cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Joint inference about sensitivity and specificity at the optimal cut-off point associated with Youden index

In diagnostic studies, both sensitivity and specificity depend on cut-off point and they are well-known measures for diagnostic accuracy. The diagnostic cut-off point is mostly unknown and needs to be determined by some optimization criteria out of which the one based on the Youden index has been widely adopted in practice. The estimation of the optimal cut-off point associated with Youden index depends on both diseased and healthy samples, henceforth, sensitivity and specificity at the estimated cut-off point are correlated. Therefore, it is desirable to make joint inference on both sensitivity and specificity at the estimated cut-off point. Several parametric and non-parametric approaches are proposed to estimate the joint confidence region of sensitivity and specificity at the cut-off point determined by the Youden index. A real data set is analyzed using the proposed approaches.
Tabu search performance on the symmetric traveling salesman problem

Abstract This paper describes tabu search and its application to the symmetric TSP, which is a classic combinatorial optimization problem. The performance of tabu search is compared to the K-OPT procedure using six test problems drawn from the literature. Although K-OPT is not the fastest TSP solution method, it is widely recognized as a performance benchmark. The primary features of both the tabu search and K-OPT computer programs are described. Additional comments about tabu search in general and some factors which influence the performance of tabu search are provided.
Aerodynamic design of electric and hybrid vehicles: A guidebook

A typical present-day subcompact electric hybrid vehicle (EHV), operating on an SAE J227a D driving cycle, consumes up to 35% of its road energy requirement overcoming aerodynamic resistance. The application of an integrated system design approach, where drag reduction is an important design parameter, can increase the cycle range by more than 15%. This guidebook highlights a logic strategy for including aerodynamic drag reduction in the design of electric and hybrid vehicles to the degree appropriate to the mission requirements. Backup information and procedures are included in order to implement the strategy. Elements of the procedure are based on extensive wind tunnel tests involving generic subscale models and full-scale prototype EHVs. The user need not have any previous aerodynamic background. By necessity, the procedure utilizes many generic approximations and assumptions resulting in various levels of uncertainty. Dealing with these uncertainties, however, is a key feature of the strategy.
Immune Dysfunction and the Pathogenesis of AIDS-associated non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Much has been learned about how HIV-induced immune dysfunction contributes to B cell hyperactivation, and potentially, to the pathogenesis of AIDS-lymphoma. However, further studies are needed to fully understand how HIV infection and immune dysfunction promote B cell hyperactivation and the development/growth of AIDS-lymphoma. In particular, studies are needed to define the role of HHV8 vIL6, IL6 receptor-expression, and lymphocyte surface stimulatory molecules, in promoting B cell hyperactivation or lymphoma cell growth.
Grain orientation and electrical properties of Sr2Nb2O7 ceramics

Sr2Nb2O7 ceramics sintered at 1753 K and the hot-pressed compacts annealed at 1073 K possess low density because of the formation of voids by large expansion. The expansion is attributed to cleavage and due to the preferential grain growth along the direction. An increase in dielectric constant at temperatures over 973 K and a parabolic decrease of resistivity with increasing temperature are observed. The constant variation corresponds well to the decrease in thermal strain and the grain orientation factor along the direction.
Homeostatic regulation of copper uptake in yeast via direct binding of MAC1 protein to upstream regulatory sequences of FRE1 and CTR1.

Copper deprivation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae induces transcription of the FRE1 andCTR1 genes. FRE1 encodes a surface reductase capable of reducing and mobilizing copper chelates outside the cell, and CTR1 encodes a protein mediating copper uptake at the plasma membrane. In this paper, the protein encoded by MAC1is identified as the factor mediating this homeostatic control. A novel dominant allele of MAC1, MAC1 up2, is mutated in a Cys-rich domain that may function in copper sensing (a G to A change of nucleotide 812 resulting in a Cys-271 to Tyr substitution). This mutant is functionally similar to theMAC1 up1 allele in which His-279 in the same domain has been replaced by Gln. Both mutations confer constitutive copper-independent expression of FRE1 and CTR1. A sequence including the palindrome TTTGCTCA … TGAGCAAA, appearing within the 5′-flanking region of the CTR1promoter, is necessary and sufficient for the copper- andMAC1-dependent CTR1 transcriptional regulation. An identical sequence appears as a direct repeat in theFRE1 promoter. The data indicate that the signal resulting from copper deprivation is transduced via the Cys-rich motif of MAC1 encompassing residues 264–279. MAC1 then binds directly and specifically to the CTR1 and FRE1 promoter elements, inducing transcription of those target genes. This model defines the homeostatic mechanism by which yeast regulates the cell acquisition of copper in response to copper scarcity or excess.
High-Precision, Ultralow-Temperature Resistivity Measurements on Bismuth

We report the first ultralow-temperature resistivity measurements on Bi with a precision better than 0.01% using a superconducting quantum interference device null detector. The results are inconsistent with simple carrier-carrier scattering. A Bloch-Gr\"uneisen formula for electron-phonon scattering gives an approximate fit to the lowest-temperature data with an effective reduced Debye temperature of the order of 2 K.
Multicomponent Thin Film Molybdate Catalysts for the Selective Oxidation of 1,3-Butadiene

The selective oxidation of 1,3-butadiene was examined over single and multiphase NiMoO{sub 4}-MoO{sub 3} thin film catalysts prepared by reactive sputtering. Previous studies of precipitated catalysts have indicated that synergism occurs for these multicomponent materials: sputtered films behaved similarly but tended to be more active and selective. XRD, LRS, XRF, XPS, SEM, and TEM were used to characterize the {alpha}-MoO{sub 3} and {alpha}-NiMoO{sub 4} thin films; for most bilayer materials, an additional phase, {beta}-NiMoO{sub 4}, was present in an interfacial region. Selectivity for furan, 2(5H)-furanone, and maleic anhydride was enhanced by the preparation of the materials as layered films. 62 refs., 9 figs., 7 tabs.
Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopic analysis of bones of osteocalcin-deficient mice provides insight into the function of osteocalcin

Osteocalcin, the γ-carboxyglutamic acid-containing protein, which in most species is the predominant noncollagenous protein of bone and dentin, has been postulated to play roles in bone formation and remodeling. Recently, genetic studies showed that osteocalcin acts as an inhibitor of osteoblast function. Based on von Kossa staining and measurement of mineral apposition rates in tetracycline-labeled bones, osteocalcin knockout animals were reported to have no detectable alterations in bone mineralization. To test the hypothesis that, in addition to regulating osteoblastic activity, osteocalcin is involved in regulating mineral properties, a more sensitive assay of mineralization, Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (FT-IRM) was used to study thin sections of femora of 4-week-, 6-month- (intact and ovariectomized), and 9-month-old wild-type and osteocalcin-knockout mice. FT-IRM spectra provided spatially resolved measures of relative mineral and carbonate contents, and parameters indicative of apatite crystal size and perfection. No differences were detected in the mineral properties of the 4-week-old knockout and wild-type mice indicating that the mineralization process was not altered at this time point. Six-month-old wild-type animals had higher mineral contents (mineral:matrix ratios) in cortical as compared with trabecular bones; mineral contents in knockout and wild-type bones were not different. At each age studied, carbonate:phosphate ratios tended to be greater in the wild-type as compared with knockout animals. Detailed analysis of the phosphate ν1,ν3 vibrations in the spectra from 6-month-old wild-type animals indicated that the crystals were larger/more perfect in the cortical as opposed to the trabecular bones. In contrast, in the knockout animals’ bones at 6 months, there were no differences between trabecular and cortical bone in terms of carbonate content or crystallite size and perfection. Spectral parameters of the cortical and trabecular bone of the knockout animals resembled those in the wild-type trabecular bone and differed from wild-type cortical bone. In ovariectomized 6-month-old animals, the mineral content (mineral:matrix ratio) in the wild-type cortices increased from periosteum to endosteum, whereas, in the knockout animals’ bones, the mineral:matrix ratio was constant. Ovariectomized knockout cortices had lower carbonate:phosphate ratios than wild-type, and crystallite size and perfection resembled that in wild-type trabeculae, and did not increase from periosteum to endosteum. These spatially resolved data provide evidence that osteocalcin is required to stimulate bone mineral maturation.
Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of bone. A clinicopathologic study of 81 patients.

BACKGROUND Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of bone, a relatively rare primary malignant neoplasm occurring in bone, is a distinct clinicopathologic entity formerly included in the category of osteosarcoma or fibrosarcoma. A series of patients treated at the Mayo Clinic for malignant fibrous histiocytoma of bone was studied to determine whether the prognosis for this disease is different from that of osteosarcoma and whether treatment should be different. METHODS The bone tumor files of the Mayo Clinic were reviewed for examples of malignant fibrous histiocytoma of bone. Clinical records and histologic slides were reviewed for 81 patients. Roentgenograms of 13 patients were available for review. RESULTS Patients with malignant fibrous histiocytoma of bone ranged in age from 6 to 81 years. The region most commonly affected was the knee. Seventy-eight percent of the lesions arose de novo and 22% in preexisting conditions. Histologically, most of the tumors were classified as the storiform pleomorphic type, although other histologic subtypes were identified. The prognosis depended on the types of surgical margins involved. Patients with wide or radical margins had a better prognosis than patients in whom the margins were contaminated. Some patients who received radiation therapy alone became long term survivors. CONCLUSIONS The overall prognosis for patients with malignant fibrous histiocytoma was not found to be significantly different from that described for patients with osteosarcoma in recent series. However, at least in this small series, some patients with malignant fibrous histiocytoma had a good response to radiation therapy. Osteosarcoma is generally considered radioresistant. Cancer 1997; 79:482-93. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
Performance of a Packed Column for Continuous Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Processing of Anhydrous Milk Fat

A continuous system was designed for the processing of anhydrous milk fat (AMF) with supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2). The packed column was operated as a stripping column with SC-CO2 as the continuous phase and AMF as the dispersed phase. The extraction was studied at 24.1 MPa and 40 °C. To utilize the functional similarities and make the analysis simpler, the AMF triglycerides were grouped as low-melting (LMT: C24–C34), medium-melting (MMT: C36–C40), and high-melting triglycerides (HMT: C42–C54). There was an increase in the concentrations of LMT and MMT and a decrease in that of HMT in the extract. The raffinate has a high concentration of HMT with trace amounts of LMT. The performance characteristics of the packed column were described by the number of transfer units (Nog), the overall volumetric mass transfer coefficient (KOGa), and the height of a transfer unit (HOG). The NOG and Kogci values decreased and the HOG value increased with increasing solvent-to-feed ratio. The HOG values increased and the NOG and KOGa values decreased from LMT to MMT to HMT, but the HOG values for HMT were greater than expected. The values of NOG, HOG, and KOGa for AMF (as a single component) were intermediate to those of MMT and HMT.
Introduction to Homogenous Catalysis with Ruthenium-Catalyzed Oxidation of Alcohols: An Experiment for Undergraduate Advanced Inorganic Chemistry Students

A three-week laboratory experiment, which introduces students in an advanced inorganic chemistry course to air-sensitive chemistry and catalysis, is described. During the first week, the students synthesize RuCl2(PPh3)3. During the second and third weeks, the students characterize the formed coordination compound and use it as a precatalyst for the oxidation of 1-phenylethanol to acetophenone. The synthesized RuCl2(PPh3)3 is characterized using 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The students run catalytic and control reactions and determine the percent yield of the product using 1H NMR. The synthesis and catalytic conditions are modified from previously published research articles. The RuCl2(PPh3)3 complex is air sensitive and is prepared under a nitrogen gas atmosphere and worked up in an inert atmosphere glovebox. The catalytic and control reactions are set up in the inert atmosphere glovebox and carried out at reflux outside of the glovebox under a n...
Thin film poly-Si formation by Cat-CVD method and its application for solar cells

Abstract Poly-Si thin film which has an ESR spin density of 6.9 E16/cm3 was obtained by Cat-CVD with a deposition rate of 5.4 A/s at a relatively high deposition pressure (approx. 30 Pa) with a high hydrogen dilution (SiH4/H2=0.05). The low ESR spin density films were applied to solar cells as a photo-active layer. Although the dark V–I curves of the cell showed diode characteristics, the photo V–I curves showed very small photo-current densities, lower than 0.5 mA/cm2. A large amount of higher order silane molecules at the present high deposition pressure might be one of the causes of this small photo-current density, as well as grain boundary recombination and an incubation layer at the first stage of film deposition.
Commentary: The Pivotal Role of the Faculty in Propelling Student Persistence and Progress toward Degree Completion.

Many constituencies of a college or university make contributions to student success and failure. Higher education research has focused on many contributors to college or university student success...
Surgeon-Driven Thyroid Interrogation of Patients Presenting with Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Background Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is an increasingly prevalent disease affecting all age groups. The authors sought to determine the impact of a "thyroid interrogation" practice protocol on the surgical treatment of patients with the diagnosis of pHPT referred to a single surgeon. Study Design We performed a retrospective review of prospectively gathered data on parathyroidectomy (PTX) patients undergoing both a prospective clinical thyroid evaluation and thyroid ultrasound between January 2008 and October 2012. Results Only 5.6% of 468 PTX patients were referred to a single surgeon for both parathyroid and thyroid surgical evaluation; 31% of patients had known pre-existing thyroid disease (hypothyroidism most commonly), and 22% of patients had palpable thyroid abnormalities unrecognized in 67% of cases by the referring physician. Of the 468 patients, 2.6% had a history of classic head and neck radiation exposure, 2.6% a history of radio-iodine treatment, and 3% a family history of thyroid cancer. Thyroid abnormalities were found on ultrasound in 61% of patients, and 26% of patients underwent thyroid biopsies. Parathyroid and thyroid surgery was combined for 18.4% of patients; indications included obstructive symptoms (3.2%), hyperthyroidism (0.9%), intraoperative findings (5.1%), and concern for malignancy (9.2%). Malignancy was diagnosed in 23 patients (4.9%), only 8 of whom had been referred for thyroid evaluation. Conclusions The majority of patients referred for PTX had evidence of thyroid pathology. For an important minority of these patients, benign and malignant disease was identified that merited surgical treatment at the time of PTX. We recommend comprehensive thyroid evaluation of patients referred for PTX.
Ethnicity and Trust in National and International Institutions: Kurdish Attitudes toward Political Institutions in Turkey

As political trust literature has focused on its political and economical determinants, the linkage between ethnicity and trust in domestic and international institutions has been largely overlooked with a few notable exceptions. This study aims to underline this linkage and offer several hypotheses to test them in Turkish context. Using the European Social Survey conducted in 2008, this study finds that, though Kurds have low levels of trust in domestic institutions, their distrust is not uniform across all institutions. Second, it finds that Kurds are pro-international institutions; that is, compared to Turks, they hold higher trust in international institutions. Finally, it finds that, contrary to the studies on the winner/loser debate in long-standing democracies, winners in general and Kurdish winners, those who voted for the Justice and Development Party, the winning party in the 2007 election—are not distinguishable in their level of trust in political institutions from the rest of society.
Hydroxide based Benzyltrimethylammonium Degradation: Quantification of Rates and Degradation Technique Development

Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) are of interest as hydroxide conducting polymer electrolytes in electrochemical devices like fuel cells and electrolyzers. AEMs require hydroxide stable covalently tetherable cations to ensure required conductivity. Benzyltrimethylammonium (BTMA) has been the covalently tetherable cation that has been most often employed in anion exchange membranes because it is reasonably basic, compact (limited number of atoms per charge), and easily/cheaply synthesized. Several reports exist that have investigated hydroxide stability of BTMA under specific conditions, but consistency within these reports and comparisons between them have not yet been made. While the hydroxide stability of BTMA has been believed to be a limitation for AEMs, this stability has not been thoroughly reported. In this paper, we have found that several methods reported have inherent flaws in their findings due to the difficulty of performing degradation experiments at high temperature and high pH. In order to address these shortcomings, we have developed a reliable, standardized method of determining cation degradation under conditions similar/relevant to those expected in electrochemical devices. The experimental method has been employed to determine BTMA stabilities at varying cation concentrations and elevated temperatures, and has resulted in improved experimental accuracy and reproducibility. Finally and most notably, thesemore » results have shown that BTMA is quite stable at 80°C (half-life of ~4 years), a significant increase in stability over what had been reported previously.« less
Uremic Pruritus: Skin Divalent Ion Content and Response to Ultraviolet Phototherapy

Pruritus is a frequent and troublesome consequence of end-stage renal disease. We have surveyed 155 chronic dialysis patients and found pruritus-to be a significant problem in approximately 70%. Seventeen patients reporting severe pruritus were treated thrice weekly with total body exposure to either UVA or UVB light. UVB light resulted in resolution of pruritus in all cases. UVA light was without significant effect. Skin biopsies obtained before and after UV phototherapy revealed elevated contents of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus in all pruritic patients. The resolution of pruritus following UVB treatment was associated with a reduction of skin phosphorus to values comparable with nonpruritic uremics or healthy volunteers. Uremic pruritus may be due to increased skin divalent ion content resulting in microprecipation of calcium or magnesium phosphate.
Laboratory Diagnosis of von Willebrand's Disease

The laboratory diagnosis of von Willebrand's disease (vWD) has become much more difficult because of the identification of numerous variant forms of vWD. The biologic and pathologic variability in individual patients necessitates a comprehensive assessment. Patients with classic type I vWD may be easily identified by using the bleeding time, activated partial thromboplastin time, platelet count, von Willebrand antigen, and ristocetin cofactor tests. In patients with variant forms of vWD, however, multimeric analysis of both platelet and plasma von Willebrand factor may be necessary. Furthermore, more than one assessment may be needed to detect an abnormal result in many of the aforementioned tests.
Differentiation of the isomeric 1,2‐cyclopentanediols by ion‐molecule reactions in a triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometer

Collisionally activated decompositions and ion-molecule reactions in a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer are used to distinguish between cis- and trans-1,2-cyclopentanediol isomers. For ion kinetic energies varying from 5 eV to 15 eV (laboratory frame of reference), qualitative differences in the daughter ion spectra of [MH]+ are seen when N2 is employed as an inert collision gas. The cis −1,2-cyclopentanediol isomer favors H2O elimination to give predominantly [MH- H2O]+. In the trans isomer, where H2O elimination is less likely to occur, the rearrangement ion [HOCH2CHOH]+ exists in significantly greater abundance. Ion-molecule reactions with NH3 under single-collision conditions and low ion kinetic energies can provide thermochemical as well as stereochemical information. For trans −1,2-cyclopentanediol, the formation of [NH4]+ by proton transfer is an exothermic reaction with the maximum product ion intensity at ion kinetic energies approaching 0 eV. The ammonium adduct ion [M + NH4]+ is of greater intensity for the trans isomer. In the proton transfer reaction with the cis isomer, the formation of [NH4]+ is an endothermic process with a definite translational energy onset. From this measured threshold ion kinetic energy, the proton affinity of cis −1,2-cyclopentanedioi was estimated to be 886 ± 10 kJ mol−1.
Participation Incentives in Rank Order Tournaments with Endogenous Entry

Rank order tournaments, in which the payment to an agent is based upon relative observed performance, are a commonly used compensation scheme. In practice, agents often compete in some (but not all) events in a set of tournaments. The present study considers two mutually exclusive tournaments, in which agents themselves decide which event to enter. An agent bases this decision upon the combination of three distinct effects: a prize effect, a winning probability effect, and an effort cost effect. The precise impact of each of these effects is analyzed. Of particular interest is the possibility that a field of higher quality may be attracted to the event with smaller prizes.
An Alternative Formulation of Lyapunov Exponents for Computing Lagrangian Coherent Structures

Lagrangian coherent structures are time-evolving surfaces that highlight areas in flow fields where neighboring advected particles diverge or converge. The detection and understanding of such structures is an important part of many applications such as in oceanography where there is a need to predict the dispersion of oil and other materials in the ocean. One of the most widely used tools for revealing Lagrangian coherent structures has been to calculate the finite-time Lyapunov exponents, whose maximal values appear as ridgelines to reveal Lagrangian coherent structures. In this paper we explore an alternative formulation of Lyapunov exponents for computing Lagrangian coherent structures.
MRI-guided stereotactic biopsy in the diagnosis of glioma: comparison of biopsy and surgical resection specimen

Abstract Background Although there has been a dramatic increase in the accessibility and utilization of high-resolution MRI techniques for the evaluation of brain tumors, there is currently only a single report comparing stereotactic brain biopsy specimen to subsequent resection specimen exclusively in the management of gliomas. Methods The diagnoses in 43 cases of astrocytic brain tumors were derived using MRI-guided stereotactic biopsy followed by open resection of the lesion. The histologic diagnoses yielded by biopsy were compared with subsequent histologic diagnosis after open tumor resection. All biopsies and histologic diagnoses were made by the same surgeon and pathologist, respectively. Results In 23 patients undergoing resection p p Conclusion MRI-guided stereotactic brain biopsy specimen accurately represents the grade of the larger glioma mass sufficiently to guide subsequent therapy. Enhancement on MR may be a negative prognostic indicator of biopsy accuracy.
The Public Understanding of Assessment in Educational Reform in the United States.

The United States education system depends on legislation and funding at the federal, state and local levels. Public understanding of assessment therefore is important to educational reform in the USA. Educational reformers often invoke assessment information as a reason for reform, typically by citing unacceptable achievement on some measure or indicator. Recent educational reforms in the US also rely on assessment information as evidence of the effectiveness of the reform, designing some sort of accountability system into the reform. Public opinion about testing in three recent waves of US educational reform (the minimum competency movement in the 1970s, the standards-based reform movement in the 1980s and 1990s, and the No Child Left Behind era beginning in 2002) shows two themes. One is public belief in the objectivity of testing. The other is public belief in using tests data comparatively and competitively.
Far field velocity potential induced by a rapidly decaying vorticity distribution

We study the velocity field induced by a vorticity distribution decaying rapidly in the distancer from the origin. In the far field, the vector potential for the velocity field can be represented by a series SgrA (n), withA (n) proportional tor –n–1, forn=1, 2, .... We show thatA (n) can be expressed as a linear combination ofM n linearly independent vector functions. The numberM n is equal to 3 forn=1 and 4n fornge2 and the coefficient of a vector function is defined by a linear combination of $$\frac{3}{2}(n + 1)(n + 2)$$ nth moments of vorticity. We then show that only 2n+1 linear combinations of thoseM n vector functions contribute to the far field velocity which is irrotational. The corresponding scalar potential PHgr (n) is then represented by a linear combination of 2n+1 spherical harmonics ofnth order whose coefficients are again linear combinations ofnth moments of vorticity.
Social Workers' Attitudes toward Peer-Reviewed Literature: The Evidence Base

Social workers from one state chapter of the National Association of Social Workers were surveyed to assess their use of and attitudes toward the peer-reviewed literature and their engagement in evidence-based practice. Results reveal that, in general, the practitioners in this study did not read the peer-reviewed literature, particularly articles describing research. One-half of the social workers reported feeling prepared by their social work education to read and critically evaluate the theoretical and empirical literature. Yet, they typically did not believe that the literature, particularly the empirical literature, was relevant for their practice, nor did they feel they were able to understand the implications of what they read for their practice. Further, the respondents generally did not engage in activities associated with evidence-based practice including using the results of research to guide practice, evaluating their practice, and using practice techniques for which there is empirical support.
A Failure to Adapt: Ankyrins in Congenital and Acquired Arrhythmias

The development of serious, potentially lethal cardiac arrhythmias is determined by a complex integration of factors, including, but not limited to, common and rare genetic variants that determine the responses to gene-gene and gene-environment interactions. Even the rare “simple” channelopathies that cause long-QT syndrome (LQTS) and a host of other potentially lethal arrhythmias exhibit a complex set of phenotypes of varying severity and overlapping features. Ankyrins are a family of adapter proteins, first identified in the erythrocyte membrane, that mediate the localization of a diverse group of cellular proteins. Three genes in the mammalian genome encode ankyrins that share a similar global architecture but exhibit distinct expression patterns and functions: ANK1 encodes ankyrin-R, which exhibits a more restricted expression; ANK2 (chromosome 4q25–27) encodes the more broadly distributed ankyrin-B; and ANK3 encodes the ankyrin-G for general or global. Ankyrins bind a number of ion motive proteins essential to normal cardiac electrophysiology, including the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger; inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor; Na+-K+ ATPase; and the voltage-dependent sodium channel (NaV1.5) By the very nature of the role of ankyrins in excitation and contraction in cardiac myocytes, it is understandable that variants in ankyrin-B originally described in a family with congenital LQTS1 would exhibit protean electrical phenotypes. Indeed, in the original LQTS cohort, sinus node dysfunction and atrial fibrillation have been described,1,2 and other electrophysiological abnormalities such as conduction block, idiopathic ventricular fibrillation, and catecholaminergic ventricular tachycardia have been included under the rubric of ankyrin-B syndrome.3 A mutation in the ankyrin binding domain of NaV1.5 has been associated with defective ankyrin-G binding and Brugada syndrome.4 Article p …
Changes in Diameter Growth of Taxodium distichum in Response to Flow Alterations in the Savannah River

Efforts to maximize or restore ecological function on floodplains impacted by dam construction have increasingly focused on river flow management. Few studies, however, consider floodplain hydrogeomorphic position and annual climatic variation in dam impact assessment. The Savannah River, a large river ecosystem in the Southeastern United States, was impounded in the 1950’s. Our study objectives were: (1) Characterize hydrology in floodplain areas containing Taxodium distichum, and determine how it has been affected by dam operations; (2) Identify basal area increment (BAI) response of Taxodium to annual flooding and climate (dry, average, wet) conditions; (3) Assess BAI response to dam-induced hydrologic changes. Levee and backswamp sites were significantly drier in the post-dam era, and trees at these sites showed a significant post-dam increase in BAI. Low-elevation river sites did not show significant hydrologic differences between pre- and post-dam eras, but BAI was significantly higher in dry years and significantly less sensitive to hydroperiod in the post-dam era. All trees demonstrated a significant quadratic BAI vs. hydroperiod relationship. This study demonstrates that annual productivity of Taxodium trees can be reduced by either drought or flood stress. It also suggests that climate and hydrogeomorphic location mediate dam impacts and productivity-flooding relationships in Taxodium.
Stability of cellular neural networks with dominant nonlinear and delay-type templates

Presents some further stability results for cellular neural networks (CNNs) with nonlinear delay-type templates. It is shown that there exists a globally asymptotically stable equilibrium point in CNNs with dominant nonlinear delay-type templates. Such a CNN can be used as a pattern classifier or encoder in the sense that there is a nonlinear map that relates the steady state output to the input regardless of the initial conditions. >
FDA Drug Approval Summary: Pemetrexed for Injection (Alimta®) for the Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

On August 19, 2004, pemetrexed for injection (Alimta); Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, http://www.lilly.com) received accelerated approval as monotherapy for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had received prior chemotherapy. Approval was primarily based on a single, controlled, unblinded trial. Five hundred seventy-one protocol-eligible patients were randomized to receive either pemetrexed or docetaxel (Taxotere); Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Bridgewater, NJ, http://www.aventispharmaus.com). The primary efficacy end point was overall survival. The median survival times were 8.3 months in the pemetrexed arm and 7.9 months in the docetaxel arm. Neither superiority nor noninferiority for overall survival could be demonstrated, the latter because a reliable and consistent survival effect of docetaxel could not be estimated and because of significant crossover of pemetrexed-treated patients to docetaxel after tumor progression. Comparable response rates, 9.1% for pemetrexed and 8.8% for docetaxel, times to progressive disease, and progression-free survival times supported the conclusion that an effect of pemetrexed on survival was reasonably likely, however. In addition, pemetrexed was felt to have a more favorable safety profile than docetaxel. Of greatest importance, pemetrexed caused significantly less neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, neutropenic infections, and need for granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factors.
Multiple re-excisions versus mastectomy in patients with persistent residual disease following breast conservation surgery.

Abstract Background Persistently involved margins following breast conservation surgery (BCS) create a diagnostic dilemma regarding the recommendation of further BCS or mastectomy. Methods A retrospective review of 276 breast cancer patients who underwent BCS and required additional surgical treatment between 1990–2002 was performed. Results For treatment of persistently involved margins, 63% of subjects underwent re-excision the first time, 49% the second time, and 37% the third time. The incidence of residual carcinoma increased linearly with the number of initially involved margins ( P = .03). Ductal carcinoma-in-situ (DCIS) or infiltrating lobular carcinoma (IFLC) primary histology was associated with a higher rate of residual cancer compared to invasive ductal carcinoma (IFDC) (62% vs. 69% vs. 54%, respectively, P = .56). A trend towards an increased risk of residual cancer in primary tumors ≥2 cm versus tumors under 2 cm was also evident (63%% vs. 50%, respectively, P = .38). Conclusions Approximately half of patients repeatedly selected BCS over mastectomy. It is important to realistically discuss the probability of definitive resection with patients who are undergoing breast conservation with re-excision.
Glioblastoma recurrence patterns near neural stem cell regions

Purpose Glioblastoma (GBM) cancer stem cells and their neural stem cell counterparts are hypothesized to contribute to tumor progression. We examined whether GBM contrast enhancement contact with neurogenic regions (NR) affect recurrence patterns, as contrast enhancement reflects regions of blood–brain barrier breakdown.
Angiogenin-induced tRNA-derived Stress-induced RNAs Promote Stress-induced Stress Granule Assembly

Angiogenin (ANG) is a secreted ribonuclease that cleaves tRNA to initiate a stress-response program in mammalian cells. Here we show that ANG inhibits protein synthesis and promotes arsenite- and pateamine A-induced assembly of stress granules (SGs). These effects are abrogated in cells transfected with the ANG inhibitor RNH1. Transfection of natural or synthetic 5′- but not 3′-tRNA fragments (tRNA-derived stress-induced RNAs; tiRNAs) induces the phospho-eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α-independent assembly of SGs. Natural 5′-tiRNAs but not 3′-tiRNAs are capped with a 5′-monophosphate that is required for optimal SG assembly. These findings reveal that SG assembly is a component of the ANG- and tiRNA-induced stress response program.
GLOBAL RELIGIOUS TRENDS: IMPLICATIONS FOR U.S. FOREIGN POLICY

Abstract Three religious demographic trends merit closer scrutiny, along with their impacton U.S. foreign policy. First, the percentage of religionists has steadily risen andis expected to reach about 87 percent by 2010. Second, the demographic profile of Christianity has shifted to Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Third, due to both immigration and secularization, the U.S. is becoming less Christian and more religiously diverse. These trends may lead to a larger role for religion in diplomatic relations, Christians improving global relations by virtue of the global reach of Christianity, and an opportunity in the U.S. for increased interaction among religionists.
Adaptive filtering using modified conjugate gradient

An adaptive filtering algorithm is described that uses the modified Conjugate Gradient (CG) algorithm. It has the ability to perform sample-by-sample updating of the filter coefficients more efficiently than previously described CG methods. Its performance can be comparable to the RLS and LMS-Newton algorithms, giving fast convergence for highly correlated input signals, while maintaining low misadjustment. Simulations demonstrating its performance and the influence of various parameter choices are shown. A convergence criterion is also derived.
Time-Predictable Java Dynamic Compilation on Multicore Processors

Java has been increasingly used in programming for real-time systems. However, some of Java’s features such as automatic memory management and dynamic compilation are harmful to time predictability. If these problems are not solved properly then it can fundamentally limit the usage of Java for real-time systems, especially for hard real-time systems that require very high time predictability. In this paper, we propose to exploit multicore computing in order to reduce the timing unpredictability that is caused by dynamic compilation and adaptive optimization. Our goal is to retain high performance comparable to that of traditional dynamic compilation, while at the same time, obtain better time predictability for Java virtual machine (JVM). We have studied pre-compilation techniques to utilize another core more efficiently, preoptimization on another core (PoAC) scheme to replace the adaptive optimization system (AOS) in Jikes JVM and the counter based optimization (CBO). Our evaluation reveals that the proposed approaches are able to attain high performance while greatly reducing the variation of the execution time for Java applications. Category: Embedded computing
High-current grid-controlled electron multiplier tube

A grid-controlled secondary-emission electron multiplier amplifier tube has been designed and built which can deliver an output pulse of five amperes into a load impedance of 100 ohms, with a rise time of less than 10 mµsec and a transit time of less than 20 mµsec. The measured transconductance of the tube is 600,000 µmhos, and it can provide a positive output pulse with a positive grid input. The tube is constructed as a series of concentric cylinders, with the grid and cathode structure of a 6AG7 pentode serving as a controlled emitter source. Outside the last grid, a series of four louvered, concentric dynodes are placed, with the first dynode serving as the missing pentode plate. Outside the last dynode are a screen-mesh collector and a fifth dynode. From the fifth dynode, a solid cylinder, the output pulse is taken. The concentric geometry has several advantages. Space-charge difficulties are decreased because the current gain at each dynode may be kept at a high level without increasing the current density in proportion. Furthermore, the geometry is suited to a coaxial input and output for obtaining optimum rise-time characteristics.
The Balance of Geostrophic and Ekman Transports in the Tropical Atlantic Ocean

Abstract Hydrographic station data from 24°N, 8°N, 8°S and 24°S in the Atlantic Ocean are used to calculate geostrophic transport in eight layers separated by isopycnal surfaces. In the upper ocean, the geostrophic transport is strongly northward across 8°S and strongly southward across 8°N resulting in a geostrophic convergence of ∼25 × 106 m2 s−1 in water of density less than ρ = 26.8. This is equal to the magnitude of the Ekman divergence calculated from observed wind. Similarly, geostrophic divergences of surface layers between 8°N and 24°N and between 8°S and 24°S are balanced by estimated Ekman convergences in those areas. The net upper-ocean transport across each latitude, given by the sum of Ekman transport plus upper ocean geostrophic transport, is ∼10 × 106 m3 s−1 northward. This transport is a component of the large-scale meridional cell which carries surface water and heat northward in both hemispheres of the Atlantic, with a return flow of cold water at depth.
Serum Concentration and pH Affect the CD13 Receptor Content of HL60 Cells Cultured in Stirred Bioreactors

The effects of serum medium concentration and culture pH on CD 13 receptor content and mRNA levels of HL60 (human promyelocytic leukemia) cells were examined using flow cytometry and Northern blotting. Increasing the serum concentration from 5% to 10% increased the CD 13 receptor content and mRNA levels of HL60 cells cultured at 80 rpm in a 2 L bioreactor. When the agitation rate was increased to 300 rpm, 10% FBS increased the HL60 apparent growth rate, but decreased the CD 13 receptor content and mRNA levels. Decreasing the culture pH from 7.4 to 7.2 (at 80 rpm) did not affect the HL60 apparent growth rate, but increased the CD 13 receptor content. Unlike the results of the serum experiment, changes in CD 13 content in response to culture pH were not correlated with changes in CD13 mRNA levels.
Science in Practice in Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Abstract In honor of the ABCT’s 50th anniversary, I offer observations about the consumption and production of science in the clinical practice setting from the vantage point of my own professional development and the development of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) more generally. I describe advances in the field that will promote clinicians’ consumption and production of science. Two recent developments that promote practitioners’ consumption of science are the field’s shift from the study of disorders to the study of transdiagnostic mechanisms, and the advent of flexible modular protocols. Two advances that support practitioners’ production of science include the overlapping interests of practitioners and scientists in understanding the mechanisms of action of our effective treatments, and the emergence of software and online tools that make it easy for clinicians to collect and organize the data they obtain during the course of their clinical work. Innovations that can strengthen the role of science in practice include the publication of more single-case studies and increased access to evidence-based assessment tools; I describe ways the ABCT might contribute to both these initiatives.
KINETICS FOR THE REACTIONS OF H3O+(H2O)N WITH CH3SOCH3

We have measured the rate constants and product branching fractions for the proton hydrate clusters H3O+(H2O)n (n = 0−4), reacting with dimethyl sulfoxide. The reactions were studied over the temperature range 198−298 K. Larger clusters were only studied at low temperatures since they are unstable at higher temperatures. All reactions were fast, approaching the collisional limit. The small clusters are slightly slower than the collisional limit, especially at 298 K. The product distributions were measured only at 198 K. All reactions proceeded by formation of H+(CH3SOCH3)(H2O)n. The major product was often the channel producing two neutral H2O molecules. The product distributions for the larger clusters were probably effected by thermal decomposition as evidenced by production of endothermic products.
Knee Joint Replacement Using Ceramic Implant

Two cases of knee joint replacement using ceramic implant were presented.The first case was forty-three-year old male with osteosarcoma of proximal tibia and the second was sixty-four-year old male with osteonecrosis of lateral femoral condyle.Preoperative design tended to produce too large prosthesis.Other problems complicating this procedure are discussed.
On the failure probability of one dimensional random material under delta external force

We provide an asymptotic analysis of the small failure probabilities for a piece of elastic random material under a certain external force and boundary conditions. The displacement of the material is described by a one dimensional stochastic elliptic differential equation. The differential equation admits random coefficients described by a Gaussian process. Failure is defined as the event that the maximum strain of the material exceeds a certain level. We derive asymptotic approximations of the probability that the strain exceeds a high level b that tends to infinity.
Implications and Trends in SMYS Built Into Pipelines

For many the use of SMYS in conjunction with working-strength design for pipelines leads to the expectation that the least strength of the joints in the pipeline is at or above SMYS. In contrast, regulations relevant to pipeline operation reference specifications require limited testing to demonstrate the acceptance of pipe joints made from a “heat” of steel, and where such testing fails such specifications admit a retest. Thus, contrary to the expectation of that all joints constructed into a pipeline achieve SMYS, the statistical reality is that some joints can have strengths that fall below this design expectation. This paper considers the implications of changes due to the globalization of the steel and pipe-making industries relative to the historical evolution of classes/grades of steel and their processing in regard to the statistical properties of line pipe built into a pipeline. It is shown for the data evaluated that, in spite of globalization and other aspects that tend to diminish quality such as increasing heat-volume, controls affected in steel and pipe production can lead to better quality today as compared to historical scenarios. Circumstances that can compromise this outcome are identified and discussed.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
CTC in Advanced Breast Cancer Prognosis, Monitoring, and Clinical Utility

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are epithelial cells that can be found circulating in the blood of metastatic breast cancer patients and may represent a heterogeneous population including cancer stem cells and cells shed from the metastatic lesions. Interest and research continues in CTCs with the intent to detect and perform molecular analysis of those cells with the possibility to better understand the fundamental processes driving tumor metastasis. The technological advancement suggested the potential to measure the metastatic potential of a tumor at the single cell level rather than waiting until the cells established a metastatic lesion and proliferate until they are large enough to be visualized on imaging or cause symptoms. Therefore, earlier detection of these cells may be associated with more effective treatment of micrometastatic disease and lead to better outcomes. This chapter will provide an overview of the clinical utility of CTCs in breast cancer by reviewing the various techniques of CTC isolation; discussing their use as a prognostic indicator, as well as monitoring tool for response to therapy and detection of recurrence in the metastatic setting; reviewing their use in the neoadjuvant setting for prognosis and prediction of disease recurrence after surgery; evaluating CTC variation according to molecular subtype; discussing the detection of HER2+ CTCs in patients with HER2− tumors; and finally outlining ongoing trials and future directions of CTCs.