cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interactions of metal ions with polynucleotides and related compounds. IV. Degradation of polyribonucleotides by zinc and other divalent metal ions.

Polyadenylic acid is degraded into mononucleotides and low molecular weight oligonucleotides in a 20 hr. period at 64°C. by the action of Mn (II), Co (II), Ni (II), and Cu (II) ions, and in a 2 hr. period by Zn (II) ions. The latter also degrade poly C, poly U, and RNA at approximately the same rate, but poly I is degraded very much more slowly. No such difference in reaction rates can be observed in the alkaline degradation of polynucleotides. The sluggishness of the reaction with poly I is not due to any highly ordered structure of the zinc–poly I complex, but probably to the weakening of the zinc–phosphate bond through simultaneous binding of the zinc to the inosine base. Evidence for such a hypothesis is derived from the inhibition of the zinc degradation of poly A by inosinic acid or poly I. No drastic difference in the nucleotide composition of the undegraded residue can be observed in the degradation of RNA by zinc and by alkali.
On allocating the variance of output growth to trend and cycle components

Abstract Given any decomposition of real GNP into trend and cycle components, we describe a simple statistical procedure by which the proportions of the variance of GNP growth attributable to each of these components can be calculated.
Conformation of Poly(ethylene oxide) Intercalated in Clay and MoS2 Studied by Two-Dimensional Double-Quantum NMR

The conformation of poly(ethylene oxide), PEO, intercalated in layered clays and MoS2 has been characterized by double-quantum solid-state NMR. Using PEO with 13% 13C−13C labeled units, the conformational statistics of the OC−CO bonds have been determined. The OC−CO bonds of the polymer in narrow interlayer gaps of ∼0.8, ∼0.85, and ∼1.0 nm thickness consistently exhibit a high gauche content of approximately 90%. This rules out models with highly trans-containing chains as found in certain complexes of PEO with HgCl2 or p-nitrophenol.
The at-risk diabetic limb: a shift in paradigm

*Division of Wound Healing, Department of Plastic Surgery, Georgetown University Hospital, Georgetown School of Medicine, 3800 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA; Tel.: +1 202 444 3059; Fax: +1 202 444 0300; paul.j.kim@gunet.georgetown.edu
How signaling between cells can orient a mitotic spindle

Abstract In multicellular animals, cell communication sometimes serves to orient the direction in which cells divide. Control of division orientation has been proposed to be critical for partitioning developmental determinants and for maintaining epithelial architecture. Surprisingly, there are few cases where we understand the mechanisms by which external cues, transmitted by intercellular signaling, specify the division orientation of animal cells. One would predict that cytosolic molecules or complexes exist that are capable of interpreting extrinsic cues, translating the positions of these cues into forces on microtubules of the mitotic spindle. In recent years, a key intracellular complex has been identified that is required for pulling forces on mitotic spindles in Drosophila, Caenorhabditis elegans and vertebrate systems. One member of this complex, a protein with tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) and GoLoco (Gα-binding) domains, has been found localized in positions that coincide with the positions of spindle-orienting extracellular cues. Do TPR–GoLoco proteins function as conserved, spatially regulated mediators of spindle orientation by intercellular signaling? Here, we review the relevant evidence among cases from diverse animal systems where this protein complex has been found to localize to specific cell–cell contacts and to be involved in orienting mitotic spindles.
Self‐assembly in additive manufacturing: opportunities and obstacles

Purpose – Additive manufacturing (AM) offers substantial flexibility in shape, but much less flexibility in materials and functionality – particularly at small size scales. A system for automatically incorporating microscale components would enable the fabrication of objects with more functionality. The purpose of this paper is to consider the potential of self‐assembly to serve as an automated programmable integration method. In particular, it addresses the ability of random self‐assembly processes to successfully assemble objects with high performance despite the possibility of assembly errors.Design/methodology/approach – A self‐assembled thermoelectric system is taken as a sample system. The performance expectations for these systems are then predicted using modified one‐dimensional models that incorporate the effects of random errors. Monte‐Carlo simulation is used to predict the likely performance of self‐assembled thermoelectric systems and evaluate the impact of key process and system design param...
SU‐FF‐T‐281: In Vivo Dosimtery for IMRT Treatments Generated by Pinnacle Treatment Planning System

Dose verification using diodes has recently been proposed for IMRTtreatments and has been evaluated for IMRT deliveries planned using the Eclipse treatment planning system. The Pinnacle treatment planning system generates plans that are delivered in a different fashion than Eclipse. Whereas the Eclipse‐generated plans are delivered by scanning the treatment area from one side to the other, Pinnacle‐generated plans are delivered in a seemingly random fashion, treating multiple small areas within the field. This makes diode measurements at a point potentially more uncertain since the diode may be exposed fully or partially to multiple small fields during one single field's treatment as opposed to being exposed to very few segments scanning the point during an Eclipse‐generated delivery. We have evaluated in vivo dosimtery for Pinnacle‐generated IMRT plans, characterized diode response to IMRT deliveries involving various beamlets and evaluated its response due to full or partial exposure to radiation. We will also present the results of diode measurements performed for 150 IMRT fields on patient and phantom.
Using the Maintenance Management Information System (MMIS TM ) to Support the Warfighter

The current threats to national security are constantly changing, which creates the need for mobility, mission support, and mission assurance within the current military paradigm. The ability for the OEM to collect data, analyze data, and perform corrective action on products that are repaired at forward depots, organic depots, and at the OEM is critical to meeting the needs of the war fighter. The maintenance management information system (MMIStrade) provides a complete supply chain enterprise information system. MMIS supports mobility through a web-based design providing flexibility and scalability. Forward repair sites using MMIS can be brought on-line quickly with an Internet connection and a Web browser. MMIS supports mission assurance through the ability of users from around the world to enter and analyze data, eliminating data stovepipes. For example, a reliability engineer at a CONUS OEM can utilize data entered at a forward or organic repair site in real-time. The Web-based design provides for real-time upload of bit tests, repairs, and analysis of field failures that may not otherwise be available, creating the opportunity to quickly find root cause and provide hardware upgrades to support the mission. MMIS supports mission support through the ability to track assets and inventory through all repair activities, whether local or remote. MMIS can also be linked into government EDI systems to extract and provide total asset visibility, enhancing the war fighter's asset visibility and ensuring mission success. MMIS provides enhanced capability for the OEM to sense and respond to the war fighter's needs through mobility, mission support, and mission assurance. By improving access to real-time, actionable engineering data, weapon systems can be brought to mission capable status quicker and ultimately be improved to remain in the field longer.
METAL CHALCOGENIDE GELS, XEROGELS AND AEROGELS

Metal chalcogenide gels represent an intriguing class of nanostructured solids that are largely unexplored, in contrast to oxides. This Comment reviews the two synthetic approaches applied for gelation of metal chalcogenides—thiolysis and nanoparticle condensation—and presents a survey of the materials prepared by these strategies. Drying strategies to produce dense xerogels (ambient pressure) and highly porous aerogels (supercritical fluid extraction) are described and the effect of density on the extent of quantum confinement in semiconducting metal chalcogenide gel structures is discussed.
Green and Sustainable Remedial Strategy for Contaminated Site: Case Study

This study describes the development of a green and sustainable strategy for the remediation of a contaminated site located in Chicago (IL, USA) to comply with the applicable federal and state environmental regulations. According to the site investigation results, many of the contaminant concentrations have been found to exceed the applicable regulatory limits that are protective of public health and local ecology. Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides and heavy metals were found in the vadose zone soils throughout the site. Groundwater was found contaminated with lead or selenium in some locations. First, potential technologies to remediate the contaminated soils and groundwater at the site are identified. The most promising technologies are then systematically evaluated for sustainability based on qualitative and quantitative analyses. Sustainability considerations include greenhouse gases and other air pollutant emissions, water use, and personal injury, among others. Phytoremediation is selected to treat the majority of the site by utilizing existing and new plant species to reduce the concentrations of the contaminants. Solidification/stabilization is selected for “hot spot” treatment (high concentration area treatment) only at certain specific areas that have high concentrations of metals in the vadose zone. Monitored natural attenuation is selected for groundwater treatment.
Racial and ethnic differences in the management of childhood asthma in the United States.

Objectives. We examined racial and ethnic differences in the management of childhood asthma in the United States and the extent that care conformed to clinical best practices. Methods. Two years of pooled data from the National Health Interview Survey were analyzed using logistic regression. The sample included all children between ages 2 and 17 years who had asthma currently and had been diagnosed with asthma by a doctor or health professional (n = 1757; 465 African-American, 212 Mexican-American, 190 Puerto Rican and other Hispanic, 806 white, non-Hispanic, and 84 children of other and multiple races and ethnicities). Results. African-American children with asthma were significantly less likely than white, non-Hispanic children to have taken preventive asthma medication, but more likely to have had an asthma management plan. Mexican-American and Puerto Rican and other Hispanic children did not differ significantly from white, non-Hispanic children in either receiving preventive asthma medication or havi...
Family legacies: Constructing individual and family identity through intergenerational storytelling

The current study focused on discovering the ways in which the intergenerational transmission of family legacy stories both enables and constrains individual family members’ sense of their own identities. Using semi-structured interviews, 17 third generation family members identified a multitude of both positive and negative family legacies. Both positive and negative legacies were influenced by the storytelling context. Positive legacies portrayed families as hardworking, caring, and cohesive while negative legacies were more idiosyncratic. Individual family members typically responded to their family legacies by embracing the positive and rejecting the negative. However, individuals’ responses also pointed to additional complexities in accepting or rejecting family legacies. Specifically, some individuals embraced negative family legacies and rejected positive ones; others only accepted portions of the legacies; and some reported their legacies as unembraceable.
Nanti self-quotation: Implications for the pragmatics of reported speech and evidentiality

This paper describes two quotation strategies employed by speakers of Nanti, one involving grammaticalized quotatives and another involving complement-taking verbs of saying, and examines the consequences of the pragmatic differences between these strategies for two key questions in the study of evidentiality: first, the importance of degree of grammaticalization in delimiting ‘evidentials’; and second, the importance of the analytical distinction between epistemic modal and ‘source of information’ evidential meanings. Nanti use of the two quotation strategies is specifically analyzed in the context of self-quotation practices in order to isolate specific aspects of their pragmatics. This analysis shows that the lexical quotative strategy expresses that the quoted party is not only the source of the content of the utterance, but is also an ‘illocutionary source’, who is committed to the interactional force of the utterance, while the grammaticalized quotative strategy does not indicate such a commitment. The functional difference between lexical and grammatical quotative strategies in Nanti is compared with differences between lexical and grammaticalized quotative and reportive strategies found in other languages, and the Nanti results are found to be consistent with cross-linguistic tendencies towards functional differentiation of lexical quotative and reportives, on the one hand, and their grammaticalized counterparts, on the other. These facts, it is argued, motivate a distinction on functional grounds between grammaticalized reportives and quotatives and their lexical counterparts, supporting the use of grammaticalization as a criterion for distinguishing evidentials proper from evidential strategies. The commitment-augmenting function of the lexical quotative construction in Nanti self-quotation is then examined in light of the commitment-diminishing function commonly attributed to quotatives and reportives (and also found in Nanti). It is argued that both types of commitment-modulating effects emerge as implicatures from the basic information and illocutionary source semantics of Nanti lexical quotatives, and from pragmatic reasoning based on whether the quoted party is first person or third person. The fact that both commitment-modulating functions of Nanti lexical quotatives are derived from semantics of lexical quotatives elements is argued to show that the distinction between information source and epistemic modal meanings, often taken to be a pivotal notional distinction in defining evidentiality as a grammatical category, is also essential to the proper analysis of the pragmatics of evidential strategies in discourse.
Comparison of risk management strategies between women testing positive for a BRCA variant of unknown significance and women with known BRCA deleterious mutations

The aim of this article is to describe cancer risk–reducing behaviors of women with BRCA variants of unknown significance. A retrospective chart review from 1995 to 2012 identified women with BRCA mutations in a northern California community system. Exclusion criteria included loss of membership/death within 1 year of testing, prior ovarian cancer, or bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Primary outcomes were rate of risk-reducing mastectomy and risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy. The mean age of the 69 variant of unknown significance carriers was 50 vs. 47 years for the 305 women with a deleterious mutation. Women with a variant of unknown significance were followed for a median of 69 months. Among women with a variant of unknown significance, 30% underwent risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy and 11% underwent risk-reducing mastectomy, as compared with 74 and 44%, respectively, for women with a deleterious mutation. Women with a deleterious mutation were more likely to undergo surveillance in the first year after testing. The odds ratios are as follows: 2.1 for mammogram, 6.0 for magnetic resonance imaging, 7.7 for Ca-125, and 5.0 for transvaginal ultrasound. Fifty-six percent of women with a variant of unknown significance were reclassified after a median of 39 months, longer than the median time to risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (18.6 months) or risk-reducing mastectomy (20.1 months). Uptake of risk-reducing strategies among women with a variant of unknown significance is lower than among women with a deleterious mutation. Given the prognostic uncertainty and high rate of reclassification for women with a variant of unknown significance, individualizing counseling and directing efforts toward surveillance, chemoprevention, or salpingectomy are recommended. Genet Med 16 12, 896–902.
Overcoming bias to learn about controversial topics

Deciding whether a claim is true or false often requires a deeper understanding of the evidence supporting and contradicting the claim. However, when presented with many evidence documents, users do not necessarily read and trust them uniformly. Psychologists and other researchers have shown that users tend to follow and agree with articles and sources that hold viewpoints similar to their own, a phenomenon known as confirmation bias. This suggests that when learning about a controversial topic, human biases and viewpoints about the topic may affect what is considered "trustworthy" or credible. It is an interesting challenge to build systems that can help users overcome this bias and help them decide the truthfulness of claims. In this article, we study various factors that enable humans to acquire additional information about controversial claims in an unbiased fashion. Specifically, we designed a user study to understand how presenting evidence with contrasting viewpoints and source expertise ratings affect how users learn from the evidence documents. We find that users do not seek contrasting viewpoints by themselves, but explicitly presenting contrasting evidence helps them get a well-rounded understanding of the topic. Furthermore, explicit knowledge of the credibility of the sources and the context in which the source provides the evidence document not only affects what users read but also whether they perceive the document to be credible. Language: en
Costimulation of superantigen-activated T lymphocytes by autologous dendritic cells is dependent on B7.

Abstract Highly purified populations of dendritic cells (DCs) can be isolated from various tissues such as skin and blood. These sites are likely to encounter secreted toxins of bacteria such as super-antigens. In vivo, DCs express the cell surface molecule B7, a counterreceptor for CD28 which provides costimulation to resting T cells. Highly purified preparations of DCs obtained from the epidermis and dermis of normal skin as well as blood were used to study the role of B7 in superantigen presentation to autologous T cells, as well as in alloantigen responses. We compared these results to those obtained with nondendritic antigen presenting cells (APCs) such as mono-nuclear cells derived from the Ficoll-Hypaque interface (PBMCs). All DC populations strongly express B7, and in a purely autologous system staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB)-mediated T cell proliferation was inhibited by 55-85% using a soluble chimeric fusion protein (i.e., CTLA41g), a potent inhibitor of CD28:B7 interaction. In contrast, while T cells also proliferated vigorously when stimulated by SEB in the presence of autologous PBMC (which only weakly express B7), costimulation was not inhibited by CTLA41g. In allogeneic responses, Dcs were also more potent stimulators compared to PBMC, but both types or APC:T cell reactions were almost completely inhibited by CTLA41g (>90%). For both SEB-mediated reactions and alloantigen reactions, the relative importance of LFA-1 and HLA-DR was similar between Dcs and PBMCs. The data indicate that these Dcs express B7, which can function in the SEB-driven response of autologous T cells, as well as in allogeneic T cell reactions. Overall, when comparing the relative costimulatory capabilities of different types of APCs, it appears the relatively low level of B7 expressed by PBMC functioned effectively in allogeneic reactions, whereas only the higher levels of B7 expressed by these DC populations functioned in SEB-mediated T cell responses.
Beyond constructivism: Identifying mathematical abilities that are most needed for success beyond school in an age of information

Purdue University’s Center for Twenty-first Century Conceptual Tools (TCCT) was set up to investigate the types of problems students need to be able to solve in order to succeed in a technology-based age of information and the abilities and understandings that success requires. This paper describes the rationale behind the foundation of the TCCT, its mode of operation, and some preliminary findings.
Thermally Induced Changes in the Chemical and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Foam

The influence of thermal treatment on the chemistry, physical, and mechanical properties of epoxy foam was evaluated. The foam was subjected to repeated thermal cycles (25-958C), encompassing the temperature regime in which the forward and the retro Diels-Alder reaction occurs. Changes in the chemistry of the foam were evaluated using in situ FTIR spectroscopy during thermal exposure. In addition, the structural siloxane units within the epoxy foam were identified and evaluated using FTIR analysis. Thermal analysis was used to evaluate expansion, degradation, and mass loss during thermal exposure. Finally, the physical and mechanical properties were evaluated to determine how thermal cycling influences the density and modulus of the epoxy foam. Thermal exposure below the temperature required for the breakage of conjugated double bonds via Diels-Alder mechanism increases thermal expan- sion influencing the structural integrity and packing of siloxane chains. The data indicates that the chemical changes and the thermal expansion of the foam are irreversible. The combination of thermal expansion and the change in chemistry for the system strongly diminished the structural rigidity of the foam lowering the density and modulus of the material.
Total Cross Section of Aluminum for Fast Neutrons

The total neutron cross section of aluminum was measured as a function of neutron energy in the range from 10 to 1000 kev. Neutrons of known mean energy and small energy spread were produced by the $\mathrm{Li}(p,n)$ reaction. The cross section was found to be a rapidly varying function of energy indicating the presence of at least ten resonances in the range of energies investigated. The extreme values of the cross section were found to be 0.9 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}24}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ and 11.5 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}24}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$.
Optical detection of THz-induced strong field effects in ensembles of neutral donors

Narrowband THz radiation drives transitions between bound electron states in GaAs neutral donors. Elastic light scattering from a donor bound exciton resonance allows time-resolved measurements of the excited state lifetime and THz-induced AC Stark effect.
Preindustrial-to-present-day radiative forcing by tropospheric ozone from improved simulations with the GISS chemistry-climate GCM

The tropospheric chemistry model used at the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) within the GISS general circulation model (GCM) to study interactions between chemistry and climate change has been expanded and integrated into a version of the GCM with higher vertical resolution. The chemistry now includes peroxyacetylnitrates and non-methane hydrocarbons in addition to background NOx-HOx-Ox-CO-CH4 chemistry. The GCM has improved resolution and physics in the boundary layer, improved resolution near the tropopause, and contains a full representation of the stratosphere. Simulations of present-day conditions show that this coupled chemistry-climate model is better able to reproduce observed tropospheric ozone, especially in the tropopause region, which is critical to climate forcing. Comparison with simulations of preindustrial conditions gives a global annual average radiative forcing due to tropospheric ozone increases of 0.30 W/m2 with standard assumptions for preindustrial emissions. Locally, the forcing reaches more than 0.8 W/m2 in parts of the northern subtropics during spring and summer, and is more than 0.6 W/m2 through nearly all the Northern subtropics and mid-latitudes during summer. An alternative preindustrial simulation with soil NOx emissions reduced by two-thirds and emissions of isoprene, paraffins and alkenes from vegetation increased by 50% gives a forcing of 0.33 W/m2. Given the large uncertainties in preindustrial ozone amounts, the true value may lie well outside this range.
Identification of Oscillations in Muscle Activity From Surface EMG: Reply to Halliday and Farmer.

reply: The surface EMG signal is typically a recording of many motor unit action potentials from a muscle. Despite the fact that it is a crude representation of the organization of individual motor unit action potentials, we agree with [Halliday and Farmer (2010)][1] that it may contain important
Scintillating fiber based in-vivo dose monitoring system to the rectum in proton therapy of prostate cancer: A Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation

Purpose: To construct a dose monitoring system based on an endorectal balloon coupled to thin scintillating fibers to study the dose to the rectum in proton therapy of prostate cancer. Method: A Geant4 Monte Carlo toolkit was used to simulate the proton therapy of prostate cancer, with an endorectal balloon and a set of scintillating fibers for immobilization and dosimetry measurements, respectively. Results: A linear response of the fibers to the dose delivered was observed to within less than 2%. Results obtained show that fibers close to the prostate recorded higher dose, with the closest fiber recording about one-third of the dose to the target. A 1/r 2 (r is defined as center-to-center distance between the prostate and the fibers) decrease was observed as one goes toward the frontal and distal regions. A very low dose was recorded by the fibers beneath the balloon which is a clear indication that the overall volume of the rectal wall that is exposed to a higher dose is relatively minimized. Further analysis showed a relatively linear relationship between the dose to the target and the dose to the top fibers (total 17), with a slope of (-0.07 ± 0.07) at large number of events per degree of rotation of the modulator wheel (i.e., dose). Conclusion: Thin (1 mm × 1 mm), long (1 m) scintillating fibers were found to be ideal for real time in-vivo dose measurement to the rectum during proton therapy of prostate cancer. The linear response of the fibers to the dose delivered makes them good candidates as dosimeters. With thorough calibration and the ability to define a good correlation between the dose to the target and the dose to the fibers, such dosimeters can be used for real time dose verification to the target. ----------------------------------- Cite this article as : Tesfamicael BY, Avery S, Gueye P, Lyons D, Mahesh M. Scintillating fiber based in-vivo dose monitoring system to the rectum in proton therapy of prostate cancer: A Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation. Int J Cancer Ther Oncol 2014; 2 (2):02024. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14319/ijcto.0202.4
Solid-phase reversible trap for [11C]carbon dioxide using carbon molecular sieves.

Abstract A simple, maintenance-free trapping technique which concentrates and purifies noarrier-added 11CO2 from gas targets is described. The trap requires no liquid nitrogen cooling and has no moving parts besides solenoid valves. It employs carbon molecular sieves to adsorb 11CO2 selectively from gas targets at room temperature. Nitrogen, O2, CO, NO and moisture in the target gas which could interfere with subsequent radiochemical steps are not retained. Trapping efficiency of 1 g of sieve for 11CO2 from a 240 cm3 target gas dump and helium flush cycle is >99%, and the adsorbed 11CO2 is recovered quantitatively as a small concentrated bolus from the carbon sieve trap by thermal desorption. This durable trap has performed reliably for more than 1 y with a single charge of carbon sieve. It has simplified the production, and improved the yields of several 11C-radiochemicals at this laboratory.
Diverging Government Debt in a Converging Business World: An Examination of the Government Liquidity Index

With government debt diverging among countries, it is essential for companies to be able to easily and accurately determine business opportunities across country borders. Liquidity of a country is important for it controls the available money left for businesses to operate within a country. Several tools including Country Liquidity Index (CLI) were developed by researchers to measure the liquidity level of countries. The current CLI model suffers from outliers, mainly in very large or very small countries and also it uses only three variables. This paper reexamines the development of the CLI by introducing size and cultural variables into the original model. The findings are that both size and the Hofstede cultural factors are significantly related to CLI. Including these additional factors eliminated the problem of outliers from the original model and improved the explanatory capability of the model by 6%. The revised Country Liquidity Index Model is now based on the five factors of: Corruption Perception Index, Hofstede's Long-Term Outlook, General Government Gross Debt as Percentage of GDP, GDP, and Hofstede's Masculinity versus Femininity factors. The revised CLI model and the revised liquidity ranking of the countries is a resource for businesses interested in global investment opportunities. The index rank orders countries based on their liquidity. Moreover, the Index quantifies which countries are properly managing their liquidity and which countries are overextended allowing global businesses to easily compare global opportunities.
Ocular treatment of thyroid eye disease

Thyroid eye disease is an autoimmune disease affecting ocular and orbital tissues. The inflammation may or may not parallel systemic thyroid conditions such as Graves’ disease. Disease manifestations result from tissue remodeling within the orbit. The abnormal stimulation of immune cells and orbital fibroblasts is probably involved. Our current understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease is limited and few rational therapies have been designed that target the underlying disease process. Treatment strategies vary depending on disease severity and activity. Recent small-scale studies have shown some promise with B-cell-depleting drugs such as rituximab, but this therapy requires further evaluation. The testing of new treatments is hindered by the lack of a reliable animal model of thyroid eye disease.
CONCERNING THE SINUOUS SHAPE OF LEAF EPIDERMAL CELLS

SUMMARY The geometric features of the sinuous shape of intercostal epidermal cells of the upper epidermis of the leaf of the fern Dryopteris thelypteris (L.) were studied. These cells have an average and probability distribution for the number of anticlinal walls similar to those in tissues expanding in two dimensions as reported earlier. No angles between anticlinal walls were 180° thereby indicating that growth stresses do not alter the shape of cells during the final expansion stage of development. Both the number of convex and concave lobes per cell approaches the binomial expansion of a2(p(a)+q(b))4 while the formula a4(p(a)+q(b))8 describes the distribution for all lobes. Rare gametophtyes were found in which the cells were transformed into sporophytic, leafy types including xylem, spines and sinuous epidermal cells. The occurrence of this last feature indicates that the wavyness of epidermal cells can be achieved in an isolated layer of cells. The data best fit the hypothesis that each cell regardless of size and shape produces four growth centres, each of which arrives at a cell wall site by chance movements and forms either a concave or convex lobe.
Teaching ethical aptitude to graduate student researchers.

Limited time dedicated to each training areas, irrelevant case-studies, and ethics “checklists” have resulted in bare-bones Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training for present biomedical graduate student researchers. Here, we argue that science graduate students be taught classical ethical theory, such as virtue ethics, consequentialist theory, and deontological theory, to provide a basic framework to guide researchers through ethically complex situations and examine the applicability, implications, and societal ramifications of their research. Using a relevant biomedical research example to illustrate this point, we argue that proper ethics training for graduate student researchers not only will enhance current RCR training, but train more creative, responsible scientists.
Minimum-cost network hardening using attack graphs

In defending one's network against cyber attack, certain vulnerabilities may seem acceptable risks when considered in isolation. But an intruder can often infiltrate a seemingly well-guarded network through a multi-step intrusion, in which each step prepares for the next. Attack graphs can reveal the threat by enumerating possible sequences of exploits that can be followed to compromise given critical resources. However, attack graphs do not directly provide a solution to remove the threat. Finding a solution by hand is error-prone and tedious, particularly for larger and less secure networks whose attack graphs are overly complicated. In this paper, we propose a solution to automate the task of hardening a network against multi-step intrusions. Unlike existing approaches whose solutions require removing exploits, our solution is comprised of initially satisfied conditions only. Our solution is thus more enforceable, because the initial conditions can be independently disabled, whereas exploits are usually consequences of other exploits and hence cannot be disabled without removing the causes. More specifically, we first represent given critical resources as a logic proposition of initial conditions. We then simplify the proposition to make hardening options explicit. Among the options we finally choose solutions with the minimum cost. The key improvements over the preliminary version of this paper include a formal framework of the minimum network hardening problem, and an improved one-pass algorithm in deriving the logic proposition while avoiding logic loops.
Noninvasive, transient and selective blood-brain barrier opening in non-human primates in vivo.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a specialized vascular system that impedes entry of all large and the vast majority of small molecules including the most potent central nervous system (CNS) disease therapeutic agents from entering from the lumen into the brain parenchyma. Microbubble-enhanced, focused ultrasound (ME-FUS) has been previously shown to disrupt noninvasively, selectively, and transiently the BBB in small animals in vivo. For the first time, the feasibility of transcranial ME-FUS BBB opening in non-human primates is demonstrated with subsequent BBB recovery. Sonications were combined with two different types of microbubbles (customized 4–5 µm and Definity®). 3T MRI was used to confirm the BBB disruption and to assess brain damage.
Polymer coating of paramagnetic particulates for in vivo oxygen-sensing applications

Crystalline lithium phthalocyanine (LiPc) can be used to sense oxygen. To enhance biocompatibility/stability of LiPc, we encapsulated LiPc in Teflon AF (TAF), cellulose acetate (CA), and polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) (TAF, previously used to encapsulate LiPc, was a comparator). We identified water-miscible solvents that don’t dissolve LiPc crystals, but are solvents for the polymers, and encapsulated crystals by solvent evaporation. Oxygen sensitivity of films was characterized in vitro and in vivo. Encapsulation did not change LiPc oximetry properties in vitro at anoxic conditions or varying partial pressures of oxygen (pO2). EPR linewidth of encapsulated particles was linear with pO2, responding to pO2 changes quickly and reproducibly for dynamic measurements. Encapsulated LiPc was unaffected by biological oxidoreductants, stable in vivo for four weeks. Oximetry, stability and biocompatibility properties of LiPc films were comparable, but both CA and PVAc films are cheaper, and easier to fabricate and handle than TAF films, making them superior.
Satellite attitude determination using GPS

Summary form only given. The usual techniques of satellite attitude determination, such as utilizing inertial guidance components, are fairly expensive, especially if high accuracies are required for the mission. The authors explore a lower-cost alternative yielding equal or better accuracies, reliability, and repeatability. The approach under consideration utilizes the Global Positioning System (GPS) with either multiple antennas for one or more receivers spaced appropriately on the outer surface of the spacecraft. Consideration has also been given to supplementing GPS with the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) in order to increase the number of satellites visible at all times. The effects of this combination are discussed not only in terms of coverage but also to whether accuracy is enhanced or degraded due to the inherent characteristics of GLONASS. It has been demonstrated by simulation that satellite attitude determination using GPS is feasible, practical, and cost-effective for a variety of missions. >
Making sense of hypertrophic scar: a role for nerves.

Healed partial thickness wounds including burns and donor sites cause hypertrophic scar formation and patient discomfort. For many patients with hypertrophic scars, pruritis is the most distressing symptom, which leads to wound excoriation and chronic wound formation. In spite of the clinical significance of abnormal innervation in scars, the nervous system has been largely ignored in the pathophysiology of hypertrophic scars. Evidence that neuropeptides contribute to inflammatory responses to injury include inflammatory cell chemotaxis, cytokine and growth factor production. The neuropeptide substance P, which is released from nerve endings after injury, induces inflammation and mediates angiogenesis, keratinocyte proliferation, and fibrogenesis. Substance P activity is tightly regulated by neutral endopeptidase (NEP), a membrane bound metallopeptidase that degrades substance P at the cell membrane. Altered substance P levels may contribute to impaired cutaneous healing responses associated with diabetes mellitus or hypertrophic scar formation. Topical application of exogenous substance P or an NEP inhibitor enhances wound closure kinetics in diabetic murine wounds suggesting that diabetic wounds have insufficient substance P levels to promote a neuroinflammatory response necessary for normal wound repair. Conversely, increased nerve numbers and neuropeptide levels with reduced NEP levels in human and porcine hypertrophic scar samples suggest that excessive neuropeptide activity induces exuberant inflammation in hypertrophic scars. Given these observations about the role of neuropeptides in cutaneous repair, neuronal modulation of repair processes at two extremes of abnormal wound healing, chronic non-healing ulcers in type II diabetes mellitus and hypertrophic scars in deep partial thickness wounds, may provide therapeutic targets.
The missing link: an econometric analysis on the impact of curriculum standards on student achievement

Abstract Nationwide, state policy-makers have increasingly adopted curriculum standards as a means of improving education. However, relatively little empirical research has been done to investigate if a link actually exists between curriculum standards and student performance. Using data collected by the New York State Department of Education, the impact of standards on high school student achievement is examined through estimation of a one-way fixed-effects model of the education production function. Curriculum standards are operationalized as the award of a “50–64” variance, which is considered a means of increasing the number of students taking demanding courses. The findings suggest that curriculum standards can improve student performance, but they do little to improve equity. While larger portions of pupils pass curriculum-based assessment exams, continued associations between select student characteristics and student performance remain.
Optimal Resampling of OFDM Signals for Multiscale–Multilag Underwater Acoustic Channels

Underwater acoustic channels (UACs) have a large fractional bandwidth and are well modeled by a multiscale-multilag model, which is a generalization of the commonly employed single time-scale model. The path-dependent time scaling introduces significant channel variation, destroying carrier orthogonality and yielding intercarrier interference (ICI) in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system. Typical front-end processing at the receiver for a channel with common time scaling on every path involves resampling the received signal to compensate for this scaling. This work examines the choice of resampling parameter for the multiscale scenario. Bounds are derived for the performance and hard and soft data detection schemes using the Hammersley-Chapman-Robbins bound (HCRB) and the Cramer-Rao bound (CRB), respectively, which when optimized yield the optimal resampling parameter. It is shown that resampling is equivalent to matched filtering the incoming signal with an approximated channel having a common time scale on each path. A second criterion for optimizing the resampling parameter then minimizes the aggregate error between the multiscale channel and its single-scale approximation. Analysis of special cases suggests that the optimal resampling parameter is close to the time-scaling parameter of the dominant path. The scenarios under which using the time-scaling factor on the dominant path for resampling are suboptimal are also investigated. Blind and pilot-aided estimators for the optimal resampling parameter, which are a generalization of the estimators for the common time-scale model, are derived building on the channel approximation model for resampling. Numerical simulations show the advantages of the derived estimators over a classical packet-length-based time-scale estimator.
Quantitative Requirement for Cholecalciferol in the Absence of Ultraviolet Light

Abstract Studies were conducted to determine the basic requirement of the bird for cholecalciferol in the absence of ultraviolet light by utilizing filter sleeves on fluorescent lights in the room and brooder. In Experiment 1, some pens were fitted with filter tubes and some lights were turned off. All the birds received a cholecalciferol-deficient diet. Birds with ultraviolet light excluded grew slowly, developed rickets (95%), had low plasma calcium, and low bone ash (27%); whereas birds exposed to the fluorescent light had normal growth and plasma calcium, slightly low bone ash (38%), and some rickets (12%). Experiments 2 and 3 were conducted to determine the amount of cholecalciferol that must be added to the diet under conditions in which ultraviolet light was excluded. In Experiment 2, the highest level of cholecalciferol fed was 400 ICU/kg. This level was not sufficient to permit the chickens to have weight gain or bone ash equal to the birds receiving the ultraviolet light. The birds receiving 400 ICU/kg of diet also had a 77% incidence of rickets compared with 20% for the birds receiving ultraviolet lights. In Experiment 3, when birds received 800 or 1,600 ICU/kg of cholecalciferol in the diet, they grew and were comparable to those receiving ultraviolet light for the criteria measured.
Floral Characteristics Affect Susceptibility of Hybrid Tea Roses, Rosa × hybrida, to Japanese Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Abstract The Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, feeds on the flowers and foliage of roses, Rosa × hybrida. Beetles attracted to roses land almost exclusively on the flowers. This study evaluated characteristics of rose flowers including color, size, petal count and fragrance, as well as height of plants and blooms within plant as factors in attractiveness to Japanese beetles. Artificial flowers that had been painted to match the spectral reflectance of real blooms were attached to potted nonflowering rose plants in the field and the number of beetles that landed on each model was recorded. More beetles landed on the yellow- and white-colored flower models than on the five other bloom colors that were tested. Large (15 cm diameter) yellow flower models attracted more beetles than did smaller (8 cm diameter) yellow models. There was no difference in beetle response to yellow flower models of the same size that differed in bloom complexity (i.e., number of petals). Experiments in which blooming rose ...
Empirical and conceptual challenges for neurocognitive theories of language production

Strijkers and Costa (2015) discuss three issues that challenge current theories of the neurocognitive dynamics of speech production. We focus on their latter two lines of argumentation. In the firs...
Density Functional and Non-Equilibrium Methods for Unusual States of Matter Produced Using Short-Pulse Lasers

Density functional theory (DFT)1–3 has proved itself as a very effective first principles calculational method for describing the electronic and structural properties of atoms, solids, liquids and plasmas. DFT is, of course, a method for equilibrium ensembles. However, using the output of DFT calculations as the input to non-equilibrium field-theory techniques, we obtain an extremely versatile theoretical framework which is not just a formal method, but an effective calculational method for confronting experimental results via first principles calculations. Just such a versatile and powerful tool is needed to understand the new states of matter that are being produced by the use of short-pulse lasers to compress, heat, ionize and manipulate matter into very unusual non-equilibrium situations. Such non-equilibrium situations are experimentally monitored using time-resolved probes which provide information on time dependent populations, optical and carrier transport coefficients, linear and non-linear susceptibilities, etc. It is clear from the talks by Profs. Mike Downer, Tom Hall, and von der Linde, that the time evolution of such systems during energy deposition by the laser may involve the transformation of the solid to other solid phases, to a liquid and finally to a plasma. Hence the first principles method must have the capability of spanning such a variety of regimes of condensed matter.