cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration findings of gastrointestinal leiomyomas and gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

True leiomyomas of the gastrointestinal system are rare but remain the most common mesenchymal tumors of the esophagus. It has become important to distinguish these tumors from gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) because the neoplasms have different prognoses and treatment options. We describe and compare clinical findings and the following fine-needle aspiration (FNA) features of 9 gastrointestinal leiomyomas and 19 GISTs sampled with endoscopic ultrasound: overall cellularity, cell group features, cell shape and cytoplasmic features, nuclear characteristics, background, cell block features, and immunohistochemical results. Gastrointestinal leiomyomas and GISTs have different clinical and cytologic features that help pathologists distinguish these tumors, and the immunohistochemical findings that help define these lesions can be derived readily from cell block material obtained by endoscopic ultrasound–guided FNA.
Effect of tracheal mucus and tracheal cytology on racing performance in Thoroughbred racehorses

Summary Reason for performing study: Accumulations of mucus within the trachea are often found during endoscopic examinations of the airways of poorly performing racehorses, but the clinical importance of this finding is unknown. Objectives: To determine the effect of tracheal mucus, pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia (PLH) and cytological indices of tracheal aspirate on racing performance in Thoroughbred horses assessed by race place and whether the horse was raced. Methods: Endoscopic examination of the nasopharynx, larynx and trachea was performed, and a tracheal aspirate obtained monthly at Thistledown racetrack from April to December, 2002 and 2003. Horses received a score of 0–4 for the degree of PLH and 0–4 for the amount of mucus visible in the trachea. The tracheal aspirate was assessed for turbidity, and total and differential cell counts. Generalised estimating equations models were used as repeated measures models for each risk factor and the level of association assessed through the risk factor's P value in the model. Results: Moderate to severe tracheal mucus (2–4) was a risk factor for poor racing performance. There was no association between degree of PLH, cell counts or turbidity of tracheal wash fluid and racing performance. However, horses that raced had higher total neutrophil counts in tracheal wash aspirates than horses that did not race. Conclusions: Grades 2–4 tracheal mucus should be considered a potential cause of poor racing performance in Thoroughbred horses. Clinical relevance: Because moderate to severe tracheal mucus accumulation, and not increased tracheal neutrophils, was a risk factor for poor racing performance, functionally significant airway inflammation may best be confirmed by the presence of mucus rather than increased number of neutrophils in the trachea.
Non-Crosshybridizing Oligonucleotide Building Blocks for Accurate, Scalable Nanofabrication

The urgent need in the field of nanotechnology is functional, reliable, and scalable techniques for more complicated and controlled nanostructures in order to realize nanoscale materials and devices that have practical use and more capability than existing technologies. This paper addresses this need by presenting an in vitro protocol to select large non-crosshybridizing (NCH) libraries of oligonucleotides that provide a large address space of DNA sequences with which to increase both complexity and control in DNA-directed self-assembly processes. The selection protocol was experimentally verified and confirmed. The resultant large NCH libraries would allow self-assembling complex nanostructures with more precise control, leading to reliable, scaled-up, cost-effective manufacturing of nanoscale devices and systems.
Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

OBJECTIVE:To thoroughly and critically review the pharmacologic treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to review the symptomatology, diagnosis, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and assessment of PTSD.DATA SOURCES:A MEDLINE search (1966–October 1999) in the English language specifying PTSD drug treatment as the search term was used to identify articles.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:All articles identified were reviewed; emphasis was given to randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies.DATA SYNTHESIS:It appears that a five-week medication trial is necessary to assess clinical effects on PTSD symptoms. The monoamine oxidase inhibitors appear to be superior to the tricyclic antidepressants in improving reexperiencing and avoidance symptoms. Most studies used assessment tools that neglected hyperarousal symptoms; therefore, no conclusions regarding this symptom cluster can be drawn. Other pharmacotherapeutic interventions reported in open-label trials have yielded varying success.CO...
The superposition of a temporally incoherent magnetic field inhibits 60 Hz-induced changes in the ODC activity of developing chick embryos.

Previously, we have shown that the application of a weak (4 mT) 60 Hz magnetic field (MF) can alter the magnitudes of the ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity peaks which occur during gastrulation and neurulation of chick embryos. We report here the ODC activity of chick embryos which were exposed to the superposition of a weak noise MF over a 60 Hz MF of equal (rms strength). In contrast to the results we obtain with a 60 Hz field alone, the activity of ODC in embryos exposed to the superposition of the incoherent and 60 Hz fields was indistinguishable from the control activity during both gastrulation and neurulation. This result adds to the body of experimental evidence which demonstrates that the superposition of an incoherent field inhibits the response of biological systems to a coherent MF. The observation that a noise field inhibits ODC activity changes is consistent with our speculation that MF-induced ODC activity changes during early development may be related to MF-induced neural tube defects at slightly later stages (which are also inhibited by the superposition of a noise field). Bioelectromagnetics 19:53‐56, 1998. ! 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Modeling and navigation of large information spaces: a semantics based approach

We present techniques for modeling the semantics of large information spaces and for navigating them. This information space represents heterogeneous data stored in different formats and distributed across multiple locations on the Internet. We also describe a prototype system called SEMQUEST (SEMantics based QUEry SysTem) that employs graph-based algorithms and allows users to interactively explore, manipulate and relate data in large information spaces to their interests. It provides users with the flexibility to understand what is available in the information space, determine which parts are relevant, and query/retrieve underlying data using a visual framework. SEMQUEST also allows users to share software modules permitting them to reuse data analysis/visualization codes. We demonstrate system use with global climate change data collected by centers across the world. We believe this research serves as a foundation for future work in integrating information sources across the WWW.
Potential Energy Surface Mapping of Energetic Materials Using Coupled Cluster Theory

1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene (Fox-7) has proven to be a promising energetic material due to its low shock sensitivity and high thermal stability, and has been the subject of several Department of Defense (DoD) theoretical investigations employing Hartree-Fock and density functional theory. However, it is well-known that many energetic crystals have a significant binding contribution resulting from dispersion, a phenomena that is not accurately described by computational methods that are not explicitly correlated. This paper details the use of a state-of-the art quantum chemistry method, coupled-cluster theory, to compute a six-dimensional, dimer potential energy surface of the Fox-7 energetic molecule, which will be used to develop a pair potential for use in molecular dynamics simulations. In addition, a dimer potential energy function determined using symmetry-adapted perturbation theory is described and molecular dynamics simulations using the fitted potential are presented.
Stimulation of β1-Integrin Function by Epidermal Growth Factor and Heregulin-β Has Distinct Requirements for erbB2 but a Similar Dependence on Phosphoinositide 3-OH Kinase

Integrins and growth factor receptors are important participants in cellular adhesion and migration. The EGF receptor (EGFR) family of tyrosine kinases and the beta1-integrin adhesion receptors are of particular interest, given the implication for their involvement in the initiation and progression of tumorigenesis. We used adhesion and chemotaxis assays to further elucidate the relationship between these two families of transmembrane signaling molecules. Specifically, we examined integrin-mediated adhesive and migratory characteristics of the metastatic breast carcinoma cell line MDA-MB-435 in response to stimulation with growth factors that bind to and activate the EGFR or erbB3 in these cells. Although ligand engagement of the EGFR stimulated modest beta1-dependent increases in cell adhesion and motility, heregulin-beta (HRGbeta) binding to the erbB3 receptor initiated rapid and potent induction of breast carcinoma cell adhesion and migration and required dimerization of erbB3 with erbB2. Pharmacologic inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3-OH kinase (PI 3-K) or transient expression of dominant negative forms of PI 3-K inhibited both EGF- and HRGbeta-mediated adhesion and potently blocked HRGbeta- and EGF-induced cell motility. Our results illustrate the critical role of PI 3-K activity in signaling pathways initiated by the EGFR or erbB3 to up-regulate beta1-integrin function.
Laser photofragmention-laser induced fluorescence detection of the hydroperoxyl radical: photofragment energy distributions, detection sensitivity and kinetics

Abstract A laser photofragment-laser induced fluorescence technique has been developed for the detection of the hydroperoxyl radical, HO2. The OH photofragment rotational distribution peaks at low temperature with a preference for population of the lower energy, 2 Π 3 2 , spin orbit component. Greater than 75% of the O atoms are produced in the O1D state. an HO2 detection sensitivity of 2 × 1011 cm−3 was achieved in 300 Torr of N2, indicating that this approach has the sensitivity and temporal resolution to be useful for kinetic studies of HO2 under realistic atmospheric conditions.
pH-evoked dural afferent signaling is mediated by ASIC3 and is sensitized by mast cell mediators.

Background.—Prior studies have shown that decreased meningeal pH activates dural afferents via opening of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs), suggesting one pathophysiological mechanism for the generation of headaches. The studies described here further examined the ASIC subtype mediating pH-induced dural-afferent activation and examined whether sensitization influences pH responses. Objective.—Given the potential importance of meningeal mast cells to headache, the goal of this study was to evaluate dural afferent responses to pH following sensitization with mast cell mediators. Methods.—Cutaneous allodynia was measured in rats following stimulation of the dura with decreased pH alone or in combination with mast cell mediators. Trigeminal ganglion neurons retrogradely labeled from the dura were stained with an ASIC3 antibody using immunohistochemistry. Current and action potentials evoked by changes in pH alone or in combination with mast cell mediators were measured in retrogradely labeled dural afferents using patch-clamp electrophysiology. Results.—pH-sensitive dural afferents generated currents in response to the ASIC3 activator 2-guanidine-4methylquinazoline (GMQ), approximately 80% of these neurons express ASIC3 protein, and pH-evoked behavioral responses were inhibited by the ASIC3 blocker APETx2. Following exposure to mast cell mediators, dural afferents exhibited increased pH-evoked excitability, and cutaneous allodynia was observed at higher pH than with pH stimuli alone. Conclusions.—These data indicate that the predominant ASIC subtype responding to decreased meningeal pH is ASIC3. Additionally, they demonstrate that in the presence of inflammation, dural afferents respond to even smaller decreases in pH providing further support for the ability of small pH changes within the meninges to initiate afferent input leading to headache.
FGF1 Mediates Overnutrition-Induced Compensatory β-Cell Differentiation

Increased insulin demand resulting from insulin resistance and/or overnutrition induces a compensatory increase in β-cell mass. The physiological factors responsible for the compensation have not been fully characterized. In zebrafish, overnutrition rapidly induces compensatory β-cell differentiation through triggering the release of a paracrine signal from persistently activated β-cells. We identified Fgf1 signaling as a key component of the overnutrition-induced β-cell differentiation signal in a small molecule screen. Fgf1 was confirmed as the overnutrition-induced β-cell differentiation signal, as inactivation of fgf1 abolished the compensatory β-cell differentiation. Furthermore, expression of human FGF1 solely in β-cells in fgf1(-/-) animals rescued the compensatory response, indicating that β-cells can be the source of FGF1. Additionally, constitutive secretion of FGF1 with an exogenous signal peptide increased β-cell number in the absence of overnutrition. These results demonstrate that fgf1 is necessary and FGF1 expression in β-cells is sufficient for the compensatory β-cell differentiation. We further show that FGF1 is secreted during prolonged activation of cultured mammalian β-cells and that endoplasmic reticulum stress acts upstream of FGF1 release. Thus, the recently discovered antidiabetes function of FGF1 may act partially through increasing β-cell differentiation.
A Long-Term Study of Tropical Systems Impacting Missouri

This work describes an evaluation of tropical cyclones (TCs) and depressions in order to determine if the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) may related to the recent rise of TC remnants affecting Missouri or if the variability is more sensitive to a long term Pacific Decadal Cycle. Sea surface temperatures (SST), mean sea level pressure (MSLP), the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), the Atlantic Multi- decadal Oscillation (AMO), the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO), and the (ENSO) were studied to determine possible correlations with the frequency of tropical remnants affecting Missouri. The study found a significant positive correlation between the frequencies of Missouri impacts per year to the frequency of Atlantic Ocean TCs. The more active the Atlantic Ocean basin is, the more times Missouri can expect to be impacted. TC paths were classified based on their direction of travel. TC remnants interacting with frontal boundaries took a more southwest to northeast track. Whereas TC remnants that entered a more zonal weather pattern traveled along a south to north path. Results found that the positive PDO (PDO one) 1938-1946 and 1977-1998 involved a total of 10 TCs affecting Missouri, an average of 0.32 events per year. The negative PDO (PDO two) 1947-1976 and 1999-present involved a combined result of 25 TCs affecting Missouri, an average of 0.57 events per year. A similar result is found for the AMO. A 2005 case study shows how the rare combination of elevated SSTs in the Gulf of Mexico, anomalously low MSLP, and the negative phase QBO led to increased TC activity in the tropical Atlantic Ocean. Also, the frequency of TC affecting Missouri since 1938 was compared to the type of ENSO cycle. La Nina periods produced an average of 0.37, El Nino produced 0.31, and Neutral periods produced 0.58 TC per year. The fre- quency of Missouri impacts was separated by month during each respective ENSO cycle. Chi-squared tests show - with four degrees of freedom and a value of 0.99 - that the distributions of TC per month versus ENSO cycle are not significantly different. Thus, Missouri is impacted more often by TCs during August and September regardless of ENSO phase. The conclu- sions suggest that Missouri TC climatology is more sensitive to long term PDO cycle fluctuations, and the resulting frequency of TC in the Atlantic Ocean, than to short term ENSO variability. Background
Models for low energy electron beam induced current experiments in polycrystalline thin film photovoltaics

Electron beam induced current (EBIC) is a powerful technique which measures the charge collection efficiency of electron-hole pairs generated by an electron beam. EBIC offers sub-micron spatial resolution and is naturally suited to study polycrystalline materials. Ideally, an EBIC measurement reflects the spatially resolved quantum efficiency of the solar cell. However, critical analysis of low energy EBIC data obtained on CdTe-CdS solar cells indicates that the EBIC signal is not simply proportional to the collection probability of a working device. As a step towards more quantitative analysis of EBIC measurements of these materials, we develop models of the collection efficiency which account for surface recombination in depletion regions and screening of built-in fields from carrier accumulation. We discuss how these models can be applied to obtain quantitative data on grain boundaries in polycrystalline materials.
Text message content preferences to improve buprenorphine maintenance treatment in primary care.

Few studies have evaluated text message content preferences to support evidence-based treatment approaches for opioid use disorders, and none in primary care office-based buprenorphine treatment settings. This study assessed the acceptability and preferences for a tailored text message intervention in support of core office-based buprenorphine treatment medical management components (e.g., treatment adherence, encouraging abstinence, 12-step group participation, motivational interviewing, and patient-provider communication as needed). There were 97 patients enrolled in a safety net office-based buprenorphine treatment program who completed a 24-item survey instrument that consisted of multiple-choice responses, 7-point Likert-type scales, binomial "Yes/No" questions, and open-ended responses. The sample was predominately male (81%), had an average age of 46 years, and was diverse (64% ethnic/racial minorities); 56% lacked stable employment. Respondents were interested in receiving text message appointment reminders (90%), information pertaining to their buprenorphine treatment (76%), supportive content (70%), and messages to reduce the risk of relapse (88%). Participants preferred to receive relapse prevention text messages during all phases of treatment: immediately after induction into buprenorphine treatment (81%), a "few months" into treatment (57%), and after discontinuing buprenorphine treatment (72%). Respondents also expressed interest in text message content enhancing self-efficacy, social support, and frequent provider communication to facilitate unobserved "home" induction with buprenorphine. Older participants were significantly less receptive to receiving text message appointment reminders; however, they were as interested in receiving supportive, informational, and relapse prevention components compared to younger respondents. Implications for integrating a text message support system in office-based buprenorphine treatment are discussed.
Analysis of miRNA in Normal Appearing White Matter to Identify Altered CNS Pathways in Multiple Sclerosis

Genetic studies suggest that the immune system is the greatest genetic contributor to multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility. Yet, these immune-related genes do not explain why inflammation is limited to the CNS in MS. We hypothesize that there is an underlying dysregulation in the CNS of MS patients that makes them more vulnerable to CNS inflammation. The sparsity of CNS-related genes associated with MS suggests that epigenetic changes in the CNS may play a role. Thus, a miRNA profiling study was performed in NAWM of MS patients and control subjects to determine if specific CNS pathways can be identified that may be altered due to miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional dysregulation. There were 15 differentially expressed miRNAs found in the MS patients' NAWM. Pathway analysis indicated that the MAPK pathway and pathways associated with the blood-brain barrier were predicted to be significantly affected by these miRNAs. Using target predication and mRNA analysis, an inverse relationship was found between miR-191 and BDNF, SOX4, FZD5 and WSB1. The pathway and target analysis of the MS-associated miRNAs suggests that MS patients' CNS is more prone to inflammation and less capable of repair, yet enriched in neuroprotective mechanisms.
Contra-memória e violação da imaginação: alegorias (supra)nacionais n’O eleito do sol de Arménio Vieira e n’A casa da água de Antônio Olinto

Apoiando-se em Writing history as a prophet, de Elisabeth Wesseling, este trabalho faz um estudo comparativo das similaridades e contrastes dos imaginarios cabo-verdiano e afro-brasileiro atraves de O eleito do sol, de Armenio Vieira e A casa da agua, de Antonio Olinto. De um lado, a ilha cabo-verdiana serve de alegoria supranacional no engajamento mitico-filosofico entre o intelectual e o politico e do outro lado, a viagem transatlântica dos protagonistas de A casa da agua e uma diaspora invertida na procura das raizes deixadas em Africa pelos escravos apos a abolicao em 1888.
A Barrier to Trap Filling in CuIn 1-x Ga x Se 2

Voltage pulses of variable length were applied to CuIn1-xGaxSe2/CdS (0 < x < 1) junction solar cells. The resulting transient capacitance emission signal was recorded for several minutes. The amplitude of the capacitance emission signal increased linearly with the log of pulse time. These data do not follow the standard model for trap capture and emission of carriers. Instead they follow a simple electrostatic model based on electrostatic charging of traps.
Electron Absorption Spectrum of Cobalt (II)-Doped Trisphenanthrolinezinc Nitrate Dihydrate.

The electron absorption spectrum of cobalt(II)-doped trisphenanthrolinezinc nitrate dihydrate has been observed at room temperature and at 77 °K. Broad bands appear at 10,750 and 22,000 cm-1 which are assigned to the 4T1g (F) ← → 4T2g (F) and the 4T1g (F) ← → 4T1g (P) transitions respectively. A broad weak band occurs near 19,000 cm-1 but at 77 °K this band is resolved into a series of narrower bands. These bands are assigned to 2G transitions. The relationship between the spectrum of cobalt(II) trisphenanthrolinezinc nitrate dihydrate and the solution spectra of cobalt(II) in ammonia and ethylenediamine is discussed.
Response modification by “irrelevant” stimulus attributes

In a category rating study, pure tone anchors of 1 sec duration, but varying in intensity, were compared as to their effects on judgments of the duration of white noise series stimuli of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 sec. The study postulated an effect on judgment related to the presence of an “irrelevant” attribute. The hypothesis was supported: An anchor stimulus of greater intensity than that of the series exerted the greatest effect (p =.04) when compared to the no-anchor condition and to other anchor conditions. A less intense anchor also had a significant effect (p =.04) compared to the no-anchor condition, whereas an anchor of equal intensity to the series did not have a significant effect (p =.28). The introduction of anchor stimuli lowered duration judgments throughout.
Seasonal Movement of Boll Weevils Near the High Plains of Texas

Field inspections and wing traps containing live male Anthonomus grandis Boheman were used in 1968 to study the seasonal movement of boll weevils near the High Plains of Texas. Peak populations of overwintered weevils occurred in cotton fields within 4-5 weeks after planting. Movement of boll weevils began early in the spring before cotton was planted, decreased greatly during midsummer, and increased again to a very high level late in August. Relatively large numbers of weevils were captured in both the spring and fall at distances more than 6 miles from cotton.
A New History of Libraries and Books in the Hellenistic Period

Discarding the unreliable late evidence for the Library of Alexandria in the Hellenistic period, I establish a new history of libraries and books on more secure primary sources. Beginning in the second century BCE at various places across the eastern Mediterranean, rich, powerful men began to sponsor collections of books. These new public displays of aristocratic and royal munificence (euergetism) so transcended earlier holdings of books—which had been small, vocational, and private—that in an important sense they constitute the invention of the library. As political institutions, these libraries depended on a revaluation of books, treating them as valuable irrespective of their content, and in various domains people increasingly attended to books as formal objects. Romans accelerated the pace and scope of this biblio-political revolution and extended the revaluation of books, transformations which gave a deeply anachronistic imprint to the frequently cited late stories about Hellenistic libraries.
Abstract PR06: CSF1 signaling is a potential therapeutic target for glioma

Current therapies for high-grade gliomas only modestly extend survival. Given that intrinsic characteristics of glioma cancer stem cells (gCSCs) make them hard to effectively target with current therapies, cells in the tumor microenvironment such as microglia/macrophages are being investigated as therapy targets. We previously identified a microglial/macrophage growth factor, Macrophage colony stimulating factor ( Csf1 ), as a candidate glioma oncogene in a mouse somatic mutagenesis screen. CSF1 overexpression, CSF1 receptor (CSF1R) overexpression, and phosphorylated CSF1R have also been detected in human gliomas. We are using genetic and pharmacological strategies to investigate the role of CSF1 signaling in gliomagenesis in immunocompetent autochthonous mouse models to examine the therapeutic utility of targeting the CSF1R signaling axis. To determine the relevant CSF1R ligand(s) in human gliomas, we performed semi-quantitative RT-PCR on patient-derived gCSCs to examine expression of splice variants encoding membrane bound or secreted CSF1 as well as the additional CSF1R ligand IL34 . We found that gCSCs primarily express the mRNA splice variant encoding secreted CSF1 , but a splice variant encoding a membrane bound form was also detected. Most gCSCs lines did not express detectable levels of IL34 mRNA. We therefore developed a tissue-specific secreted CSF1 overexpressing transgenic model to study the effect of modulating CSF1 levels in the central nervous system. Since CSF1 is a growth factor for microglia, we previously studied the effects of increased CSF1 levels on microglial phenotypes and found that CSF1 overexpression increased microglial numbers and promoted microglial proliferation in vivo , but did not inherently polarize microglia toward a M2-like phenotype. Moreover, CSF1 signaling is required for survival of adult microglia in vivo , since inhibition of CSF1 signaling by the small molecule inhibitor PLX3397 induced microglial apoptosis. We now show that CSF1 overexpression accelerates gliomagenesis in a genetic model of spontaneous gliomagenesis driven by activated Ras. Both high- and low-grade gliomas form in mice with activated Ras, but CSF1 overexpression causes a dramatic increase in the percentage of tumors that are high-grade. Additionally, gliomas do not form in mice expressing activated Ras that are also CSF1-deficient. Therefore our data in this in vivo model indicate that CSF1 signaling plays a fundamental role in glioma development. Additional studies are underway to determine the impact of CSF1 on microglial and glioma phenotypes, and to explore how to best target CSF1 signaling for glioma therapy. Citation Format: Ishani De, Megan D. Steffen, Emily Sokn, Clayton Patros, Suzanne Litscher, Paul A. Clark, John S. Kuo, Fausto J. Rodriguez, Lara S. Collier. CSF1 signaling is a potential therapeutic target for glioma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Advances in Brain Cancer Research; May 27-30, 2015; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(23 Suppl):Abstract nr PR06.
Can There Be a Jewish–Christian Relationship?

I HE question of this presentation is asked from within the Christian community of scholarship as a task for the Christian community of scholarship. The word "relationship" is taken to mean a condition of human equality and justice. And the present response to the question must be "no" and "not yet" "no" because the hour is too late for this generation and "not yet" because it is too early for another generation. As Julian Green has written, "After Auschwitz, only tears can have meaning." We live in a state of limbo between what has been and what may be. Only the most fragmentary beginnings are possible now whether we work upon the front known as "dialogue" or that of "ecumenism" or, indeed, one of practical reconciliation.
Cluster computing mode for online transfer capability calculation

To implement the total transfer capability calcultion in integrated and coordinated defense system of large power system security and stability, a novel cluster computing method based on the the relation between parameterized the power flow adjustment mode and steady state security margin (or transient security margin, or dynamic security margin) is proposed with adjustment schemes parallel computing mode, and the critical safe power flow adjustment mode is gained by iteration search to achieve the online transmission limit calcultion. In order to solve the transmission limit with combination transmission channels and multi areas to adjust the power flow, an applicable method which automatically identifies the adjustment mode switch and distributes the power among multi areas with iterative coordinating optimization is presented, and the data results of a regional power grid prove that the proposed model is effective and suitable for on-line application in a large scale power system.
Digital Protection Based on DSP & MPC8247

A scheme of digital protection device for digitized substation is proposed. Double-CPU structure with MPC8247 and TMS320F2812 is adopted for hardware,and the software design is based on VxWorks embedded real-time operating system,which meet the requirements of the device. With powerful hardware platform using core chips and VxWorks embedded real-time operating system,this device has good protective and communication functions,high reliability and expansibility.
Medical ethics--so what's the story?

In this the 200th year of our Republic, this conference and many others which have preceded it both in this country and elsewhere in the Western world are raising questions regarding the possibility that progress in medicine and biology may not necessarily be socially beneficial. This reservation, coupled with the concern that society's wisdom may not be adequate to deal with the real or potential applications of incremental biomedical knowledge, is in striking contrast to the attitudes during the first 25 years after World War II. What has happened to bring into question the widely accepted assumption of the 50's and 60's that new understanding in the areas of biology and medicine would conquer disease, significantly delay death and improve the quality of life? Perhaps the current attitudes of uncertainty are related to the fact that in the first half of the 20th century, physics and chemistry produced those advances in knowledge which, when applied, led to the terrifying Damoclesian sword of nuclear weapons and the frightening possibilities of chemical warfare. Advances in the physical sciences also made possible technological innovations which enormously increased the wealth of the industrial nations while recklessly squandering limited raw materials and polluting the biosphere with alarming rapidity and disregard. On the other hand, these same advances led to instant world communication with effects of vast consequence on the social and political structures of everyone, making recognition of one world not only a
Iron-Catalyzed, Fluoroamide-Directed C–H Fluorination

This communication describes a mild, amide-directed fluorination of benzylic, allylic, and unactivated C–H bonds mediated by iron. Upon exposure to a catalytic amount of iron(II) triflate (Fe(OTf)2), N-fluoro-2-methylbenzamides undergo chemoselective fluorine transfer to provide the corresponding fluorides in high yield. The reaction demonstrates broad substrate scope and functional group tolerance without the use of any noble metal additives. Mechanistic and computational experiments suggest that the reaction proceeds through short-lived radical intermediates with F-transfer mediated directly by iron.
Heat Transfer in Facade Systems and Energy Use: Comparative Study of Different Exterior Wall Types

AbstractThis research article discusses methods for designing high-performance facades with a focus on minimizing heat transfer and improving energy usage. The facade is one of the most significant contributors to the energy budget and comfort parameters of any building. Control of physical environmental factors, including methods for minimizing heat transfer, must be considered during the design process. High-performance facades need to block adverse external environmental effects and maintain internal comfort conditions with minimal energy consumption. The research was conducted by initially modelling conductive heat transfer in four different exterior wall types, including a brick cavity wall, a rain-screen facade with terracotta cladding, a rain-screen facade with glass fiber–reinforced concrete cladding, and a curtain wall, to compare their relative thermal performances. Then, heat-transfer modelling was conducted for three thermally improved systems, including curtain walls with thermally broken fra...
Architectural enhancements to increase trust in cyber-physical systems containing untrusted software and hardware

Embedded electronics are widely employed in cyber-physical systems (CPSes), which tightly integrate and coordinate computational and physical elements. CPSes are extensively deployed in security-critical applications and nationwide infrastructure. Perimeter security approaches to preventing malware infiltration of CPSes are challenged by the complexity of modern embedded systems incorporating numerous heterogeneous and updatable components. Global supply chains and third-party hardware components, tools, and software limit the reach of design verification techniques and introduce security concerns about deliberate Trojan inclusions. As a consequence, skilled attacks against CPSes have demonstrated that these systems can be surreptitiously compromised. Existing run-time security approaches are not adequate to counter such threats because of either the impact on performance and cost, lack of scalability and generality, trust needed in global third parties, or significant changes required to the design flow. We present a protection scheme called Run-time Enhancement of Trusted Computing (RETC) to enhance trust in CPSes containing untrusted software and hardware. RETC is complementary to design-time verification approaches and serves as a last line of defense against the rising number of inexorable threats against CPSes. We target systems built using reconfigurable hardware to meet the flexibility and high-performance requirements of modern security protections. Security policies are derived from the system physical characteristics and component operational specifications and translated into synthesizable hardware integrated into specific interfaces on a per-module or per-function basis. The policy-based approach addresses many security challenges by decoupling policies from system-specific implementations and optimizations, and minimizes changes required to the design flow. Interface guards enable in-line monitoring and enforcement of critical system computations at run-time. Trust is only required in a small set of simple, self-contained, and verifiable guard components. Hardware trust anchors simultaneously addresses the performance, flexibility, developer productivity, and security requirements of contemporary CPSes. We apply RETC to several CPSes having common security challenges including: secure reconfiguration control in reconfigurable cognitive radio platforms, tolerating hardware Trojan threats in third-party IP cores, and preserving stability in process control systems. High-level architectures demonstrated with prototypes are presented for the selected applications. Implementation results illustrate the RETC efficiency in terms of the performance and overheads of the hardware trust anchors. Testbenches associated with the addressed threat models are generated and experimentally validated on reconfigurable platform to establish the protection scheme efficacy in thwarting the selected threats. This new approach significantly enhances trust in CPSes containing untrusted components without sacrificing cost and performance.
Abstract A3: Cancer disparity by race and ethnicity in Nebraska: 1991–2005

This paper examines cancer incidence, staging, and survivals between 1991 and 2005 by using 6 mutually exclusive race-ethnicity groups in Nebraska. The paper first assessed definition consistency, case and population changes during the study period. It is observed that Hispanic white population increased rapidly in Nebraska, and they tended to have relatively low incidence rates for most cancer sites. Some changes in incidence rates could be due to subtle differences in race-ethnicity definition used by the US Census and the NAACCR. The paper highlighted major differences in cancer burden, such as heavier and persistent burdens for prostate cancer for NH blacks, increased NH white females in lung cancer incidence, high cervical cancer incidence in Vietnamese Americans concentrated counties, and shared cancer burden Nebraska and North Plain Indians versus the general population of American Indians and Alaska Natives. It also pointed out that increased screening for several cancer sites have not translated into increased early stage diagnosis rates and five-year survival rates among the selected race-ethnicity groups. The paper also discussed difficulties of comparing results from state data and national data for detailed race-ethnicity categories. The paper evaluated the small percentage of missing race-coding (1.12%) in the cancer registry and its potential impacts on incidence rates in Nebraska, which has predominantly white population. It is suggests that the gold standard of NAACCR is not sufficient for states with 5%–8% of minority populations. It is recommended that increased effort should be made to collect race and ethnicity data cancer registry. This includes 1) cleaning and linking death certificates and other administrative data, 2) better training local tumor registrars, and 3) communicating with health professionals for better race-ethnicity probing and documentation at the frontline patient encounters. It is also suggested to use Bayesian methods for small population incidence benchmarking. The paper also made several attempts to link evidence-based cancer registry data with existing State programs that directly related to reducing cancer burden for some preliminary evaluations. Due to the fact that minority populations are concentrated in few counties in Nebraska, localized programs to reduce cancer disparity seemed more effective. It is recommended that future evidence-based program evaluations include existing population-based surveys and health care quality information, so that findings can have a direct impact on existing and future programs planning.
10 Volt automated direct comparison of two cryocooled programmable Josephson voltage standards

We have performed direct dc comparisons between two cryocooled 10 V programmable Josephson voltage standards utilizing an automated synchronization scheme for the voltage reversals, which enables the use of a high sensitivity null detector on its 3 μν range by preventing any overload condition. No switches or manual operations are necessary to protect the null detector. Comparing the two systems under various test conditions provides robust verification of ideal system performance, and enables verification of the key components of the uncertainty budget for both the measurement methods and system operations.
Modeling the Mechanisms of Linear and Nonlinear ENSO Responses to the Pacific Meridional Mode

AbstractInteractions between the Pacific meridional mode (PMM) and El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are investigated using the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Earth System Model (CESM) and an intermediate coupled model (ICM). The two models are configured so that the CESM simulates the PMM but not ENSO, and the ICM simulates ENSO but not the PMM, allowing for a clean separation between the PMM evolution and the subsequent ENSO response. An ensemble of CESM simulations is run with an imposed surface heat flux associated with the North Pacific Oscillation (NPO) generating a sea surface temperature (SST) and wind response representative of the PMM. The PMM wind is then applied as a forcing to the ICM to simulate the ENSO response. The positive (negative) ensemble-mean PMM wind forcing results in a warm (cold) ENSO event although the responses are not symmetric (warm ENSO events are larger in amplitude than cold ENSO events), and large variability between ensemble members suggests...
Neurodegenerative disease mutations in TREM2 reveal a functional surface and distinct loss-of-function mechanisms

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia – characterized by memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem solving and language – in the elderly. Individuals with rare mutations in the gene that encodes a protein called TREM2 have a substantial risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in their mid-60s. A different set of mutations in the gene for TREM2 can cause a more severe degenerative brain disease known as Nasu-Hakola disease in much younger people. Proteins are made up of chains of building blocks called amino acids that need to fold into specific three-dimensional shapes to allow the protein to work properly. TREM2 is a signaling protein that is found on the surface of immune cells in the brain. Mutations causing Alzheimer’s and Nasu-Hakola disease result in the production of mutant TREM2 proteins that differ from the normal protein by only a single amino acid. It is not clear how different mutations affecting the same protein can give rise to two distinct neurodegenerative diseases. To address this question, Kober et al. used a range of techniques to study normal and mutant TREM2 proteins. First, a technique called X-ray crystallography – which makes it possible to construct three-dimensional models of proteins – revealed that the mutations responsible for Nasu-Hakola disease are buried deep within the core of the folded TREM2 protein. On the other hand, mutations associated with Alzheimer’s disease lie on the surface of the protein. Further experiments examined how these mutations alter the properties of TREM2, revealing that mutations linked to Nasu-Hakola disease affect the ability of TREM2 to fold correctly and how stable its final shape is. This results in fewer TREM2 proteins being present on the surface of immune cells. In contrast, mutations associated with Alzheimer’s disease make it harder for TREM2 to bind to molecules known as glycosaminoglycans. The Alzheimer’s mutations affect a specific part of TREM2 that is not found in other closely related proteins. The findings of Kober et al. suggest that TREM2 binding to glycosaminoglycans is likely to be important in preventing Alzheimer’s disease. The next step following on from this work is to find out exactly how these interactions affect immune cells, which may aid the development of new therapies for this disease.
Time-Resolved Raman Scattering In GaAs Quantum Wells

The dynamics of carriers in GaAs/(A1GaAs) heterostructures is of great interest because of the technological applications of these materials and because of their novel electronic properties. The higher potential of the A1GaAs layers confines the electrons (and holes) to the GaAs layers. As a result, the electron gas shares all the properties of a two dimensional system, and the interactions of the electrons and holes with the lattice are expected to differ from the bulk GaAs. Using time-resolved Raman scattering of optical phonons in bulk GaAs, J. Kash et al. determined an average emission time of an optical phonon by a photo-excited electron and found it equal to 165 fms. Acoustic phonon scattering is a much weaker mechanism, but becomes the important cooling process for electronic temperatures below 35 K. J. Shah et al. studied the cooling rates of carriers in 2D-heterostructures and found that the electrons cool 25 times more slowly than the holes. So far, little attention has been paid to the relative rates of the cooling processes which involve carriers distributed on several electronic subbands. This is the point we discuss in this paper. There are two cases of interest: the first one occurs when the energy separation of the two lowest electronic subbands is greater than the energy of an optical phonon (ELO=36.7 meV), the second one occurs when the energy separation is less. In this latter case, one expects the scattering of an electron by an acoustic phonon to be the dominant cooling mechanism. Another scattering mechanism arises from the electron-electron interactions. For the large electronic densities generated by photoexcitation (n ~ 1011 electrons/cm2/well), electron-electron collisions effectively randomize the electron momentum and redistribute the energy of the photoexcited electrons. Carrier thermalization typically takes place in less than one or two picoseconds.
Bilateral multifocal renal oncocytoma : case report and review of the literature

AbstractWe report an unusual case of bilateral multifocal renal oncocytoma. The patient underwent bilateral enucleation of 4 tumors of the right and 4 tumors of the left kidney. Frozen section and permanent pathological diagnosis was renal oncocytoma for all tumors. Only 5 other cases of bilateral multifocal oncocytoma have been reported in the literature, of which only 2 had pathological confirmation of the diagnosis. It is important to recognize the potential for multicentric bilateral oncocytomas and to attempt a renal sparing approach in these cases. However, we performed enucleation of all large lesions due to the documented coexistence of renal oncocytoma and renal cell carcinoma as separate simultaneous lesions.
Governors! Seize the Law: A Call to Expand the Use of Pardons to Provide Relief from Deportation

An obscure provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act allows an immigrant convicted of a wide range of crimes that are grounds for deportation to avoid this fate if pardoned by a chief executive. In the current era of expansion of the categories of crimes that constitute grounds for deportation and the shrinkage of equitable forms of relief, a pardon presents a vehicle for ameliorating these harsh effects. But few presidents or governors take advantage of this opportunity, even when the individual facing deportation is a long-term lawful resident whose transgression occurred long ago. During a few months in 2010, New York Governor David A. Patterson broke this trend to establish a pardon panel specifically to consider applications from immigrants. This article argues that Governor Patterson's resolute and courageous, but ephemeral example presents a model for governors in all states to exercise discretion on behalf of individuals who deserve the exercise of mercy and justice that a full and unconditional pardon confers, particularly when the permanent exile they face far exceeds their wronging and is disproportionate to their well-established character.