cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Preliminary Work on Visualization-based Education Tool for High School Machine Learning Education

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become one of the most recurrent topics nowadays, due to its many industrial applications and its wide range of research topics in academia. Within AI, Machine Learning (ML) is one of the most prominent sub-fields, the popularity of which is complemented with its high demand as a professional skill for different industries. In the last few years, teaching ML is thus increasingly common in different levels of education. However, the curricula implemented for several courses or programs to learn ML are not always appropriate for the backgrounds of students, particularly high school students, as programming and complex math experience are usually required to implement ML models and understand the potential of this field. For this reason, it is possible for students to have difficulties with the lack of experience required or expected and to have prior to learning ML topics. In addition, motivation can be affected, as the curriculum does not sufficiently engage the student in the learning process. In this work, we propose a visualization tool to introduce high school students to the ML field, which will be implemented using concepts of gamification and adapting the content of the curriculum without requiring exhaustive experience in programming or math.
Transforming Growth Factor β1 Upregulates the Interleukin-2 Receptor α Promoter

The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) are multifunctional cytokines intimately involved in development, maintenance, and repair. In the immune system, TGF-β are known to have potent growth inhibitory properties [1, 2] as well as influencing immunoglobulin subclass expression [3] and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigen expression [4, 5]. In order to examine the complex effect of TGF-β1 on T cell regulation we determined the effect of TGF-β1 on the interleukin-2 receptor α (IL2Rα) promoter using a Jurkat T cell line stably transfected with the IL2Rα promoter fused to the reporter gene for chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT).
Are all minority women equally buffered from negative body image? Intra-ethnic moderators of the buffering hypothesis.

Body dissatisfaction is normative among European American women, and involvement with predominant culture or linking self-worth to weight may intensify the association between body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness for women of color. Our study investigated whether orientation to other ethnic groups (Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure) and weight-based contingency of self-worth moderate the relationship between body satisfaction and drive for thinness (Eating Disorder Inventory) among college-age African American, Asian American, and European American women. Survey responses from undergraduates (N = 905) were collected, and multiple regression analyses showed that, for African Americans, appearance esteem was positively associated with drive for thinness among those who defined their self-worth as contingent on weight or who identified with ethnic outgroups. Appearance esteem was independently associated with drive for thinness among Asian Americans and European Americans, but no moderation was found...
Special National Investigative Commissions: Essential Powers and Procedures (Some Lessons from the Pearl Harbor, Warren Commission, and 9/11 Commission Investigations)

This article analyzes the investigative powers and procedures of three extraordinarily high profile national investigative commissions: The Roberts Commission investigation of the Pearl Harbor Attack; the Warren Commission investigation of the John F. Kennedy assassination; and the 9/11 Commission investigation of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The article concludes with recommended practices and procedures for future high-profile national investigative commission.
InP-based active photonic integrated circuits

This talk will outline a number of state-of-the-art photonic integrated circuits including photocurrent-driven wavelength converters, optical receivers and optical tunable transmitters using SGDBR lasers with Mach-Zehnder and electro-absorption modulators.
Glutamine Phosphoribosylpyrophosphate Amidotransferase PURIFICATION, SUBSTRUCTURE, AMINO ACID COMPOSITION, AND ABSORPTION SPECTRA

Abstract A purification procedure has been developed for the isolation of phosphoribosylpyrophosphate amidotransferase (EC 2.4.2.14, ribosylamine 5-phosphate:pyrophosphate phosphoribosyltransferase) from pigeon liver. It has been shown that the enzyme molecule of molecular weight 200,000 dissociates readily into 100,000 mol wt subunits and that these, in the presence of thiols, dissociate into 50,000 mol wt subunits. These basic 50,000 mol wt subunits, or monomers, are identical electrophoretically. Each 100,000 mol wt subunit, or dimer, contains 6 nonheme iron atoms some of which are involved in the catalytic reaction, whereas others serve primarily a structural function. The visible absorption spectrum of the enzyme reveals a maximum at 415 mµ, which disappears with the removal of iron from the protein. The tetramer, dimer, and monomer forms, as isolated, are enzymatically active and subject to purine ribonucleotide inhibition. The molecular weight of the functionally active unit, however, is unknown.
Reattachment of a Compressible Turbulent Free Shear Layer

An experimental study is described in which a two-dimensional free turbulent shear layer at Mach 2.92 and a high Reynolds number is reattached to an inclined surface. The test geometry is designed specifically to create an undisturbed free shear layer which forms a well-defined initial condition for the reattachment process. Detailed flowfield surveys were made with mean pressure probes and the hot-wire anemometer. The results indicate that the free shear layer reached an equilibrium condition in terms of mean profile similarity, and support previous conclusions that flow reattachment may be correlated in terms of the free interaction concept. The redeveloping turbulent boundary layer downstream of reattachment shows an extremely rapid recovery which seems to proceed along a path of local equilibrium.
Behavioural factors influencing the development and expression of chemotherapy induced side effects.

Aversive side effects are commonly associated with potentially curative chemotherapy treatments. Despite the advances in the development and testing of antiemetic medication, nausea and vomiting remain prevalent and troublesome side effects of chemotherapy. Four studies (from 1978-1990) of 2,499 consecutive cancer patients being treated with a variety of chemotherapy agents showed that 62-72% were experiencing posttreatment nausea/vomiting despite the use of available antiemetic medication. In addition to occurring during, or up until days following, treatment with cytotoxic drugs, nausea and vomiting may begin to occur in anticipation of chemotherapy treatments. This phenomenon is called anticipatory nausea and vomiting (ANV) and it occurs in at least one in four patients. Randomised clinical trials have shown that antiemetic drugs do not control ANV once it has developed. No single clinical or patient variable has been found to be as significantly associated with the development of ANV as several in concert. We have examined the predictive value of eight clinical characteristics in a series of three clinical trials. The first of these trials was developmental; the other two have been longitudinal prospective trials. The eight clinical characteristics appear stronger in predicting those patients who will not subsequently develop ANV rather than those who will. Anxiety has been proposed as a mechanism in the development and expression of anticipatory side effects. Here we show an association (P < .05) between patient self-report of anxiety on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) assessed at the first chemotherapy treatment, and subsequent development of anticipatory side effects within the first five treatments.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Detecting Rumors Through Modeling Information Propagation Networks in a Social Media Environment

In the midst of today’s pervasive influence of social media content and activities, information credibility has increasingly become a major issue. Accordingly, identifying false information, e.g., rumors circulated in social media environments, attracts expanding research attention and growing interests. Many previous studies have exploited user-independent features for rumor detection. These prior investigations uniformly treat all users relevant to the propagation of a social media message as instances of a generic entity. Such a modeling approach usually adopts a homogeneous network to represent all users, the practice of which ignores the variety across an entire user population in a social media environment. Recognizing this limitation in modeling methodologies, this paper explores user-specific features in a social media environment for rumor detection. The new approach hypothesizes whether a user tending to spread a rumor message is dependent on specific attributes of the user in addition to content characteristics of the message itself. Under this hypothesis, the information propagation patterns of rumors versus those of credible messages in a social media environment are differentiable. To explore and exploit this hypothesis, we develop a new information propagation model based on a heterogeneous user representation and modeling approach. By applying the new approach, we are able to differentiate rumors from credible messages through observing distinctions in their respective propagation patterns in social media. The experimental results show that the new information propagation model based on heterogeneous user representation can effectively distinguish rumors from credible social media content. Our experimental findings further show that rumors are more likely to spread among certain user groups.
A sensitive and rapid chemiluminescence ELISA for filamentous bacteriophages.

Abstract Filamentous bacteriophage (Ff) displayed random peptide and antibody libraries are widely used to identify specific, high affinity, binding ligands. A critical element in the identification of target‐specific phages is to determine phage titers, not only at every round of selection, but also for normalizing phage titers of a set of individual clones for their comparative binding analysis. The conventional ELISA‐based Ff titration methods require a minimum of 4–5 hr assay time and their lowest reported detection limit is ∼50,000 particles/well. In this report, we present a sandwich ELISA that allows detection of ∼1000 Ff particles/well in less than 2.5 hr. The values of correlation of coefficient (r2) for the curves at low phage concentrations (up to 106 TU/well) were about 0.999 in our ELISA. Experiments conducted at different temperatures suggest using 40°C incubations when titering low phage concentration samples. Experiments were also conducted with conventional ELISA for comparison. Our ELISA...
Marx's socialism in the context of his typology of economic systems☆

Abstract This paper restates the major structural properties of Marx's conception of socialism in the broader context of his typology of economic systems, commencing with feudalism and ending with his unique vision of postcapitalist economy. It also discusses briefly some of the major applications of this typology to contemporary practice, notably to Soviet experience. Clarification and systematic examination of Marx's views on the basic organizational properties of socialism in the broader context of Marx's views on economic systems, although important in its own right, can also sharpen critical understanding of debates concerning relations between the classical Marxian vision and contemporary practice.
Electrodeless magnetogasdynamic power during entry.

Electrodeless MGD power generation during entry, using torque on magnet taken as rotating member of generator
Automation of computer panel wiring

The design of new electronic computers has become such a complex task that manual methods are no longer adequate. To help design new series of data processing machines now under development, International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) is using a system of computer programs written for the 704 and 705 data processing machines. Referred to as the ?design mechanization? programs, these computer programs eliminate a large amount of detail work for the design engineer.
Development of Nano-Microtechnology and Biomedical Applications

Blood, air and water are not only most abundant but also the most important fluids on the earth. Each adult human carries almost a gallon of blood every moment. This paper concerns with the treatment of the blood and discusses in particular the blood cell separation (fluids engineering) and the safe elevation of the body temperature (thermal engineering). Unlike air and water the blood is a biological fluid. Therefore it comes with the complexity of blood composition and disorder of the blood affecting human life and health. This study presents applications of electro-magnetic field on nanomagnetic particles that attach to the blood cells in creating complex fluid dynamic cell separation from the whole blood and creating complex thermal heating, magnetic hyperthermia, for potential use in cancer treatment. In general, biological cells are weak paramagnetic or diamagnetic. Therefore nano-microtechnologies are developed to attach the nanoparticles to the selected cells and to enhance the magnetic susceptibility of the cells to interact with an applied magnetic field. The paper demonstrates that nano to micron size magnetic particles are tagged to the biological cells.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
The oxidation of graphitic monolayers on Ni(110)

Abstract The reaction between oxygen gas and a graphitic carbon monolayer formed on an initially clean Ni(110) surface has been studied by a combination of Auger electron spectrometric and molecular beam relaxation spectrometric techniques. The only gaseous reaction product observed is CO. The kinetics of the reaction at 873 K are well described by a model involving oxygen adsorption at defects in the graphitic monolayer followed by reaction to produce CO at these points and the subsequent growth of holes in the carbon layer as reaction proceeds.
Position actuators for the primary mirror of the W. M. Keck Telescope

The pistons and tilts of the 36 segments of the Keck Telescope primary mirror are under active control. The mechanical and electronic designs of the actuators used to achieve this control are described along with the performance of the actuators under a variety of tests. In use, the actuators will move in 4-nm increments. This resolution and the accuracy of the actuator moves are adequate for stabilizing the figure of the primary mirror to the precision required for optical and infrared astronomy.
A general theory of structure spaces with applications to spaces of prime ideals

A structure space is a quadrupleX=(X, d, A, P), where for some setR, X ⊂A=2 R ,d:X×X →A is defined byd(I, J)=J−I, andP is the family of cofinite subsets ofR. Forr e P, I e X, N r (I)={J e X: d(I, J) ⊂r},To(X)={Q ⊂X: if x e Q there is anr e P such thatN r (x) $$ \subseteq$$ Q}. ThenTo(X) is a (not usually Hausdorff) topology onX called the hull-kernel topology. Replacing d byd *, whered * (I, J)=d(J, I), or byd s, whered s (I, J.)=d(I, J) ∪d * (I, J), and proceeding in the obvious way yields thedual hull-kernel topology To(X *) andsymmetric topology To(X s ). The latter is always a zero-dimensional Hausdorff space. When R is a commutative ring with identity andX is a collection of proper prime ideals ofR, To(X s ) is usually called thepatch topology. Our generality enables us to improve on known results in the case of space of prime ideals and to apply this theory to a wide variety of algebraic structures. In particular, we establish criteria for a subspace of a structure space to be closed in the symmetric topology; we establish a duality between families of maximal elements in the hull-kernel topology and families of minimal elements in the dual hull-kernel topology of subspaces that are closed in the symmetric topology; we use topological constructions to generalize certain ring theoretic notions, such as radical ideals an annihilator ideals; we use this theory to obtain new results about subspaces of the space prime ideals of a reduced, commutative ring.
An efficient method for studying short-term plasticity with random impulse train stimuli.

Abstract In this article, we introduce an efficient method that models quantitatively nonlinear dynamics associated with short-term plasticity (STP) in biological neural systems. It is based on the Voterra–Wiener modeling approach adapted for special stimulus/response datasets. The stimuli are random impulse trains (RITs) of fixed amplitude and Poisson distributed, variable interimpulse intervals. The class of stimuli, we use can be viewed as a hybrid between the paired impulse approach (variable interimpulse interval between two input impulses) and the fixed frequency approach (impulses repeated at fixed intervals, varying in frequency from one stimulus dataset to the next). The responses are sequences of population spike amplitudes of variable size and are assumed to be contemporaneous with the corresponding impulses in the RITs they are evoked by. The nonlinear dynamics of the mechanisms underlying STP are captured by kernels used to create compact STP models with predictive capabilities. Compared to similar methods in the literature, the method presented in this article provides a comprehensive model of STP with considerable improvement in prediction accuracy and requires shorter experimental data collection time.
3,3′-Diindolylmethane rapidly and selectively inhibits hepatocyte growth factor/c-Met signaling in breast cancer cells

Abstract 3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM), an indole derivative from vegetables of the Brassica genus, has antiproliferative activity in breast cancer cells. Part of this activity is thought to be due to DIM inhibition of Akt signaling, but an upstream mechanism of DIM-induced Akt inhibition has not been described. The goals of this study were to investigate the kinetics of inhibition of Akt by physiologically relevant concentrations of DIM and to identify an upstream factor that mediates this effect. Here we report that DIM (5–25 μM) inhibited Akt activation from 30 min to 24 h in tumorigenic MDA-MB-231 cells but did not inhibit Akt activation in non-tumorigenic preneoplastic MCF10AT cells. DIM inhibited hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-induced Akt activation by up to 46%, cell migration by 66% and cell proliferation by up to 54%, but did not inhibit induction of Akt by epidermal growth factor or insulin-like growth factor-1. DIM decreased phosphorylation of the HGF receptor, c-Met, at tyrosines 1234 and 1235, indicating decreased activation of the receptor. This decrease was reversed by pretreatment with inhibitors of p38 or calcineurin. Our results demonstrate the important role of HGF and c-Met in DIM's anti-proliferative effect on breast cancer cells and suggest that DIM could have preventive or clinical value as an inhibitor of c-Met signaling.
Effect of aging on acetate incorporation in nuclei of lymphocytes stimulated with phytohemagglutinin

Abstract Age-correlated decrease in lymphocyte transformation in blood cultures treated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) had been noted previously in a Marshallese population. In this same population, acetylation of nuclei in PHA-treated lymphocytes was measured at various times as a function of lymphocyte transformation and aging. Decreased acetylation of nuclei was associated with increasing age and roughly paralleled the decrease in lymphocyte transformation. Total acetate incorporation in nuclei during the first hour of culture was correlated with acetylation of histones, but by 20 hours acetylation of other nuclear material had also occurred.
Associations between cannabinoid receptor-1 (CNR1) variation and hippocampus and amygdala volumes in heavy cannabis users

Heavy cannabis users display smaller amygdalae and hippocampi than controls, and genetic variation accounts for a large proportion of variance in liability to cannabis dependence (CD). A single nucleotide polymorphism in the cannabis receptor-1 gene (CNR1), rs2023239, has been associated with CD diagnosis and intermediate phenotypes, including abstinence-induced withdrawal, cue-elicited craving, and parahippocampal activation to cannabis cues. This study compared hippocampal and amygdalar volumes (potential CD intermediate phenotypes) between heavy cannabis users and healthy controls, and analyzed interactions between group, rs2023239 variation, and the volumes of these structures. Ninety-four heavy cannabis users participated, of whom 37 (14 men, 23 women; mean age=27.8) were matched to 37 healthy controls (14 men, 23 women; mean age=27.3) for case-control analyses. Controlling for total intracranial volume and other confounding variables, matched cannabis users had smaller bilateral hippocampi (left, p=0.002; right, p=0.001) and left amygdalae (p=0.01) than controls. When genotype was considered in the case-control analyses, there was a group by genotype interaction, such that the rs2023239 G allele predicted lower volume of bilateral hippocampi among cannabis users relative to controls (both p<0.001). This interaction persisted when all 94 cannabis users were compared to controls. There were no group by genotype interactions on amygdalar volume. These data replicate previous findings of reduced hippocampal and amygdalar volume among heavy cannabis users, and suggest that CNR1 rs2023239 variation may predispose smaller hippocampal volume after heavy cannabis use. This association should be tested in future studies of brain volume differences in CD.
Quantification of carbonyl compounds in oxidized fats as trichlorophenylhydrazones

A rapid determination of the carbonyl compounds in oxidized fats and oils was devised based on formation of trichlorophenylhydrazones (TCPH). Fat in cyclohexane/ether (99:1) was passed through a Florisil column to remove interfering hydrocarbons, and the fat and carbonyl compounds were eluted with ether. The eluate was reacted with trichlorophenylhydrazine with Florisil as a catalyst, and the TCPH were isolated from the fat by chromatography on a Florisil column. The TCPH were separated and quantified by gas chromatography on a 10-m SE 30 capillary column. The method was applied to soybean oils stored under various conditions. The method also was applied to linoleic acid hydroperoxide to determine the extent to which decomposition of peroxides gave rise to carbonyl artifacts during the procedure. Although artifacts were minimal, they were reduced even further by passing the fat through a column of Celite impregnated with stannous chloride to reduce hydroperoxides before the carbonyl analysis.
Direct observations of N2O5 reactivity on ambient aerosol particles

[1] N2O5 reactivity has been measured directly for the first time on ambient aerosol particles using an entrained aerosol flow reactor coupled to a custom-built chemical ionization mass spectrometer at two urban locations during summer. The observed N2O5 reactivity is a strong function of both relative humidity (RH) and particle chemical composition. We show that particulate organic mass loadings, together with ambient relative humidity, play a leading role in determining the reaction rate of N2O5 with particles. Our observed reactivity values are both more variable and, at times, as much as a factor of ten lower than currently implemented large-scale model parameterizations would predict. Such discrepancies have likely consequences for predictions of NOx availability and ozone production, and the sensitivity of these quantities to aerosol particle loadings.
Self-disclosure: relationships to self-described personality and sex differences.

The relationship between self-described personality (Leary's system) and self-disclosure was explored. Dominance/Submission and Love/Hate related significantly to reported disclosure (Jourard's sca...
Slaves, Convicts, Abolitionism and the Global Origins of the Post-Emancipation Indentured Labor System

The origins of the indentured labor system which flourished in the post-emancipation colonial plantation world must be understood in terms of the development of increasingly interconnected free and forced labor trades within and beyond the Indian Ocean during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Recent research reveals that this system took shape a quarter of a century earlier than previously believed, that Chinese rather than Indian workers were the initial focus of the interest in using indentured Asian labor and that the British East India Company played a significant and hitherto unappreciated role in this global migrant labor system's early development.
A microenvironment approach to reducing sedentary time and increasing physical activity of children and adults at a playground.

Abstract Objective Test whether a micro-environment park intervention in Grand Forks, North Dakota, movement of seating away from a playground, would increase the physical activity and length of stay of park users. Method Study 1, summer 2012: physical activity of children and adults was assessed during baseline (A 1 ) with seating in usual, standardized locations; with seating removed from the playground (B); and with seating returned to original locations (A 2 ). Study 2, summer 2013: the study was repeated with the inclusion of a daily 2-hour assessment during which activity of each family member was recorded every 15-min and length of stay was recorded. Results For both studies, the MET (metabolic equivalent) intensity was greater (p 1 and A 2 . For adults, the odds of being in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity than sitting during condition B were 4.1 to 22.7 greater than those during conditions A 1 and A 2 . During the 2-hour serial observations, MET intensities during condition B were greater (p 1 and A 2 . The duration families stayed at the park did not differ across conditions. Conclusion Adults were more active when seating was not accessible. Removal of seating did not shorten the time that adults were willing to allow children to play.
Effect of Sulfur Impregnation Method on Activated Carbon Uptake of Gas-Phase Mercury

The dynamics of granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorbers for the uptake of gas-phase mercury was evaluated as a function of temperature, influent mercury concentration, and empty bed contact time. Sulfur-impregnated carbons exhibited enhanced mercury removal efficiency over virgin carbon due to the formation of mercuric sulfide on the carbon surface. The effect of the sulfur impregnation method on mercury removal efficiency was examined through experi ments conducted on commercially available sulfur-impregnated carbon (HGR) and carbon impregnated with sulfur in our laboratory (BPL-S). Although HGR and BPL-S possess similar sulfur contents, BPL-S is impregnated at a higher temperature, which promotes a more uniform distribution of sulfur in the GAC pore structure. At low influent mercury concentrations and low temperatures, HGR and BPL-S performed similarly in the removal of mercury gas. However, as the temperature was increased above the melting point of sulfur, the performance of HGR deteriorated signif...
Molecular diagnostics for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common nephropathy caused by mutations in either PKD1 or PKD2. Mutations in PKD1 account for approximately 85% of cases and cause more severe disease than mutations in PKD2. Diagnosis of ADPKD before the onset of symptoms is usually performed using renal imaging by either ultrasonography, CT or MRI. In general, these modalities are reliable for the diagnosis of ADPKD in older individuals. However, molecular testing can be valuable when a definite diagnosis is required in young individuals, in individuals with a negative family history of ADPKD, and to facilitate preimplantation genetic diagnosis. Although linkage-based diagnostic approaches are feasible in large families, direct mutation screening is generally more applicable. As ADPKD displays a high level of allelic heterogeneity, complete screening of both genes is required. Consequently, such screening approaches are expensive. Screening of individuals with ADPKD detects mutations in up to 91% of cases. However, only approximately 65% of patients have definite mutations with approximately 26% having nondefinite changes that require further evaluation. Collation of known variants in the ADPKD mutation database and systematic scoring of nondefinite variants is increasing the diagnostic value of molecular screening. Genic information can be of prognostic value and recent investigation of hypomorphic PKD1 alleles suggests that allelic information may also be valuable in some atypical cases. In the future, when effective therapies are developed for ADPKD, molecular testing may become increasingly widespread. Rapid developments in DNA sequencing may also revolutionize testing.
Theoretical characterization of deNOx catalysis: The initial nitrogen coupling step

Abstract The microscopic steps involved in the formation of nitrous oxide from two nitric oxides with an Fe(II) catalyst are discussed in the context of an ab initio theoretical study. We find the coupled products energetically accessible given an appropriate ligand backbone (two waters of hydration). Specifically, we find the dinitrogen dioxide cognate 24 kcal/mol below the dinitrosyl reactant FeCl 2 (NO) 2 (H 2 O) 2 and the cis -hyponitrite isomer only 4 kcal/mol above the dinitrosyl. Further, an orbital correlation diagram is used to assert that the proposed intermediates are kinetically accessible as well. Finally, we utilize the correlation diagram to suggest that the proposed process is kinetically viable for group VI through VIII metal dications.
1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 – Not Just a Calciotropic Hormone

1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3, the hormonal form of vitamin D3, is widely appreciated to play a central role in calcium and phosphorous homeostasis. It is becoming increasingly clear
A Single Recombinant Human Thyrotropin-Stimulated Serum Thyroglobulin Measurement Predicts Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma Metastases Three to Five Years Later

Context: Testing for residual differentiated thyroid carcinoma relies heavily upon recombinant human (rh)TSH-stimulated serum thyroglobulin (Tg) levels, but the positive predictive value is often low. Objective: Our objective was to determine the accuracy of a single rhTSH-Tg measurement over time. Design and Setting: We conducted a prospective follow-up study at the University referral center. Patients: A total of 107 differentiated thyroid carcinoma patients were stratified according to their initial rhTSH-Tg as follows: group 1 with Tg less than 0.5 (n = 68), group 2 with Tg of 0.6–2.0 (n = 19), and group 3 with Tg greater than 2 ng/ml (n = 20). Intervention: Clinical evaluations were conducted over 0.9–5.2 yr as follows: Tg during thyroid hormone suppression (n = 27), after rhTSH (n = 59), and/or after thyroid hormone withdrawal (n = 15). Main Outcome: Tumor was identified in one patient in each of groups 1 (1.6%) and 2 (5.5%), and 16 in group 3 (80%), comprising 19 tumor locations: 11 locoregional, t...
Evaluation of an objective plan-evaluation model in the three dimensional treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer

Purpose : Evaluation of three dimensional (3D) radiotherapy plans is difficult because it requires the review of vast amounts of data. Selecting the optimal plan from a set of competing plans involves making trade-offs among the doses delivered to the target volumes and normal tissues. The purpose of this study was to test an objective plan-evaluation model and evaluate its clinical usefulness in 3D treatment planning for nonsmall cell lung cancer. Methods and Materials : Twenty patients with inoperable nonsmall cell lung cancer treated with definitive radiotherapy were studied using full 3D techniques for treatment design and implementation. For each patient, the evaluator (the treating radiation oncologist) initially ranked three plans using room-view dose-surface displays and dose-volume histograms, and identified the issues that needed to be improved. The three plans were then ranked by the objective plan-evaluation model. A figure of merit (FOM) was computed for each plan by combining the numerical score (utility in decision-theoretic terms) for each clinical issue. The utility was computed from a probability of occurrence of the issue and a physician-specific weight indicating its clinical relevance. The FOM was used to rank the competing plans for a patient, and the utility was used to identify issues that needed to be improved. These were compared with the initial evaluations of the physician and discrepancies were analyzed. The issues identified in the best treatment plan were then used to attempt further manual optimization of this plan. Results : For the 20 patients (60 plans) in the study, the final plan ranking produced by the plan-evaluation model had an initial 73% agreement with the ranking provided by the evaluator. After discrepant cases were reviewed by the physician, the model was usually judged more objective or correct. In most cases the model was also able to correctly identify the issues that needed improvement in each plan. Subsequent replanning confirmed that further manual plan optimization could be achieved in 17 patients. Conclusion : The objective plan-evaluation model was able to rank lung cancer radiotherapy plans from best to worst. It was useful in improving plans and may be useful to physicians in defining goals for patients based on the ability to effectively and safely treat their tumors.
Neck Postures and Cervical Spine Loading Among Microsurgeons Operating with Loupes and Headlamp

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Surgical tasks performed using loupes and headlamps were examined to identify exposures to physical risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the neck among microsurgeons. Surgeons who use loupes and headlamps were found to spend extensive time periods working in non-neutral head–neck postures. These postures, and the use of loupes and headlamps, were found to be associated with an increased loading of the cervical spine, which might cumulatively contribute to occupational neck musculoskeletal disorders. To develop effective control strategies, future studies should focus on the impact of design features of loupes (e.g., mount angles, weight, and shape) on head–neck postures during surgical tasks. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the neck are common among microsurgeons who operate with loupes and headlamps. Published surveys indicate that microsurgeons across many subspecialties believe that loupes contribute to neck muscul...
Tracking ocean fronts with multiple vehicles and mixed communication losses

We make two contributions toward integrated monitoring over large spatial scales, with multiple collaborating vehicles. Our focus is dynamic ocean features such as fronts and plumes. To support strong networked-control designs, we first develop a clean linear time-invariant framework for tracking features, that directly couples the global structure of the process to vehicle positioning. To address the packet loss inherent in underwater acoustic communications, we then extend the synthesis technique of Imer et al. [1] to the case where measurements and control commands suffer loss with differing statistics among the multiple channels. Simulations show that the integrated feedback system achieves good performance in front tracking.
Closure of the human umbilical artery: a physiological demonstration of Burton's theory

30 umbilical cords of normal full-term infants were examined immediately after birth for closure of the arteries. Multiple constrictions were observed in the arteries at birth, which increased in number and degree with time. Between the constrictions there were segments of dilatations with trapped blood. Cutting through the constrictions in the cords clamped later than 1 min after birth did not result in leakage of blood from the adjoining dilated segments which contained trapped uncoagulated blood indicating complete closure. This behavior of the vessels is a physiologic example of critical closure of small arteries according to Burton's theory.
Concurrent architectures for real-time signal processing

Abstract Signal processing algorithms and architectures that support high-speed throghput requirements in computationally demanding areas are described in this paper. Multi-level parallelism is obtained by combining features of algebraic-integer number representation and concurrency of systolic arrays. Regularity and modularity of architecture supports VLSI design criteria. The area-time complexity of the design is given for array implementing finite impulse response filtering and matrix arithmetic. Pipelined array allows data cycle frequency of 20MHz.
Turbulent Heat Transport in a Boundary Layer Behind a Junction of a Streamlined Cylinder and a Wall

Measurements of the turbulent velocity and temperature fields were made in a heated boundary layer 14 diameters downstream of a junction of a tapered cylinder and a wall (ReD=24,700). The boundary layer is strongly affected by the presence of large-scale unsteadiness arising from vortex shedding, which appears in the measurements as [open quotes]turbulence[close quotes] with a strong spectral component at the shedding frequency. The boundary layer exhibits three distinct spanwise regions: (1) the inner-wake region, z/D<0.8, where vortex shedding effects are observed only in the spanwise component of the fluctuations; (2) the middle-wake region, 0.8 1.6, where the flow is approaching a two-dimensional boundary-layer flow. Cross-spectra of [und v0] indicate that vortex shedding increases the turbulent heat flux in the middle-wake region. However, peak values of the Stanton number- and the eddy diffusivity are observed in the inner-wake region, where the cross-spectra of turbulent heat flux do not exhibit a peak near the shedding frequency, but do show an increase compared to a two-dimensional boundary layer over a much broader frequency range. 27 refs., 12 figs.
Altered tachykinin expression by dorsal root ganglion neurons in a rat model of neuropathic pain.

Abstract The experiments described in the present study approached nerve injury from both a biochemical and anatomical perspective by monitoring changes in expression of preprotachykinin (PPT) mRNA encoding the prototypic tachykinin substance P and related peptide species in neurons of the rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) following unilateral chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve. In situ hybridization histochemistry (ISHH) analyses in conjunction with computer-assisted image processing were employed to quantify levels of PPT mRNA distributed in DRG neurons. Injury-induced changes in PPT mRNA expression by affected DRG neurons included: 1. (1) at early postoperative times, generally increased levels of PPT mRNA associated with small and intermediate-size B cells exhibiting normal morphology, 2. (2) at late postoperative times, markedly decreased levels of PPT mRNA associated with degenerating B cells, and 3. (3) induction of PPT gene expression by large A cells which is highly correlated with degenerative morphological changes. The significant aspects of these changes are discussed with special emphasis on the contribution of altered transmitter expression by DRG neurons to the pathophysiology of causalgia. In particular, the induction of PPT gene expression by many of the large neurons undergoing degenerative changes may represent an important biochemical parameter which is associated with the development and persistence of experimental allodynia.
Formation of inositol phosphates in synaptoneurosomes of guinea pig brain : Stimulatory effects of receptor agonists, sodium channel agents and sodium and calcium ionophores

Carbamylcholine, norepinephrine, histamine and glutamate stimulated the formation of [3H]inositol phosphates in [3H]inositol-labelled synaptoneurosomes obtained from the cortex, striatum and hippocampus of the guinea pig. Synaptoneurosomes prepared from the cerebellum did not respond to receptor agonists. Agents that enhance the influx of sodium ions through voltage-sensitive channels, such as batrachotoxin, scorpion venom and pumiliotoxin B, or a sodium ionophore, monensin, stimulated the formation of [3H]inositol phosphates in synaptoneurosomes from all four regions of the brain. Neither calcium channel blockers nor receptor antagonists reduced the responses to batrachotoxin. Ionomycin, a calcium ionophore, also stimulated the formation of [3H]inositol phosphates in synaptoneurosomes from all four regions of the brain. A phorbol ester inhibited the formation of [3H]inositol phosphates, elicited by either receptor agonists or by sodium channel agents. The major [3H]inositol-labelled lipid in the synaptoneurosomes was phosphatidylinositol as analyzed by thin layer chromatography. While the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol elicited by carbamylcholine resulted in an increase of lipid-labelling with [3H]inositol, sodium channel agents caused a decrease in the incorporation of [3H]inositol. The results indicate that intracellular sodium may have a regulatory role in the turnover of phosphatidylinositol, and that, unlike the receptor-mediated responses, this regulation is present in all regions of the brain.
Making surgery safer.

t t o h w a t t a p p m s e h n November 20, 2003, the Institute of Medicine IOM) issued a report that has been recently published, ntitled “Patient Safety: Achieving a New Standard of are,” here referred to as the IOM Patient Safety report. had the privilege of being a member of the committee hat studied the problem and potential solutions and ade the recommendations that constitute the report. I as the only surgeon on the committee. The report prooses solutions to the problem of iatrogenic injury and llness identified in the Institute’s previous report, “To rr Is Human: Building a Safer Health System.” The committee identified a close link between patient afety and quality care. Both involve doing the right hing for the patient, not doing the wrong thing, and oing it properly. I would also add—in keeping with the ecommendations of their companion Quality Chasm eport—and at the proper time.The “To Err Is Human” eport estimated 44,000 to 98,000 deaths from errors of ommission in hospitals across the country. Although he number is debated, all agree that even the lowest lausible number would be unacceptably high. A recent eport in the New England Journal of Medicine indicated hat patients did not receive 45% of the care that was ndicated by medical evidence. So the committee idenified errors of omission as equally important to rectify. Many bad outcomes resulting from medical care which the committee defined as adverse events) are not he result of errors, but the unfortunate consequence of atient factors: for instance, newly discovered allergic eactions to types of medications that the patient has ever taken before, or inadvertent enterotomies during aparotomies on patients who have had multiple laparotmies in the past. The committee believed that the focus n patient safety should be on decreasing adverse outomes rather than decreasing errors per se. As an example, one committee member cited an ex-
Effects of amount of protein and ruminally protected amino acids in the diet of dairy cows fed supplemental fat

The objectives of this experiment were to investigate the effects of amount of dietary CP and ruminally protected AA supplementation on production of milk and milk components, ruminal fermentation, and nutrient digestibilities by cows fed diets containing high oil corn and tallow. Holstein cows in midlactation producing 22 to 25 kg/d of milk were used in a 5 x 5 Latin square design. Treatments were 1) control (16.8% CP, no added fat); 2) 14.2% CP, no AA; 3) 14.2% CP, with AA; 4) 17.5% CP, no AA; and 5) 17.5% CP, with AA. Diets 2 to 5 contained supplemental fat from high oil corn and tallow. Diets consisted of 33% alfalfa haylage, 17% corn silage, and 50% concentrate DM. Intake of DM was not different among treatments. Dietary fat increased yields of milk, fat, SNF, and total solids and percentages of fat and total solids. Increasing CP from 14.2 to 17.5% did not alter production or composition of milk. Supplemental AA increased yields of 4% FCM, milk fat, milk CP, true protein, and casein protein and percentages of CP, true protein, and casein protein in milk when either 14.2 or 17.5% CP was in the diet. Supplemental fat did not alter ruminal fermentation, but increases in dietary CP increased total VFA concentration in the rumen without affecting proportions of individual VFA. Apparent digestibilities of DM, OM, CP, starch, and energy in the total tract were greater for cows fed the 17.5% CP diets. Addition of AA to the 14.2% CP diet increased apparent digestibilities of DM, OM, ADF, NDF, and energy in the total tract but decreased digestibilities for cows fed the 17.5% CP diets. Feeding AA to midlactation cows in diets containing supplemental fat may alleviate the decrease in milk protein percentage associated with fat supplementation; this response was similar for cows fed diets that contained either 14.2 or 17.5% CP.
“How Can You Retire When You Still Got a Kid in School?”: Economics of Raising Grandchildren in Rural Areas

Increasingly, grandparents are being called on to rear their grandchildren when parents are unable or unwilling to fulfill their parenting role. These grandparent caregivers often find themselves in an economic bind. Financially, most are at a stage in life where they are looking toward retirement and reduced family spending and are unprepared for their new economic reality as second-time-around caregivers. Here, we use a framework of family financial well-being to examine the economic consequences of rearing grandchildren. Based on family life interviews with 26 grandfamilies residing in Montana, we explore the challenges grandparents experience generating and shifting income streams in later life, the variability in received income, and the array of expected and unexpected expenses incurred as a result of taking in their grandchildren. As custodial grandparents strive for financial well-being, there are few resources—especially in rural areas—to help them navigate these new financial waters.
Product of uniform measures

For i = (1, 2), let Xi be Hausdorff uniform spaces and μi uniform measures on Xi. We determine the existence of the product uniform measure μ1⊗μ2 on X1 × X2 and prove a Fubini type theorem and a continuity property. The result is extended to vector-valued uniform measures.
Significance of Precordial T-Wave Increase During Treadmill Stress Testing

Abstract It appears that a T-wave amplitude increase of ≥2.5 mm in lead V2 during a treadmill stress test may be specific (95%), even though this finding only occurs occasionally. Therefore, a T-wave amplitude increase during an exercise test may aid in the diagnosis of the few patients who develop this abnormality, especially if there is no ST depression, as has occurred during several recent exercise tests.
Dispersion of Pure Clay Minerals as Influenced by Calcium/Magnesium Ratios, Sodium Adsorption Ratio, and Electrical Conductivity

Sodium concentration and the soil solution Ca/Mg ratio may influence soil dispersion and water movement. This study investigated the impact of electrical conductivity (EC), Na adsorption ratio (SAR), and Ca/Mg ratios on dispersion thresholds of pure clay minerals (montmorillonite, illite, and kaolinite). Replicated laboratory studies were conducted where the impact of SAR (1, 5, 12, or 24), EC (0–16 dS m⁻¹), and specific Ca/Mg ratios on clay dispersion was determined. The results showed that Ca/Mg ratios did not influence clay dispersion of montmorillonite and kaolinite. For illite at a SAR of 12, however, dispersion was reduced by reducing the Ca/Mg ratio from 1/0, 2/1, and 1/2 to 0/1. Dispersion thresholds were 2 dS m⁻¹.