cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Iodine-129 and Iodine-127 speciation in groundwater at the Hanford Site, U.S.: iodate incorporation into calcite

The geochemical transport and fate of radioiodine depends largely on its chemical speciation that is greatly affected by environmental factors. This study reports, for the first time, the speciation of stable and radioactive iodine in the groundwater from the Hanford Site. Iodate was the dominant species and accounted for up to 84% of the total iodine present. The alkaline pH (pH ∼ 8) and predominantly oxidizing environment may have prevented reduction of the iodate. In addition, groundwater samples were found to have large amounts of calcite precipitate which were likely formed as a result of CO2 degassing during removal from the deep subsurface (>70m depth). Further analyses indicated that between 7 and 40% of the dissolved 127I and 129I that was originally in the groundwater had coprecipitated in the calcite. Iodate was the main species incorporated into calcite and this incorporation process could be impeded by elevating the pH and decreasing ionic strength in groundwater. This study provides critical...
Electromagnetic fields in a low-pressure planar inductively coupled plasma source

Summary form only given. The results of experimental and theoretical studies of electromagnetic fields in a planar radio-frequency (13.56 MHz) inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) source will be compared. Experimental measurements have been performed using inductive loop probes oriented to measure the time derivatives of the axial and radial components of the magnetic field (B/sub z/ and B/sub r/, respectively). The measurements of B/sub z/ were used to calculate the asimuthal component of the inductive electric field E/sub /spl phi// directly from Faraday's law, taking advantage of cylindrical symmetry. Using B/sub z/ rather than B/sub r/, allows calculation of E/sub /spl phi// without any approximations or knowledge of plasma parameters, and as such should give a more accurate estimate of E/sub /spl phi//. In order to investigate the degree of electromagnetic field shielding by the plasma, measurements were taken with argon plasma, in the range of operating pressures between 5 and 50 mTorr and rf power between 50 and 500 Watt, as well as without the plasma. It was found that an essential shielding of the E/sub /spl phi// field by the plasma is observed near the discharge axis while the field profile near the chamber walls is governed by a geometrical effect rather than by plasma shielding. Lower gas pressure and lower rf power (lower plasma density) corresponded to less effective shielding of the fields. Simultaneous measurements of B/sub r/ and B/sub r/ allowed estimation of the local permittivity of the plasma /spl epsiv/ according to /spl nabla//spl times/B=/spl mu//sub 0//spl epsi/E. A plasma density profile calculation compares favorably with Laugmuir probe measurements.
Extended‐chain and folded‐chain crystallite formation during the crystallization of stretched crosslinked rubbers

The strain-induced crystallization phenomenon of a crosslinked polymer network was studied using statistical, thermodynamics. The basic approach was essentially that used by Flory (1), but in this work Flory's assumption of only a single crystalline phase (the extended-chain crystalline structure with chain parallel to stretch direction) was abandoned. The dimension of the crystalline vector-which is assumed to be parallel to the stretch direction and the percent crystallinity is taken as two independent variables instead of being treated as one single variable. A single variable treatment is inherent in the assumption of a single extended-chain crystallite. By use of the present approach, either the folded-chain crystallite or the extended-chain one is found to be thermodynamically stable depending on temperature, stretch ratio and molecular weight. The retractive force of a crystallized polymer network has been calculated. It is shown theoretically that the formation of an extended-chain crystallite will cause the retractive force to decrease, and that the formation of a folded-chain crystallite will cause the retractive force to increase in a reversible crystallization process.
Novel gemcitabine-containing triplets in the management of urothelial cancer.

Abstract Chemotherapy has been the cornerstone of treatment of advanced urothelial cancer. For a decade, the combination regimen of methotrexate/vinblastine/doxorubicin/cisplatin has been considered the standard for these patients. The need for improved efficacy and reduced toxicity of a predominantly palliative therapy has propelled efforts for new drug development. Of the newly identified agents with documented activity, both gemcitabine and paclitaxel have been evaluated with a platinum and have been incorporated into multiagent chemotherapy combinations. Phase II data from two gemcitabine-based triplets are currently available. Combination gemcitabine/paclitaxel/cisplatin and gemcitabine/paclitaxel/carboplatin have high levels of activity with overall and complete response rates of 76% and 26%, respectively, for the former and 68% and 32%, respectively, for the latter combination. The role of gemcitabine-based multiagent combinations compared with standard therapy awaits evaluation in prospectively randomized trials. Semin Oncol 29 (suppl 3):20-24. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Physicochemical and hydrodynamic characterization of P-57, a neurospecific calmodulin binding protein

Abstract P-57 is a neurospecific calmodulin binding protein that was discovered by virtue of its unusual interactions with calmodulin-Sepharose [Andreasen, T. J., Luetje, C. W., Heideman, W., & Storm, D. R. (1983) Biochemistry 22, 4615-4618; Cimler, B. M., Andreasen, T. J., Andreasen, K. I., & Storm, D. R. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 10784-10788]. In contrast to other calmodulin binding proteins, P-57 has higher affinity for calmodulin-Sepharose in the absence of calcium compared to that in the presence of calcium. In this study, we report the chemical and physical properties of P-57 purified from detergent-solubilized bovine brain membranes. The amino acid composition of P-57 is distinctive in that it contains a single phenylalanine residue with no other aromatic amino acids and a relatively high percentage of proline and alanine. In the presence of 0.05% Lubrol PX, its predicted secondary structure from circular dichroism spectroscopy is 1% alpha-helix, 21% beta-sheet, and 78% random coil. The hydrodynamic characteristics of the protein-detergent complex and the molecular weight of the protein were determined by gel filtration and sucrose density gradient sedimentation in the presence and absence of calmodulin. The P-57-detergent complex has an apparent Stokes radius (Rs) of 4.58 nm and a sedimentation coefficient (S20,w) of 1.44 S while the Stokes radius and S20,w for the P-57-calmodulin-detergent complex are 5.33 nm and 2.32 S, respectively. Perrin analysis of a 5-[[[(iodoacetyl)amino]ethyl]amino]-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid (AEDANS) derivative of P-57 confirmed the Stokes radius determined by gel filtration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Microchimerism after liver transplantation: absence of rejection without abrogation of anti-donor cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-mediated alloreactivity.

Microchimerism (MC) is defined by the persistence of 50%. However, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte reactivity (CTL) against HLA class I donor antigens could be demonstrated 1 year posttransplant in 2 patients with a high level of early MC. MC is a dynamic process, which is easily detectable <3 months after liver transplantation. In conclusion, a correlation between the level of early MC and the absence of rejection episodes was observed. However, high levels of early MC did not abrogate the persistence of an alloreactive response measured in vitro 1 year after transplantation, which suggests that MC did not lead to clonal deletion of donor-specific CTL.
Enabling Integrated, Online Access to Special Collections

Because of efforts such as large-scale book digitization projects, research libraries will increasingly be distinguished by their special and unique collections. In this paper, the authors analyze three software solutions that enable Encoded Archival Description finding aid documents and digital objects (derived from photographs, manuscripts, and other special collection items) to be published online. While several significant market and technological challenges exist, there are available solutions, both commercial and open-source, that enable libraries to publish selected digital collections and items online.
MDM2 Amplification and PI3KCA Mutation in a Case of Sclerosing Rhabdomyosarcoma

A rare sclerosing variant of rhabdomyosarcoma characterized by prominent hyalinization and pseudovascular pattern has recently been described as a subtype biologically distinct from embryonal, alveolar, and pleomorphic forms. We present cytogenetic and molecular findings as well as experimental studies of an unusual case of sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma. The primary lesion arose within the plantar subcutaneous tissue of the left foot of an otherwise healthy 23-year-old male who eventually developed pulmonary nodules despite systemic chemotherapy. Two genetic abnormalities identified in surgical and/or autopsy samples of the tumor were introduced into 10T1/2 murine fibroblasts to determine whether these genetic changes cooperatively facilitated transformation and growth. Cytogenetic analysis revealed a complex abnormal hyperdiploid clone, and MDM2 gene amplification was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Cancer gene mutation screening using a combination of multiplexed PCR and mass spectroscopy revealed a PIK3CA exon 20 H1047R mutation in the primary tumor, lung metastasis, and liver metastasis. However, this mutation was not cooperative with MDM2 overexpression in experimental assays for transformation or growth. Nevertheless, MDM2 and PIK3CA are genes worthy of further investigation in patients with sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma and might be considered in the enrollment of these patients into clinical trials of targeted therapeutics.
Radiotherapy for the prevention of local-regional recurrence in high risk patients post mastectomy receiving adjuvant chemotherapy.

Abstract From 1977 to 1986, 63 patients at high risk for isolated local-regional recurrence following mastectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy received post-operative radiotherapy. All patients had operable primary tumors (T 1–3a .). For entire group the mean and median number of positive nodes were 10 and 8, respectively. Radiotherapy consisted of 4500 to 5000 rad to the chest wall and regional nodes. Chemotherapy consisted of CMF ± prednisone (45 patients), CAF (16 patients), and other variable regimens (2 patients). Relapse occurred in 23 patients with only two patients experiencing an isolated local-regional recurrence. In 3 patients local-regional recurrence appeared simultaneously with or following distant metastases and in 18 patients the pattern of failure was distant metastases alone. With a median follow-up of 28 months (range 9–87 mo.), 40 patients are alive without disease, 9 are alive with disease, and 14 have died with disease. The 4-year actuarial overall survival is 67% and the 4year actuarial disease-free survival is 47%. The 4-year actuarial probability of an isolated local-regional recurrence is 5%. Complications related to the radiation included a 9% incidence of moderate to severe arm edema. This study demonstrates the ability of radiation to reduce the incidence of local-regional recurrence in a previously identified high risk group of patients and has produced encouraging survival results with minimal morbidity.
The Challenges Never Stop! Two Decades of Reaching for the Best in Clinical Practice.

The University of South Carolina Professional Development School (USC PDS) Network has been engaged in designing and redesigning school–university partnerships for more than 20 years with a focus on ensuring that school-based practice lies at the heart of candidate preparation. In 2012–2013, the USC PDS Network once again reexamined their program design to identify and build upon those elements that have proven successful. This article shares the journey and lessons learned in the evolution of the USC PDS Network, including the results of the most recent reexamination. The focus is on challenges inherent in the creation of effective school–university collaboration and insights into key components of success, including relationship building, leadership and administrative support, sense of purpose, organizational structures, and adaptability to change.
Parallel Proteomics to Improve Coverage and Confidence in the Partially Annotated Oryctolagus cuniculus Mitochondrial Proteome

The ability to decipher the dynamic protein component of any system is determined by the inherent limitations of the technologies used, the complexity of the sample, and the existence of an annotated genome. In the absence of an annotated genome, large-scale proteomic investigations can be technically difficult. Yet the functional and biological species differences across animal models can lead to selection of partially or nonannotated organisms over those with an annotated genome. The outweighing of biology over technology leads us to investigate the degree to which a parallel approach can facilitate proteome coverage in the absence of complete genome annotation. When studying species without complete genome annotation, a particular challenge is how to ensure high proteome coverage while meeting the bioinformatic stringencies of high-throughput proteomics. A protein inventory of Oryctolagus cuniculus mitochondria was created by overlapping “protein-centric” and “peptide-centric” one-dimensional and two-dimensional liquid chromatography strategies; with additional partitioning into membrane-enriched and soluble fractions. With the use of these five parallel approaches, 2934 unique peptides were identified, corresponding to 558 nonredundant protein groups. 230 of these proteins (41%) were identified by only a single technical approach, confirming the need for parallel techniques to improve annotation. To determine the extent of coverage, a side-by-side comparison with human and mouse cardiomyocyte mitochondrial studies was performed. A nonredundant list of 995 discrete proteins was compiled, of which 244 (25%) were common across species. The current investigation identified 142 unique protein groups, the majority of which were detected here by only one technical approach, in particular peptide- and protein-centric two-dimensional liquid chromatography. Although no single approach achieved more than 40% coverage, the combination of three approaches (protein- and peptide-centric two-dimensional liquid chromatography and subfractionation) contributed 96% of all identifications. Parallel techniques ensured minimal false discovery, and reduced single peptide-based identifications while maximizing sequence coverage in the absence of the annotated rabbit proteome.
Pulsed jet dynamics of squid hatchlings at intermediate Reynolds numbers

There were several errors published in J. Exp. Biol . 212 , [1506-1518][1]. On p. 1507, in paragraph 4 of the Introduction, the fourth and fifth sentences read: Moreover, for a fixed U, Re ∝ L b. Thus, weight-specific drag is proportional to Re –1/2 at high Re and 1/ Re –1/2 at low Re for
Lys and Fibrinogen Binding of Wild-Type (Trp72) and Mutant (Arg72) Human Apo(a) Kringle IV-10 Expressed in E coli and CHO Cells

Abstract In a previous study, we identified a lysine (Lys)-binding–defective form of human lipoprotein(a) and attributed this defect to the presence of a Trp72→Arg mutation in apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] kringle IV-10. To document this relationship, we expressed both wild-type (wt) and mutant (mut) forms of kringle IV-10 in Escherichia coli (nonglycosylated form) and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells (glycosylated form). The Arg72 mut was prepared by introducing the T→A mutation in apo(a) kringle IV-10 amplified from human liver mRNA by the reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction technique. All expressed kringles were tested for their ability to bind Lys and plasmin-modified fibrinogen (PM-fibrinogen). wt kringle IV-10 expressed in both E coli and CHO cells bound to Lys-Sepharose with comparable affinity. In contrast, the Arg72 mut expressed in both systems exhibited no Lys-binding capacity. Moreover, the wt kringle IV-10 expressed in both systems bound to PM-fibrinogen and exhibited two binding components, one Lys mediated (inhibitable by e-amino- n -caproic acid) and one Lys insensitive, occurring in about the same proportions. Only the latter type of binding was present in the Arg72 mut expressed in E coli. We conclude that kringle IV-10 of human apo(a) has Lys-and PM-fibrinogen–binding capacities that are independent of glycosylation and require the presence of Trp72, one of the seven amino acids that constitute the Lys-binding site of kringle IV-10. Our results also show that the binding of kringle IV-10 to PM-fibrinogen is more complex than that to Lys, in that the former requires an additional binding site or sites outside the Lys-binding site.
Relationship of the syntheses of spore coat protein and parasporal crystal protein in Bacillus thuringiensis.

Two major classes of polypeptides were extracted from the spore surface of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki: the 134,000-dalton protoxin that is the major component of the crystalline inclusion and spore coat polypeptides very similar to those found on Bacillus cereus spores. The quantity of spore coat polypeptides produced was reduced when compared with that produced by certain acrystalliferous mutants or by B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis. The latter organism produced an inclusion toxic to mosquito larvae, but deposited very little of the inclusion protein on the spore surface. The reduction in spore coat protein in B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki was also seen in freeze-etched electron micrographs of spores. B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki spores germinated rather slowly when compared with related species, a property previously correlated with a deficiency or defect of the spore coat. Many mutants of B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki unable to form a crystalline inclusion were nontoxic and lacked a well-defined spore coat. Other mutants isolated either directly from the wild type or from coat-deficient mutants produced spores that were identical to those produced by the closely related species. Bacillus cereus, on the basis of morphology, germination rate, and the size and antigenicity of the spore coat polypeptides. Most of the protein extractable from the inclusion produced by B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis was about 26,000 daltons, considerably smaller than the major polypeptide extractable from other inclusions. Some of the B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis inclusion protein was found on the spore surface, but the majority of the extractable spore coat protein was the same size and antigenicity as that found on B. cereus spores. The B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis spores germinated at a rate close to that of B. cereus, especially when the spores were formed at 37 degrees C, and the morphology of the spore surface was very similar to that of B. cereus. Images
Zoomed Functional Imaging in the Human Brain at 7 Tesla with Simultaneous High Spatial and High Temporal Resolution

Functional neuroimaging in the human brain using noninvasive magnetic resonance methods has the potential of providing highly resolved maps of neuronal activation. Decreasing the voxel size and obtaining simultaneously high temporal resolution is a major challenge and is mainly limited by sensitivity. Here, signal-to-noise gains at high magnetic fields (7 Tesla) and an optimized surface coil setup are combined with a novel approach for zoomed functional imaging in the visual cortex. For echoplanar imaging, the acquisition time and segmentation was shortened fourfold by using a reduced field-of-view. An adiabatic outer-volume suppression method, BISTRO, was used to obliterate signal outside the area-of-interest achieving effective suppression even for inhomogeneous B1-fields. A single-shot acquisition was performed at submillimeter resolution in the human brain, while simultaneously maintaining a high temporal resolution of 125 ms. Functional studies with and without field-of-view reduction were performed. Activation and percent change maps were compared with respect to spatial extent, t values and percentage changes of the BOLD contrast. The detection of functional activation was found to be equal within the inter-series variability for the two acquisition schemes. Thus, single-trial BOLD responses were detected for the first time robustly at a 500 x 500 microm2 in plane and 250 ms temporal resolution, significantly expanding the possibilities of event-related functional imaging in the human brain. The magnetization transfer effect induced by the outer-volume suppression pulses was investigated and found to be increased during neuronal activity.
An Analysis of the Type of Criminal Activity Using the Logit Model

Using the logit model, the authors investigate the determinants of the na ture of criminal activity an individual will pursue after release from prison. The likelihood of conviction increases the younger the offender is at release, the more previous convictions he has, the more rule violations he committed during his last prison sentence, the longer the follow-up period, and if he is an alcoholic or user of hard drugs. Among all possibilities of conviction and no conviction, an individual has a greater probability of being convicted of a crime other than an offense against persons or property if he is supervised and married when released and was relatively mature in age when first arrested. A n individual whose previous imprisonment was for a crime against a person is more likely to be reconvicted for a similar crime than for any other type of offense. If the previous imprisonment was for a property crime, this seems to increase the probability of conviction for both property and person crimes, but to dec...
Spectroscopic studies of metal high-k dielectrics: transition metal oxides and silicates, and complex rare earth/transition metal oxides

This paper uses X-ray absorption spectroscopy to the study of electronic structure of the transition metal oxides TiO2, ZrO2 and HfO2, Zr and Hf silicate alloys, and the complex oxides, GdScO3, DyScO3 and HfTiO4. Qualitative and quantitative differences are identified between dipole allowed intra-atomic transitions from core p-states to empty d*- and s*-states, and inter-atomic transitions from transition metal and oxide 1s states to O 2p* that are mixed with transition metal d*- and s*-states for transition metal oxides and silicate alloys. The complex oxide studies have focused on the O K1 edge spectra. Differences between the spectral peak energies of the lowest d*-features in the respective O K1 spectra are demonstrated to scale with optical band gap differences for TiO2, ZrO2 and HfO2, as well as the complex oxides providing important information relevant to applications of TM oxides as high-k gate dielectrics in advanced Si devices. This is demonstrated through scaling relationships between (i) conduction band offset energies between Si and the respective dielectrics, and the optical band gaps, and (ii) the optical band gaps, the conduction band offset energies, and the electron tunneling masses as functions of the atomic d-state energies of the transition metal atoms.
Low-power digital filtering using approximate processing

We present an algorithmic approach to the design of low-power frequency-selective digital filters based on the concepts of adaptive filtering and approximate processing. The proposed approach uses a feedback mechanism in conjunction with well-known implementation structures for finite impulse response (FIR) and infinite impulse response (IIR) digital filters. Our algorithm is designed to reduce the total switched capacitance by dynamically varying the filter order based on signal statistics. A factor of 10 reduction in power consumption over fixed-order filters is demonstrated for the filtering of speech signals.
A model to determine the effect of collagen fiber alignment on heart function post myocardial infarction

Adverse remodeling of the left ventricle (LV) following myocardial infarction (MI) leads to heart failure. Recent studies have shown that scar anisotropy is a determinant of cardiac function post-MI, however it remains unclear how changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) organization and structure contribute to changes in LV function. The objective of this study is to develop a model to identify potential mechanisms by which collagen structure and organization affect LV function post-MI. A four-region, multi-scale, cylindrical model of the post-MI LV was developed. The mechanical properties of the infarct region are governed by a constitutive equation based on the uncrimping of collagen fibers. The parameters of this constitutive equation include collagen orientation, angular dispersion, fiber stiffness, crimp angle, and density. Parametric variation of these parameters was used to elucidate the relationship between collagen properties and LV function. The mathematical model of the LV revealed several factors that influenced cardiac function post-MI. LV function was maximized when collagen fibers were aligned longitudinally. Increased collagen density was also found to improve stroke volume for longitudinal alignments while increased fiber stiffness decreased stroke volume for circumferential alignments. The results suggest that cardiac function post-MI is best preserved through increased circumferential compliance. Further, this study identifies several collagen fiber-level mechanisms that could potentially regulate both infarct level and organ level mechanics. Improved understanding of the multi-scale relationships between the ECM and LV function will be beneficial in the design of new diagnostic and therapeutic technologies.
The ear in osteogenesis imperfecta.

A review of the pertinent historical, clinical, pathological and otologic features of osteogenesis imperfecta is presented. A study of the genetic aspects of the Van der Hoeve Syndrome supports the view that the disease results from one gene or gene complex with wide variations in expressivity. A case history and family pedigree as well as the treatment for the deafness are discussed.
The Early Proterozoic Pre-Iron-Formation Menominee Group Siliciclastic Sediments of the Southern Lake Superior Region: Evidence for Sedimentation in Platform and Basinal Settings

ABSTRACT The early Proterozoic Menominee Group and equivalents of the southern Lake Superior region everywhere except in the Marquette area, Michigan, consist of quartzite gradationally overlain by iron-formation, with total thicknesses on the order of 0.5-1 km. In the Marquette area, the Siamo Slate of the Menominee Group is present conformably between the basal quartzite and overlying iron-formation, and the total stratigraphic thickness is on the order of 2 km. Based on variations in regional stratigraphic thicknesses and sedimentary facies analysis, it is suggested that the Menominee Group strata in the Marquette area were deposited in a dominantly deeper-water basinal environment, whereas elsewhere in the Lake Superior region sedimentation took place in platformal and broad, shallower-wat r basinal environments. The Marquette basin filled with material deposited by turbidity currents and pelitic sediments, whereas the platformal and broad-basinal strata accumulated in a wave-agitated offshore-shelf environment. Banded iron-formation occurs in both basinal and platformal environments, indicating that deposition of these chemical sediments was perhaps independent of local variations in sedimentary tectonic setting. The preferred regional tectonic setting evokes shelf and basin sedimentation on a rifted passive continental margin.
Soliton loop mirror demultiplexer using orthogonally polarized signal and control

For future ultra high speed (/spl ap/100 Gb/s) time division multiplexed (TDM) communications systems, a means of demultiplexing the individual channels is essential. We report demonstration of a loop mirror demultiplexer operating in the soliton regime using polarization multiplexing of the control and signal. A clean, high-contrast, high-efficiency switching window is obtained by optimizing control and signal pulse energy, fiber length, etc. The results are compared with loop mirror demultiplexer operation in the linear regime, and with numerical simulations.
Switching Activity Estimation of Large Circuits using Multiple Bayesian Networks

Switching activity estimation is a crucial step in estimating dynamic power consumption in CMOS circuits. In [1] , we proposed a new switching probability model based on Bayesian Networks which captures accurately the various correlations in the circuit. In this work, we propose a new strategy for efficient segmentation of large circuits so that they can be mapped to Multiple Bayesian Networks (MBN). The goal here is to achieve higher accuracy while reducing the memory requirements during the computation. In order to capture the correlations among the boundaries of segments, a tree-dependent (TD) distribution is proposed between the segment boundaries such that the TD distribution is closest to the actual distribution of switching variable with some distance criterion. We use a Maximum Weight Spanning Tree (MWST) based approximation [4] using mutual information between two variables at the boundary as weight of the edge between the variables. Experimental results for ISCAS'85 circuits show that the proposed method improves accuracy significantly over other methods.
Mitral and Aortic Annular Calcification Are Highly Associated With Systemic Calcified Atherosclerosis

Background— Atherosclerosis has been implicated as a cause of valvular calcification. The aim of this study was to determine whether atherosclerotic calcification in multiple vascular areas is significantly associated with aortic or mitral annular calcification independent of traditional risk factors. Methods and Results— A total of 1242 consecutive asymptomatic patients free of clinical coronary heart disease were studied by electron-beam computed tomography for the extent of calcium due to atherosclerosis in 5 distinct vascular beds and calcium in the aortic and mitral annuli. Nearly 24% had calcium in the aortic annulus, whereas 8% were found to have mitral annular calcification. Age and a history of hypertension were the only traditional cardiovascular risk factors that were independently associated with prevalent calcification in the aortic and mitral annuli. After adjustment for age, gender, and cardiovascular disease risk factors, subjects with calcium in the thoracic aorta had the highest odds for...
Initiatives of Global Cities in Environmental Sustainability: A Case of London and New York City

As global cities are the financial centers of globalized economy, they have attained much attention from global communities concerning local initiatives on environmental sustainability. Many global cities are vulnerable to global warming and adversities of climate change. In the United States, many cities and local government, including New York City, are taking their own initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emission, whereas European cities are built historically with compact nature which is more sustainable. This study conducts a comparative analysis on local sustainability policies in New York City and London and focuses on the efficiencies of the initiatives taken by these cities. The comparative analysis reveals that there are more similarities than differences between London and New York City in regards to sustainability goals. However, approaches toward achieving sustainability goals are different in London and New York City due to dissimilarities in geography, local cultures, and diverse environmental politics. In conjunction with the government regulations, behavioral change of the citizens is also pivotal for achieving sustainability outcomes in global cities.
The effect of strong correlations on baryon-baryon weak interactions

Abstract In models of baryon-baryon weak interactions the introduction of inter-baryon correlations has important effects: 1) accounting for nonmesonic hypernuclear decays by Karplus-Ruderman terms alone, and 2) indicating nuclear parity violation has been overestimated by a factor of 2.
BRCA1 and BRCA2: breast/ovarian cancer susceptibility gene products and participants in DNA double-strand break repair

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are tumor suppressor genes, familial mutations in which account for approximately 5% of breast cancer cases in the USA annually. Germ line mutations in BRCA1 that truncate or inactivate the protein lead to a cumulative risk of breast cancer, by age 70, of up to 80%, whereas the risk of ovarian cancer is 30-40%. For germ line BRCA2 mutations, the breast cancer cumulative risk approaches 50%, whereas for ovarian cancers, it is between 10 and 15%. Both BRCA1 and BRCA2 are involved in maintaining genome integrity at least in part by engaging in DNA repair, cell cycle checkpoint control and even the regulation of key mitotic or cell division steps. Unsurprisingly, the complete loss of function of either protein leads to a dramatic increase in genomic instability. How they function in maintaining genome integrity after the onset of DNA damage will be the focus of this review.
Predicting Future Type Proofs of Young Holstein Bulls from Pedigree Information

Abstract First-available, age adjusted classification scores of 302,921 Holstein cows scored between September, 1967, and June, 1974, were used to compute pedigree evaluations and type proofs for sires in artificial insemination. The intensity of pedigree selection for overall type score was equivalent to that expected from truncation selection on their type performance alone of the upper 15% and 2% of normally distributed populations of males and females. Optimum weights by multiple regression for predicting sons’ type proofs from pedigree information were compared to theoretically expected weights. Empirical weights for sire and maternal grandsire information were less than theoretically expected while those associated with information from the dam were greater than expected. Empirical correlations between sons’ type proofs and pedigree information were 76% or more of their theoretically expected values. The correlation between sons’ type proofs and information from the dam was greater than expected. Selections of young bulls for progeny testing based on their pedigree evaluations for type should be effective preliminary selection although less effective than expected.
Towards closed loop control of a continuum robotic manipulator for medical applications

Robotic catheters are gaining widespread use in the medical community for cardiac, neurological and other surgical interventions. However, many of the catheters used in these procedures exhibit non-linear behavior, and thus present many difficulties in implementing effective open-loop control. Systems such as this have been shown to benefit from closed-loop control, however very little investigation has been done into 3D closed loop control of this class of manipulators. Initial investigations by the authors have shown greatly improved positioning accuracy and response with closed-loop control based on feedback from an electromagnetic localization sensor. This paper describes the control approach and experimental results, and provides a robotic catheter system overview.
Structural analyses of general systems theory

The purpose of this paper is to show some foundations for a systematic analysis and synthesis of knowledge organizations. It deals with some suggested ways of indexing, classifying, and mapping interrelationships between general systems theory and the conventional fields of a number of academic disciplines. A content analysis of several issues of the International Journal of General Systems is carried out to separate the content into an array or relatively independent subjects. It was found that the issues of the journal that were examined could be described using six broad descriptors: mathematical theory, philosophical theory, systems theory, systems methodology, social theory, and general theory. Each of these broad descriptors could be further categorized to lend specificity.
Noncontact Bent Pin Detection Using Laser Diffraction

The use of optical diffraction is investigated to detect bent pins on a high-density multi-chip integrated-circuit module as an intermediate step in a robotic assembly process. A fixed laser beam shines on a fixed optical array while the robot moves the pins of the module through the beam at four different orientations. (While two scans are mathematically adequate, four scans are required because of the physical characteristics of this particular module.) The optical array is continuously scanned and the resultant images are processed to detect specific abnormalities in the diffraction pattern. If a flaw is detected, software determines the approximate location of the defective pin and whether it should be straightened manually or sent back for rework (determined by the angle of bend).
Conservation of the Notch1 signaling pathway in gastrointestinal carcinoid cells

Gastrointestinal (GI) carcinoid cells secrete multiple neuroendocrine (NE) markers and hormones including 5-hydroxytryptamine and chromogranin A. We were interested in determining whether activation of the Notch1 signal transduction pathway in carcinoid cells could modulate production of NE markers and hormones. Human pancreatic carcinoid cells (BON cells) were stably transduced with an estrogen-inducible Notch1 construct, creating BON-NIER cells. In the present study, we found that Notch1 is not detectable in human GI carcinoid tumor cells. The induction of Notch1 in human BON carcinoid cells led to high levels of functional Notch1, as measured by CBF-1 binding studies, resulting in activation of the Notch1 pathway. Similar to its developmental role in the GI tract, Notch1 pathway activation led to an increase in hairy enhancer of split 1 (HES-1) protein and a concomitant silencing of human Notch1/HES-1/achaete-scute homolog 1. Furthermore, Notch1 activation led to a significant reduction in NE markers. Most interestingly, activation of the Notch1 pathway caused a significant reduction in 5-hydroxytryptamine, an important bioactive hormone in carcinoid syndrome. In addition, persistent activation of the Notch1 pathway in BON cells led to a notable reduction in cellular proliferation. These results demonstrate that the Notch1 pathway, which plays a critical role in the differentiation of enteroendocrine cells, is highly conserved in the gut. Therefore, manipulation of the Notch1 signaling pathway may be useful for expanding the targets for therapeutic and palliative treatment of patients with carcinoid tumors.
COSMOS: Python library for massively parallel workflows

Summary: Efficient workflows to shepherd clinically generated genomic data through the multiple stages of a next-generation sequencing pipeline are of critical importance in translational biomedical science. Here we present COSMOS, a Python library for workflow management that allows formal description of pipelines and partitioning of jobs. In addition, it includes a user interface for tracking the progress of jobs, abstraction of the queuing system and fine-grained control over the workflow. Workflows can be created on traditional computing clusters as well as cloud-based services. Availability and implementation: Source code is available for academic non-commercial research purposes. Links to code and documentation are provided at http://lpm.hms.harvard.edu and http://
Lung growth of the turkey, Meleagris gallopavo: II. Comparison of two genetic lines

Comparisons of lung growth in two genetic lines of turkeys, one unselected and one selected for increased body mass, were used to evaluate the lung's alteration in structure with changes in body form or physiology. Seventy-two male turkeys, 36 genetically selected for early rapid growth and large pectoral musculature, and 36 unselected birds, were killed at 12 different ages to compare lung growth in the two lines. Body weights and lung volumes were determined. A three-level cascade sampling system was used to prepare lung tissue for qualitative and quantitative observation by light microscopy. Allometric equations describing growth of lung volume and lung compartments relative to body weight in two phases (tissue proliferation and equilibrated growth) were compared between lines of turkey for differences in slopes or intercepts. Means of data for 112- and 420-day-old birds were also compared. There were no qualitative histological differences observed between lungs of the two lines of turkey, yet there were morphometric differences in lung growth relative to body weight. During equilibrated lung growth, there was less rapid growth of air and blood capillary volumes and surfaces relative to body weight in the selected than in the unselected turkey. The gasexchange compartment did not enlarge concomitant with the large increase in muscle mass of the selected turkeys, while large-vessel volume and small-airway volume grew similarly to body weight in both turkey lines. We conclude that the lung of the selected line of turkeys did not show an enlarged gas-exchange compartment relative to the greater body muscle mass, but it did show enlarged vessels and conducting airways.
Reflexoes teóricas sobre o ensino do Empreendedorismo: a tentativa de construçao de um modelo baseado na integraçao das áreas do conhecimento

Este estudo tem com como objetivo buscar referenciais para construir um modelo teorico que possa ser utilizado pelos agentes responsaveis pelo desenvolvimento regional. O empreendedorismo tem um importante papel para gerar a capacidade empreendedora de uma regiao e os agentes como instituicoes de ensino e/ou poder publico deverao seguir determinadas orientacoes para a consecucao deste objetivo. Construir uma teoria e um caminho dificil, pois nao existe um conceito unico. Alinhando as ciencias ate entao utilizadas como psicologia e economia pode-se ter um grande escopo de trabalho, mas separadas elas tem enfoque em apenas um dos elementos do empreendedorismo. Este modelo procura integrar os conhecimentos trazidos das ciencias como filosofia, economia, psicologia, e pedagogia, utilizando seus enfoques para a construcao do individuo, a sua relacao com o mundo e com a dinâmica da economia de uma regiao, e como se pode formar sua concepcao para ser empreendedor, estes conceitos integrados podem criar um modelo teorico que fundamente acoes no sentido da disseminacao do empreendedorismo. Palavras-chave: Empreendedorismo. Ensino do Empreendedorismo. Formacao de Empreendedores. Teoria do Empreendedorismo.
Parental social support, perceived competence and enjoyment in school physical activity.

Abstract Background Beginning in the elementary school years, there are differences among children on how they perceive their competence in physical activity (PA). Children's competence perceptions may influence their affective reactions to PA. A crucial question is how to motivate children who hold low competence perceptions to enhance their enjoyment and PA involvement. Because parents play critical roles in children's development and socialization, social support from parents can be an important factor to complement teachers' effort to enhance children's enjoyment and PA involvement. In this research we identified the associations among children's beliefs about parental social support, perceived competence, and enjoyment in school PA. Methods Three hundred and twenty children (9–11 years old) participated in a two-wave study. At the first wave, children completed questionnaires measuring their beliefs about parental social support, perceived competence, and enjoyment in school PA; they reported their enjoyment again 8 months later at the second wave. Results Both concurrent and longitudinal analyses revealed that beliefs about parental social support were important factors associated with children's enjoyment in school PA, especially among girls with low competence perceptions. Conclusion Family socialization factors should be taken into consideration. The efficacy of individual and community-level strategies should be included and evaluated when designing effective intervention strategies that enhance children's PA in school.
Memory, belief and time

I argue that what evidence an agent has does not supervene on how she currently is. Agents do not always have to infer what the past was like from how things currently seem; sometimes the facts about the past are retained pieces of evidence that can be the start of reasoning. The main argument is a variant on Frank Arntzenius’s Shangri La example, an example that is often used to motivate the thought that evidence does supervene on current features.
Louis H. Bauer, M.D., and the first civil U.S. aeromedical standards: his continuing legacy.

Louis Hopewell Bauer, M.D. (1888-1964) promulgated the first civil aviation medicine regulations for U.S. civil airmen on December 31, 1926. Major elements of these regulations are reflected in the current Federal Aviation Administration Civil Airman Medical Standards, these latter including modifications resulting from medical and aeronautical technical advances. Dr. Bauer's plans covering periodic examinations, waivers, and a system implemented through designated "Aviation Medical Examiners" are continued to this day. Dr. Bauer founded the progenitor of the present Aerospace Medical Association in 1929, the Aero Medical Association. Further, he founded the Journal of Aviation Medicine, the predecessor of the present Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine journal, the first issue published in March, 1930. Dr. Bauer's influence in medicine broadened to include the presidency of the American Medical Association (1952-3) and a long standing leadership role with the World Medical Association. His 1926 textbook, Aviation Medicine, stands as an historic centerpiece in the evolution of aviation medicine. Bauer's leadership and contributions to civil aviation medicine came at the right time to enhance the development of U.S. civil aviation and civil aviation safety.
A Theory of Learning (学) in Confucian Perspective

AbstractIn this article, I present a model of four dimensions for the idea of learning in the classical Confucian perspective. This model is intended to capture the most essential four aspects of learning which explain why self-cultivation of a human person toward an end of self-fulfillment and social transformation of humanity is possible. I shall also show how this model illuminates all basic uses of the term ‘xue’ (学, learning) in the Analects and thus leads to a more coherent understanding of the Confucian moral and ethical philosophy than have been previously done. A copingstone principle of sincerification is also suggested for enabling the advancement of a person to a higher status of life such as junzi (君子a learned person) and shengxian (圣贤 sagely person).