cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relation of the endocardial and epicardial ventricular fibrillation thresholds of the right and left ventricles

Abstract Ventricular fibrillation thresholds were measured on the endocardium and epicardium of the right or left ventricle, or both, in 13 dogs. The electrodes, introduced through a right or left atriotomy to avoid injury to the ventricles, were aligned opposite and parallel to each other on the endocardium and epicardium. The ventricular fibrillation threshold was measured during atrial pacing by delivering a train of impulses to the ventricle during the vulnerable period after every 12th paced complex in 1 milliampere (mA) increments of current until fibrillation ensued. The mean (± standard deviation) right ventricular epicardial and endocardial fibrillation thresholds were 18.3 ± 5.3 and 17.6 ± 5.3 mA, respectively, (values not significantly different). However, the fibrillation threshold of 36.1 ± 9.5 mA in the left ventricular epicardium was significantly higher than the value of 20.7 ± 9.4 mA on the left ventricular endocardium. These data suggest that the proximity of the fibrillating electrodes and Purkinje network may be a factor in the measurement of ventricular vulnerability.
The Ostracoda in Paleogeography: ABSTRACT

A study of the depth-distribution of recent ostracods in the San Pedro Channel from Long Beach to Avalon Bay, Catalina Island, has revealed a new tool to aid in the solution of paleogeographic and ecologic problems in California stratigraphy. These microscopic crustaceans are very abundant in shallow salt-water lagoons, in mainland continental shelf sediments down to a water depth of 500 feet, and along protected island shores. The samples collected by Alex Clark and Manley L. Natland show by the presence of soft parts that the more abundant species of ostracods were alive on the bottom when dredged. Comparison with the 26 fossil forms recorded by L. W. LeRoy in 1944 reveals eighteen of his species and varieties surviving to Recent time. Total recent forms recognized to date number approximately 22 genera, 52 species, and 7 subspecies. The following geologic formations and Recent ostracod habitats are grouped together to suggest similar environments, as inferred from the occurrence in each of certain characteristic genera and species. End_Page 2087------------------------------ I. Lower San Joaquin Formation (Upper Pliocene) and Salton Sea deposits (Recent?) II. Upper Etchegoin Formation (Pliocene) and Sunset Lagoon (Recent), Salt marshes of Mission Bay (Recent) III. Upper Imperial Formation (Pliocene) and shore waters of the Gulf of California (Recent), mouth of Mission Bay (Recent) IV. Upper Pico Formation (upper Pliocene or Pleistocene), Lower Etchegoin Formation (Pliocene), lower Imperial Formation (Pliocene or Miocene), Upper Wildcat Series (Upper Pliocene) and Pacific Coast, exposed, continental shelf bottom deposits V. Lomita marl (Lower Pleistocene or Upper Pliocene) and Catalina Island lee shore marl (Recent) Slides are presented to show locality map, anatomy, representative species. and occurrences in the Pliocene of the Midway-Sunset oil field, Kern County, California. End_of_Article - Last_Page 2088------------
Nanoscale nuclear architecture for cancer diagnosis by spatial-domain low-coherence quantitative phase microscopy

Alterations in nuclear architecture are the hallmark diagnostic characteristic of cancer cells. In this work, we show that the nuclear architectural characteristics quantified by spatial-domain low-coherence quantitative phase microscopy (SL-QPM), is more sensitive for the identification of cancer cells than conventional cytopathology. We demonstrated the importance of nuclear architectural characteristics in both an animal model of intestinal carcinogenesis - APC/Min mouse model and human cytology specimens with colorectal cancer by identifying cancer from cytologically noncancerous appearing cells. The determination of nanoscale nuclear architecture using this simple and practical optical instrument is a significant advance towards cancer diagnosis.
Incorporating video in platform-independent video games using open-source software

In a video game, it is common to embed a prerecorded video and play it at various times during the game for the purposes of narrative, tutorials, hints, or any other goal that the developer sees fit in the game. It is a challenging task to play the embedded video in a cross-platform video game at multiple locations of the screen simultaneously and on an arbitrary surface. This paper describes the use of open-source resources to accomplish such a task. The open-source FFmpeg library is employed to decode video saved in commonly-used video formats such as MPEG-4, AVI or MOV. The platform-independent Simple DirectMedia Layer (SDL) library is used to render video and audio and to handle threading features. The producer-consumer paradigm is employed to separate the tasks of data decoding from data rendering which are run in different threads.
Attitudes of laypersons toward female clergy and priests: testing two theological arguments against ordination

Abstract Two primary arguments have been submitted by theologians to oppose the ordination of women. The first argument emphasizes the priesthood itself and supplies reasons why this must be a male role. The second argument against female ordination focuses on women and why the proper role for women dictates exclusion from the priesthood. We suggest that these objections influence congregations’ receptivity to women clergy/priests. We examine the relative effects of image of God and gender ideology on attitudes regarding women clergy/priests. The analysis is then extended to the relationship between these two factors and its indirect impact on attitudes toward women clergy. Both theological arguments significantly impact receptivity toward women clergy/priests for Catholics and non-Catholics.
Integrating learning outcome typologies for HRD: Review and current status

This study reports the result of literature review in regards to learning outcome studies and presents a framework that integrates content types with learning outcomes. Analysis of learning outcome studies between 1992 and 2006 using the ERIC database indicated that most empirical studies have assessed the learning outcome at lower levels of recall and competence. Only eight out of 113 cases in 59 empirical studies were identified as they were assessing learning outcomes at the performance level. Implications for HRD practices and research are also discussed.
Using Regional Economic Indexes to Forecast Tax Bases: Evidence from New York

This paper evaluates the use of measures of regional economic activity to forecast tax revenues for New York State and New York City at 3-, 6-, and 12-month horizons. We construct sales- and withholding-tax base series and then apply the methodology of Stock and Watson (1989, 1991) to estimate regional indexes of coincident economic indicators. Employing an out-of-sample forecasting framework, we find that the use of the coincident indexes leads to statistically and economically significant improvements in tax base forecasts compared to those generated from univariate autoregressions. In addition, the coincident indexes produce forecasts that are generally more accurate than forecasts that rely on the use of the coincident indicators separately. Though our analysis focuses on forecasting movements in tax revenue at the state or local level, it is also intended to draw attention to the value the indexes may provide in other applications.
Sampling Designs in Qualitative Research: Making the Sampling Process More Public

The purpose of this paper is to provide a typology of sampling designs for qualitative researchers. We introduce the following sampling strategies: (a) parallel sampling designs, which represent a body of sampling strategies that facilitate credible comparisons of two or more different subgroups that are extracted from the same levels of study; (b) nested sampling designs, which are sampling strategies that facilitate credible comparisons of two or more members of the same subgroup, wherein one or more members of the subgroup represent a sub-sample of the full sample; and (c) multilevel sampling designs, which represent sampling strategies that facilitate credible comparisons of two or more subgroups that are extracted from different levels of study. Key Words: Qualitative Research, Sampling Designs, Random Sampling, Purposive Sampling, and Sample Size
Familial cavernous angiomas manifesting with an acute chiasmal syndrome.

We studied a family in which the proband had an acute chiasmal syndrome secondary to a cavernous angioma of the optic nerve and chiasm. A brain magnetic resonance imaging scan indicated additional asymptomatic intracerebral cavernous angioma, and several of the patient's relatives were found to have various central nervous system vascular malformations. Magnetic resonance imaging may distinguish, noninvasively, symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers of cavernous angiomas and further delineate their inheritance patterns. Asymptomatic cavernous angiomas of the central nervous system are best followed without intervention, whereas asymptomatic patients should be treated on an individual basis, depending on the location of lesion and the risk of surgical removal.
The number of rooted 2-connected triangular maps on the projective plane

Abstract In this paper we enumerate the rooted 2-connected triangular maps on the projective plane by number of vertices. A parametric expression of the generating function is obtained for such maps, from which asymptotics and a recursion are derived.
Validation of a simulation model of the national airspace system

A validation program has been developed to check the accuracy and validity of a simulation model being developed for the Federal Aviation Administration. The program is composed of four components: conceptual model validitation, input data validation, computerized model correctness checks, and operational validation. As part of the operational validation, model output is compared with three aviation delay databases which vary in their definitions and measurement of delay. Therefore, a major part of the validation program has been to determine adjustments that must be made to model output in order to make valid comparisons.
Shewanella and Photobacterium spp. in Oysters and Seawater from the Delaware Bay

Shewanella algae, S. putrefaciens, and Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae are indigenous marine bacteria and human pathogens causing cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, abscesses, septicemia, and death. Infections are rare and are most often associated with the immunocompromised host. A study was performed on the microbiological flora of oysters and seawater from commercial oyster harvesting sites in the Delaware Bay, New Jersey. From 276 water and shellfish samples tested, 1,421 bacterial isolates were picked for biochemical identification and 170 (12.0%) of the isolates were presumptively identified as S. putrefaciens, 26 (1.8%) were presumptively identified as P. damselae subsp. damselae, and 665 (46.8%) could not be identified using the API 20E identification database. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes of 22 S. putrefaciens-like isolates identified them as S. abalonesis, S. algae, S. baltica, S. hafniensis, S. marisflavi, S. putrefaciens, Listonella anguillarum, and P. damselae. Beta-hemolysis was produced by some S. algae and P. damselae isolates, while isolates of S. baltica and L. anguillarum, species perceived as nonpathogenic, also exhibited -hemolysis and growth at 37°C. To our knowledge, this is the first time these beta-hemolytic strains were reported from shellfish or seawater from the Delaware Bay. Pathogenic Shewanella and Photobacterium species could pose a health threat through the ingestion of contaminated seafood, by cuts or abrasions acquired in the marine environment, or by swimming and other recreational activities.
Catatonia vis-à-vis delirium: the significance of recognizing catatonia in altered mental status

Abstract Background Catatonia is seldom considered in evaluation of altered mental status (AMS) in medical settings. Furthermore, catatonia often meets delirium criteria due to incoherence, altered awareness and behavioral change. Catatonia may co-occur with or be preferentially diagnosed as delirium. Methods We conducted a systematic literature review of MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO on the relationship between catatonia and delirium. We also juxtapose clinical features of these syndromes and outline a structured approach to catatonia evaluation and management in acute medical settings. Results These syndromes share tremendous overlap: the historical catatonia-related terms “delirious mania” and “delirious depression” bespeak of literal confusion differentiating them. Only recently has evidence on their relationship progressed beyond case series and reports. Neurological conditions account for the majority of medical catatonia cases. Conclusions New-onset catatonia warrants a medical workup, and catatonic features in AMS may guide clinicians to a neurological condition (e.g., encephalitis, seizures or structural central nervous system disease). Lorazepam or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) should be considered even in medical catatonia, and neuroleptics should be used with caution. Moreover, ECT may prove lifesaving in malignant catatonia. Further studies on the relationship between delirium and catatonia are warranted.
Dissolution Behavior of Al2CuMg (S Phase) in Chloride and Chromate Conversion Coating Solutions

The dissolution rate and Cu surface enrichment of sputter-deposited Al2CuMg thin films exposed to 0.5 M NaCl solutions and chromate conversion coating solutions has been characterized. Dissolution rates were measured using an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance, and Cu surface enrichment was characterized by energy-dispersive spectroscopy EDS. Surface morphology and Volta potential were characterized by scanning probe microscopy. In 0.5 M NaCl solutions, Al2CuMg dissolves rapidly by dealloying, forming a passivating Cu-rich surface layer. Upon layer breakdown a dissolution rate of about 0.08 g/cm2 sw as observed. In chromate conversion coating baths, Al2CuMg demonstrated a net mass loss rate, which included mass loss from dissolution and mass gain from film formation. Cu surface enrichment was not detected after conversion coating. By comparison, pure Al thin films exhibited a net mass gain under similar conditions. Al2CuMg samples that were first chromate conversion coated and then exposed to 0.5 M NaCl solution exhibited low dissolution rates, 0.001 g/cm 2 s, suggesting that the film formed in the conversion bath was somewhat protective. EDS showed that Cu enrichment occurred on conversion-coated Al2CuMg during exposure to 0.5 M NaCl, indicating that conversion coatings on Al2CuMg cannot completely suppress Cu surface enrichment, Cu redistribution, and deposition corrosion phenomena.
Parametric Bayesian priors and better choice of negative examples improve protein function prediction

Motivation: Computational biologists have demonstrated the utility of using machine learning methods to predict protein function from an integration of multiple genome-wide data types. Yet, even the best performing function prediction algorithms rely on heuristics for important components of the algorithm, such as choosing negative examples (proteins without a given function) or determining key parameters. The improper choice of negative examples, in particular, can hamper the accuracy of protein function prediction. Results: We present a novel approach for choosing negative examples, using a parameterizable Bayesian prior computed from all observed annotation data, which also generates priors used during function prediction. We incorporate this new method into the GeneMANIA function prediction algorithm and demonstrate improved accuracy of our algorithm over current top-performing function prediction methods on the yeast and mouse proteomes across all metrics tested. Availability: Code and Data are available at: http://bonneaulab.bio.nyu.edu/funcprop.html Contact: [email protected] or [email protected] Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Rapidly mixing Markov chains with applications in computer science and physics

Monte Carlo algorithms often depend on Markov chains to sample from very large data sets. A key ingredient in the design of an efficient Markov chain is determining rigorous bounds on how quickly the chain "mixes," or converges, to its stationary distribution. This survey provides an overview of several useful techniques
Two-photon high-resolution measurement of partial pressure of oxygen in cerebral vasculature and tissue

Measurements of oxygen partial pressure (pO(2)) with high temporal and spatial resolution in three dimensions is crucial for understanding oxygen delivery and consumption in normal and diseased brain. Among existing pO(2) measurement methods, phosphorescence quenching is optimally suited for the task. However, previous attempts to couple phosphorescence with two-photon laser scanning microscopy have faced substantial difficulties because of extremely low two-photon absorption cross-sections of conventional phosphorescent probes. Here we report to our knowledge the first practical in vivo two-photon high-resolution pO(2) measurements in small rodents' cortical microvasculature and tissue, made possible by combining an optimized imaging system with a two-photon-enhanced phosphorescent nanoprobe. The method features a measurement depth of up to 250 microm, sub-second temporal resolution and requires low probe concentration. The properties of the probe allowed for direct high-resolution measurement of cortical extravascular (tissue) pO(2), opening many possibilities for functional metabolic brain studies.
Influence of Sediment Input and Plate‐Motion Obliquity on Basin Development Along an Active Oblique‐Divergent Plate Boundary: Gulf of California and Salton Trough

Transtensional basins have formed along the Pacific-North America plate boundary in the Gulf of California and Salton Trough region during Late Cenozoic time. Axial basins occupya50‐60kmwidebeltalongthemainplateboundary,andchangefromsedimentstarved oceanic spreading centers in the south that are oriented perpendicular to long NW-striking transform faults, to oblique N-trending pull-apart (stepover) basins in the norththatcontainthicksedimentsandlackevidencefornormaloceaniccrust.Marginal basins are found along the flanks of the Gulf-Trough corridor and consist mainly of supradetachment basins (only in the north), transtensional fault-termination basins, and classic orthogonal rift basins. Areviewofpreviousstudiessuggeststhatthreemainparametersgovernthestructural style, composition, and total thickness of sedimentary basins in this setting: (1) the rift angle (a), defined as the acute angle between the overall trend of the plate boundary and the direction of relative plate motion; (2) proximity to voluminous input of sediment from the Colorado River and other smaller drainages in the north; and (3) the degree of strain partitioning. Detachment faults and supradetachment basins are well documentedinthenorthernGulfandSaltonTroughwherea � 30 � ,whereasnodetachmentfaults are recognized in the central and southern Gulf of California (a < 20 � ). We suggest that faster extension associated with a higher rift angle is the main factor responsible for creation of supradetachment basins in the northern region. Voluminous input of sediment derived primarily from the Colorado River exerts a first-order control on crustal thickness and composition, lithospheric mechanics, and riftarchitecture.Inthesediment-starvedsouthernGulfofCalifornia,theplateboundary has completed the transition from continental rifts to seafloor spreading centers with normal ocean crust and magnetic lineations. The Guaymas spreading center in the central Gulf has young oceanic crust with an upper layer of sediments and shallow intrusions. In contrast, sediment-filled and overfilled basins in the north are characterized by thick new transitional crust that is formed by input and magmatic modification of sediment, which fills the new space created by lithospheric rupture and obliquedivergence.Thustherateofsedimentinputappearstodeterminewhetherornot continental rifting progresses to the ultimate formation of a new ocean basin floored by normal basaltic crust.
W.G. Walter: The Living Brain

This book is not a research monograph focused on brain theory in a heavy manner; it is a delightful collection of essays that rambles through Grey Walter’s experiences, ideas and inventions in the classical age of vacuum tube (“valve”) electronics. He was a bright young engineer in the 1930’s when the electroencephalogram became accessible and widely known; his major contributions included correct localization of the alpha rhythm to the occipital cortex, instead of to the frontal cortex as proposed by its discoverer, Hans Berger in 1929, and the detection of slow waves and their significance for the diagnosis of brain tumors and abscesses. After the Second World War he gathered together some of the electronic “wizards” extolled by Churchill in his History of the War, together with surplus radar and other electronics equipment, and turned his laboratory in Bristol, England into one of the world’s leading centers for EEG research. Here he developed his “toposcope”, a device for displaying the phase patterns of the alpha rhytm recorded on the scalp.
COT1, a gene involved in cobalt accumulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract The COT1 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been isolated as a dosage-dependent suppressor of cobalt toxicity. Overexpression of the COT1 gene confers increased tolerance to cobalt and rhodium ions but not other divalent cations. Strains containing null alleles of COT1 are viable yet more sensitive to cobalt than are wild-type strains. Transcription of COT1 responds minimally to the extracellular cobalt concentration. Addition of cobalt ions to growth media results in a twofold increase in COT1 mRNA abundance. The gene encodes a 48-kDa protein which is found in mitochondrial membrane fractions of cells. The protein contains six possible membrane-spanning domains and several potential metal-binding amino acid residues. The COT1 protein shares 60% identity with the ZRC1 gene product, which confers resistance to zinc and cadmium ions. Cobalt transport studies indicate that the COT1 product is involved in the uptake of cobalt ions yet is not solely responsible for it. The increased tolerance of strains containing multiple copies of the COT1 gene is probably due to increased compartmentalization or sequestration of the ion within mitochondria.
The Neighborhood Ideal: Local Planning Practices in Progressive-era Women's Clubs

In the years between 1883 and 1914, women of the Wednesday Club of St. Louis and the Chicago Woman's Club embarked on a series of neighborhood planning initiatives. Their initiatives encouraged the formation of cross-class coalitions of residents, reformers, and city officials; the cultivation of neighborhood identity; and the formation of democratic public spaces. Club women's vision of the city as a conglomeration of smaller neighborhood units challenged the dominant practices of urban development and contributed to citywide debates over urban planning. By identifying the voice of women's collective activism in discussions of municipal responsibility, citizenship, and urban design, this article provides insight into women's local planning efforts and their relationship to urban development.
A novel 9T SRAM design in sub-threshold region

With technology scaling, lower power operation has become one of the key areas of importance in VLSI Design. Lowering power supply is a very good and effective technique for power reduction. Scaling the supply voltage into the sub-threshold region for low power operation is possible. Power reduction in memory circuits with a little compromise on performance is very useful as they form a major part of a digital chip. In this paper, operation of various SRAM designs in sub-threshold region is examined and the ones which overcome the challenges that arise from operating in the sub-threshold region are also explained. Among the chosen designs for performance evaluation, the successful designs were the ones which resulted in proper read and write. The 7T SRAM and 8T SRAM came up as the best among the selected ones for write and read respectively. In this paper, a new 9T SRAM design is proposed combining the advantages of these two and hence better overall performance. In case of write, the PDP of proposed 9T SRAM design is 2.80% less than the 7T SRAM, 4.48 % less than 8T SRAM, 5.64% less than 9T SRAM design and 8.5 % less than 11T SRAM. Similarly, the savings in PDP during read is 44.8 % less than 7T SRAM and 66.18 % less than 9T SRAM. It is almost same as in the 8T Design. Though PDP of the proposed design is greater than that of the 11T design, the reduced RSNM of 11T design makes it inferior the proposed design when operated in the sub-threshold region.
Entrée des Harkis dans L’Histoire de France?

Since the beginning of the 1990s, France has attempted to deal with both the ‘syndrome de Vichy’ (Rousso, 1987) and the ‘syndrome de l’Algerie’ (Horne, 2001) so as to reconcile differences between official historio-graphy, individual/group memories and collective memory. This paper focuses on selected monuments (such as the December 2002 French memorial to the Algerian war), commemorations (such as the September 2001 Day of National Homage to the Harkis) and especially Jacques Chirac’s presidential speeches (since 1995) with a view to analysing how these official verbal and symbolic measures have endeavoured to foster not only national reconciliation but also the historicisation of the Vichy years and the Algerian war in general and that of the plight of the Harkis in particular.
Impact analysis for event-based components and systems

In my dissertation, I aim to develop a dependence-based impact analysis technique for event-based systems and event-based components that communicate via messages. This paper motivates the problem, summarizes the open challenges and outlines proposed solution and evaluation strategies.
Partial elastic matching of time series

We consider the problem of elastic matching of time series. We propose an algorithm that determines a subsequence of a target time series that best matches a query series. In the proposed algorithm, we map the problem of the best matching subsequence to the problem of a cheapest path in a DAG (directed acyclic graph). The proposed approach allows us to also compute the optimal scale and translation of time series values, which is a nontrivial problem in the case of subsequence matching.
Localization of Unknown Networked Radio Sources Using a Mobile Robot with a Directional Antenna

In this paper, we present algorithmic developments for a single mobile robot equipped with a directional antenna to localize unknown networked radio sources. We assume that the robot only senses radio transmissions at the physical layer and that the network has a carrier sense multiple access (CSMA)-type medium access control (MAC) layer. The total number of radio sources are assumed unknown. We first formulate the localization problem and then propose a particle filter-based localization algorithm. The algorithm combines a new CSMA model and a new directional antenna model. The new CSMA model provides network configuration data, such as the network size and the probability of collision, when listening to network traffic. The directional antenna model enhances the efficiency of robot motion. The new combined sensing model is capable of handling transmission collisions during localization. The overall algorithm runs in O(nm) time for n particles and m radio sources at each step. The numerical results show that the algorithm can localize unknown networked radio sources effectively.
Comparing the effects of five naturally occurring monosaccharide and oligosaccharide sugars on longevity and carbohydrate nutrient levels of a parasitic phorid fly, Pseudacteon tricuspis

. The longevity and nutrient levels of Pseudacteon tricuspis provided with 1 m solutions of five naturally occurring sugars, fructose, glucose, sucrose, trehalose and melezitose, are compared. All but melezitose, result in significant increases in the longevity of P. tricuspis in comparison with sugar-starved flies (flies provided with water only). Sugar-starved female and male P. tricuspis have an average longevity of 3.3 and 4.1 days, respectively. Provision of free water in addition to sugar solution is necessary for optimum longevity by female and male flies. Longevity is increased by 2.4–2.6-fold by the two monosaccharides, fructose and glucose, and by 2.6–2.8-fold by the disaccharides, sucrose and trehalose. Phorid flies provided with the trisaccharide sugar, melezitose, had a marginal increase in lifespan (approximately 1 day), but this is not significantly different from the longevity of sugar-starved flies. Significantly greater levels of total sugars are detected in P. tricuspis fed the disaccharide sugars (sucrose, trehalose) or the monosaccharide sugars (fructose, glucose), compared with flies provided with melezitose (trisaccharide), or to sugar-starved flies. Fructose is not detected in sugar-starved flies, or in flies fed glucose or trehalose. However, high levels of fructose are detected in flies fed sucrose or fructose, whereas levels of fructose in melezitose-fed flies are intermediate. In general, significantly greater glycogen levels are detected in P. tricuspis fed sucrose, glucose, trehalose or fructose, compared with melezitose-fed or sugar-starved flies. Levels of total sugars and glycogen in sugar-fed flies are positively correlated with wing length, possibly indicating a higher accumulation of storage sugars by larger flies. These results are discussed in relation to the nutritional ecology of the phorid fly.
Semantic Web-Based Integration of Cancer Pathways and Allele Frequency Data

We demonstrate the use of Semantic Web technology to integrate the ALFRED allele frequency database and the Starpath pathway resource. The linking of population-specific genotype data with cancer-related pathway data is potentially useful given the growing interest in personalized medicine and the exploitation of pathway knowledge for cancer drug discovery. We model our data using the Web Ontology Language (OWL), drawing upon ideas from existing standard formats BioPAX for pathway data and PML for allele frequency data. We store our data within an Oracle database, using Oracle Semantic Technologies. We then query the data using Oracle’s rule-based inference engine and SPARQL-like RDF query language. The ability to perform queries across the domains of population genetics and pathways offers the potential to answer a number of cancer-related research questions. Among the possibilities is the ability to identify genetic variants which are associated with cancer pathways and whose frequency varies significantly between ethnic groups. This sort of information could be useful for designing clinical studies and for providing background data in personalized medicine. It could also assist with the interpretation of genetic analysis results such as those from genome-wide association studies.
Log-periodic array of dual-feed microstrip patch antennas

The dual-feed microstrip patch antenna is presented. This new radiator has broadband match and unidirectional azimuth pattern, desirable characteristics for use in broadband endfire arrays. Design, construction, and experimental results (realized gain, input impedance and far-field patterns) are given for a log-periodic array of dual-feed patches. An array with only ten elements has been demonstrated to operate at nearly constant gain over a 2:1 frequency band with a voltage standing-wave ratio (VSWR) of less than 2:1. >
Modeling and clustering of photo capture streams

We present results of statistical modeling of consumer photographic media capture behaviour based on timestamp metadata. Working with real data sets, we show that it is bursty and is not well described by a Poisson model. We show that it is in fact a fractal process, with fractal dimension characteristic of the consumer. We also present an algorithm for temporal segmentation of consumer media capture streams into event clusters based on timestamp metadata, an algorithm for minimal labeling of such clusters, and a method for visualizing the results of such clustering on highly bursty data. Results of using software implementations of the algorithms to organize and to browse consumer photo collections within a multimedia information management system are presented.
Advancements in the management of pancreatic cancer: 2013.

Pancreatic cancer still remains a significant, unresolved therapeutic challenge and is the most lethal type of gastrointestinal cancer with a 5-year survival rate of 5%. Adjuvant chemotherapy remains to be gemcitabine alone, though fluorouracil offers the same survival and role of radiation remains controversial. Nevertheless, only a few patients survive for at least 5 years after R0 resection and adjuvant therapy. Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer remains an area that requires multi-disciplinary approach. Neo-adjuvant therapy very likely plays a role to downstage to a resectable state in these subgroup patients. There are different treatment approaches to locally advanced pancreatic cancer management, including single or multi-agent chemotherapy, chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation, or immediate concurrent chemoradiation. Most patients need palliative treatment. Once pancreatic cancer becomes metastatic, it is uniformly fatal with an overall survival of generally 6 months from time of diagnosis. Gemcitabine has been the standard since 1997. FOLFIRINOX (5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, leucovorin) has already shown superiority over gemcitabine in both progression-free survival and overall survival, but this regimen is suitable only for selected patients in ECOG performance status 0-1. FOLFIRINOX has already trickled down to the clinic in various modifications and in different patient groups, both locally advanced and metastatic. Many targeted agents, including bevacizumab, cetuximab showed negative results, except mild benefit with addition of erlotinib with gemcitabine, which was not considered clinically significant. There is no consensus regarding treatment in the second-line setting. It will be true to say that there was a real medical breakthrough with regards to improving the prognosis of pancreatic cancer as of 2013 with the results of MPACT study. In this study, patients who received nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine lived a median of 8.5 months, compared with 6.7 months for those who received gemcitabine alone. At the end of one year, 35% of those getting nab-paclitaxel were alive, compared with 22% of those getting only gemcitabine. After two years, the figures were 9% for those getting nab-paclitaxel and 4% for those who received gemcitabine.Image: The "Project Purple Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund" established by Tufts Medical Center. Boston, MA, USA.
A superior limit to the age of the earth's crust

Considerations based upon radio-activity have often been employed to obtain estimates of the ages of minerals, and of the duration of geological time; but it does not appear to have been remarked that similar arguments can be used to assign a maximum age for the existing crust of the Earth. Uranium is continually disintegrating with a “half period” of 5 x 109 years, and no process is known by which the supply can be renewed. It is probable that the proportion of this element in the Earth’s crust was greater formerly than at present—the computed amount necessary to account for the survival of that which now exists increasing exponentially with the time interval, a thousand fold in ten half periods and a million fold in twenty.
Methods and Applications of Multilayer Silk Fibroin Laminates Based on Spatially Controlled Welding in Protein Films

Recent use of biopolymers as interface materials between planar, inorganic electronics and biological tissues has required the adaptation of micro- and nanofabrication techniques for use with these nontraditional materials. In this work, a method which builds on this principle for spatial control of adhesion in multilayer silk fibroin laminates is investigated. This is accomplished through the addition of a spatially patterned amorphous silk adhesive layer in between the films to be adhered, before thermally processing them with heat (120 °C) and pressure (80 Psi) according to established procedures. A one-step method for rapid, high-throughput fabrication is demonstrated, which establishes a strong (1100 kPa) bond between the layers independent of the initial processing conditions of the films. The adhesive layers can be patterned using existing silk fabrication techniques, allowing for the assembly of complex geometries including bilayers and microbubbles. Additionally, the utility of this method is demonstrated for potential applications in drug delivery and transient electronics. This approach provides a versatile method for construction of complex multilayer structures in silk, which with future work may ultimately improve the utility of this material as a bridge between high technology and the biomedical sciences.
Revisiting IR in a Time of Crisis

AbstractThe sense of crisis, fueled by military conflicts, the failures of neoliberal globalization and ecological degradation, is everywhere. Neoconservative agendas and cuts in educational spending are shrinking space for critical thinking necessary for understanding the impacts of these crises on ordinary people's lives. This article examines some indigenous responses to these various crises. It reexamines IR's Westphalia triumphalist narrative about the origins of the nation-state system from the perspective of those who suffered the consequences of European expansion. Emphasizing the importance of rewriting their histories, indigenous peoples are offering very different models of world order and ways of life that are more sensitive to resource and ecological constraints. Although indigenous women have a complex relationship with feminism, indigenous knowledge is strikingly similar to certain feminist thinking. Indigenous epistemologies are hermeneutic and reflexive, seeking to uncover hidden historie...
The narcolepsy syndrome

1. Summary 2. Background 3. Medical need 3.1 Existing treatment 4. Therapeutic class review 5. Current research goals 6. Scientific rationale 7. Potential development issues
The Cultural Construct of the Female Body in Classical Greek Science

Ancient Greek scientists, notably the Hippocratics and Aristotle, were unconsciously influenced in their interpretation of typical male and female characteristics by the ancient Greek cultural paradigm of masculinity and femininity. By "demonstrating" that these paradigms were grounded in nature, science served to propagate rather than to challenge the cultural ideal of male and female. This is true even though the Hippocratics and Aristotle developed very different theories, with the Hippocratics favoring a "two sex" and Aristotle a "one sex" model.
The effects of diet on the severity of central nervous system disease: One part of lab-to-lab variability

Abstract Objective Many things can impact the reproducibility of results from laboratory to laboratory. For example, food from various sources can vary markedly in composition. We examined the effects of two different food sources, the Teklad Global Soy Protein-Free Extruded Rodent Diet (irradiated diet) and the Teklad Sterilizable Rodent Diet (autoclaved diet), on central nervous system disease. Methods Three preclinical models for human disease: Two different experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis models (multiple sclerosis) and the Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus-induced seizure model (epilepsy), were examined for the effects of two different food sources on disease. Results We found that mice fed the irradiated diet had more severe clinical disease and enhanced seizures compared with animals provided the autoclaved diet in both experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis models examined and in the Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus-induced seizure model, respectively. Conclusions Therefore, just altering the source of food (lab chow) can have marked effects on disease severity and outcome.
Management: Scientism or Humanism

The author holds that scientist paradigm and humanist paradigm have dominated the development of management since the emergence of management. Both paradigms are indispensable parts for the paradigm of management. Scientist paradigm and humanist paradigm are two sides of a coin, which coexist and contribute a lot to the development of management. It is totally wrong to artificially divide management paradigms into scientist paradigm and humanist paradigm or regard one paradigm as an imaginary enemy, which will seriously impede the development of management.
Investigation and Improvements to the OFDM Wi-Fi Physical Layer Abstraction in ns-3

This work presents results based on a critical re-examination of the current physical layer abstractions for IEEE 802.11 OFDM WLAN in the ns-3 network simulator motivated by a) the need to improve fidelity of the Layer-1 abstraction essential for a network level simulator, and b) setting the stage for desired new features (not currently implemented) in the future. We implement a multi-stage packet reception that addresses a shortcoming in the current WLAN receiver model, making it closer to existing hardware, and lays the groundwork for improvements such as packet capture. Next, we consider the frame error rate (FER) model in ns-3 which relies on analytical bounds on the bit error probability (BER) at the output of the convolutional decoder. We demonstrate key issues with the current approach through detailed link level simulations using a newly developed Wi-Fi link simulator and look forward to forthcoming fixes being considered.
Plagiarism in an intercultural rhetoric context: What we can learn about one from the other

This chapter discusses how an examination of plagiarism in a cross-cultural context can reflect on some of the controversial issues in intercultural communication. It examines how rethinking our attitudes towards traditional views of how plagiarism should be viewed and how these views compare to attitudes held in other parts of the world can exemplify an alternative perspective on research in intercultural rhetoric. This alternative perspective responds to many, though not all, of the criticisms leveled against contrastive rhetoric. Pedagogical approaches based on this alternative perspective are suggested.
Carrier recombination rates in narrow-gap InAs/Ga 1-x In x Sb-based superlattices

We present a comparison of theoretical calculations and experimental measurements of the Auger recombination rate in a narrow-gap semiconductor superlattice with a complex band structure. The calculations and measurements indicate that the rate depends on density as ${n}^{2}$ for low density, and changes to an $n$ dependence when the electrons and holes become degenerate. The calculations are the first to incorporate superlattice umklapp processes, which contribute about half of the total rate and substantially improve the agreement with experiment.
Do Dopaminergic Impairments Underlie Physical Inactivity in People with Obesity

Obesity is associated with physical inactivity, which exacerbates the negative health consequences of obesity. Despite a wide consensus that people with obesity should exercise more, there are few effective methods for increasing physical activity in people with obesity. This lack is reflected in our limited understanding of the cellular and molecular causes of physical inactivity in obesity. We hypothesize that impairments in dopamine signaling contribute to physical inactivity in people with obesity, as in classic movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Here, we review two lines of evidence supporting this hypothesis: (1) chronic exposure to obesogenic diets has been linked to impairments in dopamine synthesis, release, and receptor function, particularly in the striatum, and (2) striatal dopamine is necessary for the proper control of movement. Identifying the biological determinants of physical inactivity may lead to more effective strategies for increasing physical activity in people with obesity, as well as improve our understanding of why it is difficult for people with obesity to alter their levels of physical activity.
Iron Deficiency Anemia Associated with Extracorporeal Photophoresis: A Retrospective Analysis

Since its emergence as a novel therapy for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in 1987, extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) has gained popularity in the fields of solid organ and stem cell transplantation (Perotti et al Transfus Apher Sci 2015). Though ECP is thought to be associated with few adverse effects, we have anecdotally noted that some patients treated with ECP develop iron deficiency anemia. Anemia has been reported in ECP literature at an incidence of anywhere from 0% to 24.5%, however, the etiology of the anemia has not been described (Quaglino et al Int J Dermatol 2013, Flowers et al Blood 2008, Jaksch et al J Heart Lung Transpl 2012, Dignan et al Bone Marrow Transpl 2014). We performed a retrospective chart review to further investigate the magnitude of this potential adverse effect. Adult patients receiving ECP for any indication at Mayo Clinic Hospital-Rochester were eligible for inclusion. Patients with pre-existing iron deficiency anemia (IDA) or physiologic and/or pharmacologic reasons for altered iron homeostasis were excluded from analysis. The primary endpoint was to describe the cumulative incidence of IDA at one year of ECP therapy, utilizing Kaplan-Meier methodology. We defined IDA as a hemoglobin 400 mcg/dL, or percent saturation Between January 1, 2006 and July 1, 2015, a total of 120 adult patients were treated with ECP at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN; 80 patients met inclusion criteria. For the remaining 40 patients, patients were excluded for recent history of transfusions and/or phlebotomy (n=27), incomplete documentation (n=7), IDA at baseline (n=3), or potentially confounding past medical histories (n=3). Treatment of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was the foremost ECP indication in our cohort, accounting for 63.8% of our patients. Patients also received ECP for treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, treatment of solid organ transplant rejection, and other indications (25%, 7.5%, and 3.8%, respectively). Mean age was 55.6 years, 38.7% were female, and the median duration of ECP therapy was 344 days (IQR 130 - 755 days). At 1 year from the start of ECP therapy, the cumulative incidence of IDA in our cohort was 21.1% (95% CI 9% - 31.6%; Figure 1). At 4 years from the start of ECP therapy, the cumulative incidence of IDA was 49.1% (95% CI 26.4% - 64.8%). Of those that developed an IDA at any time during ECP therapy, 6/20 (30%) underwent invasive diagnostic procedures (colonoscopy and/or upper endoscopy) to evaluate the etiology of the IDA. Iron supplementation was initiated in 18/20 (90%) patients; hemoglobin returned to normal in 8 patients (44.4%) based on available follow-up. These data indicate that a substantial number of patients develop IDA while receiving ECP therapy; a finding which may lead to more prompt recognition and treatment of IDA in patients receiving ECP, and perhaps spare expensive diagnostic procedures. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.