cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hematology-Aims and Scope and a Call for Papers

The Hematology Domain of TheScientificWorldJOURNAL aims to provide the learner with authoritative information, provided by international experts, in the broad areas of hematology and oncology. The emphasis will be on the relationships between state of the art basic science discoveries, potential clinical applications, and active translational research that promises to apply these discoveries to improved modalities of detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Hematology and oncology are clinical disciplines that are particularly driven by basic science research, given the nature of the diseases that fall within the scope of these specialties. Diseases of the blood and neoplastic diseases are fundamentally cellular processes caused by disruptions, usually at the genomic level, or by altered immunologic response, which in turn is often driven at the genomic level. Study of the normal physiology of the relevant cells, and of the derangements responsible for neoplastic disorders and disorders of the blood have thus benefited enormously from the human genome project and the vastly improved technological platforms that have evolved from it. The Hematology Domain welcomes reviews covering the basic cellular and chemical components of the blood (red cells, white cells, platelets, clotting proteins, etc.) and the molecular pathophysiology of major blood disorders, such as hemoglobinopathies, bone marrow failure syndromes, coagulopathies, etc., neoplasms of the blood cells and blood forming organs, e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, myeloproliferative and myelodysplastic syndromes, immune deficiencies, etc. Finally, aspects of oncology that are being impacted by advances in basic science, e.g., targeted therapies, and angiogenesis, etc., will follow within the scope of this initiative. In each case, authors will be instructed to prepare a clear exposition of the scientific advances readable by well-informed but not necessarily expert professionals, and to delineate how those scientific advances promise to impact the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of the disorders. Whenever possible, topics will be chosen in areas in which actual progress is being made in translating new scientific information into altered clinical management of patients.
Pricing with uncertain customer valuations

Uncertain demand in pricing problems is often modelled using the sum of a linear price-response function and a zero-mean random variable. In this paper, we argue that the presence of uncertainty motivates the introduction of nonlinearities in the demand as a function of price, both in the risk-neutral and risk-sensitive models. We motivate our analysis by investigating the impact of uncertainty on the individual customers’ valuations. We derive a family of price-response functions, parametrised by a risk sensitivity coefficient, which includes the special case of risk neutrality.
Strongly unique best approximation in uniformly convex banach spaces

On etend aux espaces uniformement convexes quelques theoremes d'Angelos-Egger-Smarzewski relatifs a la meilleure approximation fortement unique
An Examination of the Ethical and Value Orientation of Criminal Justice Students

The purpose of this research was to compare the values, likelihood of engaging in ethical violations, and perceptions of the seriousness of a variety of ethical violations of criminal justice stude...
Iron Regulatory Protein 2 Turnover through a Nonproteasomal Pathway

Iron regulatory protein 2 (IRP2) controls the synthesis of many proteins involved in iron metabolism, and the level of IRP2 itself is regulated by varying the rate of its degradation. The proteasome is known to mediate degradation, with specificity conferred by an iron-sensing E3 ligase. Most studies on the degradation of IRP2 have employed cells overexpressing IRP2 and also rendered iron deficient to further increase IRP2 levels. We utilized a sensitive, quantitative assay for IRP2, which allowed study of endogenous IRP2 degradation in HEK293A cells under more physiologic conditions. We found that under these conditions, the proteasome plays only a minor role in the degradation of IRP2, with almost all the IRP2 being degraded by a nonproteasomal pathway. This new pathway is calcium-dependent but is not mediated by calpain. Elevating the cellular level of IRP2 by inducing iron deficiency or by transfection causes the proteasomal pathway to account for the major fraction of IRP2 degradation. We conclude that under physiological, iron-sufficient conditions, the steady-state level of IRP2 in HEK293A cells is regulated by the nonproteasomal pathway.
Axonal deficits in young adults with High Functioning Autism and their impact on processing speed

Microstructural white matter deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have been suggested by both histological findings and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) studies, which show reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) and increased mean diffusivity (MD). However, imaging reports are generally not consistent across studies and the underlying physiological causes of the reported differences in FA and MD remain poorly understood. In this study, we sought to further characterize white matter deficits in ASD by employing an advanced diffusion imaging method, the Diffusional Kurtosis Imaging (DKI), and a two-compartment diffusion model of white matter. This model differentially describes intra- and extra-axonal white matter compartments using Axonal Water Fraction (faxon) a measure reflecting axonal caliber and density, and compartment-specific diffusivity measures. Diagnostic utility of these measures and associations with processing speed performance were also examined. Comparative studies were conducted in 16 young male adults with High Functioning Autism (HFA) and 17 typically developing control participants (TDC). Significantly decreased faxon was observed in HFA compared to the control group in most of the major white matter tracts, including the corpus callosum, cortico-spinal tracts, and superior longitudinal, inferior longitudinal and inferior fronto-occipital fasciculi. Intra-axonal diffusivity (Daxon) was also found to be reduced in some of these regions. Decreased axial extra-axonal diffusivity (ADextra) was noted in the genu of the corpus callosum. Reduced processing speed significantly correlated with decreased faxon and Daxon in several tracts. faxon of the left cortico-spinal tract and superior longitudinal fasciculi showed good accuracy in discriminating the HFA and TDC groups. In conclusion, these findings suggest altered axonal microstructure in young adults with HFA which is associated with reduced processing speed. Compartment-specific diffusion metrics appear to improve specificity and sensitivity to white matter deficits in this population.
Comparison of genetic diversity in the recently founded Connecticut River Atlantic salmon population to that of its primary donor stock, Maine's Penobscot River

Abstract Anadromous Atlantic salmon returning to the Connecticut River (CR) from 1996 to 1999 were assayed for variability at nine microsatellite DNA loci. Heterozygosity and allele frequencies were compared to the anadromous Atlantic salmon returning to Maine's Penobscot River from 1998 to 2000. The Penobscot River was the primary source of the salmon used to found the previously extirpated population in the Connecticut River. While there were no significant differences in heterozygosity between the source population and the Connecticut River sea-run spawners, microsatellite allele frequencies were significantly different between the populations. Two techniques of estimating effective population size (Ne) suggested a healthy level of genetic variation in the Connecticut River population of anadromous Atlantic salmon. This is significant because the sea-run population is maintained almost entirely through hatchery production. Healthy ratios of Ne to N indicate that hatchery production has not resulted in excessive inbreeding to date.
Relational Contracts, Growth Options, and Heterogeneous Beliefs: A Game-Theoretic Perspective on Information Technology Outsourcing

More companies have realized that information technology (IT) outsourcing, once viewed as a cost reduction tool, could facilitate and even enable the transformation of their core business processes. The benefits from a potential outsourcing relationship expansion have strategic implications for relational incentive provision. Modeling "information poaching" in IT outsourcing as an incentive problem with contractibility constraints, our analysis shows that this problem could be mitigated in a repeated game where the outsourcing client and the service provider agree on a relational contract. When the two partners share the belief that they can potentially benefit from a future relationship expansion, they are more likely to behave cooperatively during the early stages of their relationship. However, when they disagree about the likelihood of the future relationship expansion, they will have different preferences on a set of otherwise equivalent relational bonus contracts. Specifically, they will adopt a rel...
NUCLEAR SPIN RELAXATION IN A ROTATING TILTED REFERENCE FRAME.

The theory of Provotorov for the rate of approach to equilibrium in nuclear-magnetic-resonance saturation is extended to stronger saturating fields following a method used previously by Walstedt, but avoiding his Gaussian assumption for a spectral density function. It is shown that the function may be very far from Gaussian. Provotorov's result, valid for weak-saturating fields only, is placed on a better foundation by showing that it depends only slightly on the decomposition of the Hamiltonian resulting from the choice of reference frame.
Dishevelled Proteins Lead to Two Signaling Pathways REGULATION OF LEF-1 AND c-Jun N-TERMINAL KINASE IN MAMMALIAN CELLS

Dishevelled (Dsh/Dvl) proteins are known to mediate Wnt signaling by up-regulating beta-catenin levels and stimulating T cell factor (TCF)/LEF-1-dependent transcription. We have identified a new Dvl-mediated signaling pathway in that mouse Dvl proteins, when expressed in COS-7 cells, stimulate c-Jun-dependent transcription activity and the kinase activity of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). The DEP domain of Dvl1 is essential for JNK activation. By contrast, all three conserved domains of Dvl, including DIX, PDZ, and DEP, are required for up-regulation of beta-catenin and for stimulation of LEF-1-mediated transcription in mammalian cells. Thus, Dvl can lead to two different signaling pathways. Furthermore, the small G proteins of Cdc42 or Rac1, which are involved in JNK activation by many stimuli, do not appear to play a major role in Dvl-mediated JNK activation, because the dominant negative mutants of Cdc42 and Rac1 could not inhibit Dvl-induced JNK activation. This suggests that Dvl may activate JNK via novel pathways.
Binding and degradation of doubly radioiodinated luteinizing hormone by mouse leydig cells.

Doubly radioiodinated LH (**LH) was used to examine the fate of both subunits during interaction with freshly isolated Leydig cells. Cells that had bound **LH and were then resuspended in **LH-free medium released radioactivity continuously from both subunits in acid-soluble form, but to only a limited extent in acid-precipitable form. With cells from BALB/c mice, the initial rate of release of acid-soluble radioactivity was substantially greater from alpha-subunit than from beta-subunit; this difference was not apparent with cells from Swiss-Webster mice. Appearance of acid-soluble radioactivity was inhibited by leupeptin; testosterone production was not affected. Cell-associated radioactivity declined when the resuspension medium contained unlabeled LH, but assumed a steady state when cells were incubated continuously in **LH. Thus, upon binding of LH to receptor, both subunits are internalized and degraded within the lysosome. Binding and degradation can proceed simultaneously, yet independently. LH degradation has no role in acute testosterone production.
A Graduate Education in Software Management and the Software Business for Mid-Career Professionals

Given the unique nature of the software business, the faculty of Carnegie Mellon University’s Silicon Valley campus concluded that mid-career software professionals would be better served by a tailored master’s degree focusing on software management and more broadly on the business of software than by a typical MBA. Our software management master’s program integrates business, technical, and soft skills to prepare our students for technical leadership in their current companies or in entrepreneurial ventures. Our initial program built on the strengths of Carnegie Mellon’s world-class software engineering education. We targeted students working in large companies, engaged in large-scale enterprise software projects, employing “high ceremony” software development processes. However, the majority of our students came from Silicon Valley companies which shared a product development focus, engaged in smaller projects, favored agile development processes, and measured development cycles in weeks rather than years. Our program has evolved to align with these interests. It employs a unique team-based and project-based pedagogy which emphasizes practical skills over theory, depth over breadth, and coaching over lecturing. High student satisfaction and growing enrollment have validated our curriculum decisions and have led us to make this program the educational centerpiece of Carnegie Mellon’s Silicon Valley campus
The strain-specific dynamics of Escherichia coli O157:H7 faecal shedding in cattle post inoculation

This study reports analysis of faecal shedding dynamics in cattle for three Escherichia coli O157:H7 (ECO157) strains (S1, S2 and S3) of different genotype and ecological history, using experimental inoculation data. The three strains were compared for their shedding frequency and level of ECO157 in faeces. A multistate Markov chain model was used to compare shedding patterns of S1 and S2. Strains S1 and S2 were detected seven to eight times more often and at 104 larger levels than strain S3. Strains S1 and S2 had similar frequencies and levels of shedding. However, the total time spent in the shedding state during colonization was on average four times longer for S1 (15 days) compared to S2 (4 days). These results indicate that an ECO157 strain effect on the frequency, level, pattern and the duration of faecal shedding may need to be considered in control of ECO157 in the cattle reservoir.
Modeling the Multiphase Atmospheric Chemistry of Launch Clouds

Abstract : The adaptation is described of a widely available subroutine library, originally developed to model chemical vapor deposition to model a plume of steam and hydrogen chloride gas that is released during solid rocket booster launches such as the Space Shuttle and the Titan IV. Hydrogen chloride is a very hygroscopic gas, and it tends to form an aerosol cloud from the water vapor in the atmosphere as well as from the steam released by engine combustion and launch deluge water. The aerosol cloud is the most difficult feature to model because it involves phase changes, complex thermodynamic data for HCl/water solutions, and rapid changes in temperature, concentration, and relative humidity. The model predictions are compared to field data taken during a launch of the Space Shuttle.
BIOREMOVAL OF LEAD FROM WATER USING LEMNA MINOR

Abstract This study examined the ability of duckweed ( Lemna minor ) to remove soluble lead from water. The duckweed was obtained from the Devils Lake wastewater treatment plant in North Dakota. The viable aquatic plants were exposed to a single dose of lead (from Pb(NO 3 ) 2 ) at a concentration of 5.0 mg/l for a time period of 21 days. Lead concentrations were measured in the water daily and in the biomass at the conclusion of the experiment. All measurements were done in triplicate and performed in accordance with standard methods. These data were used to calculate the removal efficiency with respect to time, and to provide the necessary empirical constants to model the removal behavior. Viable biomass removed 85–90% of the lead, viable duckweed previously exposed to lead removed 70–80% of the lead, non-viable biomass (control group) removed 60–75% of the lead, and there was no removal in the `no-biomass' control group. Based on these results we conclude that the viable biomass is effective in removing lead present at sub-lethal levels.
Direct interaction between NHERF1 and Frizzled regulates β-catenin signaling.

Although Wnt-Frizzled (Fzd) signaling is critical in the pathophysiology of carcinomas, its role in human breast cancer has been difficult to establish. We show here that the adaptor protein Na+/H+ exchange regulatory factor1 (NHERF1), a protein abundantly expressed in normal mammary epithelium, regulates Wnt signaling, maintaining low levels of β-catenin activation. NHERF1's effects are mediated by direct interactions between one of its PSD-95/drosophila discs large/ZO-1 (PDZ) domains and the C-terminus of a subset of Fzd receptors. Loss of NHERF1 in breast cancer cell lines enhances canonical Wnt signaling and Wnt-dependent cell proliferation. Furthermore, the mammary glands of NHERF1-knockout mice exhibit increased mammary duct density accompanied by increased proliferation and β-catenin activity. Finally, we demonstrate a negative correlation between NHERF1 expression and nuclear β-catenin in human breast carcinomas. Taken together, these results provide a novel insight into the regulation of Wnt signaling in normal and neoplastic breast tissues, and identify NHERF1 as an important regulator of the pathogenesis of breast tumors.
Uncertainty principles for the Hankel transform

Hardy, Beurling, Cowling–Price, Gelfand–Shilov, and Donoho–Stark uncertainty principles are obtained for the Hankel transform.
Despite the internucleosomal cleavage of DNA, reactive oxygen species do not produce other markers of apoptosis in cultured neurons

Abstract The cell death induced by hydroxyl radicals generated by Cu-phenanthroline and peroxynitrite generated by 3-morpholinosydnonimine hydrochloride (SIN-1) in rat primary cortical neuronal cultures was compared with the apoptotic death induced by staurosporine and the necrotic death induced by glutamate. Both SIN-1 and Cu-phenanthroline were capable of generating internucleosomal cleavage of DNA—a hallmark of apoptosis. Other characteristics of this cell death, such as nuclear morphology by light microscopy; DNA breaks by single-cell gel electrophoresis; the effects of the apoptotic inhibitors cycloheximide, aurintricarboxylic acid, and tosyl- l -lysine chloromethyl ketone; the measurement of caspase activity; and the effects of antioxidants, were then analyzed. The conclusion from these hallmarks of apoptosis is that the cell death induced by these reactive oxygen species is not apoptosis.
The meaning of public opinion: citizens' constructions of political reality:

Analyse des liens entre la communication de masse et la formation de l'opinion publique : comment les citoyens concoivent le role des medias dans le processus de formation de l'opinion publique. Etude particuliere aupres d'un groupe d'Americains, qui explore la facon dont ces personnes conceptualisent les frontieres entre la presse, l'Etat et le public
WiP Abstract: Supporting Coordinated Negotiation in CPS Design

A new task model is proposed to assist negotiation for resource usage in cyber-physical systems. The task model captures the complex timing behavior in event-triggered control systems so that better resource planning can be obtained.
Acute fulminating babesiosis in hamsters infected with Babesia microti

In this study, Babesia microti (ATCC30222) from mice was adapted to golden hamsters. The parasite was passaged to immunosuppressed and then adapted to normal hamsters. When 30 normal hamsters were inoculated with this strain, parasitaemia increased to 74% of erythrocytes by day 7 and 70% of the hamsters died. By day 12, parasitaemia extended to 90%, with 97% mortality. Hearts and kidneys from infected animals were enlarged. Histopathology revealed acute myocarditis, hepatitis, pneumonitis, glomerulonephritis and splenomegaly. Giemsa, Acridine Orange and Rhodamine staining of the parasite were compared. Scanning electron microscopy of blood from infected hamsters revealed from 1 to 5 intra-erythrocytic parasites.
Are supply (driven) chains forgotten

Purpose – The supply chain literature highlights chains that are activated by actual or forecasted demand, and has largely overlooked those that are activated by the supply source. This paper aims to position supply driven chains as a distinct class and to develop their properties.Design/methodology/approach – Supply driven examples are given and their structural and behavioral properties are developed. Their properties are compared with those of demand driven chains using Fisher's classification scheme. The paper is conceptual in nature.Findings – Four properties of supply driven chains are advanced. They show that supply driven chains differ significantly from their demand driven counterparts. As example, supply driven chains are prone to a reverse form of the standard bullwhip effect that is associated with demand driven chains.Research limitations/implications – Investigating supply driven chains opens several research avenues. Further properties and examples can be developed, along with methods to mi...
Reduced mechanism of soot formation—Applicationto natural gas-fueled diesel combustion

Stochastic simulations of soot formation were performed for the combustion of natural gas in a glow-assisted direct-injection diesel engine. A simple fluid dynamic method was employed, which describes turbulent mixing by random collision and coalescence of individual fluid cells. The composition of each fluid cell is homogeneous and changes with time under the control of the chemical kinetics. The reaction mechanism was comprised of three parts, each reduced with a different method, keeping the chemistry and physics as uncompromised as possible. The computational results demonstrate that the model of soot formation, developed and tested on laminar premixed flames, is capable of predicting the right amount of soot produced under the conditions of turbulent combustion. The model predicts that soot mass is mostly gained at rather high temperatures, 2100–2400 K, and a narrow range of fuel-air equivalence ratios, 2.6–2.8. The production of soot in diesel combustion was found to be controlled by particle nucleation, mass growth by surface reactions of acetylene, and surface oxidation by OH.
Repeated i.v. cocaine exposure produces long-lasting behavioral sensitization in pregnant adults, but behavioral tolerance in their offspring

Abstract Repeated exposure to cocaine during sensitive periods of forebrain development produces specific, long-lasting changes in the structure and function of maturing neural circuits. Similar regimens of drug exposure in adult animals with mature, homeostatically regulated nervous systems produce neuroadaptations that appear to be quite different in nature and magnitude. We studied the ability of cocaine to induce behavioral sensitization and/or tolerance following repeated administration of i.v. cocaine (3 mg/kg, twice daily) to pregnant rabbits during the period of peak differentiation within the rabbit cerebral cortex (embryonic day [E] 16–E25). Offspring and the adult mothers were behaviorally tested following acute administration of amphetamine 2 months after the litters were born. The offspring, having received cocaine during the prenatal sensitive period, showed profound behavioral tolerance to the amphetamine challenge. In contrast, the mothers of these offspring, who received cocaine at the same dose and duration, and experienced the same period of withdrawal, exhibited robust behavioral sensitization. These data indicate that specific adaptive changes in neural signaling and/or circuitry that occur in response to repeated exposure to psychostimulants are highly dependent upon the maturational state of the brain during which the exposure occurs.
A second-order method for unconstrained optimization

This paper presents a quadratically converging algorithm for unconstrained minimization. All the accumulation points that it constructs satisfy second-order necessary conditions of optimality. Thus, it avoids second-order saddle andinflection points, an essential feature for a method to be used in minimizing the modified Lagrangians in multiplier methods.
Money and its substitutes

Abstract Measurement of the elasticity of substitution between financial assets is an important element in evaluating the role that those assets play in the economy. This paper generalizes the model developed by Chetty by relaxing the separability conditions while restoring homotheticity to the utility function. The general model is found to produce empirical estimates that are statistically superior to the original, while substantially reducing the estimated elasticities of substitution. Consequently, the various types of savings accounts no longer appear to be very close substitutes for money balances.
Intracellular Toll-like Receptors

Foreign nucleic acids, the signature of invading viruses and certain bacteria, are sensed intracellularly. The nucleic acid-specific Toll-like receptors (TLRs) detect and signal within endolysosomal compartments, triggering the induction of cytokines essential for the innate immune response. These cytokines include proinflammatory molecules produced mainly by macrophages and conventional dendritic cells, as well as type I interferons, which are produced in great quantities by plasmacytoid dendritic cells. The cellular and molecular pathways by which nucleic acids and TLRs meet within the endosome assure host protection yet also place the host at risk for the development of autoimmunity. Here, we review the latest findings on the intracellular TLRs, with special emphasis on ligand uptake, receptor trafficking, signaling, and regulation.
Methodological issues and research strategies in the study of coping with cancer.

Abstract We explore methodological issues and research strategies and applications in the study of coping with cancer. The major points are addressed within the context of the transactional, or process, model of stress and coping offered by Lazarus and Folkman. Three features of this model are discussed: (a) a focus on what individuals are actually doing and thinking in stressful transactions as opposed to what they usually do or would do; (b) an emphasis on assessing coping behavior in relation to a specific context and; (c) attention to the dynamic nature of coping behavior. We outline each of these three features and discuss its implications for research on coping with cancer; particular attention is given to specific measurement strategies and substantive research questions.We also consider the utility of research on coping with cancer for the design and implementation of coping interventions for individuals with cancer.
A state-supported incentive program and distribution of dental manpower.

Eighty-two percent of the dentists who satisfied the educational loan obligation by practice before 1976 remained in designated areas of low dentist/population ratios. To encourage dental health practitioners to practice in areas of low dentist/population ratios, an Educational Loan Program has been set up in North Carolina. Through practicing in areas of designated shortage, graduates can fulfill their loan obligations.
A second course in database management

A second course in Database Management which stresses database design principles is described. The first course emphasizes database implementation utilizing both a relational and a CODASYL database management system. Students become familiar with the usage of a database management system as a implementation framework for databases. The second course provides the student with tools to perform logical database design and with techniques for converting logical designs into efficient physical implementations.
BAP1 missense mutation c.2054 A>T (p.E685V) completely disrupts normal splicing through creation of a novel 5' splice site in a human mesothelioma cell line.

BAP1 is a tumor suppressor gene that is lost or deleted in diverse cancers, including uveal mela¬noma, malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), clear cell renal carcinoma, and cholangiocarcinoma. Recently, BAP1 germline mutations have been reported in families with combinations of these same cancers. A particular challenge for mutation screening is the classification of non-truncating BAP1 sequence variants because it is not known whether these subtle changes can affect the protein function sufficiently to predispose to cancer development. Here we report mRNA splicing analysis on a homozygous substitution mutation, BAP1 c. 2054 AT 2) a variety of alternative splicing products that led to retention of different introns: introns 14–16; introns 15–16; intron 14 and intron 16; 3) partial intron 14 and 15 retentions caused by activation of alternative 3’ splice acceptor sites (AG) in the introns. Taken together, we were unable to detect any correctly spliced mRNA transcripts in this cell line. These results suggest that aberrant splicing caused by this mutation is quite efficient as it completely abolishes normal splicing through creation of a novel 5’ splice site and activation of cryptic splice sites. These data support the conclusion that BAP1 c.2054 A&T (p.E685V) variant is a pathogenic mutation and contributes to MPM through disruption of normal splicing.
The voltammetry of neuropeptides containing L-tyrosine

Neuropeptides containing an N-terminal tyrosine are irreversibly oxidized on glassy carbon electrodes using scan rates from 0.020 to 0.500 V/s. Despite variations in peptide length and amino acid composition from tyrosine to α-neoendorphin 1–10, peak potentials occurred in a relatively narrow range from +0.925 V to +0.971 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). An inverse linear relationship of Ep vs. pH with a slope near −59 mV/pH unit suggests that the oxidation involves a one electron oxidation and a single proton transfer similar to the oxidation of simple para-substituted phenols. Linear slopes between 0.790 and 0.933 of log Ip vs. log v suggest that surface processes contribute to the voltammetry on glassy carbon.
Atomic assembly of Cu/Ta multilayers: Surface roughness, grain structure, misfit dislocations, and amorphization

Molecular dynamics simulations and selected experiments have been carried out to study the growth of Cu films on (010) bcc Ta and the deposition of CuxTa1−x alloy films on (111) fcc Cu. They indicate that fcc Cu films with a (111) texture are always formed when Cu is deposited on Ta surfaces. These films are polycrystalline even when the Ta substrate is single crystalline. The grains have one of two different orientations and are separated by either orientational or misfit dislocations. Periodic misfit dislocations and stacking faults develop within these grains to release structure difference induced misfit strain energy. The Cu film surface roughness was found to decrease with increase in the adatom energy for deposition. When CuxTa1−x is deposited on Ta, the films always have a higher Cu composition than that of the vapor mixture. This arises from a surface segregation phenomenon. When the Cu and Ta fractions in the films are comparable, amorphous structures form. The fundamental origins for the segreg...
Finding the Role of Health Care in Population Health

Enhanced focus on population health is increasingly invoked as a potential solution to the persistent problems facing the US health care system including failures to achieve targets for health outcomes, eliminate disparities in health and health care, and function within a sustainable budget Shortell1 recently discussed how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and related developments could change incentives to align health care, public health, and social services. Sox2 further specified the inherent tensions in allocation of resources to balance the needs of individuals and those of the population overall and highlighted new aspects of medical professionalism that will be needed to improve population health outcomes However, additional clarity is needed regarding the specific health system–based activities that may contribute most to improvements in population health and well-being and the barriers that must be overcome for them to succeed. These include stakeholder interests that may not be aligned with investments in population health, barriers to information transfer and service integration between health care and other sectors, and persistent difficulties in addressing health care disparities. Without solutions to these challenges, integration of population health–focused activities into the routine work of health care systems will be neither robust nor sustainable.
The computational cost of simplex spline functions

This paper presents a negative result concerning the stable evaluation of simplex spline functions. It has been conjectured that a great deal of computational effort might be saved by implementing the recurrence relation for these functions in a clever way. The main result of this paper is that there is no clever way to implement the recurrence relation once the standard recipe for constructing spaces of simplex spline functions has been followed.
Structure and Function of the LmbE-like Superfamily

The LmbE-like superfamily is comprised of a series of enzymes that use a single catalytic metal ion to catalyze the hydrolysis of various substrates. These substrates are often key metabolites for eukaryotes and prokaryotes, which makes the LmbE-like enzymes important targets for drug development. Herein we review the structure and function of the LmbE-like proteins identified to date. While this is the newest superfamily of metallohydrolases, a growing number of functionally interesting proteins from this superfamily have been characterized. Available crystal structures of LmbE-like proteins reveal a Rossmann fold similar to lactate dehydrogenase, which represented a novel fold for (zinc) metallohydrolases at the time the initial structure was solved. The structural diversity of the N-acetylglucosamine containing substrates affords functional diversity for the LmbE-like enzyme superfamily. The majority of enzymes identified to date are metal-dependent deacetylases that catalyze the hydrolysis of a N-acetylglucosamine moiety on substrate using a combination of amino acid side chains and a single bound metal ion, predominantly zinc. The catalytic zinc is coordinated to proteins via His2-Asp-solvent binding site. Additionally, studies indicate that protein dynamics play important roles in regulating access to the active site and facilitating catalysis for at least two members of this protein superfamily.
Decomposition of Ruthenium Olefin Metathesis Catalysts

The decomposition of a series of ruthenium metathesis catalysts has been examined using methylidene species as model complexes. All of the phosphine-containing methylidene complexes decomposed to generate methylphosphonium salts, and their decomposition routes followed first-order kinetics. The formation of these salts in high conversion, coupled with the observed kinetic behavior for this reaction, suggests that the major decomposition pathway involves nucleophilic attack of a dissociated phosphine on the methylidene carbon. This mechanism also is consistent with decomposition observed in the presence of ethylene as a model olefin substrate. The decomposition of phosphine-free catalyst (H_2IMes)(Cl)_2Ru CH(2-C_6H_4-O-i-Pr) (H_2IMes = 1,3-dimesityl-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene) with ethylene was found to generate unidentified ruthenium hydride species. The novel ruthenium complex (H_2IMes)(pyridine)_3(Cl)_2Ru, which was generated during the synthetic attempts to prepare the highly unstable pyridine-based methylidene complex (H_2IMes)(pyridine)_2(Cl)_2Ru CH_2, is also reported.
Person Identification from Text and Speech Genre Samples

In this paper, we describe experiments conducted on identifying a person using a novel unique correlated corpus of text and audio samples of the person's communication in six genres. The text samples include essays, emails, blogs, and chat. Audio samples were collected from individual interviews and group discussions and then transcribed to text. For each genre, samples were collected for six topics. We show that we can identify the communicant with an accuracy of 71% for six fold cross validation using an average of 22,000 words per individual across the six genres. For person identification in a particular genre (train on five genres, test on one), an average accuracy of 82% is achieved. For identification from topics (train on five topics, test on one), an average accuracy of 94% is achieved. We also report results on identifying a person's communication in a genre using text genres only as well as audio genres only.
Fate of a headless vimentin protein in stable cell cultures: soluble and cytoskeletal forms.

Abstract The non-α-helical head domains of cytoskeletal intermediate filaments (IFs) are considered to play an important role in IF assembly and stability. We have investigated the fate of a "headless" mutant vimentin protein in cell types that either lack cytoplasmic IFs or contain preexisting IF networks (keratin and vimentin). Stable clones expressing a transfected headless vimentin cDNA were individually analyzed in order to avoid variabilities introduced by transient transfection and to compare the levels and effects of the mutant vimentin protein more accurately. In cells lacking IFs, the mutant protein existed in a diffuse, soluble form as determined by immunofluorescence and biochemical protein fractionation. In cells possessing vimentin IFs, the headless vimentin was highly dispersed throughout the cytoplasm, including lamellopodia. Expression levels in individual clones were as high as sevenfold greater than the endogenous vimentin component. Although the majority of the headless vimentin was highly soluble, a residual portion of the mutant vimentin colocalized with vimentin filaments and consistently comprised about 25% of the cytoskeletal vimentin network. These results demonstrate that the mutant protein can be stably expressed at relatively high levels without deleterious cellular effects or disruption of endogenous vimentin filaments. The observed specific ratio of mutant to wild-type vimentin (1:3) in the cytoskeleton supports IF in vivo assembly via specific hybrid tetramer formation and, further, that at least three intact head domains are required for competent tetramer formation and IF assembly.
Office-based vocal fold injection with the laryngeal introducer technique

Objectives/Hypothesis There are numerous techniques for awake laryngeal injection, each with its limitations and technical challenges. We demonstrate a modification to the thyrohyoid approach for injection that stabilizes needle introduction and allows for consistent placement in a wide variety of larynges. Study Design Retrospective review at a tertiary care institution. Methods A retrospective review was performed of the charts for patients consecutively undergoing awake vocal fold injection laryngoplasty in 2013 for glottic insufficiency due to unilateral vocal fold paralysis, vocal fold atrophy, or sulcus vocalis using the laryngeal introducer technique. The consistency of needle placement, ease of technique, and patient tolerance was assessed. The technique utilizes a curved 1.5-inch 18-gauge needle as a laryngeal introducer through the thyroid notch. Laryngeal injection augmentation is then performed using a curved 3.5-inch 25-gauge spinal needle through the introducer. Results Twenty-one patients were identified who underwent awake vocal fold injection laryngoplasty for glottic insufficiency. All 21 injections were successfully placed. Five of seven injections attempted by resident physicians were able to be completed without attending assistance. Patient experience data demonstrated good tolerance, with a preference for the awake procedure as compared to that performed under general anesthesia. Conclusions The laryngeal introducer technique is a novel way of performing awake laryngeal injections. It provides a high rate of success, the ability to be consistently performed by inexperienced clinicians, and is well tolerated by patients. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 124:2114–2117, 2014
Spectral information in nonspeech contexts influences children’s categorization of ambiguous speech sounds

For both adults and children, acoustic context plays an important role in speech perception. For adults, both speech and nonspeech acoustic contexts influence perception of subsequent speech items, consistent with the argument that effects of context are due to domain-general auditory processes. However, prior research examining the effects of context on children’s speech perception have focused on speech contexts; nonspeech contexts have not been explored previously. To better understand the developmental progression of children’s use of contexts in speech perception and the mechanisms underlying that development, we created a novel experimental paradigm testing 5-year-old children’s speech perception in several acoustic contexts. The results demonstrated that nonspeech context influences children’s speech perception, consistent with claims that context effects arise from general auditory system properties rather than speech-specific mechanisms. This supports theoretical accounts of language development suggesting that domain-general processes play a role across the lifespan.
The cool-2/α-Pix protein mediates a Cdc42-Rac signaling cascade

Abstract Background: C loned- o ut o f l ibrary-2 (Cool-2)/ P AK- i nteractive e x change factor (α-Pix) was identified through its ability to bind the Cdc42/Rac target p 21- a ctivated k inase (PAK) and has been implicated in certain forms of X-linked mental retardation as well as in growth factor- and chemoattractant-coupled signaling pathways. We recently found that the dimeric form of Cool-2 is a specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Rac, whereas monomeric Cool-2 is a GEF for Cdc42 as well as Rac. However, unlike many GEFs, Cool-2 binds to activated forms of Cdc42 and Rac. Thus, we have investigated the functional consequences of these interactions. Results: We show that the binding of activated Cdc42 to the Cool-2 dimer markedly enhances its ability to associate with GDP bound Rac1, resulting in a significant activation of Rac-GEF activity. While the Rac-specific GEF activity of Cool-2 is mediated through the D bl h omology (DH) domain from one monomer and the Pleckstrin homology domain from the other, activated Cdc42 interacts with the DH domain, most likely opposite the DH domain binding site for GDP bound Rac. Activated Rac also binds to Cool-2; however, it strongly inhibits the GEF activity of dimeric Cool-2. Conclusions: We provide evidence for novel mechanisms of allosteric regulation of the Rac-GEF activity of the Cool-2 dimer, involving stimulatory effects by Cdc42 and feedback inhibition by Rac. These findings demonstrate that by serving as a target for GTP bound Cdc42 and a GEF for Rac, Cool-2 mediates a GTPase cascade where the activation of Cdc42 is translated into the activation of Rac.
Prediction of Aerodynamic Tonal Noise from Open Rotors

Abstract A numerical approach for predicting tonal aerodynamic noise from “open rotors” is presented. “Open rotor” refers to an engine architecture with a pair of counter-rotating propellers. Typical noise spectra from an open rotor consist of dominant tones, which arise due to both the steady loading/thickness and the aerodynamic interaction between the two bladerows. The proposed prediction approach utilizes Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to obtain near-field description of the noise sources. The near-to-far-field propagation is then carried out by solving the Ffowcs Williams–Hawkings equation. Since the interest of this paper is limited to tone noise, a linearized, frequency domain approach is adopted to solve the wake/vortex–blade interaction problem. This paper focuses primarily on the speed scaling of the aerodynamic tonal noise from open rotors. Even though there is no theoretical mode cut-off due to the absence of nacelle in open rotors, the far-field noise is a strong function of the azimuthal mode order. While the steady loading/thickness noise has circumferential modes of high order, due to the relatively large number of blades ( ≈ 10 – 12 ), the interaction noise typically has modes of small orders. The high mode orders have very low radiation efficiency and exhibit very strong scaling with Mach number, while the low mode orders show a relatively weaker scaling. The prediction approach is able to capture the speed scaling (observed in experiment) of the overall aerodynamic noise very well.
Endoscopic sentinel lymph node biopsy in a porcine model.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of endoscopic sentinel lymph node biopsy in a porcine model. Methods: One hundred microcuries of technetium-labeled sulfa colloid (Tc-SC) was injected into the right and left ventrolateral surfaces of the oral tongue of six adult Yorkshire pigs. A handheld gamma probe was used to locate the region of focal radioactivity on the neck that corresponded to the sentinel lymph node (SLN). Next, 0.25 mL of isosulfan blue dye was injected into the Tc-SC injection sites on the tongue. Endoscopic SLN dissection was then performed using a combination of balloon dissection and CO2 insufflation. The operative time, blood loss, and radioactivity of the SLN were measured for each animal. Results: The SLN was detected transcutaneously with the gamma probe, and endoscopic SLN excision was successful. Endoscopic visualization and an endoscopic gamma probe confirmed the presence of both isosulfan blue dye and radiopositivity in the SLN in each pig. The procedure lasted 22 to 61 minutes (median duration, 35 minutes). There was no measurable blood loss in any of the animals. Mean radioactivity measured 14,466 counts/second per lymph node. Conclusions: Endoscopic SLN biopsy for oral tongue lesions is feasible and warrants further study.
A Summary Score for the Framingham Heart Study Neuropsychological Battery

Objective: To calculate three summary scores of the Framingham Heart Study neuropsychological battery and determine which score best differentiates between subjects classified as having normal cogn...
The Dundus and the Nation

A few years ago, at midmorning on a warm August day, I stopped for a quick swim at a public beach in Montego Bay. The beach was only sparsely occupied, so to ensure some measure of oversight and protection for my valuables, I laid out my bag with towel and street clothes within a few feet of the only sunbathers bedded down in the sand. Immediately above sat the lifeguard, in conversation with a friend, at the edge of a shaded patio bar overlooking the sea. An avid swimmer, I plunged into the delicious, warm water. I swam directly out from the beach, under the string of brightly colored buoys that mark off shallow from deeper waters. I continued out to sea, restfully oblivious of all but the immediate sensations of the salt in my eyes, the enveloping, accepting water, and the cloudless sky above. The churning, kitchen-blender-like motor of a passing speedboat (whose thrills visiting tourists may now hire as standard fare on many a Jamaican beach) interrupted at one point. I looked around to catch my bearings, took note of the speedboat's line of attack so as to stay out of its intrusive way, then swam on. Feeling suitably indulged after 20 minutes or so, I made my way back to shore.