cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The crosslinking of skin collagen in annual fish

Abstract Annual fish were examined as a model for connective tissue aging studies. The investigations were hampered by difficulties in husbandry and the small amount of connective tissue available from these fish. Furthermore our results with different species varied. The levels of reducible croslinks in collagen in the skin of Nothobranchius guentheri did not decrease over a span of 63 weeks. This is in contrast to our results in various mammalian tissues where the levels of reducible crosslinks decreased during maturation and then remained constant throughout the lifespan. On the other hand there were decreases in the reducible crosslink content of Aphyosemion sjoestedti collagen during a period of rapid growth. This species difference is the only example of a lack of correlation between high levels of reducible crosslinks and continued body growth. The species Pterolebias longipinnis did not reveal mortality or physical changes that would classify it as an annual fish in captivity, and this species was not useful in the present studies. Subpopulation differences, species differences and the variable developmental arrest times of fertilized ova are possible contributory factors for the results observed here. These factors must be more fully explored before annual fish can be established as models for certain aging studies.
Understanding Mercury Transformations in Coal-Fired Power Plants: Evaluation of Homogeneous Hg Oxidation Mechanisms

Homogeneous mercury oxidation mechanisms described by Niksa and Qiu, and three theoretical mercury oxidation reaction rate constants developed by Wilcox were evaluated for their predictions of the extent of mercury oxidation under coal combustion conditions. Predictions were compared to results from bench-scale experiments to determine whether such models were suitable for predicting measured levels of homogeneous mercury oxidation. Experiments considered different flue gas compositions (O2, Cl, NO, and SO2) and quench rates to provide a broad range of conditions for analysis. Regardless of the mechanism chosen, most mercury oxidation was predicted to occur at temperatures below 900 K. The Niksa mechanism predicted Hg oxidation to occur only in systems that were close to isothermal at temperatures above 900 K followed by a rapid gas quench. This mechanism provided the best agreement with the experimental data of Sliger. The Qiu mechanism predicted Hg oxidation in several experimental systems and condition...
On bounds for a board covering problem

On montre que k, le nombre minimal de reines couvrant entierement l'echiquier (n×n) est tel que [1/2n]≤k≤[2/3n]+2
Ileal perforation due to arteriovenous malformation in a premature infant

Gastrointestinal arteriovenous malformations (AVM) in children are most commonly associated with bleeding. Although not previously reported, we present a case of an AVM associated with intestinal perforation in a premature infant.
HR practices or HR capabilities: which matters? Insights from the Asia Pacific region:

In the human resource management literature there is an ongoing debate about which is the key organizational resource: human resource (HR) practices or HR capabilities. Our study attempts to address this debate by examining which resource HR executives in the Asia-Pacific region find to be important for the future organizational and people needs of their firms. Results indicate that HR capabilities are central to organizations. Development of core competencies, agile organizations, and effective management of human resources will be pivotal to responding effectively to future business needs. Results also indicate that the lingering effects of the Asian financial crisis and competition from local and global competitors will affect organizational and people management in the years to come. These findings inform HR practitioners and shed light on the application of the resource-based view of the firm to the study of human resource management.
Dealing with the financial burden of cancer: perspectives of older breast cancer survivors

Purpose Financial burden among cancer survivors is often overlooked in survivorship care planning. Cancer survivors with limited incomes may be particularly affected. Yet, little data are available to address financial issues among them. Eliciting the survivors’ perspectives on how to deal with this financial burden is a first crucial step to identifying the means to provide this supportive care.
An optical temperature sensing system based on encapsulation of a dye molecule in organosilica sol–gels

Abstract The design of an optical sensor system for detecting ambient temperature is reported. The sensor element comprises of a dye molecule encapsulated in a stable organosilica sol–gel matrix that exhibits changes in its color when subjected to temperature changes. These temperature-dependent changes in optical properties of the encapsulated dye are utilized to translate a thermal signal to an optical output for use as a simple optical temperature sensor. The response of the system is reversible with respect to variations in temperature. The results show that system may be used as a simple, easy-to-use, cost-effective temperature sensing device which may find potential utility in several specialized areas such as designs of embedded fiber optics sensors in civil infrastructures, sensors for underwater and marine environments as well as common uses related to display and alert systems for visual estimation of temperature.
Asynchronous design for precision-scaleable energy-efficient LDPC decoder

This paper presents a low-density parity-check (LDPC) decoder design that uses scalable-precision calculation (SPC) and asynchronous circuit techniques to reduce power consumption. The decoder configures the computation precision to minimize circuit-level switching necessary for given target biterror rate (FER). The asynchronous circuit approach guarantees the completion of each compute-and-forward phase at necessary voltage levels. The voltage level is scheduled to ensure completion of minimum necessary decoding iterations. The proposed scheme is studied for the specific application of IEEE 802.16e to reduce the power consumption at a given target FER. The proposed design is evaluated on Nangate 45nm library. The results show that the proposed asynchronous design results in 51% reduction in terms of power consumption compared with full-precision decoding mode.
A uniformization theorem for complete Kähler manifolds with positive holomorphic bisectional curvature

In the theory of complex geometry, one of the famous problems is the following conjecture of Greene and Wu [13] and Yau [33]: Suppose M is a complete noncompact Kahler manifold with positive holomorphic bisectional curvature; then M is biholomorphic to ℂn. In this paper we use the Ricci flow evolution equation to study this conjecture and prove the result that if M has bounded and positive curvature such that the L’ norm of the curvature on geodesic ball is small enough, then the conjecture is true. Our result gives an improvement on the results of Mok et al. [21] and Mok [22].
Distributed information storage and retrieval in 3-d sensor networks with general topologies

Distributed in-network data-centric processing aims to reduce energy consumed for communication and establish a self-contained data storage, retrieval, aggregation, and query sensor system that focuses more on the data itself rather than the identities of the individual network nodes. Double-ruling-based schemes support efficient in-network data-centric information storage and retrieval, especially for aggregated data, since all data with different types generated in a network can be conveniently retrieved along any single retrieval curve. Previous double-ruling-based research focuses on two-dimensional (2-D) wireless sensor networks where a 2-D planar setting is assumed. With increasing interests in deploying wireless sensors in three-dimensional (3-D) space for various applications, it is urgent yet fundamentally challenging to design double-ruling-based approach in general 3-D sensor networks because double-ruling-based schemes in general have much harder geometric constraints than other distributed in-network data-centric processing schemes. In this research, we propose a geographic location-free double-ruling-based approach for general 3-D sensor networks with possibly complicated topology and geometric shapes. Without the knowledge of the geographic location and the distance bound, a query simply travels along a simple curve with the guaranteed success to retrieve aggregated data through time and space with one or different types across the network. Extensive simulations and comparisons show the proposed scheme with low cost and a balanced traffic load.
Improved, implicit radiation hydrodynamics

Abstract Improvements to the two-dimensional radiation hydrodynamics method previously reported by Sandford and Anderson consist of an implicit, near-Lagrangian hydrodynamics scheme and grey, implicit and nongrey, explicit Sn methods for radiation transfer. This paper presents as a test problem the radiative-hydrodynamic evolution of two coaxial hot bubbles in the terrestrial atmosphere. The nongrey Monte Carlo and nongrey Sn methods produce very similar radiative evolution. The calculations show that the lower bubble's material is entrained by the ring vortex flow inside the top bubble, where mixing occurs.
CRANIOFACIAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN CEBOCEPHALIA.

Abstract A patient with cebocephalia, a rare developmental anomaly characterized by hypoplasia of portions of the rhinencephalon, absence of the nose, and microphthalmia, was studied longitudinally from the ages of 3 to 8 years. Over-all development, as indicated by height, weight, skeletal and dental ages, and dimensions of the face and cranium, was retarded. There were no chromosomal abnormalities or frank endocrinopathies. Routine laboratory tests were negative. Serial head films demonstrated that growth of the upper face was deficient. No growth of the empty orbits was detectable during the 5 year study period, although the orbits were larger than infant orbit dimensions. Despite the growth failure of the upper face, mandibular growth was in a normal downward and forward pattern. These findings are discussed in the light of current theories of craniofacial growth.
Progression of rat mammary development with age and its relationship to carcinogenesis by a chemical carcinogen

The progression of mammary gland development in Sprague-Dawley rats between 5 and 440 days of age was studied. Tumorigenesis of the mammary gland after administration of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) was also investigated during different prepubertal and postpubertal stages. The mammary gland starts as a single primary duct on day 5 and with age branches and grows into a complete gland. The growth of the gland was observed to start from the nipple area and progress into the empty fat pad. This growth was in the form of club-shaped end-buds which, after the onset of puberty, became gradually transformed into alveolar buds. [3H]-thy-midine labelling index (LI.) was high (19%) in prepubertal glands, but it eventually declined to 8% at 60-65 days. The postpubertal gland at the age of 150 days was determined to be practically mitotically static, but at 440 days, there was another increase in LI. There was a direct relationship between mammary tumorigenesis by DMBA and LI. in the mammary gland at the time of treatment with the carcinogen. Up to 55 days of age, tumorigenesis was 90-100%, and LI. was also high during this period. The carcinogen was practically ineffective at 150 days, when the mammary gland was non-proliferative. Though the total tumor induction was high in the prepubertal rats, the majority of the tumors (up to 84%) were benign fibro-adenomas, while almost all the tumors in postpubertal rats were adenocarcinomas. Thus, a relationship was observed between the presence of ovarian hormones and the induction of malignant tumors. It was concluded that cell proliferation index at the time of carcinogen treatment is important for tumor induction, but whether or not the tumor is malignant is determined by the presence or absence of ovarian hormones.
Effect of antidiuretic hormone and theophylline on cyclic AMP in renal medulla of newborn and adult rabbits and dogs

Abstract 1. Cyclic AMP concentration was measured in renal medullary slices of newborn and adult rabbits and dogs. 2. Cyclic AMP concentration increased in response to ADH and this effect was potentiated by theophylline. 3. No age related differences in responsiveness were seen in rabbit kidney. 4. Newborn dog medulla was less responsive to ADH than adult but this effect was minimized when tissue cyclic AMP concentration was factored by tissue protein rather than slice weight. 5. Immaturity of the cyclic AMP response to ADH is probably not an important factor in the decreased concentrating capacity in the newborn.
Swelling of 58Ni+ and 3He+ ion-irradiated Nb and Nb alloys☆

Abstract The swelling of ion-irradiated Nb alloys has been studied experimentally by transmission electron microscopy. Binary alloys containing 0.01–0.4 a/o 0, 2.3 a/o Ti, Ni, Mo or Fe, and a ternary alloy containing 2.5 a/o Mo and 2.5 a/o Hf, have been examined. The swelling during 3.0-MeV 58Ni+ ion irradiation results from void formation; the swelling produced during simultaneous 3.0-MeV 58Ni+ and 0.87-MeV 3He+ ion irradiation results from cavity formation. The experimental results are interpreted to show that the void or cavity volume fraction is significantly reduced by Ti or Mo additions to Nb but is not influenced by Ni or Fe additions.
Mutagenicity of Poultry Chiller Water Treated with either Chlorine Dioxide or Chlorine

U.S. Department of Agriculture regulation of poultry processing requires the eviscerated warm carcasses to be quickly chilled to ensure microbiological safety and wholesomeness of the products. This is achieved by immersing carcasses in icy water for about 1 h. In addition, chlorine is widely used to control the microbial population in poultry chiller water (PCW), and until 1996 it was the only approved disinfectant. Recently, chlorine dixoide has also been approved the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a disinfectant in PCW. Its potential mutagenicity was investigated using the Ames mutagenesis assay with Salmonella typhimurium strain TA 100 without S-9 mix, the protocol formerly demonstrated to be senstive to chlorine-treated PCW. Chlorine dioxide was found to impart negligible mutagenicity to PCW when tested at 4 times the level required for disinfection. Keywords: Poultry chiller water; chlorine dioxide; chlorine; hypochlorite; Ames mutagenicity; mutagens; mic...
Effects of meteorological conditions on spore plumes.

Fungal spores are an ever-present component of the atmosphere, and have long been known to trigger asthma and hay fever symptoms in sensitive individuals. The atmosphere around Tulsa has been monitored for airborne spores and pollen with Burkard spore traps at several sampling stations. This study involved the examination of the hourly spore concentrations on days that had average daily concentrations near 50,000 spores/m3 or greater. Hourly concentrations of Cladosporium, Alternaria, Epicoccum, Curvularia, Pithomyces, Drechslera, smut spores, ascospores, basidiospores, other, and total spores were determined on 4 days at three sites and then correlated with hourly meteorological data including temperature, rainfall, wind speed, dew point, air pressure, and wind direction. On each of these days there was a spore plume, a phenomenon in which spore concentrations increased dramatically over a very short period of time. Spore plumes generally occurred near midday, and concentrations were seen to increase from lows around 20,000 total spores/m3 to highs over 170,000 total spores/m3 in 2 h. Multiple regression analysis of the data indicated that increases in temperature, dew point, and air pressure correlated with the increase in spore concentrations, but no single weather variable predicted the appearance of a spore plume. The proper combination of changes in these meteorological parameters that result in a spore plume may be due to the changing weather conditions associated with thunderstorms, as on 3 of the 4 days when spore plumes occurred there were thunderstorms later that evening. The occurrence of spore plumes may have clinical significance, because other studies have shown that sensitization to certain spore types can occur during exposure to high spore concentrations.
Cerebral blood flow differences between long-term meditators and non-meditators

We have studied a number of long-term meditators in previous studies. The purpose of this study was to determine if there are differences in baseline brain function of experienced meditators compared to non-meditators. All subjects were recruited as part of an ongoing study of different meditation practices. We evaluated 12 advanced meditators and 14 non-meditators with cerebral blood flow (CBF) SPECT imaging at rest. Images were analyzed with both region of interest and statistical parametric mapping. The CBF of long-term meditators was significantly higher (p < .05) compared to non-meditators in the prefrontal cortex, parietal cortex, thalamus, putamen, caudate, and midbrain. There was also a significant difference in the thalamic laterality with long-term meditators having greater asymmetry. The observed changes associated with long-term meditation appear in structures that underlie the attention network and also those that relate to emotion and autonomic function.
Measurement of magnetic fluctuation induced energy transport in a tokamak.

Magnetic fluctuation induced electron energy transport is measured in the Continuous Current Tokamak [R. J. Taylor {ital et} {ital al}., Phys. Rev. Lett. {bold 63}, 2365 (1989)] at 0.75{lt}{ital r}/{ital a}{lt}1 for fluctuations with 0{lt}{ital f}{lt}150 kHz. The flux, produced by electrons traveling parallel to a fluctuating magnetic field, is obtained from the correlation between the fluctuations in the parallel heat flux and the radial magnetic field. It was found that the magnetic fluctuations do not contribute to the total energy transport except in the vicinity of the {ital q}=2 magnetic surface in the presence of large amplitude Mirnov oscillation. {copyright} {ital 1995} {ital The} {ital American} {ital Physical} {ital Society}.
APpEaLINg therapeutic target for obesity cardiomyopathy

Obesity-associated co-morbidities include insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease (e.g., atherosclerosis, stroke, myocardial infarction, and heart failure) [1]. Cardiovascular disease is undoubtedly a major cause of death in metabolic disease patients, such as obese subjects [2]. In addition to ischemic heart disease, the state of obesity impairs both the form and function of the myocardium [3,4]. This condition, termed obesity cardiomyopathy, is often characterized by cardiac hypertrophy and impaired contractility (independent of adverse ischemic events) [5,6]. Determining the mechanisms contributing to this non-ischemic heart disease has proven elusive, due to the vast number of neurohumoral alterations in the obesity milieu. These include, but are not exclusive to, dyslipidemia and nutrient excess, chronic over-activation of sympathetic tone and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), as well as imbalances in paracrine and endocrine factors (e.g., insulin and leptin) [6,7]. At the molecular level, the heart often presents increased reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, elevated lipotoxic species (e.g., ceramide), altered gene and microRNA expression, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, autophagy, disrupted calcium homeostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and marked perturbations in metabolic fluxes [1]. The imbalance between nutrient supply, utilization, and clearance that is commonly observed during obesity can lead to death of cells (including cardiomyocytes) [8]. If not corrected, these events can ultimately culminate in the development of dilated cardiomyopathy.
Towards a better life for all in a world of cities

Abstract In May 1987 the World Association of the Major Metropolises held a round table (Metropolis 87) on the theme of “For a better life for all in the metropoles”. This article, which was presented at Metropolis 87, examines the challenge inherent in the expression “for all”. This expression has enormous quantitative and qualitative implications and calls for determined political will and a sense of solidarity.
Model Development and Statistical Investigation of Turbine Blade Mistuning

This paper discusses the development of an efficient algorithm which calculates the individual blade response of a bladed turbine disk, the subsequent statistical investigation to establish mistuning dependencies, and procedures which reduce the increase in blade amplitudes caused by mistuning.
The euro versus the dollar: will there be a struggle for dominance?

Abstract The international role of a national currency has many dimensions. In domains such as foreign-exchange trading, single-currency dominance can be expected, and there is no evidence that the euro is displacing the dollar. In domains such an portfolio management, diversification can be expected, and the advent of the euro is having discernable effects. In still other domains, such as reserve management, outcomes depend on these two tendencies jointly; the currency-composition of reserved depends on the roles of various currencies in foreign-exchange trading but also depends on the forces governing other forms of portfolio management. Thus far, however, the reserve role of the euro has not much exceeded that of the deutsche mark. The paper predicts a growing role for the euro in the monetary and currency regimes of countries that will soon join the EU but finds no reason to believe that the euro will displace the dollar as the main international currency.
Relational Self-Construal: Past and Future

Relational self-construal is characterized as the extent to which a person defines the self in terms of close relationships. In this article, I distinguish relational self-construal from collectiveinterdependent self-construal and from other similar-sounding constructs. I review the history of the concept of relational self-construal and how it is most frequently measured or manipulated. The remainder of the article focuses on research that examines the role of relational self-construal in cognition, affect, motivation, and close interpersonal relationships. Relational Self-Construal: Past and Future ‘I am outspoken, usually cheerful, sometimes cranky, critical; I like jazz and swimming; and I am planning a career in politics’. (Ashley, age 22) ‘I am outgoing, smart, a good daughter, a good girlfriend, a Catholic, an American, a Democrat’. (Anne, age 23) These two statements are drawn from students’ responses to the question ‘Who am I?’ The first young woman describes herself primarily in terms of personality characteristics, preferences, and goals. In contrast, the second young woman includes many more descriptors that refer to relationships and group memberships. What difference does it make if one person conceptualizes herself in terms of close relationships, whereas another thinks of herself in terms of her personality, goals, and interests? That has been the central question in research on the relational self-construal, which is conceptualized as the extent to which a person defines the self in terms of close relationships (Cross, Bacon, & Morris, 2000). This article reviews the current status of this work, differentiates it from other similar constructs, and points out remaining areas of research.
Recruitment and diversification of an ecdysozoan family of neuropeptide hormones for black widow spider venom expression

Venoms have attracted enormous attention because of their potent physiological effects and dynamic evolution, including the convergent recruitment of homologous genes for venom expression. Here we provide novel evidence for the recruitment of genes from the Crustacean Hyperglycemic Hormone (CHH) and arthropod Ion Transport Peptide (ITP) superfamily for venom expression in black widow spiders. We characterized latrodectin peptides from venom gland cDNAs from the Western black widow spider (Latrodectus hesperus), the brown widow (Latrodectus geometricus) and cupboard spider (Steatoda grossa). Phylogenetic analyses of these sequences with homologs from other spider, scorpion and wasp venom cDNAs, as well as CHH/ITP neuropeptides, show latrodectins as derived members of the CHH/ITP superfamily. These analyses suggest that CHH/ITP homologs are more widespread in spider venoms, and were recruited for venom expression in two additional arthropod lineages. We also found that the latrodectin 2 gene and nearly all CHH/ITP genes include a phase 2 intron in the same position, supporting latrodectin's placement within the CHH/ITP superfamily. Evolutionary analyses of latrodectins suggest episodes of positive selection along some sequence lineages, and positive and purifying selection on specific codons, supporting its functional importance in widow venom. We consider how this improved understanding of latrodectin evolution informs functional hypotheses regarding its role in black widow venom as well as its potential convergent recruitment for venom expression across arthropods.
The Role Played by Mandalas in Navajo and Tibetan Rituals

The mandala has appeared throughout human history as a symbol of integration, harmony, and transformation. Consideration is given to the role played by mandalas in Navajo and Tibetan rituals, and how the same form has been constructed differently in various times and places. The impact of psychophysiology in personality theory has led to a reconceptualization of the mandala and other Jungian archetypal forms.
The Expression of Hemolytically Active Human Complement Protein C9 in Mammalian, Insect, and Yeast Cells

The cDNA sequence encoding mature human C9 protein and its signal peptide was cloned into three expression vectors for expression in COS-7 (mammalian), Spodoptera frugiperda IPLB-SF-21AE (insect), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) cells. In addition, C9 cDNA encoding only the mature protein was fused to the yeast invertase leader sequence (SUC2) and cloned for expression in yeast. Under optimal conditions COS-7 and IPLB-SF-21AE cells secreted recombinant C9 (rC9) at concentrations of about 111 and 700 ng C9/ml culture supernatant, respectively. By comparison S. cerevisiae, whether transformed with C9 cDNA containing its native or yeast invertase leader sequence, secreted only very small amounts of rC9 (5-10 ng/ml). However, upon lysis concentrations of up to 500 ng/mg dry wt were found in yeast cells transformed with C9 cDNA. SDS-PAGE followed by Western blot analysis revealed COS-7 cell and S. cerevisiae expressed rC9 to have a MW similar to that of native C9 purified from human serum, while rC9 from IPLB-SF-21AE cells was about 4 kDa smaller. No hemolytic activity of S. cerevisiae secreted rC9 could be detected and the specific hemolytic activity of S. cerevisiae intracellular rC9 was also very low. However, the specific hemolytic activities of COS-7 and IPLB-SF-21AE secreted rC9 were indistinguishable from that of purified native human C9. Thus, for future studies on the structure and function of C9 where the production of large quantities of mutant protein would be desirable, the baculovirus-insect cell expression system appears to offer considerable advantages.
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol interactions with phencyclidine and ethanol: Effects on accuracy and rate of responding

Abstract The effects of Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol ( Δ 9 -THC) in combination with phencyclidine (PCP) or ethanol were examined in rats responding under a fixed-consecutive-number schedule of food presentation. Under this schedule, a minimum of 13 consecutive responses on one lever followed by one response on another lever produced food. When administered alone, PCP (0.1–10.0 mg/kg) and Δ 9 -THC (0.1–5.6 mg/kg), but not ethanol (0.3–1.7 g/kg), decreased accuracy. PCP, Δ 9 -THC, and ethanol alone all produced dose-dependent decreases in rate of responding. A dose-effect curve for PCP or ethanol was then redetermined in combination with selected doses of Δ 9 -THC (0.125–1.75 mg/kg) and the data were analyzed according to the effect-addition and dose-addition models of additivity. When administered in combination, Δ 9 -THC produced dose-dependent leftward shifts in the PCP dose-effect curves for both accuracy and rate of responding. The interactions for PCP + Δ 9 -THC combinations were effect-additive for accuracy. In contrast, the type of interaction obtained for PCP + Δ 9 -THC combinations on rate of responding depended upon the particular doses combined, as well as on the model used to analyze the interactions. According to the effect-addition model, these interactions were additive at low doses of Δ 9 -THC and supraadditive at the highest dose. However, according to the dose-addition model the interactions at the higher doses of Δ 9 -THC were infraadditive. Δ 9 -THC also shifted the ethanol dose-effect curve for rate of responding to the left but did not alter the ethanol dose-effect curve for accuracy. The interactions for ethanol + Δ 9 -THC combinations were effect-additive for accuracy and both effect- and dose-additive for rate of responding. The present investigation clearly illustrates the importance of examining an extensive range of dose combinations on different behavioral measures, as well as the use of appropriate analyses in studies designed to evaluate the interactions between drugs.
Expression of “Spot 14” (THRSP) predicts disease free survival in invasive breast cancer: immunohistochemical analysis of a new molecular marker

Most breast cancers are "lipogenic", defined by high fatty acid synthase (FAS) content and dependence on fatty acid synthesis for growth and survival. S14 (Spot 14; THRSP) is a nuclear protein that activates genes required for fatty acid synthesis. The S14 gene is amplified in approximately 15% of breast cancers, but clinical correlates of its expression were unknown. We analyzed 131 breast cancers by immunohistochemistry for S14 and FAS. Staining was graded 0, 1, or 2+, and scores were correlated with traditional tumor markers, histological features, and outcome. S14 and FAS staining were related to tumor size (p=0.05 for S14, p=0.038 for FAS), but not to stage. S14 but not FAS scores correlated with tumor grade in both DCIS (p=0.003) and invasive cases (p<0.001). Invasive cases (pooled node - and +) with weak S14 staining (n=21) showed no recurrence over 3000 d follow-up, including 10 cases with lymph node involvement, whereas 32% of 67 strongly-staining tumors recurred (log rank p<0.0001). S14 scores did not cosegregate with sex steroid receptors, Her2/neu, or cyclin D1. Low level S14 expression is associated with prolonged disease-free survival in invasive cases, including those with nodal metastasis. High-level expression of S14 identifies a subset of high-risk breast cancers that is not specified by analysis of sex steroid receptors, Her2/neu, or cyclin D1, and provides a molecular correlate to histologic features that predict recurrence.
Standard bootstrap confidence interval estimates of C PK

Abstract The interpretation of C pk , a common measure of process capability and confidence limits for it, is based on the assumption that the process is normally distributed. The non-parametric but computer intensive method called Bootstrap is introduced and the standard Bootstrap confidence interval estimate for C pk is defined. An initial simulation of two processes (one normal and the other highly skewed) is presented and discussed.
Outcome disparities in multiple myeloma: a SEER-based comparative analysis of ethnic subgroups

Studies of ethnic disparities in malignancies have revealed variation in clinical outcomes. In multiple myeloma (MM), previous literature has focused only on patients of Caucasian and African-American (AA) descent. We present a Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-based outcome analysis of MM patients from a broader range of ethnicities, representing current United States demographics. The SEER 17 Registry data was utilized to analyse adult MM patients diagnosed since 1992 (n = 37,963), as patients of other ethnicities were not well represented prior to that. Overall survival (OS) and myeloma-specific survival (MSS) were compared across different ethnicities stratified by year of diagnosis, registry identification, age, sex and marital-status. Hispanics had the youngest median age at diagnosis (65 years) and Whites had the oldest (71 years) (P < 0·001). Increased age at diagnosis was an independent predictor of decreased OS and MSS. Asians had the best median OS (2·7 years) and MSS (4·1 years), while Hispanics had the worst median OS (2·4 years). These trends were more pronounced in patients ≥ 75 years. Cumulative survival benefit over successive years was largest among Whites (1·3 years) and smallest among Asians (0·5 years). These disparities may be secondary to multifactorial causes that need to be explored and should be considered for optimal triaging of healthcare resources.
Connection between semi‐empirical and ab initio methods in the quantum theory of molecular electronic spectra

In the beginning of the modern quantum theory of atomic and molecular spectra, the semi-empirical methods were exceedingly successful in explaining the structure of the spectra and their general properties, and it was hence somewhat of a surprise that, when the fundamental semi-empirical parameters were later calculated by ab initio methods, one would always find rather different numerical values. A brief review is given of this problem, and some simplified mathematical derivations are introduced. The various concepts of wave operators used in modern quantum theory are discussed, and, after studying the energy-dependent wave operators obtained by the standard partitioning technique, particular attention is devoted to the energy-independent wave operators and the nonlinear form of the Schroedinger equation. After studying the solution of the nonlinear Bloch equation and the Bloch-Lindgren equation, the concept of the model Hamiltonian is reviewed, and on this basis the connection between the semi-empirical approach and the ab initio methods is discussed. Reference is made to the fundamental comparison work carried out by Karl Freed and his associates in Chicago. Some difficulties remaining are briefly mentioned.
Decline in Health for Older Adults: Five-Year Change in 13 Key Measures of Standardized Health

Methods. We compared the decline in 13 measures of physical, mental, and functional health from the Cardiovascular Health Study: hospitalization, bed days, cognition, extremity strength, feelings about life as a whole, satisfaction with the purpose of life, self-rated health, depression, digit symbol substitution test, grip strength, activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and gait speed. Each measure was standardized against self-rated health. We compared the 5-year change to see which of the 13 measures declined the fastest and the slowest. Results. The 5-year change in standardized health varied from a decline of 12 points (out of 100) for hospitalization to a decline of 17 points for gait speed. In most comparisons, standardized health from hospitalization and bed days declined the least, whereas health measured by activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and gait speed declined the most. These rankings were independent of age, sex, mortality patterns, and the method of standardization. Conclusions. All of the health variables declined, on average, with advancing age, but at significantly different rates. Standardized measures of mental health, cognition, quality of life, and hospital utilization did not decline as fast as gait speed, activities of daily living, and instrumental activities of daily living. Public health interventions to address problems with gait speed, activities of daily living, and instrumental activities of daily living may help older adults to remain healthier in all dimensions.
Inflammatory fibroid polyp of the ileum causing intussusception: report of two cases with emphasis on cytologic diagnosis.

Inflammatory fibroid polyp (IFP) of the gastrointestinal tract is a type of inflammatory pseudotumor or inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor that occurs most commonly in the stomach but also in the small and large bowel. Small-bowel IFP usually presents with intussusception. The purpose of the current study is to describe cytological features of this lesion with differential diagnoses since pathologists may be called on to render a diagnosis on fine-needle aspiration. Two cases of IFP are described with diagnostic features on imprint smears. Both were middle-aged obese women with a history of prior intra-abdominal surgical procedures who presented with signs of intestinal obstruction and were found to have a tumor causing intussusception. At intraoperative consult, scrape cytology specimens showed cellular smears with a heterogeneous population of myofibroblasts, inflammatory cells and vessels. The features together with clinical history are sufficient to suggest the diagnosis. IFP is a lesion with a characteristic morphology. The differential diagnosis includes several other lesions, hence triage of cytological specimen for culture, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry is important in facilitating a correct diagnosis. Although a surgical procedure may still be necessary once a diagnosis of IFP is made, treatment may be tailored for a less aggressive process.
Deadlock-free adaptive routing in multicomputer networks using virtual channels

The use of adaptive routing in a multicomputer interconnection network improves network performance by using all available paths and provides fault tolerance by allowing messages to be routed around failed channels and nodes. Two deadlock-free adaptive routing algorithms are described. Both algorithms allocate virtual channels using a count of the number of dimension reversals a packet has performed to eliminate cycles in resource dependency graphs. The static algorithm eliminates cycles in the network channel dependency graph. The dynamic algorithm improves virtual channel utilization by permitting dependency cycles and instead eliminating cycles in the packet wait-for graph. It is proved that these algorithms are deadlock-free. Experimental measurements of their performance are presented. >
Hole spin relaxation in Ge–Si core–shell nanowire qubits

Spin doublets of holes in nanowires with a germanium core and a silicon shell can be manipulated in fast-gated double quantum dots to create quantum bits with long spin lifetimes.
Variable-level cells for nonvolatile memories

For many nonvolatile memories, - including flash memories, phase-change memories, etc., - maximizing the storage capacity is a key challenge. The existing method is to use multilevel cells (MLC) of more and more levels. The number of levels supported by MLC is seriously constrained by the worst-case performance of cell-programming noise and cell heterogeneity. In this paper, we present variable-level cells (VLC), a new scheme for maximum storage capacity. It adaptively chooses the number of levels and the placement of the levels based on the actual programming performance. We derive its storage capacity, and present an optimal data representation scheme. We also study rewriting schemes for VLC, and present inner and outer bounds to its capacity region.
Sargassum as a Natural Solution to Enhance Dune Plant Growth

Many beach management practices focus on creating an attractive environment for tourists, but can detrimentally affect long-term dune integrity. One such practice is mechanical beach raking in which the wrack line is removed from the beach front. In Texas, Sargassum fluitans and natans, types of brown alga, are the main components of wrack and may provide a subsidy to the ecosystem. In this study, we used greenhouse studies to test the hypothesis that the addition of sargassum can increase soil nutrients and produce increased growth in dune plants. We also conducted an analysis of the nutrients in the sargassum to determine the mechanisms responsible for any growth enhancement. Panicum amarum showed significant enhancement of growth with the addition of sargassum, and while Helianthus debilis, Ipomoea stolonifera, Sporobolus virginicus, and Uniola paniculata responded slightly differently to the specific treatments, none were impaired by the addition of sargassum. In general, plants seemed to respond well to unwashed sargassum and multiple additions of sargassum, indicating that plants may have adapted to capitalize on the subsidy in its natural state directly from the ocean. For coastal managers, the use of sargassum as a fertilizer could be a positive, natural, and efficient method of dealing with the accumulation of wrack on the beach.
Aboveground Forest Biomass and the Global Carbon Balance

The long-term net flux of carbon between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere has been dominated by two factors: changes in the area of forests and per hectare changes in forest biomass resulting from management and regrowth. While these factors are reasonably well documented in countries of the northern mid-latitudes as a result of systematic forest inventories, they are uncertain in the tropics. Recent estimates of carbon emissions from tropical deforestation have focused on the uncertainty in rates of deforestation. By using the same data for biomass, however, these studies have underestimated the total uncertainty of tropical emissions and may have biased the estimates. In particular, regional and country-specific estimates of forest biomass reported by three successive assessments of tropical forest resources by the FAO indicate systematic changes in biomass that have not been taken into account in recent estimates of tropical carbon emissions. The ‘changes’ more likely represent improved information than real on-the-ground changes in carbon storage. In either case, however, the data have a significant effect on current estimates of carbon emissions from the tropics and, hence, on understanding the global carbon balance.
Approaches for a policy for science.

Dr. Lauer ([1][1]), writing from his current position in the Office of the Director, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and from his former positions as Director of Cardiac Clinical Research at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, as well as a contributing
The Concept of Branding: Is It Relevant to Nursing?

This concept exploration examines branding and its relevance to nursing. Branding is used to differentiate products through use of symbols. The symbols are the brands that are designed to communicate the value of products. Nursing has had many identifying symbols, such as the nurse's cap and the white uniform, but these symbols have failed to clearly communicate the essence of nursing. Lack of a distinct nursing brand has led to confusion about the discipline. The Roy adaptation model provides a view of branding as a process for clearly defining the profession, improving its image, and differentiating its role within the healthcare milieu.
An introduction to the theory of the detection of signals in noise

An introductory discussion is presented in the general field of detection theory, with particular emphasis on the problems of detecting signals in Gaussian noise and of estimating parameters of signals in Gaussian noise.
Ribbed Surfaces for Art, Architecture, and Visualization

AbstractSequences of parameterized Hermite curves following with their endpoints along two guide rails are used to create “transparent” surfaces and tubular sculptures. This parameterized set-up allows modeling a wide variety of shapes in a natural way by just changing a few parameters. Potential applications range from mathematical visualization models to architecture.
Call for fellowship programs in stem cell-based regenerative and cellular medicine: new stem cell training is essential for physicians

Stem cell-based regenerative and cellular medicine is an exciting, emerging area of medical practice. While bone marrow transplantation, a stem cell-based therapy, has been a part of medicine for decades, in recent years newer and more diverse forms of stem cell-based therapies are being used to treat a rapidly growing population of patients in the USA as well as worldwide. Nonetheless, to this author’s knowledge, there is currently not a single academic medical fellowship training program in the USA that specifically prepares physicians for treating patients with stem cell-based therapies other than bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. An increasing number of physicians untrained in stem cell-based regenerative and cellular medicine are nonetheless transplanting stem cells into hundreds if not thousands of patients for a striking diversity of conditions. Furthermore, as stem cell technology advances, a growing number of physicians with academic affiliations may look to legitimately pra...
A study of different modeling choices for simulating platelets within the immersed boundary method

The Immersed Boundary (IB) method is a widely-used numerical methodology for the simulation of fluid-structure interaction problems. The IB method utilizes an Eulerian discretization for the fluid equations of motion while maintaining a Lagrangian representation of structural objects. Operators are defined for transmitting information (forces and velocities) between these two representations. Most IB simulations represent their structures with piecewise linear approximations and utilize Hookean spring models to approximate structural forces. Our specific motivation is the modeling of platelets in hemodynamic flows. In this paper, we study two alternative representations - radial basis functions (RBFs) and Fourier-based (trigonometric polynomials and spherical harmonics) representations - for the modeling of platelets in two and three dimensions within the IB framework, and compare our results with the traditional piecewise linear approximation methodology. For different representative shapes, we examine the geometric modeling errors (position and normal vectors), force computation errors, and computational cost and provide an engineering trade-off strategy for when and why one might select to employ these different representations.
Privatizing health services in Africa

This text analyzes the disappearance of public health in the form of state services in Africa, and the growth of a private market in health care that will serve primarily an urban elite. It provides a case study of Zimbabwe and comparative material from Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia.
Abstract WP382: The Cost of Ischemic Stroke: The Superiority of Marginal over Total Cost Estimation and Its Impact on National Cost Estimates

Introduction Cost of illness for ischemic stroke has historically been reported as mean cost per case over a time period. Such cost include expenditures made for comorbid conditions, and may result...