cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multifrequency Phase-Modulation Fluorescence Lifetime Determinations On-the-Fly in HPLC

The first use of a multifrequency, phase-modulation spectrofluorometer for fluorescence lifetime determinations on-the-fly in HPLC is described. Direct, simultaneous measurements of fluorescence intensity, phase-shift, and demodulation are made at one-second intervals for polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons as they are eluted from the chromatograph. Fluorescence lifetime is calculated from both the phase-shift and the demodulation; the two independent values can be used to indicate the absence or presence of more than one component at any point in the chromatogram. Special considerations regarding data correction and calibration for phase-modulation lifetime determinations under continuous-flow conditions are discussed, along with effects of flow rate and mobile phase composition.
Ethanol in the stems of trees

Acetaldehyde and ethanol are usually thought to be produced in plant tissues as a mechanism to tolerate hypoxic conditions. We have found acetaldehyde and ethanol to be common in the vascular cambium and in the transpiration stream of trees. In nonflooded trees, acetaldehyde and ethanol concentrations averaged 130 and 40 μM in the cambium and 130 and 50 μM in the xylem sap, respectively. Ethanol concentrations in the transpiration stream and the cambium increased to as much as 5 mM upon flooding. Ethanol concentrations in the vascular cambium of Populus deltoides could not be eliminated by placing logs from nonflooded trees in a pure oxygen environment for as long as 96 h, but increased by almost 3 orders of magnitude when logs were exposed to low external partial pressures of O2. These results suggest that the vascular cambium was not hypoxic, despite the presence of acetaldehyde, ethanol and the enzymes for their synthesis.
Observation of 4-quasi-phasematched second-harmonic generation in a GaAs microdisk cavity

We observed singly-resonant, 4-quasi-phasematched, second-harmonic generation in a GaAs microdisk cavity. By pumping at the 1985.4-nm fundamental resonance, we observed (5.2±0.4)×10−5/mW conversion efficiency.
Robust parameter identification of discrete time single input single output linear time varying systems

An algorithm for solving the robust parameter identification problem for a discrete-time single-input single-output linear time-varying system is presented. The proposed approach is applied to an ARMA (autoregressive moving average) system of lag 1. >
Peptide-Derivatized Shell-Cross-Linked Nanoparticles. 1. Synthesis and Characterization

The conjugation of the protein transduction domain (PTD) from the HIV-1 Tat protein to shell-cross-linked (SCK) nanoparticles is reported as a method to facilitate cell surface binding and transduction of SCK nanoparticles. Attaching increasing numbers of peptide sequences to SCK nanoparticles in a global solution-state functionalization strategy has been devised as a method for increasing the efficiency of the cell-penetrating process. The numbers of peptides per SCK were controlled through stoichiometric balance and measured experimentally by two independent methods, UV−visible spectroscopy and phenylglyoxal analysis. PTD was conjugated in (0.005, 0.01, and 0.02) molar ratios, relative to the acrylic acid residues in the shell, to the SCK nanoparticles resulting in SCK populations possessing nominally 52, 104, and 210 (41, 83, and 202 as measured by phenylglyoxal analysis) PTD peptides per particle, respectively. The methodologies for the block copolymer and nanoparticle syntheses, peptide derivatizatio...
Construct validity of physical activity and sedentary behaviors staging measures for adolescents.

Purpose:To evaluate the construct validity of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors (SB) staging measures for adolescents that incorporate the current national recommendations.Method: The Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run, Actigraph accelerometer, and self-reported hours of TV viewing served as criterion measures.Participants were 878 adolescents (M age = 12.74, 53.6% girls, 39.9% non-White).Results: The PA staging measure had mixed evidence of convergent validity and strong evidence of divergent validity. The SB staging measure had strong and generalized evidence of convergent validity but weak evidence of divergent validity, which could be related to inaccurate assumptions about the relation of SB to PA and fitness. Results were generally in the expected direction and provide preliminary evidence for the construct validity and generalizability of both staging measures. However, more research is warranted to validate the staging measures with Actigraph-measured PA and sedentary time. Effect sizes (η2 values) Ranged from small to large (.02–.63).Conclusion:PA and SB stage-of-change measures that are congruent with current national recommendations and appropriate for use among adolescents were partially supported for their construct validity.
Time-dependent tritium inventories and flow rates in fuel cycle components of a tokamak fusion reactor

Abstract Time-dependent inventories and flow rates for several components of the fuel cycle are modeled and studied through the use of a new modular-type model for the dynamic simulation of the fuel cycle in a fusion reactor. The complex dynamic behavior in the modeled subsystems is analyzed using this new model. Preliminary results using fuel cycle design configurations similar to ITER are presented and analyzed. The inventories and flow rates inside the primary vacuum pumping, fuel cleanup unit and isotope separation system are studied. Ways to minimize the tritium inventory are also assessed. This was performed by looking at various design options that could be used to minimize tritium inventory for specific components.
Loewner matrix approach for modelling FDNEs of power systems

Abstract This paper proposes a new approach for modelling frequency dependent power system network equivalents (FDNE) using tangential interpolation framework based on Loewner matrix (LM) pencil. The Loewner matrix based tangential interpolation technique has been recently proposed for modelling of large multi-port VLSI circuits. The LM approach fits accurate state space descriptor system models from the frequency response measurements. Singular value decomposition based LM approach has been investigated in this paper for modelling of FDNEs. The proposed method's performance is compared to the widely used vector fitting approach using four power system examples. A simple matrix implementation for LM formation and a MATLAB based stable model extraction approach is proposed. It has been shown that the data splitting step of the LM approach has significant impact on the accuracy of the fitting. The LM method is shown to be comparable to vector fitting in terms of accuracy, stability and passivity. It does not require any starting poles and has no convergence issues because it is a non-iterative method. It also gives an indication of the system order which is a unique advantage.
Electron microscopy of rapidly solidified weldments in a powder-metallurgy Al-Fe-Ce alloy

Al-Fe-Ce alloys are rapid-solidification/powder metallurgy (RS/PM) products that offer significant advantages over conventional ingot metallurgy (IM) aluminum alloys for elevated-temperature applications. Through rapid solidification, the formation of coarse, primary intermetallics is suppressed and solidification instead occurs to a primary chi-aluminum structure. Subsequent powder consolidation and thermomechanical processing promote the formation of a high volume fraction (25 to 35%) of extremely fine thermally stable dispersoids in a matrix of submicrometer chigrains. This unique microstructure provides moderate to high room-temperature mechanical properties up to 300 C. Recent work has demonstrated that capacitor-discharge welding can successfully generate high-integrity joints in Al-Fe-Ce alloys. The extremely rapid heating and cooling rates associated with this process allow the generation of a rapidly solidified fusion zone without degradation to the surrounding base-metal microstructure. In addition, the simultaneous application of pressure during fusion-zone solidification suppresses the formation of hydrogen-induced porosity. In the original study, the investigation of weld-zone solidification characteristics was limited by the exclusive use of light microscopy for microstructure characterization. The purpose of the present work was to characterize capacitor-discharge weld-solidification phenomena in greater detail through the use of transmission electron microscopy.
Oromandibular-limb hypogenesis syndrome following chorionic villus sampling☆

A female infant with hypoglossia-hypodactyly syndrome is presented. Her mother underwent chorionic villus sampling (CVS) at 9 weeks gestation. This is the seventh reported case of oromandibular-limb hypogenesis syndrome associated with maternal CVS, the first from the United States. These seven CVS-related cases represent a significant increase over this syndrome's 'natural' incidence of 1 per 175,000 live births. An excess of limb reduction deformities has also been seen following CVS. These seven cases are reviewed, and the possible etiology of this rare condition is discussed.
Managing ambiguity in programming by finding unambiguous examples

We propose a new way to raise the level of discourse in the programming process: permit ambiguity, but manage it by linking it to unambiguous examples. This allows programming environments to work with informal descriptions that lack precise semantics, such as natural language descriptions or conceptual diagrams, without requiring programmers to formulate their ideas in a formal language first. As an example of this idea, we present Zones, a code search and reuse interface that connects code with ambiguous natural language statements about its purpose. The backend, called ProcedureSpace, relates purpose statements, static code analysis features, and natural language background knowledge. ProcedureSpace can search for code given statements of purpose or vice versa, and can find code that was never annotated or commented. Since completed Zones searches become annotations, system coverage grows with user interaction. Users in a preliminary study found that reasoning jointly over natural language and programming language helped them reuse code.
ClC3 Is a Critical Regulator of the Cell Cycle in Normal and Malignant Glial Cells

Although most brain cells are postmitotic, small populations of progenitor or stem cells can divide throughout life. These cells are believed to be the most likely source for primary brain malignancies including gliomas. Such tumors share many common features with nonmalignant glial cells but, because of their insidious growth, form cancers that are typically incurable. In studying the growth regulation of these tumors, we recently discovered that glioma cell division is preceded by a cytoplasmic condensation that we called premitotic condensation (PMC). PMC represents an obligatory step in cell replication and is linked to chromatin condensation. If perturbed, the time required to complete a division is significantly prolonged. We now show that PMC is a feature shared more commonly among normal and malignant cells and that the reduction of cell volume is accomplished by Cl(-) efflux through ClC3 Cl(-) channels. Patch-clamp electrophysiology demonstrated a significant upregulation of chloride currents at M phase of the cell cycle. Colocalization studies and coimmunoprecipitation experiments showed the channel on the plasma membrane and at the mitotic spindle. To demonstrate a mechanistic role for ClC3 in PMC, we knocked down ClC3 expression using short hairpin RNA constructs. This resulted in a significant reduction of chloride currents at M phase that was associated with a decrease in the rate of PMC and a similar impairment of DNA condensation. These data suggest that PMC is an integral part of cell division and is dependent on ClC3 channel function.
Paraneoplastic motor neuron disease and renal cell carcinoma Improvement after nephrectomy

A 74-year-old man had a paraneoplastic motor neuron disease mimicking amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He had an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, other laboratory abnormalities, and a previously undiagnosed renal cell carcinoma. Four months after nephrectomy, his strength had improved and he had no fasciculations. Seven other patients with cancer and motor neuron disease improved or stabilized after tumor treatment. Even though it is rare, paraneoplastic motor neuron disease is important to diagnose because it may be treatable.
Laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy during epidural anesthesia

This report describes the perioperative management of a 70-year-old man undergoing bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. Because of concerns regarding this patient's high risk for myocardial ischemia, the four-hour surgical procedure, which included the formation of pneumoperitoneum, was performed during epidural anesthesia with minimal sedation. The anesthetic implications of pneumoperitoneum during regional anesthesia are discussed.
Size Dependence of Cubic to Trigonal Structural Distortion in Silver Micro- and Nanocrystals under High Pressure

Silver micro- and nanocrystals with sizes of ∼2−3.5 μm and ∼50−100 nm were uniaxially compressed under nonhydrostatic pressures (strong deviatoric stress) up to ∼30 GPa at room temperature in a symmetric diamond-anvil cell and studied in situ using angle-dispersive synchrotron X-ray diffraction. A cubic to trigonal structural distortion along a 3-fold rotational axis was discovered by careful and comprehensive analysis of the apparent lattice parameter and full width at half-maximum, which are strongly dependent upon the Miller index and crystal size.
Approaching the Threshold for Predicting Preeclampsia: Monitoring Angiogenic Balance During Pregnancy

See related article, pp 859-866 Recent years have seen considerable advances in the identification of biomarkers related to the development of preeclampsia.1–4 Elegant translational studies reported by Maynard et al3 and Venkatesha et al4 from the Karumanchi laboratory clearly demonstrated that the antiangiogenic factors soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1; a vascular endothelial growth factor antagonist) and soluble endoglin (a transforming growth factor-β antagonist) play important roles in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. In the following years, additional progress has been made with respect to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the role of antiangiogenic factors in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.2–6 Viewed in concert, these studies have clearly established the importance of angiogenic balance in the maintenance of cardiovascular function in normal pregnancy. Despite marked progress toward these ends, the translation of these findings into clinically useful paradigms has moved at a much slower pace. In lieu of the development of novel treatments for preeclampsia, much current attention has been paid to determining the usefulness of these biomarkers for identification of patients who will go on to develop preeclampsia. Indeed, this is an important endeavor for several reasons, not the least of which is that early identification of preeclamptic patients is a high yield objective for enhancing the management and treatment of this devastating disorder. Moreover, the use of angiogenic markers may be helpful in discriminating patients with preeclampsia from those …
Regulation of megakaryocyte ploidy in vivo in the rat

The relationship between the bone marrow (BM) megakaryocyte and the circulating platelet was explored. Incremental changes in platelet count were made in rats by infusion of antiplatelet antibody or by platelet transfusion, and the response of megakaryocytes was measured by flow cytometry. Proportional changes in megakaryocyte ploidy were demonstrated: As the platelet count declined, ploidy increased; as the platelet count increased, ploidy decreased. Even moderate degrees of thrombocytopenia and thrombocytosis (48% and 177% of the normal platelet count) were associated with changes in ploidy. These changes were not the results of the technique used to alter the platelet count because reinfusion of platelets after 3 hours of thrombocytopenia prevented any ploidy change. These studies proved that the circulating platelet and the megakaryocyte constitute a classic feedback loop whose activity can be measured by the degree of ploidization of the megakaryocyte. The minimal duration of thrombocytopenia necessary to promote megakaryocyte ploidy changes was approximately 10 hours. Using a BM culture assay, we identified a plasma factor which induced alterations in megakaryocyte ploidy and whose level is inversely proportional to the platelet count.
Chronic exercise training improves ACh-induced vasorelaxation in pulmonary arteries of pigs.

We hypothesized that exercise training would lead to enhanced endothelium-dependent vasodilation in porcine pulmonary arteries. Pulmonary artery rings (2- to 3-mm OD) were obtained from female Yuca...
“Hands‐Free” Continuous Transthoracic Monitoring of Pericardiocentesis Using a Novel Ultrasound Transducer

Background: Pericardiocentesis can be monitored with a hand-held transducer. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of monitoring pericardiocentesis using a novel ultrasound transducer, which can be attached to the chest wall, developed in our laboratory (CONTISON). Methods: We studied nine patients with large pericardial effusions. The 2.5-MHz transducer is spherical in its distal part and mounted in an external housing to permit steering in 360 degrees. The external housing is attached to the chest wall using an adhesive patch. The CONTISON transducer was placed at the cardiac apex and an apical four-chamber view obtained. Pericardiocentesis was performed from the subcostal position. The pericardial effusion was continuously imaged. Mitral inflow velocity signals were recorded before and after pericardiocentesis. When fluid was first obtained, 50 mL of fluid were discarded after which 5 mL of agitated saline was injected through the needle. Results: In the first patient the pericardiocentesis needle was seen in the left ventricular cavity. Saline injection produced a contrast effect in the left ventricle. The needle was gradually withdrawn until contrast was seen in the pericardial sac. A total of 1100 mL was removed without further complications. The second patient had clear fluid followed by blood stained aspirate. The echocardiogram revealed gradual appearance of granular echoes within the pericardial sac, suggestive of intrapericardial clot that was subsequently surgically evacuated. In the remaining seven patients, agitated saline produced a contrast effect in the pericardial sac indicative of proper needle position. Mitral flow velocity paradoxus was noted in five patients, and it resolved after pericardiocentesis in four patients. No adjustment of the transducer was required. Conclusion: The CONTISON transducer permitted continuous monitoring of pericardiocentesis. This technique could potentially facilitate pericardiocentesis. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 20, August 2003)
Nitric oxide scavenging by red cell microparticles and cell free hemoglobin as a mechanism for hemolytic diseases and the red blood cell storage lesion

Intravascular red cell hemolysis impairs NO-redox homeostasis, producing endothelial dysfunction, platelet activation and vasculopathy. A central mechanism is that cell-free plasma hemoglobin reacts with the vasodilator nitric oxide (NO) in a 1:1 stoichiometric reaction that occurs at high rate of 6-8x107 mol/L/s. This consumption of NO by cell free plasma hemoglobin has been shown to cause changes in vascular function in subjects with sickle cell anaemia who had plasma heme concentrations as low as 6 µM. Approximately half of the observed “hemolysis” in stored blood is also encapsulated in microparticles, and, in theory, based on their small molecular size, microparticles may also exhibit accelerated NO scavenging rates compared with intact erythrocytes. The effect of microparticles on NO scavenging could be especially important, particularly in the microvasculature where their clearance may not be reflected by systemic clearance rates. Red blood cell storage under standard blood banking conditions results in reduced integrity of the erythrocyte membrane, with formation of exocytic microvesicles or “microparticles” and hemolysis, which we hypothesized could impair vascular function and contribute to the putative “storage lesion” of banked blood. We now find that storage of human red blood cells under standard blood banking conditions results in the accumulation of cell free and microparticle-encapsulated hemoglobin which, despite 39 days of storage, remains in the reduced ferrous oxyhemoglobin redox state and stoichiometrically reacts with and scavenges the vasodilator NO. Using stopped-flow spectroscopy and laser triggered NO release from a caged NO compound we found that both free hemoglobin and microparticles react with NO about 1000 times faster than with intact erythrocytes. In complementary in vivo studies we show that hemoglobin, even at concentrations below 10 µM (in heme), produces potent vasoconstriction when infused into the rat circulation, while controlled infusions of methemoglobin and cyanomethemoglobin, which do not consume NO, have substantially reduced vasoconstrictor effects. Infusion of the plasma from stored human red cell units into the rat circulation produces significant vasoconstriction related to the magnitude of storage related hemolysis. Finally, we explored new therapies that have the potential to bypass NO scavenging via direct pharmacological activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC). These sGC activators or stimulators show promise in the reversal of free-hemoglobin mediated vasoconstriction. The results of these studies suggest new mechanisms for endothelial injury and impaired vascular function associated with the most fundamental of red blood cell storage lesions, hemolysis, as well as suggest a new approach to therapeutic restoration of cGMP levels in the setting of NO scavenging reactions.
Analysis Of Biologically Equivalent Lung Tissue Dose For 3-D Conformal Partial Breast Irradiation And Whole Breast Irradiation

Partial breast irradiation (PBI) is currently being investigated as an alternative to conventional whole breast irradiation (WBI). The benefits of PBI compared to WBI include a shorter treatment time and possible reduction in dose to normal tissue. However, the biological effects of hypofractionation must also be considered for normal tissues treated with PBI. The purpose of this study was to examine radiation dose to lung tissue for 3 dimensional (3-D) conformal external beam partial breast irradiation (PBI) and standard whole breast irradiation (WBI). Biologically equivalent dose (BED) was used to account for the altered dose and fractionation of PBI.
Review of fusion system magnet problems

Problems concerned with large, small, and superconducting tokamaks and stellarators and the challenges they present to magnet engineers are discussed. The superconducting magnet test facilities are also discussed. Magnet experience outside the fusion program is briefly surveyed. >
Thermal optimization in multi-granularity multi-core floorplanning

Multi-core microarchitectures require a careful balance between many competing objectives to achieve the highest possible performance. Integrated Early Analysis is the consideration of all of these factors at an early stage. Toward this goal, this work presents the first adaptive multi-granularity multi-core microarchitecture-level floorplanner that simultaneously optimizes temperature and performance, and considers memory bus length. We include simultaneous optimization at both the module-level and the core/cache-bank level. Related experiments show that our methodology is effective for optimizing multi-core architectures.
PERITONEAL ABSORPTION RED CELLS LABELED BY RADIO-IRON HEMOGLOBIN MOVE PROMPTLY FROM PERITONEAL CAVITY INTO THE CIRCULATION

The absorption of red cells from the normal peritoneum of the dog can be demonstrated by means of red cells labeled with radio-iron incorporated in the hemoglobin of these red cells. Absorption in normal dogs runs from 20 to 100 per cent of the amount given within 24 hours. Dogs rendered anemic by bleeding absorb red cells a little less rapidly-ranging from 5 to 80 per cent of the injected red cells. Doubly depleted dogs (anemic and hypoproteinemic) absorb even less in the three experiments recorded. This peritoneal absorption varies widely in different dogs and even in the same dog at different times. We do not know the factors responsible for these variations but there is no question about active peritoneal absorption. The intact red cells pass readily from the peritoneal cavity into lymph spaces in diaphragm and other areas of the peritoneum. The red cells move along the lymphatics and through the lymph glands with little or no phagocytosis and eventually into the large veins through the thoracic ducts.
Medicaid Expansion and Sales Tax Reform Dominate Arizona's Budget Process

Author(s): Wells, David | Abstract: While Arizona’s Fiscal Year 2014 budget itself offered modest changes from 2012-2013, two budget policy areas became the battleground. With the re-election of President Barack Obama in 2012, the biggest lingering question in the Republican-dominated state government was what would happen with Medicaid expansion. Governor Jan Brewer chose the pragmatic path of seeking Medicaid expansion and eventually had to rely on Democrats for the votes to add it to the budget over leadership objections in both the State House and Senate. Meanwhile, efforts to reform Arizona’s complex sales tax system ran into opposition from cities and towns and ultimately a compromise became law.
Effect of hawthorn (Crataegus oxycantha) crude extract and chromatographic fractions on multiple activities in a cultured cardiomyocyte assay

Extracts of hawthorn (Crataegus oxycantha) have become popular herbal supplements for their well-recognized cardiotonic effects. Many commercial preparations have been used successfully in the treatment of congestive heart failure, although the active principles within these extracts have yet to be conclusively identified. Several hawthorn preparations were studied and found to have negative chronotropic effects in a cultured neonatal murine cardiomyocyte assay using unpaced cells. As compared to conventional cardiac drugs (i.e., epinephrine, milrinone, ouabain, or propranolol), hawthorn extract has a unique activity profile. Hawthorn extract appears to be anti-arrhythmic and capable of inducing rhythmicity in quiescent cardiomyocytes. Hawthorn extract does not cause β-adrenergic receptor blockade at concentrations which cause negative chronotropic effects. Commercial hawthorn preparations, extracts prepared from dried leaves and those made from dried berries have similar chronotropic activities. When crude extracts are separated using size-exclusion chromatography, several fractions retain multiple cardiac activities. Assays with chromatographic fractions reveal that multiple dissimilar cardioactive components may exist within the extract, making the identification of individual active constituents more challenging.
Fluctuating clinical myotonia and weakness from Thomsen’s disease occurring only during pregnancies

Advances in molecular genetics are allowing better phenotype to genotype correlation of the non-dystrophic myotonic disorders. We report a 32-year-old woman, who first noted myotonia that was associated with weakness during her first pregnancy. The work-up disclosed that she had Thomsen's disease which is not known to be associated with weakness. In addition, her myotonia was of the fluctuating type and occurred (symptomatically) only during two pregnancies. We discuss the evaluation of myotonia in the pregnant woman which led to the diagnosis of Thomsen's disease and we conclude that in exceptional cases, fluctuating myotonia and weakness occurs in autosomal dominant chloride channel myotonia (Thomsen's disease).
A visual framework invites human into the clustering process

Clustering is a technique commonly used in scientific research. The task of clustering inevitably involves human participation - the clustering is not finished when the computer/algorithm finishes but the user has evaluated, understood and accepted the patterns. This defines a human involved "clustering-analysis/evaluation" iteration. Instead of neglecting this human involvement, we provide a visual framework (VISTA) with all power of algorithmic approaches (since their result can be visualized), and in addition we allow the user to steer/monitor/refine the clustering process with domain knowledge. The visual-rendering result also provides a precise pattern for fast post-processing.
Perceptions of the United States in Chinese Textbooks: The United States as Presented in Chinese Texts

(1996). Perceptions of the United States in Chinese Textbooks: The United States as Presented in Chinese Texts. The Social Studies: Vol. 87, No. 3, pp. 133-137.
The effect of patient-to-patient variability on the accuracy of predictive assays of tumor response to radiotherapy: a theoretical evaluation.

Abstract Mathematical modeling was used to investigate the relative accuracy that might be expected from predictive assays of tumor response to radiotherapy based on one of the following four tumor characteristics: intrinsic tumor-cell radiosensitivity, doubling time of the clonogenic tumor cells, number of clonogens in the tumor at the start of treatment, and extent of hypoxia in the tumor. In particular, the influence of inter-tumor heterogeneity on predictive accuracy was investigated. Wide patient-to-patient variability in a tumor characteristic contributing to treatment response adds to the accuracy of a predictive assay based on that characteristic, but variability from patient to patient in factors influencing response, but not measured by the assay, has a confounding effect and reduces predictive accuracy. The results of this theoretical study suggest that predictive assays based on intrinsic tumor-cell radio-sensitivity are much more likely to be correlated with clinical outcome than are assays based on clonogen doubling time, hypoxic fraction, or clonogen number, since individual differences in tumor radiosensitivity can seriously confound assays based on the other factors. It is concluded that it may be necessary to correct for individual differences in Intrinsic radiosensitivity before predictive assays based on other tumor characteristics, such as potential doubling time, might have any detectable clinical significance.
Interactive Visibility Retargeting in VR Using Conformal Visualization

In Virtual Reality, immersive systems such as the CAVE provide an important tool for the collaborative exploration of large 3D data. Unlike head-mounted displays, these systems are often only partially immersive due to space, access, or cost constraints. The resulting loss of visual information becomes a major obstacle for critical tasks that need to utilize the users' entire field of vision. We have developed a conformal visualization technique that establishes a conformal mapping between the full 360^\circ field of view and the display geometry of a given visualization system. The mapping is provably angle-preserving and has the desirable property of preserving shapes locally, which is important for identifying shape-based features in the visual data. We apply the conformal visualization to both forward and backward rendering pipelines in a variety of retargeting scenarios, including CAVEs and angled arrangements of flat panel displays. In contrast to image-based retargeting approaches, our technique constructs accurate stereoscopic images that are free of resampling artifacts. Our user study shows that on the visual polyp detection task in Immersive Virtual Colonoscopy, conformal visualization leads to imprrenderingoved sensitivity at comparable examination times against the traditional rendering approach. We also develop a novel user interface based on the interactive recreation of the conformal mapping and the real-time regeneration of the view direction correspondence.
Enhancing the International Business Curriculum Through Partnership with the United States Department of Commerce: The “E” Award Internship Program

Management education has been subjected to scrutiny and criticism over its lack of relevance to the “real world” of management practice. In response, many institutions have developed and, in some cases, require students to complete an internship as part of their degree requirements. International business is a field of study where internships can be extremely beneficial in helping students understand the complexities of actual management practice. This article describes an innovative internship program in international business that has provided benefits to students, their sponsoring organizations and their academic institution.
Motion compensated reconstruction for myocardial perfusion MRI

Background Classical acceleration schemes for myocardial perfusion MRI like view sharing, k-t BLAST [Tsao et al. ‘03] are sensitive to motion artifacts which could arise in data with inconsistent gating and/or breathing motion. A natural approach to be robust to this is to estimate the motion and compensate for it during the recovery; to this end we proposed a novel joint motion estimation and reconstruction scheme in [Lingala et al. ‘11]. One goal of this work is to further validate it by recovering such data at considerable accelerations (R). In a 2nd goal, we apply it to recover images acquired with an ungated protocol [DiBella et al. ‘11]. This obtains data at a rapid rate without any gating to provide robustness to beat-beat variability. It also offers a high temporal resolution (~50ms), which ensures maximal information is obtained during the brief first pass. This resolution also means the cardiac motion is captured, akin to cine imaging. Here, we aim to benefit the reconstructions by compensating for this motion. We show its utility by comparisons with standard gridding reconstruction (GR) and sliding window (SW) algorithm.
PHYCOLOGICAL NOTES. H. EUGLENA MYXOCYLINDRACEA SP. NOV.12

SUMMARY A previously undescribed species of Euglena, E. myxocylindracea, sp. nov., is described from soil in a garden and in a while pine woods in Pike County, Pa. In addition to the, type, an organism (No. 457) in the Culture Collection of Algae. Indiana University, hitherto designated E. viridis var. terricola. is transferred to E. myxocylindracea as var. terricola. Differences such as the usual absence of an emergent flagellum, or the presence of an extremely short one (ca. 3.5–4 μ), and the dominance of a palmelloid state in a variety of liquid and solid culture media in which the cells secrete dichotomously branching slimy cylinders distinguish the new species from E. viridis.
Sorghum genetic variation in calcium (45Ca) uptake

Abstract Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] seedling root tips (1 cm) were sequentially immersed in 10 mM EDTA to remove mucigel, p‐chloromercuribenzene sulfonic acid (PCMBS) (0 and 10 mM) (1 hr), pH 6.0, 5.5, 5.0, 4.5, or 4.0 solutions (0.1 μCi 45Ca) as maintained by 0.01M NaAc buffer, and 10 mM EDTA (10 min). PCMBS untreated root 45Ca uptake decreased as the external solution pH dropped below pH 6.0 in SC574 and SC283 to minimums at pH 5.5 in SC574 and pH 5.0 in SC283. In Funk G522DR, PCMBS untreated root 45Ca uptake increased as pH decreased from pH 6.0 to pH 5.0 and 45Ca uptake decreased at lower pH's. Ion channel mediated 45Ca uptake (+ 10 mM PCMBS) accounted for ‐90% of the ion uptake in SC574 at pH 6.0, 78% of the total 45Ca absorbed at pH 6.0 in SC283, and 65% of the 45Ca absorbed at pH 6 in Funk G522DR. Decreased external pH induced decreased 45Ca absorption in PCMBS treated roots in all three cultivars with different patterns of maximum and minimum 45Ca uptake.
Retinal capillary velocities with elevated intraocular pressure

We examined the effect of increased intraocular pressure on the distribution of erythrocyte velocities within capillaries of the cat retina. Retinal capillary networks of 4 cats were observed using gradient index of refraction (GRIN) lens endoscopy near the optic disk and compared to similar measurements in the periphery within the nasal sector of the retina while intraocular pressure (IOP) was varied. Erythrocyte velocity and density were determined using time-based correlation algorithms from 15 second video segments. We determined that retinal capillary flow was insensitive to changes in intraocular pressure for pressures below 30 mmHg retinal blood and stasis was never observed. Above 30 mmHg retinal blood velocity was diminished and the incidence of stasis increased with increasing intraocular pressure.
Some empirical properties of an all‐relative‐pairs linkage test

Olson and Wijsman [Genet Epidemiol 10:87–102, 1993] recently proposed a single test of linkage which combines information from different types of relative pairs in a pedigree. Relative-pair-type-specific regression parameters that relate the squared pair trait difference to the estimated number of marker genes shared identical by descent between the pair are estimated using generalized estimating equation methodology, then combined to give a single linkage test statistic. Questions remain concerning the small sample and robustness properties of this test statistic; these questions are addressed in the present paper using simulation. The test is substantially anti-conservative for samples with fewer than about ten families and are approximately valid for samples larger than about 15 families. In addition, the test appears robust in the presence of trait genotype by environment interaction, trait family-specific errors, a second major trait locus, and trait dominance. Surprisingly, the sibpair test was more powerful than the all-relative-pairs test for dominant traits with high heritability. Finally, adjusting for the presence of a marker known to be linked to one trait locus only marginally improves the power for detecting a second trait locus. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Glial Cell Missing 1 Regulates Placental Growth Factor (PGF) Gene Transcription in Human Trophoblast

Placental growth factor (PGF, previously known as PlGF) is prominently expressed by trophoblasts in human placenta, whereas most nontrophoblast cells express low levels of PGF mRNA under normal physiological conditions. We have shown that hypoxia decreases PGF expression in the trophoblast, but little is known about transcriptional regulation of PGF gene expression. We sought to determine promoter regions of the human PGF gene that contribute to its restricted high constitutive expression in the trophoblast. Overlapping putative promoter regions of human PGF gene encompassing −1.5 kb were cloned into reporter vectors and co-transfected into trophoblast and nontrophoblast cell lines. Promoter activity generated by a −1.5-kb clone was significantly higher in trophoblasts than in nontrophoblasts. Selective deletion mutants showed that a clone encompassing the PGF (−828/+34) region generated promoter activity similar to the −1.5-kb region in the trophoblast. However, deletion of another 131 bp from this subclone (−698/+34) resulted in significantly less promoter activity in the trophoblast. The (−828/−698) region significantly enhanced activity of a minimal promoter construct in trophoblast but not in nontrophoblast cells, suggesting that this region contributes to regulating PGF transcription in the trophoblast. Site-directed mutagenesis of a glial cell missing 1 (GCM1) motif in the 131-bp region significantly decreased enhancer activity in the trophoblast. Furthermore, overexpression of GCM1 significantly increased PGF −1.5-kb promoter activity and PGF mRNA expression in trophoblast and nontrophoblast cells. Forced overexpression of GCM1 restored PGF expression in the hypoxic trophoblast. These data support a functional role for GCM1 contributing to constitutively high trophoblast PGF expression and is the first direct evidence of an oxygen-responsive, trophoblast-specific transcription factor contributing to the regulation of PGF expression.
Partisan Polarization in Presidential Support: The Electoral Connection

By every measure, politics in Washington became increasingly polarized along partisan and ideological lines between the Nixon and George W. Bush (2001) administrations. One component of this development has been the growing partisan disparity in congressional support for presidential initiatives. This trend has a manifest electoral and popular basis. Survey and aggregate electoral data show that the extent to which presidents and members of the opposition party in Congress share electoral constituencies has declined significantly, and the parties' respective electoral bases have become increasingly polarized in terms of both ideology and presidential voting patterns. Presidential job approval data also show a widening gap in the average approval ratings expressed by self-identified Republicans and Democrats. These changes have substantially reduced incentives for opposition members to support the president, while making it politically more attractive for the president's own partisans to support his positi...
Dynamic Response of Squeeze Film Dampers Operating With Bubbly Mixtures

Squeeze film dampers (SFDs) aid to attenuate vibrations in compressors and turbines while traversing critical speeds. In actual applications, gas ingestion from the environment may lead to the formation of a foamy lubricant that degrades the rotor/bearing system dynamic performance. Impact and imbalance response tests conducted on a rigid rotor supported on SFDs, and aimed to emulate the pervasive effect of air ingestion into the damper film lands, are reported. Two types of squeeze film damper support the test rotor, one is a conventional cylindrical design with a squirrel cage-type elastic support, and the other is a compact four-pad damper with integral wire EDM elastic supports. Both dampers have identical diameter and radial clearance. Controlled (air in oil) mixtures ranging from pure oil to all air conditions are supplied to the SFDs, and measurements of the transient rotor response to calibrated impact loads are conducted. System damping coefficients, identified from acceleration/load transfer functions, decrease steadily as the air content in the mixture increases. However, measurements of the rotor synchronous imbalance response conducted with a lubricant bubbly mixture (50% air volume) show little difference with test results obtained with pure lubricant supplied to the dampers. The experimental results show that air entrainment is process and device-dependent, and that small amounts of lubricant enable the effective action of SFDs when the rotor traverses a critical speed.
The challenge of landing on Europa

Europa is one of the most scientifically interesting objects in the solar system because of the strong possibility that a liquid water ocean exists beneath its ice-covered surface. The primary scientific goals of the mission are to confirm the existence of a liquid ocean, characterize surface material from recent upwelling and look for evidence of pre-biotic chemistry. The mission concept involves landing a single spacecraft on the surface of Europa with the ability to collect samples from 10 centimeters below the surface, perform analysis of the samples, and transmit the results back to Earth. Because of the large /spl Delta/V required (4.3 km/sec), the propellant mass comprises 70% of the spacecraft wet mass. This large /spl Delta/V requirement is further exasperated by the radiation shielding mass needed to protect the avionics and instruments from Jupiter's severe radiation environment (7.5 Mrad behind 40 mils Al). The spacecraft will require radiation-tolerant components; new devices for acquiring, distributing, and processing samples; an advanced RTG power source, and a capability to perform autonomous precision navigation leading to a safe landing on Europa's uncharacterized surface.
Weakness in Numbers: Towards an Understanding of Employees of Color's Responses to Organizational Research Efforts

Employees of color have been reluctant to respond or to give candid responses when participating in organizational research, putting its validity at risk. In this literature review, we examine how employees of color’s assessment of and satisfaction with an organization‘s commitment to diversity affect their willingness to participate in organizational research efforts in multicultural organizations. Two general propositions are explored but not tested: (1) responding openly is of little or no utility to employees of color, and thus responding is of no genuine value, and (2) responding candidly could lead to adverse consequences for them.
Geologia como uma ciência histórica da natureza

A geologia como ciencia teorica esta sem duvida passando por uma de suas crises de crescimento. Isto e visto, em particular, nas contribuicoes contraditorias sobre seu objeto, conteudo e metodo. Ouvem-se proposicoes de que a nocao de geologia como uma ciencia que trata da historia da Terra ha muito tornou-se antiquada, que a Geofisica, a Geoquimica e outras sao as unicas ciencias teoricas da Terra.
Clinician Misperceptions about the Importance of Adolescent HPV Vaccination

Introduction: Adolescent HPV vaccination rates remain suboptimal. The purpose of the study was to investigate attitudes about HPV vaccine relative to other adolescent vaccines among clinical staff from primary care offices and school based clinics. Methods: We interviewed clinicians in primary care offices and school-based clinics regarding their attitudes about HPV vaccine relative to Tdap and MCV4. Results: Respondents (n = 36) included clinical staff in family medicine (47%), pediatrics (25%), obstetrics/gynecology (19%) and school-based health clinics (8%). Only 3% strongly agreed and 17% agreed that completion of HPV vaccine was more important than completion of pertussis vaccine (Tdap), while 6% strongly agreed and 33% agreed that completion of HPV vaccine was more important than completion of meningitis vaccine (MCV4). Discussion: Providing clinicians with additional information about the cancer prevention benefits of the HPV vaccine and the greater risk for HPV infection/disease relative to other vaccine preventable adolescent diseases may help to increase HPV vaccination rates among adolescents.
RECOVERY AND UTILIZATIN OF SILVER SALT FROM SILVER-BEARING WASTE LIQUID

Chloride ion(Cl -) and COD Cr is often determined by using of expensive silver salt such as AgNO 3 or Ag 2SO 4. A simple and practical method of recovering silver salt from silver-bearing waste liquid has been discussed. in which the silver was separated and enriched by using setting method (pH≈3), the metal silver was produced by Fe-Cu reduceing method, AgNO 3 was prepared by H 2O 2-HNO 3 method, and Ag 2SO 4 was prepared by (NH 4) 2SO 4 or H 2SO 4 method. Results have shown that the pureness of the recovered silver slt is up to 99 % and the cost of measuring Cl - and COD Cr is decreased.