cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Twelve-year outcomes of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy for T3 and/or positive margins managed with surveillance or salvage radiation therapy, based on risk groups

Abstract Background To assess 12-year outcomes on radical prostatectomy with T3/positive margins, while categorizing patients into risk groups. Methods From 2004 to 2007, 862 radical prostatectomy patients had T3/positive margins. Management included surveillance (54.8%), salvage radiation therapy (SRT) (36.8%), and primary androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) (8.5%). Freedom from biochemical failure, metastasis-free-survival (MFS), prostate cancer–specific survival (PCSS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier. Multivariable analysis established prognostic factors that affected PCSS, which were used to form risk groups. Subanalysis was performed on SRT patients. Results Median follow-up was 12.1 years. T3b, Gleason score (GS), and detectable postoperative PSA independently lowered PCSS. Very–low-risk (VLR) were GS 6. Low-risk (LR) were GS 3 + 4 with T3a or positive margins, but undetectable postoperative PSA Conclusions Outcomes of VLR/LR yields excellent results using surveillance or SRT as initial management, in which adjuvant radiation therapy or ADT plus SRT can be avoided. For HR, early SRT or adjuvant radiation therapy can be considered reasonable, and UHR patients may benefit from ADT plus immediate SRT.
Reactive Power Management in Real-Time at Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

Reactive power is especially important in electric power systems supporting the flow of real power through the bulk transmission system. However, reactive power monitoring is still often overlooked in real-time analysis and operations. Bigwood Systems, Inc. has developed and implemented a best practice solution called VAR Management Systems (VMSs) for monitoring and maintaining adequate reactive power reserves. This tool leverages algorithms for voltage stability analysis and steady-state power flow to deal with potential reactive power issues. The VMS tool seeks to define localized reactive power “zones”, then monitor and ensure sufficient reactive reserves are available locally. In addition to monitoring and analysis, a control recommendation engine for mitigation is provided to enhance reactive reserve zones. The VMS tool was first introduced in 2011 at Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and has since evolved into a key part of their standard operating procedures. Auditing organizations have deemed the VMS a “best practice solution” for electric utility reactive power management.
Informal diffusion of green infrastructure innovations in Indian megacities: perspectives from innovators and potential future adopters

Five early-stage sustainable urban water management innovations in India are examined utilizing diffusion of Innovations theory. Cases are described using grey literature, surveys, and qualitative ...
Functional MRI analysis with sparse models

Sparse models embed variable selection into model learning (e.g., by using l1-norm regularizer). In small-sample high-dimensional problems, this leads to improved generalization accuracy combined with interpretability, which is important in scientific applications such as biology. In this paper, we summarize our recent work on sparse models, including both sparse regression and sparse Gaussian Markov Random Fields (GMRF), in neuroimaging applications, such as functional MRI data analysis, where the central objective is to gain a better insight into brain functioning, besides just learning predictive models of mental states from imaging data.
Surfing the Protein-Protein Interaction Surface Using Docking Methods: Application to the Design of PPI Inhibitors

Blocking protein-protein interactions (PPI) using small molecules or peptides modulates biochemical pathways and has therapeutic significance. PPI inhibition for designing drug-like molecules is a new area that has been explored extensively during the last decade. Considering the number of available PPI inhibitor databases and the limited number of 3D structures available for proteins, docking and scoring methods play a major role in designing PPI inhibitors as well as stabilizers. Docking methods are used in the design of PPI inhibitors at several stages of finding a lead compound, including modeling the protein complex, screening for hot spots on the protein-protein interaction interface and screening small molecules or peptides that bind to the PPI interface. There are three major challenges to the use of docking on the relatively flat surfaces of PPI. In this review we will provide some examples of the use of docking in PPI inhibitor design as well as its limitations. The combination of experimental and docking methods with improved scoring function has thus far resulted in few success stories of PPI inhibitors for therapeutic purposes. Docking algorithms used for PPI are in the early stages, however, and as more data are available docking will become a highly promising area in the design of PPI inhibitors or stabilizers.
Multiple agents from the bottom up: the interaction lab's robot competition effort

Our goal is to exploit the benefits of multi-agent systems so as to gain a super-linear increase in performance relative to that of a single robot. By this we mean that a team of n robots either performs a task more than n times “better” (depending on the task, faster, more thoroughly, more reliably) than a single robot could perform the task, or performs a task that a single robot simply cannot. We strive to build these systems from the bottom up using behavior-based principles of system organization such as subsumption and activation (Brooks 85). We are preparing entries for three events Find Life on Mars, Vacuuming, and Hors-d’oeuvres serving where the responsiveness and flexibility of this approach will enable our robots to organize themselves into efficient, effective, and entertaining teams. Figure 1: The Interaction Lab Robots. In front are the Pioneers, surrounded by the four R2Es and twenty Rls. Our Approach Our Robots
Four Actors in Search of Security in Eurasia

The article deals with Issues of security on the Eurasian continent. Being both the source and the crossroads of the world’s energy resources, as well as much of the current ethnic and religious dissatisfaction with modernity and globalization, Eurasia will be the battleground where the conflicting dynamics of religion, globalization, nationalism and modernization will be fought. The article discusses the possible approaches of Russia, China, European Union and the United States to these problems.
Introduction to Intellectual Property and Security Minitrack

We have heard and read many times in the last several decades that the most important asset of an organization is the knowledge of its employees. To allow an easy access to knowledge, organizations are implementing Knowledge Repositories. While this type of automation made it easy to store and distribute knowledge, it also made it easy to move knowledge outside the boundaries of a company. Organizations put in place many technology-based security measures (firewalls, filtering systems), yet they shouldn't overlook the human-side of security practices. An organization can have the best security technology in place, yet a careless employee talking or emailing or posting on Facebook about the 'new development' at the company bypasses all this security technology with ease. Furthermore, one can find lot of information about current projects done by a company by searching the web. How can an organization effectively protect its intellectual property remains an answered question. What type of security and intelligence techniques are out that that can protect the IP? What are the best ways to train employees so that they would spot potentially criminal activity among employees? Could crowd sourcing be used in this case, meaning asking employees to vote on a particular issue to determine whether it represents a potential threat? This mini-track seeks papers that investigate issues related to security and protection of intellectual assets and explore how organizations can use security measures to protect their KM practices.
Rat nucleolar 7-2 RNA is homologous to mouse mitochondrial RNase mitochondrial RNA-processing RNA.

Abstract 7-2 RNA (also termed RNA M and 7SM RNA) is a noncapped small RNA present in small ribonucleoprotein particles; these particles are present in the granular compartment of the nucleolus. Some sera from patients with scleroderma specifically immunoprecipitate 7-2 RNA-containing particles (Hashimoto, C., and Steitz, J. A. (1983) J. Biol. Chem. 258, 1379-1382; Reddy, R., Tan, E. M., Henning, D., Nohga, K., and Busch, H. (1983) J. Biol. Chem. 258, 1383-1386; Reimer, G., Raska, I., Scheer, U., and Tan, E.M. (1988) Exp. Cell Res. 176, 117-128). In this study, the primary sequence of Novikoff hepatoma 7-2 RNA was determined and a possible secondary structure is presented. The Novikoff hepatoma 7-2 RNA is 94% homologous to the recently described mouse mitochondrial RNase MRP RNA, suggesting that Novikoff hepatoma 7-2 RNA may be the homologue of mouse MRP RNA. The presence of 7-2 RNA in nucleoli and in mitochondria suggests that 7-2 ribonucleoproteins, in addition to being essential components of mitochondrial RNase, may also be functional in nucleolar RNA processing and ribosome biogenesis.
Radioisotope Incorporation Via Aryl and Alkenyl Trialkyltin Intermediates

Organometallic chemistry has long played an important role in the synthesis of structurally unique and complex bioorganic compounds; however, it has been only within the last decade that the principles developed for synthetic organic chemistry have been applied to radiopharmaceutical chemistry. Since 1978 one can observe, in addition to the organotin reagents, the use of organolithium and Grignard reagents [3–4], organoboranes [5–8], organomercurials [9–11], and organosilanes [12–16] in the preparation of radio-chemicals. Although each of these reagents possesses certain methodological advantages, none can be applied to synthesis of all classes of compounds nor to the incorporation of all radionuclides. Organostannanes, organoboranes and organosilanes share many similar features with respect to the types of radionuclides that can be introduced and the classes of compounds which are accessible to radioisotope incorporation. However, it is the special features associated with the organostannanes that have made them of particular interest to us in our radiopharmaceutical chemistry program.
Actuator and sensor selection for robust control of aeroservoelastic systems

This paper proposes an approach for actuator and sensor selection for a small flexible aircraft. The approach is based on the synthesis of robust controllers accounting for model uncertainty. The objective is to find, out of a finite set of actuator/sensor configurations available in the aircraft, the best configuration that provides sufficient robustness and desired performance. The results show that the ability to stabilize and achieve performance objectives of aeroservoelastic systems is highly dependent on the selection of actuators and sensors for feedback control.
Dimensional metrology of lab-on-a-chip internal structures: a comparison of optical coherence tomography with confocal fluorescence microscopy

Summary The characterization of internal structures in a polymeric microfluidic device, especially of a final product, will require a different set of optical metrology tools than those traditionally used for microelectronic devices. We demonstrate that optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging is a promising technique to characterize the internal structures of poly(methyl methacrylate) devices where the subsurface structures often cannot be imaged by conventional wide field optical microscopy. The structural details of channels in the devices were imaged with OCT and analyzed with an in-house written ImageJ macro in an effort to identify the structural details of the channel. The dimensional values obtained with OCT were compared with laser-scanning confocal microscopy images of channels filled with a fluorophore solution. Attempts were also made using confocal reflectance and interferometry microscopy to measure the channel dimensions, but artefacts present in the images precluded quantitative analysis. OCT provided the most accurate estimates for the channel height based on an analysis of optical micrographs obtained after destructively slicing the channel with a microtome. OCT may be a promising technique for the future of three-dimensional metrology of critical internal structures in lab-on-a-chip devices because scans can be performed rapidly and noninvasively prior to their use. Lay description Lab-on-a-chip is a relatively new commercial technology that requires advanced characterization methods to measure internal structures embedded within the devices. Because the structures exist beneath the surface, methods that can interrogate the subsurface layer were evaluated. We compared several optical methods, namely optical coherence tomography, confocal reflectance microscopy, confocal fluorescence microscopy and interference microscopy, for measuring the dimensions of a microfabricated, polymeric channel. The methods were compared on the basis of their accuracy and precision for determining the channel dimensions. The height determined by optical coherence tomography was accurate and can be obtained completely noninvasively. Both optical coherence tomography and confocal microscopy provided similar underestimates of the channel width, highlighting the challenge of accurately measuring subsurface structures in these systems.
Cross-species conservation of endocrine pathways: a critical analysis of tier 1 fish and rat screening assays with 12 model chemicals.

Many structural and functional aspects of the vertebrate hypothalamic−pituitary−gonadal (HPG) axis are known to be highly conserved, but the significance of this from a toxicological perspective has received comparatively little attention. High-quality data generated through development and validation of Tier 1 tests for the U.S. Environmenal Protection Agency Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP) offer a unique opportunity to compare responses of mammals versus fish to chemicals that may affect shared pathways within the HPG axis. The present study focuses on data generated with model chemicals that act (primarily) as estrogen receptor agonists (17α-ethynylestradiol, methoxychlor, bisphenol A), androgen receptor agonists (methyltestosterone, 17β-trenbolone), androgen receptor antagonists (flutamide, vincolozolin, p,p′-DDE), or inhibitors of different steroidogenic enzymes (ketoconazole, fadrozole, fenarimol, prochloraz). All 12 chemicals had been tested in the EDSP fish short-term (21 d) reproduction assay and in one or more of the four in vivo Tier 1 screens with rats (uterotrophic, Hershberger, male and female pubertal assays). There was a high concordance between the fish and rat assays with respect to identifying chemicals that impacted specific endocrine pathways of concern. Although most chemicals were detected as positive in both rat and fish assays, eliminating data from one class of vertebrate or the other would weaken the battery. For example, the effects of competitive inhibitors of steroid hormone synthesis were far more obvious in the fish assay, whereas the activity of androgen receptor antagonists was clearer in mammalian assays. The observations are significant both to the cross-species extrapolation of toxicity of HPG-active substances and the optimization of screening and testing frameworks for endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:1084–1087. © 2013 SETAC
Renal scans in pregnant transplant patients

This study demonstrates the normal technetium-99m diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid ((/sup 99m/Tc)DTPA) renal scan in pregnant patients with transplanted kidneys. Five pregnant renal transplant patients had seven (/sup 99m/Tc)DTPA renal studies to assess allograft perfusion and function. All scans showed the uteroplacental complex. The bladder was always compressed and distorted. The transplanted kidney was frequently rotated to a more vertical position. In all patients allograft flow and function were maintained. There was calyceal retention on all studies and ureteral retention activity in three of five patients. Using the MIRD formalism, the total radiation absorbed dose to the fetus was calculated to be 271 mrad. This radiation exposure is well within NRCP limits for the fetus of radiation workers and an acceptable low risk in the management of these high risk obstetric patients.
Bayesian Probabilistic Projection of International Migration

We propose a method for obtaining joint probabilistic projections of migration for all countries, broken down by age and sex. Joint trajectories for all countries are constrained to satisfy the requirement of zero global net migration. We evaluate our model using out-of-sample validation and compare point projections to the projected migration rates from a persistence model similar to the method used in the United Nations' World Population Prospects, and also to a state-of-the-art gravity model.
Communication-constrained distributed task assignment

This paper considers the problem of distributed assignment of tasks to agents in the presence of task constraints, where the agents use a known, but arbitrary communication topology. The task assignment problem considered here requires that all agents that perform tasks related by a task constraint be able to communicate directly. The problem is motivated by complex military missions where tasks are assigned to various vehicles and tasks must be scheduled to meet constraints between them. This requires communication between vehicles responsible for tasks that are related by constraints. The physically distributed and dynamic nature of such missions combined with unreliable communication motivates algorithms that can perform the required distributed planning. Toward this goal, we introduce a method that assigns tasks under the restrictions imposed by these mission constraints. The new method presented here is a distributed search designed to solve a nonlinear, distributed constrained assignment problem for which a proof of correctness is presented. The method is illustrated on an example involving two unmanned air vehicles and two unmanned ground vehicles.
Synthesis of discrete model reference adaptive systems

The synthesis of discrete model reference adaptive systems is discussed from the hyperstability point of view. The results included here are an extension of previous results obtained by the author for the continuous case [1].
Gold(I)-catalyzed coupling reactions for the synthesis of diverse small molecules using the build/couple/pair strategy.

The build/couple/pair strategy has yielded small molecules with stereochemical and skeletal diversity by using short reaction sequences. Subsequent screening has shown that these compounds can achieve biological tasks considered challenging if not impossible (‘undruggable’) for small molecules. We have developed gold(I)-catalyzed cascade reactions of easily prepared propargyl propiolates as a means to achieve effective intermolecular coupling reactions for this strategy. Sequential alkyne activation of propargyl propiolates by a cationic gold(I) catalyst yields an oxocarbenium ion that we previously showed is trapped by C-based nucleophiles at an extrannular site to yield α-pyrones. Here, we report O-based nucleophiles react by ring opening to afford a novel polyfunctional product. In addition, by coupling suitable building blocks, we subsequently performed intramolecular pairing reactions that yield diverse and complex skeletons. These pairing reactions include one based on a novel aza-Wittig-6π-electroc...
The evolution of the Henry Draper memorial

The name Draper is associated with pioneering achievements in photography and spectroscopy. John William Draper (1811-82), a prominent physician, is, however, best remembered for his investigations in photochemistry, photography, and spectroscopy) He was the first to take a daguerreotype portrait with the subject's eyes open; he made the first successful photograph of the moon in 1840; and somewhat later photographed the spectrum of the sun, being the first to reveal the ultraviolet and infrared portions. He also identified the lines in the solar spectrum due to the earth's atmosphere. One of his three sons, Henry Draper, M.D. (1837-82), followed closely in his father's footsteps. Also prominent in the medical profession, he, too, is better remembered for his achievements in spectrum photography, especially for having been the first to obtain a photograph of a stellar spectrum showing lines -the spectrum of Vega in 1872. 5 Earlier, in 1863, Sir William Huggins in England had made the attempt, but his spectrum showed no lines, only a continuum. 3
Interactive projection for aerial dance using depth sensing camera

This paper describes an interactive performance system for oor and Aerial Dance that controls visual and sonic aspects of the presentation via a depth sensing camera (MS Kinect). In order to detect, measure and track free movement in space, 3 degree of freedom (3-DOF) tracking in space (on the ground and in the air) is performed using IR markers. Gesture tracking and recognition is performed using a simpli ed HMM model that allows robust mapping of the actor's actions to graphics and sound. Additional visual e ects are achieved by segmentation of the actor body based on depth information, allowing projection of separate imagery on the performer and the backdrop. Artistic use of augmented reality performance relative to more traditional concepts of stage design and dramaturgy are discussed.
Dependence of the steady-state compliance on concentration and molecular weight in polymer solutions

Low-frequency dynamic viscoelastic measurements have been made on solutions of four polystyrenes with nearly uniform molecular weights (M) ranging from 19,800 to 860,000, in three chlorinated diphenyls covering a wide range of viscosities, at concentrations (c) up to 0.35 g./ml. The steady-state compliances (Je), derived from these measurements, are proportional to M/c for M ≥ 82,000 and c ≥ 0.08 g./ml., and their magnitudes agree with the prediction of the Rouse theory. For M = 19,800, Je is abnormally small, and the frequency dependence of the viscoelastic properties also deviates from both Rouse and Zimm theories, suggesting that the molecular length is too small for applicability of the Rouse-Zimm model. At decreasing concentrations deviations from M/c proportionality occur for two reasons: the magnitude of Je shifts from the Rouse prediction to the Zimm prediction, and the concentration dependence shifts from inversely proportional to directly proportional. Both changes are attributed to the disappearance of coil interpenetration with decreasing concentration, and in qualitative agreement with this interpretation they appear to be correlated with the product of concentration and intrinsic viscosity when data for different molecular weights are compared.
Moxifloxacin, a New Antibiotic Designed to Treat Community-Acquired Respiratory Tract Infections: A Review of Microbiologic and Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Characteristics

Moxifloxacin (BAY 12-8039) is a new 8-methoxy-fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent. The minimum inhibitory concentration for 90% of organisms (MIC 90 ) is less than 0.25 mg/L for commonly isolated community-acquired respiratory tract pathogens including penicillin-susceptible and -resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus sp, and Moraxella catarrhalis, and less than 1.0 mg/L for atypical pathogens such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila. To date, emergence of resistance to moxifloxacin has been uncommon, including selection of resistance under experimental conditions (methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, S. pneumoniae). A postantibiotic effect is observed for both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Human pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers after a single 400-mg oral dose were mean maximum concentration (C max ) 3.2 mg/L, area under the curve (AUC) 37 mg.hour/L, and terminal elimination half-life 12.0 hours. At steady-state, C max and AUC were approximately 4.5 mg/L and 48 mg.hour/L, respectively. Because of a balanced system of excretion, no dosage adjustments are required in patients with renal or hepatic impairment. Moxifloxacin also has excellent penetration into upper and lower respiratory tissues. Laboratory pharmacodynamic models suggest that MIC and AUC values predict therapeutic response. Notably, the drug can be administered once/day and is not associated with drug interactions secondary to altered hepatic metabolism. In addition, since its metabolism does not involve the cytochrome P450 system, many common drug interactions are absent. The agent is being investigated in clinical trials and shows promise as a safe and effective once-daily treatment of respiratory infections. In addition, its chemical structure and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties indicate that it has enhanced potential to minimize emergence of bacterial resistance, which should make it an excellent choice for treating respiratory tract infections now and in the future.
Promotion of the in vitro renaturation of dodecameric glutamine synthetase from Escherichia coli in the presence of GroEL (chaperonin-60) and ATP.

The folding and assembly of dodecameric glutamine synthetase (GS) from Escherichia coli was examined in the absence and presence of the E. coli heat shock protein, GroEL (chaperonin-60). At nonphysiological temperatures (15-20 degrees C), unfolded GS spontaneously renatured to 80-90% of its original activity in the absence of GroEL. At near-physiological temperatures (37 degrees C), only 20-40% of the original activity returns. Under the latter solution conditions, GroEL and ATP enhance the extent of GS renaturation to 70-80% of the original activity at 37 degrees C. In the absence of ATP, GroEL arrests the renaturation of unfolded GS by forming a stable binary complex. The addition of ATP to this complex resulted in the release of GS subunits and formation of active dodecameric GS. The order of addition of ATP or unfolded GS to GroEL results in differences in the t1/2 values where half-maximal GS activity is attained. At a constant GS concentration, the formation of the GroEL.GS complex followed by ATP addition resulted in approximately a 2-fold increase in the observed t1/2 value compared to that observed when GroEL was preincubated with ATP before the GS renaturation reaction was initiated. These differences in renaturation rates may be related to binding affinity differences between the ATP-free and -bound GroEL conformer for unfolded or partially folded protein substrates [Badcoe, I. G., Smith, C. J., Wood, S., Halsall, D. J., Holbrook, J. J., Lund, P., & Clarke, A. R. (1991) Biochemistry 30, 9195-9200].(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Droplet coalescence and breakup with application to polymer blending

In this presentation, I summarize recent experimental and theoretical studies from my group on the breakup and coalescence of polymer drops in a second immiscible polymeric fluid. A particular focus is the role of “compatibilizers” in these processes. Compatibilizers are typically di-block copolymers of the two bulk polymers, and thus they act as large surfactants insofar as the breakup and coalescence processes are concerned. Compatibilizers inhibit coalescence, and lead to major changes in the distribution of drop sizes when a drop is stretched by a flow and then breaks by capillary instability when the flow is stopped.
Limitations and significance of thermal washout data obtained during microwave and ultrasound hyperthermia

It is common in clinical hyperthermia to calculate an 'effective blood flow' by neglecting tissue thermal conduction and fitting thermal washout data to a simple, perfusion-dominated exponential model. We have applied this approach to characterize thermal dissipative mechanisms in patients treated at the Harvard-MIT Hyperthermia Center, by analysing thermal washout curves which were obtained during treatment sessions by momentarily interrupting the applied heating. Unfortunately, these measurements of 'effective blood flow' in patient sessions have given inconsistent results. These inconsistencies arise from uncertainties inherent in the clinical situation: the actual thermal boundary conditions and the spatiotemporal characteristics of the heating field. To quantify these observations a Green's function solution to the tissue bioheat equation has been derived, to enable temperature fields produced by various heating geometries to be easily calculated. This has been applied to the analysis of temperature decay curves following local energy deposition representative of ultrasound and microwave hyperthermia therapy devices. These results show that thermal washout data are as dependent on patient- and session-specific parameters as on tissue properties and perfusion. For measurements of effective blood flow following ultrasonic heating, errors are dependent on the measurement position within the heated volume, heating geometry, and duration of heating prior to the decay; for microwave heating, results are dependent on the position of the measurement point within the heated field, the heating frequency, and the surface boundary conditions, whether heated, cooled, or insulated. Thus, any effective tissue property calculated without correctly modelling the heating geometry, boundary conditions and initial conditions will be of a qualitative rather than quantitative nature, and may lead to erroneous and misleading conclusions concerning tissue and tumour response.
Genetic testing in neuromuscular disease.

With the completion of the human genome, the availability of genetic testing is becoming widespread at a rapid pace. Testing for rare neurologic conditions often is possible. With the availability of this testing, it becomes necessary for the physician to be able to determine the potential benefits of testing and when and what testing is warranted. Understanding testing methods, interpreting complex results, and dealing with the ethical, social, and personal issues that arise for patients and families is critical for their care.
The origin, evolution and structure of the protein world

Contemporary protein architectures can be regarded as molecular fossils, historical imprints that mark important milestones in the history of life. Whereas sequences change at a considerable pace, higher-order structures are constrained by the energetic landscape of protein folding, the exploration of sequence and structure space, and complex interactions mediated by the proteostasis and proteolytic machineries of the cell. The survey of architectures in the living world that was fuelled by recent structural genomic initiatives has been summarized in protein classification schemes, and the overall structure of fold space explored with novel bioinformatic approaches. However, metrics of general structural comparison have not yet unified architectural complexity using the ‘shared and derived’ tenet of evolutionary analysis. In contrast, a shift of focus from molecules to proteomes and a census of protein structure in fully sequenced genomes were able to uncover global evolutionary patterns in the structure of proteins. Timelines of discovery of architectures and functions unfolded episodes of specialization, reductive evolutionary tendencies of architectural repertoires in proteomes and the rise of modularity in the protein world. They revealed a biologically complex ancestral proteome and the early origin of the archaeal lineage. Studies also identified an origin of the protein world in enzymes of nucleotide metabolism harbouring the P-loop-containing triphosphate hydrolase fold and the explosive discovery of metabolic functions that recapitulated well-defined prebiotic shells and involved the recruitment of structures and functions. These observations have important implications for origins of modern biochemistry and diversification of life.
The Effect of Washing Eggs under Commercial Conditions on Bacterial Loads on Egg Shells

Abstract Thirty-three sample sets, each consisting of washed and unwashed eggs, and washwater were collected from four commercial egg grading plants in Maryland and southeastern Pennsylvania. The four plants used different combinations of washing compounds and sanitizing or water rinses. Bacterial loads on eggs were determined both by a surface rinse method and by a method involving evacuating and blending the shells (EB). Total plate counts at 22 and 37 C were not significantly different. Surface counts on washed eggs in plants using sanitizing rinses were frequently very low (
Increased midkine expression correlates with desmoid tumour recurrence: a potential biomarker and therapeutic target

Desmoid tumours (DTs) are soft tissue monoclonal neoplasms exhibiting a unique phenotype, consisting of aggressive local invasiveness without metastatic capacity. While DTs can infrequently occur as part of familial adenomatosis polyposis, most cases arise sporadically. Sporadic DTs harbour a high prevalence of CTNNB1 mutations and hence increased β-catenin signalling. However, β-catenin downstream transcriptional targets and other molecular deregulations operative in DT inception and progression are currently not well defined, contributing to the lack of sensitive molecular prognosticators and efficacious targeted therapeutic strategies. We compared the gene expression profiles of 14 sporadic DTs to those of five corresponding normal tissues and six solitary fibrous tumour specimens. A DT expression signature consisting of 636 up- and 119 down-regulated genes highly enriched for extracellular matrix, cell adhesion and wound healing-related proteins was generated. Furthermore, 98 (15%) of the over-expressed genes were demonstrated to contain a TCF/LEF consensus binding site in their promoters, possibly heralding direct β-catenin downstream targets relevant to DT. The protein products of three of the up-regulated DT genes: ADAM12, MMP2 and midkine, were found to be commonly expressed in a large cohort of human DT samples assembled on a tissue microarray. Interestingly, enhanced midkine expression significantly correlated with a higher propensity and decreased time for primary DT recurrence (log-rank p = 0.0025). Finally, midkine was found to enhance the migration and invasion of primary DT cell cultures. Taken together, these studies provide insights into potential DT molecular aberrations and novel β-catenin transcriptional targets. Further studies to confirm the utility of midkine as a clinical DT molecular prognosticator and a potential therapeutic target are therefore warranted. Raw gene array data can be found at: http://smd.stanford.edu/ Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Unusual Complication of Left Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm: Hemoptysis

Left ventricular aneurysm is a common sequela of anterior myocardial infarction. At the time of coronary artery bypass grafting, resection of this aneurysm is frequently undertaken to alleviate symptoms of heart failure and/or refractory ventricular tachycardia. Complications related to aneurysmectomy are uncommon. We describe an unusual patient who presented with hemoptysis related to the formation of a pseudoaneurysm which communicated with the lung parenchyma. The etiology of the pseudoaneurysm formation was an indolent, slow-growing infection.
'User friendly' software for an integrated water-energy management system for center pivot irrigation.

Abstract Computers are becoming more commonly used by farmers for improving their management. The big need is ‘user friendly’ software for use by farmers. An integrated water-energy management system was developed. It includes ‘user friendly’ software run on a microcomputer which communicates to center pivot irrigation systems via radio. The program provides monitoring, control, irrigation scheduling and electrical load control. The system has been used and accepted by our cooperator for three irrigation seasons. He has been able to improve his management and reduce the amount of overirrigation and the variation between systems of total water applied.
The ultrastructure of sperm development in the plant-parasitic nematode Meloidogyne hapla.

Chromosomes of Meloidogyne hapla during spermatogonial divisions have diffuse centromeres, thus, chromosomal movement to the poles at anaphase is of the holokinetic type. Fibrillar bodies are not present in the cytoplasm of the spermatocyte at prometaphase I, but are present at early metaphase II. The spermatid has a large nucleus with a nuclear envelope and a differentiated cytoplasmic region. The latter contains ditcyosomes that are active in the production of secretion vesicles. Few fibrillar bodies are present in the spermatid, but reappear in great numbers in the mature sperm. Spermatozoa from a meiotic and mitotic race of M. hapla are similar in structure. The condensed nucleus does not have a nuclear envelope. Granular “spherical bodies” that are in close association with the condensed chromatin, have been shown to contain ribonucleoprotein (RNP), and thus, are of nucleolar origin.
Training older workers in industry

The work force of the near future will contain both a larger number and percentage of workers over the age of 55. Many of these older workers will re-enter the full-time work force in new areas or will transition into pools of contingent workers. Recent changes in labor law will also help keep older workers in the work place longer. The combination of these factors creates a situation where understanding the training and retraining needs of older workers is critical for continued productivity improvements. This paper summarizes the general state of current knowledge on training older workers, focusing on visual inspection and computer system usage. Generalizable aspects of training programs which have been successful are then considered, followed by identification of the areas in which research is most lacking.
Preoperative chemotherapy and irradiation for stage III non-small cell lung cancer.

Abstract Surgical therapy for stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not resulted in substantial long-term survival. Neoadjuvant treatment programs that could down-stage the tumor and achieve increased long-term survival would be of obvious benefit. We have used preoperative simultaneous chemotherapy and irradiation in 85 patients with clinical stage III non-small cell lung cancer considered candidates for surgical resection. One group of 56 patients was treated with cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and simultaneoaus irradiation for five days every other week for a total of four cycles. After treatment, 39 patients underwent resection, and the operative mortality was 2 (5%) of 39. A second trial was undertaken in which etoposide (VP-16) was added because of its synergism with cisplatin. In this group, 29 patients were considered to have potentially resectable disease, and 23 underwent thoracotomy with 1 operative death (4%). Of the total of 62 patients having thoracotomy, 60 underwent resection (97%). Complications were major, and there were four bronchopleural fistulas. For the 85 patients eligible for surgical intervention in these two groups of patients, the Kaplan-Meier median survival estimate is 40% at 3 years. The median survival of the 62 patients having thoracotomy is 36.6 months. Combination preoperative chemotherapy and irradiation is feasible with acceptable toxicity and operative mortality in patients with clinical stage III non-small cell lung cancer. Prospective randomized studies are suggested for further evaluation of this treatment program.
Embryo Stem Cell Research: Ten Years of Controversy

This overview of 10 years of stem cell controversy reviews the moral conflict that has made ESCs so controversial and how this conflict plays itself out in the legal realm, focusing on the constitutional status of efforts to ban ESC research or ESC-derived therapies. It provides a history of the federal funding debate from the Carter to the Obama administrations, and the importance of the Raab memo in authorizing federal funding for research with privately derived ESCs despite the Dickey-Wicker ban on federal funding of embryo research. It also reviews the role that scientists themselves have played in developing regulations for ESC research, the emergence of ESCROs as special review bodies for ESC research, and the thorough consent requirements for donation of IVF embryos to ESC research. With research now transitioning from the lab to the clinic, the article reviews the challenges of ensuring safety and consent in translational research. It concludes with a call for respecting those persons who have to using or working with ESC products and an account of how obtaining stem cells from a person's own cells will alleviate some but not all of the controversy surrounding ESC research.
Advanced biomaterials for repairing the nervous system: what can hydrogels do for the brain?

Newly developed hydrogels are likely to play significant roles in future therapeutic strategies for the nervous system. In this review, unique features of the central nervous system (i.e., the brain and spinal cord) that are important to consider in developing engineered biomaterials for therapeutic applications are discussed. This review focuses on recent findings in hydrogels as biomaterials for use as (1) drug delivery devices, specifically focusing on how the material can change the delivery rate of small molecules, (2) scaffolds that can modify the post-injury environment, including preformed and injectable scaffolds, (3) cell delivery vehicles, discussing cellular response to natural and synthetic polymers as well as structured and amorphous materials, and (4) scaffolds for tissue regeneration, describing micro- and macro-architectural constructs that have been designed for neural applications. In addition, key features in each category that are likely to contribute to the translational success of these biomaterials are highlighted.
Judgment Biases and Characteristics of Friendships of Mexican American and Anglo-American Girls and Boys

Gender and ethnic patterns in ratings and assessments of four dimensions of friendship qualities were investigated (emotional attachment, support, shared activities, and conflicts) with 122 Anglo-American and Mexican American early adolescents (63 girls; mean age 10.36 years), as were links between ratings and assessments. Participants named a favorite friend, rated their perceptions of the hypothetical behaviors of that friend or an unfamiliar peer in scenarios that varied by actor’s intention and outcome of the actor’s behavior on the participant, and completed two measures designed to assess friendship quality. Girls, but not boys, rated friends’ behaviors as more positive than the similar behaviors of unfamiliar peers and reported higher levels of attachment and support in their friendships. Similar rating patterns were found for Anglo-American and Mexican American participants. In addition, ratings of friends’ behaviors in scenarios that presented neutral intentions were correlated with the level of ...
Developmental differences in the use of retrieval cues to describe episodic information in memory

Abstract In four experiments, this study examined some reasons why second and fourth grade children use cues relatively ineffectively to retrieve episodic information in memory. Retrieval success was conceptualized as using a cue to describe episodic information in memory. The experiments manipulated factors hypothesized to affect the discriminability and constructability of compatible encodings of context cue information at retrieval. In general, the effects were accomplished by varying the specificity of cue-target information at acquisition, and similar or different samplings of cue information alone at retrieval by means of orienting questions. Experiment 1 varied the encoding of item specific or categorical information. Experiment 2 varied the encoding of supercategorical or subcategorical information. Experiment 3 used two acquisition trials, crossing Categorical × Item Specific encoding and repeating identical encoding experiences. Experiment 4 varied Separate and Interactive Imagery encoding instructions. The results showed that problems of both discriminability and constructability contribute to developmental differences in the use of retrieval cues.
Trauma and Falls in the Elderly

The number of people living longer and staying active continues to rise, resulting in an increase in the incidence of trauma-related vis-its by older persons to emergency departments. The elderly sustain a disproportionate share of fractures and serious injury, and represent a unique subset of patients with special needs and considerations. This article reviews the current literature on the management of elderly patients with trauma, including the physiologic changes of aging relevant to the management of trauma, injury patterns unique to geriatric victims of trauma, and aspects particular to resuscitation and general management of geriatric trauma victims. We include a discussion of the evaluation and management of falls in the elderly, including assessment of fall risk.
Bayesian estimation of reliability for batches of high reliability single-use parts

Frequentist and Bayesian approaches are described for predicting the reliability of the remaining subset of the batch, conditional on all of the other tested parts working correctly.
Calculations of relic densities in the early universe

The cosmological relic densities of stable particles are calculated to high precision. The results depend on assumptions made about the quark-hadron phase transition. We discuss in detail the calculation of the thermally averaged annihilation cross section. We consider the specific cases of photinos, higgsinos, and Dirac and Majorana neutrinos.
The solar flares of August 28 and 30, 1966

We describe observations of the class 3+ flare of August 28, 1966, made at the Mount Wilson Observatory. This great proton flare followed the sequence: (1) Precursor flare; (2) Filament eruption; (3) Beginning in penumbra of large spot; (4) Rapid elongation in two strands; (5) Great spray and surface wave; (6) Rapid separation of two strands to maximum brightness; and (7) Slow spread of brightness and decay.
Reperfusion-induced neutrophil CD18 polarization: effect of hyperbaric oxygen.

Background Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) inhibits ischemia reperfusion (IR) -induced neutrophil adhesion to endothelium through an unknown mechanism. This study evaluates the effect of HBO on IR-stimulated neutrophil adhesion and polarization of expressed CD18 adhesion molecules using a novel in vitro adhesion assay and confocal microscopy. Materials and methods Neutrophils from normal animals were isolated from whole blood and incubated with plasma from rat gracilis muscle flaps on coverslips pretreated with ICAM. Percent adherence to ICAM and CD18 polarization was evaluated in the following five groups: (1) Nonischemic control, n = 15; (2) 4 h ischemia (IR, n = 15); (3) 4 h ischemia with HBO treatment (100% oxygen at 2.5 atmospheres absolute (IR + HBO, n = 15)); (4) 4 h ischemia with 100% oxygen at room temperature and pressure (RTP) (IR + normobaric hyperoxia, n = 5); and (5) 4 h ischemia with 8% oxygen at 2.5 atmospheres absolute (IR + hyperbaric normoxia, n = 5). Direct HBO treatment of neutrophils was also evaluated. Results Neutrophils exposed to IR plasma showed a significant increase in percent adherent (0.8 ± 0.1% versus 16.7 ± 2.2%, P versus 43.9 ± 12.2%, P P = Conclusions Hyperbaric oxygen inhibits IR-induced neutrophil adhesion by blocking CD18 surface polarization and requires plasma exposure to HBO. Treatment with oxygen or pressure alone is not effective.