cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variability in trophic positions of four commercially important groundfish species in the Gulf of Alaska

We examined trends in nitrogen stable isotope data as a proxy for trophic position (mean trophic level, TL) of commercial and survey catches as an ecosystem-based indicator of sustainability of four groundfish species in the Gulf of Alaska. From 2000 to 2004, walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus), Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus), arrowtooth flounder (Atheresthes stomias), and Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) were collected from the waters surrounding Kodiak Island, Alaska. Several analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) models were tested to detect variations in mean TL among years with fish length as a covariate. Best-fit models were selected using the Akaiki Information Criterion to estimate trends in mean TL of commercial catch using length-frequency data from onboard fishery observers for each target species. Then, linear regression models were used to estimate mean TL of commercial catch over 1990–2009 and the mean TL of population biomass over 1984–2007 based on length-frequency data and biomass estimates from trawl surveys conducted by National Marine Fisheries Service and from historical catch data. The TL of catch for each species except walleye pollock remained stable over the time frame of the study. Walleye pollock TLs became increasingly variable after 1999. Similar trends in mean TL were observed for the survey biomass of walleye pollock. Additionally, there was an observed decrease of the occurrence of higher TL Pacific halibut over time. While the decline had no impact on overall TL estimates during 1990–2009, a continued decline may affect mean TL in the future. Overall, length seems to be the most important factor in estimating a species’ TL. Therefore, including relationships between length of catch and TL estimates could lead to an early detection of TL declines that may be associated with unsustainable fishing mortality.
The antitumor effects of interferon-alpha are maintained in mice challenged with a STAT1-deficient murine melanoma cell line.

Abstract Introduction Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) is currently administered to patients with metastatic malignant melanoma and those who are at risk for recurrence following surgery for high-risk lesions. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) is a transcription factor that is activated by IFN-α and is thought to mediate the majority of its antitumor effects. Loss of STAT1 has been found in IFN-resistant melanoma cells. We developed a murine melanoma cell line in a STAT1-deficient mouse. We also transfected B16 melanoma cells with a wild-type form of STAT1 to induce its overexpression. Using the resulting cell lines and STAT1-deficient mice, we tested whether IFN-α could exert an antitumor effect on melanoma cells in the absence of STAT1-mediated signal transduction. Materials and methods A melanoma tumor was induced in STAT1-deficient mice via the application of DMBA (tumor initiator) followed by croton oil (tumor promoter). Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that the resulting tumor was a malignant melanoma. Immunoblot analysis, intracellular flow cytometry, and gel-shift analysis were used to confirm the lack of STAT1 in the derivative cell line (AGS-1). In addition, the STAT1 protein was overexpressed in B16 melanoma cells by stable transfection with a plasmid construct encoding wild-type STAT1. The effects of IFN-α on these cell lines were studied in vitro and in vivo. Results STAT1 was not expressed in the AGS-1 murine melanoma cell line. Treatment with IFN-α did not lead to activation of STAT1. Cell proliferation assays revealed that while IFN-α did not exert an antiproliferative effect on this cell line, it was capable of prolonging the survival of STAT1-competent C57BL/6 mice bearing 1 × 106 AGS-1 tumor cells in the intraperitoneal position (n = 20, P Conclusions This data suggests that IFN-α can enhance survival in an animal model where STAT1-mediated signal transduction and gene regulation is absent within the tumor but is present within the host. This data also indicates that the overexpression of STAT1 within the tumor does not significantly enhance the effects of exogenously administered IFN-α in this model. These findings indicate that the bulk of the antitumor actions of IFN-α may be derived from its effects on host tissues.
Cytoplasmic gatekeepers of K+-channel flux: a structural perspective

Recently, rapid progress in our structural knowledge of K(+)-selective channels has started to provide a basis for comprehending the biophysical machinery underlying their electrophysiological properties. These studies have begun to reveal how a diverse array of distinct, cytoplasmically positioned domains affect the activity of associated channels. Some of these establish functional diversity by selectively mediating channel assembly. More importantly, these cytoplasmic domains couple intracellular signals to the gating of their associated pore. New structural insights are providing a clearer understanding of the fundamental molecular mechanisms of these K(+) channels that, in turn, partly underlie complex neurological phenomena.
A Mechanistic Condensation Model for a Passive Condenser System

An experimental study is conducted and a mechanistic model is developed to investigate the effect of noncondensable gas in a passive condenser system. A vertical condenser tube was submerged in a water pool where the heat from the condenser tube was removed through boiling heat transfer. Data was obtained for various process parameters such as inlet steam flow rate, noncondensable gas mass fraction, and system pressure. Degradation of the condensation with noncondensable gas was investigated, where condensation heat transfer coefficient and heat transfer rate decrease with the noncondensable gas. It was found that the condensation heat transfer rate is enhanced by increasing the inlet steam flow rate and the system pressure. A mechanistic condensation correlation is developed which contains the major heat transfer components in its functional relationships. The heat transfers for the film region and the gas region sensible heat were modeled with the modified Nusselt solution and the single phase heat transfer correlations, respectively. The gas region condensation was correlated with bulk noncondensable mass fraction, gas region Reynolds number, and Jakob number. New correlation was compared with available experimental data and models. Mean errors of the correlation were found to be 4.7% and 13.4% for the tube average and the local condensation heat transfer coefficient, respectively.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Proof of safety; some interpretations.

Interpretations are presented, according to the objectives sought, of the techniques and procedures required by the Food and Drug Administration to establish the safety of a chemical in the form of a food additive, a drug, or an ingredient of a cosmetic. Special emphasis is placed on proof of safety of chemicals used in foods because, in general, these require a more thorough toxicological appraisal than those used in cosmetics or as drugs.
Surplus production, compensation, and impact assessments of power plants

Abstract For over 60 years, fishery scientists have been using the argument that nature creates surplus, and that the surplus can be used as justification to impose anthropogenic sources of mortality (power plants, fishing, pollution, etc.) on fish populations; otherwise, it is wasted. Surplus production is closely tied to the concept of compensation, a form of density-dependent mortality in which the mortality rate of a cohort is directly related to abundance of that cohort. Scientific arguments have been put forth in assessments of power plant impacts that compensation can at least partially offset impacts imposed by power plants. Although we cannot dismiss the existence of surplus production outright, since in some years environmental conditions are such that a surplus in reproductive effort may occur, we should be assessing the reproductive effort of fish populations in the context of the ecosystem in which they reside. In terms of addressing the risks of power plant mortality, we may be at a point in collection and analyses of biological data, coupled with a greater flexibility in managing power plant technology, to modulate the risks of power plant mortality on fish populations on a more-or-less real-time basis by taking into account environmental influences. For these reasons, assessments of power plant impacts should include analyses of predation forgone and production forgone.
Innovating Regulations in Urban Planning and Development

The physical form of the built environment is shaped by an assortment of standards and regulations. They provide an important, and inescapable framework from the laying out of subdivisions to the control of stormwater runoff. Regulations for the built environment are as old as civilization and date back at least to Hammurabi’s building code of 2000 BC. Desires to creatively work beyond the mundane constraints of rules and regulations and, at times, to avoid them entirely, are no doubt just as old. The subject of regulations leads to the source of how communities have been designed and built—defining how they can and cannot be built— and how these controls continue to shape the physical space in which we live and work. Public officials, private-sector consultants, and developers generally agree that some form of control is necessary to guide growth, to ensure adequate public services, and to protect our health and safety. The problem arises when standards intended for health and safety overstep their bounds and lose their grounding in the objective measures of their benefit or in a connection with the original rationale for their existence. For example, planners and designers know that many regulations enacted under the banner of environmental preservation—such as septic rules—actually encourage development on large lots in greenfield locations rather than in existing urban areas. Others accept wide street standards and excessive parking ratios even when such adherence wastes space, increases traffic, and degrades environmental quality. Occasionally, critics of government law and regulations pick out gross examples of ineptness and call for reforms. Because of the inherent conflicts between property owners/social critics and the regulatory agencies involved, each type of regulation often has staunch proponents and critical reformers. The net effect is one of a potentially dynamic enterprise that has often failed to be fully responsive to change and the diffusion of innovation. How can innovation be permitted to thrive in today’s increasingly regulated environment? What are some of the options that lie ahead? Can other innovative approaches provide an option that is preferable to current practices? These are some of the questions that we have posed for this special issue. We invited submissions that referred both to theoretical principles and to practical experiences and that considered the positive and negative aspects of adapting codes and regulations. Most important, we sought to present possible alternatives to existing practices that deserve consideration. The five selected papers represent the diversity and divergence of the issues at hand. In the opening paper: “Is the Future of Development Regulation Based in the Past? Toward a MarketOriented, Innovation Friendly Framework,” Samuel Staley and Eric Claeys offer an alternative framework for development review and local planning. They argue that the current approach is a closed-system framework, in which innovations and change can be adopted only if they were anticipated in the local comprehen-
Alterations in epidermal growth factor binding to hepatic membranes following dietary exposure of rats to known hepatocarcinogens.

Abstract Administration of the chemical carcinogen 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) has previously been shown to lower hepatic epidermal growth factor (EGF) binding levels during chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis. To further characterize the specificity of this response, EGF binding levels for liver microsomes were determined after a 3-week administration of subacute doses of 2-AAF and five other known hepatocarcinogens: 3′-methyl-4-dimethylaminoa-zobenzene (3′Me-DAB), 2-AAF, aflatoxin B 1 (AFB1), thioacetamide (TA), ethionine, benzidine (Benz), as well as four non-hepatocarcinogeos: fluorene, p -aminoazobenzene, 4-acetylaminofluorene (4-AAF), and 3-methylcholanthrene. Five of six of the hepatocarcinogens tested (3′Me-DAB, 2-AAF, TA, AFB1 and Benz) caused significant lowering of EGF binding levels, and one of the four non-hepatocarcinogens (4-AAF) caused significant lowering of EGF binding levels. Paired feeding studies indicated that the decreases in EGF binding levels were not a result of differences in net diet consumption. These findings show that decreases in EGF binding capacity are caused by a diverse group of known hepatocarcinogenic compounds at an early stage in the carcinogenesis process.
Abstract A43: EGFR-targeted therapy in African Americans with advanced non-small cell lung cancer: A prospective clinical, pharmacogenetic, and pharmacokinetic study.

Context: Focused evaluation of the efficacy and pharmacokinetics of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and the potential influence of pharmacogenetics and tumor genetics, has not been previously performed in African American patients with Non-Small Cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Objective: To evaluate disease control rate (DCR) in African American patients with NSCLC produced by erlotinib, the effect of its titration to rash occurrence, and to characterize pharmacokinetics of parent drug and metabolite, tumor genetics, and pharmacogenetics of erlotinib metabolizing enzymes and transporter genes. Design, Setting and Patients: 55 African Americans with NSCLC on a 2-stage-minimax randomized phase II study. Intervention: Patients received erlotinib 150 mg daily or a dose based on body weight with subsequent escalations to 200 mg to achieve skin rash. Main Outcome Measures: The primary endpoint was DCR (CR+PR+SD) at 3 months. Time to progression and 1-year survival were also evaluated. Results: 12 of 52 evaluable patients had disease control at 3 months; 6 per arm. Absence of skin rash on therapy was associated with early PD (10/11), exposures for erlotinib and OSI-420 were lower compared to previous reports, and pharmacogenetic factors were consistent with high erlotinib clearance in most patients. Tumor genetics showed one EGFR exon 19 mutation, a novel EGFR exon 20 missense mutation, EGFR amplification in 17/47 samples, 8 KRAS mutations and 5 EML4-ALK translocations. Conclusions: Results from this trial support the serial linkage of cytochrome P450 pharmacogenetics, erlotinib pharmacokinetics, rash, and response. Factors consistent with high erlotinib metabolism are predominantly present in African Americans. However, the dose-to-rash strategy failed to increase clinical benefit within the dose-range tested, and a relatively high incidence of tumor genetics associated with erlotinib resistance was found. As with other ethnicities, assessment of tumor genetics is recommended. The high clearance data suggests that the concept of standard erlotinib dosing in African American patients should be reconsidered Citation Format: Mitch Phelps, Thomas Stinchcombe, James S. Blachly, Weiqiang Zhao, Larry J. Schaaf, Sherri L. Starrett, Gregory Otterson, William Hicks, Mark Socinski, Miguel Villalona-Calero. EGFR-targeted therapy in African Americans with advanced non-small cell lung cancer: A prospective clinical, pharmacogenetic, and pharmacokinetic study. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fifth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2012 Oct 27-30; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A43.
An Operational Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging System Prototype for Large Animal Surgery

Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging has the potential to revolutionize human cancer surgery by providing sensitive, specific, and real-time intraoperative visualization of normal and disease processes. We have previously introduced the concept of a low-cost, safe, and easy-to-use NIR fluorescence imaging system that permits the surgeon to "see" surgical anatomy and NIR fluorescence simultaneously, non-invasively, with high spatial resolution, in real-time, and without moving parts. In this study, we present an operational prototype designed specifically for use during large animal surgery. Such a system serves as a foundation for future clinical studies. We discuss technical considerations, and provide details of the implementation of subsystems related to excitation light, light collection, computer, and software. Using the prototype, and the clinically available NIR fluorophore indocyanine green, we demonstrate vascular imaging in 35 kg pigs. Cancer-specific applications of this imaging system include image-guided cancer resection with real-time assessment of surgical margins, image-guided sentinel lymph node mapping, intraoperative mapping of tumor and normal vasculature, image-guided avoidance of critical structures such as nerves, and intraoperative detection of occult metastases in the surgical field. Taken together, this study describes an optical imaging system engineered for eventual translation to the clinic.
Effects of acute relapses on neuropsychological status in multiple sclerosis patients

Little is known about neuropsychological status changes in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients experiencing a relapse. The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and MS Neuropsychological Screening Questionnaire (MSNQ) are brief measures of cognitive performance and self-reported status, respectively. We retrospectively identified relapses in subjects participating in the 48-week open-label, safety-extension study of natalizumab (STRATA) to determine if changes in cognitive ability occurred during acute relapses. SDMT and MSNQ were administered prior to infusions. We analyzed SDMT and MSNQ scores pre- and post-relapse in 53 MS patients with relapses (cases) and 115 MS patients without relapses (controls) matched on age, gender, baseline SDMT and time from study initiation. ANOVA and GLM were used to compare cases versus controls overall, and stratified by EDSS cerebral functional status (cFS) scores. SDMT change pre- to post-relapse in cases was significantly lower than difference between similar time points in controls (p = 0.003). When comparing visit 2 (two visits pre-relapse) to visit 1 (first visit post-relapse), MSNQ change was significantly different between cases and controls (p = 0.012). For cFS ≤ 1, the change in SDMT was significantly different between cases and controls but not for cFS ≥ 2. These results confirm the involvement of cognitive function during some MS relapses suggesting the SDMT or MSNQ can be used to identify transitory neuropsychological status changes and cognitive relapses.
Anisotropic Hot-Deformed MRE-Fe-B Magnets With Zn Powder Addition $({\rm MRE}={\rm Nd}+{\rm Y}+{\rm Dy})$

Anisotropic magnets were fabricated by a vacuum hot deformation (VHD) method from isotropic MRE2(Fe,Co)14B ribbons mixed with Zn powder (MRE = Nd + Y + Dy). TEM microstructure shows that the VHD processing results in the formation of aligned platelet-like grains perpendicular to the pressing direction, and thus produces a strong magnetic anisotropy texture parallel to the pressing direction. The addition of Zn is helpful to develop higher magnetic anisotropy and retain better magnetic properties during the VHD processing. An optimized VHD magnet obtained a (BH)max of 23.3 MGOe compared to 9.6 MGOe for the isotropic ribbons. The temperature coefficients of Mr and Hc for the VHD sample are -0.09 and -0.48%/°C in the temperature range of 27-127°C, respectively.
Tectonic evolution of a coherent Late Triassic subduction complex, Stuart Fork terrane, Klamath Mountains, northern California

The Stuart Fork (SF) terrane in the central Klamath Mountains of northern California is a coherent Late Triassic blueschist belt that documents early plate convergence in western North America. Complex deformation and polyphase metamorphism of the terrane directly reflect evolving convergent-margin processes. The origin and subsequent petrotectonic evolution of the SF terrane provide strong evidence that the early to middle Mesozoic plate margin of North America may be characterized as a convergent ocean-continent boundary with a relatively simple architecture. SF metabasaltic and conformably overlying siliceous metasedimentary rocks originated as submarine volcanic oceanic crust and pelagic marine sediments of probable latest Paleozoic age. Major-, trace-, and rare-earth-element geochemical data show the metabasaltic rocks to be slightly enriched mid-ocean tholeiites with compositions similar to those of modern mid-ocean-ridge or back-arc-basin basalts. Two major periods of deformation are recorded in rocks of the SF terrane: D 1 , an early (Late Triassic) phase of deformation that produced complex folds and imbricate west-directed thrusts, and D 2 , a late-stage (Middle Jurassic) deformation that formed simple, open folds during westward thrusting of the entire terrane over neighboring terranes during regional shortening. Each of these episodes of shortening is related to convergence, yet D 1 occurred in an accretionary complex and accompanied high-pressure blueschist-facies metamorphism during subduction, whereas D 2 took place as a result of final thrusting (or accretion) of the entire assemblage to the continental margin. Petrologic evidence indicates that SF rocks experienced three distinct periods of metamorphic recrystallization: M 1 , a prehniteactinolite to greenschist-facies hydrothermal event; M 2 , a blueschistfacies regional event; and M 3 , a greenschist- to amphibolite-facies contact event. M 1 greenschist assemblages, reflecting ocean-ridge-type metamorphism, are preserved locally within metabasaltic rocks containing relict igneous augite and are incipiently overprinted by blueschist assemblages. M 2 blueschist assemblages formed pervasively during the dominant recrystallization event, which was associated with complex fold-and-thrust deformation of a subduction-zone accretionary system (D 1 ). M 3 assemblages form contact aureoles around approximately Middle Jurassic arc-related granodiorite plutons. The petrotectonic evolution of the Stuart Fork terrane may be explained by a model in which petrologic and structural episodes are related to latest Paleozoic-earliest Mesozoic(?) back-arc-basin spreading, Late Triassic subduction-zone, and Middle Jurassic postaccretion, magmatic-arc tectonic environments.
Modeling Guidelines for Large Telecom Rack CFD Models

Large electronics systems such as telecom racks and VME bus systems contain arrays of several cards where fan trays consisting of multiple fans are employed to provide forced convective cooling. Typically, flow distributors such as slotted plates are used to distribute the flow evenly through the cards. Thus, a typical telecom rack system contains a large number of parts, with a wide range of length scales. Thus, modeling such large electronic systems with all components can be challenging in terms of solution time and computational resources. In this paper, we presented two techniques to create compact board models that capture the overall physical behavior of detailed boards: 1) the Lumped Block (LB) method, which is a geometry based simplification technique, 2) the Calibrated Porous Medium (CPM) method, which is based on wind tunnel calibrations. Although different in concept, both schemes showed similar behavior when compared to the detailed card, where the maximum difference from pressure drop across the board was less than 10% and less than 30% for the thermal resistance. Moreover, both schemes resulted in mesh reduction that is greater than 83%. Despite the relatively large deviation in the thermal part, both techniques provide good choices for system level analysis where general information about the flow structure and thermal behavior of the system is required.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Development and psychometric testing of the Leddy Healthiness Scale

The study was designed to develop and determine the psychometric properties of the Leddy Healthiness Scale (LHS). Healthiness is defined as having perceived purpose and the power to achieve goals. In three stages, using three overlapping samples, internal consistency reliability ranged from .89 to .93. Test-retest reliability was .86 at 2-6 weeks. Principal components factor analysis revealed three components which explained 51.2% of the instrument variance. Convergent validity was supported by strong correlations between the LHS and the Sense of Coherence Scale (r = .72), a one-term measure of overall well-being (r = .62), the Perceived Well-Being Scale (r = .74), the Power As Knowing Participation in Change Test (r = .63), and the Personal Meaning Index (r = .62). Divergent validity was supported by a moderate negative correlation between the LHS and the Fatigue Experience Scale (r = -.41). It was concluded that the LHS has demonstrated initial reliability and validity. Further testing is recommended.
Usefulness of Miniature Flexible Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy in Children

A miniature flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope (FFB) (Olympus BF-N20) (2.2 mm diameter) was applied to 53 children (20 female subjects) ranging in age from 3 months to 15 years (mean, 4.19 years). Most common indications for bronchoscopy included stridor or weak cry and persistent wheezing or cough unresponsive to inhaled bronchodilators, chest physiotherapy, steroids, and antimicrobial agents. There were no complications. In 38 children (71.6 percent) it was diagnostically useful, particularly for the investigations of upper airway obstruction (66 percent). In 22 children (41.5 percent) it provided guidance for surgical interventions. The instrument was particularly useful during its application in infants with severe upper airway obstruction who otherwise would require open rigid-tube bronchoscopy in the operating room. It was of limited value when excessive bronchial secretions obstructed the view of the working field for which a bronchoscope with a built-in suction channel was needed. It is concluded that this miniature FFB is a useful diagnostic tool in infants and children particularly for obstructed upper airways but has limited applications in children with peripheral airway disease. The 2.2-mm bronchoscope may have its greatest advantage in preterm neonates and intubated infants, where the small glottic or endotracheal tube size renders the 3.5-mm bronchoscope useless.
Counterpoint: Pharmacogenetic-Based Initial Dosing of Warfarin: Not Ready for Prime Time

Availability of the human genome sequence offers the promise of personalized medicine through pharmacogenomics. Warfarin, a member of the coumarin family of oral anticoagulants used to prevent and treat thromboembolic disorders and one of the top 20 prescribed medications in the US, is an ideal drug for applying the principles of pharmacogenetics. Warfarin inhibits reduction of vitamin K epoxide by the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex, subunit 1 (VKORC1)1 enzyme, causing hypogammacarboxylation of vitamin K–dependent coagulation factors and an acquired coagulopathy. Warfarin therapy is monitored with the international normalized ratio (INR) derived from the prothrombin time. The INR therapeutic range is narrow, and the maintenance warfarin dose required to produce a therapeutic INR for an individual is both unpredictable and widely variable, leading to bleeding complications, especially during the initiation period when dose adjustments are made by trial and error(1). During the past 12 years, discoveries regarding the molecular basis of warfarin pharmacokinetics and pharmacodyanmics have been combined with clinical and demographic information from stably anticoagulated patients to generate many dosing algorithms. Up to 54% of the interpatient variation in therapeutic warfarin dose can be accounted for by the combination of patient age, body size, target INR, and use of amiodaron with the genotypes for 2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in cytochrome 2C9 that reduce warfarin metabolism and 1 from a group of SNPs in the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex, subunit 1 ( VKORC1 )2 gene in high linkage disequilibrium and associated with increased sensitivity to warfarin(2). Few pharmacogenetic algorithms have been validated, however, and all …
An analysis of inverse heat transfer problems with phase changes using an integral method

This paper provides a methodology for the solution of certain inverse heat transfer problems with phase changes. It is aimed particularly at the design of casting processes. The idea is to use the inverse method to calculate the boundary flux history that will achieve the velocities and fluxes at the freezing front that are needed to control liquid feeding to the front, as well as yield the desired cast structure. The proposed method also can be applied to predict. A boundary element analysis wtih constant elements is used here in conjunction with Beck's sensitivity analysis. The accuracy of the method is illustrated through one-dimensional numerical examples. It is demonstrated that, by using an integral formulation, one can extend all of the current methods for solving inverse heat conduction problems with stationary boundaries, to inverse Stefan problems. Such problems are of great technological significance.
A Critical Analysis of Eight Informal Reading Inventories.

For this content analysis study, the author examined and cross-compared the various ways in which eight informal reading inventories (IRIs) published from 2004 to 2008 address key issues relevant to new U.S. federal guidelines and the National Reading Panel's five critical components of reading instruction. Results suggest the IRIs range in technical rigor, with only one providing sufficient reliability data to support use of alternate forms. Measures for comprehension and vocabulary are more common than for fluency, phonemic awareness, and phonics. Some of the IRI authors offer passages in Spanish. All of the IRIs have their strengths and limitations, but each one offers special features that set it apart from the others. Results have implications for literacy-related professionals searching for IRIs well-suited to various educational settings and classroom contexts.
It's Not How Much; It's How: Characteristics of Practice Behavior and Retention of Performance Skills

We observed 17 graduate and advanced-undergraduate piano majors practicing a difficult, three-measure keyboard passage from a Shostakovich concerto. Participants' instructions were to practice unti...
A Wild Goose Metapneumovirus Containing a Large Attachment Glycoprotein Is Avirulent but Immunoprotective in Domestic Turkeys

The genomic structure and composition of an avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) recently isolated from wild Canada geese (goose 15a/01) in the United States, together with its replication, virulence, and immunogenicity in domestic turkeys, were investigated. The sizes of seven of the eight genes, sequence identity, and genome organization of goose aMPV were similar to those of turkey aMPV subtype C (aMPV/C) strains, indicating that it belonged to the subtype. However, the goose virus contained the largest attachment (G) gene of any pneumovirus or metapneumovirus, with the predicted G protein of 585 amino acids (aa) more than twice the sizes of G proteins from other subtype C viruses and human metapneumovirus and more than 170 aa larger than the G proteins from the other aMPV subtypes (subtypes A, B, and D). The large G gene resulted from a 1,015-nucleotide insertion at 18 nucleotides upstream of the termination signal of the turkey aMPV/C G gene. Three other aMPV isolates from Canada geese had similarly large G genes, whereas analysis of recent aMPV strains circulating in U.S. turkeys did not indicate the presence of the goose virus-like strain. In vitro, the goose virus replicated to levels (2 10 5 to 5 10 5 50% tissue culture infective dose) comparable to those produced by turkey aMPV/C strains. More importantly, the virus replicated efficiently in the upper respiratory tract of domestic turkeys but with no clinical signs in either day-old or 2-week-old turkeys. The virus was also
A study of Internet instant messaging and chat protocols

Instant messaging (IM) and network chat communication have seen an enormous rise in popularity over the last several years. However, since many of these systems are proprietary, little has been described about the network technology behind them. This analysis helps bridge this gap by providing an overview of the available features, functions, system architectures, and protocol specifications of the three most popular network IM protocols: AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, and Microsoft Messenger. We describe common features across these systems and highlight distinctions between them. Where possible, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different technical approaches used in these systems to support different features and functions. We also briefly discuss ongoing efforts to standardize IM and chat-based protocols in IETF and other standards bodies
A Multielement Tactile Feedback System for Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery

A multi-element tactile feedback (MTF) system has been developed to translate the force distribution, in magnitude and position, from 3times2 sensor arrays on surgical robotic end-effectors to the fingers via 3times2 balloon tactile displays. High detection accuracies from perceptual tests (> 96%) suggest that MTF may be an effective means to improve robotic control.
Assembly of Amyloid β-Protein Variants Containing Familial Alzheimer's Disease- Linked Amino Acid Substitutions

Amyloid β-protein (Aβ) is believed to cause Alzheimer’s disease (AD); this belief is based largely on studies showing autosomal dominant inheritance of familial AD (FAD) due to mutations that increase brain concentration levels of Aβ or of particular forms of Aβ. However, how specifically this leads to AD is not clear. Several mutations have been identified inside the Aβ-coding region of the amyloid β protein precursor (APP); these mutations change both the biophysical characteristics of Aβ and the disease phenotype, such as age of onset of dementia and location and morphology of amyloid deposits. Characterizing the effects of the amino acid changes in Aβ on the protein’s assembly and toxicity may help to identify Aβ regions particularly useful as drug targets. We summarize here key findings related to substitutions at positions 2, 6, 7, 16, 21–23, and 34 in Aβ and their relation to FAD.
Cyclin D1 Regulates Cellular Migration through the Inhibition of Thrombospondin 1 and ROCK Signaling

Cyclin D1 is overexpressed in human tumors, correlating with cellular metastasis, and is induced by activating Rho GTPases. Herein, cyclin D1-deficient mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) exhibited increased adhesion and decreased motility compared with wild-type MEFs. Retroviral transduction of cyclin D1 reversed these phenotypes. Mutational analysis of cyclin D1 demonstrated that its effects on cellular adhesion and migration were independent of the pRb and p160 coactivator binding domains. Genomewide expression arrays identified a subset of genes regulated by cyclin D1, including Rho-activated kinase II (ROCKII) and thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1). cyclin D1(-/-) cells showed increased Rho GTP and ROCKII activity and signaling, with increased phosphorylation of LIM kinase, cofilin (Ser3), and myosin light chain 2 (Thr18/Ser19). Cyclin D1 repressed ROCKII and TSP-1 expression, and the migratory defect of cyclin D1(-/-) cells was reversed by ROCK inhibition or TSP-1 immunoneutralizing antibodies. cyclin E knockin to the cyclin D1(-/-) MEFs rescued the DNA synthesis defect of cyclin D1(-/-) MEFs but did not rescue either the migration defect or the abundance of ROCKII. Cyclin D1 promotes cellular motility through inhibiting ROCK signaling and repressing the metastasis suppressor TSP-1.
Systematic Transistor and Inductor Modeling for Millimeter-Wave Design

This paper proposes a simulation-based modeling methodology that provides greater flexibility in the design and layout of millimeter-wave CMOS circuits than measurement- based models do. A physical model for the metallization capacitances of the transistors is described and new layout techniques are introduced that exploit these capacitances to improve the circuit performance. The accuracy of the models is verified by the design and measurement of five oscillators operating in the range of 40 GHz to 130 GHz in 90-nm CMOS technology.
The contribution of eye-movement research to an understanding of the nature of pictorial balance perception: A review of the literature.

The study of eye movements has been very successful in providing empirical support for theoretical writings concerning the influence of pictorial balance on perceptual processing of pictures and other types of visual displays. This article describes the nature of pictorial balance that emerges from eye-movement research and related empirical findings. A graphic representation of the interaction of stimulus-driven and cognitively-driven aspects of balance perception derived from this literature is presented and discussed.
Bow shocks formed by plasma collisions in laser irradiated semi-cylindrical cavities

The formation of shocks in plasmas created by short pulse laser irradiation (l ¼ 800 nm, Iz 1 � 10 12 Wc m �2 ) of semi-cylindrical cavities of different materials was studied combining visible and soft X-ray laser interferometry with simulations. The plasma rapidly converges near the axis to form a dense bright plasma focus. Later in time a long lasting bow shock is observed to develop outside the cavity, that is shown to arise from the collision of plasmas originating from within the cavity and the surrounding flat walls of the target. The shock is sustained for tens of nanoseconds by the continuous arrival of plasma ablated from the target walls. The plasmas created from the heavier target materials evolve more slowly, resulting in increased shock lifetimes.
Mate Selection by Groups

The two key components in a breeding program can be described as the development of an objective function and the implementation of an algorithm for mate selection to target the objective function. However, mate selection is unacceptably slow for objective functions that involve longer term aims, such as engineering a good connection between herds. This paper proposes animal clustering to facilitate group mate selection, plus a step to refine mate selection for individual animals. Cluster analysis is used to form groups of animals within each sex based on nominated factors such as breed, herd, age, and EBV. Mate selection is then performed on groups, reducing the size of the problem considerably. The example used involved a three-breed crossbred population with a simple objective function to maximize predicted progeny merit. Twenty sires and 500 dams were to be selected from 816 and 1784 candidates. Group mate selection achieved 96.9% efficiency (random selection, 0%; full mate selection, 100%) and took 0.28 s to compute (394.2 s for full mate selection). Permitting more candidates to reach the individual mate selection stage increased efficiency to, for example, 98.9% at the cost of an extra 1.15 s. Efficiency was also improved by permitting more clusters.
Influence of baroreflex on volume elasticity of heart and aorta in the rabbit

Optimal ventriculoaortic coupling includes tuning of elastic properties. The ratio of effective arterial elastance and left ventricular endsystolic elastance is often taken as a measure for mechani...
Correlating data from multiple surface‐specific techniques using multivariate methods: examples and considerations

This paper presents examples of spectral and mapping data correlation among different techniques using multivariate analytical methods. Specifically, ToF-SIMS, ATR-IR, and XPS Valence Band spectroscopic data acquired from a three-component polymer blend are correlated using PLS (Partial Least Squares) analysis to show the combined response to compositional changes. Raman and secondary ion mapping data from a fluorocarbon–silicone polymer blend are correlated using MCR (Multivariate Curve Resolution) to try to associate changes in crystallinity with secondary ion patterns. Finally, XPS and ToF-SIMS mapping data are correlated using MCR to show the advantages of combining data from a higher lateral resolution technique with data from a lower lateral resolution technique. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of choroidal and ciliary nerve transection on choroidal blood flow, retinal health, and ocular enlargement

Our previous studies suggested that reduced choroidal blood flow (CBF) occurs with manipulations that yield myopic eye growth and that these reductions are primarily a consequence of the ocular enlargement. We could not entirely rule out the possibility, however, that reductions in CBF are at least to some extent antecedent and causal to the ocular enlargement. We therefore in the present study examined the effects on eye size of artificially reducing CBF by unilaterally transecting the choroidal nerves of the ciliary ganglion in four-day-old chicks. For comparison, we also transected the ciliary nerves in a second group of chicks or transected both ciliary and choroidal nerves in a third group of chicks. The effects of the nerve transections were evaluated in comparison to the effects of the orbital surgery itself (without nerve transection) in a fourth group termed the sham-operated control group. Two weeks after transection, CBF was measured using laser Doppler velocimetry, the ocular axial, nasotemporal and dorsoventral lengths were measured, and the eyes weighed. The results showed that CBF in birds with either choroidal nerve cuts or choroidal plus ciliary nerve cuts was greatly reduced in the treated eye (20–40% of nontreated eye). The treated eyes of these birds also showed gross depigmentation and histologically evident loss of the outer retina, most typically in the temporal retina. Birds with ciliary nerve cuts showed increased CBF in both eyes (131% right eye and 154% left eye compared to shams). Since ciliary nerve cuts yield fixed dilated pupils, increased CBF with ciliary nerve cuts appears consistent with the previously reported involvement of the choroidal nerves within a neural circuit subserving light-mediated upregulation of CBF. Clear effects on eye size were observed in the treated eyes in each group. The sham surgery alone yielded slight enlargement of the right eye compared to left eye, particularly in the axial dimension. In the choroidal nerve and the both nerve cut groups, nasotemporal and dorsoventral elongation were slightly diminished in the treated eyes compared to the sham-treated eyes. In contrast, enlargement of the right eye was slightly enhanced in the ciliary nerve cut group compared to the sham-treated eyes. The overall results suggest that large decreases in CBF do not enhance myopic eye growth, although large increases in CBF may.
Raman ring resonator stability in the adiabatic approximation

Stability in a Raman ring resonator is studied by using the adiabatic approximation. The analysis is based on far-off resonance Raman scattering in hydrogen. A medium-power approximation is employed, which is good for intensities less than 30 MW/cm2. The resulting differential equations retain their standard low-power Raman gain dependance in addition to an intensity-dependent phase. The steady-state intensity input–output behavior, as well as the linear stability analysis, is accomplished analytically without invoking the mean-field approximation. Feedback is applied to the Stokes beam, a gain situation, or to the depleted pump beam. The Stokes frequency is assumed to be perfectly tuned to the atomic and cavity resonances. It is shown that both situations are multistable and that the power-dependent phase largely determines the stability characteristics. Furthermore, we show that the negative slope branches can be stable when feedback is applied to the pump if the output pump intensity is decreasing with increasing input pump intensity.
Extension of the modified-histogramming method for multilevel Markov random fields

A very useful method for the estimation of Markov random field (MRF) parameters has been proposed by H. Derin and H. Elliott (1987). A bias reduction based modification of that method, called the modified-histogramming (MH) method, has been proposed by M.I. Gurelli and L. Onural (1994) for binary MRFs mainly to obtain better performance in the case of small amounts of image data. In this correspondence, an extension of the MH method for multilevel MRFs is proposed. Also, a data merging technique is given to increase the performance of the method.
Data dependent jitter (DDJ) characterization methodology

A new jitter model is developed using Matlab and Spice to analyze data dependent jitter (DDJ) in serial data integrated circuits. The simulation results show that DDJ is dependent on the data pattern, data rate, and data slew as well as frequency bandwidth, impedance mismatch, and loss of the datapath of integrated circuits. This paper presents the effect of the DDJ on other jitter subcomponents, which is essential to analysis and characterization of DDJ.
Interpreting at the End of Life: A Systematic Review of the Impact of Interpreters on the Delivery of Palliative Care Services to Cancer Patients With Limited English Proficiency

Abstract Context Language barriers can influence the health quality and outcomes of limited English proficiency (LEP) patients at end of life, including symptom assessment and utilization of hospice services. Objectives To determine how professional medical interpreters influence the delivery of palliative care services to LEP patients. Methods We conducted a systematic review of the literature in all available languages of six databases from 1960 to 2014. Studies evaluated use of language services for LEP patients who received palliative care services. Data were abstracted from 10 articles and collected on study design, size, comparison groups, outcomes, and interpreter characteristics. Results Six qualitative and four quantitative studies assessed the use of interpreters in palliative care. All studies found that the quality of care provided to LEP patients receiving palliative services is influenced by the type of interpreter used. When professional interpreters were not used, LEP patients and families had inadequate understanding about diagnosis and prognosis during goals of care conversations, and patients had worse symptom management at the end of life, including pain and anxiety. Half of the studies concluded that professional interpreters were not used adequately, and several studies suggested that premeetings between clinicians and interpreters were important to discuss topics and terminology to be used during goals of care discussions. Conclusion LEP patients had worse quality of end-of-life care and goals of care discussions when professional interpreters were not used. More intervention studies are needed to improve the quality of care provided to LEP patients and families receiving palliative services.