cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic yield of computed tomography scan for pediatric hearing loss: a systematic review.

BackgroundComputed tomography (CT) has been used in the assessment of pediatric hearing loss, but concern regarding radiation risk and increased utilization of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have prompted us toward a more quantitative and sophisticated understanding of CT’s potential diagnostic yield.ObjectiveTo perform a systematic review to analyze the diagnostic yield of CT for pediatric hearing loss, including subgroup evaluation according to impairment severity and laterality, as well as the specific findings of enlarged vestibular aqueduct and narrow cochlear nerve canal.Data SourcesPubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were assessed from the date of their inception to December 2013. In addition, manual searches of bibliographies were performed and topic experts were contacted.Review MethodsData from studies describing the use of CT in the diagnostic evaluation of pediatric patients with hearing loss of unknown etiology were evaluated, according to a priori inclusion/exclusion criteria. Two ind...
The loss of narrative innocence: The development of narrative consciousness from child to adolescent.

This interdisciplinary study examines the loss of narrative innocence in adolescents' narratives. The study analyzes the development of narrative consciousness and narrative writing abilities by comparing and contrasting the narratives of children (ages eight to eleven) with those of adolescents (ages fifteen to eighteen) from public schools in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The methodology used is literary analysis.
State estimation and output feedback stabilization of a class of upper-triangular systems using a homogeneous observer

This paper considers the problem of state estimation and output feedback control of a class of upper-triangular systems with unmeasurable states. Due to the presence of the high-order nonlinearities, most of the existing state estimation methods can only yield local results. In this paper, we will show that the newly developed homogeneous observers can be used to estimate the states of some nonlinear systems in larger regions than a small neighborhood of the origin. When the initial error is small, we can design an asymptotically convergent high-order observer for the upper-triangular system. The observer is also combined with the output feedback controller and Least Square Estimation method to stabilize the upper-triangular systems.
Effects of work conditions simulated in a laboratory environment and wearer fit on attenuation of slow-recovery foam earplugs

Abstract Laboratory-derived ratings of hearing protector attenuation typically overestimate the protection levels provided in-field. A review of prior research on wearing time effects suggested that attenuation may decrease over time with aural inserts, but that this effect may be device-specific. A psychophysical real-ear measurement procedure was used in an experiment conducted to determine the change in protection levels afforded by particular slow-recovery foam earplugs under different levels of subject fit, subject movement activity and wearing time. Statistical analyses of the spectral attenuation data supported several important results. These compliant inserts were found to be stable in the face of vigorous temporomandibular and highly kinetic bodily activity, thus exhibiting negligible degradation in attenuation over time. However, improvements in attenuation provided by trained-subject fit vs. naive-subject fit of the earplugs were large at 1000 Hz and below, ranging from gains of 12–14 dB, and were smaller, but still statistically significant, at 2000–8000 Hz, ranging from gains of 3–5 dB. Practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Economic analysis of cinacalcet in combination with low-dose vitamin D versus flexible-dose vitamin D in treating secondary hyperparathyroidism in hemodialysis patients.

Background The ACHIEVE (Optimizing the Treatment of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism: A Comparison of Sensipar and Low Dose Vitamin D vs Escalating Doses of Vitamin D Alone) trial evaluated the efficacy of treatment with cinacalcet plus low-dose activated vitamin D analogues (Cinacalcet-D) compared with vitamin D analogues alone (Flex-D) in attaining KDOQI (Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative) targets for secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). The economic implications of these treatment regimens have not been explored. Study Design Economic analysis of SHPT treatment in hemodialysis patients. Setting & Population This analysis used data from the ACHIEVE trial, in which patients received either Cinacalcet-D or Flex-D. Model, Perspective, & Time Frame We assessed the relative cost-effectiveness of these regimens in treating SHPT during the 27-week ACHIEVE trial, using a US payer perspective, with medication costs valued in 2006 US dollars. Intervention & Outcomes Relative cost-effectiveness was assessed using cost-minimization analysis or incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Effectiveness was measured using biochemical markers. Results Mean medication costs per patient were $5,852 and $4,332 for the Cinacalcet-D and Flex-D treatment arms, respectively. There were no significant differences for the primary end point (parathyroid hormone level of 150-300 pg/mL and calcium-phosphorus product 2 /dL 2 ) and several of the secondary end points, rendering Cinacalcet-D more costly than Flex-D. For secondary end points, for which Cinacalcet-D was more effective, incremental cost-effectiveness ratios ranged from $2,957 (calcium Limitations Costs and outcomes were derived from a short-term randomized controlled trial and were protocol driven. Clinical outcomes, such as mortality, were not available. Long-term economic conclusions cannot be drawn from these data. Conclusions Cinacalcet combined with vitamin D analogues was no more effective than vitamin D analogues in achieving the primary ACHIEVE end point and incurred greater costs. This conclusion was not tempered substantially by the cost of vitamin D analogues or oral phosphate binders. Whether the additional costs of cinacalcet are warranted will require longer term models to determine whether changes in serum levels of mineral metabolic markers translate into lower morbidity, mortality, and downstream costs.
Algorithm-based recovery for iterative methods without checkpointing

In today's high performance computing practice, fail-stop failures are often tolerated by checkpointing. While checkpointing is a very general technique and can often be applied to a wide range of applications, it often introduces a considerable overhead especially when computations reach petascale and beyond. In this paper, we show that, for many iterative methods, if the parallel data partitioning scheme satisfies certain conditions, the iterative methods themselves will maintain enough inherent redundant information for the accurate recovery of the lost data without checkpointing. We analyze the block row data partitioning scheme for sparse matrices and derive a sufficient condition for recovering the critical data without checkpointing. When this sufficient condition is satisfied, neither checkpoint nor roll-back is necessary for the recovery. Furthermore, the fault tolerance overhead (time) is zero if no actual failures occur during a program execution. Overhead is introduced only when an actual failure occurs. Experimental results demonstrate that, when it works, the proposed scheme introduces much less overhead than checkpointing on the current world's eighth-fastest supercomputer Kraken.
Individualized localization and cortical surface-based registration of intracranial electrodes

In addition to its widespread clinical use, the intracranial electroencephalogram (iEEG) is increasingly being employed as a tool to map the neural correlates of normal cognitive function as well as for developing neuroprosthetics. Despite recent advances, and unlike other established brain-mapping modalities (e.g. functional MRI, magneto- and electroencephalography), registering the iEEG with respect to neuroanatomy in individuals-and coregistering functional results across subjects-remains a significant challenge. Here we describe a method which coregisters high-resolution preoperative MRI with postoperative computerized tomography (CT) for the purpose of individualized functional mapping of both normal and pathological (e.g., interictal discharges and seizures) brain activity. Our method accurately (within 3mm, on average) localizes electrodes with respect to an individual's neuroanatomy. Furthermore, we outline a principled procedure for either volumetric or surface-based group analyses. We demonstrate our method in five patients with medically-intractable epilepsy undergoing invasive monitoring of the seizure focus prior to its surgical removal. The straight-forward application of this procedure to all types of intracranial electrodes, robustness to deformations in both skull and brain, and the ability to compare electrode locations across groups of patients makes this procedure an important tool for basic scientists as well as clinicians.
IRI related data and model services at NSSDC

Abstract NASA's National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC) provides internet access to a large number of space physics data sets and models. We will review and explain the different products and services that might be of interest to the IRI community. Data can be obtained directly through anonymous ftp or through the SPyCAT WWW interface to a large volume of space physics data on juke-box type mass storage devices. A newly developed WWW system, the ATMOWeb, provides browse and sub-setting capabilities for selected atmospheric and thermospheric data. NSSDC maintains an archive of space physics models that includes a subset of ionospheric models. The model software can be retrieved via anonymous ftp. A selection of the most frequently requested models can be run on-line through special WWW interfaces. Currently supported models include the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI), the Mass Spectrometer and Incoherent Scatter (MSIS) atmospheric model, the International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) and the AE-8/AP-8 radiation belt models. In this article special emphasis will be given to the IRI interface and its various input/output options. Several new options and a Java-based plotting capability were recently added to the Web interface.
Measurement of Li+ ion transport numbers in poly(ethylene oxide)-LiX complexes.

The transport number for Li+ ions in Poly(ethylene oxide)–LiX complexes was measured using a potentiostatic polarization technique. The results indicate that the Li+ ion transport is strongly influenced by the salt concentration and the type of counter ions.
Regression toward the mean in 2 × 2 crossover designs with baseline measurements

Clinical trials often involve the study of patients whose values for some quantitative characteristic are in the extreme of the distribution for the normal population. Subsequent observation of the characteristic of interest will ordinarily tend to regress toward the mean of the distribution even in the absence of a treatment effect. We consider the impact of regression toward the mean in the analysis of data arising in 2 × 2 crossover trials with two baseline measurements. The usual summary statistics can be especially misleading in the presence of regression toward the mean.
Low dose leptin administration reverses effects of sustained weight-reduction on energy expenditure and circulating concentrations of thyroid hormones.

Maintenance of a reduced body weight is associated with decreased 24-hour energy expenditure, and decreased circulating concentrations of leptin and thyroid hormones. To determine whether these adaptive metabolic and endocrine changes are partly leptin-mediated, we measured body composition, aspects of energy expenditure, and circulating concentrations of leptin and thyroid hormones in 4 subjects at 3 time points: 1.) Usual body weight; 2.) While stable at 10% reduced body weight; and 3.) During a 5-week period at 10% reduced body weight while receiving twice per day leptin injections that restored 8 AM circulating leptin concentrations to those seen at usual body weight. During maintenance of a 10% reduced body weight, circulating T3, T4, and leptin concentrations were decreased. All of these endocrine changes were reversed by administration of “replacement” doses of leptin (r-metHuLeptin). Indirect calorimetry, and subtle changes in body composition associated with leptin administration, were used to ca...
Nash implementation for resource allocation network problems with production

We provide a mechanism that solves the engineering and economic rate allocation problems in the presence of production when agents behave in a way that produces a Nash Equilibrium. The mechanism works for a range of utility functions, wider than just quasi-linear functions. The mechanism produces a Pareto-optimal allocation at Nash equilibrium. The mechanism is balanced in equilibrium and satisfies voluntary participation.
Summer Accumulation of Tall Fescue at Low Elevations in the Piedmont: I. Fall Yield and Nutritive Value

Summer accumulation of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) for fall and winter use in the Piedmont, a region of the USA of moderate fall and winter temperatures and open winters of frequent rainfall, has not been well documented. We determined in this 5-yr study the yield and nutritive value in mid-November of tall fescue accumulated monthly from 1 June to 1 September. A fifth treatment included an additional 67 kg N ha -1 applied at the 1 July accumulation date. The site was a Cecil clay loam (fine, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludults) soil and the treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Summer accumulations yielded from 3280 to 4130 kg ha -1 with a mean linear (P ≤ 0.05) reduction in dry matter of 195 kg ha -1 for each week's delay in accumulation from 1 June until 1 September. In two of the three years, highest (P ≤ 0.05) dry matter yields (DMY) resulted from the 1 June date (4070 to 5440 kg ha -1 ) and lowest (P ≤ 0.05) from the 1 September date (1010 and 860 g kg -1 ). Repeated summer accumulations did not alter DMY (P < 0.01) in subsequent falls or in the following spring. At mid-November in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) had increased 30 g kg -1 for each 30-d delay in accumulation from 1 June to 1 September, but no change occurred in crude protein (CP) (mean = 120 g kg -1 ). Summer accumulation of tall fescue for fall grazing can be practiced in the lower Piedmont with accumulation beginning as early as 1 June.
Conformational changes in human prothrombin as detected by antibody populations.

Abstract The amino-terminal peptides of human prothrombin corresponding to residues 1–51 and 52–156 have been isolated from a thrombin digest of prothrombin fragment 1. The products of digestion were purified by means of barium citrate and ammonium sulfate precipitations, followed by gel filtration and hydroxyapatite chromatographies. They were identified by their molecular sizes as well as their amino acid compositions. Peptides 1–51 (F 1 A) and 52–156 (F 1 B) were used as affinity ligands for the isolation of antibody populations from antisera that were elicited against human prothrombin or prothrombin fragment 1. These antibody populations displayed restricted specificity for the respective ligands as shown by competitive radioimmunoassays. They were used to study the conformational changes in prothrombin and fragment 1. The F 1 A-specific antibody populations detected a conformational change which is stabilized by calcium ions and which has a transition midpoint at ∼ 0.2 mM calcium ion concentration. The F 1 B-specific antibody populations identified a different conformational change which is destabilized by calcium ions and which has a transition midpoint at ∼ 0.5 mM calcium.
Insect Photoperiodism: An Hourglass Measures Photoperiodic Time in Ostrinia nubilalis

The European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) diapauses as a last instar larva. Both induction and termination of diapause are photoperiodically controlled. Larvae enter diapause (Fig. 1) when raised in light cycles containing 12 or 13 h of light per 24 h (LD 12∶12 or LD 13∶11). When placed in LD 16∶8, diapausing larvae undergo pupation and adult development (Fig. 2, 3). Long light cycle (T) experiments demonstrate that the timing mechanism involved in terminating diapause has the properties of an interval timer or hourglass mechanism (Fig. 4). Six inductive 8-h dark phases are necessary for optimal termination (Fig. 5), and they must be coupled with at least 4 h of light per cycle (Fig. 6). The circadian system inOstrinia is probably not involved in any way in this response.
Secretion of plasminogen activator by cerebral astrocytes and its modulation.

Abstract Plasminogen activator (PA) has been related to the neuron migration during brain development. PA has also been shown to degrade myelin basic protein. We present data to show that neonatal Balb c astrocytes show PA activity on 125I-fibrin coated plates. Secreted and cell associated fibrinolytic activity is detected only in the presence of plasminogen. Modulants like concanavalin A and phorbol myristate acetate enhance PA production and this function involves a transcriptional event. Dexamethasone inhibits baseline as well as concanavalin A induced enhancement of PA activity. These results raise the possibility that astrocytes may have an active role in myelinoclastic disorders and CNS developmental defects.
Effects of components of the Bacillus sphaericus toxin on mosquito larvae and mosquito-derived tissue culture-grown cells

Bacillus sphaericus 2362 produces a parasporal crystal containing 42 and 51 kilodalton (kDa) proteins. Both of these proteins are required for toxicity to mosquito larvae; neither is toxic alone. When overexpressed inB. subtilis, these two proteins accumulate as amorphous inclusions (AIs). Bioassays involving larvae ofCulex pipiens and different ratios of these AIs indicated that maximal toxicity was observed at a ratio of approximately one 42-kDa protein to one 51-kDa protein. Purified preparations of these proteins, as well as derivatives similar to those which accumulate in the gut of mosquito larvae, were also toxic when combined, but not toxic singly. Different results were obtained when the toxicity of these preparations was tested for tissue culture-grown cells ofC. quinquefasciatus. Under these conditions, the 39-kDa derivative of the 42-kDa protein was alone sufficient for toxicity, which was not increased by the addition of the 51-kDa protein or its derivatives. These results indicate that theB. sphaericus larvicide acts as a binary toxin in mosquitos, whereas only the 39-kDa protein is required for full toxicity to tissue culture-grown cells.
Performance and Photovoltaic Response of Polymer-Doped Carbon Nanotube p−n Diodes

Two terminal abrupt junction diodes are fabricated from single semiconducting carbon nanotubes with simple photopatterned polymer layers defining air-stable p- and n-regions. These intratube diodes show nearly ideal behavior with relatively low series resistance and no sign of Zener breakdown at room temperature. Spatial doping profiles measured by micro-Raman spectroscopy and selective electrochemical gating of the n-region indicate that diode performance depends strongly on relative doping levels. A short circuit current of 1.4 nA with an open circuit voltage of 205 mV are measured when illuminated to saturation.
Network Growth: Theory and Evidence from the Mobile Telephone Industry

Firms in mobile telephone markets charge one another for delivering calls to subscribers. These so-called termination charges are controversial from a policy perspective since they are fairly high and stable. We present a model of consumer and firm behavior in mobile markets in order to identify the role of termination charges in determining the market equilibrium. We analyze three segments of the mobile market: termination, calling, and subscribing. Our model predicts a “waterbed effect”, that is, high termination rates will be associated with low subscription prices, if preferences are the primary source of variation in termination rates. If costs are the main driver of termination rates our model predicts a “tide” hypothesis in which high termination rates exist alongside high subscription prices. We test these and other predictions from our model using international data on mobile subscriptions per person. We find results which are broadly consistent with our model. More specifically, we find evidence that mobile termination rates are positive and significantly related to mobile phone adoption. This result is robust to the inclusion of a variety of other structural, institutional, demographic, and income controls. We also find that competition, internet subscriptions, and a free press are positively associated with mobile phone adoption while fixed termination rates and inequality slow the adoption of mobile technologies.
Identification and comparison of the polar phospholipids in normal and dry eye rabbit tears by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

Purpose To identify and compare the phosphorylated lipids in normal and dry eye rabbit tears using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS).
Attrition of categoric general surgery residents: results of a 20-year audit

Abstract Background Attrition of general surgery residents is of continued concern in graduate medical education. It results in loss of morale and resources and often leaves programs scrambling to find replacement residents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of attrition of categoric general surgery residents as well as the fate of those who left the general surgery training program among a defined cohort of categoric general surgery residents in a university hospital residency training program. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the files of all general surgery residents at the Yale University School of Medicine–Yale New Haven Hospital Surgery Program who began as categoric interns from July 1, 1986 to June 30, 2006. Ninety-nine residents were identified. Attrition of residents was divided into withdrawals (changed specialty or left graduate medical education), transfers (transferred to a different program in general surgery), and dismissals (dismissed from the program). Results Among the 99 residents who began as categoric interns from 1986 to 2006, 66 of 99 (67%) were men. Thirty of 99 (30%) failed to complete the general surgery training program. Of these, 21 of 30 (70%) withdrew, 5 of 30 (17%) transferred, and 4 of 30 (13%) were dismissed. Attrition occurred before entering the third clinical year in 23 of 30 (77%). Two of 30 (7%) left graduate medical education. Thirteen of 21 (62%) who withdrew entered primary care or another nonsurgical specialty, whereas 7 of 21 (38%) matriculated into a surgical subspecialty. The attrition rate was 40% (12 of 30) since the academic year 2000. The overall annual attrition rate for the past 20 years was 6.7%. Comments Attrition in our general surgery training remains low. Most who leave remain in graduate medical education and transfer to a different specialty. The overwhelming majority leave before beginning their third clinical year. Although our 6.7% annual attrition rate remains favorable (national attrition rate in general surgery 5.8%), we must continue to analyze the root causes and solutions.
Environmental regulation of H2 utilization (3H2 exchange) among natural and laboratory populations of N2 and non-N2 fixing phytoplankton

Regulation of H2 utilization, as monitored by the hydrogenase-mediated(3)H2 exchange reaction, was examined among phytoplankton communitiesin situ and populations in culture. During a 2-year study in the Chowan River, North Carolina, at least 2 major groups of phytoplankton dominated(3)H2 exchange rates. They included N2 fixing cyanobacteria and NO3 (})- utilizing genera. Utilization of(3)H2 by N2 fixers was mainly dark-mediated, whereas(3)H2 utilization associated with periods of NO3 (})- abundance revealed an increasing dependence on light. Inhibitors of N2 fixation (C2H2 and NH4 (+)) negatively affected(3)H2 utilization, substantiating previous findings that close metabolic coupling of both processes exists among N2 fixing cyanobacteria. Conversely, NO3 (})- stimulated(3)H2 utilization among N2 and non-N2 fixing genera, particularly under illuminated conditions. A variety of environmental factors were shown to control(3)H2 exchange. In addition to the nitrogen sources discussed above, dissolved O2, photosynthetically available radiation (PAR), temperature, and pH changes altered(3)H2 exchange rates. It is likely that other factors not addressed here could also affect(3)H2 exchange rates. At least 2 ecological benefits from H2 utilization in natural phytoplankton can be offered. They include the simultaneous generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and consumption of O2 during the oxidation of H2 via an oxyhydrogen or "Knallgas" reaction. Both processes could help sustain phytoplankton, and particularly cyanobacterial, bloom intensity under natural conditions when O2 supersaturation is common in surface waters. H2 utilization appeared to be a general feature of natural and laboratory phytoplankton populations. The magnitudes of(3)H2 utilization rates were directly related to community biomass. Although it can be shown that utilization rates are controlled by specific environmental factors, the potential relationships between H2 utilization and phytoplankton primary production remain poorly understood.
Translationally controlled tumor protein: a protein identified in several nontumoral cells including erythrocytes

The translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) is a growth-related protein which is regulated at the translational level. It is present in mammals, higher plants and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This study was undertaken to localize and further characterize the TCTP in human cell lysates using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, monoclonal antibodies, and 45Ca-gel overlay. TCTP was found in several healthy and tumoral cells including erythrocytes, hepatocytes, macrophages, platelets, keratinocytes, erythroleukemia cells, gliomas, melanomas, hepatoblastomas, and lymphomas. It could not be detected in kidney and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). A monoclonal antibody raised against TCTP detected three isoforms likely due to post-translational modifications. A calcium binding property was found as well as heat stability and cytoplasmic localization. The high degree of homology from plants to man and its expression in many tissues suggests that TCTP most likely has a cell housekeeping function.
Surface Deformations Enable High Pressure Operation of Axial Piston Pumps

In this paper, a fully coupled fluid-structure interaction and thermal numerical model developed by the authors is used to demonstrate the impact of surface elastic deformations on the piston/cylinder fluid film thickness and on the overall axial piston pump rotating kit performance. The piston/cylinder interface is one of the most critical lubricating interfaces of axial piston machines. This interface fulfills simultaneously a bearing and sealing function under oscillating load conditions in a purely hydrodynamic regime. It represents one of the main sources of energy dissipation and it is therefore a key design element, determining axial piston machine efficiency. In the past years, the research group of the authors studied the impact of advanced micro surface design and fluid film thickness micro alteration in the piston/cylinder interface through extensive simulations and experiments. However, the numerical models used did not include the influence of surface elastic deformations, heat transfer and therefore material properties on the piston/cylinder interface behavior. Hence, the aim of this paper is to show the alterations on fluid film thickness and on the consequent coupled physical parameters due to the solid boundaries pressure and thermal surface elastic deformations. A simulation study considering two different material properties for the cylinder bores is performed, where a steel cylinder block and a steel cylinder block with brass bushings are separately studied. Piston/cylinder gap pressure field and coupled gap surface elastic deformations due to pressure and thermal loading are shown for the different materials. The impact of the different materials behavior on lubricating interface performance is discussed.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
An Automated Two-Channel Scanning Spectrophotometer System

Two low-dispersion scanning spectrophotometers were recently delivered to the Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) for the astronom-ical community engaged in photometric observations there and at the Cerro Tololo Interameri can Observatory. Developed under a contract between the Associated Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA, Inc.) and Harvard College, Observatory (HCO), these. two-channel units are designed to permit simultaneous observations of an object and the adjacent sky. Further, they were designed primarily to derive their control and data handling functions from small general purpose digital computers in the observatory domes to maximize the efficiency of the observing programs and the flexibility of operation.© (1972) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Estrogen and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors in neoplastic and nonneoplastic human thyroid tissue

Estrogen-binding receptors (ER) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors were observed in the cytosol and in a membrane particulate fraction, respectively, in most neoplastic and nonneoplastic human thyroid tissues. Fourteen of 15 thyroid neoplasms and 6 of 15 nonneoplastic thyroid specimens had estrogen receptors (assuming the sensitivity of our estrogen receptor assay is 0.2 fmole/mg protein), and 14 of 15 thyroid neoplasms and 11 of 15 nonneoplastic thyroid specimens had a high affinity, low capacity TSH receptor. Neoplastic thyroid tissue had more ER (2.35 +/- 0.70/fmole/mg protein) than nonneoplastic thyroid tissue (0.57 +/- 0.181/fmole/mg protein) removed from the same patients (P less than 0.05). The Kd for ER did not differ in nonneoplastic (0.41 +/- 0.090 nM) and neoplastic (0.311 +/- 0.048 nM) thyroid tissue. The number of TSH receptors was comparable in neoplastic (0.609 +/- 0.191 pmole/mg protein) and in nonneoplastic (0.765 +/- 0.181 pmole/mg protein) thyroid tissue removed from the same patients who had the ER studies. The maximal adenylate cyclase response to TSH was greater in the neoplastic (147 +/- 26.9 pmole/mg protein/30 min) than in nonneoplastic thyroid tissue (32.8 +/- 6.69 pmole/mg protein/30 min) (P less than 0.001) suggesting a greater metabolic responsiveness of the neoplastic thyroid tissue to TSH. No correlation was evident, however, between the number of estrogen and TSH receptors in nonneoplastic and neoplastic thyroid tissue (r = 0.226). This study demonstrates that neoplastic human thyroid tissues have both estrogen receptors and TSH receptors. The neoplastic tissue also has a greater AC response to TSH than nonneoplastic thyroid tissue.
Risk factors for cognitive decline in children treated for brain tumors

The long term effects of central nervous system therapy for children with brain tumors have been the subject of research since the 1970s. Many studies have demonstrated that children treated for brain tumors with surgery and standard radiation therapy have developed intellectual decline which is progressive over at least a decade. Risk factors for this cognitive deterioration have been identified and include perioperative complications, possibly hydrocephalus, high radiation dose, large volume radiation, chemotherapy (especially methotrexate), radiation vasculopathy and young age at the time of treatment. In an effort to reduce long-term neurotoxicity, efforts have been made to develop treatment regimens that reduce the impact of these risk factors. Some of these include reduced neuraxis radiation with and without adjuvant chemotherapy, conformal radiation, chemotherapy only protocols for children with optic pathway-hypothalamic tumors and a series of baby brain tumor studies in which chemotherapy (standard and high dose) has allowed radiation to be delayed, reduced or omitted. Whether these changes in therapy will ultimately improve the quality of life of the long-term survivors is uncertain. Close follow-up of these children will be required throughout their lives.
Religiosity and stress for police officers

Much of the research which has been conducted to date regarding stress and police officers has focused on identifying the presence of stress, associating stress with specific stressors, and comparing levels of stress between police officers and members of other professions. This project focused on the influence of one potential mediator of stress—religious activity. Data were collected from a population of law enforcement officers from a medium sized city and from a comparison group of firefighters from the same city. The data indicate that religiosity has two factors (1) traditional beliefs and activities and (2) religious satisfaction and perceived influence of religion on subject’s everyday lives. The second factor was found to be negatively related to stress for police officers. As religious satisfaction and perceived influence increase, stress increases.
Usefulness of 10 genomic regions in soybean associated with sudden death syndrome resistance

Sudden death syndrome (SDS) is an important soybean [Glycine max (L) Merrill] disease caused by the soilborne fungus Fusarium virguliforme. Currently, 14 quantitative trait loci (QTL) had been confirmed associated with resistance or tolerance to SDS. The objective of the study was to evaluate usefulness of 10 of these QTL in controlling disease expression. Six populations were developed providing a total of 321 F2-derived lines for the study. Recombinant inbred lines (RIL) used as parents were obtained from populations of ‘Essex’ × ‘Forrest’ (EF), ‘Flyer’ × ‘Hartwig’ (FH), and ‘Pyramid’ × ‘Douglas’ (PD). Disease resistance was evaluated in the greenhouse at three different planting times, each with four replications, using sorghum infested with F. virguliforme homogeneously mixed in the soil (Luckew et al., Crop Sci 52:2215–2223, 2012). Four disease assessment criteria—foliar disease incidence (DI), foliar leaf scorch disease severity (DS), area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), and root rot severity—were used. QTL were identified in more than one of the disease assessment criteria, mainly associated with lines in the most resistant categories. Five QTL (qRfs4, qRfs5, qRfs7, qRfs12, and Rfs16) were associated with at least one of the disease assessments across multiple populations. Of the five, qRfs4 was associated with DI, AUDPC, and root rot severity, and Rfs16 with AUDPC and root rot severity. The findings suggest it may be possible for plant breeders to focus on stacking a subset of the previously identified QTL to improve resistance to SDS in soybean.
Symmetric air-spaced cantilevers for strain sensing

Large mechanical strain is desirable for many devices such as cantilever-based accelerometers and vibration energy harvesting devices. Air-spaced cantilevers are proposed to significantly increase the mechanical strain experienced by the cantilever beams. In this paper, an analytical model for the bending of symmetric air-spaced cantilevers is established by decomposing the cantilever deformation into pure bending and S-shape bending. This model was further verified by a discrete component model. A criterion to determine the dominant bending mode is presented. Finite element simulations and experiments were also conducted and showed a good agreement with the analytical model.
Immunology, virology, and cancer☆☆☆

N THE LAST 10 yr, intensive research in the exciting areas of oncogenic viruses and tumor immunology has revealed a great deal about the causes of cancers in animals, and how they grow. Many such tumors are caused by viruses. In this review, this research and the research on putative human tumor viruses will be summarized. The already substantial evidence that immune processes are involved in surveillance against cancer will be reviewed. The apparently paradoxical situation of tumor escape from this surveillance will be explained. Finally, the present and future possibilities in immunotherapy, immunodiagnosis, and immunoprophylaxis of cancer will be briefly outlined. From the point of view of general clinical application, present knowledge is still embryonic. Zealous investigation at all levels, from embryology and molecular biology to epidemiologic studies and clinical trials is justifiable, for the potential benefits to mankind are incalculable.
The Impact of Individual Ethics on Reactions to Potentially Invasive HR Practices

In recent years, the practices of work organizations have raised increasing concerns regarding individual privacy at work. It is clear that people expect and value privacy in their personal lives. However, the extent to which privacy perceptions influence individuals’ work attitudes is less clear. Research has explored the extent to which employee perceptions of privacy derive from characteristics of the programs themselves. However, there is a paucity of research that examines how the characteristics of the individual employee may influence perceptions of these programs. In this study we seek to shed light on this issue, as we examine how the individual ethical orientation of employees influences perceptions of a variety of human resource programs that have the potential to be perceived as invasive. Results indicate that ethical orientation exerts direct effects on perceived invasiveness of programs and exerts both direct and indirect effects on perceived appropriateness of programs. Implications for research and for managers adopting privacy-related programs are discussed.
Modelling housing unit density from land cover metrics: a Midwestern US example

Geographic applications frequently require the gathering and analysis of socioeconomic data. For many nations, these data are normally collected through a census. However, during the intercensal period (5–10 years), these data lose their currency and must be updated. The objective of this project was to estimate housing unit density from Landsat ETM+ imagery in the Terre Haute, IN, USA, region. Modelling was done for 1945 census blocks in the study area containing 30 972 housing units. Landtype, as represented by six cluster classes, was used as the primary surrogate for housing unit density. The percentage of each landtype within the census blocks was calculated. Other landscape metrics representing landtype patch dominance and diversity were also calculated on a per-block basis. Housing unit density within the census block was then modelled as a function of those percentages and metrics using discriminant analysis and multiple regression. The simple correlation between the observed and modelled housing ...
Cascade approach toward the core structure of neosarpagine

A palladium-catalyzed domino sequence was developed to rapidly construct the core structure of neosarpagine and other quinuclidine-related alkaloids. The cyclization of ketone 11 to ethylidene 4 with Pd(dba)2, DPEphos, LiHMDS, and ZnCl2 in THF represents a new domino process wherein a nonstabilized enolate served as a nucleophile.
Molecular structure of the coalescence of liquid interfaces

When two bodies of liquid merge, their interfaces must also rupture and rearrange into one. Virtually no information is available concerning the small-scale dynamics of this process. Molecular dynamics simulations of coalescence in systems of about 10,000 Lennard-Jones particles have been performed, arranged so as to mimic laboratory experiments on dense liquids. The coalescence event begins when molecules near the boundary of one liquid body thermally fluctuate into the range of attraction of the other, forming a string of mutually attracting molecules. These molecules gradually thicken into a tendril, which continues to thicken as the bodies smoothly combine in a zipper-like merger.
Assessing needs of aging Muslims: A focus on metro-Detroit faith communities

The purpose of this study was to provide a critical perspective on the needs of aging Muslims by focusing on a diverse group of older adults including those with ancestry from African American, South Asian, Arab, and Albanian origins. Four focus group discussions were conducted with adults aged 60+ recruited from four Muslim centers in the metro-Detroit area. Grounded analysis uncovered themes related to needs, strengths and challenges in the Muslim community, as well as suggestions for the way forward in addressing aging issues. Needs identified include quality of life and social relations. Strengths included references to tradition and scripture. Challenges named referred to conflict both within and outside of the family. Finally, the way forward consisted of the desire for options to support aging families within the community, often in small steps, though not necessarily only through mosques. Findings also suggested that women may be a key agent of change within the Muslim community. In sum, this study uncovered areas of overlap and at times disagreement between and within groups, underlining the fact that there is no one kind of Muslim aging, and that any approach to caring for Muslims must combine cultural sensitivity with flexibility in order to minimize anxiety and stress for both elders and their families.
A Novel “hybrid” high-k/metal gate process for 28nm high performance CMOSFETs

A “hybrid” high-k/metal gate (HK/MG) integration scheme is proposed in this paper to accomplish HP (high performance) 28 nm CMOSFETs by integrating gate-first/gate-last (GF/GL) techniques for N/PFET, respectively. For NFET, remarkable mobility (95% of n+poly/SiON@1MV/cm) and low V TH (0.25 V) was achieved through optimized HfO 2 high-k, TiN metal and LaO x capping layer processes. For PFET, an extra 30% performance improvement and a low V TH (0.25V) were achieved by GL process as a result of strain boost and VFB roll-off alleviation [1].
Enantioselektive Totalsynthese von (−)‐Mehranin, (−)‐Methylenbismehranin und verwandten Aspidosperma‐Alkaloiden

Wir berichten uber eine effiziente und hochstereoselektive Strategie zur Synthese von Aspidosperma-Alkaloiden, die auf der transannularen Cyclisierung einer chiralen Lactamvorstufe basiert. Aufgrund der bevorzugten Konformation der Cyclisierungsvorstufe werden in diesem Schlusselschritt drei neue Stereozentren des resultierenden, vielseitigen, pentacyclischen Intermediats mit exzellenter Diastereoselektivitat aufgebaut. Eine anschliesende stereoselektive Epoxidierung mit nachfolgender Formamidreduktion unter milden Bedingungen ermoglichte die erste Totalsynthese der Aspidosperma-Alkaloide (−)-Mehranin und (+)-(6S,7S)-Dihydroxy-N-methylaspidospermidin. Eine abschliesende, Scandiumtrifluormethansulfonat-vermittelte Dimerisierung von (−)-Mehranin fuhrte zur ersten Totalsynthese von (−)-Methylenbismehranin.
Bankers and Blue-Chippers: An Account of -er Formations in Present-Day English

The nominalizing -er suffix has been extremely productive throughout the history of English, and in Present-day English it has developed a wide range of base and referent types. Yet most formal linguistic treatments account satisfactorily for only a fraction of the types of -er nominals actually found. I propose a cognitive model which not only addresses the problems with verb-based forms that are encountered in other models, but includes an account of all the nonverb-based -er nominals as well.
Flexible database generators

Evaluation and applicability of many database techniques, ranging from access methods, histograms, and optimization strategies to data normalization and mining, crucially depend on their ability to cope with varying data distributions in a robust way. However, comprehensive real data is often hard to come by, and there is no flexible data generation framework capable of modelling varying rich data distributions. This has led individual researchers to develop their own ad-hoc data generators for specific tasks. As a consequence, the resulting data distributions and query workloads are often hard to reproduce, analyze, and modify, thus preventing their wider usage. In this paper we present a flexible, easy to use, and scalable framework for database generation. We then discuss how to map several proposed synthetic distributions to our framework and report preliminary results.
Secular Trends in Colon and Rectal Cancer Relative Survival

BACKGROUND Treatment options for colorectal cancer (CRC) have improved substantially over the past 25 years. Measuring the impact of these improvements on survival outcomes is challenging, however, against the background of overall survival gains from advancements in the prevention, screening, and treatment of other conditions. Relative survival is a metric that accounts for these concurrent changes, allowing assessment of changes in CRC survival. We describe stage- and location-specific trends in relative survival after CRC diagnosis. METHODS We analyzed survival outcomes for 233965 people in the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program who were diagnosed with CRC between January 1, 1975, and December 31, 2003. All models were adjusted for sex, race (black vs white), age at diagnosis, time since diagnosis, and diagnosis year. We estimated the proportional difference in survival for CRC patients compared with overall survival for age-, sex-, race-, and period-matched controls to account for concurrent changes in overall survival using two-sided Wald tests. RESULTS We found statistically significant reductions in excess hazard of mortality from CRC in 2003 relative to 1975, with excess hazard ratios ranging from 0.75 (stage IV colon cancer; P < .001) to 0.32 (stage I rectal cancer; P < .001), indicating improvements in relative survival for all stages and cancer locations. These improvements occurred in earlier years for patients diagnosed with stage I cancers, with smaller but continuing improvements for later-stage cancers. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate a steady trend toward improved relative survival for CRC, indicating that treatment and surveillance improvements have had an impact at the population level.