cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bayesian analysis of correlated mixed categorical data by incorporating historical prior information

In this article, we develop statistical models for analysis of correlated mixed categorical (binary and ordinal) response data arising in medical and epidemi-ologic studies. There is evidence in the literature to suggest that models including correlation structure can lead to substantial improvement in precision of estimation or are more appropriate (accurate). We use a very rich class of scale mixture of multivariate normal (SMMVN) iink functions to accommodate heavy tailed distributions. In order to incorporate available historical information, we propose a unified prior elicitation scheme based on SMMVN-link models. Further, simulation-based techniques are developed to assess model adequacy. Finally, a real data example from prostate cancer studies is used to illustrate the proposed methodologies.
Quantitative assessment of groundwater controls across major US river basins using a multi-model regression algorithm

Spatial patterns in the physical controls of groundwater depth and flux are assessed quantitatively using results from a first of its kind, integrated groundwater surface water simulation over the majority of the contiguous US. We apply a novel, k-regression algorithm to the simulated system to simultaneously identify spatial subsets of grid cells with similar relationships between explanatory variables and groundwater metrics while quantifying behavior using multiple linear regression. The combination of this statistical approach with the results of a large-scale, high-resolution groundwater simulation allows us to evaluate the ability to represent complex groundwater behavior with simple linear models across an unprecedented range of climates and physical settings. In almost all of the eight major basins considered, we identify at least some areas where the coefficient of determination for the linear regression model is larger than 0.7, and in many cases this is achieved for more than 50% of the total basin area. In general, we show that water table depth is most strongly related to location within a basin and slope, while conductivity and recharge are more important predictors for groundwater flux metrics. Results also illustrate spatial variability in these relationships; further demonstrating the historic difficulty in developing spatially contiguous classifications of groundwater behavior. This work highlights the potential to combine new statistical techniques with integrated hydrologic models to help improve our understanding of complex heterogeneous systems.
INFRARED SPECTROSCOPIC STUDIES OF SOLID WOOD

Wood is probably the oldest structural material utilized by man, and despite the invention and development of new materials over the past century or so, the use of wood in the construction industry...
Total Synthesis of (−)-N-Methylwelwitindolinone C Isothiocyanate

We report the first total synthesis of (−)-N-methylwelwitindolinone C isothiocyanate. Our route features a number of key transformations, including an indolyne cyclization to assemble the [4.3.1]-bicyclic scaffold, as well as a late-stage intramolecular nitrene insertion to functionalize the C11 bridgehead carbon en route to the natural product.
Histories of depression, allopregnanolone responses to stress, and premenstrual symptoms in women

Twenty-six women meeting DSM criteria for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and 39 non-PMDD controls were tested for allopregnanolone (ALLO) responses to mental stress. Approximately half of each group had a history of depression (DEP) (14 PMDD, 17 non-PMDD), though all were free of current psychiatric illness. ALLO was sampled in response to venipuncture stress, after an extended baseline, and again 30 and 60 min following the onset of mental stressors. All women with prior DEP, regardless of PMDD status, showed a blunted ALLO stress response at 30 and 60 min (p < 0.05), and also failed to show the expected decrease from venipuncture to baseline rest (p = 0.08) compared to women with no prior DEP. Women with prior DEP did not show the expected correlation between progesterone and ALLO (r = 0.16) that was seen in those with no prior DEP (r = 0.37, p < 0.05). ALLO levels at extended baseline and blunted ALLO reactivity predicted more severe premenstrual symptoms, but only in PMDD women with prior DEP (p values <0.05). These results suggest that a history of DEP is associated with a failure of ALLO to be appropriately responsive to challenge, with alterations in the conversion of progesterone to ALLO, and confirm prior reports linking ALLO to symptoms in PMDD, but only in PMDD women with histories of DEP.
A Coherent Microspectroscopy Based on Independently Tunable Optical Parametric Oscillators

A coherent microspectroscopy system based on two independent tunable OPOs synchronously pumped by the same Ti:sapphire laser was developed. The system can perform both nonlinear optical imaging such as CARS and soft condensed matter spectroscopy.
Formation of nanoporous Au by dealloying AuCu thin films in HNO3

AuCu thin films were dealloyed in concentrated HNO3 solution at temperatures of 5–35 °C. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that interior grain regions undergo partial Cu dissolution before being assimilated into a ligament/void network that was initiated at grain boundaries. The compressive stress generated by removal of the smaller Cu atom yielded an activation energy for ligament growth of 25.4 ± 2.37 kJ mol−1, which is less than half that reported for AgAu alloys.
Is Our Residency Program Successful? Structuring an Outcomes Assessment System as a Component of Program Evaluation

Abstract Objective In an attempt to better define the success of our residency program with regard to resident development, we committed to develop an ongoing assessment of residency performance and devised an outcomes assessment system. Design We describe the process and structure that we used to construct an outcomes assessment system. We discuss the process we used to discern whether or not our program is successful as well as offer tips on what data to collect and track should other residency programs decide to devise a similar outcomes assessment database. Conclusion Taking time to “step back” to take inventory of a residency program and ensure year over year and at the end of training residents have developed and matured as planned is an educationally sound practice. Structuring an outcomes assessment system like the one that we discuss here can aid program directors with this important task.
Water acquisition and rooting characteristics in northern and southern populations of Gutierrezia sarothrae

Seeds from northern (Idaho) and southern (New Mexico and Texas) populations of broom snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae) were germinated in a greenhouse and the seedlings grown in a soil mixture in 30-cm deep (19-1) plastic pots for 50 days. The pots were then fastened onto the top of similar pots and the seedling root systems were allowed to grow into the lower pots for 4 weeks through punctures in the bottoms of the upper pots. Soil water extraction from four different depths was measured using time domain reflectometry (TDR) 2 weeks after roots had begun to grow into the lower pots. The two New Mexico populations (Jornada and Mountainair) and a population from Plains, Texas extracted more water from deeper (⩾ 38 cm) soil layers than the Idaho population (P < 0.05). Root length in the deeper soil layers (55–60 cm) was greater (P < 0.05) for the Jornada desert population than for the Idaho and Mountainair populations. The Plains population had shorter roots and extracted less water in the upper soil layers than the other populations (P < 0.05). Specific root length in the Idaho population was at least 67% greater (P < 0.01) than those in southern populations, indicating smaller root diameters. The patterns of soil water extraction and root penetration were correlated with the seasonal distribution of precipitation in the plants' natural habitats. The Idaho seedlings had roots confined primarily to the topsoil to secure water from spring precipitation. In contrast, some southern seedlings were able to develop an extensive deep root system to avoid spring drought.
Malignant Melanomas of the Conjunctiva

A retrospective study of 23 conjunctival melanomas using the Clark classification revealed that the three most common forms of melanoma described in the skin--lentigo maligna melanoma (Hutchinson's freckle with melanoma), superficial spreading melanoma, and nodular melanoma--can be recognized in the conjunctiva. As in the skin, lentigo maligna melanoma appears to be associated with a good prognosis compared to the prognosis associated with superficial spreading melanoma. These two forms of melanoma are both associated with an intraepithelial stage and had previously been grouped under one designate, cancerous melanosis. They can be distinguished histologically although definite clinical differentiation will be determined in the future. Some melanomas with an intraepithelial stage, however, cannot be definitely classified. Relating all conjunctival cancerous melanoses to Hutchinson's melanotic freckle is no longer justified.
Material tailoring of structures to achieve a minimum radiation condition

A strategy is developed for designing structures that radiate sound inefficiently in light fluids. The problem is broken into two steps. First, given a frequency and overall geometry of the structure, a surface velocity distribution is found that produces a minimum radiation condition. This particular velocity distribution is referred to as the ‘‘weak radiator’’ velocity profile. Second, a distribution of Young’s modulus and density distribution is found for the structure such that it exhibits the weak radiator velocity profile as one of its mode shapes. In the first step, a finite element adaptation of the integral wave equation is combined with the Lagrange multiplier theorem to obtain a surface velocity distribution that minimizes the radiated sound power. In the second step, extensive use of structural finite element modeling as well as linear programming techniques is made. The result is a weak radiator structure. When compared to a structure with uniform material properties, the weak radiator struct...
Nanoshells Made Easy: Improving Au Layer Growth on Nanoparticle Surfaces

The growth of a continuous, uniform Au layer on a dielectric nanoparticle is the critical step in the synthesis of nanoparticles such as nanoshells or nanorice, giving rise to their unique geometry-dependent plasmon resonant properties. Here, we report a novel, streamlined method for Au layer metallization on prepared nanoparticle surfaces using carbon monoxide as the reducing agent. This approach consistently yields plasmonic nanoparticles with highly regular shell layers and is immune to variations in precursor or reagent preparation. Single particle spectroscopy combined with scanning electron microscopy reveal that thinner, more uniform shell layers with correspondingly red-shifted optical resonances are achievable with this approach.
To the occiput or not? C1-c2 ligamentous laxity in children with down syndrome.

Study Design Retrospective case review. Objective Atlantoaxial instability with and without basilar invagination poses a considerable challenge in management regarding reduction, surgical approach, decompression, instrumentation choice, and extent of fusion. A variety of strategies have been described to reduce and stabilize cranial settling with basilar invagination. Modern instrumentation options included extension to the occiput, C1–C2 transarticular fixation, and C1 lateral mass–C2 pars among others. Since not all cases of cranial settling are the same, their treatment strategies also differ. Factors such as local vascular anatomy, amount of subluxation, need for distraction, and shape of occipital condyles will dictate level and type of instrumentation. The objective of this study was to outline treatment options and provide a rationale for the surgical plan. Methods Two cases of C1–C2 instability in patients with Down syndrome are described. Case 2 underwent C1–C2 instrumented fusion, whereas case 1 involved posterior instrumented fusion to the occiput. Results Both patients tolerated the procedures well. There were no complications. Minimum follow-up was 1 year. There was no loss of reduction. Solid arthrodesis was achieved in both cases. Conclusion Successful reduction can be achieved with both C1–C2 instrumented fusion as well as O–C instrument fusion. Factors such as local vascular anatomy, amount of subluxation, need for distraction, and shape of occipital condyles will dictate level and type of instrumentation.
On the Formation of Whitecaps by a Threshold Mechanism. Part II: Monte Carlo Experiments

Abstract This paper is the second of three which seek to evaluate the hypothesis that deep water whitecapping is predictable in terms of a threshold mechanism involving the vertical acceleration. The geometro-statistical computations of Part I of the series proceeded via direct integration of the joint probability densities for the vertical acceleration. In Part II we explore a second technique for computing whitecap statistics. This technique involves the Monte Carlo simulation of the vertical acceleration field and of the corresponding “breaking” variable field. Subsequent collation of various whitecap statistics parallels the analysis of whitecap photographs to be described in Part III. Linear simulations for two types of JONSWAP spectra (Trials 1 and 2) and for a Pierson-Moskowitz spectrum (Trial 3) are presented. The resulting statistics, generated with limited resources, are sparse but pertinent. Significant improvement in the reliability of these statistics could be effected by using a vector proce...
Random Mutagenesis of the Proton-coupled Folate Transporter (SLC46A1), Clustering of Mutations, and the Bases for Associated Losses of Function

Loss-of-function mutations in the proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT, SLC46A1) result in the autosomal recessive disorder, hereditary folate malabsorption (HFM). Identification and characterization of HFM mutations provide a wealth of information on the structure-function relationship of this transporter. In the current study, PCR-based random mutagenesis was employed to generate unbiased loss-of-function mutations of PCFT, simulating the spectrum of alterations that might occur in the human disorder. A total of 26 mutations were generated and 4 were identical to HFM mutations. Eleven were base deletion or insertion mutations that led to a frameshift and, along with similar HFM mutations, are predominantly localized to two narrow regions of the pcft gene at the 5′-end. Base substitution mutations identified in the current study and HFM patients were largely distributed across the pcft gene. Elimination of the ATG initiation codon by a one-base substitution (G > A) did not result in a complete lack of translation at the same codon consistent with rare non-ATG translation initiation. Among six missense mutants evaluated, three mutant PCFTs were not detected at the plasma membrane, one mutation resulted in decreased binding to folate substrate, and one had a reduced rate of conformational change associated with substrate translocation. The remaining PCFT mutant had defects in both processes. These results broaden understanding of the regions of the pcft gene prone to base insertion and deletion and inform further approaches to the analysis of the structure-function of PCFT.
Self-interstitial atom interactions with defect clusters in Ag

Abstract Measurements of defect production rates during proton irradiations at 125 K have been used to probe the damage structure produced by protons or heavy ion irradiations. Electrical resistivity was used to monitor the probe damage rates. As the energy density of the displacement cascade increases, the probability of a probe interstitial annihilating with a vacancy within the cascade is reduced relative to its trapping at interstitial clusters. There is also a slight decrease in the average vacancy annihilation radius with increasing energy density in the cascades. During annealing, the relationship between annihilation and trapping probabilities remains constant throughout stage II, but in stage III, the annihilation probability decreases strongly. This annealing behavior was observed for all ion irradiations and is believed to be due to a reduction in the average vacancy annihilation radius associated with the formation of vacancy loops.
Mass Spectrometric Characterization of Protein:Carbohydrate Non Covalent Complexes: What is Fact and What is Fiction

This seminar will present Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry data showing separation and detection of isomeric glycosaminoglycans (GAG) both with and without protein complexation. Chemokine proteins are involved in inflammation and as such complex with GAG during the activation step of chemotaxis. Comparison of different chemokine conformations suggests that the GAG will complex to different areas of the protein and that sulfation pattern may play a part in complexation. A relatively new modeling program, RAPTOR, is used for determining theoretical cross sections and overall conformation of proteins for which there is no crystal or NMR structure. Both RAPTOR and IM provide valuable information on isomeric separation, identification and conformation of both carbohydrate alone, and with its' protein partner.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Biochemical Studies of Bacterial Sporulation and Germination XIX. PHOSPHATE METABOLISM DURING SPORULATION

Abstract Acid-soluble phosphate compounds represent about 25% of the total phosphate of Bacillus megaterium vegetative cells, but only 7% of the total phosphate in dormant spores. In vegetative cells, 12 compounds make up 90% of the acid-soluble phosphate. These same compounds predominate throughout growth and early sporulation, although their relative amounts change during the process. One hour before refractile spores appear within sporangia, 3-phospho-d-glyceric acid (PGA) becomes a major component of the sporangial pool and, with the appearance of refractile spores, PGA becomes more difficult to extract. PGA is the largest component of the acid-soluble phosphate pool of B. megaterium spores produced in rich as well as minimal media, and also predominates in Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis spores. Spore PGA appears to be synthesized in a compartment which is inaccessible to inorganic phosphate in the medium, although, at the time of synthesis, Pi from the medium does enter the sporangium. PGA in dormant spores is very firmly bound, and does not readily exchange with external PGA.
Surface Raman spectroscopy without enhancement: Pyridine ON Ag(111)

Abstract We have observed normal Raman scattering from a monolayer of pyridine adsorbed on a Ag(111) surface at 110 K. Unlike many previous studies of this system, we find no appreciable enhancement of the scattering cross section. Our results suggest that the short range enhancements observed on other well-characterized silver surfaces may be due to chemisorption on sites that are not available on the (111) surface.
Typhoid fever in children

Summary 1. An analysis of 60 cases of typhoid fever in infants and children is presented. 2. Abdominal pain is prominent at the onset of 50 per cent of cases. 3. The white blood count may be high during the early stage of the disease; the leucopenia apparently appears just after the blood stream is invaded. 4. The appearance of typhoid bacilli in the stools occurs with great irregularity in single cases. 5. The Widal is positive by the end of the second week in 60 per cent of the cases. 6. The disease in children is characterized by an abrupt onset, the frequent appearance of neurologic symptoms, and a shorter course and lower mortality rate than is found in adults. 7. The complications are largely pyogenic. Hemorrhage and perforation are rare, and this rarity is presumably due to the superficial character of the intestinal ulcerations. 8. In the majority of sporadic cases the source cannot be determined.
Metamorphosed Precambrian ultramafic rocks in the Ruby Range, Montana

Abstract Ultramafic rocks occur in many localities throughout the Archean Ruby Range metamorphic complex. Consistent field, petrologic, petrofabric and textural relationships in the ultramafic rocks of the Ruby Range indicate that they were emplaced early and participated in the deformation and upper amphibolite facies metamorphic event of the area. Textures (included S-surfaces), mineral assemblages (magnesio-hornblende, orthopyroxene, olivine, green spinel, ± titanian hydroxyl-clinohumite) and associated rock types (meta-rodingites) indicate the bodies were serpentinized prior to metamorphism. Typically, the ultramafic rocks are elongate, elliptical bodies which tend to parallel the regional foliation and range in size from a few meters to hundreds of meters in length. They commonly have concordant foliations with their host rocks, occur at or near the crests of isoclinal folds, and occasionally form boudinage structure. Mineral equilibria in the ultramafic rocks indicate the conditions of their metamorphism were on the order of 710°C at 5–7 kbar. These estimates are consistent with geothermometry and barometry in the host rocks. Titanian hydroxyl-clinohumite was stabilized under these conditions by an appreciable fluorine content. After the upper amphibolite facies metamorphism, reserpentinization of the ultramafic bodies occurred.
MAVS Self-Association Mediates Antiviral Innate Immune Signaling

The innate immune system recognizes nucleic acids during viral infection and stimulates cellular antiviral responses. Intracellular detection of RNA virus infection is mediated by the RNA helicases RIG-I (retinoic acid inducible gene I) and MDA-5, which recognize viral RNA and signal through the adaptor molecule MAVS (mitochondrial antiviral signaling) to stimulate the phosphorylation and activation of the transcription factors IRF3 (interferon regulatory factor 3) and IRF7. Once activated, IRF3 and IRF7 turn on the expression of type I interferons, such as beta interferon. Interestingly, unlike other signaling molecules identified in this pathway, MAVS contains a C-terminal transmembrane (TM) domain that is essential for both type I interferon induction and localization of MAVS to the mitochondrial outer membrane. However, the role the MAVS TM domain plays in signaling remains unclear. Here we report the identification of a function for the TM domain in mediating MAVS self-association. The activation of RIG-I/MDA-5 leads to the TM-dependent dimerization of the MAVS N-terminal caspase recruitment domain, thereby providing an interface for direct binding to and activation of the downstream effector TRAF3 (tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3). Our results reveal a role for MAVS self-association in antiviral innate immunity signaling and provide a molecular mechanism for downstream signal transduction.
Fine‐resolution climate projections enhance regional climate change impact studies

A new data set enhances the abilities of researchers and decision-makers to assess possible future climates, explore societal impacts, and approach policy responses from a risk-based perspective. The data set, which consists of a library of 112 fine-resolution climate projections, based on 16 climate models and three greenhouse gas emissions scenarios, is now publicly available. Monthly climate projections from 1950 to 2099 were downscaled to a spatial resolution of ⅛° (about 140 square kilometers per grid cell) covering the conterminous United States and portions of Canada and Mexico. For the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, climate modeling groups produced hundreds of simulations of past and future climates. The colocation of these simulations in a single archive (at the Program for Climate Model Diagnosis and Intercomparison at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), established to facilitate assessment of general circulation models, or GCMs) and the conversion of all results to a common data format have made probabilistic, multi-model projections and impact assessments practical. A remaining issue is that the spatial scale of climate model output is typically too coarse for regional impact studies. Multiple downscaling approaches exist for deriving regional climate from coarse-resolution model output; these approaches are typically applied on an ad hoc basis to a particular region.
Dopamine receptor blockade by imidoline and its proposed active conformation

Imidoline, 1-[2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl]-3-m-chlorophenyl-2-imidazolidinone, has been found to be as potent as chlorpromazine in increasing striatal DOPA accumulation and prolactin secretion in vivo. In contrast, imidoline exhibited only weak inhibitory activity towards dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase and 3H-spiroperidol binding to striatal membranes in vitro. These neuroleptic effects in vivo are probably caused by blockade of dopamine receptors since imidoline did not deplete the striatum of dopamine. Imidoline is of interest because its structure is distinct from those of other neuroleptics. A proposed active conformation involves intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the protonated dimethylamino group and the oxygen of the imidazolidinone ring. The spatial relationship between the amine nitrogen and phenyl ring in this conformation allows proper fit of imidoline with key dimensions described for the dopamine receptor.
A phase II trial of thalidomide in patients with refractory uterine carcinosarcoma and correlation with biomarkers of angiogenesis: A Gynecologic Oncology Group study☆☆☆

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and adverse events of thalidomide in previously-treated, measurable, persistent or recurrent carcinosarcoma of the uterus, and to explore associations between angiogenic markers with patient demographics and clinical outcome. Methods Eligible, consenting patients were treated until disease progression or toxicity intervened with daily starting dose of 200mg thalidomide/day that was increased by 200mg every 2weeks to a target dose of 1000mg/day. Endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS)≥6months (primary), toxicity, response, overall PFS and survival. Pre- and post-treatment plasma were evaluated for a panel of angiogenic biomarkers and assessed against clinical outcomes. Results Of 55 enrolled patients, 45 were evaluable for toxicity and survival. Two patients (4%; 90% CI 1–13%) experienced a partial response, and 8 (18%; 90% CI 9–30%) had PFS≥6months. Median PFS was 1.9months and median survival was 5.9months. Grade 2–3 sensory neuropathy was noted in 6 patients, and 4, 3, and 3 patients experienced grade 3 sedation, fatigue, and constipation, respectively. Three patients had grade 4 adverse events (2 thromboembolic, 1 anemia). High pre-treatment VEGFA levels were associated with poorer PFS and survival. Conclusions Treatment with thalidomide met the protocol specified goal of prolonging PFS at 6months. However, based on results with newer agents, the activity was insufficient to support further investigation. Association between pre-treatment VEGFA and prognosis in this population supports further evaluation of anti-angiogenic therapies in uterine carcinosarcoma.
Experience and Grouping Effects when Handling Non-Normal Situations

Currently, most of the displays in control rooms can be categorized as status, alerts/procedures, or control screens. With the advent and use of CRTs and the associated computing power available to compute and display information, it is now possible to combine these different elements of information and control onto a single display. An experiment was conducted to determine which, if any, of these functions should be collocated in order to better handle simple anticipated non-normal system events. The results indicated that there are performance benefits and subject preferences to combining all the information onto one screen or combining the status and alert/procedure information onto one screen and placing the controls in another area. The results indicated that operators quickly modify their display preferences to the display configuration most recently used.
A systems architecture for supporting senior managers' messy tasks

Abstract Researchers have repeatedly observed that senior managers' work generally does not conform to formal problem-solving or decision-making models. Instead, SMS are primarily involved with intuitively directing a dynamically changing agenda or network of “concerns”. This paper explores the potential for carrying the DSS approach into a new frontier of the SM'S world. A general architecture for a Messy Management Support System ( MMSS ) is formulated, including previously defined creativity support (Idea Processing) systems. The MMSS would be linkaged to quantitative DSS, MIS reporting systems, telecommunications, and text processing systems. Currently feasible MMSS tasks are distinguished from those dependent on technological advances.
Knee Extensor and Flexor Torque Development With Concentric and Eccentric Isokinetic Training

This study assessed muscular torque and rate of torque development following concentric (CON) or eccentric (ECC) isokinetic training. Thirty-eight women were randomly assigned to either CON or ECC training groups. Training consisted of knee extension and flexion of the nondominant leg three times per week for 20 weeks (SD = 1). Eccentric training increased ECC knee extension and flexion peak torque more than CON training. The ECC group improved acceleration time and time to peak torque with ECC movements versus the CON group. Slow-velocity ECC isokinetic training yielded greater ECC and similar CON torque development gains versus CON training over the course of 20 weeks in young women.
Evaluating the validity of model for end-stage liver disease exception points for hepatocellular carcinoma patients with multiple nodules <2 cm.

Liver transplant allocation policy does not give model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) exception points for patients with a single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) <2 cm in size, but does give points to patients with multiple small nodules. Because standard-of-care imaging for HCC struggles to differentiate HCC from other nodules, it is possible that a subset of patients receiving liver transplant for multiple nodules <2 cm in size does not have HCC. We evaluate risk of post-transplant HCC recurrence and wait-list dropout for patients with multiple small nodules using competing risks regression based on the Fine and Gray model. We identified 5002 adult HCC patients in the OPTN/UNOS dataset diagnosed and transplanted between January 2006 and September 2010. Compared to patients with >1 tumor <2 cm, risk of developing recurrence was significantly higher in patients with one or more tumors with only one tumor ≥2 cm (SHR 1.63, p = 0.009), as well as in patients with 2–3 tumors ≥2 cm (SHR 1.84, p = 0.02). Dropout risk was not significantly different among size categories. HCC recurrence risk was significantly lower in patients with multiple nodules <2 cm in size than in those with larger tumors, supporting the possibility that some patients received unnecessary transplants. The priority given to these patients must be re-examined.
Mass formula for Z0 and other predictions

The mass formulaMz= 2(Mpα)(1/gc = 92.1 GeV is derived, whereMp is the proton mass, χ= 2.79 the proton magnetic moment, and α−1 = 137.
Lossless Image Compression Using Predictive Codebooks

Abstract This paper describes a method for lossless image compression where relative pixel values of prediction regions in a set of training images are stored as a codebook. In order to achieve decorrelation of the pixels comprising an image, each pixel's prediction neighborhood is assigned to a neighborhood in the codebook, and the difference between the actual pixel value and the predicted value from the codebook is coded using an entropy coder. Using the same codebook, one can achieve perfect reconstruction of the image. The method is tested on several standard images and compared with previously published methods. These experiments demonstrate that the new method is a suitable alternative to existing lossless image compression techniques.
Effect of typical and atypical neuroleptic treatment on protachykinin mRNA levels in the striatum of the rat.

Abstract A significant population of striatal neurons synthesize the tachykinin peptides substance P and neurokinin A. The synthesis of these neuropeptides is under tonic stimulation by dopaminergic neurotransmission. Since typical and atypical neuroleptic drugs display differential effects on the activity of dopaminergic neurons, we evaluated the effect of typical (haloperidol and prolixin) and atypical (molindone, thioridazine and chlozapine) chronic neuroleptic treatment on protachykinin mRNA levels in the medial aspect of the caudate-putamen by in situ hybridization histochemistry. Both typical and atypical neuroleptics decreased protachykinin mRNA levels by 22–40% relative to saline-injected controls. Clozapine failed to affect protachykinin mRNA levels. The data suggest the hypothesis that decreased striatal protachykinin mRNA levels may not be directly linked to development of extrapyramidal side effects.
Student and Faculty Perceptions of Engagement in Engineering

Background This study is designed to investigate how undergraduate engineering students and their faculty define engagement. While many researchers provide descriptions and suggestions that engagement is crucial to learning, there is no widespread, standard definition for engagement to guide engineering educators. Purpose (Hypothesis) The purpose of this study is to begin to understand student engagement by examining how students and faculty viewed the term engagement as it relates to their engineering courses. The two key questions asked were (1) How do faculty and undergraduate students define engagement? and (2) How are their definitions similar or different? Design/Method This exploratory study included a survey of all engineering faculty teaching first- and second-year students and first- and second-year engineering undergraduates enrolled in any engineering course within the standard curriculum at a small engineering school. Results Students view engagement in terms of faculty enthusiasm for the subject and in teaching and the availability of faculty for out-of-class interactions. Faculty members believe that engagement rests with the students. Conclusions This study suggests that there is not a single definition of engagement for engineering students. Rather, engagement is both a process and an outcome. Faculty stimulate engagement by providing students with active learning experiences, conveying excitement and enthusiasm for their subject, and providing opportunities for student-faculty interactions. Students show their engagement by participating in class discussions, doing research projects, and interacting with their professors and peers.
The actions of serotonin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine on hypothalamic processes leading to adenohypophyseal luteinizing hormone release.

The effects of third ventricle (3 V) infusion of exogenous monoamines on the secretion of LH were investigated in Nembutal-blocked proestrous rats after electrochemical stimulation (ECS) of the medial preoptic area (MPOA). Two microcannulae were anatomically oriented through the ventral surface of the brain to establish a push-pull flow system in the 3V at the rate of 3.9 μl/min for 160 min. Serotonin perfusions (2.6 × 10-3 M for 160 min at 3.9 μg/min) significantly depressed the MPOA-ECS-induced rise in plasma LH at 160 and 200 min, but did not diminish the secretion of LH after an intraatrial injection of 250 ng LRH. Seemingly, the reduced plasma LH which follows MPOA-ECS in serotonin-treated rats is the consequence of decreased hypothalamic LRH secretion. Desipramine (3.6 × 10-4 M), a norepinephrine (NE) uptake inhibitor, did not prevent serotonin inhibition. In contrast, the specific serotonin uptake inhibitor, Lilly 110140 (3.2 × 10-4 M), and cyproheptadine (2.9 × 10-4 M) blocked the inhibitory effec...
Probing the charge of reactive sites at the mineral-water interface: Effect of ionic strength on crystal growth kinetics of fluorite

Abstract Seeded fluorite crystal growth experiments were performed at three different ionic strengths, using a constant addition method and NaNO 3 as background electrolyte. By varying the fluorite seed concentration, growth rates were measured with and without aggregation taking place, hence allowing us to differentiate between the chemical effect of ionic strength on growth kinetics and possible changes in reactive surface area due to aggregation. Fluorite crystal growth followed a second order rate law consistent with a mechanism limited by the rate at which Ca 2+ ions are integrated into the crystal lattice at reactive sites along surface spirals (kink sites). Aggregation did not affect the growth kinetics. The linear growth rate constant, however, decreased with increasing ionic strength. We explain this as a kinetic salt effect on the rate-limiting surface reaction and, from the magnitude of the salt effect, we estimate a local charge of anion kink sites of −2.7.
Repression of small toxic protein synthesis by the Sib and OhsC small RNAs

The sequences encoding the QUAD1 RNAs were initially identified as four repeats in Escherichia coli. These repeats, herein renamed SIB, are conserved in closely related bacteria, although the number of repeats varies. All five Sib RNAs in E. coli MG1655 are expressed, and no phenotype was observed for a five-sib deletion strain. However, a phenotype reminiscent of plasmid addiction was observed for overexpression of the Sib RNAs, and further examination of the SIB repeat sequences revealed conserved open reading frames encoding highly hydrophobic 18- to 19-amino-acid proteins (Ibs) opposite each sib gene. The Ibs proteins were found to be toxic when overexpressed and this toxicity could be prevented by coexpression of the corresponding Sib RNA. Two other RNAs encoded divergently in the yfhL-acpS intergenic region were similarly found to encode a small hydrophobic protein (ShoB) and an antisense RNA regulator (OhsC). Overexpression of both IbsC and ShoB led to immediate changes in membrane potential suggesting both proteins affect the cell envelope. Whole genome expression analysis showed that overexpression of IbsC and ShoB, as well as the small hydrophobic LdrD and TisB proteins, has both overlapping and unique consequences for the cell.
Isentropic compression of fused quartz and liquid hydrogen to several Mbar

Models of the major planets are in part based on the equations of state of very compressible materials such as hydrogen and helium. A technique of isentropically compressing soft material to several Mbar and some preliminary results on fused quartz (silicon dioxide) and liquid hydrogen is described. Quartz was found to be an electrical non-conductor up to 5 Mbar and has a volume of about 0.15 cubic centimeters per gram at that pressure. Liquid hydrogen was found to have a volume of about 1 cm3/g at a pressure of about 2 Mbar. It was not determined if it was transformed into a metal.
The cholinergic innervation of the rat substantia nigra: a light and electron microscopic immunohistochemical study.

Putative cholinergic axons and synaptic endings were demonstrated in the substantia nigra (SN) of the rat by light and electron microscopy on the basis of the localization of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunoreactivity. The distribution of ChAT immunoreactivity in the SN as demonstrated by light microscopy revealed a modest network of ChAT-immunoreactive beaded axons in the SNc, in comparison to a relatively sparse distribution in the SNr. These axonal profiles were most dense in the middle of the rostral-caudal extent of the SNc and appeared to be concentrated in the middle third of the medial-lateral extent. By electron microscopy, unmyelinated, small diameter (0.25 μm) ChAT-immuno-reactive axons were observed interspersed among numerous other non-immunoreactive axons in the SNc. ChAT-immunoreactive synaptic endings were observed in juxtaposition to small caliber (0.5 μm) non-immunoreactive dendrites, and contained numerous spheroidal synaptic vesicles and occasional mitochondria. Synaptic contact zones were characterized by an accumulation of synaptic vesicles along the presynaptic membrane, and a prominent postsynaptic densification producing an asymmetrical pre-/postsynaptic membrane profile typical of excitatory synapses. These findings provide direct evidence for a cholinergic innervation of the SN, and suggest that this input may have an excitatory effect on neuronal elements in the SNc.
Aelurostrongylus Abstrusus Larvae in the Colon of Two Cats

A 12-year-old male domestic shorthair cat with a history of depression, aggression, and fever was presented for necropsy, and formalin-fixed tissues from a second male domestic shorthair cat of unknown age were submitted for histopathologic examination to the Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Both cats had granulomatous pneumonia associated with large numbers of parasite eggs and larvae, consistent with Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. Both cats also had larvae within glands in the colon that were identified morphologically as A. abstrusus first-stage larvae.
3D model creation through volumetric fusion of multiple range images

This paper presents a method to fuse multiple noisy range images to obtain a 3-D model of an object. This method projects each range image onto a volumetric grid that is divided into volume elements (voxels). We place a value in each voxel that represents our degree of certainty that that voxel is inside the sensed object. We determine this value by constructing a line from the voxel to the sensor's location and calculating the point that it intersects the range image. The certainty value is determined from the distance from the voxel to the range image intersection point and an estimate of the sensor's noise characteristics. The super Bayesian combination formula is used to fuse the grids created from the individual range images into an overall volumetric grid. We obtain the object model by extracting an isosurface at the value of 1/2 from the volumetric data using a variation of the marching cubes algorithm.
DYNAMICS AND FORCING OF A TETHERED SPHERE IN A FLUID FLOW

Abstract Despite the practical significance of studying the case of the tethered sphere in a steady flow, there are almost no laboratory investigations for such a problem, and it was previously unknown whether such a system would tend to oscillate or not. It is also common ocean engineering practice to assume no oscillation effects in predictions of drag and tether angle of a tethered body. The present work demonstrates that a tethered sphere will oscillate remarkably vigorously at a saturation amplitude of close to two diameters peak-to-peak. The oscillations induce an increase in drag and tether angle of the order of around 100% over what is predicted using nonoscillating drag measurements. Analysis of in-line and transverse natural frequencies indicate that these frequencies should have the same value. Our experiments show that the in-line oscillations become phase locked with the transverse oscillations and vibrate attwicethe frequency of the transverse motion. The above results suggest that oscillations are highly significant to predictions of sphere response in a steady flow, and should not be neglected. Finally, although response amplitudes show large disparity when plotted against Reynolds number, under a range of different sphere mass ratios (M*)and tether length ratios(L*),we find an excellent collapse of data for the different experiments by plotting the amplitudes versus the reduced velocityVR=U/fnD.This result shows that, for very small structural damping, the response amplitude may be considered as a function of the (normalized) natural frequency, and is only a function of the mass ratio and length ratio in so much as these parameters influence the natural frequency itself.
An Analysis of Node Sharing on HPC Clusters using XDMoD/TACC_Stats

When a user requests less than a full node for a job on XSEDE's large resources - Stampede and Lonestar4 -, that is less than 16 cores on Stampede or 12 cores on Lonestar4, they are assigned a full node by policy. Although the actual CPU hours consumed by these jobs is small when compared to the total CPU hours delivered by these resources, they do represent a substantial fraction of the total number of jobs (~18% for Stampede and ~15% for Lonestar4 between January and February 2014). Academic HPC centers, such as the Center for Computational Research (CCR) at the University at Buffalo, SUNY typically have a much larger proportion of small jobs than the large XSEDE systems. For CCR's production cluster, Rush, the decision was made to allow the allocation of simultaneous jobs on the same node. This greatly increases the overall throughput but also raises questions whether the jobs that share the same node will interfere with one another. We present here an analysis that explores this issue using data from Rush, Stampede and Lonestar4. Analysis of usage data indicates little interference.
A problem with integral conditions with respect to time for Gårding hyperbolic equations

In a domain specified in the form of a Cartesian product of a segment [0, T] and the space $ {{\mathbb{R}}^p} $ , we study a problem with integral conditions with respect to the time variable for Garding hyperbolic equations with constant coefficients in the class of functions almost periodic in the space variables. A criterion for the unique solvability of this problem and sufficient conditions for the existence of its solution are established in different function spaces. To solve the problem of small denominators arising in the construction of solutions of the posed problem, we use the metric approach.
Association between bovine-leukosis virus seroprevalence and herd-level productivity on US dairy farms

Bovine-leukosis virus (BLV; also termed 'bovine-leukemia virus') is a retrovirus that primarily affects lymphoid tissue of dairy and beef cattle. Our objective was to investigate the association between BLV infection and annual value of production (AVP) on dairy herds within the United States, as part of the USDA National Animal Health Monitoring System's 1996 dairy study. 1006 herds (in 20 states) with at least 30 dairy cows were interviewed during 1996. The agar-gel immunodiffusion test was used to detect serum antibodies to BLV. 10-40 cows from each herd were tested and each tested cow was classified as negative or positive based on results of a single test. A multivariable regression model was used with the 976 herds with complete data for analysis. When compared to herds with no test-positive cows, herds with test-positive cows produced 218 kg per cow (i.e. 3%) less milk. The average reduction in AVP was $59 per cow for test-positive herds relative to test-negative herds. For the dairy industry as a whole, BLV seropositivity was associated with loss to producers of $285 million and $240 million for consumers. Most of this $525 million industry loss was due to reduced milk production in test-positive herds.