cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Six formal properties of two-dimensional anisotropie visual filters: Structural principles and frequency/orientation selectivity

Six formal properties of anisotropic linear two-dimensional filters are noted which are relevant for modeling the mechanisms of spatial visual information extraction. These properties concern the relationship between the organizational principle of a two-dimensional anisotropic spatial filter or neural receptive field (such as elongation, or concatenation of subunits, or differential operators mediated by lateral inhibition in neural laminae) and the resulting general consequences for spatial frequency and orientation selectivity. These properties are demonstrated without assuming particular two-dimensional filter functional forms; rather, they are shown as general principles associated with certain broad categories of two-dimensional filters. Such an analysis enhance theoretical understanding of the two-dimensional receptive field organization of neurons in the visual cortex and permits the rejection of some candidate organizational principles on two-dimensional spectral grounds.
An assessment of multiphase flow models using the second law of thermodynamics

Abstract The constraints implied by the second law of thermodynamics have been used to check the validity of two-fluid models. It has been found that all current generation multiphase computer codes violate these constraints. This implies that the physical models used in these codes are inadequate. Recommendations are given for how to improve two-fluid modeling assumptions and a relatively simple set of closure conditions which satisfy the second law of thermodynamics is presented.
President's colmn

In my last column I indicated that I would report to you on issues which were discussed at the June Technical Activities Board (TAB) meeting. There are two items that I think may be of specific interest to our Society's members: the possible restructuring of the divisions within TAB, and the relatively small number of nominations made for major IEEE awards.
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn

This report provides the first description of the fine-needle aspiration biopsy findings in a case of subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn. While initial interpretation of the aspirate smears was suspicious for a neoplastic process, subsequent incisional biopsy confirmed the benign nature of the lesion. Review of the cytologic material revealed rare, negatively stained, needle-shaped crystals within histiocytes and multinucleate giant cells. In the appropriate clinical setting, and given a mixture of lymphocytes, histiocytes, and multinucleate giant cells in the aspirate smears, we believe the finding of negatively stained needle-shaped crystals can strongly suggest the diagnosis of subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn.
Multiscale planar-curve descriptor using biorthogonal wavelet transform

By using the biorthogonal wavelet transform, we develop a hierarchical planar curve descriptor which decomposes a curve into components of different scales so that the coarsest scale carries the global approximation information while other finer scale components contain the local detailed information. It is shown that the wavelet descriptor can be computed effectively and has many nice properties as a representation tool, e.g. invariance, uniqueness, and stability. We discuss several applications of the wavelet descriptor, including character recognition ad shape deformation. Experimental results are given to illustrate the performance of the proposed wavelet descriptor.
Describing and testing an intermediate concept measure of adolescent moral thinking

This paper describes the development and preliminary testing of an intermediate concept measure (ICM) of moral thinking for adolescent populations. First proposed by Rest and Narvaez (1994), intermediate concepts are described as more context specific than moral stages defined within the Kohlberg tradition, but are more abstract than assessments of codes of conduct. The process of developing the adolescent ICM is described and data are presented to provide initial support for the measure. Results indicate that the adolescent ICM can distinguish age educational groups across high school and individuals who are acting out in school achieved significantly lower scores than all other students. In addition, ICM scores are related to Defining Issues Test scores providing preliminary support for the claim that both measures assess the moral domain. Coupled with the respectable psychometric properties of the measure, these findings support the adolescent ICM as a measure of moral thinking in adolescent population...
Runtime power estimator calibration for high-performance microprocessors

Accurate runtime power estimation is important for on-line thermal/power regulation on today's high performance processors. In this paper, we introduce a power calibration approach with the assistance of on-chip physical thermal sensors. It is based on a new error compensation method which corrects the errors of power estimations using the feedback from physical thermal sensors. To deal with the problem of limited number of physical thermal sensors, we propose a statistical power correlation extraction method to estimate powers for places without thermal sensors. Experimental results on standard SPEC benchmarks show the new method successfully calibrates the power estimator with very low overhead introduced.
A model for quantitative changes in the magnetic resonance parameters of muscle in children after therapeutic irradiation

Abstract Purpose/Objective This study aimed to develop objective models of radiation effects on musculature in children with soft tissue sarcoma using treatment dosimetry and clinical and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters that may be used to guide treatment planning or predict side effects. Methods In the initial 13 patients undergoing external beam radiation therapy (RT) on a Phase II study of conformal or intensity-modulated RT for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma approved by an Institutional Review Board, we evaluated quantitative MRI changes in the musculature to assess radiation-related treatment effects. Patients with soft tissue sarcoma, including Ewing's sarcoma, had quantitative T 1 , T 2 and dynamic enhanced MRI (DEMRI) performed before, during (Week 4) and after RT (Week 12). Regions of interest were selected in consistent locations within and outside the high-dose regions (on ipsilateral and contralateral sides when available). Mean RT dose, T 1 , T 2 and DEMRI parameters were calculated and modeled using a mixed random coefficient dose model. Results The mean doses to the high- and low-dose regions were 56.4 Gy (41.8–75.3 Gy) and 13.0 Gy (0.1–37.5 Gy), respectively. Compared with tissues distant from the tumor bed, maximal enhancement was significantly increased in tissues adjacent to the tumor/tumor bed prior to RT (60.6 vs. 44.2, P =.045) and remained elevated after 12 weeks. T 1 was significantly elevated in tissues adjacent to the tumor bed prior to RT (942.4 vs. 759.0, P =.0078). The slope of longitudinal change in T 1 was greater for tissues that received low-dose irradiation than those that received high-dose irradiation ( P =.0488). The effect of dose on the slope of T 2 was different ( P =.0333) when younger and older patients are compared. Conclusions Acute affects of irradiation in muscle are quantifiable via MRI. These models provide evidence that quantifiable MRI parameters may be correlated with patient parameters of radiation dose and clinical factors including patient age. Long-term follow-up will be required to determine if acute changes correlate with clinically significant late effects.
Challenges and techniques for mining real clinical data

Regression analysis and statistical hypothesis testing are commonly used for association and classification of clinical data sets in medical studies. Although such traditional techniques are wildly used, they have several shortcomings. For example, when analyzing datasets with a large number of temporal attributes, domain experts often miss important associative attributes in regression analysis because of the large number of correlated attributes. On the other hand, for rare occurring diseases or operations, the number of documented observed cases is usually small, and hypothesis testing becomes ineffective for such analysis due to insufficient statistical significance. We shall present two such case studies to showcase how data mining techniques [1-7] can be used to remedy such shortcomings.
A Multicultural Critique of Identity Status Theory and Research: A Call for Integration

Although identity status theory has inspired over 500 theoretical and empirical publications, it is unclear to what extent this tradition has incorporated non-White ethnic groups and theories of racial and ethnic identity development. We reviewed 57 empirical articles published between 1993 and 2003 in 6 leading outlets for identity status research and found that (a) 35% failed to report the ethnic composition of the sample, and (b) 74% of the samples consisted primarily of White participants. Given the increasing diversity of the United States and other Western countries, non-White ethnic groups need to be incorporated in identity status research, and the ethnic composition of research samples need to be adequately described. We review 4 models of racial and ethnic identity development that parallel the more general identity development process. We conclude by providing both methodological and theoretical suggestions for how identity status and racial or ethnic identity models can be integrated. Erikson’s (1963) eight-stage model of psychosocial development is one of the most influential life span developmental theories in the personality literature. It is by far the most frequently presented stage theory of development in both introduc
Reverisble inactivation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide kinase in extracts of unfertilized sea urchin eggs.

Abstract NAD kinase activity in extracts of unfertilized sea urchin eggs is lost on dialysis against dilute buffer and can be recovered by incubation with NAD and dithiothreitol.
Oxygen scavenging enhances exothermic behavior of aluminum-fueled energetic composites

The theoretical heat of combustion for aluminum (Al) and copper oxide (CuO) under ideal conditions is roughly 4,100 kJ kg−1, but in practice only a fraction of this energy is available for application. Approaching the theoretical value requires innovative strategies for exploiting reaction kinetics. One strategy is to force Al to react CuO as opposed to oxygen from the environment and this approach was shown here to improve the measured heat of combustion significantly. This was achieved through tailoring the mixture using an additive with oxygen affinity prior to Al ignition. The additive is hafnium hydride (HfH2) and this study examines reaction kinetics for HfH2 0–60 mass% concentration range using simultaneous thermal-gravimetric analysis. Results reveal that 0–10 mass% HfH2 additive enhanced the heat of combustion of Al+CuO by 12 %. The observed enhancement is attributed to HfH2 creating oxidation competitions that directly influence the combustion performance of Al+CuO. The transition of this equilibrium-based observation to a non-equilibrium fast heating setup is also investigated using plate deformation tests. Exploding bridge wire heads initiated by a capacitive discharge unit are used to dent plates and the deformation energies are estimated to observe the effects of varying composites in a non-equilibrium setting. The presence of HfH2 showed improved deformation energies for Al+CuO in the 10 % mass HfH2 range. This work introduces a novel method of using a catalyst in thermite composites to enhance combustive behaviors through oxygen scavenging. Using the same concept as getter materials, the atmosphere is scavenged of free oxygen allowing for the fuel to react exclusively with the solid oxidizer.
Laboratory studies in search of the critical hydrogen concentration

Abstract Addition of H 2 to primary coolant water is widely used in the nuclear reactor industry to suppress water radiolysis and lower the corrosion potential. The critical hydrogen concentration (CHC) – the minimum concentration of excess H 2 that can completely suppress O 2 , H 2 O 2 , and H 2 formation from water radiolysis – is an important quantity for the management of reactor water chemistry. For the design of future supercritical water cooled reactors, we have investigated whether water radiolysis can be suppressed with a reasonable overpressure of H 2 . Experiments were carried out using 2.5–2.8 MeV electrons from a van de Graaff accelerator, which can easily produce dose rates on the order of one kilogray/second, typical of power reactors. Radiolytic H 2 and O 2 production was measured as a function of excess dissolved H 2 . The results indicate that net radiolysis of water can be suppressed in supercritical water. Anomalous high H 2 concentrations were obtained using metal (hastelloy or titanium) irradiation tubing rather than sapphire or silica. We ascribe these results to a radiation-stimulated corrosion process at high temperature. Throughout the subcritical temperature regime, almost no oxygen is measured, even though kinetic modeling suggests there should be concentrations well above our detection threshold. To explain this result we recommend that unmeasured rate constants for • H+O 2 − and (e − ) aq +O 2 − should be considered completely diffusion-limited. At 300 °C, the (high dose rate) steady state H 2 concentration in pure water is almost completely determined by the equilibrium H 2 + • OH⇔ • H+H 2 O. The measured steady-state H 2 is in good agreement with the recent equilibrium constant estimate of Bartels (Radiation Physics and Chemistry 78 (3): 191–194, (2009)).
Linear Regression, Neural Network and Induction Analysis to Determine Harvesting and Processing Effects on Surimi Quality

Harvesting and processing input combinations and product quality attributes for the Pacific whiting surimi industry were collected and analyzed. Multiple linear regression, neural networks, and M5-induction were used to determine significant variables in the industry. Significant factors included variables intrinsic to the fish (moisture content, salinity, pH, length, weight) and processing variables (processing time, storage temperature, harvest date, wash time, wash ratios). Most variables were highly interactive and nonlinear. Information derived from these models have implications for production and management decisions.
292 nm AlGaN Single-Quantum Well Light Emitting Diodes Grown on Transparent AlN Base

We report the use of a novel transparent AlN base layer to achieve sub-300 nm electroluminescence from an AlGaN p-n junction single quantum well light emitting diode grown on sapphire by metal organic chemical vapor deposition. For unpackaged devices tested on wafer at a continuous current of 120 mA, an optical power of 2.4 µW was achieved. Peak emission was 292 nm, with very little secondary wavelength emission.
Production of hydrogen peroxide by wood-rotting fungi in wood and its correlation with weight loss, depolymerization, and pH changes

1. Wood-decay fungi produced H2O2 solely from native substrates in wood. Most basidiomycetes which cause brown-rot of wood produced H2O2 more rapidly on loblolly pine than sweetgum and they produced H2O2 more quickly than white-rot fungi which varied considerably among themselves in formation of the oxidant. 2. Most brown-rot fungi depolymerized wood cellulose extensively at low weight losses and lowered the pH of wood. At these weight losses, white-rot fungi raised the degree of polymerization or depolymerized cellulose slightly and either raised pH of wood or lowered it but a little. 3. Ability to produce H2O2 from glucose in culture was generally correlated well with ability to produce H2O2 in wood for brown-rot fungi. However, exceptions for these and some white-rot fungi suggest that H2O2 may originate from sources other than glucose in wood. 4. Brown-rot fungi produced sufficient H2O2 in 3 days, and the acidic conditions optimal for cellulolysis by an H2O2-Fe++ system, to account for the depolymerization observed in this study. Results suggest that these fungi may employ an H2O2-Fe++ mechanism to decompose wood cellulose or render it more susceptible to attack by conventional cellulases.
Synthesis of Cationic Rhenium(VII) Oxo Imido Complexes and Their Tunability Towards Oxygen Atom Transfer

A facile method is described for the synthesis of cationic Re(VII) cis oxo imido complexes of the form [Re(O)(NAr)(salpd)+] (salpd = N,N‘-propane-1,3-diylbis(salicylideneimine)), 4, [Re(O)(NAr)(saldach)+] (saldach = N,N‘-cyclohexane-1,3-diylbis(salicylideneimine)), 5, and [Re(O)(NAr)(hoz)2+] (hoz = 2-(2‘-hydroxyphenyl)-2-oxazoline) (Ar = 2,4,6,-(Me)C6H2; 4-(OMe)C6H4; 4-(Me)C6H4; 4-(CF3)C6H4; 4-MeC6H4SO2), 6, from the reaction of oxorhenium(V) [(L)Re(O)(Solv)+] (1−3) and aryl azides under ambient conditions. Unlike previously reported cationic Re(VII) dioxo complexes, these cationic oxo imido complexes can be obtained on a preparative scale, and an X-ray crystal structure of [Re(O)(NMes)(saldach)+], 5a, has been obtained. Despite the multiple stereoisomers that could arise from tetradentate ligation of salen ligands to rhenium, one major isomer is observed and isolated in each instant. The electronic rationalization for stereoselectivity is discussed. Investigation of the mechanism suggests that the reacti...
Growth and Properties of Particulate Fe Films Vapor Deposited in UHV on Planar Alumina Substrates

An integrated experimental approach was used to prepare and characterize well-defined particulate deposits of Fe on a variety of planar A1203 supports. The Fe particles were vapor deposited in UHV on in-situ cleaned and characterized amorphous and single crystal alumina supports at controlled substrate temperatures and deposition rates. Integrated support and deposit properties were monitored in-situ by AES, XPS, and LEED; particle number densities and sizes were monitored by standard TEM. It was found that a) metal exposure is an insufficient and often misleading measure of particle size when the support surface properties are unknown or poorly controlled, b) judicious combination of depostion temperature and impingement flux lead to size- and number density-controlled particulate deposits of good thermal stability, which can be improved by annealing. Preliminary results of XPS and of CO-TPD and H2-TPD measurements exhibiting particle size effects are also reported.
The encapsulation of Fe on TiO2(110)

We report evidence in this letter for the encapsulation of Fe clusters supported by single crystal TiO2. After thermal annealing in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) at 500–700 ° C for several hours, Fe clusters are almost completely covered by Ti suboxides TiOx while Fe remains mainly in the metallic state. The phenomenon can be clearly measured using LETS (low energy ion scattering) and XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy).
Ten years' experience with BCG (experimental and clinical)

Summary In a study with BCG vaccination where special emphasis was placed on having adequate controls and where the multiple puncture technique was used to introduce the vaccine, the following results were obtained: 1. BCG has been found to be entirely innocuous both locally and generally in animals studied over a period of ten years and in infants studied over a period of seven years. 2. In 1,204 vaccinated children where no source of contact with tuberculosis was known, there were three cases of tuberculosis and one death from the disease; whereas in 1213 controls there were twenty-three cases of tuberculosis and four deaths from the disease. 3. In ninety-eight vaccinated newborn infants who were in contact with tuberculosis following vaccination there was one case of tuberculosis and no deaths; whereas in sixty-three controls there were four cases of tuberculosis and three deaths. 4. Considering the contact and noncontact group as a whole, there were twenty-seven cases of tuberculosis in the control group against four cases in the vaccinated; there were seven deaths from tuberculosis in the control group and one in the vaccinated. 5. There were ten cases of tuberculosis in siblings not included in the control groups, and one death from tuberculosis in this group. 6. From these results, it may be concluded that in the first seven years of life BCG vaccination is of definite value in the prevention of tuberculosis.
Does preoperative total parenteral nutrition in patients with ulcerative colitis produce better outcomes

Purpose Malnutrition is a frequent problem in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) leading to increased postoperative complication rates. Preoperative total parenteral nutrition (TPN) has been shown to reduce complications in some subgroups of patients, but has not been studied in UC. We investigated the impact of preoperative TPN on postoperative complication rates in patients undergoing surgery for UC.
Which Bacterial Biofilm Exopolysaccharide is Preferred, Psl or Alginate?

Published ahead of print 15 February 2013 The views expressed in this Commentary do not necessarily reflect the views of the journal or of ASM.
Children who Have Witnessed Community Homicide: Incorporating Risk and Resilience in Clinical Work:

New research and theory on developmental risk and resiliency in childhood are presented and are applied to clinical practice with children who have witnessed violence. This material expands the mental-health services with this population by contextualizing the phenomenon and incorporating a strengths perspective in clinical interventions.
Cancer stem cell biology: from leukemia to solid tumors

The biology of stem cells and their intrinsic properties are now recognized as integral to tumor pathogenesis in several types of cancer. This observation has broad ramifications in the cancer research field and is likely to impact our understanding of the basic mechanisms of tumor formation and the strategies we use to treat cancers. A role for stem cells has been demonstrated for cancers of the hematopoietic system, breast and brain. Going forward it is likely that stem cells will also be implicated in other malignancies. Hence, a detailed understanding of stem cells and how they mediate tumor pathogenesis will be critical in developing more effective cancer therapies.
Self-organizing dynamics of coupled map systems

We show that the feedback from the macroscopic dynamics of a system of coupled units can synchronize the dynamics of these units. We studied the dynamics of maps coupled through their variables and control parameters. The feedback adjusted the values of the parameters of each map by using a function that depended on the difference between the Liapunov exponent of each unit and the Liapunov exponent of the mean field of the system. We showed that synchronization of the maps can be achieved under two different conditions: (1) where the maps interact autonomously without a fixed controlling map and (2) where the maps interact nonautomously with a single controlling map with fixed parameters. This method of feedback control may be useful in controlling more general types of parallel distributed systems.
Yellow fever in Western Uganda

Abstract 1. 1. An investigation covering a 4-year period has been made in an area in Uganda, East Africa, where preliminary protection tests indicated that yellow fever had occurred. 2. 2. During the 4th year of the study an epidemic of yellow fever of some magnitude occurred in the area. Virus was isolated from a human case and from wild-caught Aedes simpsoni mosquitoes. 3. 3. The data obtained indicate that this outbreak in the human population was associated with contact with the forest. Once it became established in man the principal vector of the disease appeared to be the mosquito, A. simpsoni.
Hospital Budget Implications of Substituting Dabigatran for Warfarin in an Anticoagulation Service

The aim of our study was to assess hospital budget implications of substituting dabigatran for warfarin in patients enrolled in a large anticoagulation service. The study population was identified using criteria from randomized controlled trials of dabigatran. We obtained labor costs ($483 per patient) from the hospital's anticoagulation service budget, laboratory costs of international normalized ratio (INR) tests ($267 per patient), and wholesale costs of warfarin 5 mg tablets ($31 per patient) and dabigatran 150 mg capsules ($2464 per patient). A total of 1774 (93.5%) of 1898 patients were eligible to substitute dabigatran for warfarin. The annual projected hospital expense for anticoagulation with dabigatran was $4,371,136, attributable to drug cost alone. The annual projected cost of warfarin management was $1,385,494. This was comprised of $856,842 for labor, $473,658 for INR testing, and $54,994 for the drug cost of warfarin. Substitution will result in increased expense due to drug cost.
Aharonov-Bohm Paradox

It is remarked that even in the classical limit the behavior of a charged particle interacting with a stationary current distribution exhibits paradoxical behavior. This comes from the inequality of action and reaction forces. It is shown that the vector potential term appearing in the expression for the canonical momenta represents the electromagnetic field momentum.
Felt Reports from the Alice, Texas, Earthquake of 24 March 1997

INTRODUCTION On 24 March 1997 at 22:31 UTC (4:31 p.m. local time), an earthquake occurred in the vicinity of Alice, Texas. The United States Geological Survey (USGS), using stations primarily in Texas, Oklahoma, and Canada, determined the epicenter as 27.72°N 98.05°W (5 km SE of Alice) and assigned a magnitude mbLg of 3.8. Initial newspaper reports indicated that numerous residents of Alice and nearby towns felt the earthquake. In spite of its small size, this earthquake is of interest for three reasons. First, it is the first earthquake known in this location in historic times. While small earthquakes (magnitudes ∼3.0–4.7) do occur in east-central Texas in a region roughly parallel to and extending about 240 km from the Gulf of Mexico, they are quite rare—in 150 years only about 25 have been large enough to be felt (Figure 1). The nearest epicenters to the Alice event lie about 100 km...
Genomic profiles of damage and protection in human intracerebral hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) produces a high rate of death and disability. The molecular mechanisms of damage in perihematomal tissue in humans have not been systematically characterized. This study determines the gene expression profile and molecular networks that are induced in human perihematomal tissue through molecular analysis of tissue obtained from endoscopic clot evacuation. Differentially expressed genes and their cellular origin were confirmed in a mouse model of ICH. A total of 624 genes showed altered regulation in human ICH. Bioinformatic analysis shows that these genes form interconnected networks of proinflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and neuronal signaling cascades. Intracerebral hemorrhage evokes coordinated upregulation of proinflammatory signaling through specific cytokines and chemokines and their downstream molecular pathways. Anti-inflammatory networks are also induced by ICH, including annexins A1 and A2 and transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) and their intracellular cascades. Intracerebral hemorrhage downregulates many neuronal signaling systems, including the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor complex and membrane ion channels. Select portions of these molecular networks were confirmed in the mouse, and the proteins in a subset of these networks localized to subsets of neurons, oligodendrocytes, or leukocytes. These inflammatory and anti-inflammatory networks interact at several key points in neutrophil signaling, apoptotic cell death, and protease responses, and indicate that secondary damage in ICH activates opposing molecular systems.
Aminadab in Nathaniel Hawthorne's THE BIRTH-MARK

Aminadab is an unusual name for Nathaniel Hawthorne to choose even for a denigrated laboratory assistant with a minimal role in “The Birth-mark.” The name is a variation of the Hebrew name Aminadav...
Ditkin's theorem and [SIN]-groups

A general Ditkin-type theorem is proved for certain Banach algebras. Applications of this result are derived concerningL1 (G) whereG is a [SIN]-group.
Abstract 5156: The oncogenic polycomb histone methyltransferase EZH2 methylates lysine 120 on histone H2B and competes ubiquitination in human cancer

The histone methyltransferase EZH2 is known to be a polycomb protein homologus to Drosophila enhancer of zeste and catalyzes the addition of methyl groups to histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27). We previously reported that EZH2 was overexpressed in various types of cancer and plays a crucial role in the cell cycle regulation of cancer cells. In this study, we demonstrated that EZH2 has the function to mono-methylated lysine 120 on histone H2B (H2BK120). EZH2-dependent H2BK120 methylation in cancer cells was confirmed with an H2BK120 methylation-specific antibody. Overexpression of EZH2 significantly attenuated the ubiquitination of H2BK120, a key post-translational modification of histones for transcriptional regulation. Concordantly, knockdown of EZH2 increased the ubiquitination level of H2BK120, suggesting that the methylation of H2BK120 by EZH2 may competitively inhibit the ubiquitination of H2BK120. Subsequent ChIP-Seq and microarray analyses identified downstream candidate genes regulated by EZH2 through the methylation of H2BK120. This is the first report to describe a novel substrate of EZH2, H2BK120, unveiling a new aspect of EZH2 functions in human carcinogenesis. Citation Format: Ryuji Hamamoto, Yusuke Nakamura. The oncogenic polycomb histone methyltransferase EZH2 methylates lysine 120 on histone H2B and competes ubiquitination in human cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5156. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5156
Photoemission from diamond films and substrates into water: dynamics of solvated electrons and implications for diamond photoelectrochemistry

Illumination of diamond with above-bandgap light results in emission of electrons into water and formation of solvated electrons. Here we characterize the materials factors that affect that dynamics of the solvated electrons produced by illumination of niobium substrates and of diamond thin films grown on niobium substrates using transient absorption spectroscopy, and we relate the solvated electron dynamics to the ability to reduce N2 to NH3. For diamond films grown on niobium substrates for different lengths of time, the initial yield of electrons is similar for the different samples, but the lifetime of the solvated electrons increases approximately 10-fold as the film grows. The time-averaged solvated electron concentration and the yield of NH3 produced from N2 both show maxima for films grown for 1–2 hours, with thicknesses of 100–200 nm. Measurements at different values of pH on boron-doped diamond films show that the instantaneous electron emission is nearly independent of pH, but the solvated electron lifetime becomes longer as the pH is increased from pH = 2 to pH = 5. Finally, we also illustrate an important caveat arising from the fact that charge neutrality requires that light-induced emission of electrons from diamond must be accompanied by corresponding oxidation reactions. In situations where the valence band holes cannot readily induce solution-phase oxidation reactions, the diamond itself can be etched by reacting with water to produce CO. Implications for other reactions such as photocatalytic CO2 reduction are discussed, along with strategies for mitigating the potential photo-etching phenomena.
Anti-angiogenesis agents in metastatic or recurrent cervical cancer

While the incidence of cervical cancer has declined significantly in the United States, it still remains a serious American health threat. When detected early, cervical cancer is generally curable. Early lesions are treated surgically, and locally advanced lesions are managed with concurrent cisplatin chemotherapy and pelvic radiation. Metastatic disease or recurrent lesions not amenable to radical local excision or regional radiation are treated with palliative chemotherapy. Current chemotherapeutic regimens are associated with significant side effects and only limited activity making the identification of active and tolerable novel targeted agents a high priority. Angiogenesis is central to cervical cancer development and progression. The dominant role of angiogenesis in cervical cancer seems to be directly related to HPV inhibition of p53 and stabilization of HIF-1 alpha, both of which increase VEGF. Bevacizumab binding and subsequent inactivation of VEGF seem to shrink cervical tumors and delay progression without appreciable toxicity, and are therefore being studied in a Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) phase III trial. Other intracellular tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) of angiogenesis such as pazopanib are also encouraging, especially in lieu of their oral administration. Further study of angiogenesis and its inhibition are ongoing.
Cellulase Induction and Wall Extension in the Water Mold Achlya ambisexualis

Branching of the coenocytic hyphae in the water mold Achlya ambisexualis Raper is always accompanied by a rise in cellulase activity. Branching and the cellulase response can be induced either by the sexual hormone atheridiol or by casein hydro-lysate. Only those strains which branch in response to the inducer show a concomitant rise in cellulase. The peak of induced mycelial cellulase corresponds in time with the appearance of branch primordia.
Evaluation of cholesterol and vitamin E concentrations in adult alpacas and nursing crias

The objective of this study was to determine if serum cholesterol and vitamin E concentrations change with production and physiologic state in alpacas. Blood was collected from 3 groups of alpacas. An adult female group was sampled in the periparturient period and once monthly until their offspring were weaned. Crias born to the females were sampled after birth, then once monthly until weaning. A group consisting of males was sampled once monthly throughout the study period. Serum vitamin E and cholesterol concentrations were measured and vitamin E to cholesterol ratios was calculated. Vitamin E concentrations were similar throughout the different physiologic states. Cria vitamin E concentrations closely correlated to that of their dam. Significant cholesterol concentration fluctuations in crias occurred after 4 weeks of life possibly due to milk fat content. After weaning, the cholesterol concentrations became similar to the adult animals within study. Vitamin E concentrations varied with age in crias as they transitioned from a milk to forage based diet. Cholesterol fluctuated with altered physiologic and metabolic demands, most noticeable in the crias. Further studies are needed to determine if vitamin E to cholesterol ratios would be more appropriate to fully assess the vitamin E status in nursing crias.
Earth Fissure Formation from the Mechanics of Groundwater Pumping

This paper presents the formulation of the mechanics governing the changes in stress state from groundwater pumping. A 2-layer alluvium consisting of a cemented alluvium layer on top of an unconfined aquifer alluvium layer is considered. It is shown that the stress state in the aquifer alluvium consists of compression, simple shear, and couple stresses. The shear stresses on the vertical planes and horizontal planes are not equal. Consequently, a Cosserat rather than the conventionally used Cauchy continuum better simulates the stresses in the aquifer alluvium. Land subsidence from groundwater level decline consists of vertical compression (consolidation), shear displacement, and macrorotation. The latter occurs when conditions are favorable for the microrotation imposed by asymmetric stresses to become macrorotation. Earth fissures are formed in aquifer alluvium from groundwater pumping by simple shear on vertical planes and rotation and not by tension as commonly suggested. Earth fissures are formed in the upper cemented alluvium by simple shear strains and rotations. Highly cemented alluviums are more prone to earth fissure formation than weakly cemented alluviums. It is shown that there is a critical characteristic length of √2 times the aquifer alluvium thickness below which earth fissures would, theoretically, not develop. The distances from the well face at which earth fissures will form depend not on the total drop in groundwater level but on the gradient of the groundwater profile. The slope of the subsidence bowl, which consists of simple shear strain and rotation, is established as an indicator for the initiation of earth fissures.
Distribution of gonadotropic hormone activity in the serum proteins of normal pregnant women and patients with trophoblastic tumors

Abstract The gonadotropic activity of the sera of 12 pregnant women was shown, by zone electrophoresis and chromatography followed by paper electrophoresis, to be associated with the γ- and β-globulins, whereas the sera of 12 patients with gonadotropin-producing trophoblastic tumors showed hormone activity in the β- and α 2 -globulins. These findings suggest a difference between the serum chorionic gonadotropins of pregnant women and those of tumor patients.
Effects of cytosine methylation on DNA charge transport

The methylation of cytosine bases in DNA commonly takes place in the human genome and its abnormality can be used as a biomarker in the diagnosis of genetic diseases. In this paper we explore the effects of cytosine methylation on the conductance of DNA. Although the methyl group is a small chemical modification, and has a van der Waals radius of only 2 A, its presence significantly changes the duplex stability, and as such may also affect the conductance properties of DNA. To determine if charge transport through the DNA stack is sensitive to this important biological modification we perform multiple conductance measurements on a methylated DNA molecule with an alternating G:C sequence and its non-methylated counterpart. From these studies we find a measurable difference in the conductance between the two types of molecules, and demonstrate that this difference is statistically significant. The conductance values of these molecules are also compared with a similar sequence that has been previously studied to help elucidate the charge transport mechanisms involved in direct DNA conductance measurements.
DOING DEVELOPMENT ONE CHICKEN AT A TIME: HAPPY HOLLOW EGG PRODUCTION AS AN UNLIKELY SPIN-OFF FROM AN AGROFORESTRY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

As most of us involved in community development know, often a good idea originates with the people we are trying the help. In fact, one of the keys to success and sustainability in many development projects rests in our ability to accomplish our goals or deliverables within a methodology that is sufficiently flexible to incorporate new ideas into an already carefully defined set of goals. This basic truism of research in community development is illustrated here with an example of a livelihood project seemingly unrelated to the overall goals of an agroforestry development project—Good Roots-ugat ng buhay—that I have directed in the Philippines for the past fifteen years (see The Changing Village Life in Southeast Asia: Applied anthropology and environment in the Northern Philippines, 2005, New York and London: RoutledgeCuzon).
Is cognitive therapy consistent with what we know about emotions

The cognitive perspective has been a dominant force in psychology and psychotherapy since the 1970s. Cognitive therapies share an emphasis on the priority of changing cognition as the key to bringing about changes in patterns of dysfunctional emotional reactions and symptomatic behaviors. In this article, the author examined the basis for the assumptions of cognitive therapy in the context of recent evidence of the long-term effects of stressful experiences. This evidence contradicts the assumption of many cognitive therapists that changing cognition is prior to and necessary to changing emotional reactions. Neurobiological evidence indicates that emotions can be experienced without cortical interpretations of stimuli, and clinical evidence indicates that experiences can be stored as isolated affective fragments that function later to distort cognition. This suggests that cognitive therapies are based on a limited model of mental functions that sometimes must be supplemented by broader psychodynamic concepts if lasting changes are to occur.
Is there a fish alarm cue? Affirming evidence from a wild study

Chemical alarm cues released from injured tissue are not released under any other context and therefore reliably inform nearby prey of the presence of a predator. Laboratory and field studies have demonstrated that most aquatic taxa show antipredator responses to chemical alarm cues. Ostariophysan fish (e.g. minnows) possess specialized skin cells that contain an alarm chemical. Magurran et al. (1996, Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Series B,263, 1551–1556) were the first to use underwater video to carefully document the behavioural response of free-ranging wild populations of minnows to minnow alarm cues. They found no evidence of an antipredator response, and challenged the assumption that the contents of these cells indicate risk in the field. They proposed that alarm responses are context dependent in that they are an artefact of enclosed environments such as laboratory aquaria and field traps. Here, we repeat their experiment on free-swimming field populations of littoral fish and report a significant decrease in the number of fish in areas where chemical alarm cues of blacknose shiners, Notropis heterolepis (Ostariophysi: Cyprinidae) were released. The effect of these chemical cues was equal in magnitude to the effect of the presentation of a model predator. The response to the approach of a model predator (visual cue) was intensified by pre-exposure to chemical alarm cues. We corroborated this interaction between chemical and visual indicators of predation risk in a laboratory study using glowlight tetras, Hemigrammus erythrozonus (Ostariophysi: Characidae). Response to the visual stimulus of a predator was significantly intensified by previous exposure to conspecific chemical alarm cues. We conclude that ostariophysan skin indeed contains an alarm cue that (1) informs nearby prey of imminent predation risk, (2) induces some form of antipredator behaviour in most contexts, and (3) affects subsequent behavioural responses to stimuli in other sensory modalities.
Modeling Temporal Processes in Early Spacecraft Design: Application of Discrete-Event Simulations for Darpa's F6 Program

While the ability to model the state of a space system over time is essential during spacecraft operations, the use of time-based simulations remains rare in preliminary design. The absence of the time dimension in most traditional early design tools can however become a hurdle when designing complex systems whose development and operations can be disrupted by various events, such as delays or failures. As the value delivered by a space system is highly affected by such events, exploring the trade space for designs that yield the maximum value calls for the explicit modeling of time. This paper discusses the use of discrete-event models to simulate spacecraft development schedule as well as operational scenarios and on-orbit resources in the presence of uncertainty. It illustrates how such simulations can be utilized to support trade studies, through the example of a tool developed for DARPA’s F6 program to assist the design of “fractionated spacecraft”.
Rehospitalization of very preterm infants.

Rehospitalization rates of very preterm infants because of reasons that are related to neonatal morbidity states can be decreased with further improvement of neonatal intensive care provided. Conclusion: Analysis of rehospitalization data should be included in follow-up programmes as a contribution to the development of strategies to improve neonatal care and the ultimate outcome for very-low-birthweight infants.
β Subunits Modulate Alternatively Spliced, Large Conductance, Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels of Avian Hair Cells

Electrical tuning confers frequency selectivity onto sensory hair cells in the auditory periphery of frogs, turtles, and chicks. The resonant frequency is determined in large part by the number and kinetics of large conductance, calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels. BK channels in hair cells are encoded by the alternatively spliced slo gene and may include an accessory β subunit. Here we examine the origins of kinetic variability among BK channels by heterologous expression of avian cochlear slo cDNAs. Four alternatively spliced forms of the slo -α gene from chick hair cells were co-expressed with accessory β subunits (from quail cochlea) by transient transfection of human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Addition of the β subunit increased steady-state calcium affinity, raised the Hill coefficient for calcium binding, and slowed channel deactivation rates, resulting in eight functionally distinct channels. For example, a naturally occurring splice variant containing three additional exons deactivated 20-fold more slowly when combined with β. Deactivation kinetics were used to predict tuning frequencies and thus tonotopic location if hair cells were endowed with each of the expressed channels. All β-containing channels were predicted to lie within the apical (low-frequency) 30% of the epithelium, consistent with previous in situ hybridization studies. Individual slo -α exons would be found anywhere within the apical 70%, depending on the presence of β, and other alternative exons. Alternative splicing of the slo -α channel message provides intrinsic variability in gating kinetics that is expanded to a wider range of tuning by modulation with β subunits.
Ecology in Sustainable Agriculture Practices and Systems

Sustainable and productive agroecosystems must be developed that will meet today's needs for food and other products, as well as preserving the vital natural resource base that will allow future generations to meet their needs. To increase production efficiency, to improve farming strategies based on local resources, and to design systems that are resilient in the face of changing climate require thorough understanding of the ecology of agricultural systems. Organic and sustainable farmers have developed many production practices and integrated crop/animal systems that are finding application in more conventional farming enterprises. While they do seek greater resource use efficiency and substitution of more environmentally benign inputs to replace chemicals used in conventional farming, sustainable farmers increasingly depend on thoughtful redesign of production systems to provide internal management of soil fertility and pests, careful use of contemporary energy and rainfall, and reliance on internal re...
Simple Adaptive Control in the Delta Domain for Aircraft Control Surface Failures

We extend our direct model reference adaptive controller for multi-input multi-output plants with loss of control effectiveness failures to the delta domain. An important property of a delta domain plant is that the discrete time eigenvalues approach the continuous time eigenvalues as the sampling period goes to zero. We prove that all signals are bounded for loss of control effectiveness failures during a bounded input disturbance. We apply our algorithm to a three input model of the linearized lateral dynamics of the F/A-18 aircraft. We simulate both single and triple control effectiveness failures during a lateral gust condition. Our results show that the adaptive controller exhibits improved model following as compared to a fixed gain eigenstructure assignment controller.