cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Horizontal ice flow impacts the firn structure of Greenland's percolation zone

Abstract. One-dimensional simulations of firn evolution neglect horizontal advection from ice flow, which transports the firn column across climate gradients as it is buried by accumulation. Using a suite of model runs, we demonstrate the impacts of horizontal advection on the development of firn density, temperature, and the stratigraphy of melt features through the Greenland ice sheet percolation zone. The simulations isolate processes in synthetic runs and investigate four specific transects and an ice core site. Relative to one-dimensional simulations, the horizontal advection process tends to increase the pore close-off depth, reduce the heat content, and decrease the frequency of melt features with depth by emplacing firn sourced from higher locations under increasingly warm and melt-affected surface conditions. Preservation of the advected pore space and cold content is strongly dependent upon the depth of meltwater infiltration. Horizontal ice flow interacts with topography, climate gradients, and meltwater infiltration to influence the evolution of the firn column structure; the interaction between these variables modulates the impact of horizontal advection on firn at locations around Greenland. Pore close-off and firn temperature are mainly impacted in the lowermost 20–30 km of the percolation zone, which may be relevant to migration of the lower percolation zone. Relatively high in the percolation zone, however, the stratigraphy of melt features can have an advection-derived component that should not be conflated with changing climate.
Not deconstructing serial homology, but instead, the a priori assumption that it generally involves ancestral anatomical similarity: An answer to Kuznetsov's paper

I am very thankful to Kuznetsov for his comments on our recent paper about serial structures published in this journal. I hope this is just the beginning of a much wider, and holistic, discussion on the evolution of serial homologous structures, and of so-called "serial structures" in general, whether they are truly serial homologs or the secondary result of homoplasy. Strangely, Kuznetsov seems to have missed the main point of our paper, what is particularly puzzling as this point is clearly made in the very title of our paper. For instance, he states that "Siomava et al. claim that the serial homologues are false because they are ancestrally anisomeric (dissimilar)' and that" Siomava et al., (Siomava et al., Journal of Morphology, 2020, 281, 1110-1132) expected that if serial homology was true, then the serial homologs would be identical at the start and then only diverge. " However, our paper clearly did not state this. Instead, we stated that (a) serial homology is a real phenomenon, and (b) ancestral dissimilarity is actually likely the norm, and not the exception, within serial homology. In particular, our paper showed that, as clearly stated in its title and abstract, within the evolution of serial homologues these structures "many times display trends toward less similarity while in many others display trends toward more similarity, that is, one cannot say that there is a clear, overall trend to anisomerism." Serial homology is therefore a genuine and much widespread phenomenon within the evolution of life in this planet. It is clearly one of the most important issues-and paradoxically one of the less understood, precisely because of the a priori acceptance of long-standing assumptions that have never been empirically tested, some of them repeated in Kuznetsov's paper-within macroevolution and comparative anatomy.
Accept the Risk and Continue: Measuring the Long Tail of Government https Adoption

Across the world, government websites are expected to be reliable sources of information, regardless of their view count. Interactions with these websites often contain sensitive information, such as identity, medical, or legal data, whose integrity must be protected for citizens to remain safe. To better understand the government website ecosystem, we measure the adoption of https including the "long tail" of government websites around the world, which are typically not captured in the top-million datasets used for such studies. We identify and measure major categories and frequencies of https adoption errors, including misconfiguration of certificates via expiration, reuse of keys and serial numbers between unrelated government departments, use of insecure cryptographic protocols and keys, and untrustworthy root Certificate Authorities (CAs). Finally, we observe an overall lower https rate and a steeper dropoff with descending popularity among government sites compared to the commercial websites & provide recommendations to improve the usage of https in governments worldwide.
1-step screening approach detected more GDM than 2-step approach but did not improve clinical outcomes.

SOURCE CITATION Hillier TA, Pedula KL, Ogasawara KK, et al. A pragmatic, randomized clinical trial of gestational diabetes screening. N Engl J Med. 2021;384:895-904. 33704936.
Who can be in a group? 3- to 5-year-old children construe realistic social groups through mutual intentionality

Abstract Recent research suggests that young children’s causal justification for minimal group membership can be induced via a cognitive framework of mutual intentionality. That is, an individual can become a group member when both the individual and group agree to membership. Here, we investigated if children ages 3–5 understand groups formed by mutual intentions and whether they apply mutual intentions to realistic groups with varying entitative and essentialized qualities. In two studies (N = 197), we asked 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old children if a novel character could join an existing group based on intentionality (mutual, individual-, group-only) and group type (task, friends, family). We find that 4- and 5-year-olds robustly relied on mutual intentions to constitute group membership and 3-year-olds also demonstrated emerging usage of this cognitive framework. Moreover, children employed mutual intentionality across different group types, suggesting a general framework for children’s understanding of different social groups.
Experimental and numerical analysis of a three-fluid membrane-based ionic liquid desiccant absorber

Abstract Membrane-based liquid desiccant system is a promising technology for efficient humidity control. Also, in comparison to systems using conventional desiccants, ionic liquid (IL) desiccants enable increased system operational envelope and efficiency. In this study, a finite difference numerical model is developed for an IL-based counter and cross flow internally cooled polymer heat and mass exchanger (i.e. absorber). A super-hydrophobic membrane separates the IL desiccant and air flows while allowing moisture transfer from air to IL. The numerical model determines the outlet conditions of all three absorber fluids (water, desiccant, and air), establishing the absorber heat and mass transfer performance. The model was compared with the experimental data obtained from an IL desiccant absorber under a wide variety of water, desiccant, and air inlet conditions. The maximum discrepancy between the model predictions and experimental data for the air exit temperature, air exit relative humidity, cooling water exit temperature, and solution exit temperature are 4%, 9%, 5%, and 2%, respectively. A comprehensive parametric study is then conducted to evaluate the sensitivity of the absorber performance to different input conditions. This highly accurate model and parametric study of a membrane-based absorber can be utilized in design and performance analysis of emerging liquid desiccant dehumidification and separate sensible and latent cooling (SSLC) systems.
Terrestrial Reference Frame Requirements for Studies of Geodynamics and Climate Change

Scientific applications critically depend on the ITRF and impose the most stringent requirements on terrestrial reference frame accuracy and long-term stability. A recent US National Research Council report (Minster et al., Precise geodetic infrastructure: national requirements for a shared resource. The National Academies Press, Washington, DC, 2010) found that the applications demanding the highest accuracy and long-term stability were sea level, geodynamics from vertical land motion and large-scale horizontal deformation, and decadal satellite survey missions. A key recommendation was to make a long-term commitment to maintain the ITRF to ensure its continuity and stability, so as to provide a foundation for Earth system science and studies of global change. In this paper, we focus on characteristics of the ITRF that have demands placed upon them by these most stringent scientific users. We consider in detail each characteristic in terms of what the user needs, and provide examples of how such needs can be met, and identify factors that strengthen or weaken terrestrial reference frames from a user’s perspective. We find the most important feature of a terrestrial reference frame is “predictability”, the ability of the frame to predict future positions of stations in a multi-technique network to support science. Specifically, the key requirement of the ITRF, in order to support the most demanding scientific applications with large societal impacts, is to provide access to station coordinates that have secular predictability at the level of 1 mm per decade (0.1 mm/year).
Self-Regulation in the Adult Film Industry: Why Are HIV Outbreaks the Exception and Not the Norm?

This paper analyzes how self-interest and long-term profit expectations provided the necessary incentives for the adult film industry to self-regulate and to find mechanisms to minimize the risks of HIV outbreaks that could result from the asymmetric information and network effects that characterize the industry. With the help of the Adult Industry Medical Healthcare Foundation (AIM), the adult film industry developed a corporate culture to facilitate widespread coordination among members and to make the industry similar to a private club. First, I discuss the predicted effects of asymmetric information and network-effect problems on the industry in terms of HIV outbreaks. Second, I tell the story of AIM and present the policies the industry has adopted since AIM's creation to mitigate those predicted effects. In particular, I discuss how the industry managed the 2004 HIV outbreak without government intervention. Finally, I present statistics comparing HIV infection rates in the industry and general population as well as additional observations to assess the relative effectiveness of the industry in preventing and containing HIV outbreaks.
Migration Patterns To Mexico: Migration Patterns to Mexico from Central America are Based on the United States Economy

Are migratory patterns from Central America to Mexico based on the US economy? The question is addressed in the context of correlation which will depict, as the US economy increases or decreases so will the migratory patterns. This is done by comparing several key aspects. First by analyzing the US and the Mexican economy, and then by examining the migratory flows and trends of Latinos in the US and Central Americans in Mexico. Thereby concluding that, the fundamental migratory pattern that characterizes migrant flow is delineated to the increase and decrease along with the US economy, and the migration ratio subsequently follows. As the Mexicans transfer into the US labor force for employment, Central Americans begin acquiring open positions that would normally be occupied by Mexicans.
Using Multilevel Analysis to Monitor Test Performance Across Administrations

For a testing program with frequent administrations, it is important to understand and monitor the stability and fluctuation of test performance across administrations. Different methods have been proposed for this purpose. This study explored the potential of using multilevel analysis to understand and monitor examinees' test performance across administrations based on their background information. Based on the data of 330,091 examinees' test scores and their background information collected from 254 administrations of an English-speaking test, the study found: (a) at the individual examinee level, examinees' background had statistically significant relationships with their test performance, and the relationships varied across administrations; however, the prediction of individuals' test scores based on their background variables was not strong, and (b) at the administration level, group composition had strong relationships with administration means; the prediction of administration means based on group composition variables was fairly strong. The results suggest that multilevel analysis has potential application in understanding and monitoring test performance across administrations by identifying statistical relationships between examinees' characteristics and their test performance at both individual and administration levels.
A Communities of Practice Approach to the Synoptic Problem.

Although the study of the Synoptic Problem has been the focus of scholarly attention for over two hundred years, the social learning theory known as Communities of Practice is a relatively recent phenomenon. This article describes a communities of practice approach to the study of the Synoptic Problem in an upper-division undergraduate course at a private, liberal arts college. Students with little or no prior knowledge of the Synoptic Problem were introduced to the salient issues of the Synoptic Problem as well as a theoretical framework in which to interpret them. Data were collected using a variety of mixed methods, including pre- and post-treatment tests, written survey questions, interviews, field notes, and focus group sessions. The results of this study suggest that a communities of practice approach can enhance students' knowledge of the Synoptic Problem and also foster an awareness of scholarly and personal presuppositions that influence the interpretation of the gospels.
Facilitating the Commercialization of University Innovation: The Carolina Express License Agreement

As the United States recovers from the most severe recession since the 1930s, efforts to boost economic growth assume paramount importance. This means not only finding ways to spur rapid job creation but also advancing the country’s capacity for innovation. One way to do this is to encourage academic research enterprises to facilitate the transfer and spillover of scientific and technological research into commercial application. In particular, the research laboratories of our nation’s universities are unparalleled sources of dynamic new spin-off and startup companies. These fledgling enterprises in turn have the potential to become high-growth firms. Recent Kauffman Foundation research demonstrates that top-performing new companies are a fertile source of new jobs.In this paper, we examine an innovative new set of practices associated with the commercialization of university research developed and implemented at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. New standard licensing agreements support and expedite firm formation as an outcome of university-based intellectual property. A committee chaired by one of this paper’s authors developed the licensing agreement. The committee included entrepreneurial UNC faculty members with experience in firm birthing, colleagues from the Office of Technology Development (OTD), venture capitalists from the firm Intersouth Partners, and attorneys from a number of firms that have represented UNC startups. The outcome of these discussions produced the Carolina Express License Agreement.
High Performance Threaded Data Streaming for Large Scale Simulations

We have developed a threaded parallel data streaming approach using logistical networking (LN) to transfer multiterabyte simulation data from computers at NERSC to our local analysis/visualization cluster, as the simulation executes, with negligible overhead. Data transfer experiments show that this concurrent data transfer approach is more favorable compared with writing to local disk and later transferring this data to be post-processed. Our algorithms are network aware, and can stream data at up to 97 Mbs on a 100 Mbs link from CA to NJ during a live simulation, using less than 5% CPU overhead at NERSC. This method is the first step in setting up a pipeline for simulation workflow and data management.
Global minimization of the active contour model with TV-Inpainting and two-phase denoising

The active contour model [8,9,2] is one of the most well-known variational methods in image segmentation. In a recent paper by Bresson et al. [1], a link between the active contour model and the variational denoising model of Rudin-Osher-Fatemi (ROF) [10] was demonstrated. This relation provides a method to determine the global minimizer of the active contour model. In this paper, we propose a variation of this method to determine the global minimizer of the active contour model in the case when there are missing regions in the observed image. The idea is to turn off the L1-fidelity term in some subdomains, in particular the regions for image inpainting. Minimizing this energy provides a unified way to perform image denoising, segmentation and inpainting.
Performance of trellis-coded direct-sequence spread-spectrum communications

Considers the application of trellis coding techniques to the problem of direct-sequence spread-spectrum multiple-access communication. The unique feature of the trellis codes considered is that they are constructed over the set of possible signature sequences rather than over some standard 2-D signal constellation. The resulting codes have a small number of signals per dimension. The authors present several examples of the trellis codes, and a specific method of implementation. They also present a detailed error analysis for this type of system, which employs recently developed techniques due to Lehnert and Pursley. They generate numerical results for several examples and conclude that the proposed trellis coded systems yield significant performance improvements over binary antipodal DS/SSMA systems. >
Evaluation of test strategies for multichip modules

Two parallel testing strategies for multichip modules-the boundary-scan technique and the cascadable built-in tester (CBIT)-are evaluated in terms of testing time, fault coverage, and area overhead. Results on a small-scale processor configuration favor the CBIT design for test effectiveness of the chip, and the boundary-scan design for area overhead interconnection tests. >
Targeting transforming growth factor beta to enhance cancer immunotherapy.

Richard J. Ablin, phd, Research Professor of Immunobiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine and the Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A., and Phil Gold, phd, md, Professor of Medicine, Physiology, and Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Section Editors.
Effect of imagery ability on letter-level and word-level processing.

In a letter-identification task, subjects matched a probe letter to the initial letter of a subse­ quently presented probe word. We varied word frequency and predicted that the performance of vivid imagers would resemble that of typical young adults, whereas the performance of poor imagers would fall in between that of typical young adults and of older adults, or would simply resemble the performance of typical older adults (a linear decrease in reaction time [RT] with word frequency; see Allen & Madden, 1989). The in-between function for young and older adults combined predicts a dip in RT for very-high-frequency words compared to medium-high-, low-, and very-low-frequency words. As predicted, vivid imagers exhibited increased latencies for medium-high-frequency words relative to the other three word-frequency categories, whereas poor imagers exhibited a dip.
Understanding the temporal evolution of neuronal connectivity in cultured networks using statistical analysis.

Background Micro-Electrode Array (MEA) technology allows researchers to perform long-term non-invasive neuronal recordings in-vitro while actively interacting with the cultured neurons. Despite numerous studies carried out using MEAs, many functional, chemical and structural mechanisms of how dissociated cortical neurons develop and respond to external stimuli are not yet well understood because of the lack of quantitative studies that assess how their development can be affected by chronic external stimulation.
Old Worries and New Anxieties: Behavioral Symptoms and Mild Cognitive Impairment in a Population Study

Objective To disentangle the complex associations of depression and anxiety with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) at the population level. We examined subgroups of anxiety symptoms and depression symptom profiles in relation to MCI, which we defined using both cognitive and functional approaches. Methods We used an epidemiologic, cross-sectional study with an age-stratified, random, population-based sample of 1,982 individuals aged 65 years and over. Three definitions of MCI were used: 1) a purely cognitive classification into amnestic and nonamnestic MCI, 2) a combined cognitive-functional definition by International Working Group (IWG) criteria, and 3) a purely functional definition by the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) of 0.5. Three depression profiles were identified by factor analysis of the modified Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale: core mood, self-esteem/interpersonal, and apathy/neurovegetative profiles. Three anxiety groups, chronic mild worry, chronic severe anxiety, and recent-onset anxiety, were based on screening questions. Results Recent-onset anxiety was associated with MCI by nonamnestic and IWG criteria, chronic severe anxiety was associated with MCI by all definitions, and chronic mild worry was associated with none. Of the depression profiles, the core mood profile was associated with CDR-defined MCI, the apathy/neurovegetative profile was associated with MCI by amnestic, IWG, and CDR definitions, and the self-esteem/interpersonal profile was associated with none. Conclusion In this population-based sample, subgroups with different anxiety and depression profiles had different relationships with cognitive and functional definitions of MCI. Anxiety, depression, and MCI are all multidimensional entities, interacting in complex ways that may shed light on underlying neural mechanisms.
Fluid Shear Stress Activation of Focal Adhesion Kinase LINKING TO MITOGEN-ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASES

Shear stress, the tangential component of hemodynamic forces, activates the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) signal transduction pathways in cultured vascular endothelial cells to induce the transcriptional activation of many immediate early genes. It appears that integrins, protein-tyrosine kinases, and the structural integrity of actin are important factors involved in these shear stress-induced responses. The underlying molecular events were investigated by the application of a shear stress of 12 dyn/cm2 on bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). We found that such a shear stress increased the tyrosine phosphorylation and the kinase activity of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and its association with growth factor receptor binding protein 2 (Grb2) in a rapid and transient manner, suggesting that FAK may be linked to these mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways through a Grb2. Son of sevenless (Sos) complex. FAK(F397Y), which encodes a dominant negative mutant of FAK, attenuated the shear stress-induced kinase activity of Myc epitope-tagged ERK2 and hemagglutinin epitope-tagged JNK1. DeltamSos1, encoding a dominant negative mutant of Sos in which the guanine nucleotide exchange domain has been deleted, also attenuated shear stress activation of Myc-ERK2 and hemagglutinin-JNK1. Pretreating the confluent BAEC monolayers with a blocking type anti-vitronectin receptor monoclonal antibody had similar inhibitory effects in these shear stress-activated ERKs and JNKs. Confocal microscopic observation further demonstrated that FAK tended to cluster with vitronectin receptor near the abluminal side of the sheared BAEC. These results demonstrate that FAK signaling is critical in the shear stress-induced dual activation of ERK and JNK.
The effects of diisopropylmethylphosphonate on female mink: how medical intervention biased mortality data

This analysis retrospectively assessed the likelihood that medical intervention masked effects of diisopropylmethylphosphonate (DIMP) on female mink. Bucci et al. [Two-generation reproductive study in mink fed DIMP. Final report. Study no. TP-001. Prepared by Pathology Associates International, Jefferson, AR, USA, 1997] medically intervened in 24 out of 174 female mink to prevent mortality after an overdose of anesthetic was believed to have induced a life-threatening stress-syndrome. Bucci et al. [loc. cit.] dismissed the biological significance of the intervention since intervention occurred similarly in controls and treatment groups. The present investigation revealed that more (3-fold) DIMP-treated female mink surviving the intervention had abnormal physiological/clinical parameters at the time of intervention (9/10) than control female mink (3/9) (P<0.1). In addition, the severity of the physiological/clinical abnormalities increased with dose. These findings indicate that the DIMP treated female mink were more likely to have benefited from the intervention than the controls. The intervention, therefore, reduced the likelihood of observing treatment-related effects.
Cyclic photophosphorylation reactions catalyzed by ferredoxin, methyl viologen and anthraquinone sulfonate. Use of photochemical reactions to optimize redox poising

Abstract The flavin analogue 5-deazariboflavin is a convenient catalyst for the photoreduction of low-potential redox compounds. In an anaerobic medium with Tricine buffer as the electron donor, 5-deazariboflavin is capable of photoreducing both ferredoxin and methyl viologen. We have used this method to conduct a comparative study of the Photosystem I photophosphorylation activities supported by the reduced forms of ferredoxin, methyl viologen and anthraquinone sulfonate. All of these catalysts are capable of generating high rates (200–500 μmol ATP/h per mg chlorophyll) of cyclic photophosphorylation, but only the activity dependent on ferredoxin exhibits sensitivity to antimycin A. This finding suggests that the size of the catalyst and its ability to approach the thylakoid membrane, rather than low-redox potential, governs antimycin A sensitivity. Ferredoxin-catalyzed activity is, however, less sensitive to inhibition by dibromothymoquinone than are the activities supported by methyl viologen and anthraquinone sulfonate. This discrepancy is due to binding of the inhibitor by ferredoxin.
What is an oligodendroglioma

Editor's Note: With this issue, we begin a new series of articles entitled “Controversies in neuropathology.” These will represent brief position papers on controversial topics in our specialty. They are not intended to be review articles, rather will represent “position papers” on topical issues, with a relatively circumscribed and selective bibliography. Authors of these papers are encouraged to present and defend their own views on the subject in question. Most of these papers will be by invitation, but authors who would like to submit an article for this series are encouraged to contact the Brain Pathology editorial office. HVV
On the occurrence of α-tocopherolquinone in rat tissue

The amount of α-tocopherolquinone in rat liver has been reinvestigated comparing (a) a conventional procedure including saponification and thin layer chromatography followed by high peformance liquid chromatography (HPLC), with (b) the direct HPLC analysis of a total lipid extract. Recovery of added α-tocopherolquinone was quantitative with both procedures. In contrast to a recent report of 124 nmol/g in rat liver, we found no more than 1–4 nmol/g by procedure a and less than 1 nmol/g by procedure b.
Effects of pH and Catalyst Concentration on Photocatalytic Oxidation of Aqueous Ammonia and Nitrite in Titanium Dioxide Suspensions

Batch experiments were conducted to study the effects of titanium dioxide (TiO2) concentration and pH on the initial rates of photocatalytic oxidation of aqueous ammonium/ ammonia (NH4+/NH3) and nitrite (NO2-) in UV-illuminated TiO2 suspensions. While no simple kinetic model could fit the data at lower TiO2 concentrations, at TiO2 concentrations > or = 1 g/L, the experimental data were consistent with a model assuming consecutive first-order transformation of NH4+/NH3 to NO2- and NO2- to nitrate (NO3-). For TiO2 concentrations > or = 1 g/L, the rate constants for NO2 photocatalytic oxidation to NO3 were far more dependent on TiO2 concentration than were those for NH4+/NH3 oxidation to NO2-, suggesting that, without sufficient TiO2, complete oxidation of NH4+/NH3 to NO3- will not occur. Initial NH4+/NH3 photocatalytic oxidation rates were proportional to the initial concentrations of neutral NH3 and not total NH3(i.e., [NH4+] + [NH3]). Thus, the pH-dependent equilibrium between NH4+ and NH3, and not the pH-dependent electrostatic attraction between NH4+ and the TiO2 surface, is responsible for the increase in rates of NH4+/NH3 photocatalytic oxidation with increasing pH. Electrostatic adsorption, however, can partly explain the pH dependence of the initial rates of NO2- photocatalytic oxidation. Initial rates of NO2- photocatalytic oxidation were 1 order of magnitude higher for NO2- versus NH4+/NH3, indicating thatthe rate of NH4+/NH3 photocatalytic oxidation to NO3- was limited by NH4+/NH3 oxidation to NO2- under our experimental conditions.
Metal ion-catalyzed oxidation of proteins: Biochemical mechanism and biological consequences

Abstract In the presence of O 2 , Fe(III) or Cu(II), and an appropriate electron donor, a number of enzymic and nonenzymic oxygen free radical-generating systems are able to catalyze the oxidative modification of proteins. Whereas random, global modification of many different amino acid residues and extensive fragmentation occurs when proteins are exposed to oxygen radicals produced by high energy radiation, only one or a few amino acid residues are modified and relatively little peptide bond cleavage occurs when proteins are exposed to metal-catalyzed oxidation (MCO) systems. The available evidence indicates that the MCO systems catalyze the reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) and of O 2 to H 2 O 2 and that these products react at metal-binding sites on the protein to produce active oxygen (free radical?) species (viz; OH, ferryl ion) which attack the side chains of amino acid residues at the metal-binding site. Among other modifications, carbonyl derivatives of some amino acid residues are formed; prolyl and arginyl residues are converted to glutamylsemialdehyde residues, lysyl residues are likely converted to 2-amino-adipylsemialdehyde residues; histidyl residues are converted to asparagine and/or aspartyl residues; prolyl residues are converted to glutamyl or pyroglutamyl residues; methionyl residues are converted to methionylsulfoxide residues; and cysteinyl residues to mixed-disulfide derivatives. The biological significance of these metal ion-catalyzed reactions is highlighted by the demonstration: (i) that oxidative modification of proteins “marks” them for degradation by most common proteases and especially by the cytosolic multicatalytic proteinase from mammalian cells; (ii) protein oxidation contributes substantially to the intracellular pool of catalytically inactive and less active, thermolabile forms of enzymes which accumulate in cells during aging, oxidative stress, and in various pathological states, including premature aging diseases (progeria, Werner's syndrome), muscular dystrophy, rheumatoid arthritis, cataractogenesis, chronic alcohol toxicity, pulmonary emphysema, and during tissue injury provoked by ischemia-reperfusion. Furthermore, the metal ion-catalyzed protein oxidation is the basis of biological mechanisms for regulating changes in enzyme levels in response to shifts from anaerobic to aerobic metabolism, and probably from one nutritional state to another. It is involved in the killing of bacteria by neutrophils and in the loss of neutrophil function following repeated cycles of respiratory burst activity.
TU-D-204C-03: Machine Learning for Medical Image Processing and Pattern Recognition

Machine learning plays an essential role in medical imageanalysis, because objects such as lesions and organs in medical images cannot be modeled accurately by simple equations; thus, tasks in medical imageanalysis require essentially “learning from examples.” One of the most popular uses of machine learning in medical imageanalysis is the classification of objects such as lesions into certain categories (e.g., abnormal or normal, lesions or non‐lesions). This class of machine leaning uses features (e.g., diameter, contrast, and circularity) extracted from segmented objects as information for classifying the objects. Machine learning techniques in this class include linear discriminant analysis, a k‐nearest neighbor classifier, an artificial neural network, and a support vector machine. Recently, as available computational power increased dramatically, a new class of machine learning called pixel/voxel‐based machine learning emerged in medical image processing and analysis, which uses pixel/voxel values in images directly instead of calculated features as input information; thus, feature calculation is not required. Because pixel/voxel‐based machine learning can avoid errors caused by inaccurate segmentation and feature calculation, the performance of the pixel/voxel‐based machine learning can be better than common feature‐based machine learning. Such advanced machine‐learning techniques in this class include neural filters, neural edge enhancers, massive‐training artificial neural networks, convolution neural networks, and shift‐invariant neural networks. This lecture will provide an overview of techniques, methodologies, and applications of machine learning used in medical image processing and pattern recognition, which have been developed and advanced mainly in the field of diagnostic radiology in the past two decades or so. The applications of these machine‐learning techniques include quantum noise reduction, enhancement of the boundary of an organ, lesion enhancement, classification of lesions, and computer‐aided diagnosis. Once we have learned such machine‐learning techniques and methodologies, they can be translated quickly into new techniques for solution of problems in radiation therapy. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the basic principle of machine‐learning techniques 2. Learn various techniques in the two major classes of feature‐based and mitationsof machine learning 3. Understand the advantages and limitations of machine‐learning techniques 4. Learn applications of machine‐learning techniques in medical image processing and pattern recognition 5. Consider applications of machine‐learning techniques and methodologies in the field of radiation therapy
Identification of Plasmodium falciparum family of SNAREs.

SNARE proteins function as specificity determinants in all eukaryotic vesicle-mediated transport pathways. Although the intra-erythrocytic parasite Plasmodium falciparum is known to target nuclear-encoded proteins via transport vesicles to several destinations within and beyond its plasma membrane, little is known about the role of SNARE proteins in these unusual trafficking pathways. In this study, we identified and compared the subunit structure of P. falciparum homologues of SNAREs (PfSNAREs) with their complements in mammals, and determined the subcellular localizations of some family members. A comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of the P. falciparum genome revealed 18 SNARE-like proteins that could be classified into five main phylogenetic groups: membrin-like, Bet1-like, VAMP-like, syntaxin5-like, and a P. falciparum-specific syntaxin-like subfamily. Unique to some PfSNARE proteins were presence of atypical amino acid residues at the “0” layer position, presence of up to two transmembrane segments, and frequent occurrence of low-complexity regions. Subcellular distribution of green fluorescence protein (GFP)-tagged P. falciparum SNARE orthologues indicates that PfSyn5p and PfSec22p are partly associated to ER and Golgi compartments, and to other punctuated structures within the parasite plasma membrane. Our data confirms of a conserved SNARE-mediated anterograde transport system in the parasite and argues against any involvement of these two SNAREs in vesicular trafficking within the host cell compartment.
Analysis of FRET Biosensor Distribution in 3D by the Phasor Approach to FLIM

The phasor approach to analyze FLIM images has several advantages with respect to the classical multi exponential of the decay at each pixel of an image. More importantly, the phasor approach lends itself to simultaneous correlation of lifetime changes with spatial localization. Here we describe an application of FRET image analysis using the Rac and RhoA biosensors in which the specific distribution of the sensor in a cell is important to establish its activation. Specifically we study cells in a 3D matrix in which the activation of the Rac and RhoA biosensor could have a different distribution than in 2D. In order to simultaneously measure several 3D locations we use a method in which we measure FRET along a 3-dimensional line which encompasses different parts of the cell. The measurement of the decay at each point of a 3D line can be done very fast (in millisecond) potentially revealing the dynamics of the biosensor at a time scale that is of particular significance for cellular reactions. When the laser spot is moving along the line, we can also do measurements at two emission wavelengths giving us the chance to compare the phasor-FRET determination with the ratiometric method.The authors acknowledge financial support from the National Institutes of Health P50 GM076516 and P41 RR03155
Pressure Measurement in Microchannel Using Air Compression

A novel pressure measurement method for use in microchannels has been demonstrated in an experiment designed to measure the entrance length in microchannels. In the prototype device, the small pressure taps with closed ends are located every 100μm along the microchannel with several different lengths and widths. This device measures the local pressure of working fluid from a volume change of trapped air in the pressure taps due to surface tension effect when the microchannel is initially filled with the working liquid. The local pressure of the working liquid is determined by observing the air volume change and then applying the ideal gas law and a constitutive relationship for the water-air interfacial pressure difference due to the surface tension. The experimental and theoretical results show trends which agree well with each other.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Progress in the deposition of MgB2 thin films

An MgB2 thin film deposition technology is the first critical step in the development of superconducting electronics utilizing the 39 K superconductor. It turned out to be a challenging task due to the volatility of Mg and phase stability of MgB2, the low sticking coefficients of Mg at elevated temperatures, and the reactivity of Mg with oxygen. A brief overview of current deposition techniques is provided here from a thermodynamic perspective, with an emphasis on a very successful technique for high quality in situ epitaxial MgB2 films, the hybrid physical–chemical vapour deposition. Examples of heterostructures of MgB2 with other materials are also presented.
Association of teriparatide adherence and persistence with clinical and economic outcomes in Medicare Part D recipients: a retrospective cohort study

Improper medication adherence is associated with increased morbidity, healthcare costs, and fracture risk among patients with osteoporosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the healthcare utilization patterns of Medicare Part D beneficiaries newly initiating teriparatide, and to assess the association of medication adherence and persistence with bone fracture. This retrospective cohort study assessed medical and pharmacy claims of 761 Medicare members initiating teriparatide in 2008 and 2009. Baseline characteristics, healthcare use, and healthcare costs 12 and 24 months after teriparatide initiation, were summarized. Adherence, measured by Proportion of Days Covered (PDC), was categorized as high (PDC ≥ 80%), moderate (50% ≥ PDC < 80%), and low (PDC < 50%). Non-persistence was measured as refill gaps in subsequent claims longer than 60 days plus the days of supply from the previous claim. Multivariate logistic regression evaluated the association of adherence and persistence with fracture rates at 12 months. Within 12 months of teriparatide initiation, 21% of the cohort was highly-adherent. Low-adherent or non-persistent patients visited the ER more frequently than did their highly-adherent or persistent counterparts (χ 2 = 5.01, p < 0.05 and χ 2 = 5.84, p < 0.05), and had significantly lower mean pharmacy costs ($4,361 versus $13,472 and $4,757 versus $13,187, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, non-persistent patients had significantly lower total healthcare costs. The healthcare costs of highly-adherent patients were largely pharmacy-related. Similar patterns were observed in the 222 patients who had fractures at 12 months, among whom 89% of fracture-related costs were pharmacy-related. The regression models demonstrated no significant association of adherence or persistence with 12-month fractures. Six months before initiating teriparatide, 50.7% of the cohort had experienced at least 1 fracture episode. At 12 months, these patients were nearly 3 times more likely to have a fracture (OR = 2.9, 95% C.I. 2.1-4.1 p < 0.0001). Adherence to teriparatide therapy was suboptimal. Increased pharmacy costs seemed to drive greater costs among highly-adherent patients, whereas lower adherence correlated to greater ER utilization but not to greater costs. Having a fracture in the 6 months before teriparatide initiation increased fracture risk at follow-up.
Simple method for simultaneous determination of halothane, enflurane, and isoflurane in Krebs solution using capillary gas chromatography.

A simple gas chromatography (GC) method for the simultaneous determination of halothane, enflurane, and isoflurane in Krebs buffer solution has been developed. The method utilizes methylene chloride as the internal standard and liquid–liquid extraction using chloroform as the solvent. The method demonstrated excellent recovery (100%) of each component and a linear calibration range of 100–700, 100–800, and 300–1400 μg/mL for halothane, isoflurane, and enflurane, respectively. Intra-day accuracy and precision had an error and coefficient of variation of less than 5.1% and 2.7%, respectively. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advanced novel photonic instrumentation for adaptive and interferometric astronomy

New advanced photonic instrumentation previously developed for photonically controlled phased array antennas/radar work, is proposed for astronomical applications. The proposed adaptive optics approach is to use these remotely located photonic phase, time delay, and amplitude control modules for wavefront correction and optical beamforming for astronomical applications, particularly where fiber remoting can lead to larger observation apertures and/or signal processing gains. Scenarios using our photonic instrumentation such as solar wind sensing using radio frequency antenna arrays and fiber-linked optical telescope arrays are highlighted.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A critical analysis of the statistical effect in metal-complex formation

Abstract Evaluation of the statistical factor for formation of a metal-ligand complex requires explicit formulation of a detailed chemical model for the formation reaction. It is thus not possible in general to separate independent statistical effects from the other factors involved in determining the value of the equilibrium constants.
Hydrosilane addition of perfluorophenylsilanes to some unsaturated systems

Abstract The addition of (pentafluorophenyl)dimethylsilane (I), bis(pentafluorophenyl)methylsilane (II) and tris(pentafluorophenyl)silane (III) to phenylacetylene catalyzed by hexachloroplatinic acid gave mixtures of α- and β-substituted styrenes in each case; the proportion of the α-isomer increased from (I)–(III). Compound (I) underwent addition to the olefinic and carbonyl bonds of some representative compounds; addition did not occur under the conditions used with cyclohexene, furan, tetrakis(trimethylsilyl)allene nor with the azomethine, nitrile or azo linkages. The silane (I) added to benzalacetophenone to give the 1,4-adduct.
Protective Effect of Pycnogenol® in Human Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells Following Acrolein Induced Cytotoxicity

Oxidative stress is one of the hypotheses involved in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Considerable attention has been focused on increasing the intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels in many neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. Pycnogenol (PYC) has antioxidant properties and stabilizes intracellular antioxidant defense systems including glutathione levels. The present study investigated the protective effects of PYC on acrolein-induced oxidative cell toxicity in cultured SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Decreased cell survival in SH-SY5Y cultures treated with acrolein correlated with oxidative stress, increased NADPH oxidase activity, free radical production, protein oxidation/nitration (protein carbonyl, 3-nitrotyrosine), and lipid peroxidation (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal). Pretreatment with PYC significantly attenuated acrolein-induced cytotoxicity, protein damage, lipid peroxidation, and cell death. A dose-response study suggested that PYC showed protective effects against acrolein toxicity by modulating oxidative stress and increasing GSH. These findings provide support that PYC may provide a promising approach for the treatment of oxidative stress-related neurodegenerative diseases such as AD.
Megahertz-class printed high mobility organic thin-film transistors and inverters on plastic using attoliter-scale high-speed gravure-printed sub-5 μm gate electrodes

Abstract High performance organic thin-film transistors and inverters operating at MHz frequencies at 10 V are fabricated on plastic with high throughput (printing speed up to 1.0 m/s) using attoliter-scale high-speed gravure printing. The high performance of the devices is achieved using highly scaled gravure printed features (smaller than 5 μm) and optimizing a high mobility organic semiconductor for the short-channel gravure printed devices (>0.5 cm2/V s) to realize record performance levels.
Long-term survival of a patient with widespread metastases from Barrett's adenocarcinoma☆

Five-year survival of patients with stage 4 Barrett's adenocarcinoma is minimal. Such a patient is presented, alive without evident disease, 7 years after resection of the primary lesion, during which time he drank Peruvian herbal tea.
Hannah's Choice: Social Science or Political Philosophy

Hannah Arendt, Totalitarianism, and the Social Sciences. By Peter Baehr (Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 2010), 231 pp. $39.95 paper. There are many challenges to a book on Hannah Arendt w...
Incorporation of iron hydrogenase active sites into a highly stable metal-organic framework for photocatalytic hydrogen generation.

A new biomimetic heterogeneous photocatalyst ([FeFe]@ZrPF) has been synthesized through the incorporation of homogeneous complex 1 [(i-SCH2)2NC(O)C5H4N]-[Fe2(CO)6] into the highly robust zirconium-porphyrin based metal-organic framework (ZrPF). The immobilized biomimetic [Fe2S2] catalyst inside the MOF shows great improvement in hydrogen generation compared to the reference homogeneous catalyst complex 1.