cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CancerSPACE: An Interactive E‐learning Tool Aimed to Improve Cancer Screening Rates

Aimed to Improve Cancer Screening Rates. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States today. Due to advances in new medical technology, screening devices for many cancers including breast, cervical, and colon cancers, are drastically reducing mortality rates. These technologies are able to detect cancer early, allowing for earlier treatment and a better survival rate. Unfortunately, many people, especially those in low socioeconomic groups, those without health insurance, and minority groups have very low cancer screening rates. As a result of not being screened, these populations face higher rates of cancer. One way to improve cancer screening rates in low income and minority populations is to target the healthcare staff which works with them. CancerSPACE (Simulated Practice and Collaborative Education) is aimed to improve cancer screening education among healthcare professionals in a virtual, interactive, easy to use online simulation presented in a game format. Simulated education, such as this, can be used on an individual basis at times and locations which are convenient for staff members. It also helps the user to retain information, stay engaged with the task at hand, and learn how to apply the information presented into a real clinical environment.
The Design Of An Echelle Spectrometer For Diffuse Extreme Ultraviolet/Far Ultraviolet Astronomy

The novel, relatively high-resolution nebular spectrometer design presented incorporates a mechanical precollimator with an objective echelle grating that proceeds to a cross-dispensing Wadsworth configuration; the minimum feasible number of reflections is employed in order to maximize EUV sensitivity. The configuration, which is noted to be capable of yielding a comparatively large field of view for optimal diffuse emission sensitivity, is compact and employs conventionally fabricated optical components and available microchannel plate detectors. The sensitivities obtainable approach the limit stipulated by Liouville's theorem.
New Insights into How the Rho Guanine Nucleotide Dissociation Inhibitor Regulates the Interaction of Cdc42 with Membranes

The subcellular localization of the Rho family GTPases is of fundamental importance to their proper functioning in cells. The Rho guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (RhoGDI) plays a key regulatory role by influencing the cellular localization of Rho GTPases and is essential for the transforming activity of oncogenic forms of Cdc42. However, the mechanism by which RhoGDI helps Cdc42 to undergo the transition between a membrane-associated protein and a soluble (cytosolic) species has been poorly understood. Here, we examine how RhoGDI influences the binding of Cdc42 to lipid bilayers. Despite having similar affinities for the signaling-inactive (GDP-bound) and signaling-active (GTP-bound) forms of Cdc42 in solution, we show that when RhoGDI interacts with Cdc42 along the membrane surface, it has a much higher affinity for GDP-bound Cdc42 compared with its GTP-bound counterpart. Interestingly, the rate for the dissociation of Cdc42·RhoGDI complexes from membranes is unaffected by the nucleotide-bound state of Cdc42. Moreover, the membrane release of Cdc42·RhoGDI complexes occurs at a similar rate as the release of Cdc42 alone, with the major effect of RhoGDI being to impede the re-association of Cdc42 with membranes. These findings lead us to propose a new model for how RhoGDI influences the ability of Cdc42 to move between membranes and the cytosol, which highlights the role of the membrane in helping RhoGDI to distinguish between the GDP- and GTP-bound forms of Cdc42 and holds important implications for how it functions as a key regulator of the cellular localization and signaling activities of this GTPase.
Did the “tax revolt” reduce school performance?

Abstract This paper uses detailed school-level data from 49 states to analyze the effects of tax-revolt era property tax limitations on school services. I find that limitations are associated with larger student-teacher ratios and lower cost-of-living adjusted starting teacher salaries, all else equal. These results are robust to modelling the results as endogenous and using a variety of measures for whether the limitation binds at particular schools. However, I find no such evidence that schools subject to limitations have reduced their administrative costs. Furthermore, I find that limitations are associated with lower student performance on mathematics, science, social studies and reading examinations, all else equal.
Neutron total cross sections in the energy range 100 to 150 MeV

Abstract Neutron total cross sections have been measured with an uncertainty of 1% or less for Al, Cu, Cd, Pb and U at energies from 100 MeV to 150 MeV, with an energy resolution of 1 MeV. The cross sections and published non-elastic cross sections were analysed in terms of the optical model. The real and imaginary parts of the central potential were determined at each energy. It was found that no single set of radial parameters was optimum for all energies. Both the cross sections and the potentials fit smoothly to other data at lower energies.
Management of stage C adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

A review of numerous clinical series dealing with the treatment of patients with clinical stage C prostate cancer failed to find the treatment or a combination of treatments that is superior to any other. Accurate staging, which was difficult in older studies, and stage migration, which complicates the comparison of recent to older studies, may contribute to this lack of identification. The majority of patients ultimately experience disease progression and are therefore treated with hormonal therapy, the use of which obscures survival data for initial modes of treatment
Predicting Patronage Behaviors in a Sustainable Retail Environment Adding Retail Characteristics and Consumer Lifestyle Orientation to the Belief-Attitude-Behavior Intention Model

This study investigated consumer patronage (i.e., shopping and making purchases) at Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), specifically examining consumer response to REI’s incorporation of sustainable...
Reinforcement learning-based multi-agent system for network traffic signal control

A challenging application of artificial intelligence systems involves the scheduling of traffic signals in multi-intersection vehicular networks. This paper introduces a novel use of a multi-agent system and reinforcement learning (RL) framework to obtain an efficient traffic signal control policy. The latter is aimed at minimising the average delay, congestion and likelihood of intersection cross-blocking. A five-intersection traffic network has been studied in which each intersection is governed by an autonomous intelligent agent. Two types of agents, a central agent and an outbound agent, were employed. The outbound agents schedule traffic signals by following the longest-queue-first (LQF) algorithm, which has been proved to guarantee stability and fairness, and collaborate with the central agent by providing it local traffic statistics. The central agent learns a value function driven by its local and neighbours' traffic conditions. The novel methodology proposed here utilises the Q-Learning algorithm with a feedforward neural network for value function approximation. Experimental results clearly demonstrate the advantages of multi-agent RL-based control over LQF governed isolated single-intersection control, thus paving the way for efficient distributed traffic signal control in complex settings.
Multiple isoelectric variants of copper, zinc-superoxide dismutase from rat liver.

Abstract Isoelectric variants of Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD) have been reported to exist in various organs including rat liver. To elucidate the biochemical characteristics of the variants, rat liver Cu,Zn-SOD was purified and isolated into eight variants, i.e., p I 5.15, 4.88, 4.80, 4.75, 4.70, 4.65, 4.60, and 4.50. The p I 4.88 variant had the highest specific activity (4245 U/mg protein) and the highest yield (45% of original activity). The descending order of specific activity for the other variants was p I 4.80, 4.75, 5.15, 4.70, 4.65, 4.60, and 4.50. The specific activity correlated well with metal content. The specific activity for most variants was 5–9 times greater when determined at pH 10.0 than at pH 7.8. However, three preparations of p I 4.80 and 4.70 variants had 13.9–16.3 times greater specific activity at pH 10.0 versus 7.8, while one of the p I 4.60 variants was only 3.5 times greater. The rate of Coomasie brilliant blue G-250 binding was lowest with p I 4.88 followed by p I s 4.80 and 4.75. To evaluate the mechanisms which might produce these variants, the p I 4.88 variant was incubated with xanthine-xanthine oxidase or a mixture of rat liver microsome, NADPH, and sodium azide, and a shift to variants p I 4.80 and p I 4.75 was found. The shift was greatly inhibited by the presence of mannitol or by the omitting of azide, respectively. The existence of these variants was also confirmed by other methods: (i) direct application of rat liver 105,000 g supernatant to an isoelectric focusing, and (ii) extraction of SOD from acetone powder prepared from rat liver homogenate. Results indicate that several variants most likely arise in tissue as a result of activated oxygen radical modification of variant p I 4.88.
Diagenesis of Carbonate Muds in Lagoons of Northeast Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico: ABSTRACT

Carbonate muds deposited in extensive coastal lagoons bordering the northeast Yucatan Peninsula have been subjected to a variety of diagenetic environments. The sediment in each of these environments is characterized by a particular suite of diagenetic features which provides additional insight for determining the early processes involved in carbonate-mud diagenesis. Several finely crystalline cements are present in the supratidal and back-lagoon sediments associated with the lagoons. Those formed in the vadose zone are typically calcite and include calichelike cryptocrystalline cement, microstalactitic druse, and "needle-fiber" (whisker crystal) cement. Submarine cements are composed of Mg-calcite and consist of grain-skin druse and void-filling blocky spar. Coalescent neomorphism results in the gradation from micrite to microspar in both subaerial and submarine environments; in the submarine environment the mineralogy apparently remains Mg-calcite, whereas a conversion from Mg-calcite to calcite occurs in the vadose zone. Dolomitic and Mg-calcite cemented crusts have formed on the beaches, on tidal-flat surfaces, and in the subsurface in sediments influenced by hypersaline waters. In places, fresh water draining from the mainland and flowing through the lagoonal sediments has resulted in the formation of pisolithlike calcite concretions. Aragonite constituents are being leached from sediments in contact with hypersaline interstitial waters rich in Mg, whereas Mg-calcite grains are dissolved in sediments affected by fresh water. Dissolution of fine mud and corrosion of coarser skeletal grains also occur in association with mangrove peats. End_of_Article - Last_Page 605------------
Total synthesis of phorboxazole a. 1. Preparation of four subunits.

Four subunits of the potent antitumor agent phorboxazole A were constructed; fragments C20−C32 and C9−C19 containing tetrahydropyrans A and B, respectively, were assembled using palladium-catalyzed intramolecular alkoxycarbonylation.
Generation of large alkali vapor densities inside bare hollow-core photonic band-gap fibers.

We demonstrate the ability to generate extremely large rubidium densities in uncoated hollow-core photonic band-gap fibers using light induced atomic desorption. Once the fiber is exposed to Rb vapor for 1-2 weeks, and this atomic source is removed, the fiber yields large desorbable densities for an extended period of time. We show that optical depths greater than e-1200 can be created within seconds. Our observed Rb densities are several orders of magnitude larger than any previously reported to be generated optically, and allow for the demonstration of a relatively easy-to-use fiber-based vapor cell capable of producing large optical depths without the need for thermal tuning.
Observations on a feline coccidium with some characteristics of Toxoplasma and Sarcocystis

Two morphologically different cysts were found in skeletal muscles of mice inoculated with fecal material from a stray cat containing Isospora-type oocysts. The most common cyst contained bradyzoites resembling those of Toxoplasma and resulted from an oocyst measuring 11×13 μm which appeared to be identical to that of Toxoplasma. The other cyst, observed in only a few mice, contained bradyzoites resembling those of Sarcocystis, but the oocyst or sporocyst that gave rise to it was overlooked and apparently lost. Two more strains of the parasite resembling Toxoplasma were found in feces of stray cats. When inoculated into mice, the oocyst of this parasite routinely produced chronic infection and formed cysts similar to Toxoplasma in skeletal muscles and occasionally in the central nervous system. The majority of infected mice developed Toxoplasma antibody, but only to low titers. Cats fed carcasses of infected mice remained healthy and shed nonsporulated oocysts following a prepatent period of about 5 days. Cats did not develop Toxoplasma antibody. There was little or no cross immunity between the parasite and T. gondii in cats or mice. Transmission of the parasite between mice by the cyst stage normally was not possible; however, mice inoculated with cortisone acetate did become infected when inoculated with cysts. In other laboratory animals inoculated orally with the oocyst asymptomatic infection was detected in 3 species of rats, in guinea pigs and in dogs, but not in monkeys, pigeons or Japanese quails. Fluorescent antibody tests on human sera failed to provide evidence of natural human infection with the parasite.
At the lower size limit for tetrapods, two new species of the miniaturized frog genus Paedophryne (Anura, Microhylidae)

I describe two new species in the miniaturized microhylid frog genus Paedophryne from forests in southeastern Papua New Guinea. The first species is described on the basis of two specimens and exhibits female snout-vent length of 8.5–9.0 mm (no males known), whereas that of the second species, described on the basis of 12 specimens, is 8.8–9.3 mm, with males 8.1–8.9 mm. These frogs are smaller than the other two diminutive species described when the genus was recently erected, and they represent what are currently the smallest known species of tetrapods. The two species replace each other elevationally on the same mountain massif and occur in relative geographic proximity to the other named species of the genus. Females of both species contain only two enlarged ova, suggesting that they also possess clutch sizes at the extreme lower end of variation in frogs. All species of Paedophryne inhabit leaf litter, as seen for most other miniaturized anurans.
High-Dose Melphalan and the Development of Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation: 25 Years Later

Hillard M. Lazarus, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Ireland Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University Gordon L. Phillips, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY Roger H. Herzig, Department of Blood and Marrow Transplant, University of Louisville, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Louisville, KY David D. Hurd, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC Steven N. Wolff, Department of Internal Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN Geoffrey P. Herzig, Department of Blood and Marrow Transplant, University of Louisville, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Louisville, KY
Timing and dependence upon mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling for pro-developmental actions of insulin-like growth factor 1 on the preimplantation bovine embryo.

Abstract Insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF1) increases the proportion of embryos that develop to the blastocyst stage. The objective of the present study was to determine whether the pro-developmental actions of IGF1 are exerted before or after Day 4 of development (i.e., on events occurring through the period of genomic activation versus events coincident with compaction and blastocoel formation) and whether mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways mediate effects of IGF1. Treatment with IGF1 increased the proportion becoming blastocysts at concentrations of 10, 100 and 200 ng/mL, with 100 ng/mL being more effective than 10 or 200 ng/mL. At Day 8, the percent of oocytes that became blastocysts was 30, 34, 43, and 36%, respectively (SEM = 2.6). As compared to controls (30.4%), IGF1 increased the percent of oocytes that were blastocysts at Day 8 when added from Days 4 to 8 (42%) or Days 0 to 8 post-insemination (40%) but there was no significant effect when IGF1 was added from Days 0 to 4 (37%; SEM = 2.2). Actions of IGF1 to increase blastocyst development were reduced when embryos were co-treated with the MAPK inhibitor PD98059. The percentage of oocytes becoming a blastocyst at Day 8 was 21 versus 37% for 0 and 100 ng/mL in the absence of inhibitor and 24 versus 29% in the presence of inhibitor (IGF1 × inhibitor interaction, P
Treatment of sporadic acute puerperal mastitis.

Objective: The purposes of this study were to compare the efficacy of amoxicillin and cephradine for the treatment of sporadic acute puerperal mastitis (SAPM) and to evaluate the microbiology and clinical parameters of this infection.
Policy making, adult safeguarding and public health: a formula for change?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the reasons underlying the slow rate of progress towards developing a comprehensive policy underpinning for adult safeguarding in England and proposes long-term solutions. Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses a model of policy change to argue that adult safeguarding has been over-reliant on case histories to define its policy problems and influence its politics, while making insufficient progress on data collection and analysis. It uses examples from the parallel discipline of public health to explore four challenges, or “problems”, relevant to the further development of the knowledge base underpinning adult safeguarding policy. Findings – Four recommendations emerge for closing the adult safeguarding “knowledge gap”, including the development of a national research strategy for adult safeguarding. In a fifth recommendation the paper also proposes a clearer recognition of the contribution that local public health professionals can make to local adu...
On Structure in the Creative Process: A Quantitative Case-Study of the Creation of Picasso's Guernica

This article presents a quantitative analysis of Picasso's preliminary works for his painting Guernica, to examine the nature of the thought processes underlying creation of this great work of art and to demonstrate the usefulness of quantitative methods in studying creation of a single work of art. Results indicated that the preliminary works for Guernica were drawn from a very limited subject matter, which was closely related to the event that stimulated the painting. In addition, the overall structure of the painting can be seen from the very first sketches. Finally, the idea which served as the core for Guernica came out of Picasso's work at that time. These findings indicate that Picasso's creative process can be looked upon as elaborating a kernel idea, rather than generating numerous different ideas, and culling the final direction from them at a later stage. These results have two implications. Specifically, they indicate that it is possible to analyze the structure in Picasso's thought processes;...
Complete rations for growing dairy replacements utilizing by-product feedstuffs.

Abstract Four experiments utilized by-product fiber sources (either sugarcane bagasse pellets or cottonseed hulls) for calves (0 to 84 days), young heifers (80 to 180 days), or yearling heifers (300 to 650 days). Complete starters with sugarcane bagasse pellets (15%) were not as effective for growth of young calves as 15% cottonseed hulls had been in previous experiments. Complete rations with 40 or 55% cottonseed hulls gave excellent and equal gains from 80 to 180 days of age at either 10.0 or 12.5% protein (air-dry ration) and with or without .89% urea. In a third experiment comparing rations with 73 or 83% sugarcane bagasse, performance from 300 to 600 days of age was inadequate with 83% but near optimum (.60 kg gain/day for Holsteins, .50 kg/day for Jerseys) with 73% when supplemented with soybean meal. With urea (2.5, 2.0, or 1.0%), gains were reduced. In a second experiment with yearling heifers consuming high-sugarcane bagasse rations (70%), condensed molasses solubles from rum distilling were utilized well at 10%. Attempts to force feed larger amounts via lick-wheel feeders while restricting dry feed intake slightly reduced gains and feed efficiency. Feeding of mastitic milk to young calves also was evaluated in Experiment 1. Growth was equal to feeding whole milk (some colostrum included), and incidence of mastitis or blind quarters in these heifers when they calved 2 yr later was no higher.
Agricultural Lending Decision: A Multiattribute Analysis

This paper examines the agdcultural loan decision process from the perspective of the individual loan officer. An analysis of this process concerns the relative effects of various criteria on the loan application and the degree to which tradeoffs are made among them by the loan officer. The theoretical model is empirically tested using a set of factorially designed combinations of these variables. This format avoids several of the problems previously encountered when the iending process has been empirically examined. The model not only exhibits a high degree of explanatory power but also permits important insights into this process.
Identification and Properties of New Flavins in Electron-Transferring Flavoprotein from Peptostreptococcus elsdenii and Pig-Liver Glycolate Oxidase

1 New flavins have been isolated from purified preparations of an electron-transferring flavoprotein (ETF) from Peptostreptococcus elsdenii and glycolate oxidase from pig liver. The structures of these new species have been established as FAD and FMN derivatives of 6-hydroxy-7,8-dimethyl-isoalloxazine, the chemical synthesis of which is described in the accompanying paper by Schollnhammer and Hemmerich. The chromophores are yellow at pH 5 and green at pH 9 due to an ionization at pK7.1. 2 6-OH-FAD is bound by apo-ETF and its pK is decreased. The complex is reduced by NADH and it couples the oxidation of NADH to the reduction of dichlorophenolindophenol. Unlike the complex of FAD and apo-ETF, 6-OH-FAD ETF does not couple the oxidation of NADH to the reduction of butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase. 3 6-OH-FMN is bound by the FMN-specific protein apoflavodoxin from P. elsdenii and the pK is increased to ∼ 9. This complex is reduced by sodium dithionite and an intermediate, presumed to be the semi-quinone, is formed at half reduction.
Differential induction of spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase in human lung cancer cells by the bis(ethyl)polyamine analogues.

We have investigated the induction of an important polyamine metabolic enzyme, spermidine/spermine N 1-acetyltransferase, in two human lung cancer cell lines which respond differently to treatment with the bis(ethyl)polyamine analogues. The human small cell lung carcinoma line NCI H82 has previously been shown to be minimally affected by treatment with these analogues, whereas the large cell undifferentiated lung carcinoma line, NCI H157, responds in a rapid cytotoxic manner (R. A. Casero, Jr., S. J. Ervin, P. Celano, S. B. Baylin, and R. J. Bergeron, Cancer Res., 49 : 639–643, 1989). The mechanisms underlying the differential response are unknown. In the responsive NCI H157 cells, the bis(ethyl)polyamines were found to induce spermidine/spermine N 1-acetyltransferase in a time- and dose-dependent manner to maximum levels >1700-fold over baseline. By contrast, the unresponsive NCI H82 cells exhibit minimal induction of spermidine/spermine N 1-acetyltransferase to <7-fold increase after bis(ethyl)polyamine treatment, regardless of time or concentration examined. The results of the current study suggest that the differential induction of this key enzyme, which is rate limiting in the back conversion pathway of polyamine metabolism, may play a role in determining cell specific sensitivity to the bis(ethyl)polyamine analogues.
A model-based scan statistic for identifying extreme chromosomal regions of gene expression in human tumors

Motivation: The analysis of gene expression data in its chromosomal context has been a recent development in cancer research. However, currently available methods fail to account for variation in the distance between genes, gene density and genomic features (e.g. GC content) in identifying increased or decreased chromosomal regions of gene expression. Results: We have developed a model-based scan statistic that accounts for these aspects of the complex landscape of the human genome in the identification of extreme chromosomal regions of gene expression. This method may be applied to gene expression data regardless of the microarray platform used to generate it. To demonstrate the accuracy and utility of this method, we applied it to a breast cancer gene expression dataset and tested its ability to predict regions containing medium-to-high level DNA amplification (DNA ratio values >2). A classifier was developed from the scan statistic results that had a 10-fold cross-validated classification rate of 93% and a positive predictive value of 88%. This result strongly suggests that the model-based scan statistic and the expression characteristics of an increased chromosomal region of gene expression can be used to accurately predict chromosomal regions containing amplified genes. Availability: Functions in the R-language are available from the author upon request. Contact: fcouples@umich.edu
Establishing 'quality of life' parameters using behavioural guidelines for humane euthanasia of captive non-human primates.

Chronic pain and distress are universally accepted conditions that may adversely affect an animal’s quality of life (QOL) and lead to the humane euthanasia of an animal. At most research institutions and zoological parks in the USA, a veterinarian, who has physically examined the animal and reviewed the clinical records, ultimately decides when an animal has reached a humane endpoint. To aid in the difficult process of interpreting pain and distress, we have developed specific behavioural guidelines, in addition to standard clinical information, to help define unique characteristics and traits of primates to assess and promote discussion of an individual primate’s QOL, and thereby, to assist in the decision-making process regarding euthanasia. These guidelines advocate the creation of a QOL team when the animal is diagnosed with a life-threatening or debilitating chronic condition, or at the time the animal is entered into a terminal study. The team compiles a list of characteristics unique to that individual animal by utilising a questionnaire and a behavioural ethogram. This list enables the team to quantitatively assess any deviations from the established normal behavioural repertoire of that individual. Concurrently, the QOL team determines the number of behavioural deviations that are needed to trigger an immediate discussion of the necessity for humane euthanasia of the animal. The team remains intact once created, and revisits the animal’s condition as frequently as deemed necessary. This process improves animal welfare by continuing the quest to optimally define QOL for captive primates, and potentially for all captive animals.
Learning based access control in online social networks

Online social networking sites are experiencing tremendous user growth with hundreds of millions of active users. As a result, there is a tremendous amount of user profile data online, e.g., name, birthdate, etc. Protecting this data is a challenge. The task of access policy composition is a tedious and confusing effort for the average user having hundreds of friends. We propose an approach that assists users in composing and managing their access control policies. Our approach is based on a supervised learning mechanism that leverages user provided example policy settings as training sets to build classifiers that are the basis for auto-generated policies. Furthermore, we provide mechanisms to enable users to fuse policy decisions that are provided by their friends or others in the social network. These policies then regulate access to user profile objects. We implemented our approach and, through extensive experimentation, prove the accuracy of our proposed mechanisms.
Particulate Contamination Control In The Optical Telescope Assembly For The Hubble Space Telescope

This paper will review the particulate control program applied to the design, construction and testing of the Optical Telescope Assembly. Allowable levels of contamination were derived from system performance requirements using performance predictive models. These levels were used as guidelines in establishing control and monitoring procedures for the assembly process. Measurements taken at critical junctures indicated that cleaning of the optics was required. Cleaning operations were performed at the latest stage of assembly possible. Subsequent measurements verified the effectiveness of the procedures. Optical surface tests, conducted after Space Telescope environmental testing, revealed that the optical surfaces were well within acceptable limits.
Unfalsified adaptive control of bilinear systems

A variety of dynamical systems are bilinear in state and control and have a specific canonical form which is presented. Examples include kinematic steering (S. Sastry, 1999), surface morphology and growth of thin films (D.D. Vvedensky et al., 1993; R.L. Kosut et al., 1999),and quantum control of atomic and molecular motion (H. Rabitz, 2000). The article focuses on systems of the latter two types under run-to-run control, i.e., the control is constant, during the i-th interval, Because modeling is extremely difficult, there is motivation to construct a direct adaptive run-to-run control. An approach based on the unfalsified control concepts described by M.G. Safonov and T.C. Tsao (1997), and R.L. Kosut (2001) is presented.
Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Are Associated With Disability in Older American Adults With Low Back Pain

Background Although fear-avoidance beliefs (FABs) have been explored in younger adults and Spanish older adults, their relationships to measures of low back pain (LBP)–related disability, overall physical health, and falling have not been investigated in older American adults. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the association of FABs with self-reported disability, physical health, and falling among community-dwelling older adults with LBP in the United States. Design This was a cross-sectional study. Methods Ninety-three community-dwelling men and women with current LBP were included in this analysis. Participants completed the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire physical activity subscale (FABQ-PA). The modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (mOSW) and the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QUE) were used to measure self-reported disability, and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36) physical component summary (PCS) score was used to assess physical health. Participants provided demographic information and information regarding LBP duration and intensity. Linear regression models were developed using the following dependent variables: mOSW, QUE, and SF-36 PCS scores. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between high FABs and falling. Results For each analysis, the FABQ-PA score independently explained 3% to 6% of the variance in the LBP-related disability score and 3% of the variance in the SF-36 PCS score. For all dependent variables, the strongest contributors to explained variance were pain intensity, assistive device use, and FABQ-PA score. High FABs were associated with falling. Limitations Future investigations might seek a more diversified sample and utilize both qualitative and quantitative measures for assessing disability and physical health. Conclusions Physical activity FABs are independently associated with self-reported disability and overall physical health in older American adults with LBP. High FABs may warrant balance and falls assessment.
A systematic approach to modeling and analysis of transient faults in logic circuits

With technology scaling, the occurrence rate of not only single, but also multiple transients resulting from a single hit is increasing. In this work, we consider the effect of these multiple-event transients on the outputs of logic circuits. Our framework allows for the analysis of soft errors in logic circuits, including several aspects: estimation of the effect of both single and multiple transient faults on both combinational and sequential circuits, analysis of the impact of multiple flip-flop upsets in sequential circuits, and analysis of transient behavior of the soft error rate in the cycles following the hit. The proposed framework can be used to estimate the impact of transient faults stemming not only from radiation, but also other physical phenomena. The results obtained using the proposed framework show that output error rates, resulting from multiple-event transient or multiple-bit upsets can vary across different circuits by several orders of magnitude.
Processes Controlling the Mean Tropical Pacific Precipitation Pattern. Part II: The SPCZ and the Southeast Pacific Dry Zone

The nature of the South Pacific convergence zone (SPCZ) is addressed by focusing on the dry (and cool) zone bounded by it and the coast of South America through numerical experiments. As shown in a companion paper, this dry zone is due, to a large extent, to orographically forced subsidence. Here it is shown that the northwestward expansion of this dry zone can be explained by advection of low moist static energy by the trade winds. These results provide an explanation of the geometry of the western edge of the dry zone and, therefore, of the eastern edge of the adjacent SPCZ. Sea surface temperature underneath the SPCZ is enhanced by relatively high near-surface humidity through evaporative processes, which feeds back into its organization. However, in this model, this feedback is not critical for the existence of the SPCZ. The subsidence associated with the ITCZ in the North Hemisphere negatively affects the precipitation rate in the SPCZ. It was also found that the sensitivity of the forced response is largest for peak orographic heights below 3000 m, which indicates that the exact representation of the Andes in numerical models might not be as critical as that of lower orography such as that in southern Africa.
Oxidative Stress in Vascular Aging

The free radical theory of aging postulates that macromolecular damage due to the increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) drives the aging process. While many of the original assumptions of the theory are currently debated, there is convincing evidence for the crucial role of ROS in the development of many age-associated diseases. Advancing age is one of the most significant risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis in the Western world. The theme that emerges from this overview is that aging is associated with both NAD(P)H oxidase- and mitochondria-derived ROS overproduction, which promotes inflammatory phenotypic alterations in the vascular wall, facilitating the development of atherosclerosis. We also discuss some of the possible therapeutic strategies by which age-related vascular oxidative stress and inflammation can be delayed or reversed, improving cardiovascular health in the elderly.
Concise Review: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Regenerative Medicine

UNLABELLED Regenerative medicine (RM) is a popular term for a field of scientific and medical research. There is not one universally accepted definition of RM, but it is generally taken to mean the translation of multidisciplinary biology and engineering science into therapeutic approaches to regenerate, replace, or repair tissues and organs. RM products have the potential to provide treatments for a number of unmet needs but have substantial scientific and regulatory challenges that need to be addressed for this potential to be fully realized. FDA has established formal regulatory definitions for biologics, medical devices, and combination products, as well as human cells and tissues. Regenerative medicine products regulated by FDA are classified on the basis of these definitions, and the classification forms the basis for determining the regulatory requirements to each specific product. FDA regulations are generally written to allow the agency flexibility to accommodate new scientific questions raised by novel and evolving technologies. FDA efforts to facilitate product development in this novel and promising area include working with individual sponsors, interacting with the scientific and industry communities, participating in standards development, and developing policy and guidance. SIGNIFICANCE Regenerative medicine is generally taken to mean the translation of multidisciplinary biology and engineering science into therapeutic approaches to regenerate, replace, or repair tissues and organs. This article provides an overview of the efforts of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to facilitate product development in the field commonly known was regenerative medicine. It provides an introduction to the processes by which FDA works with individual sponsors, interacts with the scientific and industry communities, participates in standards development, and develops formal FDA policy and guidance.
Actual and Simulated Injury of Creontiades signatus (Heteroptera: Miridae) Feeding on Cotton Bolls

The actual feeding injury of Creontiades signatus Distant (Heteroptera: Miridae) was compared with a simulated technique during 2005, 2006 and 2008 by injecting varying dilutions of pectinase into cotton bolls at different boll sizes (ages) and into 2 or 4 locules to determine if such a technique could be used to reduce the time and labor involved with conducting economic injury level studies in the field. The most accurate simulation occurred in 2008 by injecting 1 μL of 10% pectinase into all 4 locules of a cotton boll. This improved the relationships of injury score to seed cotton, seed, and lint weights. The youngest boll age class of ≥ 2 cm diam. (2 d of age) was not significantly more damaged than the medium age ≥ 2.5 cm (8 d of age) bolls, and both sustained significantly more injury than the large boll classification of ≥ 3 cm (12 d of age). However, small bolls were at least 3 times more likely to abscise than medium-sized bolls, and large bolls did not abscise regardless of treatment. Some damag...
Association between decreased splenic ATP levels and immunodepression: amelioration with ATP-MgCl2

Although it is known that decreased ATP levels in liver and kidney contribute to organ dysfunction after shock, it remains unknown whether there is any association between decreased splenocyte ATP levels and splenic immune functions. Moreover, although studies have shown that ATP-MgCl2 treatment after shock improves hepatic and renal ATP levels and organ function, it remains unknown whether splenocyte ATP levels and immune functions are similarly affected by this agent. To study this, C3H/HeN mice were bled to a mean blood pressure of 35 mmHg, maintained at that pressure for 60 min, resuscitated with shed blood and Ringer lactate, and treated with ATP-MgCl2 (80 mumol/kg) or vehicle (saline). Splenocytes (SPL) were harvested at various intervals after hemorrhage, ATP levels were assessed by 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, and functions were determined by measuring proliferative capacity and interleukin (IL)-2, and IL-3 synthesis. Hemorrhage depleted SPL ATP levels to 1.7 +/- 0.8% of control levels. However, there was a significant increase in ATP levels of ATP-MgCl2-treated mice (77 +/- 11%, P less than 0.05) compared with vehicle-treated animals (13 +/- 4.1%) at 1 h after resuscitation. SPL ATP levels returned to control by 2 h after resuscitation in the ATP-MgCl2 group, whereas ATP levels of the vehicle-treated mice remained significantly depressed (P less than 0.05) for up to 12 h after resuscitation. At 1 h after resuscitation, SPL proliferative capacity and IL-2 and IL-3 synthesis were all profoundly depressed in the vehicle-treated group (P less than 0.05 vs. control).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Symbolic Mathematics Programs: A Tool for the Applied Economist

The power of the symbolic mathematics program Maple is demonstrated for teaching topics from microeconomics (the benefits of portfolio diversification) and econometrics (a geometric perspective of multicollinearity). In particular, it appears that the use of symbolic mathematics programs has excellent potential to strengthen the development and integration of graphical and algebraic intuition for a wide variety of economic problems.
Geochemical and hydrologic assessment of drainage from Cherry Valley Coal Mine, Ohio

Drainage from abandoned underground coal mines negatively impacts many miles of stream habitat throughout the Appalachian region. The drainage is commonly called acid mine drainage (AMD) due to its low pH; however, not all mine drainage is acidic. The quantity and quality of the water discharged from a coal mine depend upon numerous variables, such as the design of the mine, chemical composition of the coal and surrounding rocks, and local climate. Coal extracted from the now-abandoned Cherry Valley Coal Mine near Leetonia, Ohio, was reached by a slope entry such that the mine is not entirely up-dip, and a significant area is flooded. Recharge water that enters the unsaturated area of the mine mobilizes soluble iron-sulfate salts as it flows down-dip and adds pyrite oxidation products to the mine pool. The bedrock overburden is covered by calcareous glacial till that imparts alkalinity to the shallow groundwater, buffers the acidity, and keeps the pH inside the mine circumneutral. Maintaining a circumneutral pH reduces pyrite oxidation by decreasing the solubility of ferric iron, the primary oxidizing agent of pyrite at low pH, which reduces the positive feedback mechanism that drives pH down and concentration of oxidation products up. Shallow groundwater is brought to the mine via subsidence fractures, which facilitate a rapid increase in discharge from the mine (and dilution of oxidation products) in response to surface runoff events. The loadings of all dissolved ions, except iron, are controlled by the changes in discharge rather than the changes in concentration.
Recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) therapy decreases plasma leptin concentration in patients with chronic renal insufficiency.

Objective To determine the relationship between plasma leptin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels in healthy subjects and patients with chronic renal insufficiency at baseline, and during administration of recombinant human IGF-I in the renal impaired patients. Subjects 20 healthy subjects (six men, 14 women, age: 42.7 +/- 3.2 y) and nine subjects with chronic renal insufficiency (five men, four women, age: 53.6 +/- 3.7 y). Intervention Daily s.c. injection of recombinant human IGF-I (50 micrograms/kg) for 24 d. Measurements Fasting plasma levels of leptin, IGF-I, growth hormone, C-peptide, glucagon and IGF binding proteins by specific radioimmunoassays at baseline in all subjects and serially during IGF-I therapy in the renal impaired subjects. Results Baseline leptin levels were correlated with body mass index (BMI, R = 0.72, P = 0.0001) but not IGF-I levels (R = 0.02). During IGF-I therapy, plasma IGF-I levels increased from 128 +/- 17.4 ng/ml at baseline to 250 +/- 36.8 ng/ml on day 3 (P = 0.003) and 323 +/- 61.6 ng/ml on day 24 (P = 0.01), whereas leptin levels declined: 24.4 +/- 10.3 ng/ml (baseline), 19.5 +/- 6.2 ng/ml (day 3, P = 0.028), and 17.2 +/- 4.9 ng/ml (day 24, P = 0.05). Conclusion Basal plasma leptin and IGF-I levels are not correlated; however, chronic administration of recombinant IGF-I is associated with an early and sustained decrease in plasma leptin levels. IGF-I may have an inhibitory effect on leptin secretion in humans.
Metamorphosis of the Micropylar Chorion of the Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Egg

The chorion of the micropylar area of eggs dissected from oviducts of mated queens of Apis mellifera L. had a prominent network of ca. 116 canals of varied shape and size, whereas most eggs laid by virgin or mated queens had indistinct, shallow depressions. The micropylar pattern of a few eggs treated with fixative immediately after being laid by mated queens was intermediate between that of oviducal eggs and older eggs laid by queens. The micropylar chorion of eggs laid by laying worker bees had an intermediate pattern similar to that of some newly laid queens's eggs. The change in chorionic morphology was fertilization-independent, for it was observed on all fertilized eggs and unfertilized eggs laid by mated queens.
Thermal-to-electrical energy conversion by diodes under negative illumination

We consider an infrared photodiode under negative illumination, wherein the photodiode is maintained at a temperature $T$ and radiatively exposed to an emissive body colder than itself. We experimentally demonstrate that a diode under such conditions can generate electrical power. We show theoretically that the efficiency of energy conversion can approach the Carnot limit. This work is applicable to waste heat recovery as well as emerging efforts to utilize the cold dark universe as a thermodynamic resource for renewable energy.
Validating hierarchical verbal autopsy expert algorithms in a large data set with known causes of death.

Background Physician assessment historically has been the most common method of analyzing verbal autopsy (VA) data. Recently, the World Health Organization endorsed two automated methods, Tariff 2.0 and InterVA–4, which promise greater objectivity and lower cost. A disadvantage of the Tariff method is that it requires a training data set from a prior validation study, while InterVA relies on clinically specified conditional probabilities. We undertook to validate the hierarchical expert algorithm analysis of VA data, an automated, intuitive, deterministic method that does not require a training data set.
Telling Narratives: The Practice of Mapping Space in Pre-Service Art Education Practicum

Teacher education programs need to continually adapt to changes in licensure requirements as well as technological advances. This author advances an ethnographic approach to fieldwork that utilizes Google Maps programs to visually represent the collected data and subsequent reflections on their experiences in urban schools. This particular case draws from scholarship in the fields of narrative inquiry, critical cartography and the works of Michel de Certeau to analyze the data collected during the study and draws related implications for the field of art education.
Genetic Counseling and Spiritual Assessment

In the previous chapter, the value of nondirectiveness was shown to be a contested and defining feature of genetic counseling. It was interpreted from the standpoint of the teaching, psychotherapeutic and responsibility models and then respectively applied to Debbie’s case. The responsibility model proposes that genetic counselors need to acknowledge the presence of directiveness and nondirectiveness in both meaning-making and decision-making processes. A key communication skill in genetic counseling –and all health care communication for that matter – is recognizing when directiveness or nondirectiveness is appropriate based on the current conversational score. One area where this skill is difficult to employ involves issues of spirituality and religion.