cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Breast cancer risk factors in Korean women: a literature review

Aim: To compile a complete list of risk factors from the Korean breast cancer studies to obtain relevant predictor information essential in developing a predictive model for breast cancer. Background: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed female cancer in Korea. However, the breast cancer-screening rate in Korea is relatively low compared with that in other countries. In order to promote early health screening, there is a need to identify those individuals who are most likely to develop breast cancer by using an accurate predictive model. Methods: Thirty-four breast cancer studies were selected from MEDLINE and two Korean literature databases. Two researchers summarized the risk factors and their effects in each article using a checklist. Findings: Most of the studies were case–control studies conducted after 2000. In 34 articles, a total of 84 risk factors for breast cancer in Korean women were identified; of these, 58 factors were determined as statistically significant factors. The factors identified most often were body mass index, menarche, menopause, family history, pregnancy and delivery, breastfeeding, alcohol use, smoking habits, diet, education and use of oral contraceptives. None of 34 studies looked at stress as a risk factor of which influence on cancer has been reported in other populations. Conclusion: The next steps will be to construct a questionnaire consisting of relevant variables based on these study results and to develop a predictive model. This would be used to encourage those Koreans who are more likely to develop breast cancer to have early check-ups.
The Diagnostic Process in Men and Automata

Diagnostic skill involves recognizing symptoms of unusual or atypical functioning or structure, understanding the meaning of these symptoms, and evolving the ways in which such knowledge can be applied in the discovery of other existing symptoms and in the isolation of existing defects. The talents involved in diagnosis and the characteristics of the search for symptoms and defects are outlined.
Comparative kinetic studies on the neutral protease and thermolysin catalyzed hydrolysis of simple dipeptide substrates

A comparative study of the Bacillus subtilis neutral protease and Bacillus thermoproteolyticus thermolysin calalyzed hydrolysis of a few dipeptide sustrates including furylacryloylglycyl-L-leucine amide is reported. While differences in the kcat/Km were observed between the two enzymes toward substrates in which phenylalanine or leucine donated the amino group of the peptide bond, secondary effects of substituents on the carbonyl donating amino acid and pH profiles were quite similar. Differences were also observed toward protein substrates as compared to dipeptides.
Physical aging of polycarbonate block copolymers: Ductility rejuvenation below the glass transition temperature

Thermal aging of block copolymers of bisphenol A polycarbonate and polydimethylsiloxane (BPAPC and PDMS) have been studied. Changes in notched izod impact performance and yield stress are reported following aging at 120°C and 130°C for up to 20 days. Retention of impact at 120°C of the block copolymers was found to improve with increasing size of siloxane domains in the polycarbonate matrix. Quite contrary to our expectation, the retention of impact for a given sample at 130°C was found to be better than that of at120°C. These block copolymers showed (thermo) reversible ductility rejuvenation behavior at 130°C when the samples heat-aged at 120°C were shifted from 120 to 130°C. Transmission electron microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, and dynamic mechanical analysis techniques were used to probe the observed phenomenon. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
hERG channel function: beyond long QT

To date, research on the human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) has focused on this potassium channel's role in cardiac repolarization and Long QT Syndrome (LQTS). However, growing evidence implicates hERG in a diversity of physiologic and pathological processes. Here we discuss these other functions of hERG, particularly their impact on diseases beyond cardiac arrhythmia.
Water adsorption on MnO:ZnO(001) — From single molecules to bilayer coverage

Abstract Improving photochemical water oxidation processes on sunlight absorbing materials requires understanding the photoelectrode-solution interface. We use ab initio density functional theory (DFT) + U to investigate the structure and energetics of water adsorbed on MnO:ZnO(001), a potential photoanode material we previously identified as having suitable band gaps and band edge placements for visible light induced water splitting. Our calculations show that there is a preference for molecular adsorption at water coverages of less than half a monolayer (ML). At higher coverages, cooperative water–water interactions facilitate water dissociation at the interface. We find that the work function is very sensitive to water dipole orientation and/or presence of hydroxyls on the surface. The computed phase diagram reveals the surface to be fairly hydrophilic with a preference for the first water ML to be 33% dissociated at 0.75 ML, 50% dissociated at 1 ML, and 50% dissociated at 2 ML water coverage under various conditions away from water-poor conditions.
Imbalance Vibration Suppression of Supercritical Shafts With Automatic Balancing Devices

This research explores the use of automatic balancing devices (autobalancers) for imbalance suppression of flexible shafts operating at supercritical speeds. Essentially, autobalancers are passive devices consisting of several balls free to roll within an oil-filled circular track mounted on a rotor or shaft to be balanced. At certain speeds, the stable equilibrium positions of the balls is such that they reduce or cancel the rotor imbalance. This “automatic balancing” phenomena occurs as a result of the non-linear dynamic interaction between the balancer balls and the rotor transverse vibrations. Thus, autobalancer devices can passively compensate for unknown imbalance without the need for a control system and naturally adjust for gradually changing imbalance conditions. Single-plane autobalancers are widely utilized for imbalance correction of computer hard-disk drives and CD-ROM drives as well as for balancing machine tools. While autobalancers can effectively compensate for imbalance of planar disk-type systems and rigid rotors, the use of autobalancing devices on flexible shafts has not been fully considered. This study explores the dynamics and stability of an imbalanced flexible shaft-disk system equipped with a dual ball autobalancer by solving a coupled set of nonlinear equations to determine the fixed-point equilibrium conditions in rotating coordinates. Stability is assessed via eigenvalue analysis of a perturbed system about each equilibrium configuration. It is determined that regions of stable automatic balancing occur at supercritical shaft speeds between each flexible mode. Additionally, the effects of bearing stiffness, autobalancer/imbalance-plane axial offset distance, and relative ball-track viscous damping are each explored. This investigation yields valuable analysis methods and insights for the application of automatic balancing devices to flexible shaft and rotor systems operating at supercritical speeds.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Evolutionary Approaches for the Extraction of Classification Rules

This paper provides evolutionary approaches in order to extract comprehensible and accurate classification rules. Indeed to construct a model of classification tone must extract not only accurate rules but comprehensible also, to help the human interpretation of the model and the decision make process. In this paper the authors describe a purely genetic approach, then a tabu search approach and finaly a memetic algorithm to extract classification rules. The memetic approach is a hybridization of a genetic algorithm (GA) and a local search based on a tabu search algorithm. Knowing that the amount of treated data is always huge in data mining applications, the authors propose to decrease the running time of the GA using a parallel scheme. In the authors' scheme the concept of generation has been removed and replaced by the cycle one and each individual owns a lifespan represented by a number of cycles affected to it randomly at its birth and at the end of which it disappears from the population. Consequently, only certain individuals of the population are evaluated within each iteration of the algorithm and not all our heterogeneous population. This causes the substantial reduction of the total running time of the algorithm since the evaluations of all individuals of each generation necessitates more than 80% of the total running time of a classical GA. This approach has been developed with the goal to present a new and efficient parallel scheme of the classical GA with better performances in terms of running time.
ONE IN ELEVEN: PUPILS REQUIRING SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE IN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN THE AUSTRALIAN STATE OF VICTORIA

Summary. The perceptions of 4,353 teachers in 463 primary and secondary Catholic schools in the Australian state of Victoria about the special educational needs and additional educational requirements of 120,344 pupils are reported in this paper. One in eleven pupils in regular schools was perceived by teachers to be experiencing educational difficulties associated with traditional disability categories sufficient to require forms of additional educational assistance in order to more fully participate and succeed in the regular school programme.
A computational model to generate simulated three-dimensional breast masses.

Purpose: To develop algorithms for creating realistic three-dimensional (3D) simulated breast masses and embedding them within actual clinical mammograms. The proposed techniques yield high-resolution simulated breast masses having randomized shapes, with user-defined mass type, size, location, and shape characteristics. Methods: The authors describe a method of producing 3D digital simulations of breast masses and a technique for embedding these simulated masses within actual digitized mammograms. Simulated 3D breast masses were generated by using a modified stochastic Gaussian random sphere model to generate a central tumor mass, and an iterative fractal branching algorithm to add complex spicule structures. The simulated masses were embedded within actual digitized mammograms. The authors evaluated the realism of the resulting hybrid phantoms by generating corresponding left- and right-breast image pairs, consisting of one breast image containing a real mass, and the opposite breast image of the same patient containing a similar simulated mass. The authors then used computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) methods and expert radiologist readers to determine whether significant differences can be observed between the real and hybrid images. Results: The authors found no statistically significant difference between the CAD features obtained from the real and simulated images of masses with either spiculated or nonspiculated margins. Likewise, the authors found that expert human readers performed very poorly in discriminating their hybrid images from real mammograms. Conclusions: The authors’ proposed method permits the realistic simulation of 3D breast masses having user-defined characteristics, enabling the creation of a large set of hybrid breast images containing a well-characterized mass, embedded within real breast background. The computational nature of the model makes it suitable for detectability studies, evaluation of computer aided diagnosis algorithms, and teaching purposes.
Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) analysis of basalt dikes at Cathedral Cliffs, WY: implications for Heart Mountain faulting

Abstract Mafic dikes pervade the upper plate of the Heart Mountain Detachment (HMD), yet the dike concentration in the lower plate is sparse. Previous workers interpreted that these dikes were emplaced either coeval with or subsequent to the emplacement of the upper plate. The magnetic fabrics of 32 mafic dikes at Cathedral Cliffs were analyzed using low-field anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) as a proxy for flow. These dikes intrude Ordovician–Mississippian carbonate and overlying Eocene volcanic rocks and are truncated along the nearly horizontal HMD. The dikes trend between N10°W and N20°E, are all steeply dipping, and range in width between 0.5 and 3 m. Flow directions for the dikes were determined by the bearing and plunge of the Kmax (maximum principal susceptibility) axes relative to the dike orientation. About 66% of the dikes sampled show typical dike AMS patterns with Kmax and Kint in the plane of the dike and Kmin normal to the dike plane. About 66% of the dikes sampled have Kmax inclinations >45° and thus were emplaced upward; 16% of the dikes have Kmax inclinations of
The proteins of plaques and tangles: How much do they tell us about the biology of Alzheimer's disease?

Abstract Dennis Selkoe has prepared a critical and comprehensive review of the status of our knowledge of the chemistry of the morphological hallmarks of Alzheimer's Disease (AD)—the neurofibrillary tangle and the senile plaque. In this commentary, I wish to retrace certain of the paths that Selkoe has traveled. In doing so I will limit myself to intracellular changes and omit discussion of the role of amyloid in this malady. At the same time, a number of additional issues are explored in this commentary which question whether the key to understanding AD is primarily hidden in plaques and tangles, or even within the brain.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC RADIOAUTOGRAPHIC DETECTION OF SITES OF PROTEIN SYNTHESIS AND MIGRATION IN LIVER

The sites of synthesis of proteins and their subsequent migration in rat liver have been studied during a 75 min period after labeling of liver-slice proteins by exposure to leucine-H3 for 2 min. Incorporation of the label into protein began after 1 min and was maximal by 4 min. Electron microscopic radioautography showed that synthesis of proteins in hepatocytes occurs mainly on ribosomes, particularly those in rough endoplasmic reticulum and, to some extent, in nuclei and mitochondria. Most of the newly formed proteins leave the endoplasmic reticulum in the course of 40 min, and concurrently labeled proteins appear in Golgi bodies, smooth membranes, microbodies, and lysosomes. A likely pathway for the secretion of some or all plasma proteins is from typical rough endoplasmic reticulum to a zone of reticulum which is partially coated with ribosomes, to the Golgi apparatus, and thence to the cell periphery. The formation of protein by reticuloendothelial cells was measured and found to be about 5% of the total protein formed by the liver.
Alfvén-cyclotron fluctuations: Linear Vlasov theory

[1] Linear Vlasov dispersion theory for a homogeneous, collisionless electron-proton plasma with Maxwellian velocity distributions is used to examine the damping of Alfven-cyclotron fluctuations. Fluctuations of sufficiently long wavelength are essentially undamped, but as k∥, the wave vector component parallel to the background magnetic field Bo, reaches a characteristic dissipation value kd, the protons become cyclotron resonant and damping begins abruptly. For proton cyclotron damping, kdc/ωp ∼ 1 for 10−3 ≲ βp ≲ 10−1, where βp ≡ 8πnpkBTp/Bo2 and ωp/c is the proton inertial length. At k∥ < kd, me/mp < βe, and βp ≲ 0.10 the electron Landau resonance becomes the primary contributor to fluctuation dissipation, yielding a damping rate that scales as ωr (k⊥c/ωp)2, where ωr is the real frequency and k⊥ is the wave vector component perpendicular to Bo. As βp increases from 0.10 to 10, the proton Landau resonance makes an increasing contribution to damping of these waves at k∥ < kd and 0° < θ < 30°, where θ = arccos( · o). The maximum damping rate due to the proton Landau resonance scales approximately as βp(kc/ωp)2 over 0.50 ≤ βp ≤ 10. Both magnetic transit time damping and electric Landau damping may contribute to Landau resonant dissipation; in the electron Landau resonance regime the former is important only at propagation almost parallel to Bo, whereas proton transit time damping can be relatively important at both quasi-parallel and quasi-perpendicular propagation of Alfven-cyclotron fluctuations.
Pyrimidine base damage is increased in women with BRCA mutations.

Abstract Oxidatively-induced DNA damage was measured in the DNA of WBC from two groups of women: carriers of a BRCA mutation, but asymptomatic for disease, and healthy controls. Two oxidatively induced lesions were measured: a formamide remnant of pyrimidine base and the glycol modification of thymine. These lesions, employed previously in studies of the effects of smoking, antioxidant usage and ovarian cancer, are proving valuable indicators of oxidative stress. The BRCA carriers of mutations, with no overt sign of cancer, nevertheless had significantly higher levels of DNA damage than the controls. The level measured for the formamide lesion was 5.9 ± 1.0 (femtomoles/μg of DNA ± SEM) compared with 2.4 ± 0.3 in controls. The level of the glycol lesion was 2.9 ± 0.4 compared with 1.8 ± 0.2 in controls. The experimental design utilized DNA from WBC and employed LC–MS/MS to detect the lesions.
Multiscale damage modelling for composite materials: theory and computational framework

A non-local multiscale continuum damage model is developed for brittle composite materials. A triple-scale asymptotic analysis is generalized to account for the damage phenomena occurring at micro-, meso- and macroscales. A closed-form expressions relating microscopic, mesoscopic and overall strains and damage is derived. The damage evolution is stated on the smallest scale of interest and non-local weighted phase average fields over micro- and mesophases are introduced to alleviate the spurious mesh dependence. Numerical simulation conducted on a composite beam made of Blackglas/Nextel 2-D weave is compared with the test data. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence for the formation of nucleosome-like histone complexes on single-stranded dna

Using histones reconstituted with RNA and DNA celluloses, we have shown elsewhere that histones elute identically with salt from single- and double-stranded DNA, but differently from RNA (Palter and Alberts, 1979). In this paper we characterize further the suspected specific binding interactions between histones and single-stranded DNA. Nuclease digestion of complexes of histone reconstituted with single-stranded DNA generates only a small yield of discrete (approximately 9S) particles. We can, however, efficiently obtain such 9S "nucleosome-like" complexes when nuclease treatment is avoided and histones are reconstituted directly with short single-stranded DNA pieces. Strikingly, these 9S subunits contain an equimolar composition of the four nucleosomal histones. When these subunits are visualized in the electron microscope, they appear as globular particles which are morphologically indistinguishable from normal mononucleosomes. Based on their sedimentation properties, histone-to-DNA ratio, histone composition and particle diameter, we conclude that they represent an octamer of the four histones (containing two molecules of each histone) associated with single-stranded DNA. These data, viewed in the context of other information concerning chromatin, suggest that nucleosome cores may become transiently bound to single strands of DNA as DNA and RNA polymerases pass.
Primary Graft Dysfunction Mimic – Pulmonary Vein Thrombosis in the Postoperative Lung Transplant Patient

Purpose Pulmonary vein thrombosis in postoperative lung transplant patients can be associated with significant mortality and morbidity. The incidence is reported to be between 9-15%. In the acute post-operative setting, it can be difficult to clinically differentiate from primary graft dysfunction. Methods and Materials Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing lung transplantation at our institution from Jan 1, 2011 to Nov 15, 2012 was done to determine the incidence of pulmonary venous thrombosis. Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is part of our diagnostic algorithm for primary graft dysfunction (PGD). Results A total of 232 patients underwent lung transplants at our institution between Jan 1, 2011 and Nov 15, 2012.4 patients were diagnosed with anastomotic pulmonary vein thrombosis giving an incidence rate of 0.9%. 4/4 patients had radiological infiltrates and decreased PaO2/FiO2 ratios at 0-6 hours post operatively meeting criteria for PGD. 3/4 patients survived. All patients were diagnosed based on visualization of thrombus on TEE, with increased peak flow velocities >100cm/sec and gradients >10 mm Hg across the obstruction. 3/4 patients required extracorporeal support. 3/4 patients sustained a cerebrovascular event in the postperative period. 1 patient had a preexisting hypercoaguable state. All 4 patients underwent surgical thrombectomy, and revision of the affected venous anastomosis. Conclusions Pulmonary venous thrombosis should be part of the differential diagnosis of patients undergoing lung transplantation meeting PGD criteria. TEE is the diagnostic tool of choice. There appears to be a high rate of cerebrovascular events in these patients. Surgical thrombectomy might confer a survival advantage. Patient Characteristics Age /sex P/F T0-6hrs ECMO support CVA Location of PVT Outcome 42/M 286 VV Yes LUPV Alive 1 year 54/F 51 VV and VA Yes LUPV, RUPV Died day 12 48/M 98 none Yes LUPV Alive 6 months 34/M 74 VV No LUPV Alive 3 months
Microanalysis of organic pigments and glazes in polychrome works of art by surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering

Scientific studies of works of art are usually limited by severe sampling restrictions. The identification of organic colorants, a class of compounds relevant for attribution and provenance studies, is further complicated by the low concentrations at which these compounds are used and by the interference of the protein-, gum-, or oil-binding media present in pigment and glaze samples. Surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) was successfully used to identify natural organic colorants in archaeological objects, polychrome sculptures, and paintings from samples smaller than 25 μm in diameter. The key factors in achieving the necessary sensitivity were a highly active stabilized silver colloid, obtained by the reproducible microwave-supported reduction of silver sulfate with glucose and sodium citrate, and a non-extractive hydrolysis sample treatment procedure that maximizes dye adsorption on the colloid. Among the examples presented are the earliest so far found occurrence of madder lake (in a 4,000 years old Egyptian object dating to the Middle Kingdom period), and the earliest known occurrence in Europe of the South Asian dyestuff lac (in the Morgan Madonna, a 12th century polychrome sculpture from Auvergne, France).
Perspectives on Disconnects Between Scientific Information and Management Decisions on Post-fire Recovery in Western US

Environmental regulations frequently mandate the use of “best available” science, but ensuring that it is used in decisions around the use and protection of natural resources is often challenging. In the Western US, this relationship between science and management is at the forefront of post-fire land management decisions. Recent fires, post-fire threats (e.g. flooding, erosion), and the role of fire in ecosystem health combine to make post-fire management highly visible and often controversial. This paper uses post-fire management to present a framework for understanding why disconnects between science and management decisions may occur. We argue that attributes of agencies, such as their political or financial incentives, can limit how effectively science is incorporated into decision-making. At the other end of the spectrum, the lack of synthesis or limited data in science can result in disconnects between science-based analysis of post-fire effects and agency policy and decisions. Disconnects also occur because of the interaction between the attributes of agencies and the attributes of science, such as their different spatial and temporal scales of interest. After offering examples of these disconnects in post-fire treatment, the paper concludes with recommendations to reduce disconnects by improving monitoring, increasing synthesis of scientific findings, and directing social-science research toward identifying and deepening understanding of these disconnects.
Binding interactions of mono- and diatomic silver cations with small alkenes: experiment and theory

Abstract Temperature-dependent equilibrium methods were used to measure sequential association energies and entropies for the attachment of C 2 H 4 and C 3 H 6 ligands to ground-state Ag + ( 1 S, 4d 10 ) and Ag 2 + ( 2 Σ g , 4d 20 σ(5s) 1 ). Experimental bond dissociation energies (BDEs) of Ag + (C 2 H 4 ) n are 32.2, 30.1, 13.6, 6.5 and 4.4 kcal/mol for n = 1–5, respectively, with the BDE of the sixth ligand estimated to be 3.3 kcal/mol. The BDEs of Ag 2 + (C 2 H 4 ) n are 24.7, 22.5, 12.5, 7.7 and 2.9 kcal/mol for n = 1–5, respectively. The BDEs of Ag + (C 3 H 6 ) n are 39.2, 32.9, 13.3, 7.0 and 3.0 kcal/mol and the BDEs of Ag 2 + (C 3 H 6 ) n are 28.1, 25.8, 12.4, 9.3 and 4.2 kcal/mol for n = 1–5, respectively. A first solvation shell of four is observed for the attachment of both C 2 H 4 and C 3 H 6 ligands to both the Ag + and Ag 2 + core ions with all subsequent ligand additions taking place in the second solvation shell. Electronic structure calculations at the DFT-B3LYP level were performed in order to determine the vibrational frequencies, rotational constants and geometries of all the observed Ag + and Ag 2 + clusters as well as the nature of the bonding of these clusters and its variation with core ion coordination.
Infrared Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy of the Water Cluster Bending Vibrations

We report the first measurement of water monomer bending vibrations in gaseous (H2O)n clusters. Infrared cavity ringdown spectroscopy reveals discrete and sequentially blue-shifted bands near 6 μm for n = 2−4 and unresolved broad features for n > 4, supporting both theoretical predictions and solid-state spectroscopy results. These measurements provide a measure of the monomer distortion that accompanies sequential hydrogen bond formation, which will be valuable for the construction of potential energy surfaces for describing water.
Predicting lymph node metastases in rectal cancer

For properly selected rectal cancers, local excision is a sphincter-saving alternative to abdominoperineal resection. If histologic assessment of a locally excised tumor reveals ominous features, further treatment with radical resection or irradiation may be necessary to treat potential lymph node metastases. PURPOSE: We wished to determine which features, if any, were predictors of nodal metastases. METHODS: Nine histologic and morphologic features of 62 radically excised rectal cancers were reviewed to determine which factors, if any, were associated with nodal disease. RESULTS: Using a chi-squared analysis, we found worsening differentiation (P=0.0001), increasing depth of penetration (P=0.026), a microtubular configuration of 20 percent or more (P=0.023), and the presence of venous (P=0.001) or perineural invasion (P=0.002) to significantly influence nodal disease. Lymphatic invasion was witnessed too infrequently to determine significance but, when present, was associated with nodal metastases in every case. Exophytic tumor morphology, mitotic count, and tumor size were not significant predictors. An analysis of variables determined that, of all factors or combination of factors examined, Broder's classification was the strongest predictor of nodal disease. CONCLUSIONS: If a rectal cancer is accessible and of small size to facilitate local excision, an in-depth histologic assessment is needed to determine if nodal metastases are likely on a statistical basis.
Thermal imaging of repetitive events at above-frame-rate frequencies

We have developed a technique that enables us to acquire images of high speed (>60 Hz), repetitive thermal phenomena. A prototype system has been built and used successfully to image events occurring at frequencies as high as 1 kHz. The theoretical upper frequency limit for the system is 4 kHz. The time required to acquire images with this technique is proportional to the frequency of the event of interest. The prototype system consists of an off-the-shelf imaging radiometer (Inframetrics lR 600), a microcomputer, and specially developed hardware and software. In this paper, we describe the theory and operation of the system.
Arginine: an unusual dietary requirement of pre-B lymphocytes?

Mammalian B cell development originates primarily in the fetal liver, and continues in neonatal bone marrow (BM) and adult BM throughout life. An expansive body of published data has provided a detailed account of the patterns of gene expression that characterize discrete stages of murine and human B cell development (1, 2). Targeted disruption of genes encoding transcription factors, immunoglobulin heavy and/or light chains and a variety of kinases have revealed the contribution of these molecules to the traversal of distinct checkpoints in B cell development (3, 4). Cytokines (i.e., interleukins, chemokines, interferons, and colony-stimulating factors), the ECM, and stromal cell components of the BM microenvironment play a crucial role in regulating the survival, proliferation, differentiation, and death of B lineage cells (5). Immunologists are accustomed to thinking about the role of these well-studied molecules in B cell development, but what about the role of something so fundamental as an amino acid? An intriguing report by de Jonge and colleagues in this issue of the JCI (6) identifies the amino acid arginine as being unexpectedly important in a specific stage of murine B cell development.
Ethics in Physical and Sport Education

(1996). Ethics in Physical and Sport Education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 67, No. 7, pp. 37-39.
SEPTUM STRUCTURE IN SPINIGER MEINECKELLUS

The structure of the hyphal septum in Spiniger meineckellus is of the dolipore type and is basically like that reported for other Holobasidiomycetes. The septum forms centripetally across the hypha and is accompanied by invagination of the plasmalemma. That portion of the septum surrounding the single central pore enlarges to form a septal swelling. The laminate central region of the septum wall extends through the septal swelling to the edge of the pore. On both sides of the septum there is a convex, laminate, electron-dense, perforate septal cap that covers the septal swelling and pore. The septal cap is sometimes continuous with endoplasmic reticulum that extends along the septum. Two electron-opaque rings surround the septal pore and rest on the shoulders of the septal swelling. Small, fine, dark filaments extend from these rings to narrow electron-dense bands inside the pore.
Multiple full-length NS3 molecules are required for optimal unwinding of oligonucleotide DNA in vitro

NS3 (nonstructural protein 3) from the hepatitis C virus is a 3' --> 5' helicase classified in helicase superfamily 2. The optimally active form of this helicase remains uncertain. We have used unwinding assays in the presence of a protein trap to investigate the first cycle of unwinding by full-length NS3. When the enzyme was in excess of the substrate, NS3 (500 nM) unwound >80% of a DNA substrate containing a 15-nucleotide overhang and a 30-bp duplex (45:30-mer; 1 nM). This result indicated that the active form of NS3 that was bound to the DNA prior to initiation of the reaction was capable of processive DNA unwinding. Unwinding with varying ratios of NS3 to 45:30-mer allowed us to investigate the active form of NS3 during the first unwinding cycle. When the substrate concentration slightly exceeded that of the enzyme, little or no unwinding was observed, indicating that if a monomeric form of the protein is active, then it exhibits very low processivity. Binding of NS3 to the 45:30-mer was measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assays, resulting in K(D) = 2.7 +/- 0.4 nM. Binding to individual regions of the substrate was investigated by measuring the K(D) for a 15-mer oligonucleotide as well as a 30-mer duplex. NS3 bound tightly to the 15-mer (K(D) = 1.3 +/- 0.2 nM) and, surprisingly, fairly tightly to the double-stranded 30-mer (K(D) = 11.3 +/- 1.3 nM). However, NS3 was not able to rapidly unwind a blunt-end duplex. Thus, under conditions of optimal unwinding, the 45:30-mer is initially saturated with the enzyme, including the duplex region. The unwinding data are discussed in terms of a model whereby multiple molecules of NS3 bound to the single-stranded DNA portion of the substrate are required for optimal unwinding.
Depression and treatment response: dynamic interplay of signaling pathways and altered neural processes

Since the 1960s, when the first tricyclic and monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressant drugs were introduced, most of the ensuing agents were designed to target similar brain pathways that elevate serotonin and/or norepinephrine signaling. Fifty years later, the main goal of the current depression research is to develop faster-acting, more effective therapeutic agents with fewer side effects, as currently available antidepressants are plagued by delayed therapeutic onset and low response rates. Clinical and basic science research studies have made significant progress towards deciphering the pathophysiological events within the brain involved in development, maintenance, and treatment of major depressive disorder. Imaging and postmortem brain studies in depressed human subjects, in combination with animal behavioral models of depression, have identified a number of different cellular events, intracellular signaling pathways, proteins, and target genes that are modulated by stress and are potentially vital mediators of antidepressant action. In this review, we focus on several neural mechanisms, primarily within the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, which have recently been implicated in depression and treatment response.
Plasticity theory of microinhomogeneous materials at large strain gradient

The complicated behaviour of multiphase and microheterogeneous materials occurs in many processes. Thus large strain and stress gradients appear near contact surfaces (due to friction), in localization regions (slip bands), and in compression of thin layers (Prandtl problem). Non-uniformly distributed inertia and body forces are observed in dynamic and magnetic material processing. Couple stress theories give only a phenomenological approach to the above pecularities, but micromechanics neglects these phenomena. In fact, body and inertia forces are not included in micromechanical description and boundary conditions are macroscopically uniform.There are several definitions of the concept of macroscopically uniform boundary data (Hill [1,2], Havner [3], for a detailed analysis see Havner [4]), which include some types of non-uniformity of stress or strain fields, e.g. ”wavelike” fluctuations [1], but we need to take into account the macroscopic non-uniformity. The simplest case of nonuniformity is the linearly distributed fields. The objective of this paper is the development of the general micromechanical approach to describe the heterogeneous media under macroscopically linear varied boundary data and for arbitrary body and inertia forces. Thus Hill’s formulas for the representative volume of the microheterogeneous materials under macroscopically uniform boundary conditions are generalized for boundary data corresponding to linear distributed macroscopic stress or strain tensors and the presence of non-uniformly distributed inertia and body forces. Relations for macroscopic stress, hyperstress, distortion and distortion gradient tensors are obtained. Energy identities are proved. Expressions for macroscopic inelastic strain and strain gradients, internal energy and elastic moduli are derived. The macroscopic normality principle for time-dependent and time-independent materials in stress-hyperstress space is substantiated. It is shown that the effective elastic
Intersubband thermophotovoltaic detectors

High-efficiency multiple-junction detectors for thermophotovoltaic energy conversion are designed based on the series combination of different quantum cascade structures. Numerical simulations indicate that these devices can outperform existing interband solutions.
THE PROCESS OF PHYSICS TEACHING ASSISTANTS’ PEDAGOGICAL CONTENT KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT

This study explored the process of physics teaching assistants’ (TAs) PCK development in the context of teaching a new undergraduate introductory physics course. Matter and Interactions (M&I) has recently adopted a new introductory physics course that focuses on the application of a small number of fundamental physical principles to the atomic and molecular nature of matter. The purpose of this study is to describe how the PCK of physics TAs in the M&I course was developed and enacted. Data collection began during the TA preparation workshop that was held before the semester and continued during the recitation and laboratory classes that the TAs taught during the semester. Through a qualitative, multiple case study research design, data were collected from multiple sources: non-participant observations, digitally recorded video, semi-structured interviews, TAs’ written reflections, and researchers’ field notes. Data analysis consisted of cross-case and within-case analyses. Data were analyzed using a constant comparative method. After data analysis, 2 main themes emerged related to the development of TA’s PCK: (a) TAs’ PCK developed from propositional knowledge to personal practical knowledge and (b) the process of knowledge development consisted of 3 phases: accepting, actualizing, and internalizing. The results of this study will not only contribute to the quest to identify the nature of professional knowledge of science teaching but also help guide preparation for innovative introductory physics courses and other college level science courses in the future.
Estimate of Spin Polarization for the Electron Storage Rings Spear and PEP

It has been found that the natural beam polarization produced during the process of synchrotron radiation in a high energy electron storage ring can reach 92.4% in an ideal situation. The question that remains is how strong are the various depolarization effects which, under unfavorable conditions, may significantly reduce the polarization to a lower value. In the following, we will first discuss briefly the origin of some depolarization mechanisms and then describe a matrix method used to calculate the strength of the depolarization effects and obtain an accurate estimate of the expected level of polarization. Applications to SPEAR and PEP are included as examples.
Circularly establishing feature correspondences and motion estimation for object tracking via multivisit of Kalman filtering

The validity of feature correspondences plays an important role for feature-correspondence based motion estimation, which leads to the final goal of object tracking. Though different data association methods have been proposed, the problem of feature correspondence is, in general, ill-posed due to either the presences of multiple candidates within search regions or no candidates because of occlusion or other factors. Our research is inspired by how we evaluate the effectiveness of the feature correspondence and how the evaluation will affect motion estimation. The evaluation of template based feature correspondence is achieved by considering the feedback of the latest motion estimation from first visit of Kalman Filtering. Then motion estimation and feature correspondence are re-processed based on evaluation result, which constitutes the second and third visit of Kalman filtering. What makes our work different from others is also that instead of restricting the semantic object tracking in 2D domain, our framework is formulated to recover the 3D depth values of selected features during motion estimation process.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Forest Diversity and Structure Surrounding Vernal Pools in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan, USA

Vernal pools have been identified as unique contributors to forest biodiversity, with habitat management guidelines commonly recommending concentric zones of varying conservation intensity. However, little is known about the associated edaphic and forest structure characteristics associated with vernal pools. At Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Michigan, USA), we measured a stratified-random sample of 18 of 51 vernal pools to investigate soil pH, down dead wood, tree stocking, species richness, species evenness, species diversity, and species importance values within and across these zones. Within the pool zone, live tree basal area and live tree density was significantly lower and down dead wood volume was significantly higher than either the buffer or matrix zones. Nested-ANOVA and NMDS ordination indicated that importance values of under-represented species increased closer to the vernal pool. Tree diversity and richness were positively correlated with vernal pool area. These findings suggest the buffer zone serves as a transition zone between vernal pools and the surrounding forest, complementing the proposed guideline goals of reducing impacts of forest management. Vernal pools are unique forested wetlands and may provide an opportunity to maintain and enhance ecosystem complexity and resiliency.
Effect of embedded steel on the compressive damage behavior of cement mortar

Steel embedded in cement mortar in the uniaxial compressive stress direction was found to decrease by 80% the compressive longitudinal strain at a given stress and increase by 300% the tensile transverse strain at a given longitudinal strain. The former effect is due to longitudinal confinement of mortar by steel. The latter is due to debonding at the steel-mortar interface.
Potassium-induced vascular relaxation in two kidney-one clip, renal hypertensive rats

This study was designed to characterize potassium-induced relaxation in vascular smooth muscle in two kidney-one clip (2K-1C), renal hypertensive rats. Potassium-induced relaxation was evaluated in the isolated tail artery and in the isolated pump perfused renal vasculature. Both preparations relaxed in response to potassium after contraction induced by norepinephrine in potassium-free solution. Arterial preparations from hypertensive rats showed greater relaxation than did those from normotensive rats. Potassium-induced relaxation in tail arteries from hypertensive rats was more sensitive to ouabain inhibition than those from normotensive rats; the renal vasculature of hypertensive rats did not differ from controls with respect to ouabain sensitivity. Relaxation in response to potassium in isolated tail artery segments varied with the: 1. length of incubation in potassium-free solution; 2. concentration of added potassium; and 3. concentration of norepinephrine added during the potassium-free interval. The amplitude of potassium relaxation is believed to be a functional measure of the electrogenic sodium pump. These experiments support the hypothesis that vascular smooth muscle from 2K-1C renal hypertensive rats has increased electrogenic sodium pump activity, in vitro.
Molecular alterations associated with aneurysmal remodeling are localized in the high hemodynamic stress region of a created carotid bifurcation.

Approximately 80% to 90% of intracranial aneurysms (IA) are saccular or berry pouches formed at or near bifurcation apices or on the outer curvature of curved vessels in regions of complex hemodynamics (42). IA formation is proposed to result from maladaptive vascular responses to elevated hemodynamic stress at these locations (24, 26, 37). However, the specific causative hemodynamic microenvironments responsible for the biological changes that underlie aneurysm-initiating remodeling have not been elucidated. Recently, we surgically created a Y-shaped bifurcation from 2 native common carotid arteries (CCAs) in dogs (28) and examined how a naive vessel responded to impinging flow at a bifurcation apex from time zero. We found that the periapical wall underwent destructive remodeling characteristic of IA initiation, including degradation of the internal elastic lamina, loss of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs), and reduced cell proliferation (29). Using high-resolution in vivo image-based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to quantify the impinging flow environment and its spatial association with the observed histological changes, we demonstrated that morphological and cellular aneurysmal changes were localized in a flow acceleration region characterized by high wall shear stress (WSS) and high WSS gradient (WSSG) (28, 29). These observations suggest that the aneurysm-initiating remodeling results from maladaptation of the periapical arterial wall to high WSS and high WSSG hemodynamic insult and that this hemodynamic microenvironment constitutes a “danger zone” prone to aneurysm initiation. The current study examines whether the maladaptive remodeling in response to high WSS and high WSSG hemodynamics induces significant molecular up- or down-regulation of specific markers associated with IAs, such as endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nitrotyrosine, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 (1, 3, 13, 19, 23, 39). Additionally, we sought to localize these findings to their specific hemodynamic environments.
A test of an adiabatic treatment of rotation for vibration/rotation energies of polyatomic molecules

Abstract A test of a quantum adiabatic treatment of rotational energy for the calculation of vibrational/rotational energies and dynamics of polyatomic molecules is presented. The approach is given in detail for triatomic systems, where it is shown, in the symmetric-top limit, to be the quantum analog of an earlier semiclassical Hamiltonian of McCurdy and Miller. A test of the adiabatic and standard centrifugal sudden decoupling methods is made for all the bound states of HCO for total angular momentum of one. The adiabatic approach is shown to be significantly more accurate that the centrifugal sudden approximation.
Health effects of low-level exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls

A polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) spill resulting from a transformer explosion in Syracuse, New York, with no subsequent fire, provided an opportunity for the examination of the effects of low-level PCB exposure without the confounding presence of furans and dioxins. The incident provided 52 individuals exposed to PCB among building personnel, police, firemen, and public utility employees. Sixty-eight nonexposed were matched to the exposed group by sex, age, employer, and job description. Data were collected on the exposed relative to their activities at the spill site, their location, possible routes of exposure, duration of exposure, and subsequent health effects. Exposed and nonexposed were interviewed for past medical history and relevant symptoms. Blood chemistries were studied inclusive of SGOT, SGPT, total protein, CBC, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, as well as a fasting blood PCB level measurement. Six weeks after the spill, exposed and nonexposed were reinterviewed and had their blood work repeated except for the CBC and PCB levels. Exposed and nonexposed laboratory results were unremarkable. Some transient skin irritation believed to be associated with PCBs was noted. There were significant PCBs in blood level trends for occupation, age, duration of exposure, and level of alcohol consumption. Triglyceride level was highly correlated with PCB level. This relationship held when age and alcohol consumption were controlled for.