cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alcohol accentuates simian immunodeficiency virus-induced alterations in the skeletal muscle milieu contributing to impaired satellite cell myogenic differentiation (732.5)

Muscle wasting adversely affects survival in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Studies using a non-human primate model of SIV infection have demonstrated that chronic binge alcohol (CBA) consump...
(R)-methadone versus racemic methadone: what is best for patient care?

Methadone has been linked to cardiac arrhythmia. (R)-methadone appears to confer a lower risk of QT interval prolongation, resulting in debate over how best to treat patients needing this medication. A discussion of salient aspects of selecting therapy for opioid dependence and pain management and decision-making regarding methadone formulation follows.
A preliminary investigation of training order for introducing NextGen tools

Eleven students enrolled in a 16-week radar simulation course were trained on current-day and NextGen tools. The order of the training was manipulated so that half of the students received current-day training first, followed by the training on NextGen tools, while the remaining students received training on the NextGen tools first, followed by current-day training. This paper reports data from the debriefing sessions following the conclusion of the course, with the intent of determining students' reaction to the training order and their comments and suggestions for future training schedules. Results indicated that future training should start with current-day procedures and delay the introduction of NextGen tools until trainees have established fundamental air traffic management skills.
Return to Poultry Research in the United States

Two approaches are used to estimate a rate of return to investment in poultry research. The index-number approach utilizes productivity indexes to measure downward shifts in the long-run poultry supply function in order to estimate the annual value of consumer surplus, or "resources saved," resulting from increased efficiency in the production of poultry products. The flow of annual net social returns is then related to the flow of annual poultry research expenditures to derive a rate of return to research. In the production-function approach, state experiment station research is included as a separate variable in an aggregate poultry production function in order to estimate the marginal product of poultry research. The results indicate that past investment in poultry research has been yielding a return of about 20 to 30 percent per year from the date of investment.
MOTIVATION AND SELF-REGULATION ASSESSMENTS: PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES AND NEEDS OF SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS

The current study examined differences between urban and suburban school psychologists in terms of their motivation and self-regulation assessment beliefs, practices, and professional development needs. Using a sample of 96 urban and 47 suburban school psychologists sampled from 22 school districts in a Midwestern state, we found that the two groups were not differentiated across most survey items. Of primary practical importance, however, urban and suburban practitioners encountered motivation and self-regulation referrals on a relatively frequent basis, perceived these processes to be valuable, and were strongly interested in professional development training. Interestingly, both groups of practitioners indicated that they do not routinely evaluate these processes in youth and were unfamiliar with many commercially available and research-oriented motivation/self-regulation self-report scales. These results are consistent with the premise that there is a disconnect between the types of assessments that practitioners perceive to be valuable and the extent to which they actually engage in those practices. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Human perceptions of coat color as an indicator of domestic cat personality

Associations between mammalian coat color and behavior have been investigated in a number of species, most notably the study of silver foxes by the Institute of Cytology and Genetics at the Russian...
Prospective evaluation of the Gen-Probe assay for detection of legionellae in respiratory specimens.

A prospective evaluation of a DNA probe assay for detection ofLegionella species was performed on 427 consecutive respiratory specimens submitted over an 18-month period. The Gen-Probe assay utilizing both low (⩾4.0) and high (>7.0) ratio threshold values was compared to direct fluorescent antibody staining (DFA) as a predictor of isolation ofLegionella on culture. The highest sensitivity (63 %) was obtained with the lower threshold ratio, but was not significantly different from the result obtained with a threshold ratio of >7.0 (50 %, p=0.722) or DFA results (44 %, p=0.479). The specificity of the DNA probe assay was improved with the high threshold (99 %) compared either to the low threshold ratio (95 %, p=0.0002) or DFA (97 %, p=0.055). When the DNA probe was compared to DFA and/orLegionella isolation on culture, a significantly lower specificity (97 % versus 99 %, p=0.0006) and higher sensitivity (74 % versus 37 %, p=0.013) was obtained with a threshold value of ⩾4.0 than >7.0. Ten of 20 specimens with a DNA probe ratio between 4.0 and 7.0 were DFA positive, although only two were isolated on culture. The DFA assay and both probe threshold ratios have a high negative predictive value when compared to culture. However, only the threshold ratio of >7.0 has a sufficiently high positive predictive value to be useful alone. Although the DNA probe appears to be a practical alternative to DFA testing for the rapid diagnosis ofLegionella infections, false-negative results emphasize the importance of obtaining several specimens for testing, and confirm the fundamental role of culture in the diagnosis ofLegionella infections.
Circadian Control of the NAD+ Salvage Pathway by CLOCK-SIRT1

Many metabolic and physiological processes display circadian oscillations. We have shown that the core circadian regulator, CLOCK, is a histone acetyltransferase whose activity is counterbalanced by the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent histone deacetylase SIRT1. Here we show that intracellular NAD+ levels cycle with a 24-hour rhythm, an oscillation driven by the circadian clock. CLOCK:BMAL1 regulates the circadian expression of NAMPT (nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase), an enzyme that provides a rate-limiting step in the NAD+ salvage pathway. SIRT1 is recruited to the Nampt promoter and contributes to the circadian synthesis of its own coenzyme. Using the specific inhibitor FK866, we demonstrated that NAMPT is required to modulate circadian gene expression. Our findings in mouse embryo fibroblasts reveal an interlocked transcriptional-enzymatic feedback loop that governs the molecular interplay between cellular metabolism and circadian rhythms.
A note on the condition of a matrix

Discussion de l'article de Raman paru ibid. (1982) 9, p. 73 concernant les solutions des equations aux differences finies en mecanique des fluides
Onset of writhing in circular elastic polymers.

A perturbation analysis is presented of an exchange of stability between two mechanical equilibrium conformations of a torsionally deformed, linearly elastic, cylindrical polymer whose ends are held together to form a topologically circular structure. The imposed constraint is the twist angle \ensuremath{\zeta} through which one end of the polymer is rotated relative to the other. The value \ensuremath{\zeta}=0 corresponds to the relaxed state, in which no torsional deformation is imposed. Close to the relaxed state, the stable equilibrium conformation is a torsionally deformed circle in which the imposed constraint is expressed entirely as twist. A threshold value of \ensuremath{\zeta} is shown to exist, whose location depends on the ratio of the polymer bending stiffness A to its torsional stiffness C. Beyond this threshold the stable equilibrium conformation involves nonplanar bending, also called writhing. As this threshold is surpassed, a smooth onset of writhing occurs as a form of torsional buckling. These results are applied to the analysis of torsional fluctuations in nicked circular DNA. A critical molecular length is found, at which the root-mean-square twist induced by thermal fluctuations just suffices to initiate writhing. Comparison with the analogous critical length for linear polymers shows that the constraint imposed by circularity greatly increases the stability of the unwrithed conformation. Although twisting and bending are not coupled either energetically or topologically in nicked circular molecules, the exchange of stability between unwrithed and writhed conformations provides a mechanical coupling between them. Because sufficiently large torsional deformations drive writhing, fluctuations in the parameters scrT and scrW are not statistically independent in nicked molecules, but instead are positively correlated.
EFFECT OF VARIOUS SELECTIVE AGARS ON THE GROWTH OF RARE AND COMMON SALMONELLAE

The growth of four serotypes of salmonellae was determined on various selective and differential agars. Statistical analysis was used to compare the data. Generally, there was significantly less growth on the selective agars as compared to plate count agar. Two of the four serotypes revealed significantly less growth on Salmonella-Shigella (SS) agar than on any of the other agars tested. On some selective media, one or two of the rare serotypes were inhibited as compared to S. typhimurium. However, on three of the selective agars tested, S. typhimurium was inhibited to a greater extent than at least one of the rare serotypes. It does not seem that selective agars are involved in the lack of isolation of rare salmonella serotypes.
Pharmaceutical marketing research and the prescribing physician

Surveillance of physicians' prescribing patterns and the accumulation and sale of these data for pharmaceutical marketing are currently the subjects of legislation in several states and action by state and national medical associations. Contrary to common perception, the growth of the health care information organization industry has not been limited to the past decade but has been building slowly over the past 50 years, beginning in the 1940s when growth in the prescription drug market fueled industry interest in understanding and influencing prescribing patterns. The development of this surveillance system was not simply imposed on the medical profession by the pharmaceutical industry but was developed through the interactions of pharmaceutical salesmen, pharmaceutical marketers, academic researchers, individual physicians, and physician organizations. Examination of the role of physicians and physician organizations in the development of prescriber profiling is directly relevant to the contemporary policy debate surrounding this issue.
Unilateral renal hemodynamics studied by an indicator-dilution technic in man

Abstract A method for measuring renal blood flow utilizing a dye curve recorded from the renal vein following the injection of indocyanine green into a renal artery has been evaluated in 29 kidneys of hypertensive patients. The early portion of the downslope of the dye curve could be described by a single exponential, which was distorted later by a changing slope that always corresponded to the expected time of arrival of recirculating dye. Renal blood flow calculated from the area under the extrapolated dye curve was compared in 11 kidneys with flow measured during ureteral catheterization by the PAH clearance method. Close agreement between the methods was noted in all but one kidney, in which the discrepancy was best explained as a deficiency in the PAH method. In kidneys supplied by a single renal artery, the smooth curves and exponential downslopes indicate that intrarenal mixing of dye is essentially complete. Apparently accurate flows were measured in those kidneys supplied by separate dorsal and ventral arteries, but slight irregularities in the curves suggest that complete venous mixing does not always occur. In two kidneys with accessory polar arteries, the dye was not adequately mixed and total renal blood flow could not be measured. Dye curves were utilized to assist in the evaluation of renal artery stenosis in 2 patients. The authenticity of a renal artery pressure gradient measured at the time of catheterization was established in 1 case by demonstrating that the catheter was not impeding renal blood flow. In a second case, a measured pressure gradient was shown to be at least partly factitious because of the prolonged dye curve and low flow obtained with the catheter advanced through the stenosis. It is suggested that the method may have clinical application for the measurement of separate renal blood flow, particularly when clearance methods cannot be performed. In addition, it offers the opportunity to study the effects of drugs and disease on renal transit time and renal vascular volume in man.
Selectivity and efficiency of pyrene attachment to polyethylene films by bombardment with MeV-range protons

We demonstrate the attachment of pyrene molecules to chains of polyethylene (PE) films using 1−4.5 MeV-range protons (H+). Despite the enormous energy available for reaction, the attachment is exceedingly selective; MeV-range protons lead to photochemistry as selective as that initiated by eV-range photons (>300 nm). The effects of proton kinetic energy, proton dose, polymer crystallinity, and initial pyrene concentration within the films on the selectivity of the attachment process are analyzed on the basis of UV/vis absorption spectroscopy, steady state and dynamic fluorescence measurements, and differential scanning calorimetry. Attachment selectivity is independent of proton kinetic energy but increases with decreasing proton dose. The efficiency of pyrenyl attachment increases with decreasing polymer crystallinity. In polyethylene of 42 % crystallinity, the efficiency of attachment is only slightly dependent on pyrene dopant concentration (in the range 10-4−10-2 mol/kg) at low doses but increases sig...
The Effects of Moisture Induced Swelling Upon the Shapes of Anti-Symmetric Cross-Ply Laminates

This paper presents an investigation of the effects of moisture-induced swelling upon the out-of-plane warping of general anti-symmetric cross-ply composite laminates. The analy sis assumes linear elastic material behavior and includes non-linear geometric effects. Ap proximate solutions are obtained by assuming kinematically admissible expressions for the mid-plane displacements in terms of several generalized coordinates which are subse quently found by requiring a minimal value for the total potential energy of the laminate. It is shown that any specific anti-symmetric cross-ply lay-up will assume either a unique "saddle" shape or one of two possible approximately cylindrical shapes depending upon the in-plane dimensions of the laminate and the amount and distribution of moisture within the laminate.
Brain Iron Toxicity: Differential Responses of Astrocytes, Neurons, and Endothelial Cells

Iron accumulation or iron overload in brain is commonly associated with neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, and also plays a role in cellular damage following hemorrhagic stroke and traumatic brain injury. Despite the brain’s highly regulated system for iron utilization and metabolism, these disorders often present following disruptions within iron metabolic pathways. Such dysregulation allows saturation of proteins involved in iron transport and storage, and may cause an increase in free ferrous iron within brain leading to oxidative damage. Not only do astrocytes, neurons, and brain endothelial cells serve unique purposes within the brain, but their individual cell types are equipped with distinct protective mechanisms against iron-induced injury. This review evaluates iron metabolism within the brain under homeostatic and pathological conditions and focuses on the mechanism(s) of brain cellular iron toxicity and differential responses of astrocytes, neurons, and brain vascular endothelial cells to excessive free iron.
Preliminary Ξc+ Lifetime Measurement from SELEX

We report the results of a new Ξ c + lifetime measurement from hadroproduction data taken by the SELEX (E781) experiment. Fermilab charged hyperon beam ( Σ − , π − and p ) at 600 GeV is used to produce charm particles in Cu and diamond targets. This measurement was made using decays into the Ξ c + → Ξ − π + π + , Ξ c + → p + K − π + , and Ξ c + → Σ + K − π + modes. We used binned maximum likelihood method and 301 ± 31 events yield a lifetime of 430 ± 22 ± 9 fs.
VR-SMART: A Virtual Reality System for Smart Home Environments

Virtual reality (VR) technologies and systems have the potential to play a key role in assisting disabled inhabitants of smart home environments with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). While immersive environments have useful applications in the fields of gaming, simulation, and manufacturing, their capabilities have been largely untapped in smart home environments. We have developed an integrated CAD and virtual reality system which assists a smart home resident in locating and navigating to objects in the home. Using the methods presented in this paper, a room modeled in a CAD system is imported into a virtual environment, which is linked to an audio query-response interface. The user’s head and room objects are fitted with the sensors which are part of a six DOF motion tracking system. Methods have been created to allow the inhabitant to move objects around in the room and then later issue an audio query for the location of the object. The system generates an audio response with the object’s position relative to the person’s current position and orientation. As he approaches the object, information is derived from the virtual models of both the room and the objects within the room to provide better guidance. The ability of the VR-SMART system to guide a resident to an object was tested by mounting a head mounted display (HMD) on a user located in a room. This allowed the user to navigate through the virtual world that simulated the room he occupied, thereby providing a way to test the positional accuracy of the virtual system. Results of the testing in the immersive environment showed that although the overall system shows promise at a 30% success rate, the success of the system depends on the accuracy and calibration of the tracking system. In order to improve the success of the system, we explored the precision of a second motion capture system, with more accurate results. Results confirmed that the VR-SMART system could significantly improve the assistance of disabled people in finding objects easily in the room when implemented only as an assistive system without the head-mounted display.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Generation of functionally competent and durable engineered blood vessels from human induced pluripotent stem cells

Efficient generation of competent vasculogenic cells is a critical challenge of human induced pluripotent stem (hiPS) cell-based regenerative medicine. Biologically relevant systems to assess functionality of the engineered vessels in vivo are equally important for such development. Here, we report a unique approach for the derivation of endothelial precursor cells from hiPS cells using a triple combination of selection markers—CD34, neuropilin 1, and human kinase insert domain-containing receptor—and an efficient 2D culture system for hiPS cell-derived endothelial precursor cell expansion. With these methods, we successfully generated endothelial cells (ECs) from hiPS cells obtained from healthy donors and formed stable functional blood vessels in vivo, lasting for 280 d in mice. In addition, we developed an approach to generate mesenchymal precursor cells (MPCs) from hiPS cells in parallel. Moreover, we successfully generated functional blood vessels in vivo using these ECs and MPCs derived from the same hiPS cell line. These data provide proof of the principle that autologous hiPS cell-derived vascular precursors can be used for in vivo applications, once safety and immunological issues of hiPS-based cellular therapy have been resolved. Additionally, the durability of hiPS-derived blood vessels in vivo demonstrates a potential translation of this approach in long-term vascularization for tissue engineering and treatment of vascular diseases. Of note, we have also successfully generated ECs and MPCs from type 1 diabetic patient-derived hiPS cell lines and use them to generate blood vessels in vivo, which is an important milestone toward clinical translation of this approach.
A Biocompatible Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic Substrate for Biosensors

Low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) are widely utilized in the fabrication of compact, three dimensional, and highly integrated microelectronic components. Typical applications include military and mobile electronics applications requiring custom, hermetic, and/or high reliability packaging. These characteristics make LTCC attractive for use in microfluidic and biomedical application. However, commercial LTCC systems are not designed for biomedical applications and have unknown cytocompatibility. In the current work, an LTCC tape has been developed starting with materials of known composition and biocompatibility, a commercially available lime silicate glass and alumina. Tapes achieve high density for sintering temperatures compatible with LTCC processing (850 < T < 1000°C). The LTCC also exhibits low dielectric constant (K = 9.3) and dielectric loss (tan d < 0.005). A commercial gold electrode paste has also been co-fired with the LTCC, with no delamination, cracks nor camber observed. In vitro biocompatibility was subsequently evaluated using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs are observed to attach and spread on fibronectin-coated LTCC substrates, and also in the leachate obtained by soaking LTCC in cell medium for 7 days. These results establish that the developed LTCC material is biocompatible and suitable for in vitro applications utilizing live cells.
Nucleocapsid Incorporation into Parainfluenza Virus Is Regulated by Specific Interaction with Matrix Protein

The paramyxovirus nucleoproteins (NPs) encapsidate the genomic RNA into nucleocapsids, which are then incorporated into virus particles. We determined the protein-protein interaction between NP molecules and the molecular mechanism required for incorporating nucleocapsids into virions in two closely related viruses, human parainfluenza virus type 1 (hPIV1) and Sendai virus (SV). Expression of NP from cDNA resulted in in vivo nucleocapsid formation. Electron micrographs showed no significant difference in the morphological appearance of viral nucleocapsids obtained from lysates of transfected cells expressing SV or hPIVI NP cDNA. Coexpression of NP cDNAs from both viruses resulted in the formation of nucleocapsid composed of a mixture of NP molecules; thus, the NPs of both viruses contained regions that allowed the formation of mixed nucleocapsid. Mixed nucleocapsids were also detected in cells infected with SV and transfected with hPIV1 NP cDNA. However, when NP of SV was donated by infected virus and hPIV1 NP was from transfected cDNA, nucleocapsids composed of NPs solely from SV or solely from hPIVI were also detected. Although almost equal amounts of NP of the two viruses were found in the cytoplasm of cells infected with SV and transfected with hPIV1 NP cDNA, 90% of the NPs in the nucleocapsids of the progeny SV virions were from SV. Thus, nucleocapsids containing heterologous hPIV1 NPs were excluded during the assembly of progeny SV virions. Coexpression of hPIV1 NP and hPIV1 matrix protein (M) in SV-infected cells increased the uptake of nucleocapsids containing hPIV1 NP; thus, M appears to be responsible for the specific incorporation of the nucleocapsid into virions. Using SV-hPIV1 chimera NP cDNAs, we found that the C-terminal domain of the NP protein (amino acids 420 to 466) is responsible for the interaction with M.
Studies made by simulating systole at necropsy. XII. Estimation of the initial cardiac forces from the ballistocardiogram.

In a preceding communication 1 I have suggested that we are now in a position to look more closely at the higher dynamic aspects of cardiac function in our patients. From an analogy with common experience in automobiles, it is reasonable to expect that the first sign of myoeardial weakness will manifest itself in diminished ability to accelerate the blood, that is, in diminished cardiac forces. In this study we aim to establish a clinical method of detecting abnormalities of the initial cardiac forces by means of the ballistocardiogram.
Bringing APL down to earth on the DECsystem-10: Standard characters and a standard editor

The APL programming language provides an unpre­ cedented combination of simplicity and power. Simplic­ ity characterizes program preparation. Since APL code is interpreted, programs ("functions," as they are called in APL) can be executed as soon as they are written, without the frustrating delays commonly interpolated by compilers. Furthermore, any APL program (function) can pass control to another APL program (function) without a preliminary time-consuming linking procedure. Finally, individual lines of APL code can be interpreted outside an official function definition, a feature that encourages trial-and-error learning. In all these respects, APL shares or improves upon the breezy informality of interactive BASIC, but, unlike BASIC, APL does not disappoint advanced students of programming. APL is a superior programming system for statistical data analysis. The interactive flexibility of APL facilitates exploratory data analysis. In addition, APL provides powerful operators for the manipulation and transforma­ tion of tabular (matrix) data structures. Formulas for univariate or multivariate analysis can be transcribed into APL on a line-to-line basis (i.e., one line of mathe­ matical formula converts to one line of APL code), instead of the one-line-to-many-line basis required by ALGOL, FORTRAN, or PASCAL-type languages. This one-to-one correspondence between mathematics and APL is hardly surprising, since APL was originally created not as a computer programming language, but as an improved notation for algebraic formula (Iverson, 1962).
Opportunities and challenges for women PhD investigators in gastrointestinal research.

Clinical Gastroenterology has been a traditionally male-dominated field. Evidence of change stems from recent studies which demonstrate that increasing numbers of women are choosing careers in Clinical Gastroenterology 1. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Board of Internal Medicine, 14% of gastroenterology residents/fellows were female in 1995–1996 2 and 31.9% were female in 2010 (https://www.aamc.org/data/). These numbers are encouraging, but there is still much to be done 3. The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), a major professional society in our field, is actively promoting inclusion of women in all aspects of the society’s work and elected its second female president, Dr. Gail Hecht, in 2010. In addition, the current President-Elect of the American Physiology Society (APS), Dr. Kim Barrett, is a woman PhD gastrointestinal (GI) researcher. This commentary is a partnership between three women PhD investigators. Two are new investigators at different stages in transition from mentored research to an independent career, and the third an established investigator in GI Research who has advocated for women in science 4. We share a passion for uncovering basic biological and molecular principles that govern health and diseases of the GI system, and importantly a commitment to research that permits translation of discoveries to better prevent, detect, diagnose and treat GI diseases. Each of us has experienced working in both a basic biomedical research department and in a clinical department. The ultimate goal of this commentary is to highlight opportunities and barriers facing women PhD researchers in the GI field, and to suggest some useful solutions and directions, with emphasis on the perspective of new investigators.
Effects of growth hormone on nucleic acid and protein content of rat liver cells.

Differences in liver nucleic acid patterns following hypophysectomy and a restoration toward normal by growth hormone treatment have been described by Geschwind, et al. (1950), Di Stefano, et al. (1952), and Bergerard and Tuchmann-Duplessis (1953). Di Stefano, et al. (1952), using cytophotometric methods as well as standard chemical techniques, were able to demonstrate that the liver cells of hypophysectomized rats contained less ribose nucleic acid (RNA) and protein than did those of intact controls. After treating hypophysectomized rats for seven days with a purified growth hormone preparation, the hver cells contained the same amount of protein as that found in the cells of intact controls. Nuclear and cytoplasmic volume paralleled the protein pattern. Under these conditions both nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA values were found to be higher than those seen in the controls. The alterations in cellular proteins and nucleic acids described above affords an opportunity to study possible relationships between ...
Psychological Distress in Mothers of Disabled Children

• We examined the impact of child disability on psychological distress in mothers, by comparing scores on two indexes of psychological distress of 369 mothers of children with cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, myelodysplasia, or multiple physical handicaps, with those of 456 mothers from a randomly selected sample of families ("control" subjects). Mothers of disabled children scored significantly higher than control subjects on both indexes of psychological distress. This finding persisted when the mothers' education, family income, and racial composition were controlled for. Type of disability, ie, the diagnostic classification of the disabled children, was unrelated to the mother's level of psychological distress. In contrast, the disabled child's dependence on others in daily activities had a significant effect on both measures of psychological distress; the more dependent the child, the greater was the mother's distress. ( Am J Dis Child 1982;136:682-686)
A Bear Trap in Using the Iowa-Curve Methodology for Property Retirements and Depreciation Charges

Abstract The Iowa-curve methodology is based on the use of survival curves and is commonly employed for estimating the useful life of industrial property subject to depreciation charges. This article is an overview of this methodology. We point out some of the problems associated with it, and suggest ways of rectifying them. When there is paucity of retirement data for a single group of properties, the methodology calls for the consolidation of properties from different groups. We point out that such consolidations can lead to the gross underestimation of useful life due to an apparent paradox, which is reminiscent of Simpson's paradox.
Computer-based tracking of single sperm

This paper describes a robust single sperm tracking algorithm (SSTA) that can be used in laser optical trapping and sperm motility studies. The algorithm creates a region of interest (ROI) centered about a sperm selected by the user. SSTA contrast enhances the ROI image and implements a modified four-class thresholding method to extract the tracked sperm as it transitions in and out of focus. The nearest neighbor method is complemented with a speed-check feature to aid tracking in the presence of additional sperm or other particles. SSTA has a collision-detection feature for real or perceived collision or near-miss cases between two sperm. Subsequent postcollision analysis employs three criteria to distinguish the tracked sperm in the image. The efficacy of SSTA is validated through examples and comparisons to commercially available computer-aided sperm tracking systems.
Confocal imaging of sensory organ formation during Xenopus inner ear development

During Xenopus larval development, the otic vesicle gradually gives rise to several auditory and vestibular sensory organs that are innervated by the eighth cranial nerve. Confocal imaging methods were used to examine the appearance of stereociliary bundles in the various sensory epithelia during Xenopus development (stages 28–50), and to gather comparative developmental data that show how the inner ear gradually forms distinct auditory and vestibular compartments discernable by larval stage 50. A BioRad MRC‐1024 confocal microscope was used to collect digitized images from inner ears labeled with Alexa 488 phalloidin to detect the actin cytoskeleton, and propidium iodide to highlight DNA in cell nuclei. Confocal images from whole inner ears clearly show the developmental emergence of uniquely organized sensory epithelia populated by hair cell bundles of varying morphology, as well as the position of the sensory ganglia relative to the endorgans. Images from sectioned tissue provide additional information about cell morphology and the arrangement of the sensory epithelium in relation to neural innervation. Taken together, the image data illustrate the complex structural changes that underlie inner ear organogenesis and morphogenesis. [Work supported by grants to EES (NIH NIGMS, NASA) and awards to QQ (NASA NMSGC Fellowship, NIGMS RISE).]
WE‐F‐105‐03: Development of GPMC V2.0, a GPU‐Based Monte Carlo Dose Calculation Package for Proton Radiotherapy

Purpose: Monte Carlo (MC) simulation is considered the most accurate method for proton therapy dose calculations. To improve its efficiency, we have previously developed a MC proton dose calculation package, gPMC, on a graphics‐processing unit (GPU) platform. This abstract reports our recent progress towards developing a new version gPMC v2.0, which aims at improving its clinical usability and evaluating it using proton therapy treatment plans. Methods: gPMC v2.0 supports loading source particles from a phase space file. Source particles are first placed to different energy bins according to their energies. Simulation is conducted to transport particles in each bin sequentially. This enforces that particles transported at the same time have similar energies and hence similar computational thread lengths, ensuring computational efficiency in parallel processing. Realistic treatment geometry is supported. A multi‐dose‐counter technique is developed, where multiple dose counters are allocated. Each dose deposition event is randomly assigned to one of the counters. This alleviates memory‐writing conflict problem, when multiple threads attempts to deposit dose to the same voxel. The final dose distribution and statistical uncertainty are obtained based on results at those counters. gPMC v2.0 also supports scoring dose‐to‐water. We have tested the new version in head‐and‐neck patient cases. Results: Computation time is ∼5 seconds for a typical patient case, where 2.1 million protons in a phase space file are simulated. It takes additional ∼8 seconds to load the phase space file. The dose distribution agrees well with that from TOPAS/Geant4. Inside a region of interest defined by the 50% iso‐dose line, gamma passing rate is ∼98% (3mm/3%) and ∼95% (2mm/2%) compared with TOPAS/Geant4 Result. The average relative uncertainty is 1.1%. Conclusion: gPMC has achieved accuracy and efficiency well beyond what was previously accomplished. It supports the recalculation of proton therapy treatment plans, making it feasible for routine clinical applications. This work is supported in part by the University of California Lab Fees Research Program and in part by R01 CA140735
Geometry optimization of organometallic complexes: A study of basis sets

Total geometry optimizations are reported for Cr(CO)6, HMn(CO)5, Fe(CO)5, Ni(CO)4, Cr(C6H6)2, Fe(C5H5)2, Ni(C4H4)2, Cr(NO)4, (C5H5)Mn(CO)3, and (C6H6)Cr(CO)3. A variety of basis sets were examined, and, based on the results, a relatively compact and accurate basis set is proposed. The differences between the calculated and experimental metal-carbonyl, metal-benzene, and metal-nitrosyl bond distances average 0.03, 0.08, and 0.07 A, respectively. Calculated metal-cyclopentadienyl bond lengths were found to be an average of 0.15 A longer than experimental bond lengths. Addition of electron correlation at the perfect pairing GVB level reduced the average difference in the metal-cyclopentadienyl bond length to 0.08 A.
Dance Lessons: Preparing Preservice Teachers for Coteaching Partnerships.

Abstract Federal legislation (Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act, No Child Left Behind) mandates access to the general education curriculum for students with disabilities. As a response, K-12 schools are moving to coteaching models with increased frequency (National Center for Education Statistics, 2008). However, preservice teachers have not been adequately prepared for collaborative teaching in these inclusive classrooms (Dieker & Murawski, 2003; Fennick & Liddy, 2001). To address this disconnect, we participated in an interdisciplinary, cross-departmental collaboration to create shared course and field experiences for a mixed group of special education and elementary education preservice teachers. Using our blogs, reflections, personal observations, meeting notes, and recorded discussions along with students' reflections and course assignments, we provide an analysis of the experience and implications for teacher educators.
Effect of mental imagery of a motor task on the Hoffmann reflex.

Abstract Research has found that mental imagery of a motor task may influence the Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex). However, this work has not examined the potential influence of background EMG (BEMG) on the H-reflex. In this study 23 adult participants ( M =23.3 years, S.D.=3.2) were instructed to mentally image plantar flexion of the right foot at four intensities: 40, 60, 80 and 100% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) after completing practice trials of actual contractions at these intensities. Dependent measures were the BEMG activity and the peak-to-peak amplitude of the H-reflex. On each trial the peak-to-peak amplitude of the soleus H-reflex was measured in the right leg and averaged, BEMG (40 ms bin) was measured in the soleus and tibialis anterior of both legs. Following trials of plantar flexion at the target intensities participants completed 5 imagery trials at each intensity and 15 trials while performing this motor task. Five resting control trials were administered prior to and following the completion of all test trials. Administration of test trials was randomized within conditions. A main effect ( P
On training feedforward neural networks

A new algorithm that mapsn-dimensional binary vectors intom-dimensional binary vectors using 3-layered feedforward neural networks is described. The algorithm is based on a representation of the mapping in terms of the corners of then-dimensional signal cube. The weights to the hidden layer are found by a corner classification algorithm and the weights to the output layer are all equal to 1. Two corner classification algorithms are described. The first one is based on the perceptron algorithm and it performs generalization. The computing power of this algorithm may be gauged from the example that the exclusive-Or problem that requires several thousand iterative steps using the backpropagation algorithm was solved in 8 steps. Another corner classification algorithm presented in this paper does not require any computations to find the weights. However, in its basic form it does not perform generalization.
A review of infection control practices, risk reduction, and legislative regulations for blood-borne disease: Applications for emergency medical services

The National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) recognizes the potential for exposure to blood-borne diseases for those engaged in public safety occupations. Since a number of infections may be acquired via blood or body fluid exposure, observance of infection control practices, workplace activities, and worker education may mitigate such exposures and reduce the likelihood of occupationally acquired illness. This document reviews the current literature on infection control, risk reduction measures, and legislative concerns associated with blood-borne disease as they relate to emergency medical services (EMS).
New distortion-invariant SVRDM hierarchical classifier

A hierarchical classifier using a new SVRDM (support vector representation and discrimination machine) is proposed for automatic target recognition. Shift and scale-invariant features are considered. In addition, we consider the ability of the classifier to reject non-object class or clutter inputs. Initial recognition and rejection test results on infra-red (IR) data are excellent.
Cardiac output augmentation with fluid resuscitation improves brain tissue oxygenation after severe brain injury

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between cardiac output response to a fluid challenge and changes in brain tissue oxygen pressure (PbtO2) in patients with severe brain injury.
High voltage GaN HEMT compact model: Experimental verification, field plate optimization and charge trapping

High voltage GaN HEMTs are leading contenders for power conversion and switching applications [1]. An accurate physics-based compact device model for this emerging technology is essential for device and circuit design. Several GaN HEMT compact models have been discussed but are not physics-based [2]-[3]. Here, a new physics-based compact model for HV-GaN HEMTs, the MIT Virtual Source GaNFET-High Voltage model (MVS-G-HV) is proposed. The model is geometry scalable and captures static and dynamic device behavior through self-consistent current and charge expressions. The access regions, which are important in device linearity [4] and reverse voltage blocking, are modeled as implicit-gated transistors. The model includes the effect of field plates and can be used to maximize the BV2 Gon figure-of-merit. In addition, `knee-walkout' in these devices is captured in the model through a simple trap-transistor model. The model requires a small number of parameters with straightforward physical meanings and is validated against DC-IV, S-parameter, breakdown and pulsed measurements of fabricated devices.
Theory of the cosmic ray equator

The 45° westward shift of the cosmic ray equator from the geomagnetic equator is explained by assuming that there exist ionized atmospheric layers which rotate more slowly than the earth. The resultant magnetic field beyond the layers is then a dipole field whose magnetic north pole is west of the familiar geomagnetic north pole. The condition that this longitudinal shift be, 45° determinesAm = ω’— ω as a function of certain radial moments of the conductivity of the layer (ω’, ω=rotational velocities of layer and earth, respectively). The effect would vanish if either Δω = 0 or if the earth’s intrinsic dipole axis were not tilted.
Expression of p16INK4A but not hypoxia markers or poly adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase is associated with improved survival in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma†

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer is associated with mutations in the tumor suppressor gene cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (p16INK4A), a regulator of the cell cycle and apoptosis. This study investigates whether immunohistochemical expression of p16INK4A as well as hypoxia markers and poly adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase (PARP) correlates with survival in patients with resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Seventy-three patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent curative resection at Stanford University were included. From the surgical specimens, a tissue microarray was constructed using triplicate tissue cores from the primary tumor and used for immunohistochemical staining for the following markers: carbonic anhydrase IX, dihydrofolate reductase, p16INK4A, and PARP1/2. Staining was scored as either positive or negative and percentage positive staining. Staining score was correlated with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: Of the markers tested, only immunohistochemical expression of p16INK4A correlated with clinical outcome. On univariate analysis, p16INK4A expression in the tumor was associated with improved OS (P = .038) but not PFS (P = .28). The median survival for patients with positive versus negative p16INK4A staining was 28.8 months versus 18 months. On multivariate analysis, p16INK4A expression was associated with improved OS (P = .026) but not PFS (P = .25). Age (P = .0019) and number of nodes involved (P = .025) were also significant for OS. Adjuvant chemotherapy and margin status did not correlate with OS or PFS. CONCLUSIONS: Expression of p16INK4A is associated with improved OS in patients with resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Further investigation is needed for validation, given conflicting data in the published literature. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Magnetic phase boundaries of CsMn F 3 : XY -to-Ising crossover and the virtual bicritical point

The ordering temperature ${T}_{c}$ of the easy-plane hexagonal antiferromagnet CsMn${\mathrm{F}}_{3}$ was measured as a function of magnetic field $H$, up to 120 kOe. ${T}_{c}$ was determined from the thermal expansion anomaly at constant $H$. At $H=0$, ${T}_{N}\ensuremath{\equiv}{T}_{c}(0)=51.4$ K. When $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{H}}$ is in the hexagonal plane, the boundary ${T}_{c}(H)$ is bow shaped: with increasing $H$, ${T}_{c}$ first increases, then passes through a maximum, and later decreases. The maximum ${T}_{c}$ is \ensuremath{\sim}37 mK above ${T}_{N}$, and it occurs at $H\ensuremath{\cong}29.5$ kOe. The bow-shaped phase boundary is attributed to the $\mathrm{XY}$-to-Ising crossover which is induced by the magnetic field, as discussed by Fisher, Nelson, and Kosterlitz. Fits to the phase boundary ${T}_{c}(H)$ give a crossover exponent $\ensuremath{\varphi}=1.185\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03$ for one sample and $\ensuremath{\varphi}=1.184\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.025$ for another, compared to the theoretical value $\ensuremath{\varphi}(n=2)=1.175\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.015$. When $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{H}}$ is perpendicular to the hexagonal plane, ${T}_{c}$ decreases monotonically with increasing $H$, but the decrease is not in accordance with mean-field theory, which predicts a decrease proportional to ${H}^{2}$. The deviation from mean-field behavior is attributed to a virtual bicritical point (VBP) with Heisenberg symmetry, which exists mathematically at a negative value of ${H}^{2}$. Although the VBP cannot be observed directly, it affects the behavior in the observable region of ${H}^{2}g~0$. Physically, a magnetic field applied perpendicular to the easy plane enhances the Heisenberg-to-$\mathrm{XY}$ symmetry breaking, which at $H=0$ is solely due to the weak easy-plane uniaxial anisotropy. The enhanced symmetry breaking causes a non-mean-field dependence of ${T}_{c}$ on $H$. An equation derived on this basis gives a good description of the phase boundary ${T}_{c}(H)$. This equation contains three adjustable parameters, two of which can also be estimated without recourse to the phase boundary ${T}_{c}(H)$. The values for these two parameters obtained from a best fit to ${T}_{c}(H)$ agree with the independent estimates.