Scanning Photocurrent Microscopy (SPCM) was used to study the optoelectronic properties of the NW junctions as well as the characteristics of the NW bridge devices. SPCM measurements show a bias dependent photocurrent (PC) response at the NW junction indicating local band bending at this location. A decay of the PC response away from the junction is also seen in the secondary NW channel ensuring an electrical connection. These junction properties may be important for ensemble NW optical devices.
Sandia National Laboratories California Pollution Prevention Program Annual Report February 2008.

The annual program report provides detailed information about all aspects of the SNL/CA Pollution Prevention Program for a given calendar year. It functions as supporting documentation to the SNL/CA Environmental Management System Program Manual. The program report describes the activities undertaken during the past year, and activities planned in future years to implement the Pollution Prevention Program, one of six programs that supports environmental management at SNL/CA.
Immunization of Birds to Plasmodium Cathemerium

Acquired immunity to malaria in susceptible species appears to have been produced only by inducing infection, either mild or severe. Et. and Ed. Sergent",2,3 induced a "relative immunity" in canaries to Plasmodium relictum by inoculation of conserved (12 to 48 hours) sporozoites. Presumably their procedure produced immunity as a result of mild or subpatent infections. The ordinary acute initial attack of malaria can be reduced in severity by attenuation of the inoculum4 or by the use of antimalarial drugs. The immunity acquired as a result of a mild infection is as effective as that following a severe infection, according to Lourie.5 Schilling's6 report of immunity (without infection) to P. vivax in man following repeated and increasing "subinfective" doses of schizonts and sporozoites requires confirmation. There seems to be no report of active immunity to malaria having been produced by the use of killed parasites, except that of Redmond.' Lotze8 was unable to "transfer passive immunity" by the injection of killed parasites into canaries. The work of Eaton and Coggeshall9 on immunization of monkeys to P. knowlesi is particularly interesting. These authors found complement fixing antibodies but no agglutinins a d no immunity to infection as a result of immunization with parasites killed by formalin, heat, desiccation and freezing and thawing. Following immunization with parasites killed with immune rabbit serum they found neither antibodies nor immunity. The experiments described below were designed to determine whether intravenous injection of killed parasites in quantities equivalent to, and in a period of time similar to, those of the acute initial infection of P. cathemerium would induce an effective active immun ty. In other words, an attempt was made to determine whether an ef-
A Polyhedral Study of the Integrated Minimum-Up/-Down Time and Ramping Polytope

In this paper, we study the polyhedral structure of an integrated minimum-up/-down time and ramping polytope, which has broad applications in variant industries. The polytope we studied includes minimum-up/-down time, generation ramp-up/-down rate, logical, and generation upper/lower bound constraints. By exploring its specialized structures, we derive strong valid inequalities and explore a new proof technique to prove these inequalities are sufficient to provide convex hull descriptions for variant two-period and three-period polytopes, under different parameter settings. For multi-period cases, we derive generalized strong valid inequalities (including one, two, and three continuous variables, respectively) and further prove that these inequalities are facet-defining under mild conditions. Moreover, we discover efficient polynomial time separation algorithms for these inequalities to improve the computational efficiency. Finally, extensive computational experiments are conducted to verify the effectiveness of our proposed strong valid inequalities by testing the applications of these inequalities to solve both self-scheduling and network-constrained unit commitment problems, for which our derived approach outperforms the default CPLEX significantly.
The first discovery of O∶3 serotype Yersinia enterocolitica in Aohan Banner of Inner Mongolia

Objective To understand the status of mice,livestock and poultry carrying Yersinia enterocolitica in Aohan Banner and provide evidences for the prevention and control work. Methods Samples were collected,such as animal faces and organs,to isolate,culture,identify and type the Yersinia enterocolitica strains. PCR was conducted to detect the toxicity genes of Yersinia enterocolitica. Results A total of 381 samples were detected from 2011 to 2012 and we checked out 7 strains of Yersinia enterocolitica. 7 strains of Yersinia enterocolitica were identified as biotype 1A and 2 in 2011. Two strains of biological type 3 were O∶ 3 serotype,with ail,ystA,yadA,virF and rfbc toxicity genes. Conclusion The pig was the major carrier of Yersinia enterocolitica with toxicity genes in Aohan Banner. It is necessary to conduct targeted prevention and control of Yersinia enterocolitica.
What can be learned from cordocentesis

Cordocentesis is a well-accepted procedure that is widely practiced by experienced perinatologists. Its facile and safe access to the fetal circulation has broadened the spectrum of congenital disorders diagnosed prenatally. Some fetal disease states can now be identified and treated earlier, directly, more quickly, and more effectively than before, resulting in improved patient care. Although cordocentesis has been embraced by the perinatal community, it is, by definition, a technique of obtaining a fetal blood sample. A prerequisite for the procedure to exert its full impact on perinatal care is a highly capable clinical laboratory. The facility must be aware of the commonly requested fetal serologic, hematologic, and serum chemistry studies, as well as their normal values. Efforts must be made to perform fetal blood studies rapidly and reliably on small specimens. Laboratory personnel should be familiar with the indications and pitfalls of these tests and those that are best referred to a specialty laboratory. A general understanding of the perinatologist's needs and concerns will lead to a cooperative working relationship between clinician and laboratory. In this manner, we will truly discover what can be learned from cordocentesis.
Gs and adenylyl cyclase in transverse tubules of heart: implications for cAMP-dependent signaling

The transverse tubules are highly specialized invaginations of the cardiac sarcolemmal membrane involved in excitation-contraction (EC) coupling. Several proteins directly involved in EC coupling h...
Security Rule Checking in IC Design

The Design Security Rule Check (DSeRC) framework is a first step toward automating the analysis of integrated circuit design vulnerabilities. By mathematically modeling vulnerabilities at each abstraction level and associating them with metrics and rules, DSeRC aims to help designers quantitatively assess potential problems early on, improving security and reducing design costs.
Determination of Sub Synchronous Control Interaction between Wind Turbines and Series Compensated Transmission Lines

In this paper, a modified frequency impedance scanning tool is developed to scan wind turbine side impedance at various frequencies. Voltage harmonic injection technique by retaining the fundamental frequency is used to determine the impedances at any given subsynchronous frequencies. Additionally, the tool is designed to incorporate the entire frequency range of interest in a single simulation rather than the traditional multi-run or looped frequency scanning techniques. The principle of frequency scanning analysis is used to determine the risk of sub-synchronous control interaction (SSCI) before an interconnection of wind farm. The tool measures the impedance of non-linear models containing power electronic devices (such as wind turbines) at sub-synchronous frequencies (SSF). The tool is validated with a passive RLC circuit at a known resonance frequency in PSCAD and also for non-linear systems consisting of representative Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) wind turbine model and a designed SSCI test grid. The tool developed is used to determine the behavior of a representative DFIG wind turbine at sub-synchronous frequencies and its susceptibility to SSCI events under various operating conditions. Sensitivity of various wind parameters at wind farm level on the impedance exhibited by the wind generation plant is studied.
Active Probes for Millimeter-Wave On-Wafer Measurements

Significant advances in millimeter-wave devices and integrated circuits have been achieved over the past several years, yet the majority of measurements reported have been extrapolated from DC-65 GHz data, relying only on linear projections to predict the EHF performance of these devices and circuits. The only solution to this problem is to develop measuring instruments with greater bandwidths. Recently, we developed a 1.6 psec pulser, and a 300 GHz MMIC sampler and directional bridge. These components were assembled in a microwave package and S-parameter measurements were made to the 60 GHz limit of the V-connector used. In order to increase the frequency range of our measurement system to 300 GHz, the parasitics due to the connection between the MMIC samplers and the device under test must be eliminated by integrating the probe contact tip with the GaAs MMIC multipliers, samplers, bridges, and IF amplifiers. This requires a probe tip that is itself fabricated in GaAs. As a first goal, we have developed a through-line GaAs probe, with no integrated circuit components, which will allow repeatable measurement at microwave frequencies up to 50 GHz. Since GaAs cannot be flexed, it was necessary to develop a parallelogram flexure probe so that a controlled normal force could be applied to a micromachined GaAs tip. This tip had a CPW pitch of 40 microns to minimize radiation at millimeter frequencies and was anisotropically etched to allow the user to see the exact contact location of the tip to the device under test.
Oscillatory magnetic anisotropy and spin-reorientation induced by heavy-metal cap in Cu/FeCo/M (M =Hf or Ta): A first-principles study

Using ab initio electronic structure calculations we have investigated the effect of the thickness of a heavy-metal (HM) cap on the magnetic anisotropy of the $\mathrm{Cu}/\mathrm{FeCo}/\mathrm{HM}(n)$ thin film where HM = Hf and Ta with thicknesses of $n=0\text{--}10$ monolayers (MLs). We find that the Hf cap results in a large perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA), which exhibits quasiperiodic oscillation with a period of two MLs. In contrast, the Ta-capped heterostructure exhibits a spin reorientation from out-of-plane to in-plane magnetization orientation at two MLs of Ta. Moreover, the MA remains negative and depends weakly on the Ta-cap thickness beyond the critical thickness. The underlying mechanism of the PMA oscillation is the periodic change in spin-flip spin-orbit coupling between the minority-spin Fe $d(xz,yz)$ and majority Fe $d({z}^{2})$ at $\overline{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}}$, which is induced by the hybridization with Hf at the FeCo/Hf interface. Our results help resolve the contradictory experiments regarding the role of the FeCo/Ta interface on the PMA of the MgO/FeCo/Ta junction. The calculations reveal that the ferromagnet/Hf is promising for spintronic applications and that the capping material and thickness are additional parameters for optimizing the functional properties of spintronic devices.
Control of Skeletal Muscle Cell Growth and Size Through Adhesion GPCRs

Skeletal muscle homeostasis is regulated by a constant influx of chemicals and exposure to mechanical stimuli. A number of key signaling pathways that translate these stimuli into changes in muscle physiology have been established. The GPCR family known as adhesion GPCRs (aGPCRs) has largely elusive roles in skeletal muscle biology; however, their unique capacity to activate adhesion and G protein signaling pathways makes them an attractive point of investigation. The skeletal muscle myofiber contains a highly organized cytoarchitecture to ensure contractile function. This requires intricate interactions with components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding each fiber. aGPCRs possess extended N-termini known to interact with ECM proteins and complexes suggesting a compatible role in skeletal muscle biology. Furthermore, recent work demonstrated the involvement of certain aGPCRs in whole muscle hypertrophy and differentiation of muscle progenitor cells. Signaling pathways downstream of aGPCRs are still incompletely understood; however, initial findings show involvement of the Gα12/13 subunit signaling to the pro-anabolic Akt/mTOR pathway. Together, this chapter will review the emerging role of aGPCRs in skeletal muscle biology and putative mechanism(s) employed to regulate skeletal muscle growth.
Molecular Testing in Gynecologic Cancer

Abstract Female genital tract cancer is diverse in histomorphology and clinical behavior. As research uncovers the molecular underpinnings of gynecologic tumors, a few molecular tests have been widely adopted for diagnostic classification. The discovery of Human Papilloma Virus as the cause of nearly all uterine cervical cancer has revolutionized screening and diagnosis of this devastating disease. Imprinting and ploidy now allow for more accurate classification of gestational trophoblastic disease. A single point mutation and several cytogenetic rearrangements help to define adult granulosa cell tumor and endometrial stromal sarcoma, respectively. Germline mismatch repair protein defects are now known to predispose some women to endometrial cancer, a concept that can be used to prevent additional Lynch syndrome associated cancers in affected women and their families. This chapter describes key molecular tests in gynecologic cancer, giving a glimpse into the promising future for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancers of women.
Primitive Hematopoietic Cells Resist HIV-1 Infection Via P21Waf1/Cip1/Sdi1.

Abstract Hematopoietic stem cells are resistant to HIV-1 infection. We have identified a novel mechanism by which the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, p21Waf1/Cip1/Sdi1 (p21), known for its regulation of stem cell pool size ( 1 , 2 ), restricts HIV-1 infection of primitive hematopoietic cells in a non-cell cycle dependent manner. Knocking down p21 by siRNA increased HIV-1 infection and induction of p21 expression by phorbol ester (TPA) blocked HIV-1 replication. P21 did not affect the overall levels of cDNA synthesis, but significantly blocked viral integration and resulted in marked increase in 2-LTR circles, a surrogate marker of abortive integration. Consistent with these observations, p21 coimmunoprecipitated with viral integrase and both were detected in the preintegration complex (PIC). Furthermore, silencing p27Kip1 and p18INK4C, cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors related to p21 that affect cell cycle, revealed no impact on viral DNA integration. A closely related dual-tropic lentivirus with a distinct integrase, SIVmac-251 and the other cell-intrinsic inhibitors of HIV-1, Trim5a, PML, Murr1, and IFN-a were unaffected by p21. These results indicate a new function for p21, participating in prevention of HIV integration into the cellular genome. Therefore p21 is an endogenous cellular component in stem cells that provides a unique molecular barrier to HIV-1 infection and may explain the basis for these cells being an uninfected ‘sanctuary' in HIV disease.
Preconception Counseling for Women With Cardiac Disease

All providers who care for reproductive-aged women with cardiac disease should assess these patients’ desires and plans for pregnancy at every encounter. For those considering pregnancy, preconception counseling, often performed by a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, can help patients understand the potential implications of pregnancy on their health and estimate the risks of an adverse cardiac event prior to conceiving. There are cardiac conditions, such as pulmonary hypertension and aortic stenosis, in which pregnancy may be contraindicated given the high morbidity and mortality; there are tools available to help quantify a patient’s risk. Furthermore, some cardiac lesions may be inherited, which may warrant parental testing or a discussion of strategies to reduce the risk of an affected child, such as the use of assisted reproductive technologies. Preconception counseling is also important to identify other maternal risk factors, such as obesity, hypertension, and tobacco use, which are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and develop a strategy to mitigate their potential risks, ideally before pregnancy. For women on medications for their heart disease or other comorbidities, a thorough review of these medications can potentially avoid an exposure to a teratogen during conception and pregnancy. Once pregnant, a patient’s obstetrical provider and cardiologist should work together to outline a plan to monitor a patient’s cardiac status as the normal physiologic changes of pregnancy, such as increased blood volume and cardiac output, may challenge a patient’s functional status and increase the risk for an adverse outcome. Labor and delivery planning are essential to ensure patients with cardiac disease deliver at the appropriate hospital, equipped with the staff and resources to care for women with complex conditions. In summary, preconception counseling aims to stratify a patient’s risk in pregnancy, inform patients of possible complications, and discuss strategies to best ensure a healthy mother and baby during pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
Effects of a Community-Based Exercise Program on Older Adults’ Physical Function, Activities of Daily Living, and Exercise Self-Efficacy: Feeling Fit Club:

Community-based exercise programs have demonstrated feasibility, yet many lack controlled studies examining their efficacy. This study examined the efficacy of a community-based exercise program, using a controlled design. Participants (N = 262, Mage = 74.0 years, SD = 8.4) were women (77%) and men recruited from senior centers served by the county Area Agency on Aging. Intervention participants (n = 133) were newly enrolled in classes. Controls (n = 129) were recruited from matched sites not offering classes. Validated measures of physical function, exercise self-efficacy, balance, and activities of daily living (ADL) confidence were administered at baseline and 3 months. Significant improvements in upper and lower body strength, aerobic endurance, mobility, exercise self-efficacy, and balance were found in the exercisers but not controls. No changes in ADL confidence occurred in exercisers, while significant decreases occurred in controls. Findings support the efficacy of the county-wide program. Building an evidence base for community-delivered programs should provide impetus for increased dissemination through state and national agencies thereby increasing program impact.
Pericentromeric regions of homozygosity on the X chromosome: Another likely benign population variant.

Abstract Purpose While chromosomal regions of homozygosity (ROH) may implicate genes in known recessive disorders, their correlation to disease pathogenicity remains unclear. ROH around the centromere of the X chromosome (pericentromeric, pROH) is regarded as benign, although this has not been empirically demonstrated. Methods We examined microarray results from 122 female individuals harboring ROH bordering the X centromere. Results Consecutive ROH was most frequently observed for regions Xp11.23 to Xp11.21 and Xq11.1 to Xq12, with an average total size of 16.5 Mb. X chromosome pROH was unlikely related to phenotype in 41% (50/122) of cases due to other explanations: likely pathogenic deletion/duplication (17%, 21/122), apparently unaffected female (7%, 8/122), other clinical explanation (7%, 9/122), or consanguinity (10%, 12/122). Of the remaining cases with pROH as the only finding, four genes were associated with recessive disorders that overlapped one or more clinical features reported in our probands (KDM5C, FGD1, ZC4H2, and LAS1L). X chromosome pROH observed in our cohort overlapped with previously reported regions. Conclusions pROH on the X chromosome are commonly observed in both affected individuals with alternate causes of disease as well as in unaffected individuals, suggesting that X chromosome pROH has no clinically significant effect on phenotype.
Eosinophil and airway nerve interactions in asthma

Airway eosinophils are increased in asthma and are especially abundant around airway nerves. Nerves control bronchoconstiction and in asthma, airway hyperreactivity (where airways contract excessively to inhaled stimuli) develops when eosinophils alter both parasympathetic and sensory nerve function. Eosinophils release major basic protein, which is an antagonist of inhibitory M2 muscarinic receptors on parasympathetic nerves. Loss of M2 receptor inhibition potentiates parasympathetic nerve-mediated bronchoconstriction. Eosinophils also increase sensory nerve responsiveness by lowering neurons’ activation threshold, stimulating nerve growth, and altering neuropeptide expression. Since sensory nerves activate parasympathetic nerves via a central neuronal reflex, eosinophils’ effects on both sensory and parasympathetic nerves potentiate bronchoconstriction. This review explores recent insights into mechanisms and effects of eosinophil and airway nerve interactions in asthma.
Actor-Oriented Database Systems

We present the vision of an actor-oriented database. Its goal is to integrate database abstractions into an actor-oriented programming language for interactive, stateful, scalable, distributed applications that use cloud storage.
Respiratory Tract Deposition and Distribution Pattern of Microparticles in Mice Using Different Pulmonary Delivery Techniques.

Pulmonary delivery of drugs and vaccines is an established route of administration, with particulate-based carriers becoming an attractive strategy to enhance the benefits of pulmonary therapeutic delivery. Despite the increasing number of publications using the pulmonary route of delivery, the lack of effective and uniform administration techniques in preclinical models generally results in poor translational success. In this study, we used the IVIS Spectrum small-animal in vivo imaging system to compare the respiratory tract deposition and distribution pattern of a microsphere suspension (5 µm) in mice after 1, 4, and 24 h when delivered by oropharyngeal aspiration, the Microsprayer® Aerosolizer, and the BioLite Intubation System, three-widely reported preclinical inhalation techniques. We saw no significant differences in microsphere deposition in whole body images and excised lungs (at 1, 4, and 24 h); however, the three-dimensional (3D) images showed more localized deposition in the lungs with the MicroSprayer® and BioLite delivery techniques. Further, oropharyngeal aspiration (at 1 h) showed microsphere deposition in the oral cavity, in contrast to the MicroSprayer® and BioLite systems. The studies shown here will allow researchers to choose the appropriate pulmonary delivery method in animal models based on their study requirements.
On using a normal approximation for the noncentral t-distribution in determining upper limits for future sample relative repeatability and reproducibility standard deviations.

Formulas, based on a normal approximation for the noncentral t-distribution, were developed to compute 100p% one-tailed upper limits for future sample relative repeatability and relative reproducibility standard deviations (RSD r ,% and RSD R ,%) collaboratively obtained under a completely randomized model. The accuracy of the formulas for obtaining a one-tailed upper limit for the future sample RSD r ,% was assessed by comparing the computed noncentral t-distribution-based upper limits with the one-tailed upper limits based on a normal approximation for the noncentral t-distribution. The accuracy of the normal approximation formula for obtaining a one-tailed upper limit for a future sample RSD R ,% was assessed by comparing the formula-based one-tailed upper limits with those obtained in a Monte Carlo simulation study.
Cognitive Radio Ontology

In order to standardize the ontology-based approach to cognitive radio, a standard Cognitive Radio Ontology is needed. Towards this goal, we participated in the work of the Wireless Innovation Forum—the MLM (Modeling Language for Mobility) Work Group, whose goal was to come up with a standardized way of representing signaling among cognitive radios. With the help from the MLM WG, we developed a base ontology and submitted it as a contribution to the Forum. The CRO has been approved by the Wireless Innovation Forum as its recommendation (Li and Kokar 2010). It is expected that the CRO will provide opportunities for development of interoperable radios by independent vendors and lead to specifications/standards for data exchange to support the next generation capabilities.