cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Micelle formulation of hexadecyloxypropyl-cidofovir (HDP-CDV) as an intravitreal long-lasting delivery system

There still is an unmet need for a safe and sustained intravitreal drug delivery system. In this study we are proposing and characterizing a micelle based, clear-media intravitreal drug delivery system using the lipid derivatized nucleoside analog, hexadecyloxypropyl-cidofovir (HDP-CDV, CMX 001). HDP-CDV forms micelles in water and in vitreous supernatant with the critical micelle concentration of 19 μg/mL and 9 μg/mL, respectively at 37 °C. The formed micelles had the average size of 274.7 nm and the Zeta potential of -47.1 mV. Drug release study in the excised rabbit vitreous showed a sustained release profile with a half-life of 2.7 days. The micelle formulation of HDP-CDV demonstrated a good safety profile in two animal species (rabbit and guinea pig) following intravitreal injection. The sustained efficacy was tested in a pretreatment study design and the drug potency was tested in an ongoing herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) retinitis model. The pretreatment studies using single intravitreal injection and later HSV-1 infection revealed at least 9 weeks of vitreous presence and therapeutic level of HDP-CDV, with 71% eyes protection from infection. The treatment study demonstrated that intravitreal administration halted active HSV-1 retinitis in 80% of the infected eyes while cidofovir (CDV) treatment failed to suppress active HSV-1 retinitis. In summary, lipid derivatized nucleoside analogs can be formulated as a micelle intravitreal injection and provides a sustained drug release in vitreous for chronic retinal diseases.
Neotetrazolium in determination of succinic dehydrogenase activity in the ovary.

SummaryOvaries from rabbits injected with urine from pregnant and nonpregnant women were incubated in neotetrazolium with succinate. The granulosa cell layers of the cystic follicles in the ovaries of rabbits receiving urine from nonpregnant women showed moderate formazan deposition. The cell layers of the corpora hemorrhagica and corpora lutea in the ovaries of rabbits receiving urine from pregnant women showed much heavier deposition of larger formazan granules. In general, the pattern and degree of formazan deposition corresponded to areas of cellular proliferation.
Practicing Political Economy: Anthropology and Domestic Violence Advocacy

Domestic violence affects a quarter of women in the United States over the course of their lifetime and includes physical assault, sexual violence, emotional abuse, and stalking behavior perpetrated by a spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, or live-in partner (Tjaden and Thoennes 2000). The profound number of individuals affected by domestic violence has given rise to the domestic violence shelter service sector. Domestic violence shelters in the United States are a result of the process of organizing for social change to address the problem of domestic violence and serve as the primary intervention mechanism for violence against women. Shelters provide safety and refuge for victims, as well as basic needs such as housing and food. In addition, domestic violence centers offer continuing support for victims of violence through casework, advocacy, counseling, and other services.
Rapid casting of patterned vascular networks for perfusable engineered three-dimensional tissues

In the absence of perfusable vascular networks, three-dimensional (3D) engineered tissues densely populated with cells quickly develop a necrotic core [1]. Yet the lack of a general approach to rapidly construct such networks remains a major challenge for 3D tissue culture [2–4]. Here, we 3D printed rigid filament networks of carbohydrate glass, and used them as a cytocompatible sacrificial template in engineered tissues containing living cells to generate cylindrical networks which could be lined with endothelial cells and perfused with blood under high-pressure pulsatile flow. Because this simple vascular casting approach allows independent control of network geometry, endothelialization, and extravascular tissue, it is compatible with a wide variety of cell types, synthetic and natural extracellular matrices (ECMs), and crosslinking strategies. We also demonstrated that the perfused vascular channels sustained the metabolic function of primary rat hepatocytes in engineered tissue constructs that otherwise exhibited suppressed function in their core.
DIFFERENTIAL EFFECTS OF ADENOSINE ON FOCAL AND MACROREENTRANT ATRIAL TACHYCARDIA

Focal and Macroreentrant Atrial Tachycardia. Introduction: The effects of adenosine on atrial tachycardia (AT) remain controversial, and the mechanistic implications of adenosine termination have not been fully established. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the differential effects of adenosine on focal and macroreentrant AT and describe the characteristics of adenosine-sensitive AT. Methods and Results: Thirty patients received adenosine during AT. Tachycardia origins were identified as local or macroreentrant during invasive electrophysiologic studies. Responses to adenosine were analyzed and characterized as tachycardia termination, transient suppression, or no effect. Electrophysiologic studies demonstrated a focal origin of tachycardia in 17 patients. Adenosine terminated focal tachycardias in 14 patients (dose 7.3 ± 4.0 mg) and transiently suppressed the arrhythmias in three others (dose 10.0 ± 6.9 mg). A macroreentrant mechanism was demonstrated in 13 patients: adenosine terminated only one of these tachycardias and had no effect on the remaining 12 patients (dose 10.2 ± 2.9 mg). Four classes of adenosine-sensitive AT were identified. Class I consisted of nine patients with tachycardia arising from the crista terminalis; these tachycardias also terminated with verapamil (4/4). Class II consisted of four patients with repetitive monomorphic AT arising from diverse sites in the right atrium; these either slowed or terminated in response to verapamil (2/2). Class III consisted of the three patients with transient suppression and demonstrated electropharmacologic characteristics consistent with an automatic mechanism, including insensitivity to verapamil (2/2). In the one patient with macroreentrant AT that was comprised of decremental atrial tissue, adenosine terminated tachycardia in a zone of decremental slow conduction (Class IV); this tachycardia slowed with verapamil. Conclusions: Adenosine-sensitive AT is usually focal in origin and arises cither from the region of the crista terminalis (inclusive of the sinus node) or from diverse atrial sites with an incessant nonsustained repetitive pattern. Although most forms of macroreentrant AT are insensitive to adenosine, rarely macroreentrant AT with zones of decremental slow conduction can demonstrate adenosine sensitivity.
Least-squares polynomial quasi-Monte Carlo for short-term generation unit asset valuation

This paper presents an effective and efficient financial-structural model for short-term generating unit asset valuation. A novel forward-moving quasi-Monte Carlo (QMC) simulation technique in conjunction with backward-moving dynamic programming is introduced. At any time, when commitment decision can be made, it is relied upon the present realization of electricity and fuel prices. The decision whether to turn the unit “on” or “off” is equivalent in term of expected profit, when the electricity and fuel prices are on the “locus” or known as indifference locus (IL). The identification of the ILs is a crucial step in unit asset valuation method. A least-squares polynomial based technique to approximate the continuous path of ILs was used to further improve the simulation speed without compromising its accuracy. The quasi-Monte Carlo coupled with least-squares polynomial for constructing ILs represent a new approach to solve unit asset valuation problem. Testing and model verification were performed. They indicate that the proposed technique is significantly faster while producing accurate results. It reduces the computational burden by more than 3,000 times while results are of a 0.13% error level.
Exploring Eidetic Imagery among the Retarded

Since Haber and Haber had recently established the fact that eidetic imagery (EI) is not a common phenomenon among normal American children, this study was based upon the premise that it may be an ...
Bacterial infection as a complication of liver transplantation : epidemiology and risk factors

A retrospective survey was undertaken to characterize the epidemiology of bacterial infection in 79 patients who underwent 103 operations for orthotopic liver transplantation. Fifty-four patients (68%) developed 115 bacterial infections (1.46 episodes per patient), and seven patients died as a result of these infections. Fifty-three percent of bacterial infections occurred within 2 weeks after transplantation and were designated as early infections. The most common sites of infection were the abdomen (35 cases), the bloodstream (31 cases), and the surgical wound (19 cases). Aerobic enteric gram-negative bacilli were the predominant pathogens, and other pathogenic organisms were enterococci, staphylococci, and Pseudomonas bacteria. Logistic regression analysis identified prolonged duration of surgery (greater than or equal to 8 hours) and an elevated bilirubin level (greater than or equal to 12 mg/dL) as risk factors for early bacterial infection at any site; risk factors for abdominal or wound infection were prolonged duration of surgery, increased operative transfusion requirement (greater than or equal to 2 blood volumes), and prior hepatobiliary surgery. Awareness of the sites, pathogens, and time of onset of bacterial infection provides a basis for improved prophylaxis and empiric therapy.
MODIS tasselled cap: land cover characteristics expressed through transformed MODIS data

The tasselled cap concept is extended to Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Nadir BRDF-Adjusted Reflectance (NBAR, MOD43) data. The transformation is based on a rigid rotation of principal component axes (PCAs) derived from a global sample spanning one full year of NBAR 16-day composites. To provide a standard for MODIS tasselled cap axes, we recommend an orientation in MODIS spectral band space as similar as possible to the orientation of the Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) tasselled cap axes. To achieve this we first transformed our global sample of MODIS NBAR reflectance values to TM tasselled cap values using the existing TM transformation, then used an existing algorithm (Procrustes) to compute the transformation that minimizes the mean square difference between the TM transformed NBAR values and NBAR PCA values. This transformation can then be used as a standard to rotate the MODIS NBAR PCA axes into a new MODIS Kauth-Thomas (KT) orientation. Global land cover patterns in tasselled cap space are demonstrated graphically by linking the global sample with several other products, including the MODIS Land Cover product (MOD12) and the MODIS Vegetation Continuous Fields product (MOD44). Patterns seen at this global scale agree with previous explorations of TM tasselled cap space, but are shown here in greater detail with a globally representative sample. Temporal trends of eight smaller-scale BigFoot Project (www.fsl.orst.edu/larse/bigfoot) sites were also examined, confirming the spectral shifts in tasselled cap space related to phenology.
Does Belief Heterogeneity Explain Asset Prices: The Case of the Longshot Bias

This paper studies belief heterogeneity in a benchmark competitive asset market: a market for Arrow-Debreu securities. We show that dierences in agents’ beliefs lead to a systematic pricing pattern, the favorite longshot bias (FLB): securities with a low payout probability are overpriced while securities with high probability payout are underpriced. We apply demand estimation techniques to betting market data, and find that the observed FLB is explained by a two-type population consisting of canonical traders, who hold virtually correct beliefs and are the majority type in the population (70%); and noise traders exhibiting significant belief dispersion. Furthermore, using formal model comparisons and also exploiting variation in public information across markets in our dataset, we show that our belief heterogeneity model empirically outperforms existing preference-based explanations of the FLB, such as risk-loving or prospect theory.
Digital Crossroads: American Telecommunications Policy in the Internet Age. Jonathan E. Nuechterlein and Philip J. Weiser. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2005. xvii + 670 pp

Technical communicators, if you wonder what relevance this book has for you, or for the field of technical communication, please suspend judgment for a moment. The fact is, Nuechterlein and Weiser ...
Truthful mechanisms for one-parameter agents

The authors show how to design truthful (dominant strategy) mechanisms for several combinatorial problems where each agent's secret data is naturally expressed by a single positive real number. The goal of the mechanisms we consider is to allocate loads placed on the agents, and an agent's secret data is the cost she incurs per unit load. We give an exact characterization for the algorithms that can be used to design truthful mechanisms for such load balancing problems using appropriate side payments. We use our characterization to design polynomial time truthful mechanisms for several problems in combinatorial optimization to which the celebrated VCG mechanism does not apply. For scheduling related parallel machines (Q/spl par/C/sub max/), we give a 3-approximation mechanism based on randomized rounding of the optimal fractional solution. This problem is NP-complete, and the standard approximation algorithms (greedy load-balancing or the PTAS) cannot be used in truthful mechanisms. We show our mechanism to be frugal, in that the total payment needed is only a logarithmic factor more than the actual costs incurred by the machines, unless one machine dominates the total processing power. We also give truthful mechanisms for maximum flow, Q/spl par//spl Sigma/C/sub j/ (scheduling related machines to minimize the sum of completion times), optimizing an affine function over a fixed set, and special cases of uncapacitated facility location. In addition, for Q/spl par//spl Sigma/w/sub j/C/sub j/ (minimizing the weighted sum of completion times), we prove a lower bound of 2//spl radic/3 for the best approximation ratio achievable by truthful mechanism.
A novel 'peak parking' strategy for ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric detection for enhanced performance of bioanalytical assays

Sensitive and high-throughput bioanalytical assays are of vital importance to drug discovery and development. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), utilizing sub-2-microm particles, greatly increases the separation throughput and efficiency, resulting in LC peaks as narrow as or less than 1 s (full width at half maxima, FWHM). This, however, could pose practical challenges for bioanalytical applications using quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS) to acquire sufficient data points to ensure accurate and reliable quantitation. Here, we present a novel 'peak parking' strategy to reduce the flow rate during UPLC peak elution, therefore extending the useful MS acquisition window. The high-throughput advantage of UPLC is maintained since no significant increase of the overall UPLC run time is needed. This strategy was demonstrated in an assay development for lansoprazole, a gastric proton-pump inhibitor, in human plasma employing liquid-liquid extraction. The method was validated from 50.0 to 50,000 pg/mL.
Power and data for a wireless implanted neural recording system

This paper reports a two-way communication and inductive power link for a neural recording system. For this system a telemetry circuit was designed which utilizes an Integer-N PLL to support multiple outward data channels. The PLL design consumes less than 1.3mW below 100MHz, uses self-biasing techniques for supply rejection, has dimensions of 350um × 680um, and generates frequencies with a phase noise of -83dBc/Hz @100kHz offset, as measured at 80MHz. A wireless demonstration of the implanted circuitry is presented. Wireless powering is achieved with the help of a Class E Converter and demodulation of ASK data sent from the implant at 10Mbps is achieved with a simple asynchronous receiver.
Two‐dimensional stress intensity factor computations using the boundary element method

A multidomain boundary element formulation for the analysis of general two-dimensional plane strain/stress crack problems is presented. The numerical results were accurate and efficient. The analyses were performed using traction singular quater-point boundary elements on each side of the crack tip(s) with and without transition elements. Traction singular quarter-point boundary elements contain the correct √r displacement and 1/√r traction variations at the crack tip. Transition elements are appended to the traction singular elements to model the √r displacement variation. The 1/√r traction singularity is not represented with these elements. Current research studies for the crack propagation analysis of quasi-static and fatigue fracture problems are discussed.
Manipulation of Surface Charge on GaN

We have characterized the surface charge on a variety of GaN samples using two surface potential techniques, conventional Kelvin probe and scanning Kelvin probe microscope (SKPM). Kelvin probe was primarily used to measure the change in surface potential under UV illumination, otherwise known as the surface photovoltage (SPV). Due to band bending near the semiconductor surface of about 1 eV in dark conditions, the SPV signal for n-type GaN typically reaches 0.5 to 0.6 eV upon switching on UV light. This value can slowly decrease by up to 0.3 eV during UV illumination in air ambient for 2-3 hours. We report that samples with many hours of ambient UV exposure do not show this slow decrease during SPV measurements, consistent with the UV-induced growth of a thicker surface oxide that limits charge transfer. In addition to prolonged UV exposure, the surface contact potential was also manipulated by local charge injection. In this procedure, the surface is charged using a metallized atomic force microscope tip which is scanned in contact with the sample. Subsequent SKPM measurements indicate an increase or decrease in the surface contact potential for the charged region, depending on the applied voltage polarity. Measurements of the discharge behavior in dark for these regions show a logarithmic time behavior, similar to the decay behavior during our observations of SPV transients after switching off the light. As expected, illumination of the surface increases the discharge rate and restores the charged area to its original state.
Principal components analysis of Laplacian waveforms as a generic method for identifying ERP generator patterns: II. Adequacy of low-density estimates.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the comparability of high- and low-density surface Laplacian estimates for determining ERP generator patterns of group data derived from a typical ERP sample size and paradigm. Methods High-density ERP data (129 sites) recorded from 17 adults during tonal and phonetic oddball tasks were converted to a 10–20-system EEG montage (31 sites) using spherical spline interpolations. Current source density (CSD) waveforms were computed from the high- and low-density, but otherwise identical, ERPs, and correlated at corresponding locations. CSD data were submitted to separate covariance-based, unrestricted temporal PCAs (Varimax of covariance loadings) to identify and effectively summarize temporally and spatially overlapping CSD components. Solutions were compared by correlating factor loadings and scores, and by plotting ANOVA F statistics derived from corresponding high- and low-resolution factor scores using representative sites. Results High- and low-density CSD waveforms, PCA solutions, and F statistics were remarkably similar, yielding correlations of .9≤ r ≤.999 between waveforms, loadings, and scores for almost all comparisons at low-density locations except for low-signal CSD waveforms at occipital sites. Each of the first 10 high-density factors corresponded precisely to one factor of the first 10 low-density factors, with each 10-factor set accounting for the meaningful CSD variance (>91.6%). Conclusions Low-density surface Laplacian estimates were shown to be accurate approximations of high-density CSDs at these locations, which adequately and quite sufficiently summarized group data. Moreover, reasonable approximations of many high-density scalp locations were obtained for group data from interpolations of low-density data. If group findings are the primary objective, as typical for cognitive ERP research, low-resolution CSD topographies may be as efficient, given the effective spatial smoothing when averaging across subjects and/or conditions. Significance Conservative recommendations for restricting surface Laplacians to high-density recordings may not be appropriate for all ERP research applications, and should be re-evaluated considering objective, costs and benefits.
Formation of uncompensated spins by substitution of Mg for Co in antiferromagnetic Co1-x MgxO

In the present study, the atomic structure of Co1-xMgxO was modeled and the density of uncompensated spins due to the presence of Mg atoms was calculated as a function of Mg concentration, x. The results were also compared with experimental measurements of exchange bias field (Hex) of Co/Co1-xMgxO bilayers, and with the ther-moremanent moments (TRM) of Co1-xMgxO. The formation of uncompensated spins in AFM CoO with substitution of Co atoms with non-magnetic Mg atoms was calculated from a direct modeling of the atomic structure, and their effects on the exchange coupled bilayers were confirmed.
Plasma Concentration of LH, FSH, Prolactin, Progesterone and Estradiol-17β Throughout the 4-Day Estrous Cycle of the Rat

Groups of female rats were decapitated at 3-hr intervals throughout 4-day estrous cycles and the plasma of each rat was assayed for LH, FSH, prolactin, progesterone and estradiol-17β. Radioimmunoassays were used to measure these hormones, except for progesterone which was determined by the competitive protein binding assay. All five hormones exhibited a peak concentration in plasma on the day of proestrus. In addition, progesterone was elevated from 0900 hr of metestrus to 0900 hr of diestrus, while plasma prolactin showed a brief rise at 1500 hr of estrus. The elevated level of estradiol on the day of proestrus followed a different pattern than the other four hormones. Estradiol concentration began to rise late on metestrus, reached a peak at noon of proestrus, and fell before peak levels of the other hormones were reached. The preovulatory elevation of LH, prolactin and progesterone occurred between noon and midnight of proestrus, while the peak of FSH lasted from noon of proestrus to noon of estrus. (E...
Are meta-ecosystems organized hierarchically? A model and test in rocky intertidal habitats

Ecosystems are shaped by processes occurring and interacting over multiple temporal and spatial scales. Theory suggests such complexity can be simplified by focusing on processes sharing the same scale as the pattern of interest. This scale-dependent approach to studying communities has been challenged by multiscale meta-ecosystem theory, which recognizes that systems are interconnected by the movement of “ecological subsidies” and suggests that cross-scale feedbacks between local and regional processes can be equally important for understanding community structure. We reconcile these two perspectives by developing and testing a hierarchical meta-ecosystem model. The model predicts local community responses to connectivity over multiple oceanographic spatial scales, defined as macro- (100s of km), meso- (10s of km), and local scale (100s of m). It assumes that local communities occur in distinct regions and that connectivity effects are strongest among local sites. Predictions are that if macroscale proce...
A Polynomial-Time Approximation Algorithm for Weighted Sum-Rate Maximization in UWB Networks

Scheduling in an ad hoc wireless network suffers from the non-convexity of the cost function, caused by the interference between communication links. In previous optimization theoretic analysis, the weighted sum-rate maximization (WSRM) which inherits the non-convexity has been identified as a core problem of the hard scheduling problem. In this paper, we propose a polynomial-time approximation algorithm with guaranteed accuracy for WSRM under an Ultra- wide band (UWB) assumption. The algorithm is obtained by an appropriate adaptation of the 'shifting' strategy (a well- known approximation technique for some geometric problems) for the wireless broadcast environment. The worst case accuracy and complexity of the algorithm are analyzed by utilizing the quadratic link rate function derived in previous research, under the assumption of a large bandwidth, as is typical in UWB networks. The average case performance of the algorithm is investigated by simulations on random ad hoc networks.
Racial differences in central adiposity in a longitudinal cohort of black and white adolescent females

Background: Central adiposity is related to chronic disease risk in adolescents. Racial differences in waist circumference have been identified using cross-sectional data from this age group. We tested for racial differences in age-related growth in waist circumference in a longitudinal cohort of black and white adolescent girls. Methods: We analyzed 9 years of publicly available data from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study, for 2379 girls (1213 black and 1166 white) enrolled at age 9-10 years in 1987-1988 and followed annually. Individual growth trajectories of waist circumference were constructed for girls with >3 annual measures. Mixed models were used to compare changes in waist circumference during adolescence between black and white females. BMI and age at menarche were included in the models. Results: At each age, black females had significantly higher waist circumference. Mean annual increase in waist circumference was significantly higher for black females compared to white females (1.46 cm/yr vs. 1.36 cm/yr, respectively). After adjusting for BMI, the mean annual increase in waist circumference for white females was significantly higher than for black females (0.08 cm/yr vs. -0.07 cm/yr, respectively). These relationships remained significant after adjusting for age at menarche. Conclusions: Black females had significantly steeper increases in waist circumference over adolescence than white females. After adjusting for BMI and age at menarche, however, the annual increase in waist circumference for black females was significantly shallower than for their white peers. These data suggest racial differences in the deposition of fat over the adolescent period.
Varying Dietary Fat Type of Reduced-Fat Diets Has Little Effect on the Susceptibility of LDL to Oxidative Modification in Moderately Hypercholesterolemic Subjects

The effect of the fatty acid composition of reduced-fat diets on the in vitro oxidation of LDL was examined in 14 moderately hypercholesterolemic [low density lipoprotein (LDL) > 3.36 mmol/L] postmenopausal female and male subjects (age 44-78 y). Each subject consumed each of five reduced-fat diets [30 energy percent (E%) fat, 17 E% protein and 53 E% carbohydrate] enriched in beef tallow, canola oil, corn oil, olive oil or rice bran oil (20 E%) for 32-d periods. In vitro oxidation of LDL was assessed by incubating LDL with hemin and hydrogen peroxide, and measuring the time required for the reaction to reach maximum velocity (lag time). LDL lag times were 93.2 +/- 25.8, 95.9 +/- 26.4, 104.2 +/- 32.7, 108.0 +/- 26.6 and 113.1 +/- 24.0 min for corn oil, beef tallow, rice bran oil, canola oil and olive oil periods, respectively. When the data from all dietary phases were pooled, LDL alpha-tocopherol level (r = 0.30, P = 0.01) and plasma 18:1/18:2 ratio (r = 0.22, P = 0.08) were positively related to resistance of LDL to oxidation. Differences induced by the dietary perturbations in LDL content of beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, lycopene, alpha-carotene or beta-carotene, and LDL particle size were not related to resistance of LDL to oxidation. In conclusion, in middle-aged and elderly moderately hypercholesterolemic subjects, the consumption of reduced-fat diets enriched in animal fat or vegetable oils with a relatively wide range of fatty acid profiles did not alter the in vitro susceptibility of LDL to oxidation. The advantages of reducing the saturated fat content of the diet were reflected in lower total and LDL cholesterol levels.
Dissolution, growth and survival of zircons during crustal fusion: kinetic principals, geological models and implications for isotopic inheritance

Finite difference numerical simulations were used to characterise the rates of diffusion-controlled dissolution and growth of zircon in melts of granitic composition under geologically realistic conditions. The simulations incorporated known solubility and Zr diffusivity relationships for melts containing 3 wt% dissolved H2O and were carried out in both one and thre dimensions under conditions of constant temperature, linearly time-dependent temperature and for a variety of host system thermal histories. The rate of zircon dissolution at constant temperature depends systematically on time (t½−12;), temperature (exp T−1) and degree of undersaturation of the melt with respect to zircon (in ppm Zr). Linear dissolution and growth rates fall in the range 10−19 10−15 cm s−1 at temperatures of 650-850°C. Radial rates are strongly dependent on crystal size (varying in inverse proportion to the radius, r): for r>30 μm, dissolution and growth rates fall between 10−17 and 10−13 cm s−1. During crustal magmatism, the chances of survival for relict cores of protolith zircons depend on several factors, the most important of which are: the initial radius of the zircon; the intensity and duration of the magmatic event; and the volume of the local melt reservoir with which the zircon interacts. In general, only the largest protolith zircons (>120 μm radius) are likely to survive magmatic events exceeding 850°C. Conversely, only the smallest zircons (<50 μm radius) are likely to be completely consumed during low-temperature anatexis (i.e. not exceeding ≍700°C).The effects of stirring the zircon-melt system are unimportant to dissolution and growth behaviour; except under circumstances of extreme shearing (e.g. filter pressing?), zircon dissolution is controlled by diffusion of Zr in the melt.
PREY ECOLOGY OF MEXICAN SPOTTED OWLS IN PINE–OAK FORESTS OF NORTHERN ARIZONA

Abstract We studied Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida) diets and the relative abundance and habitat associations of major prey species in a ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa)–Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii) forest in north-central Arizona, USA, from 1990 to 1993. The owl's diet was comprised of 94% mammals by biomass and consisted of primarily the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), brush mouse (P. boylii), Mexican woodrat (Neotoma mexicana), and Mexican vole (Microtus mexicanus). Spotted owl prey in our study area were smaller on average than prey in other locations, and the total biomass of potential prey was less than that reported in other areas within the owl's geographic range. Although all prey populations exhibited seasonal fluctuations in relative abundance, only the deer mouse exhibited significant temporal variation in population abundance. The general pattern was for prey populations to rise during spring, peak during summer, decline in fall, and reach a winter low. Deer mice exhibit...
A scenario simulation study of decentralization on architecture, engineering and construction companies

Organizations have started to adopt decentralized hierarchy. Vast research endeavor have been committed to understand the advantages and setbacks of decentralized organizations, and their results indicate that inadequate decentralization will constrain the creativity of employees while over decentralization may push the company towards chaos. However, little research exists in AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) industry to improve understanding or facilitate prediction of the equilibrium of decentralization. In response to the need, this study focuses on the bidding decision-making in AEC firms to understand how different degrees of decentralization impact on companies' performance. Agent-based modeling (ABM) approach is applied to test different scenarios in a virtual AEC company. The results indicate that best performance can be achieved only with appropriate balance on centralization and decentralization. Also, when shifting the decision rights from top manager to low level managers or employees, sufficient information and knowledge should be provided to them simultaneously.
Fin. Mkt. vs. Consumer Mkt. Responses to Emergent Phenomena: Application to a Social Media Boycott

We extend behavioral finance theories to explain how and when financial and consumer markets may respond differently to emergent phenomena, a class of events that poses problems for researchers and managers alike. Specifically, we examine how the nature of emergent phenomena may be incongruent with the assumptions underlying one of the most commonly employed methods in management research, the financial-market event study, causing it to fail to provide reliable results. Given the problems in applying financial market event studies to emergent phenomena, we propose researchers adopt an additional methodology—synthetic control—that employs fewer and weaker assumptions in their analysis. Synthetic control is flexible enough to be applied to measures of consumer market responses to events—and therefore is more able to provide reliable estimates of the causal effects of emergent phenomena. We test and find support for our methodological arguments in an application to “United Breaks Guitars,” the first major so...
The Action of Mineral Oil per Os on the Organism.

Leitch1 has shown that mineral oils applied repeatedly to the skin of animals induce cancer. It is known that these same oils are responsible for cancers in man. This is well illustrated by the studies of the so-called “mule spinners cancer” and the prevalence of cancers of the skin among the workers of the paraffin mines of Scotland. Several paraffin cancers have also been described in America and in other parts of Europe.1Our studies have shown that many animal and vegetable oils2, 3 are not absorbed when introduced under the skin of animals, but produce lesions quite identical to those produced by various mineral oils and tar.4, 5Our analyses of cancer have shown that it is directly the result of the removal of the excess of the ergusia (fat soluble vitamins) from local areas of the tissues.6 Such a removal of this lipoid substance or substances leads to a disappearance of the blood vessels, a crowding of the cells and stagnation sufficient for their independent growth. Mineral oils, tars, and especial...
Efficient quantile marginal regression for longitudinal data with dropouts

In many biomedical studies independent variables may affect the conditional distribution of the response differently in the middle as opposed to the upper or lower tail. Quantile regression evaluates diverse covariate effects on the conditional distribution of the response with quantile-specific regression coefficients. In this paper, we develop an empirical likelihood inference procedure for longitudinal data that accommodates both the within-subject correlations and informative dropouts under missing at random mechanisms. We borrow the matrix expansion idea of the quadratic inference function and incorporate the within-subject correlations under an informative working correlation structure. The proposed procedure does not assume the exact knowledge of the true correlation structure nor does it estimate the parameters of the correlation structure. Theoretical results show that the resulting estimator is asymptotically normal and more efficient than one attained under a working independence correlation structure. We expand the proposed approach to account for informative dropouts under missing at random mechanisms. The methodology is illustrated by empirical studies and a real-life example of HIV data analysis.
Bacterial growth in poultry stuffings.

Can the bacteriologic hazards in stuffings be reduced by varying the ingredients? What effect does the inclusion of fruits, orange juice, vegetables, oysters, or giblets have on bacterial growth in stuffings? In this study, 117 different variations of stuffings—with white bread, wheat, and cornbread bases—were used. On inoculation, only 44 remained in the low-count category.
Experimental Cell Transplantation Therapy in Rat Myocardial Infarction Model Including Nude Rat Preparation

As a novel potential therapeutic strategy for cardiac disease, cell transplantation therapy has been extensively investigated in experimental studies and clinical trials. Although encouraging results have been demonstrated, a number of critical questions still remain to be answered. For example, what kind of stem cell and how many cells should be used; what is the best time for cell transplantation after acute myocardial infarction; which delivery approach is better, intravenous injection or direct intramyocardial injection? Transplantation of cells derived from human tissues into experimental animals may elicit an immune rejection. Immunodeficient nude rats provide a useful myocardial infarction model for cell transplantation therapy studies. We introduce our detailed methods of direct intramyocardial injection of immature heart cells and stem cells into the myocardial infarction region of rats and nude rats. Careful maintenance under aseptic conditions and proper surgical technique are essential to improve the survival of immunodeficient rats after surgery.
Analyzing Market Opportunities in Service Organizations: A Leisure Services Case

Successful service marketers utilize strategic planning to meet the needs of their market. This paper discusses the role of market opportunity analysis in services marketing, focusing on leisure markets. Planning models and research techniques prove valuable in developing visitor-oriented facilities and programs. A joint theoretical and applied analysis is stressed. Building on a dual stream of marketing and leisure literature, a conceptual framework is presented. Research findings from recent parks studies are discussed to extend this perspective. Synthesizing these two different, yet compatible approaches yields key implications for service organizations. Finally, a six-point research agenda is offered.
Musculoskeletal Problems in Hemophilia

SUMMARY Disorders of the musculoskeletal system constitute the most significant disability in patients afflicted with hemophilia. Availability of concentrated replacement factors has made possible the development of home transfusion programs, prevention of deformity, more intensive physical therapy and treatment of deformity, and improved and more frequent surgical management. There has been an increased use of conventional reconstructive orthopedic techniques to restore and improve function. Prevention of orthopedic problems may be possible by prophylactic and early replacement therapy, comprehensive patient education, and improved patient direction. Severe and dangerous bleeding is rare in the hemophiliac today. A balance must be achieved between protection and a goal of allowing the child to grow into a well adjusted, healthy adult. Regular school attendance is now available to most hemophiliac children with minimum absences or specialized attention. With few exceptions the hemophiliac child should now enter and follow whatever paths his gifts and limitations allow. Management of hemophilia requires a multi-disciplinary approach because of the complexities of this chronic and variable disease. A staff of specialists should include a hematologist, an orthopedist, a physical therapist, a rehabilitation counselor, and a nurse with intravenous skills and a public health orientation as well as access to replacement factors.
Efficiency of mastication in relation to hay intake by cattle.

Four dry Holstein cows and four hay levels (50, 75, 100 and 125% of NRC-recommended dry matter intake) were used to study the efficiency of mastication and rumination in relation to hay intake. The experimental design was a 4 x 4 Latin square with 7-day periods. Increased hay levels resulted in increased rumination time, eating time, number of rechewings and boluses. When corrected for cell wall constituents (CWC) intake, rumination time decreased as level of hay intake increased, while eating time increased. Consequently, total chewing time per kilogram CWC intake did not differ (P less than .05) with hay level. Results indicate that ingested roughages required a constant amount of trituration either by eating or by rumination. The amount of each fecal particle size fraction retained by four different sieve sizes, and the total of these larger particles (above .3 mm), did not differ (P greater than .05) among hay levels. Results suggest that acceptability of indigestible particles by the reticulo-omasal orifice was not affected by the amount of hay intake.
MO-FG-202-03: Efficient Data Collection of Continuous 2D and Discrete Relative Dosimetric Data for Annual LINAC QA Using TrueBeam Developer Mode and a 1D Scanning Tank

Purpose: To develop a method to exploit real-time dynamic machine and couch parameter control during linear accelerator (LINAC) beam delivery to facilitate efficient performance of TG-142 suggested, Annual LINAC QA tests. Methods: Varian's TrueBeam Developer Mode (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA) facilitates control of Varian's TrueBeam LINAC via instructions provided in Extensible Markup Language (XML) files. This allows machine and couch parameters to be varied dynamically, in real-time, during beam delivery. Custom XML files were created to allow for the collection of (1) continuous Tissue Maximum Ratios (TMRs), (2) beam profiles, and (3) continuous output factors using a 1D-scanning tank. TMRs were acquired by orienting an ionization chamber (IC) at isocenter (depth=25cm) and synchronizing a depth scan towards the water surface while lowering the couch at 1mm/s. For beam profiles, the couch was driven laterally and longitudinally while logging IC electrometer readings. Output factors (OFs) where collected by continually varying field sizes (4×4 to 30×30-cm2) at a constant speed of 6.66 mm/s. To validate measurements, comparisons were made to data collected using traditional methods (e.g. 1D or 3D tank). Results: All data collecting using the proposed methods agreed with traditionally collected data (TMRs within 1%, OFs within 0.5% and beam profile agreement within 1% / 1mm) while taking less time to collect (factor of approximately 1/10) and with a finer sample resolution. Conclusion: TrueBeam developer mode facilitates collection of continuous data with the same accuracy as traditionally collected data with a finer resolution in less time. Results demonstrate an order of magnitude increase in sampled resolution and an order of magnitude reduction in collection time compared to traditional acquisition methods (e.g. 3D scanning tank). We are currently extending this approach to perform other TG-142 tasks.
The Neuropsychiatry of Autism and Asperger's Disorder: Review of the Literature and Case Reports

The literature on neuropsychiatric, neuropsychological, and neuroimaging findings in autism and Asperger's disorder is briefly reviewed. Neurological soft sign, neuropsychological, and positron-emission tomography findings in one patient with Asperger's disorder and one patient with autism are highlighted, discussed as examples of heterogeneity, and integrated with the relevant literature.
Elder Adults Utilizing Social Networking Sites on Mobile Platforms

Although social media and mobile technologies are trending topics, only a small amount of elder adults utilizes these Web 2.0 technologies on portable platforms. To gain a better understanding of the current state of elder adults utilizing social media on mobile devices, a literature review regarding mobile interface design guidelines is presented. To further investigate the lack of mobile social media users, a usability study addressing social media interfaces for elders is proposed. The goal of this research is to have elder adults more comfortable using social media on mobile devices so that they can reap the benefits of these types of sites.
Adverse Effects of Radiation and Chemotherapy

The long-term consequences of radiation and chemotherapy on intellectual and endocrine function in children with brain tumors is reviewed from the Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY.
CBIO-44RESTING MEMBRANE POTENTIAL CONTROLS STEM CELL STATE AND DIFFERENTIATION OF GLIOBLASTOMA CANCER STEM CELLS

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumor in adults with a poor prognosis despite aggressive treatment. Resting membrane potential (RMP) has been shown to be an important signaling mechanism in physiological stem cells. Further the importance of ion channels and RMP have been studied in glioma. We evaluated the relevance of RMP in GBM in the context of the cancer stem cell(CSC) hypothesis. Undifferentiated GBM CSCs were depolarized compared to differentiated counterparts [RMP of -5 +/- 4 (n = 33) -24 + /- 20 (n = 31, P < 0.001)]. Depolarization using exogenous potassium (KCl) of GBM CSCs grown under differentiating conditions was sufficient to prevent differentiation and enhance self renewal when compared to osmotic controls (NaCl). Hyperpolarization using genetic (mutant TREK transduction) and pharmacological (omeprazole and salinomycin) was sufficient to induce differentiation and limit self renewal in GBM CSCs grown under undifferentiated conditions. To evaluate for a mechanism mediating this phenomenon we performed a phospho-protein array comparing the undifferentiated GBM CSCs and those treated with omeprazole or salinomycin. We noted upregulation of phospho-proteins related to senescence pathways in treated cells but no specific key pathway. Finally, this evidence suggests that RMP may be an important regulator of stem cell state of GBM CSCs. Further it may be a target of novel treatment strategies.
Truth or consequences: implication Of deceptions in Nuclear Medicine -building effective doctor-patient communication

1254 Objectives Providing false clinical information can lead to expensive diagnostic procedures, unneeded referrals to specialists, and possible disastrous results. Patient lies may be composed of both truth and deception. It may be blatant or subtle, it is often overlooked in today9s hurried medical practices nontheless. Confronting patients without alienating them can be especially challenging and time consuming. We discuss the various adverse effects on health care cost, efficiency, and patient safety. We discuss in a pictorial review a variety of methods the nuclear physicians may utilize to detect deception. The ultimate goal of this presentation is to build more effective doctor-patient communication. Methods Case examples encountered in our institution are presented to facilitate the discussion. Literature review of patient psychology is conducted. Comprehensive review of the physical and verbal signs of deception is provided. Guidance in helping nuclear medicine physicians recognize, understand and confront the behavior is compiled. Results There are body and verbal language cues of patient lying. Often there are underlying causes, which may be medical or non-medical and may require further investigation. Physicians need to learn to recognize the situation and seek appropriate solution for patients and avoid unnecessary healthcare cost or patient harm. Conclusions Recognizing the signs of patient lying, understanding the causes, and effectively confronting patients are important communication skills, which are helpful to nuclear physicians, who deal with patients on a daily basis. Effective communication and building stronger doctor-patient relationship is essential for ensuring the highest quality and safety of patient care. RESEARCH SUPPORT: Department of Radiology at WMC