cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Considerations on the use of diagnostic markers in management of patients with bladder cancer

Although the incidence of bladder cancer lags behind that of other malignancies, it has the highest rate of recurrence among all US malignancies. The propensity to recur and the possibility of disease progression require aggressive surveillance, which has led to bladder cancer being the most expensive malignancy to treat in the United States. Current non-tailored surveillance strategies applied uniformly to all patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer may impose excessive diagnostic burden on patients with low-grade disease for the sake of adequately monitoring those with potentially aggressive disease. The recent identification of several bladder cancer tumor markers has led to attempts to determine if these markers can enhance existing surveillance strategies by possibly tailoring surveillance strategies to individual patients. These markers may result in cost savings by properly identifying which patients can safely delay cystoscopy and which patients require more periodic assessment. Furthermore, we may be able to identify those patients with “occult disease” that require more invasive assessments and earlier aggressive treatment. We will review diagnostic considerations in the use of these markers for the detection of recurrent bladder cancer and summarize the benefits and costs of the more promising bladder cancer markers.
The typological versus the evolutionary approach in skeletal population studies.

An examination of ideal and extreme type constructs indicates that ideal types do not serve as testable hypotheses in a theoretical system. Extreme types, on the other hand, can be empirically valid. In physical anthropological studies of human skeletal populations, ideal typology must be replaced with population thinking if we hope to arrive at a meaningful understanding of the biological attributes of prehistoric populations.
Knot insertion algorithms for splines (Invited Paper)

Knot insertion is one of the most important tools for spline curves in computer graphics and geometric modeling. This paper is a survey of knot insertion. In particular, it lists certain knot insertion algorithms for B-spline curves, discusses uses of these algorithms, and shows how these algorithms can be extended to rational B-spline curves and geometrically continuous splines.
Computers and Thought&#x2014;The Back Story

This issue of Anecdotes gives a some of the back story behind the classic computer science and AI text Computers and Thought. One of the book's coeditors, Julian Feldman, describes some of their reasons for publishing the book and some of the challenges involved in its actually publication. This Anecdotes installment also gives a brief history of the first business-to-business and business-to-consumer applications in the UK in the 1980s, which presaged today's Internet-based home shopping industry.
Phonological theory: A brief comment

I was flattered (and more than a little puzzled) to see the length and detail of Chomsky and Halle's recent reply to my earlier article in this journal (cf. JL I(I965) 13-34 & 47-I38). I had hoped to take up a few of the points they raise and raise a few more of my own, but owing to exigencies of both time and space, I find I must be content to restate my three main points as clearly as I can, to reaffirm my belief in them, and to mention a few of my reasons. (i) I still do not like the use of such strong God's truth language, saying always 'such-and-such is X' instead of 'such-and-such may conveniently be described or looked at as X'. And even if I believed their assertions were as securely based as those a physicist may make about atomic nuclei, I would say that this makes no difference, and that a physicist who says what the atom Is must be speaking in some sort of figurative language. Incidentally, one of the difficulties of intuition as a check on theory is that the problem of the self-fulfilling prediction comes in. I remember well the beautiful 4-stress 4-pitch dialects spoken by some of the Foreign Service Institute personnel some years back; and there outside observers had access at least to the physical manifestations. I am not accusing anyone of subjectivity; I am merely wishing for more secure lines of communication. When I see red and you see red, even though I have no way of knowing that the quality of your perception resembles mine, I at least am able to count votes, and devise tests which will locate red-green blindness. But here the chances of comprehension are often very low, and the will to believe is not enough; real faith is required. (2) On my disagreement with Chomsky about traditional phonemes and phonemics, I would like to add a little. I now see that for this level a kind of uniqueness is important, and perhaps bi-uniqueness. The name 'taxonomic' is of course merely pejorative, not informative; the function of such phonemes as conceived by the pioneers of the thirties and forties was to explain the manner in which speakers can REPEAT (not just MIMIC) new words. This kind of repetition implied a systematic analysis of the sound system WITHOUT ANY POSSIBLE REFERENCE TO DEEP MORPHOPHONEMIC POTENTIAL (hence not Chomsky's systematic phonemic level) and without the kind of detail which permits international phoneticians to discuss similarities and differences between sounds in different languages (hence not Chomsky's systematic phonetic level).
CHROMOSOMES AND SYSTEMATIC POSITION OF THE INOPERCULATE MOSSES, PLEURIDIUM AND BRUCHIA

VIRTUALLY ALL modern systems of moss classification recognize the peristome as the principal criterion for establishment of the major groupings of the Bryales. Most of the families of acrocarpous mosses are arranged more or less strictlv according to peristome structure. However, among the acrocarpous mosses more than nine hundred species have capsules without a peristome. Many of these aperistomate mosses lack functional opercula as well. In the absence of peristome characters, systematists have been forced to assign these mosses to genera and families largely on the basis of gametophytic characters. Thus, the cleistocarpous and gymnostomous species have been distributed rather widely among some eighty genera and eighteen families of acrocarpous mosses. The systematic position of many of the cleistocarpous mosses has remained in doubt, however, for lack of strong morphological characters, and the problems of relationship are open to any clarifying evidence. Almost no cytological data are available for any of the functionally cleistocarpous mosses. Therefore, a series of studies was undertaken in ten genera of these mosses (Bryan, 1956; unpublished results). Results for two genera, Pleuridiuim Brid. and Bruchia Schwaegr., are presented here. The relationship of Pleuridium and Bruchia has not been well understood. Bruch et al. (1850), Lindberg (1879), Limpricht (1890), and Grout (1936) considered the genera closely related; all these workers placed both genera in one family. In other treatments (Schimper, 1876; Fleischer, 1915; Brotherus, 1924) the two genera are put in separate families: Pleuridium in the Ditrichaceae (Fleischer and Brotherus); Bruchia in the Trematodontaceae (Fleischer) and in the Dicranaceae (Brotherus). Ten species of Pleuridium and Brucha were studied, as well as four other possibly related species. Meiotic chromosome number, the behavior and gross morphology of the bivalents, and the reactions of the sporocytes to standard methods of fixation and staining were observed. The cytological mounts were prepared using the methods described by Steere et al. (1954). The studies were made with the aid of an N.A._ 1.30 Ach. SI. Th. 1.25 condenser, a 1.4 mm. oilimmersion objective with N.A. 1.30, X15 compensating oculars, and a Kodak Wratten filter no. 74. The magnification of the drawings, made with a camera lucida and X30 ocular, is X4350. The magnifncation of all published figures is X2170. Each population studied is represented by a
Neural network scatter correction technique for digital radiography

Ascatter correction technique based on artificial neural networks is presented. The technique utilizes the acquisition of a conventional digital radiographic image, coupled with the acquisition of a multiple pencil beam ("micro-aperture") digital image. Image subtraction results in a sparsely sampled estimate of the scatter component in the image. The neural network is trained to develop a causal relationship between image data on the low-pass filtered open field image and the sparsely sampled scatter image, and then the trained network is used to correct the entire image (pixel by pixel) in a manner which is operationally similar to but potentially more powerful than convolution. The technique is described and is illustrated using clinical "primary" component images combined with scatter component images that are realistically simulated using the results from previously reported Monte Carlo investigations. The results indicate that an accurate scatter correction can be realized using this technique.
Interplay of prior knowledge, self-regulation and motivation in complex multimedia learning environments

This study examined the direct and indirect effects of medical clerkship students' prior knowledge, self-regulation and motivation on learning performance in complex multimedia learning environments. The data from 386 medical clerkship students from six medical schools were analysed using structural equation modeling. The structural model revealed that medical students' prior knowledge directly positively affected their learning outcome, self-efficacy and performance approach goal orientation. The learners' self-regulation had a significant positive direct effect on learning outcome. The learners' mastery goal orientation directly affected their learning outcome. Interestingly, inconsistent with our hypothesis, the learners' performance approach goal orientation showed a significant negative direct effect on learning outcome, and performance avoidance goal orientation had a significant positive effect on learning outcome. These findings help develop a more comprehensive understanding of the role of individual characteristics on learning performance of complex tasks in multimedia learning environments.
Quantitative comparison of molecular electrostatic potentials for structure-activity studies

An approach for representing, efficiently calculating and comparing discrete three-dimensional molecular electrostatic potentials using a quantitative similarity index (MEP-SI) based on a Carbo-type formalism is presented. A radial-type (MACRA) grid representation is described that provides more efficient storage of MEP information than a cubic grid of similar range, appropriate emphasis, and a convenient means for restricting the comparison of MEP functions to a local molecule region. The MACRA based MEP-SI formalism was used to evaluate the suitability of a variety of approximate methods for efficiently calculating the MEP for use in MEP-SI comparison of dissimilar molecules. The Mulliken charge method was found inadequate, while the method of potential-derived charges (PDCs), with additional charges for lone electron pairs included on sulfur, provided an efficient and sufficiently accurate representation of the MEP for this purpose. Convergence of the MEP-SI with respect to MACRA grid extent and mesh size was demonstrated; the effect of MEP error and different grid point emphasis in the MACRA versus the cubic grid results was investigated, and MEP-SI results were compared for different forms of the SI equation. The methodology proposed in this study provides an efficient and practical means for comparing MEP functions for two molecules and gives discriminating results for a sample series of molecular analogues consistent with expectations.
Dual-electrode microfluidic cell for characterizing electrocatalysts

In this paper we introduce a microelectrochemical cell configured for generation-collection experiments and designed primarily for examining the kinetics of electrocatalysts. The heart of the device consists of two, closely spaced, pyrolyzed photoresist microband electrodes enclosed within a microchannel. The cell is suitable for evaluating the efficiency of electrocatalysts under an unprecedented range of conditions. Specifically, compared to the gold-standard rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE), this device offers four major advantages. First, collection efficiencies of 97% are easily achieved, compared to values of 20–37% that are characteristic of RRDEs. Second, mass transfer coefficients of 0.5 cm s−1 are accessible for typical redox species, which is significantly higher than RRDEs (up to 0.01 cm s−1). Third, we show that the device can operate effectively at temperatures up to 70 °C, which is important for measuring electrochemical kinetics that are relevant to fuel cell catalysts. Finally, much less catalyst and much smaller volumes of electrolyte solution are required to make kinetic measurements using the microelectrochemical device compared to the RRDE. Here, we present the simple procedure used to fabricate the device, fundamental electroanalytical characterization, and electrocatalytic measurements relevant to the oxygen reduction reaction.
The epistemology of omnipotence

Traditional theology asserts that God is omnipotent. I will argue that there is no way that a person could be justified in believing that God is omnipotent. It follows that one cannot know that God is omnipotent, since knowledge requires justified belief. Throughout this article I will be treating 'God is omnipotent' as a sub stantive assertion about a putatively existing being, not as an analytical assertion about the concept of God. In other words, I take 'God is omnipotent' as equivalent to (a) 'There is a being who is God who is omnipotent', and not as equivalent to (b) 'If anything is God, then that thing is omnipotent. " Given the traditional definition of God, (b) is true by definition. For this reason, it is devoid of interest and we can safely disregard it. In arguing that one cannot be justified in believing that God is omnipotent, I will deploy a number of devices from post-War philosophy of science. The use of standards of scientific reasoning to refute religious conclusions will give this essay a superficial resemblance to venerable positivist diatribes against religious discourse, nested around the central thesis that religious discourse is meaningless. The present article, however, has nothing to do with the meaningfulness of religious discourse, and presupposes throughout that religious assertions in general and assertions about divine omnipotence in particular are perfectly meaningful. I might remark in passing that I reject the positivist view that religious discourse is meaningless not because I believe that the positivist theory of meaning is incorrect. On the contrary,
Subjective Response to Neuroleptics in Schizophrenia

Subjective response to neuroleptics in patients with schizophrenia is reviewed in terms of its validity and measurement. Evidence is presented to support a correlation between altered subjective state on neuroleptics, and therapeutic outcome and medication compliance. Factors that have been implicated in the genesis of such altered subjective states include demographics, psychiatric characteristics, type and dose of neuroleptic, extrapyramidal symptoms (particularly akathisia), depressive states, and patients' values and attitudes toward health and illness. Factors that may contribute to lack of interest in researching subjective experiences of schizophrenia patients on medications are reviewed, and methodological improvements in study design are proposed to enhance our understanding of this phenomenon. Such understanding may help us to better appreciate the many factors that contribute to variability of responses to neuroleptic therapy in patients with schizophrenia and also help us to develop more effective treatment strategies.
Kinetic analysis of M2 muscarinic receptor activation of Gi in Sf9 insect cell membranes.

A steady-state kinetic mechanism describing the interaction of M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors and the guanine nucleotide-binding protein Giα2β1γ3are presented. Data are consistent with two parallel pathways of agonist-promoted GTPase activity arising from receptor coupled to a single or multiple guanine nucleotide-binding proteins. An aspartate 103 to asparagine receptor mutation resulted in a receptor lacking the ability to catalyze the binding of guanosine-5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) or guanosine triphosphate hydrolysis by the G protein. An aspartate 69 to asparagine receptor mutant was able to catalyze agonist-specific guanine nucleotide exchange and GTPase activity. A threonine 187 to alanine receptor mutation resulted in a receptor that catalyzed guanine nucleotide exchange comparable with wild-type receptors but had reduced ability to stimulate GTP hydrolysis. A tyrosine 403 to phenylalanine receptor mutation resulted in an increase in agonist-promoted GTPAse activity compared with wild type. The observation that the threonine 187 and tyrosine 403 mutants promote guanine nucleotide exchange similarly to wild type but alter GTPase activity compared with wild type suggests that the effects of the mutations arise downstream from guanine nucleotide exchange and may result from changes in receptor-G protein dissociation.
Pathologic Predictors of Tumor Response to Preoperative Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Breast Carcinoma

: Tumor response to preoperative chemotherapy varies from complete to partial to none. To evaluate pathologic predictors of tumor response to preoperative chemotherapy, we reviewed 287 cases of locally advanced breast carcinoma treated with chemotherapy prior to definitive surgery. The patients ranged in age from 18 to 79 years (mean, 48 years). There were 77 (26.8%) patients with stage II disease, 194 (67.6%) with stage III disease, and 16 (5.6%) with stage IV disease. Following the initial diagnosis of invasive carcinoma (by fine-needle aspirate or cutting needle biopsy), the patients received three to four cycles of both doxorubicin-based and cyclophosphamide-based regimens followed by mastectomy or lumpectomy with axillary dissection. The pathologic parameters that were evaluated included stage, clinical tumor size, and tumor nuclear grade (NG). The latter was performed on fine-needle aspirates using Black's nuclear grading system wherein NG1 was considered well differentiated; NG2, moderately differentiated; and NG3, poorly differentiated. Based on pathologic examination of the resected specimens, tumor responses were categorized into complete response, partial response, no response, or progressive disease. The overall response rate was 71% (12% complete and 59% partial responses). In univariate analyses, tumor size and nuclear grade were significantly related to pathologic tumor response to chemotherapy (p = 0.04 and p = 0.0003, respectively), while disease stage was not (p = 0.17). In multivariate analyses, size remained significant even when NG was present in the equation (p = 0.013). Similarly, when size was included, NG remained significant (p = 0.002). NG3 tumors showed better response than NG2 or NG1 tumors did. While 19.3% of NG3 tumors showed complete response, none of the NG1 tumors completely responded to chemotherapy. Initial tumor size was inversely proportional to degree of tumor response. Our findings indicate that tumor clinical size and nuclear grade are important independent predictors of response to preoperative chemotherapy and that poorly differentiated tumors and small tumors showed the most response.
Direction‐Dependent Homoepitaxial Growth of GaN Nanowires

3+ :yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) pulse laser (532 nm wavelength, 8 ns pulse width, and 10 Hz repetition rate). The spot size of the incident light was 300 lm. The excitation light from the laser was irradiated from a direction parallel to the cylinder array to the surface of the fluorescent-dye layer. The emission from the cross section of porous alumina cut in the C-X direction was observed using a spectrometer.
Integrated Surface and Borehole Strong-Motion, Soil-Response Arrays in San Francisco, California

An integrated set of four borehole arrays and ten surface installations is installed in the city of San Francisco, California to measure the response of soft-soil deposits to strong earthquake ground motions. The borehole arrays extend through thick layers of soft water-saturated soils of Holocene age and older more consolidated soils of Pleistocene age into bedrock at depths up to 90 m. The surface installations are configured in pairs to provide simultaneous comparative surface measurements of soft soils and nearby rock. The rock locations also permit comparative measurements of rock as observed at the surface and in nearby boreholes. The arrays are designed to address a wide variety of scientific and engineering issues, and especially the issue of anelastic and nonlinear soil response at high strain levels as might be recorded during a large regional earthquake. Recordings of ground motions from the largest regional earthquakes which have occurred since the installation of the arrays show marked evidence of amplification as measured on the borehole and surface arrays. Implications of the results for low-strain site coefficients in present U.S. building codes are discussed.
An active proxy based architecture for TCP in heterogeneous variable bandwidth networks

In heterogeneous networks such as today's Internet, TCP must be made to handle links and paths with vastly different characteristics, including longer delays and dynamically changing available bandwidth. In this research, we first analyze the performance of TCP under networks with TCP-unfriendly characteristics and introduce an architecture to tackle the performance problems in such networks.
Fast tuning of MEMS-based tunable terahertz wire lasers

We demonstrate a fast frequency tuning of a terahertz wire-laser. Using a piezo-actuator and a MEMS-plunger enables a tuning speed up to ∼15 KHz. Improved bonding-pad design of wire-lasers leads to larger fabrication yield and better mode discrimination.
Density of States of an Insulating Ferromagnetic Alloy

An algorithm is developed for the calculation of the density of states for an arbitrary ferromagnetic insulating alloy. The procedure is based upon enumerating the number of negative eigenvalues associated with a large matrix. While the theory is developed to treat any number of magnetic components in an arbitrary lattice, numerical results are presented for a binary alloy of the simple cubic type. The spectra are related to previously calculated isolated local magnetic excitations, and the effect of such spectra on the magnetization and specific heat is indicated.
Cyclic Boolean circuits

A Boolean circuit is a collection of gates and wires that performs a mapping from Boolean inputs to Boolean outputs. The accepted wisdom is that such circuits must have acyclic (i.e., loop-free or feed-forward) topologies. In fact, the model is often defined this way-as a directed acyclic graph (DAG). And yet simple examples suggest that this is incorrect. We advocate that Boolean circuits should have cyclic topologies (i.e., loops or feedback paths). In other work, we demonstrated the practical implications of this view: digital circuits can be designed with fewer gates if they contain cycles. In this paper, we explore the theoretical underpinnings of the idea. We show that the complexity of implementing Boolean functions can be lower with cyclic topologies than with acyclic topologies. With examples, we show that certain Boolean functions can be implemented by cyclic circuits with as little as one-half the number of gates that are required by equivalent acyclic circuits. We also show a quadratic upper bound: given a cyclic Boolean circuit with m gates, there exists an equivalent acyclic Boolean circuit with m^2 gates.
Removal of assimilable organic carbon and biodegradable dissolved organic carbon by reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes

Abstract The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF), under various solution chemistries, on bacterial regrowth potential as quantified by assimilable organic carbon (AOC) and biodegradable dissolved organic carbon (BDOC). The bench-scale experiments, using tap groundwater spiked with acetate as organic carbon, revealed that AOC removals by RO/NF membranes were strongly dependent on charge repulsion. AOC removals were greater at conditions of low ionic strength and low hardness, and were slightly higher at high pH values. BDOC removals by NF membrane also increased with decreasing hardness and ionic strength, and increasing pH. However, the RO membrane showed less dependence on feed solution chemistry for BDOC removal, suggesting that BDOC removal was determined by the combined effect of both size exclusion and charge repulsion. The bench-scale observations were compared to a full-scale drinking water treatment plant that used nanofiltration as a primary treatment process. From full-scale operation, it was observed that nanofiltration was a very effective means to reduce BDOC, but conversely, did not reject the bulk of raw water AOC. The high BDOC rejection by NF membranes at full scale can be explained by size exclusion, since a significant fraction of BDOC in raw surficial ground water consists of compounds, such as humic and fulvic acids, which are larger than the pores of NF membranes. The insignificant AOC rejection observed in the full-scale system was probably due to the low pH, high hardness, and high ionic strength (TDS) of the raw groundwater combined with acid addition during pretreatment. These solution environments repress the electrostatic interaction between charged organic compounds and membranes, allowing passage of small molecular weight compounds and thus reducing AOC rejection.
Justice and justification: Two approaches to theory acceptance in ethics

“INTUITIONISM” VS. “MORAL EMPIRICISM” Just what role should be assigned to moral judgments or moral intuitions in the process of selecting among or justifying moral theories is a matter of ancient controversy. Egoists and utilitarians, for example, have always had to do battle with those who urge a tribunal in which a moral theory must match commonly held moral judgments. Proponents of such tribunals have been hard pressed, in turn, to provide credentials for these judgments. This old debate has taken on a modern form in the contrast between two recent proposals for solving the problem of theory acceptance or justification in ethics, the method of wide reflective equilibrium, which derives from Rawls, and the moral empiricism advocated by Brandt. My intention is to contrast these methods to see what lessons we may draw about the role of moral judgments in theory acceptance. It is fair to construe these two recent proposals as major alternatives. Indeed, Brandt elaborates his own view in response to the “intuitionism” he thinks undermines the method of wide reflective equilibrium and, specifically, Rawls' use of the method in constructing his contractarian approach to the problem of choosing among competing moral conceptions. I shall concentrate on Brandt's methodological proposals, both because of their intrinsic interest and because I have discussed the strengths and weaknesses of wide reflective equilibrium in detail elsewhere (1979a, 1979b, 1980a, 1980b). I will, however, offer a brief sketch of the method of wide reflective equilibrium so that some points of contrast with Brandt's approach will be clear.
Abstract 3548: Neuroimaging Modalities Predict Robust Collaterals For Optimal Intraarterial Acute Stroke Therapy

BACKGROUND: Collaterals during intra-arterial (IA) therapy have been shown to impact outcome. We sought to identify pre-treatment predictors of robust collaterals to improve patient selection for this therapy. METHODS: With institutional review board approval, we retrospectively reviewed patients from a single center receiving IA therapy for internal carotid artery (ICA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) M1 segment occlusions from January 2009 to June 2011. We collected the following clinical data: age, gender, stroke score, and risk factors. Radiologic parameters included the pre-treatment Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) on non-contrast CT (NCCT) and CT Perfusion (CTP) cerebral blood volume maps and site of occlusion. All patients had complete diagnostic angiography prior to IA therapy. Collateral circulation of the symptomatic MCA territory was based on a previously published protocol in which any collateral filling of the MCA M1 segment was scored 1, any filling up to the M2 segments was scored 2, any filling up to the M3 segments was scored 3, any filling up to the M4 segments was scored 4. Absent collaterals were scored 5. The endpoint was robust collaterals defined as a score RESULTS: Fifty-three patients were identified (mean age of 66 %/- 11 years, median stroke score of 16.5). Occlusions occurred in the MCA M1 segment (37), ICA origin (2), intracranial ICA (9), and tandem ICA origin with intracranial ICA or M1 MCA (5). Robust collaterals were identified in 42 patients and predicted by 2 correlates on multivariate analysis: NCCT ASPECTS > 8 (p = .011), where 89.2% of patients with NCCT ASPECTS > 8 had robust collaterals, compared to 56.3% of patients with NCCT ASPCECTS ≤ 8; and CTP ASPECTS > 7 (p 7 had robust collaterals, compared to 45.5% of patients with CTP ASPCECTS ≤ 7. NCCT ASPECTS > 8 had a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 64% in predicting robust collateral circulation. CTP ASPECTS > 7 had a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Higher ASPECT scores on baseline CT and CTP reflects presence of robust collaterals and can aid in patient selection for IA therapy. In addition, a protocol using CTP may further increase the selection accuracy.
Gystinuria in Two Scotch Terriers

Summary1. Two cases of cystinuna in Scotch terriers have been described. One of them had cystine calculi. 2. Cystinuria with and without cystine calculi has been found in the following breeds of dogs: Dachshund, Irish terrier, Scotch terrier.
Simulating picosecond iron K-edge X-ray absorption spectra by ab initio methods to study photoinduced changes in the electronic structure of Fe(II) spin crossover complexes.

Recent time-resolved X-ray absorption experiments probing the low-spin to high-spin photoconversion in Fe(II) complexes have monitored the complex interplay between electronic and structural degrees of freedom on an ultrafast time scale. In this study, we use transition potential (TP) and time-dependent (TD) DFT to simulate the picosecond time-resolved iron K-edge X-ray absorption spectrum of the spin crossover (SCO) complex, [Fe(tren(py)3)]2+. This is achieved by simulating the X-ray absorption spectrum of [Fe(tren(py)3)]2+ in its low-spin (LS), 1A1, ground state and its high-spin (HS), 5T2, excited state. These results are compared with the X-ray absorption spectrum of the high-spin analogue (HSA), [Fe(tren(6-Me-py)3)]2+, which has a 5T2 ground state. We show that the TP-DFT methodology can simulate a 40 eV range of the iron K-edge XANES spectrum reproducing all of the major features observed in the static and transient spectra of the LS, HS, and HSA complexes. The pre-edge region of the K-edge spectrum...
The action of pancreatic vitamine upon the metabolic activity of paramecium

The following experiments were undertaken to see if vitamines extracted from sheep's pancreas and adsorbed in fuller's earth by the method employed by Dr. W. H. Eddy have any effect on the metabolic activities of free cells.The free living cells used in the experiments were the descendants of a single individual Paramecium aurelia. These were cultivated on half and half pure spring water and 24-hour-old boiled flour water used fresh each day. On this diet the average division rate varied from 1.5 to 2.0 divisions per day at the time the vitamine tests were started.The vitamine-bearing fuller's earth was kept in capsules prepared by Dr. Eddy. A small dose of this was obtained by moistening the point of a needle in the Paramecium culture water and dipping this in the capsule. The adhering granules were then shaken off in the culture water.It was necessary at first to determine whether or not the fine granules of the fuller's earth would be ingested by the Paramecium. For this purpose sterile spring water wa...
Abstract SY30-01: Molecular characterization of single circulating tumor cells.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) are present at extraordinarily low levels in the blood of patients with advanced epithelial cancers. Our group has developed and tested three generations of microfluidic devices for the isolation of CTCs, each with further improvements in automation, processing throughput and downstream analytical capabilities. Isolation and molecular analyses of these cells has a number of significant potential clinical applications: rising or declining numbers of CTCs are well correlated with tumor progression or therapeutic response. Furthermore, CTCs bear genetic hallmarks of the primary cancer, offering a noninvasive “liquid biopsy” to enable initial and serial monitoring of tumor genotypes during cancer therapy. Most significantly, CTCs hold the key to understanding the process of blood-borne metastasis. Using next generation RNA sequencing strategies, we have initiated studies of expression profiles within CTCs. These have identified cellular pathways implicated in resistance of epithelial cells to anoikis in the circulation and in epithelial-mesenchymal transition - a phenomenon implicated in cancer invasion. The heterogeneity of CTC populations is evident in single cell imaging analyses and sequencing studies, with implications for understanding the complexity of therapeutic responses. Taken together, the application of novel bioengineering technologies to the isolation and analysis of CTCs across multiple different cancer types offers a unique window into the properties of cancer cells that invade into the bloodstream and give rise to metastases. Citation Format: Daniel A. Haber, Min Yu, Emre Ozkumar, David Ting, David Miyamoto, Richard Lee, Ajay Shah, Aditya Bardia, Shannon Stott, Mehmet Toner, Shyamala Maheswaran. Molecular characterization of single circulating tumor cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr SY30-01. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-SY30-01
O Brasil Na Perspectiva Do Projeto Variedades Da Democracia (Perspective on Brazil By the Varieties of Democracy Project)

Portuguese Abstract: Nesse artigo nos apresentamos resultados coletados pelo Projeto Variedades da Democracia para o Brasil. Nos descrevemos a evolucao historica da democracia brasileira entre 1900 e 2012 enfocando seus cinco principais componentes (eleitoral, liberal, participativo, deliberativo, e igualitario) e duas dimensoes adjacentes ao regime (corrupcao e partidos politicos). Por fim, nos comparamos os dados para o Brasil com resultados obtidos para outros paises da America do Sul. A analise dos dados aponta: a. a existencia de uma trajetoria “em espiral” dos regimes politicos no Brasil, na qual novas experiencias democraticas tendem a superar experiencias anteriores em todos os quesitos; b. os avancos e limites da experiencia democratica contemporânea em que se combinam bons resultados nos indicadores eleitoral, liberal e deliberativo da democracia, e resultados menos elevados nos componentes igualitario e participativo do regime, bem como em suas dimensoes adjacentes.English Abstract: In this article we present results for Brazil collected by the Varieties of Democracy project. We describe the historical evolution of democracy in Brazil from 1900 to 2012, focusing on its five main components (electoral, liberal, participatory, deliberative, and egalitarian), and on two adjacent dimensions of the regime (corruption and political parties). Lastly, we compare the data for Brazil with similar results for other South American countries. The results suggest: a. that a “spiral” trajectory has characterized Brazilian political regimes, in which new democratic experiences are always more democratic in all dimensions than previous ones; b. that the contemporary democratic experience combines positive results obtained in the electoral, liberal, and deliberative components of democracy, with less positive results observed in the egalitarian, and participatory components of democracy, as well as in its adjacent dimensions.
PFC signal transmission in power distribution network and its networking scheme

Using low-voltage power distribution networks as the transmission medium,Power Frequency Communication(PFC)technology has the advantage of higher reliability since the modulation signal can penetrate through distribution transformer.This paper analyzes the impacts on signal transmission coming from transmission and distribution network as well as distribution transformers,discusses the networking mode of PFC system.It has reference value for the design of high speed power frequency communication products.
Microsurgical reconstruction of the proximal oviduct

Since the successful advent of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET), reproductive surgeons have been forced to compare pregnancy outcomes of surgical procedures for tubal infertility with those of IVF-ET. The current study reports pregnancy outcomes, with extended follow-up, in patients who had proximal oviductal obstruction. Twenty-seven patients who had proximal oviductal disease with limited distal disease were evaluated after microsurgical repair. The conception rate at the end of 3 years of observation was 69.3%. The live birth rate was 53.2% at 3 1/2 years. The results indicate that microsurgical reconstruction of proximal oviductal occlusion is a workable option for patients with infertility.
Primary- and secondary-school environmental health science education and the education crisis: a survey of science teachers in Ohio.

There is a science education crisis in the United States, with studies showing that U.S. high school graduates are not as well-versed in science as graduates in other countries. Studies also suggest that students are better learners when the environment is used as an integrating theme. Therefore, the time is right to discuss opportunities for integrating environmental health science into kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) curriculum. The research presented here takes a step toward developing the use of environmental health science as a multidisciplinary theme in the K-12 curriculum. Almost 500 K-12 science teachers in Ohio were surveyed for their opinions about the science education crisis and the role of environmental health science in their current courses of instruction. These teachers had been identified as having an interest in environmental education because of their participation in the Environmental Education Council of Ohio. Nevertheless, the results of the survey suggest that these environmentally oriented science teachers are currently not aware of existing environmental health science learning opportunities. Environmental health practitioners have work to do to educate science teachers about the field and about the ways in which studying environmental health science could alleviate the science education crisis.
Human Senescence: Human life span and life extension

Life span All sexually reproducing species, in their genomes, carry numerous allelic variants predisposing to slow senescence and extended longevity (vitality). All also include numerous variants predisposing to more rapid senescence and shorter life (frailty). Still, the majority of our available alleles are likely to have little direct influence on life span. In wild populations, senescence-promoting (frailty) and senescence-slowing (vitality) variants are likely to be in balance. Alleles predisposing to senescence slowing, and those that shorten life too greatly (high fraility), generally are outcompeted by those predisposing to more modal life spans and reproductive success. Over evolutionary time, genetic variants promoting longevity and nongevity likely have, for most wild populations, been “non-essential” with respect to natural selection and reproductive success (RS). Allelic frequencies for such variants will drift along randomly, except when very early senescence-promoting types reduce RS sufficiently to be selected against. Life extension experiments on laboratory models (calorie restriction, late reproduction, temperature modulation, selective breeding, and transgenic manipulation) expose this underlying DNA variation. In some cases, by revealing genetically determined phenotypic plasticity in response to harsh environments, in others, by selecting more long-lived phenotypes with underlying alleles predisposing carriers to late-life reproduction and survival (traits not conducive to high RS in the wild) to produce later generations. Similarly, reports showing longevity-enhancing or -retarding DNA/protein variants with increased/decreased expression of specific proteins (superoxide dismutasel (SOD), catalase, and the like) and linkage of allelic variants at specific loci to life extension reveal simple mechanisms with large influences on rodent, insect, and worm life spans.
Time-Varying Beta: Autocorrelation and Autoregressive Time Series

“[T]ime is the longest distance between two places.”1 This book has focused thus far on bifurcating beta in financial space—that is, on either side of mean rates of return or some other target. It has analyzed beta in recognition of two distinct but related departures from the conventions of modern portfolio theory, the capital asset pricing model (CAPM), and the efficient capital markets hypothesis. Financial markets are both abnormal and irrational. They are abnormal in the sense that they violate the central limit theorem and other properties of the normal, Gaussian distribution. Furthermore, real investors respond to such abnormalities in ways that deviate from the neoclassical assumption of perfect rationality and dispassionate maximization of individual or institutional welfare. Even if we cannot describe a mechanism by which human behavior causes market abnormalities or vice versa, or otherwise demonstrate a causal link, we can show that market abnormality and human irrationality travel together—that they are strongly correlated.
Pathology and Molecular Pathology of Lung Cancer

Ongoing preclinical investigations and clinical trials involving new targeted therapies promise to improve survival in patients with lung cancer. Targeted therapeutic agents based on genetic mutations and signaling pathways altered in lung cancer have added significantly to our armamentarium for lung cancer treatment while minimizing drug toxicity. To date, four targeted therapies have been approved for treatment of lung cancer by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): gefitinib in 2002, erlotinib in 2003, bevacizumab in 2006, and crizotinib in 2011. This chapter describes the basic molecular biology principles and selected molecular diagnostic techniques in lung cancer, focuses on the targeted therapies in lung cancer, the molecular biomarkers that identify patients likely to benefit from these targeted therapies, and the pathologic features correlated with molecular abnormalities in lung cancer. Lastly, new molecular abnormalities described in lung cancer that are predictive to novel promising targeted agents in various phases of clinical trials are discussed. Special emphasis is placed on summarizing evolving technologies useful in the diagnosis and characterization of lung cancer. In conclusion, molecular testing of lung cancer expands the expertize of the pathologists, who will identify the tumor markers that are predictive of sensitivity or resistance to various targeted therapies and allow patients with cancer to be selected for highly effective and less-toxic therapies.
Hierarchical, concurrent state machines for behavior modeling and scenario control

This paper presents a framework for behavior modeling and scenario control based on hierarchical, concurrent state machines (HCSM). We present the structure and informal operational semantics of hierarchical, concurrent state machines. We describe the use of HCSM for scenario control in the Iowa Driving Simulator (IDS), a virtual environment for real-time driving simulation. The paper concludes with an outline of a forthcoming HCSM-based scenario authoring system that will permit non-specialists to graphically program behaviors and design experiments for IDS. >
Assessment in TIC Skills in Pedagogy Students of the Catholic University of Maule (Chile)

Abstract This study was based on the answers to the question: to what extent ICT skills are achieved by the students of Pedagogy of the Faculty of Education at the Catholic University of Chile, Maule, in their initial teaching training (ITT)? It was structured in two phases: an extensive one, with the application of a questionnaire to a sample of 321 students in their professional practice and 32 professors; also, an intensive phase to answer the questions arising from the first phase with students and professors invited to attend focus groups. The results revealed the students deficits on how to use the informatics tools Excel, Prezi, and the digital whiteboard; also unveiled they do not handle nor the technical neither the evaluation criteria to select the appropriate technological resources where the most frequently used are the online social networking Facebook and the MS Office Word. In general the future teachers reach a “good level” (5) in the development of these ICT competencies, on a scale of 1 to 7.
The Cooccurrence of Obesity, Osteoporosis, and Sarcopenia in the Ovariectomized Rat: A Study for Modeling Osteosarcopenic Obesity in Rodents.

Background. Obesity, osteoporosis, and sarcopenia may individually occur due to age-related gradual alterations in body composition. This study investigates the cooccurrence of these age-related diseases in female animals with low levels of ovarian hormone in the absence of complex multifactorial process of chronological aging. Methods. Thirty-six 5- and 10-month-old female rats were chosen to model pre- and postmenopausal women, respectively. Rats were divided into three treatment groups in each age category—sham, ovariectomized (ovx), and ovx
Between conformity and transgression: Chinese women’s gendered discourse of fan authenticity for European football

ABSTRACTThis essay explores Chinese women’s discourse of fan authenticity for European football. Conceptualizing Chinese female fans as the readers of the transnational text of European football, I conducted in-depth interviews with fifteen self-identified female fans in Shanghai, China. The analysis shows that in their discursive formations of gendered fan authenticity, these women simultaneously reproduce and contest the patriarchal dominance and female stereotypes in European football fandom. As a result, they articulate an ambiguous relation between fan authenticity and themselves as women. Instead of regulating feminine identity to fit into the masculinist fandom, these fans still hold up to the traditional Chinese expectations of femininity in their fan experience.
A Tale of Two Monoids: A Friendly Introduction to Nonunique Factorizations

SummaryArithmetic sequences are among the most basic of structures in a discrete mathematics course. We consider here two particular arithmetic sequences: 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, … (H) and 4, 10, 16, 22, 28, …. (M)In addition to their additive definitions, these sequences are also multiplicatively closed. We show that both have multiplicative structures much different than that of the regular system of the integers. In particular, both fail the celebrated Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic. While this is relatively easy to see, we will show that while factoring elements in the set H is fairly straightforward, factoring elements in M is much more complicated. This gives us a glimpse of how systems that fail the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic are studied and analyzed.