cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Progressive transformation of germinal centers (PTGC) in the head and neck.

INTRODUCTION Progressive transformation of germinal centers (PTGC) was first described by Lennert and Muller-Hermelink in 1975 as enlargement of secondary follicles with blurring of the germinal center-mantle zone junction [1-3]. PTGC is a clinically asymptomatic condition characterized by persistent lymphadenopathy. PTGC is more common in males compared to females, with an approximate 3:1 ratio [4]. The etiology of PTGC is unknown, but is proposed to be a result of abnormal follicle hyperplasia following antigenic stimulation [1]. PTGC has been proposed to be part of a sequential spectrum of hyperplastic follicles, follicular lysis, and PTGC, with progressive ingression of mantle B cells [5]. The germinal center architecture consisting of centroblasts, centrocytes, plasma cells, and dendritic retinacular cells are largely replaced with small lymphocytes [1-3].
A Cortical Mechanism for Triggering Top-Down Facilitation in Visual Object Recognition

The majority of the research related to visual recognition has so far focused on bottom-up analysis, where the input is processed in a cascade of cortical regions that analyze increasingly complex information. Gradually more studies emphasize the role of top-down facilitation in cortical analysis, but it remains something of a mystery how such processing would be initiated. After all, top-down facilitation implies that high-level information is activated earlier than some relevant lower-level information. Building on previous studies, I propose a specific mechanism for the activation of top-down facilitation during visual object recognition. The gist of this hypothesis is that a partially analyzed version of the input image (i.e., a blurred image) is projected rapidly from early visual areas directly to the prefrontal cortex (PFC). This coarse representation activates in the PFC expectations about the most likely interpretations of the input image, which are then back-projected as an "initial guess" to the temporal cortex to be integrated with the bottom-up analysis. The top-down process facilitates recognition by substantially limiting the number of object representations that need to be considered. Furthermore, such a rapid mechanism may provide critical information when a quick response is necessary.
Active Handrest for precision manipulation and ergonomic support

People use handrests every day to complete dexterous activities as routine as providing a signature. However, the dexterous workspace of the hand is somewhat limited. To address this limit, we have developed an Active Handrest to aid in precision manipulation tasks by extending a user's dexterous work space while providing ergonomic support for reduced fatigue - ideally while maintaining or even improving upon the precision obtained from a fixed handrest. Such a device could be useful for performing precision tasks over large workspaces, such as surgery, machining, or pick-and-place tasks. Our current prototype Active Handrest is a planar, computer controlled support for the user's wrist and arm that allows the user complete control over a grasped tool or manipulation device. The device uses force input from the user's hand, position input from a grasped manipulandum, or a combination of both force and position inputs. The control algorithm of the device then interprets and converts the input(s) into handrest motions. Pilot studies were conducted to optimize the control strategy by investigating the effects of control mode and of velocity limits. Task precision and completion time were used as performance metrics. Pilot testing showed that the device provided the greatest task precision when its velocity was limited to 5 mm/s, while using force input for its control strategy. An experiment was then conducted to compare the Active Handrest to various fixed wrist and arm support conditions, as well as the unsupported condition. Use of the Active Handrest was found to reduce task error by 36.6%, compared to performing the tasks with an unsupported arm, and by 26.0% compared to task completion with a static wrist support. These results are statistically significant (p ≪ 0.0001). While users generally completed experiments more slowly using the Active Handrest, performance with the Active Handrest shows lower sensitivity of task error relative to task completion time. Added experience with our drawing task leads to an increase in accuracy; however, the Active Handrest continues to outperform other hand support conditions (p ≪ 0.0001).
Mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome diversity and the peopling of the Americas: evolutionary and demographic evidence.

A number of important insights into the peopling of the New World have been gained through molecular genetic studies of Siberian and Native American populations. While there is no complete agreement on the interpretation of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y chromosome (NRY) data from these groups, several generalizations can be made. To begin with, the primary migration of ancestral Asians expanded from south-central Siberia into the New World and gave rise to ancestral Amerindians. The initial migration seems to have occurred between 20,000-15,000 calendar years before present (cal BP), i.e., before the emergence of Clovis lithic sites (13,350-12,895 cal BP) in North America. Because an interior route through northern North America was unavailable for human passage until 12,550 cal BP, after the last glacial maximum (LGM), these ancestral groups must have used a coastal route to reach South America by 14,675 cal BP, the date of the Monte Verde site in southern Chile. The initial migration appears to have brought mtDNA haplogroups A-D and NRY haplogroups P-M45a and Q-242/Q-M3 to the New World, with these genetic lineages becoming widespread in the Americas. A second expansion that perhaps coincided with the opening of the ice-free corridor probably brought mtDNA haplogroup X and NRY haplogroups P-M45b, C-M130, and R1a1-M17 to North and Central America. Finally, populations that formerly inhabited Beringia expanded into northern North America after the LGM, and gave rise to Eskimo-Aleuts and Na-Dene Indians.
Biochemical Assessment of Limits to Estrogen Synthesis in Porcine Follicles

Limits to estrogen production by early and late preovulatory porcine follicles were assessed by comparing enzymatic capacities for androgen (17,20-lyase) and estrogen (aromatase) synthesis in theca interna and granulosa, support of enzyme activities by the redox partner proteins NADPH-cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (reductase) and cytochrome b5, and tissue-specific expression and regulation of these proteins. Parameters included follicular fluid (FF) estradiol and progesterone levels, theca and granulosa aromatase and reductase activities, and theca 17,20-lyase activity. Expression of proteins responsible for these activities, aromatase (P450arom) and 17a-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (P450c17) cytochromes P450, reductase, and for the first time in ovarian tissues cytochrome b5, were examined by Western immunoblot and immunocytochemistry. Theca and granulosa aromatase activities were as much as 100-fold lower than theca 17,20-lyase activity, but aromatase was correlated with only the log of FF estradiol. Granulosa reductase activity was twice that of the theca, and cytochrome b5 expression was clearly identified in both the theca and granulosa layers, as was P450arom, but was not highly correlated with either 17,20-lyase or aromatase activities. Reductase expression did not change with stage of follicular development, but cytochrome b5, P450c17, and P450arom were markedly lower in post-LH tissues. These data indicate that aromatase and not 17,20-lyase must limit porcine follicular estradiol synthesis, but this limitation is not reflected acutely in FF steroid concentrations. Neither reductase nor cytochrome b5 appear to regulate P450 activities, but the expression of cytochrome b5 in granulosa and theca suggests possible alternative roles for this protein in follicular development or function. estradiol, follicle, granulosa cells, ovary, theca cells
A pilot study of vasculogenic mimicry immunohistochemical expression in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM)—the development of fluid-conducting pathways by highly invasive and genetically dysregulated tumor cells—appears in 2 forms. In VM of the tubular type, non–endothelial cell-lined tubes resembling blood vessels are identified. In VM of the patterned matrix type, sheaths of extracellular matrix rich in laminin, collagens IV and VI, fibronectin, and heparan sulfate proteoglycan form loops surrounding packets of tumor cells.1 The extracellular matrix connects to endothelial cell lined blood vessels and transmits fluid, forming a fluid-conducting meshwork.2 Vasculogenic mimicry has been described in many tumors including melanoma,1,3–6 inflammatory and ductal breast carcinoma,7 ovarian carcinoma,8,9 prostatic carcinoma,10,11 synovial sarcoma,12,13 rhabdomyosarcoma,12,13 osteosarcoma,14 and pituitary tumors.15 The presence of VM has been associated with more aggressive tumor biology and increased tumor-related mortality.4,16,17 There are limited data regarding VM in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Tumor “vascularity” was partly attributed to VM in a transgenic mouse model of HCC.18 Two studies described the presence of “vasculogenic mimicry” in human HCC,19,20 although the endothelial cell markers used identified the tubular type but do not detect patterned matrix VM.1 Consequently, patterned matrix VM has not been systematically evaluated in human HCC lesions. This pilot study was designed to determine whether VM of the patterned matrix type occurs in HCC, and if so, to evaluate for an association between VM and HCC recurrence after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).
Dynamic displacement sensing, system identification, and control of a speaker-based tendon vibrator via accelerometers

In this paper, we develop a speaker-based tendon vibrator capable of applying vibrations with sustained amplitudes and desired time-frequency profiles to be used in inducing kinesthetic illusions. For modeling and control of the tendon vibrator, we propose and experimentally validate a method for real-time dynamic displacement sensing based on accelerometers. We tested the accuracy of displacement measurements by comparing the movements of the vibrator measured with differential accelerometers to those measured by a high resolution optical encoder. We completed frequency domain system identification of the vibrator and obtained a parametric transfer function model via displacements sensed by the encoder and by analog and digital integration. We show that within the frequency range of interest 20 -100 Hz, analog and digital integration methods were successful in capturing an accurate model of the vibrator. Under feedforward control, developed tendon vibrator is able to generate sustained 2-mm peak-to-peak vibrations throughout the frequency range of interest.
The Six-Minute Walk Test

The American Thoracic Society has issued guidelines for the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). The 6MWT is safer, easier to administer, better tolerated, and better reflects activities of daily living than other walk tests (such as the shuttle walk test). The primary measurement is 6-min walk distance (6MWD), but during the 6MWT data can also be collected about the patient's blood oxygen saturation and perception of dyspnea during exertion. When conducting the 6MWT do not walk with the patient and do not assist the patient in carrying or pulling his or her supplemental oxygen. The patient should walk alone, not with other patients. Do not use a treadmill on which the patient adjusts the speed and/or the slope. Do not use an oval or circular track. Use standardized phrases while speaking to the patient, because your encouragement and enthusiasm can make a difference of up to 30% in the 6MWD. Count the laps with a lap counter. If the 6MWD is low, thoroughly search for the cause(s) of the impairment. Better 6MWD reference equations will be published in the future, so be sure you are using the best available reference equations.
Taurine: an essential nutrient for cats

The β-sulphonic amino acid taurine is synthe-sised in animals from dietary sulphur amino acids. Cats exclusively use taurine to conjugate cholic acid rather than being able to use the alternate glycine conjugation. Since total body synthesis of taurine in cats is limiting, metabolic deficiencies of taurine occur when the dietary intake of taurine is restricted. A deficiency of taurine in cats is expressed by aberrant functions of a wide range of organ systems. Pathological changes occur in the eye, feline central degeneration; reproductive abnormalities occur in the female, a high incidence of fetal resorptions and abortions, low birth weight and survival of live-born young; growth rate in the new born kitten is depressed; heart induction of dilated cardiomyopathy and compromised immune function. All these conditions are prevented or reversed with adequate dietary taurine. While all tissues contain taurine, the concentration varies with the tissue. Generally plasma has been used to assess taurine status in cats, but the concentration of taurine in plasma varies widely. Food deprivation of cats given high taurine diets causes a marked fall in the concentration of taurine in plasma. Major changes in whole blood concentration do not occur as rapidly as plasma and therefore appear to be a superior diagnostic test for taurine status. An inadequate number of samples have been analysed to define a marginal taurine level from whole blood concentration to prevent clinical signs. The minimal dietary concentration of taurine to prevent clinical signs of efficiency is dependent on the type of diet. For commercial expanded (dry) cat foods a concentration of 1200 mg taurine/kg dry matter appears adequate. Higher concentrations are required in canned diets, 2000 to 2500 mg taurine/kg dry matter to supply adequate taurine. The reasons for the higher concentration of taurine required in canned foods is not due to availability of taurine in the classical context. Rather it appears that heating during the canning process produces products which increase enterohepatic loss of taurine.
Comparison of the Dynamic Thin Shell and Quasi-cylindrical Models for Blown Film Extrusion

Most models of blown film extrusion are based on thin shell theory, which was first applied to these processes by Pearson and Petrie. There has been some contention in the literature as to the suitability of the thin shell model. More recently, Liu and co-workers presented an alternative quasi-cylindrical model that neglects longitudinal curvature but was reported to agree more closely with experiments. In later studies, other researchers used the quasi-cylindrical model to investigate flow-induced crystallization. The current paper presents finite difference solutions of the quasi-cylindrical model and quantifies the differences in the steady-state behavior, dynamics, and stability between the quasi-cylindrical and the thin shell models. The differences in the steady-state and dynamic behavior between the thin shell and quasi-cylindrical models are found to be significant, both qualitatively and quantitatively. This study should aid future researchers in developing dynamic simulation models that include more sophisticated descriptions of the underlying polymer physics. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1267–1276, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Determination of Ionized Calcium in Serum by Use of an Ion-Selective Electrode I. Determination of Normal Values under Physiologic Conditions, with Comments on the Effects of Food Ingestion and Hyperventilation

Ionized calcium was determined in serum from 84 normal individuals by using a flow-through calcium-selective electrode operated at 37°C. The mean value was 1.08 ± 0.06 (2 SD) mmol/liter. The relationship of serum ionized calcium concentration to other serum constituents was examined. The effects of hyperventilation and food ingestion on ionized calcium were studied. Respiratory alkalosis, induced by hyperventilation, caused a decrease in ionized calcium of 0.05 ± 0.02 (2 SD) mmol/liter per 0.1 unit increase in pH. In contrast, the metabolic alkalosis induced by food ingestion caused a decrease in ionized calcium of 0105 ± 0.025 (2 SD) mmol/liter per 0.1 unit increase in pH.
Chemokines and chemokine receptors in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.

In recent years we have seen growing evidence for the role of chemokines in the pathogenesis of several infectious and non-infectious inflammatory CNS disease states, including Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). An increase in proinflammatory chemokines has been associated with demyelinating lesions and clinical neurological dysfunction in patients with MS; these chemokines could be potential targets for MS therapy. Besides a clearly defined role in mediating leukocyte migration, these and other chemokines may act as immunoregulatory molecules in the driving to Th1/Th2 responses, switch of cytokine profiles, and the induction of tolerance. Since chemokine receptors have now been identified on macrophages, microglia, astrocytes, and endothelial cells as well as neurons in the CNS, chemokine/receptor interactions may mediate functional responses in a variety of CNS cell types during the course of inflammatory disease states. Therefore, clarification ...
Empirical Likelihood Approaches to Two-Group Comparisons of Upper Quantiles Applied to Biomedical Data

In many biomedical studies, a difference in upper quantiles is of specific interest since the upper quantile represents the upper range of biomarkers and/or is used as the cutoff value for a disease classification. In this article, we investigate two-group comparisons of an upper quantile based on the empirical likelihood methodology. Two approaches, the classical empirical likelihood and ‘‘plug-in’’ empirical likelihood, are used to construct the test statistics and their properties are theoretically investigated. Although the plug-in method is developed by the framework of the empirical likelihood, the test statistic is not based on maximization of the empirical likelihood and is simplified by using an indicator function in its construction, making it a unique test to investigate. Extensive simulation results demonstrate that the ‘‘plug-in’’ empirical likelihood approach performs better to compare upper quantiles across various underlying distributions and sample sizes. For the actual application, we em...
The one-dimensional line scheme of a certain family of quantum P3s

Abstract A quantum P 3 is a noncommutative analogue of a polynomial ring on four variables, and, herein, it is taken to be a regular algebra of global dimension four. It is well known that if a generic quadratic quantum P 3 exists, then it has a point scheme consisting of exactly twenty distinct points and a one-dimensional line scheme. In this article, we compute the line scheme of a family of algebras whose generic member is a candidate for a generic quadratic quantum P 3 . We find that, as a closed subscheme of P 5 , the line scheme of the generic member is the union of seven curves; namely, a nonplanar elliptic curve in a P 3 , four planar elliptic curves and two nonsingular conics.
Saccade-confounded image statistics explain visual crowding

This study demonstrates that visual crowding (the inability to identify objects in clutter) develops as a result of interactions between peripheral attention and saccade-induced image displacements. The authors suggest that this offers a much more generalized explanation for the phenomenon of visual crowding.
Importance of the type of provider seen to begin health care for a new episode low back pain: associations with future utilization and costs

Rationale, aims and objective Low back pain (LBP) care can involve many providers. The provider chosen for entry into care may predict future health care utilization and costs. The objective of this study was to explore associations between entry settings and future LBP-related utilization and costs. Methods A retrospective review of claims data identified new entries into health care for LBP. We examined the year after entry to identify utilization outcomes (imaging, surgeon or emergency visits, injections, surgery) and total LBP-related costs. Multivariate models with inverse probability weighting on propensity scores were used to evaluate relationships between utilization and cost outcomes with entry setting. Results 747 patients were identified (mean age = 38.2 (± 10.7) years, 61.2% female). Entry setting was primary care (n = 409, 54.8%), chiropractic (n = 207, 27.7%), physiatry (n = 83, 11.1%) and physical therapy (n = 48, 6.4%). Relative to primary care, entry in physiatry increased risk for radiographs (OR = 3.46, P = 0.001), advanced imaging (OR = 3.38, P < 0.001), injections (OR = 4.91, P < 0.001), surgery (OR = 4.76, P = 0.012) and LBP-related costs (standardized Β = 0.67, P < 0.001). Entry in chiropractic was associated with decreased risk for advanced imaging (OR = 0.21, P = 0.001) or a surgeon visit (OR = 0.13, P = 0.005) and increased episode of care duration (standardized Β = 0.51, P < 0.001). Entry in physical therapy decreased risk of radiographs (OR = 0.39, P = 0.017) and no patient entering in physical therapy had surgery. Conclusions Entry setting for LBP was associated with future health care utilization and costs. Consideration of where patients chose to enter care may be a strategy to improve outcomes and reduce costs.
Suppression of transverse waveguide modes for SAW resonators with Pt and Pt/Rh/ZrO 2 electrodes

In this work, spurious transverse waveguide modes were suppressed from the frequency responses of Pt-electrode resonators on ST-X quartz [0°, 132.75°, 0°] and Pt- and Pt/Rh/ZrO 2 -electrode resonators on LGS [0°, 144°, 24°] through the design of the gratings, aperture, and transducers' active area. In particular, it will be shown that conventional shorted gratings cannot be used with Pt or Pt/Rh/ZrO 2 electrodes, since the velocity discontinuity between the grating and the bus bar leaks energy from the active area. Scalar potential theory is utilized to adjust the ratio of a transducer's active area to the total aperture, such that higher-order transverse waveguide resonances are filtered from the frequency response.
Repelling the Invasion of the "Other": Post-Apocalyptic Alien Shooter Videogames Addressing Contemporary Cultural Attitudes

In the current videogame landscape, a great deal of first-person shooters are being made that depict a post-apocalyptic invasion by an “alien” force that must be repelled. Culture in a given context can become preoccupied with certain issues and themes because of the societal situation it is born from. This allegorical function serves to speak to historically grounded contemporary concerns. Many of today’s contemporary concerns are related in some ways to 9/11, and the scholarly works that address the influence this event has had on videogames seem to pay closer attention to games that deal with these issues on an explicit level. This analysis moves past the singular historical event of 9/11 to show how latent long term attitudes and beliefs can be addressed by cultural texts on a more allegorical level. Through looking at the FPS invasion videogame texts themselves, such as the Resistance and Killzone series, it becomes clear that what these games are speaking to is a latent fear and mistrust of those culturally different. Through a fair amount of “Othering,” a steadfast ethnocentric viewpoint, and a reliance on the theme of the justified war, these games speak to contemporary cultural attitudes that are intertwined with the reputation of the US overseas. Instead of addressing these concerns head on, these videogame cultural texts place them within thinly veiled allegories that make explicit the desire to repel the invasion of forces that threaten the Western world.
The modified, discrete Lévy transformation is Bernoulli

From the absolute value of a martingale, X, there is a unique increasing process that can be subtracted so as to obtain a martingale, Y. Paul Levy discovered that if X is Brownian motion, B, then Y, too, is a Brownian motion. Equivalently, Levy found that the transformation that maps B to Y is measure-preserving. Whether it is ergodic, a question raised by Marc Yor, is open. Here, the natural analogue of Levy's transformation for the symmetric random walk is modified and, thus modified, is shown to be measure-preserving. The ergodicity of this transformation is then established by showing that it is isomorphic to the one-sided, Bernoulli shift-transformation associated with a sequence of independent random variables, each uniformly distributed on the unit interval.
Micropulsed Plasma Thrusters for Attitude Control of a Low-Earth-Orbiting CubeSat

This study presents a 3-Unit CubeSat design with commercial-off-the-shelf hardware, Teflon®-fueled micropulsed plasma thrusters, and an attitude determination and control approach. The micropulsed plasma thruster is sized by the impulse bit and pulse frequency required for continuous compensation of expected maximum disturbance torques at altitudes between 400 and 1000 km, as well as to perform stabilization of up to 20 deg/s and slew maneuvers of up to 180 deg. The study involves realistic power constraints anticipated on the 3-Unit CubeSat. Attitude estimation is implemented using the q method for static attitude determination of the quaternion using pairs of the spacecraft–sun and magnetic-field vectors. The quaternion estimate and the gyroscope measurements are used with an extended Kalman filter to obtain the attitude estimates. Proportional–derivative control algorithms use the static attitude estimates in order to calculate the torque required to compensate for the disturbance torques and to achie...
Solving Kinetic Equations for the Laser Flash Photolysis Experiment on Nitric Oxide Synthases: Effect of Conformational Dynamics on the Interdomain Electron Transfer

The production of nitric oxide by the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzyme depends on the interdomain electron transfer (IET) between the flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and heme domains. Although the rate of this IET has been measured by laser flash photolysis (LFP) for various NOS proteins, no rigorous analysis of the relevant kinetic equations was performed so far. In this work, we provide an analytical solution of the kinetic equations underlying the LFP approach. The derived expressions reveal that the bulk IET rate is significantly affected by the conformational dynamics that determines the formation and dissociation rates of the docking complex between the FMN and heme domains. We show that in order to informatively study the electron transfer across the NOS enzyme, LFP should be used in combination with other spectroscopic methods that could directly probe the docking equilibrium and the conformational change rate constants. The implications of the obtained analytical expressions for the interpretation ...
Colloid characterization by sedimentation field-flow fractionation: I. Monodisperse populations

This paper initiates a series of reports intended to develop, refine, and evaluate the methodology of sedimentation field-flow fractionation (sedimentation FFF) applied to the characterization of colloidal materials. Particle parameters subject to characterization include effective mass, actual mass, density, polydispersity, diffusivity, and various particle dimensions. Monodisperse particle populations are the focus of this paper; size distribution and other studies will follow. The general advantages of sedimentation FFF noted for such studies include the theoretically predictable characteristics of the method, experimental flexibility and redundancy, use of nearly any desired suspending medium, small (<1 mg) sample requirements, high resolution, and fraction collection for additional characterization. For monodisperse populations, it is shown that both retention and peak dispersion measurements lead to the various mass and dimensional parameters noted above. The fundamental theory of retention and peak dispersion is summarized; various equations are then derived showing how particle diameter and other particle parameters relate to retention and peak dispersion measurements. Experimental data are reported for five polystyrene latex beads in the nominal diameter range 0.220−0.945 μm measured in two sedimentation FFF systems. Both rigorous and approximate procedures for calculating particle diameter d were divided into three categories: those based on retention measurements (R) only, those based on peak dispersion or plate height (H) only, and those based on a combination (RH) of the two measurements. Analysis of the results suggests that d obtained from rigorous R methods are accurate to about 1–3%. However, it appears that measured peak width may be ∼20% too large, giving d values ∼5% too small by H methods and ∼40–50% too large by RH methods. Various approximations for R, H, and RH methods are evaluated. In another direction, polydispersity values appear accurate to within 1% or better. However, particle density calculated using a combination of retention and peak dispersion data is in error by a factor of ∼3, in contrast to the ∼0.002 g/cm3 accuracy yielded by retention measurements.
Abstract P1-17-02: Outcome after Locoregional Recurrence in Patients with Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Purpose: High rates of locoregional recurrence (LRR) have been reported in spite of comprehensive tri-modality therapy for patients with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). The aim of this study was to examine the prognosis of patients who have experienced LRR after treated primary IBC. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed information for 124 IBC patients who experienced a LRR seen in our institution from 1990-2008. 63 patients had simultaneous distant disease (DM) +/−3 months of LRR (simLRR), 5 patients had LRR > 3 months subsequent to DM, while 56 patients had isolated LRR >3 months prior to DM (isLRR). Overall survival (OS) was calculated from date of recurrence using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Median time to LRR from diagnosis was 13 months (interquartile range 8-21 months). Median survival after LRR was 15 months. 2-yr OS was 46%. Regarding the primary tumors, 23% were estrogen receptor positive (ER+), 33% were HER2-neu positive (H2N+), 81% had lymph vascular space invasion (LVSI), and 83% were grade 3. Comparing isLRR and simLRR cohorts, median survival was 18 months vs. 10 months and 2 yr-OS was 66% vs. 28%, respectively. ER+ and H2N+ primary status predicted for longer 2 yr OS among patients with simLRR but not among isLRR patients. (simLRR, ER+ 57% vs. ER-19% p = 0.02, H2N+ 45% vs. H2N-17% p = 0.01; IsLRR ER+ vs. ER-92% vs. 55% p = 0.15, H2N+ 86% vs. H2N-57% p = 0.11). LVSI was not prognostic in either group and Grade 3 primary trended towards worse outcome among isLRR cohort only, Grade 2 83% vs. Grade 3 64% P = 0.08. Molecular subtyping using ER and H2N status to group tumors demonstrates basal subtype in the primary tumor compared to H2N, luminal B and luminal A is associated with significantly worse 2 yr OS after isLRR (43% vs. 88%, 82%, and 83%, P = 0.04) and simLRR (13% vs. 34%, 80%, 32% P = 0.005) respectively. Conclusions: Forty-five% of LRR occurred as isolated first events. LRRs generally occur within 2 years after primary IBC treatment and are associated with poor outcomes even as first events. Basal subtype predicts for worse overall survival regardless of distant disease. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-17-02.
Acrylonitrile-Based Nitric Oxide Releasing Melt-Spun Fibers for Enhanced Wound Healing

Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in physiological functions in the body, naturally synthesized by nitric oxide synthase. NO was discovered as the endothelium-derived relaxing factor, allowing for vasodilation to occur in blood vessels, thus preventing platelet aggregation. It is also known as an antimicrobial agent. As it has been shown to enhance wound healing, recent efforts have been made to incorporate NO into thromboresistant polymers for medical devices. In this work, an acrylonitrile-co-1-vinylimidazole (AN/VIM) copolymer was melt-spun to produce a surgical suture type material with high durability and tensile strength which can store and release NO. The acrylonitrile (AN) comonomers are stabilized in the melt-spinning process, allowing for the formation of the NO molecular donor group, a diazeniumdiolate or NONOate. When AN/VIM is reacted with NO, the NONOate will form on AN segments. Each NONOate releases two molar equivalents of NO upon reaction with a proton source. The fiber mechanica...
The Signification of the American Flag: A Semiotic Analysis of Texas v. Johnson

(1997). The Signification of the American Flag: A Semiotic Analysis of Texas v. Johnson. Free Speech Yearbook: Vol. 35, No. 1, pp. 45-55.
The Shortest Covering Path Problem: A New Perspective and Model

The shortest covering path (SCP) problem involves finding the shortest path between an origin node and a destination node, where the path traverses the network and passes within a maximal covering ...
Learning under a traditional and an experimental schedule involving master classes.

Abstract The present study involved 32 classes of badminton (N = 732), 6 master teachers, and 11 other teachers. Twenty-one classes were scheduled under the master class plan in which students from two or three classes met in a combined group once per week and in their regular classes twice per week; and 11 classes were scheduled under the traditional plan, in which classes met three times per week. Tests of knowledge and skill were administered prior to and after instruction. The skill tests were the wall volley, low serve, high clear, and sliding shuttle. The sum of the four T-scores was used as the overall skill measure. Estimates of reliability for the final tests ranged from .78 to .97. Validity of the skill tests was established by using tournament rank as the criterion. The four tests were valid predictors of skill when combined or when utilized separately. Linear regression analyses indicated that classes were not equal in skill or in knowledge at the beginning of the study. Full models utilized i...
Single-QCL-based absorption sensor for simultaneous trace-gas detection of CH4 and N2O

A quantum cascade laser (QCL)-based absorption sensor for the simultaneous dual-species monitoring of CH4 and N2O was developed using a novel compact multipass gas cell (MGC). This sensor uses a thermoelectrically cooled, continuous wave, distributed feedback QCL operating at ~7.8 µm. The QCL wavelength was scanned over two neighboring CH4 (1275.04 cm−1) and N2O (1274.61 cm−1) lines at a 1 Hz repetition rate. Wavelength modulation spectroscopy (f = 10 kHz) with second harmonic (2f) detection was performed to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio. An ultra-compact MGC (16.9 cm long and a 225 ml sampling volume) was utilized to achieve an effective optical path length of 57.6 m. With such a sensor configuration, a detection limit of 5.9 ppb for CH4 and 2.6 ppb for N2O was achieved, respectively, at 1-s averaging time.
Ontogeny of the Immune System

This chapter presents ontogeny of the immune system. Man's immune system did not develop de novo , but it has undergone a series of progressive changes, best pieced together by careful phylogenetic or comparative analyses. In contrast to the millions of years required for man's evolution, including his immune system, a complete individual requires 9 months, and at that time, the immune system is fairly well developed. During the development of the immune system, the yolk sac, or its equivalent, and later, the bonemarrow, serve as sources of stem cells. Such potentially immunologically competent cells receive further instructions in the thymus or bursa of Fabricius of birds and differentiate into two immunocytes, the T-cell and B-cell. T cells affect cellular immune responses, and B cells synthesize antibody.
Tissue Temperature Monitors

Tissue temperature monitors with thermocouple needles detect the temperature within lesions being frozen in real time. Units using infrared lasers detect surface temperatures during the cryoablative process. Monitors allow for accurate delivery of lower temperatures.
Infrastructure Project Scope Definition Using Project Definition Rating Index

AbstractFront-end planning (FEP) is a critical process for uncovering project unknowns while also developing adequate scope definition and a structured approach for the project execution process. For infrastructure projects, the FEP process assists in identifying and mitigating risks stemming from issues such as right-of-way concerns, utility adjustments, environmental hazards, logistic problems, and permitting requirements. The authors have developed a novel risk management tool, called the project definition rating index (PDRI) for infrastructure projects, which can be used to identify and address these issues systematically and in a structured manner. Input from 64 industry professionals representing over 30 organizations was used in the development of the tool. In addition to a usable definition for infrastructure in the context of the built environment, a finite and specific list of issues related to scope definition of infrastructure projects was developed with this industry input. Data from 26 comp...
Green Fleet of Fuel Cell Powered Light Utility Vehicles: An Energy Analysis

This paper provides insights into the feasibility of clean energy sources for light utility vehicles (LUVs). First, energy analysis for the fleet of LUVs for a small college are presented. Secondly, the energy implications for a larger (>100) fleet of LUVs, and finally for the whole of the United States are presented. The technologies discussed include producing pure hydrogen, leaving no carbon footprint and replacing the internal combustion engine or the battery powered drive system with fuel-cell engines. Except for the clean production of usable amounts of hydrogen, all other processes are developing, but proven technologies. The possibilities of the transition from fossil fuel to hydrogen powered LUVs is limited by hydrogen production technology and fuel cell costs. These limitations will be addressed. The paper will conclude by analyzing the fossil fuel savings associated with a transition to hydrogen fuel for small, intermediate and large scale fleets of LUVs.
Alternatives to Traditional Models for the Classification and Analysis of Pipes of the Early Colonial Chesapeake

The clay tobacco pipes known by such names as “Chesapeake,” “terra cotta,” or “Colonoware” (among others), have steadfastly resisted attempts by archaeologists of the early colonial Chesapeake to pin them down. There is no commonly agreed upon nomenclature, classification system, or interpretation for these intriguing artifacts, yet most efforts follow a predictable model centered on a traditional concept of typology. Here, the author discusses alternative analytical and classificatory strategies and their application to the problem of pipe production and distribution networks in and around Virginia’s seventeenth-century capital at Jamestown.
High fidelity “replay” arc fault detection testbed

Arc faults in photovoltaic power systems pose safety concerns ranging from localized damage to the equipment, electric shock hazard for humans, and fire that spreads to buildings and beyond the PV systems. Thus, robust and effective detection of initial arcs before they become sustained arc faults is imperative. However, high frequency noise caused by the switching of DC/DC power optimizers or DC/AC inverters can mask the signals produced by an arc, making it difficult or impossible to reliably identify if an arc is occurring. This paper discusses a testbed that was developed for the purpose of testing arc fault detectors in a laboratory environment using precise-reproduction, or replay, of pre-recorded arc signals. The testbed is capable of replaying both the arc signature and the noise from the power electronic circuits at proper amplitude to represent real-world conditions. The testbed is characterized and validated by frequency analysis across the range of frequencies typically associated with an arc fault. Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis of reproduced arc signals further justifies the effectiveness of the testbed and a certified arc fault detector (AFD) is tested using reproduced arc signal. Utilization of such a testbed will facilitate the study of reliable detection algorithms.
Existence of cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma: myth or reality?

The cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis has been disproved in many cancers. CSCs may exist in blood cancer, while many epithelial cancers may not have CSCs but tumor-initiating cells (TICs). Several independent studies have provided strong evidence for existence of CSCs in brain, skin, and colon cancers (Mani et al. in Cell 133:704–715, 2008, Joseph et al. in Cancer Cell 13:129–140, 2008, Reya et al. in Nature 414:105–111, 2001), while the CSC hypothesis remains controversial (Magee et al. in Cancer Cell 21:283–296, 2012). Liver TICs have bipotential to give rise to two different lineage types: hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CC). In the liver cancer field, the origin of HCC and CC is extensively debated. Several groups have validated that TICs gave rise to HCC and CC. Hepatocytes gave rise to HCC. Several groups have demonstrated that oval cells (or liver progenitor cells) give rise to TICs. However, CSCs may be a myth in gastrointestinal cancer, while many groups have validated liver TICs. The definition of CSCs includes pluripotency, while TICs do not have to have pluripotency and only need to have bi- or multipotential to give rise to diverse tumor types and tumor initiation potential in mouse models. The CSC hypothesis therefore controversial (Magee et al. in Cancer Cell 21:283–296, 2012). Cancer tissues contain subpopulations of cells known as tumor-initiating stem-like cells (TICs, so-called CSCs) that have been identified as key drivers of tumor growth and malignant progression with drug resistance. Stem cells proliferate via self-renewing division in which the two daughter cells differ in proliferative potential, with one displaying differentiated phenotype and the other retaining self-renewing activity.
Peptidoglycan recognition protein 3-regulated microbiome maintains healthy levels of Treg cells and protects mice from colitis (INC1P.346)

Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (Pglyrp1, Pglyrp2, Pglyrp3, and Pglyrp4) are bactericidal innate immunity proteins that maintain normal gut microbiome, protect against experimental colitis, and are associated with inflammatory bowel disease in humans. In this study we examined the role of T cells in the increased sensitivity of Pglyrp3-/- mice to dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. We demonstrate that untreated Pglyrp3-/- mice had significantly lower levels of anti-inflammatory Treg cells (CD4+Foxp3+) and significantly higher levels of pro-inflammatory Th17 (CD4+IL17+) cells in the colon than WT mice. Specifically, Helios- but not Helios+ Treg cells were significantly lower in the colon of Pglyrp3-/- mice than WT mice, which suggests that induced Treg cells were decreased in Pglyrp3-/- mice. WT germ-free mice colonized with Pglyrp3-/- stools had lower levels of Treg cells and higher levels of Th17 cells than WT germ-free mice colonized with WT stools. The lower number of Treg cells and higher number of Th17 cells correlated with the increased sensitivity to colitis in the germ-free mice. We further demonstrate that increasing the numbers of Treg cells in the colon with vitamin A or neutralizing IL17 with antibody protected Pglyrp3-/- mice from increased sensitivity to DSS-induced colitis. Thus our data indicate that Pglyrp3-regulated microbiome promotes Treg cells, inhibits Th17 cells and protects from DSS-induced colitis.
Automatic Generation of Microkinetic Mechanisms for Heterogeneous Catalysis

A novel approach is presented for generating microkinetic mechanisms in heterogeneous catalysis. The open-source software RMG-Cat automatically develops a detailed list of elementary surface reactions, including thermodynamic properties for the adsorbates and parametrized rate coefficients for the reactions. The software proposes numerous possible surface intermediates and reactions, but it only retains those species that have a sufficiently high rate of formation. RMG-Cat was tested on the dry reforming of methane on nickel. The software correctly found the same set of elementary reactions as in a previously compiled microkinetic mechanism, as well as a few missing reactions. These results demonstrate the potential of this approach for predicting the dominant pathways in heterogeneous catalysis.
Inhibiting glucosylceramide synthase exacerbates cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases [R01-DK093462]; National Institutes of Health [P30 CA138313, P20RR017677, UH2NS092981, 1R01HD076004-04, GM097741, PO1CA097132]; Veterans Affairs Merit Awards [1I01BX002021-04, CAMM-011-13S]
Outline of a Multiattribute Utility Approach to Development of a Waste Management Strategy at Sillamäe

This discussion of the MAU process and its potential application at Sillamae draws from the framework provided by Keeney and von Winterfeldt [3] and Dyer et. al. [11], [4] in their analysis of the problem of the disposition of nuclear power plant wastes and the weapons grade plutonium supply in the United States. Technical details associated with the outlined steps in the MAU process may be found in Keeney and Raiffa [15].
The Enduring Influence of a Dangerous Narrative: How Scientists Can Mitigate the Frankenstein Myth

Reflecting the dangers of irresponsible science and technology, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein quickly became a mythic story that still feels fresh and relevant in the twenty-first century. The unique framework of the Frankenstein myth has permeated the public discourse about science and knowledge, creating various misconceptions around and negative expectations for scientists and for scientific enterprises more generally. Using the Frankenstein myth as an imaginative tool, we interviewed twelve scientists to explore how this science narrative shapes their views and perceptions of science. Our results yielded two main conclusions. First, the Frankenstein myth may help scientists identify popular concerns about their work and offer a framework for constructing a more positive narrative. Second, finding optimistic science narratives may allow scientists to build a better relationship with the public. We argue that by showing the ethical principles and social dimensions of their work, scientists could replace a negative Frankenstein narrative with a more optimistic one.
Islamophobia in China: news coverage, stereotypes, and Chinese Muslims’ perceptions of themselves and Islam

An analysis spanning 10 years of news reports about Muslims and Islam in Chinese state news media (N = 15,427) demonstrates that Chinese news reports project an overall negative view of Muslims. An...
A tractable first-order probabilistic logic

Tractable subsets of first-order logic are a central topic in AI research. Several of these formalisms have been used as the basis for first-order probabilistic languages. However, these are intractable, losing the original motivation. Here we propose the first non-trivially tractable first-order probabilistic language. It is a subset of Markov logic, and uses probabilistic class and part hierarchies to control complexity.We call it TML (Tractable Markov Logic). We show that TML knowledge bases allow for efficient inference even when the corresponding graphical models have very high treewidth. We also show how probabilistic inheritance, default reasoning, and other inference patterns can be carried out in TML. TML opens up the prospect of efficient large-scale first-order probabilistic inference.