cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Asymmetric Cell Divisions: A View from Plant Development

All complex multicellular organisms must solve the problem of generating diverse and appropriately patterned cell types. Asymmetric division, in which a single mother cell gives rise to daughters with distinct identities, is instrumental in the generation of cellular diversity and higher-level patterns. In animal systems, there exists considerable evidence for conserved mechanisms of polarization and asymmetric division. Here, we consider asymmetric cell divisions in plants, highlighting the unique aspects of plant cell biology and organismal development that constrain the process, but also emphasizing conceptual and mechanistic similarities with animal asymmetric divisions.
Improving efficacy of clinical islet transplantation with iodixanol-based islet purification, thymoglobulin induction, and blockage of IL-1β and TNF-α.

Poor efficacy is one of the issues for clinical islet transplantation. Recently, we demonstrated that pancreatic ductal preservation significantly improved the success rate of islet isolation; howe...
A dual dominant selection, dual marker gene amplification model for environmental surveillance of recombinant viral vaccines

A simple dual dominant selection marker gene model is proposed for recombinant DNA (rDNA) viral vaccines. Marker genes are also used as targets for in vitro DNA amplification (polymerase chain reaction). Environmentally stable and destabilized rDNA viruses are easily recovered and identified. Use of the model would facilitate evaluation of pressing environmental and safety issues surrounding release of rDNA herpesviruses and poxviruses into the biosphere.
Design of axially super-resolving phase filters using the method of generalized projections

The design of pupil phase filters that super-resolve the axial intensity distribution with controlled side-lobe peak intensity under high numerical aperture conditions can be accomplished by incorporating the theory of electromagnetic diffraction in the method of generalized projections (MGP). The MGP results are however strongly dependent on the starting conditions and the applied constraints. In this report we study this dependence by investigating different starting pupil functions and introducing modifications to the applied constraints. Methods are described and implemented to generate a systematic set of starting conditions that enable a more thorough search of the solutions space. This approach generated results for which 95% have a super-resolved central-lobe, yet only a subset of those solutions offer a satisfactory compromise between super-resolution of the central-lobe and increased intensity of the axial side-lobes. These solutions are presented and discussed in the context of specific applications.
Biomarkers affected by impact velocity and maximum strain of cartilage during injury

Abstract Osteoarthritis is one of the most common, debilitating, musculoskeletal diseases; 12% associated with traumatic injury resulting in post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Our objective was to develop a single impact model with cartilage “injury level” defined in terms of controlled combinations of strain rate to a maximum strain (both independent of cartilage load resistance) to study their sensitivity to articular cartilage cell viability and potential PTOA biomarkers. A servo-hydraulic test machine was used to measure canine humeral head cartilage explant thickness under repeatable pressure, then subject it (except sham and controls) to a single impact having controlled constant velocity V =1 or 100 mm/s (strain rate 1.82 or 182/s) to maximum strain e =10%, 30%, or 50%. Thereafter, explants were cultured in media for twelve days, with media changed at day 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12. Explant thickness was measured at day 0 (pre-injury), 6 and 12 (post-injury). Cell viability, and tissue collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) were analyzed immediately post-injury and day 12. Culture media were tested for biomarkers: GAG, collagen II, chondroitin sulfate-846, nitric oxide, and prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ). Detrimental effects on cell viability, and release of GAG and PGE 2 to the media were primarily strain-dependent, (PGE 2 being more prolonged and sensitive at lower strains). The cartilage injury model appears to be useful (possibly superior) for investigating the relationship between impact severity of injury and the onset of PTOA, specifically for discovery of biomarkers to evaluate the risk of developing clinical PTOA, and to compare effective treatments for arthritis prevention.
Relabeling algorithm for retrieval of noisy instances and improving prediction quality

A relabeling algorithm for retrieval of noisy instances with binary outcomes is presented. The relabeling algorithm iteratively retrieves, selects, and re-labels data instances (i.e., transforms a decision space) to improve prediction quality. It emphasizes knowledge generalization and confidence rather than classification accuracy. A confidence index incorporating classification accuracy, prediction error, impurities in the relabeled dataset, and cluster purities was designed. The proposed approach is illustrated with a binary outcome dataset and was successfully tested on the standard benchmark four UCI repository dataset as well as bladder cancer immunotherapy data. A subset of the most stable instances (i.e., 7% to 51% of the sample) with high confidence (i.e., between 64%-99.44%) was identified for each application along with most noisy instances. The domain experts and the extracted knowledge validated the relabeled instances and corresponding confidence indexes. The relabeling algorithm with some modifications can be applied to other medical, industrial, and service domains.
Abstract 574: 1,4-phenylenebis(methylene)selenocyanate (p-XSC) inhibits mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) signaling in prostate cancer cells

The lack of treatment for worried-well patients with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia combined with issues of recurrence and hormone resistance in prostate cancer survivors remains a major public health obstacle. The long latency of prostate cancer development provides an opportunity to intervene with mechanistically-based agents at various stages of disease progression. Preclinical studies and immunohistochemical analyses of human prostate adenocarcinoma tissues have implicated the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in the progression of prostate cancer and its transition to androgen independence, suggesting mTOR as a potential target for new therapies. Preclinical studies in human prostate cancer cells also show that there is cross-talk between mTOR and androgen receptor signaling, a process critical for prostate cancer growth and survival. We have previously shown that the synthetic organoselenium compound p-XSC effectively inhibits cell viability and down-regulates androgen receptor expression and transcriptional activity in androgen responsive (AR) and androgen independent (AI) human prostate cancer cells; the naturally occurring selenomethionine was either ineffective or weakly active at non-physiological levels. Therefore, we focused our study on the effects of p-XSC and we hypothesized that it inhibits prostate cancer cell growth by interfering with mTOR signaling and that inhibition of this pathway may be linked to down-regulation of androgen receptor signaling in these cells. Here we show that p-XSC inhibits phosphorylation of mTOR in both AR LNCaP and AI LNCaP C4-2 human prostate cancer cells. This inhibition is attenuated by stimulation with androgens in AR LNCaP but not AI C4-2 cells, emphasizing a cross-talk between the two pathways. p-XSC also decreases mTOR binding to mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) protein Rictor in AR LNCaP and AI C4-2 cells and inhibits the phosphorylation of mTORC2 downstream target Akt. Since p-XSC appears to be inhibiting mTORC2 as well as androgen signaling, we further hypothesized that the combination of p-XSC with rapamycin, which primarily targets mTORC1, may be a superior approach to inhibit prostate cancer cell growth than either agent alone. Our data clearly support this hypothesis. Validation of mTOR as a target of selenium in prostate cancer will provide evidence for its potential role against advanced and hormone refractory prostate disease either individually or in combination with therapies that target other signaling pathways. Support: NIH CA111842, DOD W81XWH-08-1-0297 Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 574.
EDGE PERMEABILITY AND POPULATION PERSISTENCE IN ISOLATED HABITAT PATCHES

. Population persistence in isolated habitat fragments is investigated using integrodifference equations. The propensity of individual dispersers encountering the boundary of the patch to emigrate is defined by edge permeability. A dispersal model incorporating movement, settlement and edge permeability defines dispersal success as a function of a disperser's starting location. This dispersal model is used to generate dispersal kernels for integrodifference equation models, analysis of which gives a condition for population persistence in terms of edge permeability, patch size and average dispersal distance. An approximation reduces the spatial problem to a simple nonspatial model that can be easily analyzed.
Axial current matrix elements of the nucleon based on an exact diagonalization of the SU(3) skyrme model hamiltonian

Abstract The vanishing of the form factor of the SU(3) singlet axial current is shown to be stable under the addition of derivative type symmetry breaking terms in the SU(3) Skyrme model. We find that treating the collective hamiltonian exactly dramatically lowers the predicted form factor for the strange quark axial current. Nevertheless, agreement with the EMC experiment is maintained.
Simulation of battery components and interfaces on the atomic scale: examples of what we can learn

Abstract In the lithium polymer advanced battery program, the stated target of 10 −3 (Ω cm) −1 for polymer electrolytes at room temperatures is, to our knowledge, not attained by any of the polymer electrolytes in current use in prototypes, without adding plasticizers [F. Gray, Solid Polymer Electrolytes, VCH, New York, 1991, 108–111] or raising the temperature. In the program on which progress is reported here, we are trying to elucidate the mechanism of ion transport in one of the prototype electrolytes, in the expectation that a better understanding will reveal promising directions for the solution of this engineering problem. We are also beginning studies of the polymer–cathode interface.
Rb and p130 control cell cycle gene silencing to maintain the postmitotic phenotype in cardiac myocytes

The mammalian heart loses its regenerative potential soon after birth. Adult cardiac myocytes (ACMs) permanently exit the cell cycle, and E2F-dependent genes are stably silenced, although the underlying mechanism is unclear. Heterochromatin, which silences genes in many biological contexts, accumulates with cardiac differentiation. H3K9me3, a histone methylation characteristic of heterochromatin, also increases in ACMs and at E2F-dependent promoters. We hypothesize that genes relevant for cardiac proliferation are targeted to heterochromatin by retinoblastoma (Rb) family members interacting with E2F transcription factors and recruiting heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) proteins. To test this hypothesis, we created cardiac-specific Rb and p130 inducible double knockout (IDKO) mice. IDKO ACMs showed a decrease in total heterochromatin, and cell cycle genes were derepressed, leading to proliferation of ACMs. Although Rb/p130 deficiency had no effect on total H3K9me3 levels, recruitment of HP1-γ to promoters was lost. Depleting HP1-γ up-regulated proliferation-promoting genes in ACMs. Thus, Rb and p130 have overlapping roles in maintaining the postmitotic state of ACMs through their interaction with HP1-γ to direct heterochromatin formation and silencing of proliferation-promoting genes.
Retina-Inspired Visual Processing

The processing that occurs in an animalpsilas retina is much more complex than once believed. In addition to highlighting high-contrast areas, the retina also performs a simple motion analysis of the visual field. Moreover, a full understanding of the neural functioning that occurs within the retina is not likely to take place anytime soon. Nevertheless, our present knowledge of the organization of retinal neurons and their responses to stimulation is enough to model meaningful and effective visual processing systems after. In this paper, following a high-level overview of retinal organization and functioning, we present a neural system that mimics the simple motion analysis that occurs within the retina to demonstrate the potential of retinal modeling. The neural system described is modeled after a subset of the connections that are present in most vertebrate retinas. Retina-inspired models such as this one could perform the initial processing step in a much more encompassing bio-inspired computer vision system.
Collateral consequences of the inhomogeneous distribution of short-lived radionuclides in the solar nebula

Abstract— The presence of several short-lived (now extinct) radionuclides in the early solar system demands that they were synthesized and added to preexisting solar system materials shortly (on a time scale on the order of the relevant radionuclide lifetime) before formation of solar system solids. For diverse reasons, it is often suggested that the solar system distributions of these radionuclides were radically heterogeneous, perhaps because of the late addition. Much attention has been given to the astrophysical circumstances that might govern the synthesis and distribution of these short-lived radionuclides, but comparatively little attention has been devoted to the distribution of cosynthesized isotopes. The focus of this paper is a systematic, quantitative evaluation of the collateral consequences in stable and long-lived isotopes that might be expected if short-lived radionuclides, in particular 26Al or 53Mn, were injected at their canonical levels and inhomogeneously distributed in the early solar system. We mix model massive star yields of Meyer et al. (1995) and Woosley and Weaver (1995) into a reservoir of cosmic composition, as tabulated by Anders and Grevesse (1989). To mitigate the effects of systematic deviations that may be present in these mixtures due to uncertainties in model stellar yields, we follow Timmes and Clayton (1996) and also mix into a “renormalized” proxy solar system composition computed from a galactic chemical evolution model based primarily on the stellar yields of Woosley and Weaver (1995). The results are very unfavorable to the likelihood of heterogeneously distributed 26Al derived from supernova ejecta. If a massive star is invoked to account for 26Al, its ejecta must have been rather uniformly distributed, as inferred from the lack of measured collateral anomalies in several elements, notably Ca, Cr, and Ni. Conversely, if 26Al were indeed radically heterogeneously distributed, some other nucleosynthetic source more efficient at producing 26Al is required. In principle, a similar statement applies to 53Mn, but the situation is more complicated. The inferred anomalies at 53Cr will depend not only on how much 53Mn is added by a heterogeneous component, but also more sensitively on the contributions to the associated stable nuclides, 53Cr, 52Cr, and 50Cr. Consideration of predicted collateral anomalies provides no direct support for heterogeneously distributed supernova-derived 53Mn, but the required quantity of supernova contribution, and thus also the collateral anomalies, are much less for 53Mn than for 26Al. With allowance for model calculation uncertainties, it could be argued that anomalies collateral to heterogeneous 53Mn might be small enough to have evaded detection.
Mass transfer from dispersed bubbles to electrolyte solution in packed beds

The measurement of gas-liquid interfacial areas and mass transfer coefficients in concurrent upward bubbly flow (uG from 0.02 to 0.16 m/s, uL from 0.0051 to 0.056 m/s) over a packed bed consisting of 1.2 mm glassy carbon particles is described. Specific surface areas were measured by chemical absorption of O2 into Na2SO3 solutions; volumetric mass transfer coefficients were measured by physical desorption of O2 into N2 bubbles. Surface areas were obtained in the range of 4 × 103 to 2 × 105 m−1, much higher than have been previously reported. High areas are related to the use of electrolytes and small packing particles. Bubble size was found to depend primarily on liquid velocity. Volumetric mass transfer coefficients kLaG are also high (0.1 < kLaG < 2.3 s−1), primarily as a result of high gas-liquid interfacial areas. Mass transfer coefficients kL are small, however. For the smaller bubble dispersions, mass transport is controlled by diffusion rather than by convection.
Chromatogram broadening of proteins and dextrans in size exclusion chromatography

The mechanisms governing the broadening of experimental chromatograms for proteins and paucidisperse dextrans were studied on TSK-G2000SW and TSK-G3000SW columns. Within the conditions studied, the chromatogram variance for all solutes increased linearly with increasing effluent flow rate. As predicted by current theories of the kinetics of size exclusion chromatography, this flow rate dependence is caused mainly by slow mass transport of the solute within the stationary phase of the column. Restricted diffusion within the stationary phase was dependent upon the ratio of solute molecular size to column pore radius and was similar for both proteins and dextrans. In comparison with results for monodisperse proteins, the broader chromatograms produced by dextrans were due to sample polydispersity and not to differences in solute column spreading. Corrections for column spreading on these columns are small for the determination of integral properties of polymers but may be significant when molecular weight distributions are of interest.
Experimental tests of the Fermi-Teller « Z-law »

Experimental studies have been made of the ratios of atomic capture probabilities for μ- mesons in BiF3, UF4 and in a Cu-Al alloy, in an attempt to test the Fermi-Teller « Z-Law ». The measured atomic capture ratios were: Bi/F3 = 1.58±0.15, U/F4= 1.52±0.15 and Cu/Al2 = = 2.08±0.25 by one method and, by another method, Cu/Al2= 1.75±0.18. The « Z-Law » would predict 3.07, 2.56 and 1.11 for BiF3, UF4 and CuAl2 respectively. Some μ--meson total disappearance rates were also measured. Results obtained were ( x 106 s-1): Cu, Λt= 5.92± 0.2; Al, Λt= 1.105± 0.015; and F, Λt= .69±0.01.
CURRENT TRENDS IN PROSTATE CANCER DIAGNOSIS AND STAGING AMONG UNITED STATES UROLOGISTS

AbstractPurpose: We analyzed current practice patterns and determined whether urologists are diagnosing and staging prostate cancer in accordance with one another and with available literature.Materials and Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was mailed to 1,500 randomly selected practicing American Urological Association members throughout the United States, categorized according to practice setting and decade of residency training completion.Results: There were 624 respondents (41.6%). Annual routine prostate cancer detection is being aimed toward the right of the age spectrum. More than half of respondents use age specific prostate specific antigen (PSA), while fewer than half use PSA density in determining need for biopsy. The vast majority will perform radical prostatectomy on patients whose age suggests that they will not benefit from surgery. High PSA values and Gleason scores often are disregarded as independent precluding factors when deciding to perform radical prostatectomy. Computerized tomogr...
Extended reaction zone of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 cathode for solid oxide fuel cell

Abstract The oxygen reduction reaction can only proceed at locations where gas, electronic conductor, and an oxygen ion conductor meet. Although the extension of the reaction zone beyond the traditional so-called triple-phase-boundary (TPB) is widely accepted for a mixed ionically and electronically conductive cathode, work in this area has yet to reach a consensus on how far the reaction zone can be extended. In this study, anode-supported fuel cells with a variety of LSCF cathode thicknesses were fabricated and tested in two cathode environments, flowing oxygen and flowing air. In flowing oxygen, the cell performance increased with LSCF cathode thickness over the entire range investigated (from 5 to 33 μm) because of the increased number of reaction sites. In flowing air, the cell performance also increased with the LSCF cathode thickness from 5 to 13 μm, but then remained almost constant with further increase in cathode thickness due to depletion of oxygen beyond a certain thickness.
On the observability of the field B (3) : Relativistic effects in magneto-optics

It is shown that the novel vacuum fieldB (3) is an experimental observable, and several methods of observation are suggested: these include the pulsed microwave magnetization of a plasma, the optical Aharonov-Bohm effect, and the microwave frequency optical Faraday effect. The effect ofB (3) is presented in the form of relativistically corrected semi-classical theory.
Toward benevolent neutrality: Church, state, and the Supreme Court

Virtually every significant Supreme Court decision concerning religious freedom and separation of church and state is presented here.
Utilization of noninvasive prenatal testing: impact on referrals for diagnostic testing

Objective Since the introduction of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT), a marked decrease in prenatal diagnostic testing (chorionic villus sampling [CVS] and amniocentesis) has been observed with unknown potential effects on genetic diagnosis of these pregnancies. The purpose of this study was to understand the impact of NIPT on genetics counseling referrals, diagnostic testing with CVS/amniocentesis, and appropriate use of NIPT. Study Design A retrospective cohort study was performed on all women referred for genetic counseling and prenatal testing during the 2 years preceding the introduction of NIPT (pre-NIPT) and 2 years following (post-NIPT). The primary outcome was the difference in the number of women referred for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis during the pre-NIPT period compared with the post-NIPT period. The secondary outcome was the difference in the number of women referred who were not considered candidates for NIPT between the 2 study periods. Results There was a statistically significant reduction in the number of referrals for genetic counseling and diagnostic testing in the post-NIPT compared with the pre-NIPT period (2824 vs 3944, P = .001), a reduction of 28.4%. During the post-NIPT period there was a significant reduction in referrals of women who would not be candidates for NIPT (467 pre-NIPT vs 285 post-NIPT, P = .043). In women who had diagnostic testing with CVS during the study period, 32.4% of the aneuploidies identified would not have been detected by NIPT. Conclusion There was a significant reduction in the number of patients referred for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis following the introduction of NIPT. In addition, there was a significant reduction in the number of patients referred for counseling and testing who would not be candidates for NIPT. This suggests that an increasing number of potential patients are being offered NIPT screening instead of diagnostic testing, including those at risk for fetal single gene disorders and aneuploidies not detectable by NIPT, potentially leading to misdiagnosis.
PARENTS OF FATALLY INJURED CHILDREN DISCUSS TAKING PART IN PREVENTION CAMPAIGNS: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

This qualitative study explores how a small group of parents who have lost children to accidental injuries feel about taking part in prevention campaigns. Prospective participants were identified through a state medical examiner's office. Six mothers and 5 fathers of children who had died 3-5 years earlier agreed to be interviewed. All participants thought that it was appropriate to approach bereaved parents about such opportunities, after the most disabling phase of grief had subsided. Yet they raised cognitive, emotional, and practical barriers to engaging in prevention work. The appealing aspects of becoming a safety advocate included preventing emotional and physical injuries to others, as well as advancing their own recovery. It is very possible that the volunteers we spoke with held more positive views on participation than the many mothers and fathers who chose not to participate in our study. Nonetheless, their comments give us our first insights into how collaborating on prevention may feel to those for whom prevention has failed.
The mode of action of “discless” mutations in Drosophila melanogaster☆

Abstract The development of five different “discless” lethal mutants of Drosophila melanogaster was studied by using whole mounts and histological procedures as well as by radiation-induced mitotic recombination. Rudimentary imaginal discs were found in both newly hatched first-instar and late-third-instar larvae homozygous for each of the mutations. Rather than interfering with the establishment of imaginal discs, the mutations were found to interfere with cell proliferation not only in the imaginal discs but also in the larval central nervous system, the imaginal rings of the salivary gland and foregut, and the gonads. Production of blood cells by the lymph gland was severely reduced in all of the mutants. Autonomous effects on the growth of homozygous clones in a heterozygous background were demonstrated for four of the five mutations. Although some of the mutations had, in general, a more extreme effect on cell proliferation than did others, the effects on different organ systems were not clearly correlated. The mutations also caused a slight reduction in the final cell size in the nonproliferating larval epidermis and histoblasts, but only the most extreme mutation studied caused a reduction in cell number in these tissues. It is concluded that these mutations are not imaginal disc specific, but that they interfere with functions required for cell proliferation in general. Several possible explanations for their lack of effects on embryonic cell proliferation are discussed.
Initial single-strand DNA damage and cellular pharmacokinetics of bleomycin A2

The cellular association and fate of high specific activity [3H]bleomycin A2 (BLM A2) were examined in three previously untreated cultured cell lines. Human head and neck A-253 carcinoma cells were 10-fold more sensitive to a 1-hr exposure to BLM A2 than either murine leukemic L1210 or human ovarian SK-OV cells. Both murine and human cells displayed rapid drug association with steady-state drug levels being reached within 15-30 min. At steady state, the T1/2 of drug dissociation was slow (between 65 and 155 min), unaltered by 100-fold excess of unlabeled BLM A2, and unrelated to cellular sensitivity to BLM. Approximately 15% of the total cellular drug was found in the nuclei at steady state. In intact cells, BLM hydrolase activity appeared latent; significant BLM hydrolase activity was detected using broken cell homogenates with all cell types, but no extensive drug metabolism was evident in intact cells. Murine L1210 cells differed from both human cell lines in that they had only 50% of the steady-state drug levels, had lower nuclear drug content, and had markedly less initial single-strand DNA damage. Human SK-OV cells had 2.4-fold greater initial single-strand DNA damage despite similar nuclear content and a much lower rate of DNA repair. Thus, cellular or nuclear factors, in addition to BLM A2 content, affect initial single-strand DNA damage. Collectively, our data support the proposition that lesions other than single-strand DNA breaks contribute to the cytotoxicity of BLM.
Parallel processing in the nervous system: Evidence from sensory maps

Perhaps the clearest organizing principle in sensory systems is the existence of maps, in which there is an orderly and systematic layout of the stimulus space on a two-dimensional array of neurons. Usually, the layout of the stimulus on the receptor sheet is reproduced so that neurons that innervate adjacent sites on the receptor sheet project to adjacent sites in the central map. Thus, in the visual system there are retinotopic maps in which layout of the visual field on the retina is reproduced across a sheet of neurons in the thalamus or cortex. Somatotopic maps of the body surface in the touch system and frequency maps in the auditory system are similar examples. In the olfactory system, the form of the representation is different in that projections from the olfactory epithelium to the first central olfactory nucleus, the olfactory bulb, are sorted according to olfactory receptor molecules (1) and not position on the olfactory epithelium, but the basic principle of sensory mapping seems to be the same.
Resonant excitation of an oxygen valence satellite in photoemission from high-Tc superconductors.

A detailed analysis of the intensities of valence-band photoelectron features of superconducting YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-//sub x/ and semiconducting La/sub 1.85/Sr/sub 0.05/CuO/sub 4/ has revealed a resonance in the peak located at a binding energy of approx.9.5 eV for photon energies spanning the onset of O 2s excitations. This demonstrates conclusively that the feature is associated with oxygen excitations. The origin of the satellite is described and its disappearance on superconducting surfaces is explained.
Calculating line losses in smart grid: A new rule of thumb

The nature of distribution system losses, techniques on how to measure them, and program requirements to minimize their cost constitute a major concern for today's competitive environment. On the other hand, development of smart grid technologies brings in massive data to power engineers and researchers. One of the challenges is how to utilize these data to help us better understand the electric grid. Although there are several limitations, the “1/3 rule” for losses, as one of the classic rule of thumbs, has been widely used by many utilities in practice. This paper proposes a new rule of thumb for losses calculation, which utilizes the data measured from smart grid to overcome the limitations of the “1/3 rule”. The use of this new rule and its advantages over the “1/3 rule” are demonstrated through a numerical example.
Pathologic findings in native infective endocarditis.

Abstract Background There are few studies on the histologic findings in native infective endocarditis, especially regarding mimics of autoimmune valvulitis. Methods We prospectively studied 106 surgical specimens from 95 patients with a clinical diagnosis of infective endocarditis on native valves, and compared gross and histologic findings with culture results, underlying valve disease, risk factors and time interval from symptom onset to surgical intervention. Results There were 41 (39%) aortic, 33 (31%) mitral, 9 (9%) tricuspid, 1(.9%) pulmonic and 11 (10%) multiple valve replacements. Underlying valve disease was present in 26 (27%) patients (non-calcified bicuspid aortic valve, 10 (38%) cases; mitral valve prolapse, 5 (19%) cases; calcified trileaflet aortic valve, 5 (19%) cases; calcified bicuspid aortic valve, 2 (8%) cases; post-rheumatic mitral valve disease, 2 (8%) cases; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy-related mitral valve disease, 1 (4%) case, trileaflet aortic insufficiency 1 (4%) case) and associated with streptococcal infection ( p = .001). Absence of underlying valve disease was associated with intravenous drug abuse ( p = .01) and dialysis dependent renal disease ( p = .006). Intravenous drug abuse was associated with staphylococcal infection ( p = .03). Vegetations were present in 80 (75%) of cases, and on the nonflow surface of the valve in 65 (81%) of these. Gram-stain positivity and neutrophilic microabscesses were associated with staphylococcal infection ( p = .03). Epithelioid macrophages with palisading features mimicking necrobiotic granulomas were seen in 42 (40%) valves and more frequently associated with streptococcal infection ( p = .03). As expected, the presence of valve necrosis and acute inflammation decreased with an increase in time with respect to symptomatic onset. Conclusion Histologic findings that mimic autoimmune inflammation are frequent in infective endocarditis and associated with streptococcal infection. Risk factors for infective endocarditis include calcific valve disease.
Hard-Core Potentials and the Three-Body Problem

A method is presented for treating hard-core potentials within the framework of the Lippmann-Schwinger scattering-theory formalism. Using the method, a procedure is developed for constructing separable expansions of the $t$ matrix arising from potentials containing hard cores. Such expansions reduce the Faddeev equations to equations in one continuous variable. The rate of convergence of the expansion is illustrated by using it in a calculation of the binding energy of a system of three identical spinless particles interacting via square-well potentials with hard cores.
Antioxidant activity of costunolide and eremanthin isolated from Costus speciosus (Koen ex. Retz) Sm.

Abstract Antioxidant properties of many medicinal plants have been widely recognized and some of them have been commercially exploited. Plant derived antioxidants play a very important role in alleviating problems related to oxidative stress. The present study was aimed at assessing the antioxidant property of costunolide and eremanthin isolated from a medicinal plant Costus speciosus (Koen ex. Retz) Sm. rhizome. Experimental diabetes was induced by a single dose of STZ (60 mg/kg, i.p.) injection. The oxidative stress was measured by tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH) content and enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in brain, liver, heart, kidney and pancreas. An increase in TBARS level, a significant reduction in GSH content along with decreased enzymatic activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx were seen in untreated diabetic rats. Administration of either costunolide (20 mg/kg day) or eremanthin (20 mg/kg day) for 60 days caused a significant reduction in TBARS level and a significant increase in GSH content along with increased enzymatic activities of SOD, CAT and GPx in the treated rats when compared to untreated diabetic rats. Acute toxicity test revealed the non-toxic nature of the compounds. The results indicated for the first time the protective effect of costunolide and eremanthin from oxidative stress, thus opening the way for their use in medication.
The California Transparency in Supply Chains Act

After a decade or more during which private codes to monitor supply chain and workplace standards have proliferated, recent years have seen the re-emergence of state-based initiatives to create more oversight and accountability across global value chains. In January 2012, the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act (Senate Bill 657) (CTSCA) was enacted. The CTSCA requires that retailers and manufacturers doing business in California, with annual worldwide gross receipts of $100 million or more, must explicitly disclose their efforts to eradicate slavery and human trafficking, and protect basic human rights, along their entire supply chain. Companies have moved quickly to update their auditing mechanisms to ensure all supplier factories meet the requirements of the Act. The overall goal of the regulation is to ensure companies operate with a much greater level of caution when selecting suppliers and making sourcing decisions. This Working Paper outlines the dimensions of the Act, its implications for global sourcing and some early responses to it by companies that do business in California.
Finding Clones with Dup: Analysis of an Experiment

An experiment was carried out by a group of scientists to compare different tools and techniques for detecting duplicated or near-duplicated source code. The overall comparative results are presented elsewhere. This paper takes a closer look at the results for one tool, Dup, which finds code sections that are textually the same or the same except for systematic substitution of parameters such as identifiers and constants. Various factors that influenced the results are identified and their impact on the results is assessed via rerunning Dup with changed options and modifications. These improve the performance of Dup with regard to the experiment and could be incorporated into a postprocessor to be used with other tools.
Quasiparticle, charge, and energy conservation in weak‐coupling superconductors

The conservation of quasiparticles, electric charge, and energy in weak-coupling superconductors is discussed and correlated with the interpretation of the quasiparticles as particle and hole excitations. The formulation employed is that of the Bogolyubov-de Gennes equations. In the absence of spin-dependent interactions these equations are written in the form of a time-dependent Schrodinger equation with a two-component wave function and a two-by-two matrix Hamiltonian. Accordingly, the desired conservation laws are discussed on much the same basis as in ordinary quantum theory. The generalization to permit nonlocal quasiparticle and pair potentials and spin-dependent interactions is briefly presented. Die Konservierung von Quasipartikeln, elektrischer Ladung und Energie in schwach-gekoppelten Supraleitern wird besprochen und mit der Auslegung von Quasipartikeln als Partikel- und Locheranregungen in Ubereinstimmmung gebracht. Die angewandten Formulierungen sind diejenigen der Bogolyubov-de Gennes-Gleichungen. Ohne spinabhangige Wechselwirkungen werden diese Gleichungen als eine zeitabhangige Schrodinger-Gleichung betrachtet, die als Wellenfunktion mit zwei Komponenten und einer Hamilton-Matrix vom Rang zwei behandelt werden. Entsprechend werden die Gesetze der Konservierung auf der gleichen Basis wie in der ublichen Quantentheorie besprochen. Die Verallgemeinerung auf nichtlokale Quasipartikelpotentiale und Paarpotentiale und auf spinabhangige Wechselwirkungen wird kurz besprochen.
Complications and continuation rates associated with 2 types of long-acting contraception.

Objective We sought to compare complication and continuation rates of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) with the subdermal etonogestrel (ENG) implant across the United States among girls and women 15-44 years of age. Study Design A retrospective study of health insurance claims records from 2007 through 2011 identified a cohort of women who had LNG-IUS (n = 79,920) or ENG implants (n = 7374) inserted and had insurance coverage for 12 months postinsertion. Claims for complications were examined 12 months after insertion, or until removal of either device within each of 3 age groups. Results After its introduction in 2007, the frequency of ENG implants increased each year and almost a third of all insertions were in teenagers. However, among women ≤24 years old who had delivered an infant in the prior 8 weeks, a LNG-IUS was more likely to be inserted than an ENG implant ( P Conclusion Both of these long-acting contraceptive methods are well tolerated among women of all ages, and demonstrate high continuation rates.
A Comparative Study of Ti/Low-k HSQ (Hydrogen Silsesquioxane) and Ti/TEOS (Tetraethylorthosilicate) Structures at Elevated Temperatures

For the benefit of reducing capacitance in multilevel interconnect technology, low-k dielectric HSQ (hydrogen silsesquioxane) has been used as a gapfill material in Al-metallization- based non-etchback embedded scheme. The vias are consequently fabricated through the HSQ layer followed by W plug deposition. In order to reduce the extent of via poisoning and achieve good W/Al contact, thin Ti/TiN stack films are typically deposited before via plug deposition. In this case, HSQ makes direct contact with the Ti layer. The reliability of the Ti/HSQ structures at elevated temperatures has been systematically studied in this work by using a variety of techniques. These results are also compared with those from Ti/TEOS (Tetraethylorthosilicate) structure, where TEOS is a conventional intra-metal dielectric. When the temperature is below 550 °C, a significant number of oxygen atoms are observed to diffuse into the titanium layer. The primary source of oxygen is believed to come from the HSQ film. When the temperature is above 550 °C, HSQ starts to react with Ti. At 700 °C, a TiO/Ti5Si3/HSQ stack structure forms. The Ti/HSQ system exhibits a higher reactivity than that of the Ti/TEOS system.
Deficient IFN-γ Expression in Umbilical Cord Blood (UCB) T Cells Can Be Rescued by IFN-γ -Mediated Increase in NFATc2 Expression

Regulation of nuclear factor of activated T cells-c2 (NFATc2) gene expression is not clearly defined. We previously reported reduced NFATc2 protein expression in cord blood T lymphocytes. Here we show that NFATc2 expression in T cells is dependent in part on the presence of IFN-γ during primary stimulation, as blocking of IFN-γ blunted NFATc2 protein and mRNA upregulation. Conversely, addition of exogenous IFN-γ during stimulation resulted in increased expression of NFATc2 in cord blood T lymphocytes. This correlated with rescue of deficient IFN-γ expression by cord blood T cells. Rescue of IFN-γ expression in cord blood T cells was dependent on the presence of antigen-presenting cells, as addition of IFN-γ during stimulation of purified cord blood T cells did not result in an increase of IFN-γ expression, and depletion of monocytes ablated the rescue of IFN-γ expression. Our results point to impaired function in the antigen-presenting cell population of cord blood, playing a role in the hyporesponsiveness of T cells.
Yin/Yang Principle and the Relevance of Externalism and Paralogic Rhetoric to Intercultural Communication:

Is understanding that transcends language and cultural barriers at all possible? How can we account for the different sorts of failure in achieving intercultural understanding and cooperation? What theory would describe how we can go beyond cross-cultural differences and reach some mutual agreement on business principles and practices? This article explores the relevance of Donald Davidson's philosophy of externalism and Thomas Kent's rhetorical theory of paralogic hermeneutics to these pressing issues in intercultural communication. Using a cultural perspective based on the Taoist yin/yang principle, it explains how an understanding of the externalist conception of truth and the world, and paralogic rhetoric as a theory of communicative interaction, can better enable us to deal with the radical changes taking place in the nature of intercultural relations and communication.
Suffolk University Law School Legal Practice Skills Scholarship, 2009-2013

This bibliography contains the scholarly works produced and published by the Legal Practice Skills faculty at Suffolk University Law School from 2009-2013. Articles discuss a range of interesting and timely theory, doctrine, and pedagogy.
Magnetomechanical Properties of Circumferentially Field-Annealed Metglas ® 2605SC Cylinders

We have measured the magnetomechanical coupling coefficient of Metglas® 2605SC (Fe81B13.5Si3.5C2) ribbons that were annealed into 1.27 and 0.8 cm diameter cylinders. Lengths ranged from 0.6 to 5 cm. A novel furnace was constructed in which a cylindrical magnetic field was supplied by a current carrying copper rod. During the annealing, a 300 A current created a circumferential field of more than 6400 A/m. Annealing temperatures ranged from 380 to 420 °C. Large shifts in both the optimum bias field and the coupling coefficient as a function of length and diameter were found due to demagnetizing effects. Impedance vs. frequency measurements show large numbers of modes, some of which are field dependent. Effective coupling coefficients of the lowest order longitudinal mode were calculated from impedance measurements by using k2 = 1 - f2r/f2a, where fr and fa are the resonant and antiresonant frequencies respectively. Coupling coefficients for 5 cm long cylinders were as high as 0.58. When the demagnetizing factor is taken into account, we find material coupling coefficients as high as 0.89.
The Continuing American Dilemma: White Resistance to Racial Change 40 Years After Myrdal

In the wake of dramatic changes in public opinion and social custom over the past 40 years, why do many white Americans continue to oppose efforts to bring about racial equality? One possible explanation centers on self-interest: from this perspective, whites' resistance to racial change reflects their perception that blacks pose real and tangible threats to their personal lives—to their neighborhoods, their jobs, their children's education, and their safety. Another possible explanation centers on “symbolic racism”: from this perspective, whites' opposition to racial change reflects their endorsement of racist sentiments and traditional American values, particularly individualism. This paper argues against the first explanation, for the second, and more generally that our understanding of the American dilemma would be enhanced by frequent and vigorous empirical confrontations among an expanded set of alternative explanations. With this objective in mind, the paper concludes by promoting several such explanations, each of which has a strong claim on the research agenda of the future.
Interval and Placement Effects on Topographic Data: Using Viewshed Analysis as An Example

Abstract This paper explores the sensitivity of analytical results using contours as the topographic data. In visualizing the topography of a landscape using contours, the two parameters under investigation are the size of the contour interval and the base contour chosen. Different contour intervals will generate different descriptions of the landscape. This is labeled as the interval effect. Choosing different base contours to compile the contour database can produce different landscape characteristics. This is called the placement effect. Using viewshed analysis in GIS as an application example, this paper assesses the interval effect and placement effect systematically based upon two study areas in northern Virginia, US. Contour data of 5-foot interval were resampled to derive data of different intervals and of different base contours. In general, larger contour intervals overestimate visible areas but visible locations are not consistently visible with increasing intervals. Results from using differen...
Head and Trunk Movement Responses in Healthy Children to Induced Versus Self-Induced Lateral Tilt

The purpose of our study was to determine head and trunk movement responses that occur in healthy 7-year-old children during induced and self-induced lateral tilt. Twenty subjects, while tailor sitting on a tiltboard, participated in three trials of both induced and self-induced left and right lateral displacements. Measurements of neck and trunk lateral flexion; trunk counterrotation; and neck, trunk, and body anterior-posterior movement were obtained from slide transparencies made at three stages of tilt (original position, initial tilt, and full tilt). For each subject in the two test conditions, changes in these measurements between the stages of tilt were determined and compared. Based on the results of multivariate analysis of variance procedures, we concluded that 1) a significant difference in trunk counterrotation existed between the two types of tilt, with the greatest degree of counterrotation occurring with induced displacement; 2) no significant difference existed in neck or trunk lateral flexion; and 3) no significant differences existed in neck, trunk, or body anterior-posterior movement between tilts. We also found that a wide variability of response existed among the children over the three testing trials. Clinical application of our results suggests that different and unique motor programs exist for automatic and willed balance responses. These differences should be considered when planning treatment strategies.