cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analyzing propensity matched zero-inflated count outcomes in observational studies

Determining the effectiveness of different treatments from observational data, which are characterized by imbalance between groups due to lack of randomization, is challenging. Propensity matching is often used to rectify imbalances among prognostic variables. However, there are no guidelines on how appropriately to analyze group matched data when the outcome is a zero-inflated count. In addition, there is debate over whether to account for correlation of responses induced by matching and/or whether to adjust for variables used in generating the propensity score in the final analysis. The aim of this research is to compare covariate unadjusted and adjusted zero-inflated Poisson models that do and do not account for the correlation. A simulation study is conducted, demonstrating that it is necessary to adjust for potential residual confounding, but that accounting for correlation is less important. The methods are applied to a biomedical research data set.
Shift of S 1 2 2 hyperfine splittings due to blackbody radiation

Frequency shifts of hyperfine splittings of $^{2}S_{\frac{1}{2}}$ states due to the blackbody radiation field are calculated. It is shown that they can be estimated from the dc hyperfine Stark shifts, which have previously been measured in the ground states of hydrogen and the alkali atoms. The shift at 300 K is large enough to be significant in primary Cs atomic beam frequency standards, and should be measurable. A simple method of calculating the hyperfine Stark shifts is described, which is based on the Bates-Damgaard method for determining radial matrix elements and the Fermi-Segr\`e formula for determining the contact hyperfine matrix elements. It is applied to ${\mathrm{Ba}}^{+}$ and ${\mathrm{Hg}}^{+}$, for which no experimental data are yet available, and which are currently of interest for frequency standards.
Structural Reforms and Licensing Board Performance

In an effort to redress the perceived imbalance between practitioner and consumer interests on occupational licensing boards, two structural reforms have been widely implemented: the addition of public members to the boards, and the consolidation of the licensing function into a single administrative entity within each state. The extent to which these reforms have improved the consumer oriented performance of licensing boards is evaluated, using the rate of disciplinary actions as the performance measure. Estimation of a multivariate model using physician and nursing board data reveals evidence in support of the effectiveness of public board members, but not administrative centralization, as a consumer reform. Increased proportions of public members are associated with more serious disciplinary actions. Administrative centralization is associated with fewer disciplinary actions.
Role of Defects in Compression and Friction of Anchored Hydrocarbon Chains on Diamond

The classical molecular dynamics simulations presented here examine the compression and friction of monolayers composed of linear hydrocarbon chains with 8, 13, or 22 carbon atoms that are chemically bound (or anchored) to a diamond (111) substrate. The roles structural defects and their formation play in compression, friction, and energy dissipation processes are examined. The number of defects increases under increasing load, reaching a plateau at a specified load. Defects are also clearly implicated in the energy dissipation associated with sliding friction. The friction is found to be highest in shorter chains and disordered surfaces, in agreement with previous atomic force microscopy studies.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERIODIC RESUSPENSION EVENTS AND PHYTO-PLANKTON BLOOMS IN LAKE MICHIGAN

Lake Michigan provides an ideal location for comparing episodic physical forcing effects (storm events) on phytoplankton processes and the more persistent seasonal variability of phytoplankton communities. This is because of the duration and extent of the highly turbid, recurrent coastal plume (RCP) in the lake during the winter/early spring. Although the RCP coincides with the initiation of the basin wide spring diatom bloom, linkages between the duration and intensity of the plume and the prominent role of light availability in regulating Lake Michigan phytoplankton growth during the spring isothermal period have been postulated, but not verified. As such the concurrent physical and biological events provide a novel opportunity to examine how variations in biological rate processes, coupled with transport and resuspension phenomena associated with the RCP, affect the distributions of organisms, evolution of communities, and growth and primary production of Lake Michigan phytoplankton. In this study, phytoplankton assemblages from pre, post, and active plume events are examined from three stations in Lake Michigan. Species assemblages include chlorophytes, chrysophytes, and diatoms. The diatom flora was particularly abundant. Species composition changed rapidly during storm events, with resting cell forming taxa playing a significant role in these modifications. Ephemeral species appeared during the circulation event and decreased once storm activity subsided. Other taxa were able to establish themselves in the phytoplankton community during the plume events and persisted after storm activity subsided. Understanding activity during these circulation events will lead to a better understanding of overall community structure development throughout the year.
Mass transfer at the solid-liquid interface for climbing film flow in an annular duct

A method utilizing a diffusion controlled electrochemical reaction was used to measure average and instantaneous mass transfer coefficients at the solid-liquid interface in upward gas-liquid climbing film flow in a vertical annular duct. These measurements give some indication of the mechanics of flow of the film, the extent of turbulence at the inner wall, and the effect of film thickness and wave motion on the mass transfer process at the inner wall. Predictions of incipient downflow of the film, shear stress at the inner wall, and interfacial shear stress were obtained from these measurements. Fluctuations in the velocity gradient at the inner wall were also studied. Results of this study are in fair agreement with previous work and with theoretical predictions based on simplified momentum balance concepts.
Cephalad origin of the superior vena cava and the level of the central venous catheter tip on chest radiographs.

Summary Background : There are suggested radiographic landmarks for the lower margin of the superior vena cava (SVC), but none for the cephalad origin of the SVC in children. Therefore, we determined the cephalad origin of the SVC in relation to the level of thoracic vertebrae in children. Methods : Sixty-five patients (2–96 months) scheduled for routine diagnostic cardiac catheterization were the subjects of the study. Vena cavogram was obtained. The crossing point between the SVC and the innominate vein was considered as the cephalad origin of the SVC, then this point was related to the level of the thoracic vertebra as a radiographic landmark. Results : In approximately 90% of the patients studied the proximal origin of the SVC was situated above the level of Th4/5 interspace. Conclusion : We would like to suggest that the position of the tip of central venous line, when inserted via the right internal jugular vein, should optimally be at the level of Th4/5 interspace on the postoperative chest radiograph.
The influence of power relations and social goals on children’s collaborative interactions while composing on computer

Abstract Patterns of interaction, including power relations and social goals, were investigated over a five month period by observing first grade children. Children worked in small groups to compose stories on the computer. Three groups selected for in-depth analysis represent the wide range of observed interaction patterns. Differences in interaction patterns included emphasis on fairness, control, exploration, and social cohesion. Several social goals guided children’s actions, including appearing competent to peers, dominating peers, and creating solidarity with peers. Differential status within the partnership was reflected in the variation in types of social behaviors that children displayed. Commonalties in interaction patterns among groups included using one another as resources, expressing opposition, directing versus instructing, and using self-monitoring and repetition. Agreed upon strategies and plans emerged as facilitative in maintaining positive affect in contrast with negative and conflictual exchanges. Focus on local concerns in composing was observed in all three groups, consistent with the level of development of first graders’ writing off the computer. Suggestions are provided for modeling positive social interactions and higher level compositional planning.
Modeling and Design of Spintronic Integrated Circuits

We present a theoretical and a numerical formalism for analysis and design of spintronic integrated circuits (SPINICs). The formalism encompasses a generalized circuit theory for spintronic integrated circuits based on nanomagnetic dynamics and spin transport. We propose an extension to the modified nodal analysis technique for the analysis of spin circuits based on the recently developed spin conduction matrices. We demonstrate the applicability of the framework using an example spin logic circuit described using spin Netlists.
Viral tRNAs and tRNA-like structures

Viruses commonly exploit or modify some aspect of tRNA biology. Large DNA viruses, especially bacteriophages, phycodnaviruses, and mimiviruses, produce their own tRNAs, apparently to adjust translational capacity during infection. Retroviruses recruit specific host tRNAs for use in priming the reverse transcription of their genome. Certain positive-strand RNA plant viral genomes possess 3'-tRNA-like structures (TLSs) that are built quite differently from authentic tRNAs, and yet efficiently recapitulate several properties of tRNAs. The structures and roles of these TLSs are discussed, emphasizing the variety in both structure and function.
Applicability of Citygreen Urban Ecosystem Analysis Software to a Densely Built Urban Neighborhood

In efforts to increase greenspace in cities, planners have relied on a series of arguments about the benefits of parks and other greenspace, including their economic value. The commercially available software program, CITYgreen 4.0, an extension of ArcView, calculates economic values for this purpose. The software evaluates the benefits of trees and other landscape features for energy use, stormwater runoff, air pollution, carbon sequestration, and wildlife habitat. While many examples are available of the use of CITYgreen in suburban morphologies, we set out to evaluate the applicability of CITYgreen for assessing these effects in a densely populated urban neighborhood. We inventoried 146 acres of urban land uses (commercial, residential, and institutional) in a Los Angeles neighborhood. CITYgreen does not calculate energy savings for structures larger than single-family residences, reducing its utility in densely built urban environments. The stormwater runoff reduction module works well when the field ...
Modification of human hemoglobin with polyethylene glycol : a new candidate for blood substitute.

Human hemoglobin was modified with polyethylene glycols. The conjugates exhibited P50 values of 10–15 mmHg, those are enough to deliver oxygen from the lungs to tissues. The most remarkable characteristic is their long half disappearance time from the circulation. The longest half disappearance time of these derivatives is about 180 minutes in contrast to 45 minutes of free hemoglobin. The half disappearance time shows a good corelation not to molecular weight but to the effective molecular size, which is determined by the elution time of HPLC on a gel permeation column.
Uncommon epidermal growth factor receptor mutations in non-small cell lung cancer and their mechanisms of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors sensitivity and resistance

Therapy targeted against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has demonstrated dramatic tumor responses and favorable clinical outcomes in a select group of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients whose tumors harbor EGFR activating mutations. The best characterized of the mutations conferring sensitivity to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are deletions in exon 19 and a point mutation in exon 21 (L858R). Likewise, the most common mutation that confers resistance is the T790M point mutation. However several other mutations have been reported and several have been characterized as regards their role in sensitivity or resistance to EGFR TKIs. Resistance to the EGFR TKIs erlotinib and gefitinib, and the newer irreversible EGFR TKIs is a problem of fundamental importance. Recognition of the presence and significance of specific EGFR mutations is important for appropriate therapeutic implementation of EGFR TKIs and research and development of mutation-specific inhibitors. We summarize the literature and present an overview of the subject of less common EGFR mutations and their clinical significance, with an emphasis on EGFR TKI sensitivity or resistance.
Edges, clearances, and wear: Little things that make big differences in bushing friction

Traditional pin-on-flat tribometers are necessary instruments for making direct measurements of tribological properties, but mechanical design of even simple systems often requires application-specific information that only component level testing can provide. This paper uses the design and operation of a bushing tribometer to elucidate geometric effects that plague bushing systems. For example, the nature of the bushing edge has a dramatic influence on the performance of the system in practice where the system is necessarily over-constrained. It is shown mathematically that the torque requirements increase as the wrap angle of the contact spreads for a constant friction coefficient; at steady state the equation for calculated torque requirement is found. This is demonstrated using ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene bushings that showed increasing torques at decreasing clearances. A polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bushing with 150 μm interference initially required 50% more torque than a PTFE bushing with 350 μm clearance. As the two different bushings ran into steady state wear, the torque asymptotically approached the mathematically derived value. The results of these experiments provide designers insight into the design of successful bushing pairs and the ability to tune frictional torques without changing material through the selection of clearance.
Effectiveness of intensive residential treatment (IRT) for severe, refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an innovative Intensive Residential Treatment (IRT) program for severe refractory Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). No formalized OCD IRT outcome studies have been completed to date in North America. Method Subjects admitted to the Massachusetts General Hospital/McLean OCD Institute (OCDI) between February 1997 and June 2003 comprised the intent-to-treat sample. Measures of OCD severity, depression severity and psychosocial well-being were determined at admission, interim and discharge points, and were subsequently compared via t-tests using a last-observation-carried-forward approach. Initial OCD severity subgroups and treatment length subgroups were created and analyzed. Correlations and stepwise linear regressions were conducted to determine treatment length predictors. Results The sample of 403 individuals (58.7% male) had an average 66 day treatment length. Mean YBOCS scores decreased by 30.1%, from 26.6 (SD 6.1) at admission to 18.6 (SD 7.2) at discharge, reflecting a clinically meaningful improvement (p Conclusion IRT deserves recognition as a therapeutic approach for severe, refractory OCD. In the largest study to date for IRT significant improvements of OCD severity, depression severity and quality of life were determined. IRT should be considered prior to more invasive approaches for severe refractory OCD.
Revegetation of roadcut slopes in Mesa Verde National Park, U.S.A.

The geology of Mesa Verde National Park (MVNP) poses unique problems to road construction and maintenance. Major geologic formations of the Park consist of an overlying resistant sandstone cap underlain by highly erodable shales. Once this sandstone cap is removed, the shales are easily eroded away, creating the notable mesas of the region. In many places, road construction has removed the sandstone layer and vegetation resulting in unaesthetic barren slopes that require continual maintenance and have proven difficult to revegetate. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of several cultural techniques combined with seeding and transplanting indigenous plants for revegetation of these roadcut slopes. Techniques evaluated were fertilization, mulching, soil pitting, and polyacrylamide amendments. Replicated test plots were established at three roadcut sites in MVNP to evaluate these techniques by measuring percent plant cover by species over a 4-year period. A combination of seeding grasses and transplanting forbs and shrubs appeared to be the optimal way to maintain species diversity and structure on the road-cuts while accomplishing the goal of revegetating these difficult sites. The perennial forb Aster glaucodes and the shrub Artemisia ludoviciana showed high survival when transplanted in the experimental roadcut sites. These species, as well as the perennial grass Pascopyrum smithii, also established well from seed. The addition of an organic fertilizer, in combination with mulch, proved to be the most effective method of improving vegetation cover for these and other transplanted species.
Ultraviolet absorption spectra of ammonia and deuterated ammonia in solid argon

Abstract The matrix isolated spectrum of the 2100 A system of ammonia is reexamined and extended to include the dependence of the absorption spectrum on the temperature of the matrix. Assuming that the observed spectra reflect the populations of the O + and O − vibrational levels in the ground electronic state, the observed temperature dependence of the spectrum of ammonia in argon are more satisfactorily explained for trapped ammonia molecules free to rotate but without nuclear spin interconversion.
PDA Based Anywhere — Anytime Collaborative CAD for Conceptual Design

Advances in handheld computers are providing a device that is pocket-sized, ultra-light, and wireless. The new handheld computers are providing an opportunity to not only access information from electronic repositories, but also to run software to perform activities and to collaborate with experts “anywhere/anytime”. The confluence of ubiquitous wireless networking and powerful handheld computers provide a powerful technology base for providing an environment, which can support distributed and mobile usage and enhance collaboration during different product design and development stages. Graphics, which include geometric modeling, is one of the most widely used methods of communication during the design phase. In this paper we present a framework and tool to provide CAD support during conceptual design stage for a distributed and collaborative design environment. The HCAD framework, is based on a combination of handheld computers and servers, interconnected by wireless and wired networks. An agent based approach is utilized to allow collaboration during concept development. The applicability of the HCAD framework is demonstrated through the development of a concept for an automotive center console.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Adrenal Cortical Function in the Postmature Fetus and Newborn Infant

Summary: The umbilical venous blood concentrations of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHAS), and unconjugated estriol were compared in 54 normal, 37 postterm, and 22 postmature newborns. Pre- and postadrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation levels of serum cort?sol and DHAS were compared in the first 2 to 4 days of life in 19 postterm and 15 postmature infants. Comparison was also made between vaginally and cesarean section delivered postterm and postmature newborns. There were significantly greater cord blood cortisol levels in the post-mature [260 ± 22 ng/ml (±S.E.)], than in the normal (193 ±11 ng/ml) (P ≤0.01) or postterm (193 ± 18 ng/ml) (0.01 ≤P ≤0.05) vaginally delivered infants. There were no significant differences in the mean cord blood DHAS levels in the three groups (normal, 2645 ± 130 ng/ml; postterm, 2323 ± 188 ng/ml; postmature, 2310 ± 224 ng/ml). Cortisol and DHAS responses to ACTH stimulation were the same in the postterm and postmature groups. There was a significantly lower mean umbilical venous unconjugated estriol level in the vaginally delivered postmature group (75 ±11 ng/ml) as compared to values in vaginally delivered postterm (120 ± 14 ng/ml (P = 0.01)] and normal [144 ± 10 ng/ml (P ≤0.002)] newborns. Stressed postmature infants delivered by cesarean section had higher unconjugated estriol levels (83 ± 12 ng/ml) than their unstressed, postterm cesarean section controls [40 ± 9 ng/ml (P ≤0.01)], but levels were still below those from vaginally delivered postterm infants. These findings substantiate normal adrenal function in the postmature fetus and newborn. Lowered umbilical venous unconjugated estriol levels in the postmature infants at birth appear to be a function of limited aromatizing activity of the placenta rather than due to low levels of fetal adrenal-derived neutral steroid substrate. Speculation: Early in the development of placental insufficiency, placental conversion of fetal-derived netural steroid estrogen precursors is the limiting factor in estrogen production in the feto-placemental unit. whether estrogen precursor production by the fetus also becomes an important factor in decreased feto-placemental unit. Whether estrogen precursor production by the fetus also becomes an important factor in estrogen production as placemental insufficiency progress has not been determined.
Field tests of micropatch and prey-size selection by Snail Kites Rostrhamus sociabilis

Six free-living Snail Kites Rostrhamus sociabilis were tested for preference by density for micropatches and size of apple snails Pomacea dolioides in simultaneous choice situations. Two hypotheses were tested: kites respond differentially to varying densities of larger versus smaller size classes of snails, foraging where the expected yield is greater; and kites are capable of selecting the larger size classes from a variety of available snail size classes. Kites preferred to forage in micropatches with high prey density. Variation among kites with respect to prey-size selection was very small. In Experiments I and III there were significant inverse correlations between kite choice and snail size, but no relationship was demonstrated in the other test. Significant differences were found between mean individual weights of snails taken by kites and those not taken in Experiments I and III. No differences were observed in Experiment II. Selectivity indices show that the larger size classes were taken above their availability, although no statistical relationship existed between kite choice and snail abundance. These results corroborate the two hypotheses and suggest that kites use hierarchical decision making by employing density of snails to select appropriate feeding locations before selecting the largest individuals from those locations.
Renal cell carcinoma in multicystic dysplastic kidney

Controversy surrounds the management of multicystic dysplastic kidneys. This report of a renal cell carcinoma originating in a multicystic kidney lends support to elective removal of these kidneys.
Computational model of response maps in the dorsal cochlear nucleus

The neurons in the mammalian (gerbil, cat) dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) have responses to tones and noise that have been used to classify them into unit types. These types (I–V) are based on excitatory and inhibitory responses to tones organized into plots called response maps (RMs). Type I units show purely excitatory responses, while type V units are primarily inhibited. A computational model of the neural circuitry of the mammalian DCN, based on the MacGregor neuromime, was used to investigate RMs of the principal cells (P-cells) that represent the fusiform and giant cells. In gerbils, fusiform cells have been shown to have primarily type III unit response properties; however, fusiform cells in the cat DCN are thought to have type IV unit response properties. The DCN model is based on a previous computational model of the cat (Hancock and Voigt Ann Biomed Eng 27: 73–87, 1999) and gerbil (Zheng and Voigt Ann Biomed Eng 34: 697–708, 2006) DCN. The basic model for both species is architecturally the same, and to get either type III unit RMs or type IV unit RMs, connection parameters were adjusted. Interestingly, regardless of the RM type, these units in gerbils and cats show spectral notch sensitivity and are thought to play a role in sound localization in the median plane. In this study, further parameter adjustments were made to systematically explore their effect on P-cell RMs. Significantly, type I, type III, type III-i, type IV, type IV-T and type V unit RMs can be created for the modeled P-cells. Thus major RMs observed in the cat and gerbil DCN are recreated by the model. These results suggest that RMs of individual DCN projection neurons are the result of specific assortment of excitatory and inhibitory inputs to that neuron and that subtle differences in the complement of inputs can result in different RM types. Modulation of the efficacy of certain synapses suggests that RM type may change dynamically.
Peak window of suicides occurs within the first month of diagnosis: implications for clinical oncology

Objective: A diagnosis of cancer can provoke painful emotional reactions and possibly suicidal thoughts in a patient. Consequently, cancer patients carry a twofold increased lifetime risk of suicide. This risk is much higher within 1 year of diagnosis. However, it remains largely unknown whether suicide frequency remains constant within the first year. Therefore, we sought to characterize the distribution of suicides in order to potentially identify a clinically important window of peak suicide risk. Methods: We queried the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for cancer patients 20 + years old with diagnosed with a single malignancy from 1973 to 2005 and known cause of death, including whether a patient committed suicide. Initial frequency analysis was performed to identify the period of maximum suicide risk. One-way ANOVA was performed to assess the relationship between year of diagnosis and suicide completions within 1 month of diagnosis. Results: The cohort consisted of 3 678 868 patients. Of the total cohort, 0.2% (5875 patients) committed suicide, 36% (2111 patients) within 1 year of diagnosis. One in three (701 of the patients) who committed suicide in the first year did so within 1 month of diagnosis. No change in this distribution occurred over time. Conclusions: Cancer patients carry an increased risk of suicide. However, this risk peaks with the month following diagnosis. Clinicians should be aware of this increased risk and include assessments of mood state and suicidality at the time of initial diagnosis of the malignancy and be prepared to provide referral to mental health treatment providers. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Language: en
Control of growth and vascularity of B16 melanoma by syngeneic lymphocytes

We have studied the participation of syngeneic lymphocytes in the subcutaneous growth and vascularization of B16 melanoma tumors. Subcutaneous tumors in animals, lymphocyte depleted by thymectomy and x-irradiation, exhibit slow, poorly vascularized growth as compared to normal or lymphocyte reconstituted controls. This condition may be reversed by administration of lymphocytes to lymphocyte deficient hosts either prior to tumor cell injection or while the animal is tumor bearing. The results are discussed in terms of lymphocyte induced angiogenesis.
SINGLE-MICROELECTRODE VOLTAGE CLAMP MEASUREMENTS OF PANCREATIC BETA -CELL MEMBRANE IONIC CURRENTS IN SITU

A conventional patch clamp amplifier was used to test the feasibility of measuring whole-cell ionic currents under voltage clamp conditions from β-cells in intact mouse islets of Langerhans perifused with bicarbonate Krebs buffer at 37°C. Cells impaled with a high resistance microelectrode (ca. 0.150 GΩ) were identified as β-cells by the characteristic burst pattern of electrical activity induced by 11 mm glucose. Voltage-dependent outward K+ currents were enhanced by glucose both in the presence and absence of physiological bicarbonate buffer and also by bicarbonate regardless of the presence or absence of glucose. For comparison with the usual patch clamp protocol, similar measurements were made from single rat β-cells at room temperature; glucose did not enhance the outward currents in these cells. Voltage-dependent inward currents were recorded in the presence of tetraethylammonium (TEA), an effective blocker of the K+ channels known to be present in the β-cell membrane. Inward currents exhibited a fast component with activation-inactivation kinetics and a delayed component with a rather slow inactivation; inward currents were dependent on Ca2+ in the extracellular solution. These results suggest the presence of either two types of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels or a single type with fast and slow inactivation. We conclude that it is feasible to use a single intracellular microelectrode to measure voltage-gated membrane currents in the β-cell within the intact islet at 37°C, under conditions that support normal glucose-induced insulin secretion and that glucose enhances an as yet unidentified voltage-dependent outward K+ current.
Elementary Children’s Tonal Awareness as Related to Perception of Tonal Dissonance

This study investigated children’s tonal awareness by measuring their abilities to detect dissonance in major tonality using the author-created Tonal Dissonance Detection Test. A two-way analysis of variance of 312 elementary school subjects’ Tonal Dissonance Detection Test scores revealed that first- and second-graders’ dissonance detection abilities were significantly weaker than those of their third- to sixth-grade counterparts. Subsequent analysis revealed neither a significant gender effect nor interaction between grade level and gender. Findings are consistent with related study of the perception of tonality and tonal expectancies in children and adults. Given the homogeneity of the sample, the longevity of the music instructor, the school’s sequential Kodaly-based curriculum, and conclusions of prior research, discussion considered the impact of musical instruction and musical development on the ability to perceive tonality. The author suggested the two aforementioned constructs might be studied by...
Prognostic Biomarkers in Breast Cancer: Factors Affecting Immunohistochemical Evaluation

: Biomarkers are increasingly important in the analysis of a wide variety of neoplastic processes including breast cancer. While p53, p185erbB-2, and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor are considered to be well-characterized biomarkers in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and in invasive adenocarcinoma of the breast, the characterization of these biomarkers by immunohistochemistry may be problematic. ErbB-2 protein (p185erbB-2) must be identified clearly on cytoplasmic membranes for breast cancers to be classified as overexpressing p185erbB-2 while ignoring cytoplasmic expression. For p53, nuclear staining and the percent of positive cells are considered, but rules for “cut-offs” of numbers of positive cells for a case to be classified as positive are not defined. Problems with immunodetection of biomarkers using immunohistochemical techniques can be subdivided to problems with the antigen, the antibody, fixation-tissue processing, and evaluation-interpretation. For example, the initial methods of fixation and tissue processing can modify both the pattern and intensity of immunohistochemical identification of specific antigens and localization of receptors may change after the receptor-ligand interactions. We have evaluated the effects of fixation both on the immunolocalization and intensity of expression of p53, p185erbB-2 and EGF receptor. We also have studied the patterns of p185erbB-2, p53, and EGF-receptor expression in a series of breast cancers evaluated concomitantly with a group of prostate cancers. Our results confirm that p53 mutations are common in breast cancer and that there is strong expression of p185erbB-2 on the membranes of a subset of breast cancers. The patterns of staining for both p53, p185erbB-2, and EGF-receptor are different in prostate and breast cancers. For example, higher concentrations of primary antibody to p53 protein and to p185erbB-2 are necessary to demonstrate nuclear p53 accumulation or membrane p185erbB-2 expression in prostate cancers than in breast cancers. In contrast, a higher concentration of antibody to the EGF-receptor is necessary to demonstrate EGF-receptor expression in breast cancers than in prostatic adenocarcinoma. Neutral buffered formalin is a poor initial fixative compared with other fixatives for demonstrating p53 accumulation or p185erbB-2 expression. The effect of formalin fixation can be reversed with antigen retrieval methods increasing detection markedly in cells with nuclear p53 accumulation. Antigen retrieval techniques were not effective in increasing immunodetection of p185erbB-2 or EGF-receptor in breast adenocarcinomas.
Bedbugs: a primer for the health-system pharmacist.

Purpose The history and life cycle of bedbugs, the identification and supportive treatment of bedbug bites, and the eradication and prevention of bedbug infestations are reviewed. Summary Cimex lectularius , known commonly as the bedbug, is a growing problem in the United States. While the bedbug population declined between the 1950s and the late 20th century, recent increases in international travel and immigration, the banning of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, and insecticide resistance have caused a resurgence of bedbug infestations. Infestations can be identified based on clinical presentation and situational indicators such as housing location and the presence of bedbug fecal smears and nests. Chronic infestation can lead to nervousness, anxiety, and insomnia arising from the inability to identify and eradicate the problem. Scratching at the bite site can lead to a secondary bacterial infection. Because bedbugs continue to bite until the infestation is eradicated, treatment is not accomplished by one strategy alone. A team effort by different health care professionals is necessary. Because bedbugs are hardy insects, eradication can be a daunting task. Proper eradication plans should be in place at all health care facilities, and bedbug infestations should be reported to the state public health department to support the tracking and management of bedbugs. Conclusion Bedbug infestations are prevalent in locations with high occupant turnover, including hospitals and health systems. Bedbug bites can cause secondary infections and lead to discomfort and anxiety in affected individuals. Pharmacists should work with other health care providers to provide affected patients with supportive treatment and ensure appropriate eradication of the infestation. Am J Health-Syst Pharm. 2013; 70:126–30
Process of building biologically based dose-response models for developmental defects.

The problem of developing biologically-based dose-response models is addressed for predicting the prevalence of birth defects at low doses of toxic chemicals administered during pregnancy. To illustrate the process of incorporating biological information, a model is postulated to predict the prevalence of cleft palate for a chemical that reduces embryonic/fetal growth, which results in inadequate palatal cells for closure. Experimental bioassay data examining the prevalence of cleft palate in mice exposed to the herbicide 2,4,5-T are used to illustrate the process
Print advertisements for Alzheimer's disease drugs: informational and transformational features.

Purpose:We examined print advertisements for Alzheimer’s disease drugs published in journals and magazines between January 2008 and February 2012, using an informational versus transformational the...
A newer approach in positioning teeth for dental prosthetics using lateral cephalometric, trans-cranial radiographs, and the Denar-Witzig articulator: a case of hypodontia in an adolescent patient.

Traditionally in full denture prosthetics, anterior teeth are set on the models, independent of the effects on the face. More enlightened dentists, will then adjust the wax-up for speech, and some effects on the lips. Consideration is infrequently given to restoring the face by repositioning the teeth and mandible. Rarely is thought given to the effects of occlusion on the posture of the body. This report uses several techniques to restore facial esthetics and body posture. The techniques used include a cephalometric radiograph, transcranial radiographs, an articulator that has an adjustable "TMJ" (Denar-Witzig), and Symmetrigraf Posture ChartR.This clinical report describes a newer approach in the positioning of maxillary anterior teeth for a patient with hypodontia and nail dysplasia syndrome, and the overall effect of this approach on the face and posture of the patient.Conventionally the precise form of the maxillary wax rim is fabricated with considerable variation from technician to another, based o...
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS ABOUT A HORIZONTAL ELECTRIC WIRE SOURCE OF ARBITRARY LENGTH

The electromagnetic fields about an electric wire source of an arbitrary finite length are usually calculated by numerical integration of the dipole field equations along the length of the wire (Scriba, 1974; Anderson, 1974). However, many of the required integrals for the fields over a multilayered half‐space can be solved analytically. The integrations may also be extended to solve for the fields about an infinitely long wire source. In so doing, it becomes clear which portions of each field component are produced by the wire and which are produced by its grounded ends. Although the horizontal electric fields of a finite wire source have been derived previously (Sunde, 1949), the complete field equations for a finite‐length wire appear here for the first time in explicit form.
On Toeplitz sections in sequence spaces

The concept of sectional convergence (AK) in FK-spaces was investigated by Zeller in (20). In (5) and (6), Garling investigated convergent and bounded sections in more general topological sequence spaces. Many of the results hold for Toeplitz sections in sequence spaces. A topological sequence space has the property of Toeplitz sectional convergence (TK) if and only if the unit sequences form a Toeplitz basis. In section 3, we present characterizations of Toeplitz sectional boundedness (TB) and functional Toeplitz sectional convergence (FTK) in terms of βT- and γT-duality. In section 4, we apply our results to summability fields. These results are related to the Hardy-Bohr property of multipliers for Cesaro summable sequences of positive order. In section 5, we characterize the properties TK and TB in FK-spaces by factorization statements.
Fast lithography simulation under focus variations for OPC and layout optimizations

In 90nm technology and beyond, process variations should be considered such that the design will be robust with respect to process variations. Focus error and exposure dose variations are the two most important lithography process variations. In a simple approximation, the critical dimension (CD) is about linearly related to the exposure dose variation, while it is quadratically related to the focus variation. Other kinds of variations can be reduced to these variations effectively as long as they are small. As a metric to measure the effects of exposure dose variations, normalized image log-slope (NILS) is pretty fast to compute once we have the aerial images. OPC software has used it as an optimization objective. But focus variation has not been commonly considered in current OPC software. One way is to compute several aerial images at different defocus conditions, but this approach is very time consuming. In this paper, we derive an analytical formula to compute the aerial image under any defocus condition. This method works for any illumination scheme and is applicable to both binary and phase shift masks (PSM). A model calibration method is also provided. It is demonstrated that there is only about 2-3x runtime increase using our fast focus-variational lithography simulation compared to the current single-focus lithography simulation. To confirm the accuracy, our model is compared with PROLITHTM. This ultra-fast simulator can enable better and faster process-variation aware OPC to make layouts more robust under process variations, and directly guide litho-aware layout optimizations.
Holo-TFIID controls the magnitude of a transcription burst and fine-tuning of transcription

Transcription factor (TF)IID is a central player in activated transcription initiation. Recent evidence suggests that the role and composition of TFIID are more diverse than previously understood. To investigate the effects of changing the composition of TFIID in a simple system, we depleted TATA box-binding protein–associated factor (TAF)1 from Drosophila cells and determined the consequences on metal-induced transcription at an inducible gene, metallothionein B. We observe a marked increase in the levels of both the mature message and pre-mRNA in TAF1-depleted cells. Under conditions of continued metal exposure, we show that TAF1 depletion increases the magnitude of the initial transcription burst but has no effect on the timing of that burst. We also show that TAF1 depletion causes delay in the shutoff of transcription upon removal of the stimulus. Thus, TAFs are involved in both establishing an upper limit of transcription during induction and efficiently turning the gene off once the inducer is removed. Using genome-wide nascent sequencing, we identify hundreds of genes that are controlled in a similar manner, indicating that the findings at this inducible gene are likely generalizable to a large set of promoters. There is a long-standing appreciation for the importance of the spatial and temporal control of transcription. Here we uncover an important third dimension of control: the magnitude of the response. Our results show that the magnitude of the transcriptional response to the same signaling event, even at the same promoter, can vary greatly depending on the composition of the TFIID complex in the cell.
Polymerization of styrene miniemulsions

Polymerization of styrene miniemulsions, prepared using a mixed emulsifier system comprising sodium lauryl sulfate and cetyl alcohol, was carried out using both water-soluble (potassium persulfate) and oil-soluble [2,2′-azobis-(2-methyl butyronitrile)] initiators. The effects of variation of initiator concentration, polymerization temperature, and added inhibitor on the kinetics and particle-size distributions were investigated to obtain more quantitative evidence concerning the locus of polymerization in miniemulsion systems. Experimental results for the kinetics and particle-size distributions clearly showed that monomer droplets became the main source of polymer particle formation. This was attributed to the fact that stable emulsions with droplet diameters in the range of 0.05 to 0.15 μm were produced using this mixed-emulsifier system. In this size range, droplet initiation could effectively compete with other mechanisms due to their large surface area. Their size was indeed similar to the corresponding latex particle size obtained after polymerization.
An evaluation of a new approach for the thermoplastic response of metal-matrix composites

Abstract The utility of a recently developed analytical solution methodology to the micro-mechanics concentric-cylinder model for the inelastic response of metal-matrix composites under thermal loading is illustrated by comparison with the results generated using the finite-element approach. The model is based on the concentric-cylinder assemblage consisting of an arbitrary number of elastic or elastoplastic sublayers with isotropic or orthotropic, temperature-dependent properties. The elastoplastic boundary-value problem of an arbitrarily layered concentric cylinder is solved using the local/global stiffness matrix formulation (originally developed for elastic layered media) and Mendelson's iterative technique of successive elastic solutions. These features of the model facilitate efficient investigation of the effects of various microstructural details, such as functionally graded architectures of interfacial layers, on the evolution of residual stresses during cool down. The available closed-form expressions for the field variables can readily be incorporated into an optimization algorithm in order to efficiently identify optimal configurations of graded interfaces for given applications. Comparison of residual stress distributions after cool down generated using finite-element analysis and the present micromechanics model for four composite systems with substantially different temperature-dependent elastic, plastic and thermal properties illustrates the efficacy of the developed analytical scheme.
CONVECTIVE IONOSPHERIC STORMS: A REVIEW

[1] Equatorial spread F (ESF) was discovered almost a century ago using the first radio wave instrument designed to study the upper atmosphere: the ionosonde. The name came from the appearance of reflections from the normally smooth ionosphere, which were spread over the altitude frequency coordinates used by the instrument. Attempts to understand this phenomenon in any depth activated such tools as radars and in situ probes such as rockets and satellites in the 1960s. Over the next 15 years, these tools expanded our experimental understanding enormously, and new nonlinear theoretical methods developed in the late 1970s, which led to proposing a name revision from ESF to convective ionospheric storms. Interest in these phenomena continues, but a new, practical aspect has developed from the associated turbulence effects on communications (transionosphere) and navigation (GPS). The first satellite to specifically investigate this problem and the associated goal of predicting occurrences is under the umbrella of the Communications/Navigation Outage Forecast System (C/NOFS). In contemplating the successful first years of the C/NOFS program, reviewing the state of the art in our knowledge of convective ionospheric storms seems appropriate. We also present some initial results of this satellite program. A major goal of the National Space Weather Program, and of C/NOFS, is predicting these storms, analogous to thunderstorms in the lower atmosphere due to their adverse effects on communication and navigation signals. Although ambitious, predictive capability is a noble and important goal in the current technological age and is potentially within our reach during the coming decade.
What about language while equitably assessing science?: Case studies of preservice teachers' evolving expertise

Abstract The three case studies, drawing on qualitative analysis of surveys, interviews, program artifacts, and classroom observation, describe secondary science preservice teachers' evolving expertise at providing opportunities for linguistically diverse students to learn and demonstrate what they have learned (i.e., equitable assessment). The teachers became more knowledgeable about the role of language in assessment and incorporated scientific discourse while assessing in their teaching practicum. Yet, two tensions emerged, which inform the preparation of future science teachers: (a) should language demands of science assessment be reduced or scaffolded and (b) should language use in science as well as scientific understanding be assessed?