cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Failure Detection Strategy for Intrafraction Prostate Motion Monitoring With On-Board Imagers for Fixed-Gantry IMRT

Purpose To develop methods to monitor prostate intrafraction motion during fixed-gantry intensity-modulated radiotherapy using MV treatment beam imaging together with minimal kV imaging for a failure detection strategy that ensures prompt detection when target displacement exceeds a preset threshold. Methods and Materials Real-time two-dimensional (2D) marker position in the MV image plane was obtained by analyzing cine-MV images. The marker's in-line movement, and thus its time-varying three-dimensional (3D) position, was estimated by combining the 2D projection data with a previously established correlative relationship between the directional components of prostate motion. A confirmation request for more accurate localization using MV-kV triangulation was triggered when the estimated prostate displacement based on the cine-MV data was greater than 3 mm. An interventional action alert followed on positive MV-kV confirmation. To demonstrate the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method, simulation studies of conventional-fraction intensity-modulated radiotherapy sessions were done using 536 Calypso-measured prostate trajectories from 17 radiotherapy patients. Results A technique for intrafraction prostate motion management has been developed. The technique, using "freely available" cine-MV images and minimum on-board kV imaging (on average 2.5 images/fraction), successfully limited 3D prostate movement to within a range of 3 mm relative to the MV beam for 99.4% of the total treatment time. On average, only approximately one intervention/fraction was needed to achieve this level of accuracy. Conclusion Instead of seeking to accurately and continuously localize the prostate target as existing motion tracking systems do, the present technique effectively uses cine-MV data to provide a clinically valuable way to minimize kV usage, while maintaining high targeting accuracy.
Three-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging of Brain and Prostate Cancer

Clinical applications of magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) for the study of brain and prostate cancer have expanded significantly over the past 10 years. Proton MRSI studies of the brain and prostate have demonstrated the feasibility of noninvasively assessing human cancers based on metabolite levels before and after therapy in a clinically reasonable amount of time. MRSI provides a unique biochemical “window” to study cellular metabolism noninvasively. MRSI studies have demonstrated dramatic spectral differences between normal brain tissue (low choline and high N-acetyl aspartate, NAA) and prostate (low choline and high citrate) compared to brain (low NAA, high choline) and prostate (low citrate, high choline) tumors. The presence of edema and necrosis in both the prostate and brain was reflected by a reduction of the intensity of all resonances due to reduced cell density. MRSI was able to discriminate necrosis (absence of all metabolites, except lipids and lactate) from viable normal tissue and cancer following therapy. The results of current MRSI studies also provide evidence that the magnitude of metabolic changes in regions of cancer before therapy as well as the magnitude and time course of metabolic changes after therapy can improve our understanding of cancer aggressiveness and mechanisms of therapeutic response. Clinically, combined MRI/MRSI has already demonstrated the potential for improved diagnosis, staging and treatment planning of brain and prostate cancer. Additionally, studies are under way to determine the accuracy of anatomic and metabolic parameters in providing an objective quantitative basis for assessing disease progression and response to therapy.
Clapp, Ouida H. (ed.), Classroom Practices in Teaching English 1976-1977. Responses to Sexism

La kredo de la jena verko estas, ke la lernejoj povas kaj devas helpi forigi la seksismon el la usona vivo. La gelemantoj devas rekoni la seksismon kaj giajn sekvojn. La verko cefe celas tion, sed volas sam-tempe disvolvi la lingvajn kapablojn ce la lernantoj. Ne temas pri afero nur por virinoj au por la klascambro, sed por la homaro generale kaj por la interkultura kaj interfaka komparo.Ekzemple, en priliteratura capitro, B. Stanford sugestas, ke en la mitoj de diversaj kulturoj, oni esploru, kiuj naturaj fenomenoj estis bildigitaj kiel viraj, respektive inaj. Temas pri 26 artikoloj kaj aliaj eroj (lernoprogramoj, metodaroj). La eroj pri konsciigo sajnas celi elementajn klasojn; tiuj pri gramatiko kaj semantiko, mezlernejajn kaj kolegiajn klasojn.La verkintoj alstrebas memesprimon ce la gelemantoj; neautoritatisma pedagogio elfluas el la verko, celante neformalan, demokratian diskutaron kaj unuopecan esploradon.Pluraj capitroj pri seksisma lingvajo rilatas al la ecoj diskutitaj de aktivismaj usonaj inaj lingvistoj, dum la pasintaj dek jaroj. La seksismo de lingvajo estas pristudinda el psiko-socilingvistika vidpunkto. La usona angla indikas la sekson de kelkaj vortoj, la genron de aliaj. Tiu distingo multon instruas pri la anta ŭ jugoj de la socio. Pluraj artikoloj proponas solvon, per diversnivelaj studplanoj. Ekzercoj cefe testas la kapablon de lernantoj , reverki tekstojn neseksisme. Pluraj usonaj eldonistoj de lernolibroj jam simile agis.Tiuj, kiuj subtenas tiuspecajn eldonajojn, taksas la jenan verkon utila. Aliaj tarn en dubas, cu oni povas perlingve sangi seksismajn sintenojn. Tamen, la neseksisma lingvajo laustupe gajnas terenon en Usono. Finfine, nur la gelemantoj decidos la aferon. La daŭra debato nur pruvas, ke la lingvo-reformo estas grava afero.
PET imaging of gene expression

Abstract Noninvasive in vivo molecular imaging has developed over the past decade and involves nuclear (Positron emission tomography (PET), gamma camera), magnetic resonance, and in vivo optical imaging systems. Most current in vivo molecular imaging strategies are “indirect” and involve the coupling of a “reporter gene” with a complimentary “reporter probe”. Imaging the level of probe accumulation provides indirect information related to the level of reporter gene expression. Reporter gene constructs are driven by upstream promoter/enhancer elements; they can be constitutive leading to continuous transcription and used to identify the site of transduction and to monitor the level and duration of gene (vector) activity. Alternatively, they can be inducible leading to controlled gene expression, or they can function as a sensor element to monitor the level of endogenous promoters and transcription factors. Several examples of imaging endogenous biological processes in animals using reporter constructs, radiolabelled probes and PET imaging are reviewed (p53-dependent gene expression and T-cell receptor-dependent activation of T-lymphocytes). Issues related to the translation of non-invasive molecular imaging technology into the clinic are discussed.
Criminal Justice Education: Past, Present and Future

The mushrooming of Criminal Justice higher education programs is a phenomenon of the past decade, while even the roots of this academic field of study in the United States are found in the 20th cen...
In situ TEM study on the microstructural evolution during electric fatigue in 0.7Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.3PbTiO3 ceramic

In this work, we report an experimental technique with nanometer resolution to reveal the microstructural mechanism for electric fatigue in ferroelectrics. The electric field in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to directly visualize the domain evolution during the fatigue process in a 0.7Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.3PbTiO3 ceramic. The structure–property relationship was well demonstrated by combining the microscopic observations with corresponding dielectric, piezoelectric, and ferroelectric properties measured on bulk specimens. It was found that the domain switching capability was substantially suppressed after 103 cycles of bipolar fields, leading to an immobilized domain configuration thereafter. Correspondingly, a pronounced degradation of the functionality of the ceramic was manifested, accompanying with a coercive field bumping and polarization current density peak broadening. The reduction of the polarization, dielectric constant, and piezoelectric coefficient were found to follow a power-law relation. Seed inhibition mechanism was suggested to be responsible for the observed fatigue behaviors.
45 deg Staggered Rib Heat Transfer Coefficient Measurements in a Square Channel

For high-blockage ribs with large heat transfer areas, commonly used in small gas turbine blades, the rib heat transfer is a significant portion of the overall heat transfer in the cooling passages. Three staggered 45 deg rib geometries corresponding to blockage ratios of 0.133, 0.167, and 0.25 were tested in a square channel for pitch-to-height ratios of 5, 8.5, and 10, and for two distinct thermal boundary conditions of heated and unheated channel walls. Comparisons were made between the surface-averaged heat transfer coefficients and friction factors for 45 deg ribs, and 90 deg ribs reported previously. Heat transfer coefficients of the furthest upstream rib and that of a typical rib located in the middle of the rib-roughened region were also compared. It was concluded that: (a) For the geometries tested, the rib average heat transfer coefficient was much higher than that for the area between the ribs. (b) Except for two cases corresponding to the highest blockage ribs mounted at pitch-to-height ratios of 8.5 and 10 for which the heat transfer results of 45 deg ribs were very close to those of 90 deg ribs, 45 deg ribs produced higher heat transfer coefficients than 90 deg ribs. (c) At pitch-to-height ratios of 8.5 and 10, all 45 deg ribs produced lower friction factors than 90 deg ribs. However, when they were brought closer to each other (S/e = 5), they produced higher friction factors than 90 deg ribs. (d ) Heat transfer coefficients for the two smaller rib geometries (e/D h = 0.133 and 0.167) did not vary significantly with the pitch-to-height ratio in the range tested. However, the heat transfer coefficient for the high blockage rib geometry increased significantly as the ribs were brought closer to each other. (e) Under otherwise identical conditions, ribs in the furthest upstream position produced lower heat transfer coefficients than those in the midstream position. (f) Rib thermal performance decreased with the rib blockage ratio. For both angles of attack, the smallest rib geometry in the midstream position and at a pitch-to-height ratio of 10 had the highest thermal performance, and the highest blockage rib in the furthest upstream position produced the lowest thermal performance.
Migration of Multi-tier Applications to Infrastructure-as-a-Service Clouds: An Investigation Using Kernel-Based Virtual Machines

To investigate challenges of multi-tier application migration to Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) clouds we performed an experimental investigation by deploying a processor bound and input-output bound variant of the RUSLE2 erosion model to an IaaS based private cloud. Scaling the applications to achieve optimal system throughput is complex and involves much more than simply increasing the number of allotted virtual machines (VMs). While scaling the application variants a series of bottlenecks were encountered unique to an application's processing, I/O, and memory requirements, herein referred to as an application's profile. To investigate the impact of provisioning variation for hosting multi-tier applications we tested four schemes of VM deployments across the physical nodes of our cloud. Performance degradation was more pronounced when multiple I/O or CPU resource intensive application components were co-located on the same physical hardware. We investigated the virtualization overhead incurred using Kernel-based virtual machines (KVM) by deploying our application variants to both physical and virtual machines. Overhead varied based on the unique characteristics of each application's profile. We observed ~112% overhead for the input/output bound application and just ~ 10% overhead for the processor bound application. Understanding an application's profile was found to be important for optimal IaaS-based cloud migration and scaling.
Anti-malondialdehyde antibodies in MRL+/+ mice treated with trichloroethene and dichloroacetyl chloride: possible role of lipid peroxidation in autoimmunity.

Abstract Trichloroethene (TCE) and one of its metabolites dichloroacetyl chloride (DCAC) are known to induce/accelerate autoimmune (AI) response in MRL+/+ mice as evident from anti-nuclear, anti-ssDNA, anti-cardiolipin, and DCAC-specific antibodies in the serum (Khan et al., Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 134, 155–160, 1995). In the present study, we measured anti-malondialdehyde antibodies (AMDA) in the serum of TCE- or DCAC-treated mice in order to understand the contribution of lipid peroxidation to this AI response. Female MRL+/+ mice (5 weeks old) received ip injections of 10 mmol/kg TCE or 0.2 mmol/kg of DCAC in corn oil (100 μl) every 4 th day for 6 weeks, while controls received an equal volume of vehicle only, and AMDA was measured in the sera of these animals by an ELISA established in our laboratory. While TCE treatment caused only marginal induction of AMDA, DCAC treatment elicited a significant AMDA response. Furthermore, a time–response study of DCAC (0.2 mmol/kg, every 4 th day, for 2, 4, 6, or 8 weeks) showed an induction of AMDA (3/4) after 4 weeks of treatment, which was even greater at both 6 and 8 weeks of DCAC treatment (5/5). These findings were further substantiated by the presence of AMDA in systemic lupus erythematosus-prone MRL-lpr/lpr mice as early as 6 weeks of age. Presence of AMDA, as observed in this study, not only indicates increased lipid peroxidation (oxidative stress), but also suggests a putative role of oxidative stress in inflammatory autoimmune diseases.
The Rise In Spending Among Medicare Beneficiaries: The Role Of Chronic Disease Prevalence And Changes In Treatment Intensity

ABSTRACT: We examine the impact of the rise in treated disease prevalence on the growth in Medicare beneficiaries' health care spending. Virtually all of this spending growth is associated with pat...
How to recommend preferable solutions of a user in interactive reinforcement learning

We propose a new method of recommending preferable solutions of a user in interactive reinforcement learning. Interactive reinforcement learning is different from normal reinforcement learning in that a human gives the reward function to the learner interactively. It is that the reward function may not be fixed for the learner if an end-user changes his mind or his preference. However, most of previous reinforcement learning methods assume that the reward function is fixed and the optimal solution is unique, so they will be useless in interactive reinforcement learning with such an end-user. To solve this, it is necessary for the learner to estimate the userpsilas preference and to consider its changes. This paper proposes a new method how to match an end-userpsilas preference solution with the learnerpsilas recommended solution. Experiments are performed with twenty subjects to evaluate the effectiveness of our method. As the experimental results, a large number of subjects prefer each every-visit-optimal solution than the optimal solution. On the other hand, a small number of subjects prefer each every-visit-non-optimal solution. We will discuss the reason why the end-userspsila preferences are divided into two groups.
Use of Phenylboronic Acids to Investigate Boron Function in Plants. Possible Role of Boron in Transvacuolar Cytoplasmic Strands and Cell-to-Wall Adhesion

The only defined physiological role of boron in plants is as a cross-linking molecule involving reversible covalent bonds with cis-diols on either side of borate. Boronic acids, which form the same reversible bonds with cis-diols but cannot cross-link two molecules, were used to selectively disrupt boron function in plants. In cultured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv BY-2) cells, addition of boronic acids caused the disruption of cytoplasmic strands and cell-to-cell wall detachment. The effect of the boronic acids could be relieved by the addition of boron-complexing sugars and was proportional to the boronic acid-binding strength of the sugar. Experiments with germinating petunia (Petunia hybrida) pollen and boronate-affinity chromatography showed that boronic acids and boron compete for the same binding sites. The boronic acids appear to specifically disrupt or prevent borate-dependent cross-links important for the structural integrity of the cell, including the organization of transvacuolar cytoplasmic strands. Boron likely plays a structural role in the plant cytoskeleton. We conclude that boronic acids can be used to rapidly and reversibly induce boron deficiency-like responses and therefore are useful tools for investigating boron function in plants.
Effects of long-term nitrogen fertilization on the uptake kinetics of atmospheric methane in temperate forest soils

To determine whether repeated, long-term NH4+ fertilization alters the enzymatic function of the atmospheric CH4 oxidizer community in soil, we examined CH4 uptake kinetics in temperate pine and hardwood forest soils amended with 150 kg N ha−1 y−1 as NH4NO3 for more than a decade. The highest rates of atmospheric CH4 consumption occurred in the upper 5 cm mineral soil of the control plots. In contrast to the results of several previous studies, surface organic soils in the control plots also exhibited high consumption rates. Fertilization decreased in situ CH4 consumption in the pine and hardwood sites relative to the control plots by 86% and 49%, respectively. Fertilization increased net N mineralization and relative nitrification rates and decreased CH4 uptake most dramatically in the organic horizon, which contributed substantially to the overall decrease in field flux rates. In all cases, CH4 oxidation followed Michaelis–Menten kinetics, with apparent Km (Km(app)) values typical of high-affinity soil CH4 oxidizers. Both Km(app) and Vmax(app) were significantly lower in fertilized soils than in unfertilized soils. The physiology of the methane consumer community in the fertilized soils was distinct from short-term responses to NH4+ addition. Whereas the immediate response to NH4+ was an increase in Km(app), resulting from apparent enzymatic substrate competition, the long-term response to fertilization was a community-level shift to a lower Km(app), a possible adaptation to diminish the competitiveness of NH4+ for enzyme active sites.
GnRH-Receptor Interaction. VI. Effect of Progesterone and Estradiol on Hypophyseal Receptors for GnRH, and Serum and Hypophyseal Concentrations of Gonadotropins in Ovariectomized Ewes

The effects of estradiol and progesterone on 1) hypophyseal and serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH); 2) hypothalamic content of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH); and 3) numbers of receptors for GnRH were examined in ovariectomized ewes. Three days after ovariectomy, ewes were given 16 mg progesterone (n 5), 0.7 mg estradiol (n 5) or 16 mg progesterone plus 0.7 mg estradiol (n 5) s.c. in ethanol twice daily for 3 weeks prior to slaughter. Ten control ewes were given injections of ethanol according to the same schedule. Five intact ewes were killed 12 days after an induced ovulation. Blood samples were collected daily for 4 days prior to slaughter, and the serum was analyzed for concentrations of progesterone, estradiol, LH, and FSH. Hypothalami were removed after sacrifice and the amount of GnRH present in the preoptic area, median eminence, and hypothalamus proper was determined. In addition, the pituitary gland from each animal was removed and the number of receptors for GnRH and concentrations of LH, FSH, and prolactin were measured. Steroid treatment produced concentrations of estradiol and progesterone similar to those observed during late pregnancy in ewes. Administration of either progesterone or estradiol, suppressed (P 0.05) as a result of treatment. Likewise, neither hypophyseal weight nor prolactin content was affected by steroid treatment, suggesting that the effects of the steroids were limited to the gonadotrophs. These data indicate that estradiol can increase the number of receptors for GnRH, while the quantity of LH and FSH released into the circulation or contained in the pituitary decreases. Thus, the effects of estradiol appear to be mediated at the level of the pituitary gland. In contrast, the inhibitory effect of progesterone on secretion of LH is not mediated via receptors for GnRH or pituitary concentrations of LH, suggesting an influence at higher neural centers.
Combined use of cryoballoon and focal open-irrigation radiofrequency ablation for treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation: results from a pilot study.

Background Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) achieved using a cryoballoon has been shown to be safe and effective. This treatment modality has limited effectiveness for treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate a combined approach using a cryoballoon for treatment of PVI and focal radiofrequency (RF) left atrial substrate ablation for treatment of persistent AF. Methods Twenty-two consecutive patients with persistent AF were included in the study. PVI initially was performed with a cryoballoon. Left atrial complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAEs) then were ablated using an RF catheter. Finally, linear ablations using the RF catheter were performed. Results Eighty-three PVs, including five with left common ostia, were targeted and isolated (100%). Seventy-seven (94%) of 82 PVs targeted with the cryoballoon were isolated, and 5 (6%) required use of RF energy to complete isolation. A mean of 9.7 ± 2.6 cryoablation applications per patient was needed to achieve PVI. Median time required for cryoablation per vein was 600 seconds, and mean number of balloon applications per vein was 2.5 ± 1.0. In 19 (86%) patients in whom AF persisted after PVI, CFAE areas were ablated using the RF catheter. Two cases of transient phrenic nerve paralysis occurred. After a single procedure and mean follow-up of 6.0 ± 2.9 months, 86.4% of patients were AF-free without antiarrhythmic drugs. Conclusion A combined approach of cryoablation and RF ablation for treatment of persistent AF is feasible and is associated with a favorable short-term outcome.
Defining versus describing the nature of science: A pragmatic analysis for classroom teachers and science educators

There appears to be an almost universal commitment among science edu- cators to promote the goal of student understanding of the nature of science. Recent dis- agreements among philosophers of science and between philosophers and other groups such as scientists and science educators about the nature of science, however, leave class- room teachers in a quandry: If experts disagree about the nature of science, how should we decide what to teach students? In this article, the authors first reconsider what level of understanding of the nature of science students should experience so that they can become both intelligent consumers of scientific information and effective local and global citizens. Second, based on an analysis of the literature, it appears that there is a general agreement among science education stakeholders regarding a set of descriptors that can be used to judge which questions or fields of study are more scientific or less scientific than others. Therefore, we propose that most precollege teachers should attempt to teach students how to use these descriptors to judge the relative merits of knowledge claims instead of teaching a set of rules that attempt to demarcate science completely from nonscience. Finally, we suggest two classroom activities based on this proposal and draw some implications for teacher preparation and future research. q 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Sci Ed 83:493- 509, 1999.
Phase I study of weekly mitoxantrone and docetaxel before prostatectomy in patients with high-risk localized prostate cancer.

Purpose: The purpose is to determine the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of mitoxantrone and docetaxel administered weekly before prostatectomy in men with localized prostate cancer at high risk for recurrence. Experimental Design: Twenty-two patients were treated with four cycles of docetaxel 35 mg/m 2 and increasing doses of mitoxantrone starting at 2 mg/m 2 repeated weekly for 3 weeks of a 4-week cycle before prostatectomy. The MTD was defined as that dose at which fewer than one-third of patients experienced a DLT (≥grade 4 hematological or ≥grade 3 nonhematological toxicity). Changes in serum prostate-specific antigen and serum testosterone, and pathological outcome with surgery were secondary endpoints. Results: The MTD for mitoxantrone in combination with this dose of docetaxel was 4 mg/m 2 . Neutropenia was the DLT for the combination. Ten of 12 patients treated at the MTD completed the planned 16 weeks of chemotherapy, whereas 2 discontinued therapy early because of toxicity. The median reduction in PSA was 41% (range, 4–88%). Serum testosterone levels remained constant postchemotherapy. Conclusions: In this patient population, the planned Phase II regimen is 4 mg/m 2 mitoxantrone and 35 mg/m 2 docetaxel weekly for 3 of every 4 weeks. Delivery of this regimen before prostatectomy is feasible with acceptable toxicity. Additional studies are needed to determine whether this combined modality approach will reduce cancer recurrence rates in this high-risk population. Because extent of disease and exposure to prior therapy may impact treatment tolerance these safety data may not be applicable to patients with advanced prostate cancer.
The Effects of Aggressive and Altruistic Modeling on Subsequent Behavior

Summary In order to assess the effects of exposure to an aggressive or altruistic model and the stability of aggressive and altruistic behaviors across situations, 120 male and female shoppers were randomly assigned to five treatment conditions. Although there was no difference between Ss interacting with the same or different experimenter as the model, those exposed to an aggressive model behaved significantly more aggressively in the first situation. No effect of observing an altruistic model was found, nor were there any differences in responses to the second situation by Ss who had been in different treatment conditions. However, those who were altruistic or aggressive in the first situation tended to be more altruistic or aggressive in the second one.
An expert system for eigenfunction expansions of solutions to the wave, heat, and Laplace equations

We describe a new expert system, written in C, for expressing the eigenfunction expansions of solutions to the nonhomogeneous wave, heat and Laplace equations in rectangular, cylindrical, and spherical coordinates with Dirichlet, Neumann, or Robin boundary conditions, in either the time, Laplace or frequency domains. The output of the program is LATEX code expressing the expansion, with elaboration on the eigenvalues and the expressions for the coefficients therein.
Electrotonic influences on action potential duration dispersion in small hearts: a simulation study

Intrinsic spatial variations in repolarization currents in the heart can produce spatial gradients in action potential duration (APD) that serve as possible sites for conduction block and the initiation of reentrant activity. In well-coupled myocardium, however, electrotonic influences at the stimulus site and wavefront collision sites act to modulate any intrinsic heterogeneity in APD. These effects alter APD gradients over an extent larger than that suggested by the length constant associated with propagation and, thus, are hypothesized to play a greater role in smaller hearts used as experimental models of human disease. This study uses computer simulation to investigate how heart size, tissue properties, and the spatial assignment of cell types affect functional APD dispersion. Simulations were carried out using the murine ventricular myocyte model of Pandit et al. or the Luo-Rudy mammalian model in three-dimensional models of mouse and rabbit ventricular geometries. Results show that the spatial extent of the APD dispersion is related to the dynamic changes in transmembrane resistance during recovery. Also, because of the small dimensions of the mouse heart, electrotonic effects on APD primarily determine the functional dispersion of refractoriness, even in the presence of large intrinsic cellular heterogeneity and reduced coupling. APD dispersion, however, is found to increase significantly when the heart size increases to the size of a rabbit heart, unmasking intrinsic cell types.
A method for modelling radar interferograms without phase unwrapping: application to the M 5 Fawnskin, California earthquake of 1992 December 4

SUMMARY Interferometric analysis of synthetic aperture radar images (InSAR) measures the phase shifts between two images acquired at two distinct times. These ambiguous ‘wrapped’ phase values range from −½ to +½ cycles. The standard approach interprets the phase values in terms of the change in distance between the ground and the radar instrument by resolving the integer ambiguities in a process known as ‘unwrapping’. To avoid unwrapping, we have developed, validated and applied a new method for modelling the wrapped phase data directly. The method defines a cost function in terms of wrapped phase to measure the misfit between the observed and modelled values of phase. By minimizing the cost function with a simulated annealing algorithm, the method estimates parameters in a non-linear model. Since the wrapped phase residuals are compatible with a von Mises distribution, several parametric statistical tests can be used to evaluate the fit of the model to the data. The method, named General Inversion for Phase Technique (GIPhT), can handle noisy, wrapped phase data. Applying GIPhT to two interferograms in the area of Fawnskin, California, we estimate a set of model parameters describing a magnitude 5 aftershock of the 1992 Landers earthquake. The resulting simulation fits the data well. The phase final residuals have a circular mean deviation less than 0.15 cycles per datum. Sampling the final residuals, we find the circular standard deviation of a phase measurement to be approximately 0.2 cycle, corresponding to 6 mm in range.
Perceived weight discrimination amplifies the link between central adiposity and nondiabetic glycemic control (HbA1c).

Background While the preclinical development of type 2 diabetes is partly explained by obesity and central adiposity, psychosocial research has shown that chronic stressors such as discrimination have health consequences as well. Purpose We investigated the extent to which the wellestablished effects of obesity and central adiposity on nondiabetic glycemic control (indexed by HbA1c) were moderated by a targeted psychosocial stressor linked to weight: perceived weight discrimination. Methods The data came from the nondiabetic subsample (n=938) of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS II) survey. Results Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, and waist circumference were linked to significantly higher HbA1c (p<0.001). Multivariate-adjusted models showed that weight discrimination exacerbated the effects of waistto-hip ratio on HbA1c ( p<0.05), such that people who had higher waist-to-hip ratios and reported weight discrimination had the highest HbA1c levels. Conclusion Understanding how biological and psychosocial factors interact at nondiabetic levels to increase vulnerability could have important implications for public health and education strategies. Effective strategies may include targeting sources of discrimination rather than solely targeting the health behaviors and practices of overweight and obese persons.
Hypertension in response to CD4+ T cells from reduced uterine perfusion pregnant rats is associated with activation of the endothelin-1 system

We have shown that adoptive transfer of CD4+ T cells from placental ischemia (reduction in uteroplacental perfusion, RUPP) rats causes hypertension and elevated inflammatory cytokines during pregna...
T cells and in situ cryoglobulin deposition in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis

We discuss a 53-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus who presented with vasculitis, hypocomplementemia and nephritis. Although her serum complement 4 (C4) levels were zero, she had four copies of C4 gene. Renal biopsy revealed membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and the presence of cryoglobulins, detected by electron microscopy, and significant numbers of T cells in the interstitium. Cryoglobulins were considered responsible for the complete consumption of C4 in the serum the levels of which improved gradually after treatment. T cells in the kidney were found to express CD44 and phosphorylated ezrin/radixin/moiesin which explain why they homed to the kidney inappropriately. The contribution of cryoglobulins and T cells in the expression of kidney pathology is discussed.
Stress-induced variation in evolution: from behavioural plasticity to genetic assimilation

Extreme environments are closely associated with phenotypic evolution, yet the mechanisms behind this relationship are poorly understood. Several themes and approaches in recent studies significantly further our understanding of the importance that stress-induced variation plays in evolution. First, stressful environments modify (and often reduce) the integration of neuroendocrinological, morphological and behavioural regulatory systems. Second, such reduced integration and subsequent accommodation of stress-induced variation by developmental systems enables organismal 'memory' of a stressful event as well as phenotypic and genetic assimilation of the response to a stressor. Third, in complex functional systems, a stress-induced increase in phenotypic and genetic variance is often directional, channelled by existing ontogenetic pathways. This accounts for similarity among individuals in stress-induced changes and thus significantly facilitates the rate of adaptive evolution. Fourth, accumulation of phenotypically neutral genetic variation might be a common property of locally adapted and complex organismal systems, and extreme environments facilitate the phenotypic expression of this variance. Finally, stress-induced effects and stress-resistance strategies often persist for several generations through maternal, ecological and cultural inheritance. These transgenerational effects, along with both the complexity of developmental systems and stressor recurrence, might facilitate genetic assimilation of stress-induced effects. Accumulation of phenotypically neutral genetic variance by developmental systems and phenotypic accommodation of stress-induced effects, together with the inheritance of stress-induced modifications, ensure the evolutionary persistence of stress-response strategies and provide a link between individual adaptability and evolutionary adaptation.
Undergraduates’ Use of Google vs. Library Resources: A Four-Year Cohort Study

This longitudinal study at a large public university surveyed students of the 2008 freshmen cohort over four years about their use of websites and library resources for their research papers. The three goals of the study were to track changes in reported research behavior over time, to see if students’ reported source choices were associated with librarian instruction and/or if they were associated with instructors’ source requirements. The study found that, as students matured, they used library resources more frequently. Librarian instruction and faculty source requirements both were associated with increased use of library resources.
The Role of Automated SMS Text Messaging in Survey Research

Speaking to a need for innovative methods in data collection, this study demonstrates the utilization of web-based, automated SMS text messages in survey research in an attempt to cost-effectively reach more diverse samples of citizens, through their cell phones. The Textizen™ web-based SMS text message platform allows for the large-scale administration of short, text-based surveys. Of particular interest to survey researchers, some traditionally harder-to-reach populations, such as low-income and minority populations, have been quick to adopt mobile phone technologies, and use text-messaging services a higher rate than others. This study describes a recent test of SMS text messages as a “primary” mode of data collection – both in recruiting participants, and administering a survey in a regional context. A sample of 1,000 mobile subscribers was contacted via a “cold text” asking them to participate in a 5-question survey regarding their opinion on a local park; a raffle of 10 iPads was offered as incentive. Non-respondents received follow-up phone calls to determine their reason(s) for not responding, such as a non-working number, the inability to receive text messages, non-interest in text-message survey participation, or invasion of privacy. Significant empirical results include the rate of text message non-receipt, rate of text message receipt, frequency of reported barriers to responding (reasons for not responding), and demographics of respondents. Findings provide rich insight into the use for automated text messages in survey research in general, and have implications for particular local and global markets where the number of mobile subscribers and text message usage is high. This study can inform future experiments aimed to increase both response rates and cost effectiveness, as well as access traditionally harder to reach populations.
Characterization of the Temporomandibular Joint of Southern Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris nereis)

The structure-function relationship of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of southern sea otter has largely not been described. This study aims to describe the histological, biochemical, and biomechanical features of the TMJ disk in the southern sea otter. The TMJ disks from fresh cadaver heads of southern sea otter adult males (n = 8) and females (n = 8) acquired from strandings were examined. Following macroscopical evaluation, the TMJs were investigated for their histological, mechanical, and biochemical properties. We found that the sea otter TMJ disks are, in general, similar to other carnivores. Macroscopically, the TMJ disk was highly congruent, and the mandibular head was encased tightly by the mandibular fossa with a thin disk separating the joint into two compartments. Histologically, the articular surfaces were lined with dense fibrous connective tissue that gradually transitioned into one to two cell thick layer of hyaline-like cartilage. The disk fibers were aligned primarily in the rostrocaudal direction and had occasional lacuna with chondrocyte-like cells. The disk was composed primarily of collagen type 1. Biochemical analysis indicates sulfated glycosaminoglycan content lower than other mammals, but significantly higher in male sea otters than female sea otters. Finally, mechanical analysis demonstrated a disk that was not only stronger and stiffer in the rostrocaudal direction than the mediolateral direction but also significantly stronger and stiffer in females than males. We conclude that the congruent design of the TMJ, thin disk, biochemical content, and mechanical properties all reflect a structure-function relationship within the TMJ disk that is likely designed for the sea otter's hard diet and continuous food intake.
Learning Teams: Shrinking to Fit (B)

Teams often collapse over personality issues. This case examines such a collapse, in the context of an MBA student learning team. Students can explore personality differences, analytical strategy, and gender, ethnicity, and race issues. Joann Moyer, an MBA student facing first-year exams, is anxious and conflicted about what she perceives as personality conflicts among her team members. The B case reveals that the team actually has process issues around its learning frameworks and that many of the teams problems revolve around that issue and not personalities. The business world requires people to work together successfully, and good learning teams learn to cultivate the necessary skills for doing so. See also the A case (UVA-OB-0839).
Variation in Country-Based Ranking Lists Among Consumers' Choices of Top E-Commerce Web Sites: Implications for International E-Marketing

To develop an understanding of the factors that may impact on international e-business and e-marketing, this research examines the top 100 e-commerce Web sites in a sample of nine countries of diverse cultures and at different stages of national development, to determine the extent to which the forces of localization and globalization are influencing consumers’ preference and choices in ranking e-commerce Web sites in these countries. Preliminary results show evidence of variation among these ranking lists, presumably because of regional cultural preferences, local demands, and language differences. There is also evidence of some common characteristics among these lists because of the globalizing influence of the Internet. The implications of these findings for international e-marketing are discussed.
Print-related practices in low-income Latino homes and preschoolers’ school-readiness outcomes

This study examined literacy practices in the homes of 127 low-income Latino preschoolers enrolled in bilingual preschool classrooms. Specifically, we investigated the print-related practices that ...
What Do We Mean by Accumulation? Advancing Conceptual Precision for a Core Idea in Gerontology

In recent decades, the concept of accumulation has gained prominence in research on aging, health, and social stratification. Accumulation is now studied in multiple disciplines, revealing that cumulative processes are crucial to understanding patterns of differentiation over the life course. Although this research has demonstrated the empirical value of studying accumulation, the concept has taken on different and sometimes inconsistent meanings. To address these inconsistencies, we propose an interdisciplinary conceptual framework of accumulation that focuses on objects, timing, thresholds, de-accumulation, and the levels and consequences of accumulation. Providing a coherent framework of accumulation will aid conceptual precision, guide future research, and inform public policies related to aging and the life course.
Gerontology Telecourses: The Design and Evaluation of a Certificate in Aging Studies Program on Television

For students in rural areas and practitioners who provide health care to older adults in underserved areas, television is a particularly viable medium for the delivery of university courses in gerontology. Since 1991, Virginia Commonwealth University has offered a televised Certificate in Aging Studies program to individuals who would have no other option for acquiring this kind of graduate education. Analyses of data from 169 students completing telecourses indicate that: (1) programs are reaching the intended target audience, (2) students are generally satisfied with the format, and (3) taking the courses has a beneficial impact in terms of several likely outcome measures. Older, rural, and non-traditional students provided significantly higher ratings of the telecourses. In addition, there was greater agreement among students in the rural areas about the potential influence of telecourses on their diagnostic problem-solving skills. Results demonstrate the value of asynchronous learning opportu...
A Historian and Linkage PoliticsArno Mayer

While linkage politics has been a popular topic for both political scientists and historians, cross-fertilization has been meager. Indeed, there has been a studied indifference to interdisciplinary effort. By examining the work of a single historian, Arno Mayer, the authors explore the possibility of a more meaningful dialogue between historians and social scientists. Clearly, the rigor of social science as well as an imaginative and in-depth analysis of European history can be combined to stimulate and enrich our theoretical understanding of how domestic and international politics are related. Professor Mayer's work is evaluated in some detail and critiqued, but always with an eye to seeing how his writings relate to various approaches to international politics.
Facilitated Individualized Education Planning The State of Implementation and Evaluation

Facilitated individualized education planning (FIEP) presents an alternative to formalized dispute resolution procedures, which can have damaging financial and relational consequences for families and schools. Although recommended as an alternative dispute resolution practice, minimal research has examined its implementation and evaluation. In this study, we described where and how FIEP was being implemented and what types of data state educational agencies (SEAs) implementing FIEP were collecting. In two phases, we contacted representatives of each SEA in the United States, asking them to complete a survey on their state’s use of FIEP, and then to share outcome and participant feedback data and data collection forms. From 43 responses in the first phase, we found that almost half of SEAs are using FIEPs (n = 24), and of those not currently using FIEP, 12 were considering implementing the practice in the future. In the second phase of the study, we found that six states that responded to the request for d...
Rad is an Agent of Skeletal Muscle Atrophy

Rad, a member of the RGK (Rad, Rem, Rem2, Gem/Kir) family of small GTP binding proteins, is expressed at very low levels in “normal” skeletal muscle. However, Rad expression is substantially upregulated in muscle of sporadic ALS patients and two established familial ALS mouse models just prior to presentation of symptoms. Rad is a potent, endogenous inhibitor of skeletal muscle L-type Ca2+ channels (CaV1.1). Recently, downregulation of CaV1.1 expression via exon skipping was reported to cause profound atrophy and fibrosis. In light of the increased Rad expression in ALS muscle, we investigated the effect(s) of long-term elevated Rad expression in otherwise normal skeletal muscle. To do so, we injected a serotype 1 Adeno-Associated Virus encoding a muscle-specific, tMCK promoter-driven Venus-Rad fusion construct into various mouse hindlimb muscles. Five months post-injection, we observed profound atrophy of V-Rad-expressing tibialis anterior (TA) muscles. These TA muscles displayed extensive fibrosis and considerable reductions in fiber diameter and area relative to naive and GFP-expressing control TA muscles. Examination of V-Rad-expressing extensor digitorum longus fibers in thin sections revealed a general disruption of muscle ultrastructure. L-type currents and intramembrane charge movement were both reduced (∼55% and ∼34%, respectively) in V-Rad-expressing flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) fibers in comparison to naive and GFP-expressing fibers. Likewise, depolarization-induced myoplasmic Ca2+ transients were reduced (∼55%) in V-Rad-expressing FDB fibers. The reduction in transient amplitude appeared not be a consequence of a reduced SR Ca2+ store because control and V-Rad-expressing FDB fibers had similar responses to 4-cholo-m-cresol (p > 0.05). Taken together, our results indicate that Rad can engage atrophic signaling in skeletal muscle, perhaps as an effect of inactivity due to impaired EC coupling. Supported by the Boettcher Foundation (R.A.B.), 2T32AG000279-11 (R.S. Schwartz) and 2PO1 AR052354 (P.D. Allen PI; CFA Core D).
The Great War in Popular British Cinema of the 1920s: before Journey’s End

The one-hundredth anniversary of World War I has sparked a renewed and reinvigorated attempt to examine many facets of the war. In particular, prior to the commemoration of the event, academic conf...