cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The extracellular matrix: A key player in the pathogenesis of hematologic malignancies

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells located in the bone marrow lay the foundation for multiple lineages of mature hematologic cells. Bone marrow niches are architecturally complex with specific cellular, physiochemical, and biomechanical factors. Increasing evidence suggests that the bone marrow microenvironment contributes to the pathogenesis of hematological neoplasms. Numerous studies have deciphered the role of genetic mutations and chromosomal translocations in the development hematologic malignancies. Significant progress has also been made in understanding how the cellular components and cytokine interactions within the bone marrow microenvironment promote the evolution of hematologic cancers. Although the extracellular matrix is known to be a key player in the pathogenesis of various diseases, it's role in the progression of hematologic malignancies is less understood. In this review, we discuss the interactions between the extracellular matrix and malignant cells, and provide an overview of the role of extracellular matrix remodeling in sustaining hematologic malignancies.
Saving Lives with Pre-Financed Rules-Based Disaster Aid: Evidence from Mexico

Abstract Developing economies are not disproportionately exposed to natural disasters, but they experience significantly more deaths. Exploiting a discontinuity in the eligibility rules to Mexico’s pre-financed indexed disaster fund (Fonden), I show that accelerated reconstruction of public infrastructure can fully reduce postdisaster excess mortality in the short-run and up to 75 percent two years after. I also find that Fonden’s impact is concentrated in areas with medical infrastructure and among conditions responsive to basic medical interventions. These findings suggest that Fonden operates by restoring access to health services after a disaster. Annual benefits from Fonden amount to 197 thousand life-years saved. (JEL: G22, H12, H84, Q54, I15, O18.)
Implementing a Novel Through-Glass Chest Radiography Technique for COVID-19 Patients: Image Quality, Radiation Dose Optimization, and Practical Considerations.

Abstract Rationale and objectives: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has presented many logistical challenges, including unprecedented shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE). A technique of obtaining portable chest radiographs (pCXR) through glass doors or windows to minimize technologist-patient contact and conserve PPE has gained popularity, but remains incompletely evaluated in the literature. Our goal was to quickly implement this technique and evaluate image quality and radiation dose. Materials and methods: An infographic and video were developed to educate nurses and technologists on the through-glass pCXR technique. Imaging parameters were optimized using a phantom and scatter radiation was measured. Three reviewers independently evaluated 100 conventionally obtained and 100 through-glass pCXRs from March 13, 2020 to April 30, 2020 on patients with suspected COVID-19, using criteria for positioning and sharpness/contrast on a 1 (confident criteria not met) to 5 (confident criteria met) scale. Imaging parameters, including deviation index (DI) were recorded for all radiographs. Results: The through-glass method was rapidly adopted and conserved one isolation gown per interaction. Although there was a statistically significant difference in the positioning (P value 0.018) and sharpness/contrast (P value 0.016), the difference in mean ratings was small: 4.82 vs 4.65 for positioning and 4.67 vs 4.50 (conventional vs modified) for sharpness/contrast. Scatter radiation was measured using a thorax phantom and found to be acceptable for the patient and nearby personnel. Standard deviation was higher for the DI for the through-glass technique (2.8) compared to the conventional technique (1.8), although the means were similar. Conclusion: The through-glass technique was quickly implemented, producing diagnostic quality chest radiographs while conserving PPE and reducing risks to radiology staff. There was more variability with imaging technique and DI using the through-glass technique, likely due to technologist uncertainty regarding technical modifications. Further work to reduce this variation is necessary to optimize quality and dose.
Impact of X+Y Scheduling on Pediatric Resident and Faculty Perceptions of Education and Patient Care

Abstract Purpose Traditional half-day per week continuity clinic experiences can lead to fragmented education in both the inpatient and outpatient arenas. Five pediatric residency programs were granted the ability from the ACGME to create X+Y scheduling where residents have continuity clinic in “blocks” rather than half-day per week experiences. The aim of this study is to assess the impact X+Y scheduling has on pediatric resident and faculty perceptions of patient care and other educational experiences. Methods Electronic surveys were sent to residents and faculty of the participating programs both prior to and 12 months after implementing X+Y scheduling. Survey questions measured resident and faculty perception of continuity clinic schedule satisfaction and the impact of continuity clinic schedules on inpatient and subspecialty rotation experiences using a 5-point Likert Scale. Data were analyzed using z-tests for proportion differences for those answering Agree or Strongly Agree between baseline and post-implementation respondents. Results Hundred and twenty-six out of 186 residents (68%) responded preimplementation and 120 out of 259 residents (47%) responded post-implementation. 384 faculty members were sent the survey with 51% response pre-implementation and 26% response at 12 months. Statistically significant (P Conclusions From both resident and faculty perspectives, X+Y scheduling may improve several aspects of patient care and education. X+Y scheduling could be considered as a potential option by pediatric residency programs, especially if validated with more objective data.
The Pursuit of Meaning: Placing Biodiversity and Biography at the Center of Biology

Naturalists enrich our scientific understanding of biodiversity. However, just as countries have fallen behind on commitments to provide biodiversity conservation funding, so has the focus of life ...
Estimating Correlated Valuations for Data-Driven Bundle Pricing with Copula Inference

Bundling is pervasive in many markets. Optimal bundle pricing requires learning the joint distribution of consumer valuations for items in the bundle, that is, consumers’ willingness to pay for the items. However, retailers typically do not observe this quantity. In this work, we develop a statistically consistent and efficient inference procedure for fitting a copula model over the latent consumer valuations, using only transaction data. We show that this method is computationally tractable by transforming the seemingly intractable likelihood function (i.e., integrals over the latent valuations) into distribution function evaluations, which can be estimated efficiently. The inference procedure which utilizes copula estimates correlated valuations over the bundle items and allows arbitrary marginal distributions. It offers significant flexibilities compared to existing methods in the bundling literature which typically limit to certain distribution families (e.g., uniform or normal) or restrictive dependence structure (e.g., independence or perfect correlation). We also extend the method to settings that exhibit intra-category substitution effect, where each bundle component could face competition from similar products in the same category. We show that the joint valuation estimation can be integrated into a choice modeling framework which is popular in many industries. Lastly, we show how the method can have a real impact in practice with a case study in the telecommunications industry that investigated phone-plan bundles. Our results highlight the importance of modeling the joint dependence across product valuations and show that there is room for a significant increase in profits over current practice.
International Enforcement of Maintenance Obligations

FAMILY DESERTION and nonsupport has long been a serious social problem. Whenever a breadwinner leaves his home and fails to discharge his alimentary duty, which Blackstone regarded as "flowing from the law of nature,"' a whole family unit is disrupted. The psychological and financial blow suffered by abandoned wives and children-as husbands are the most frequent offenders-is often irreparable. In numerous cases wives are unable to support themselves with their own means and must look to welfare agencies for assistance and guidance; children abandoned by their parents frequently are committed to orphanages.2 Thus, in addition to the personal tragedy for the people involved, a man's failure to support his family often results in a financial burden for the community. On the other hand, in countries where no adequate welfare services exist, abandoned dependents are likely to become hopelessly destitute. Desertion, which is the most common cause of nonsupport of dependents, has been called "the poor man's divorce." It is a method frequently used to break the marriage relationship by those who cannot afford divorce proceedings. It is also a common occurrence in countries where divorce does not exist or is very difficult to obtain. In some cases a runaway breadwinner remains within the same country; in other cases he repairs to another country to escape his maintenance obligations, or, having moved abroad for other reasons, subsequently ceases to support the dependents left behind. There is little doubt that the problem has become more acute in recent years both within the various States and between different countries. In the United States, for example, the Social Security Administration estimated, in a study made in sixteen States, that among families assisted under the aid to dependent children program, the number of fathers deserting or separated without court decree increased by 25% between 1942 and 1948. It was also shown that the father's absence from home far outranked death and incapacity as the reason for the children's need for public assistance.3
The Branded Self

This investigation makes the argument that to a considerable degree, our sense of our selves is connected to the way advertising helps us shape our identities and focuses our attention on brands as a way of signifying who we are to others. My point of departure is Norbert Wiley’s The Semiotic Self (1995:37). I will use Bakhtin’s concept of dialogism to deal with Wiley’s notion that the self involves an internal conversation in which the present self (the “I”) talks about the past self (the “me”) to the future self (the “you”). The branded self discusses some important concepts in semiotic analysis and relates them to the notion of the “self” and then to other matters, such as branding.
Built In Test for VLSI: Pseudorandom Techniques

Digital Testing and the Need for Testable Design Principles of Testable Design Pseudorandom Sequence Generators Test Response Compression Techniques Shift-Register Polynomial Division Special-Purpose Shift-Register Circuits Random Pattern Built-In Test Built-In Test Structures Limitations and Other Concerns of Random Pattern Testing Test System Requirements for Built-In Test Appendix References Index.
Perception-Action Network for Sensor Fusion and Planning

Robot intelligence requires a realtime connection between sensing and action. A new computational principle of robotics that efficiently implements such a connection is utmost important for the new generation of robotics. In this paper, a perception-action network is presented as a means of efficiently integrating sensing, knowledge, and action for sensor fusion and planning. The network consists of a number of heterogeneous computational units, representing feature transformation and abstraction, data and concept fusion, constraint satisfaction for consistency, as well as planning and decision-making for action, which are interconnected as a dynamic system. New input stimuli to the network invoke the evolution of network states to a new equilibrium, through which a real-time integration of sensing, knowledge, and action can be accomplished. The network provides a formal, yet general and efficient, method of achieving sensor fusion and planning. This is because the uncertainties of signals, propagated in the network, can be controlled by modifying sensing parameters and robot actions. Algorithms for sensor planning based on the proposed network are established and applied to robot self-localization. Simulation and experimental results are shown.
The relation between structure and reactivity in five-membered heteroaromatic compounds—II

Abstract Two parallel sets of CNDO/2 calculations have been carried out for 1H-5-aminotetrazole ( 1 ), 2-methyl-5-aminotetrazole ( 2 ), 1,3-dimethyl-5-aminotetrazolium cation ( 3 ) and the tetrazolate anion ( 4 ). In one set, the molecular geometry was represented by a regular pentagon 1·33 A on a side, and in the other the experimentally determined molecular geometries were used. The calculated electronic structures from the two sets of calculations are compared; both sets predict similar trends in variation of atomic charges and bond indices with structure. Where comparison is possible, these trends seem to be generally in agreement with expectations based on classical concepts such as resonance. It is noted that the relative magnitudes of σ-electron bond indices seem to parallel those of the π-electron bond indices in many cases, although the σ-bond indices show much smaller variation in absolute magnitude as compared with the π-bond indices. A brief discussion of the relative merits of various geometrical models is presented; it is suggested that, in order to combine the advantages of both approaches, standard and experimentally-determined geometries should be used side-by-side whenever possible. A procedure for speeding convergence by use of a damping factor is described.
Collaborative redesign of used clothes as a sustainable fashion solution: exploring consumer interest and experience.

University of Minnesota M.A. thesis. December 2011. Major: Design. Advisor: Juanjuan Wu. 1 computer file (PDF); vii, 123 pages, appendices A-G.
Lineage tracing in a data warehousing system

Some commercial data warehousing systems support schema-level lineage tracing, or provide specialized drill-down and/or drill-through facilities for multi-dimensional warehouse views. Our lineage tracing system supports more fine-grained instance-level lineage tracing for arbitrarily complex relational views, including aggregation. At view definition time, our system automatically generates lineage tracing procedures and supporting auxiliary views. At lineage tracing time, the system applies the tracing procedures to the source tables and/or auxiliary views to obtain the lineage results and to illustrate the specific view data derivation process.
Progress in research of nuclear factor kappaB inhibitor in treatment of lung inflammation.

Signal transduction of nuclear factor kappa B is closely related to lung inflammation.Targeting on this signaling pathway is a hot research point for anti-inflammation drugs.In this paper,we reviewed the relationship between lung inflammation and nuclear factor kappa B,as well as the advance of nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor treated on lung disease.It is expected to give reference materials for the study of new anti-inflammation drugs.
Differential Inhibition of Six Copper Amine Oxidases by a Family of 4-(Aryloxy)-2-butynamines: Evidence for a New Mode of Inactivation.

A series of compounds derived from a previously identified substrate analogue of copper amine oxidases (CuAOs) (Shepard et al. (2002) Eur. J. Biochem. 269, 3645-3658) has been screened against six different CuAOs with a view to designing potent and selective inhibitors. The substrate analogues investigated were 4-(1-naphthyloxy)-2-butyn-1-amine, 4-(2-methylphenoxy)-2-butyn-1-amine, 4-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-butyn-1-amine, 4-(4-methylphenoxy)-2-butyn-1-amine, and 4-phenoxy-2-butyn-1-amine. These compounds were screened against equine plasma amine oxidase (EPAO), Pisum sativum amine oxidase (PSAO), Pichia pastoris lysyl oxidase (PPLO), bovine plasma amine oxidase (BPAO), human kidney diamine oxidase (KDAO), and Arthrobacter globiformis amine oxidase (AGAO) to examine the effect of different substituent groups on potency. Despite the similar structures of the 4-aryloxy analogues evaluated, striking differences in potency were observed. In addition, crystal structures of AGAO derivitized with 4-(2-naphthyloxy)-2-butyn-1-amine and 4-(4-methylphenoxy)-2-butyn-1-amine were obtained at a resolution of 1.7 A. The structures reveal a novel and unprecedented reaction mechanism involving covalent attachment of the alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehyde turnover product to the amino group of the reduced 2,4,5-trihydroxyphenylalanine quinone (TPQ) cofactor. Collectively, the structural and inhibition results support the feasibility of designing selective mechanism-based inhibitors of copper amine oxidases.
A Decade and a Half of Archaeology in Israel and in Jordan

YEIVIN, A Decade of Archaeology in Israel 1948-1958 (1960), and G. Lankester Harding, The Antiquities of Jordan (1959), described the * progress of archaeology in Israel and in Jordan in the decade after Israel's independence.' In the subsequent decade and a half, 1958-1973, the 1967 war has redrawn the map so that the West Bank the bulge of Cis-Jordan which included Samaria, the Old City of Jerusalem, and Hebron has passed from Jordanian into Israeli hands. In spite of the unsettled political conditions, archaeological investigations have proceeded apace. In Israel the numerous excavations have been sponsored by the Israel Department of Antiquities, the Hebrew University, the British School of Archaeology, the Hebrew Union College Biblical and Archaeological School, the American Schools of Oriental Research, and various consortia of American colleges and universities. In Jordan excavations have been conducted chiefly by the Jordanian Department of Antiquities, the British School of Archaeology, and the American Schools of Oriental Research. American scholars have taught archaeology at the University of Jordan, established at Amman in 1963. In the following article we shall attempt to summarize some of the more significant discoveries according to historical periods.2
Does a delay between diagnosis and radical prostatectomy increase the risk of disease recurrence

BACKGROUND Men diagnosed with clinically localized prostate carcinoma have several treatment options. The investigation of these options may delay the initiation of definitive therapy. In the current study, the authors evaluated whether time from biopsy to radical prostatectomy (RP) was predictive of postoperative biochemical disease recurrence (BCR). METHODS A total of 3149 consecutive patients who underwent RP as their initial treatment for prostate carcinoma within a year of diagnosis were identified. The time between diagnosis and RP was entered as a predictor in a multivariate logistic regression model predicting BCR at 3 years, 5 years, 8 years, and 10 years. The year surgery was performed and the nomogram-predicted probability of recurrence, which incorporates stage of disease, Gleason grade, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, were used as covariates. RESULTS The authors found no clear evidence of a significant effect of delay to diagnosis on BCR. For those patients treated within 6 months (96% of the total sample) the odds ratio for each additional month of delay was 1.04, 1.07, 1.08, and 1.02, respectively, for 3-year, 5-year, 8-year, and 10-year BCR-free survival (P > 0.2 for all analyses). However, the 95% confidence intervals were wide and included the possibility that even a minor delay in surgery might have a large impact on the probability of BCR. CONCLUSIONS The time between biopsy and surgery does not appear to have a large effect on the risk of disease recurrence. Counseling patients on the importance of avoiding undue delay to surgery must be based on clinical judgment, particularly with respect to modifying advice based on the patient's risk. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Mobilities and concentration profiles of counterion catalysts incorporated in Nafion coatings on electrodes

Abstract The effectiveness of catalysts that are held on the surfaces of electrodes by incorporation into coatings of Nafion deposited on the electrode can be highly dependent on the mobility of the catalyst molecules within the Nafion. Diffusion coefficients of cationic catalysts incorporated in Nafion provide a measure of their mobilities. Such diffusion coefficients are typically evaluated in transient, potential-step experiments but the use of catalysts to accelerate the rates of electrode processes usually involves electrolysis under steady-state conditions. Described in this report is a new method for evaluating steady-state diffusion coefficients of cationic reactants incorporated in Nafion. The method is demonstrated in experiments with Ru(NH 3 ) 6 3+ incorporated in Nafion coatings on glassy carbon electrodes.
High resolution spectrum and analysis of 2ν3 of 13CH4 at 1.67 μm

Abstract The 2 ν 3 vibration-rotation overtone of 13 CH 4 near 6000 cm −1 has been recorded at 0.025-cm −1 resolution and analyzed for the first time. Nineteen spectroscopic constants have been determined with a new algorithm developed to fit simultaneously the P -, Q -, and R -branches of spherical-top molecules. This algorithm has also been used to refine the analysis of 2 ν 3 of 12 CH 4 .
POSSIBLE CLUES TO IMPROVED POND CULTURE OF PENAEID SHRIMP

This study was stimulated by the variability in results of United States shrimp culture in ponds, and the need for improved methods of estimating shrimp populations in ponds prior to harvest. Brown shrimp (Penaeus aztecus) were cultured in six 0.1 ha earthen ponds receiving thermal effluent from a steam electric generating station near Galveston Bay, Texas, for a 70–71 day culture period between April and July 1978. Two ponds were stocked with 3,500 shrimp each and four with 2,500 shrimp. Only shrimp in two ponds stocked at the lower density did not receive supplemental food. Each pond was treated weekly with 4.5 kg of 45-0-0 fertilizer to promote plankton blooms. Survival ranged from 79 to 91%; feeding treatment seemed to correlate with survival as two of the three ponds with 79% survival contained the unfed shrimp. Size of shrimp at harvest and daily growth rates were not correlated with stocking density or feeding treatment. Growth was positively correlated with increasing pond bottom softness. Based on seine sample data, wind direction strongly affected the distribution of brown shrimp. The greatest populations were usually found near the downwind shore of ponds; this relationship was strongest in ponds containing fed shrimp. The efficiency of seine samples was also affected by the time of day. Samples completed between 1800 and 0600 h caught more shrimp and were less variable than samples taken between 0900 and 1430 h. For improved population estimation, night sampling along downwind shores of culture ponds is recommended.
Potassium Currents Expressed from Drosophila and Mouse eag cDNAs in Xenopus Oocytes

Abstract The ether-a-go-go (eag) gene family encodes a set of related ion channel polypeptides expressed in the excitable cells of organisms ranging from invertebrates to mammals. Earlier studies demonstrated that eag mutations in Drosophila cause an increase in membrane excitability in the nervous system. Mutations in the human eag-related gene (HERG) have been implicated in cardiac arrhythmia, and recent studies show that HERG subunits contribute to the channels mediating IKr and the terminal repolarization of the cardiac action potential. A physiological role for M-EAG, the mouse counterpart to Drosophila eag, has not been determined. Here, we describe basic properties of Eag and M-EAG channels expressed in frog oocytes, using two-electrode voltage clamp and patch clamp techniques. Both Eag and M-EAG channels are voltage-dependent, outwardly rectifying and highly selective for K+ over Na+ions. In contrast to previous reports, we found no evidence for Ca2+ flux through Eag channels. The most notable difference between these closely related channels is that Eag currents exhibit partial inactivation, whereas M-EAG currents are sustained for the duration of an activating voltage command. In addition, Eag currents run down more rapidly than do M-EAG currents in excised macropatches. Rundown is reversible by inserting the patch into the interior of the oocyte, indicating that a cytosolic factor regulates channel activity or stability. These studies should facilitate identification of currents mediated by Eag and M-EAG channels in vivo. Copyright © 1996 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd
Modifiability of attention: Effects of dimensional salience and overtraining on discrimination shifts☆

Abstract Previous results have shown that there is an increased difference between intradimensional (ID) and extradimensional (ED) shifts when subjects shift to a nonpreferred dimension. Fisher and Zeaman (1973) have indicated that such findings can be explained not only by their attention-retention theory, which assumes that attention is completely modifiable, but also by models which assume that attention has a fixed, nonmodifiable component. The present experiment showed that the larger ID-ED difference with a nonsalient dimension is solely attributable to the improved performance of the ID shift condition, a results which is more consistent with the assumption of complete modifiability of attention.
Improved design of a torque actuator based on ferromagnetic shape memory alloy composite

Various design modifications were proposed for a torque actuator based on ferromagnetic shape memory alloy composites. These modifications were implemented into the design of the torque actuator, and prototypes were built and measured for their maximum torque, angle of twist, and work output characteristics. The design changes had an effect of increasing one or more of these characteristics with each iteration.
The potential for elimination of racial-ethnic disparities in HIV treatment initiation in the Medicaid population among 14 southern states.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to explore the racial and ethnic disparities in initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ARV treatment or ART) among HIV-infected Medicaid enrollees 18–64 years of age in 14 southern states which have high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and high racial disparities in HIV treatment access and mortality. Methods We used Medicaid claims data from 2005 to 2007 for a retrospective cohort study. We compared frequency variances of HIV treatment uptake among persons of different racial- ethnic groups using univariate and multivariate methods. The unadjusted odds ratio was estimated through multinomial logistic regression. The multinomial logistic regression model was repeated with adjustment for multiple covariates. Results Of the 23,801 Medicaid enrollees who met criteria for initiation of ARV treatment, only one third (34.6%) received ART consistent with national guideline treatment protocols, and 21.5% received some ARV medication, but with sub-optimal treatment profiles. There was no significant difference in the proportion of people who received ARV treatment between black (35.8%) and non-Hispanic whites (35.7%), but Hispanic/Latino persons (26%) were significantly less likely to receive ARV treatment. Conclusions Overall ARV treatment levels for all segments of the population are less than optimal. Among the Medicaid population there are no racial HIV treatment disparities between Black and White persons living with HIV, which suggests the potential relevance of Medicaid to currently uninsured populations, and the potential to achieve similar levels of equality within Medicaid for Hispanic/Latino enrollees and other segments of the Medicaid population.
Inertial cavitation dose produced in ex vivo rabbit ear arteries with Optison by 1-MHz pulsed ultrasound.

Abstract Previous in vitro studies have shown that ultrasound-induced mechanical bioeffects with contrast agents present are highly correlated with inertial cavitation (IC) "dose" (Chen et al. 2003a, 2003c). The ex vivo experiments conducted here addressed the following hypotheses: 1. IC activity can be generated by insonating perfused rabbit ear blood vessel, and 2. the IC "dose" developed during insonation treatment can be reliably measured and will vary with varying acoustic parameters and Optison® concentration. Ex vivo rabbit auricular arteries were perfused with Optison® suspensions and then exposed to 1.1-MHz pulsed focused ultrasound. Experimental variables included peak negative acoustic pressure (0.2 MPa to 5.2 MPa), pulse-repetition frequency (5, 50 or 500 Hz), pulse length (50, 100, 500 or 1000 cycles), and Optison® volume concentration (0, 0.2, 0.5 or 1%). Cavitation activity was quantified as IC dose, based on passive cavitation detection measurements. The results show that: 1. The IC pressure threshold decreases with higher concentrations of Optison®, and 2. IC dose increases significantly with increasing acoustic pressure, Optison® concentration, pulse length or with decreasing pulse-repetition frequency. (E-mail: juantu@u.washington.edu)
Super-Hydrophobic Surfaces via Micrometer-Scale Templated Pillars

The fabrication of enhanced hydrophobic surfaces via simple and inexpensive means will be discussed. Regular arrays of microscale pores were prepared in polymer matrices via the spontaneous assembly of water-vapor condensation, the so-called breath figure method. Using these regular arrays of pores as templates, the analogous array of pillars (inverse pores) was transferred to polymeric films. These microtextured surfaces have greatly enhanced the hydrophobicity of the polymer when measured by the contact angle. This method of producing super-hydrophobic textured surfaces should be amenable to high-throughput, low-cost manufacturing of many polymeric surfaces.
Impedance study of SrTi1−xFexO3−δ (x = 0.05 to 0.80) mixed ionic-electronic conducting model cathode

Abstract SrTi1−xFexO3−δ (STF) model cathodes, with compositions of x = 0.05 to 0.80 were deposited onto single crystal yttria stabilized zirconia by pulsed layer deposition as dense films with well defined area and thickness and studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as a function of electrode geometry, temperature and pO2. The STF cathode was observed to exhibit typical mixed ionic-electronic behavior with the electrode reaction occurring over the full electrode surface area rather than being limited to the triple phase boundary. The electrode impedance was observed to be independent of electrode thickness and to the introduction of CGO interlayers and inversely proportional to the square of the electrode diameter, pointing to surface exchange limited kinetics. Values for the surface exchange coefficient, k, were calculated and found to be comparable in magnitude to those exhibited by other popular mixed ionic-electronic conductors such as (La,Sr)(Co,Fe)O3, thereby, confirming the suitability of STF as a model mixed conducting cathode material. The surface exchange coefficient, k, was also found to be insensitive to orders of magnitude change in both bulk electronic and ionic conductivities.
Oligodendrocyte maturation and myelin gene expression in PDGF-treated cultures from rat cerebral white matter.

Myelination in the CNS is accompanied by the differentiation of oligodendrocytes as well as the coordinate expression of a group of myelin-specific genes, including those encoding proteolipid protein and myelin basic protein. In order to compare the timing of the onset of myelin gene expression with the known sequence of oligodendrocyte maturation, we analyzed cerebral white matter cultures grown in the presence of platelet-derived growth factor for expression of the mRNAs encoding these myelin proteins, as well as for the numbers of oligodendrocytes and their precursors. Platelet-derived growth factor treatment increased the rate of oligodendrocyte precursor cell proliferation and the number of mature oligodendrocytes. Platelet-derived growth factor also produced a significant increase in oligodendrocyte precursors prior to an increase in their proliferation rate, suggesting that platelet-derived growth factor may also have an effect on oligodendrocyte precursor survival. Furthermore, steady-state levels of proteolipid protein and myelin basic protein mRNAs increased within 24 h of the addition of platelet-derived growth factor, before any significant change in the numbers of oligodendrocytes or their precursors, demonstrating that platelet-derived growth factor also regulates myelin gene expression. At later times after platelet-derived growth factor addition, however, when the number of oligodendrocytes and their precursors was rapidly increasing, the increase in proteolipid protein and myelin basic protein mRNA levels was proportionally much greater than the increase in oligodendroglial lineage cells, suggesting that platelet-derived growth factor also increased the number of proteolipid protein and myelin basic protein transcripts per cell; this interpretation was confirmed byin situ hybridization analysis. Finally, by examining the co-expression of galactocerebroside using the epitopes recognized by the Ranscht monoclonal antibody and proteolipid protein mRNA in individual cells by a combination ofin situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, we demonstrated that oligodendrocytes express proteolipid protein and myelin basic protein mRNA. Oligodendrocyte maturation, as measured by surface galactocerebroside expression, is thus contemporaneous with the activation of myelin-specific gene expression.
Effect of cooling and of smoking tobacco upon the blood flow of reactive hyperemia of the foot.

Tobacco smoking and body cooling have been shown to decrease the "resting" blood flow to the foot. The present study was designed to determine whether either of these 2 stimuli also affects the increased blood flow that follows a period of ischemia (reactive hyperemia). Blood flows to the foot were measured in subjects with and without vascular disease by the venous occlusion, water plethysmographic method in a warm and a cool environment before and during smoking. Patients with bilaterally and unilaterally sympathectomized limbs were also studied to determine the mechanism of the observed responses.
Variable Relationships among Different Science Learners in Elementary Science-Methods Courses

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among science content knowledge, understanding the Learning Cycle, and self-efficacy among preservice teachers. Preservice teachers enrolled in an elementary science-methods course were categorized as Fearful, Disinterested, Successful, or Enthusiastic science learners based on differing background characteristics in the variables of science interest, performance in science courses methods courses. Analysis revealed that the four categories increased differentially in their science content knowledge, understanding of the Learning Cycle, science teaching self-efficacy, and confidence to learn science. Fearful science learners demonstrated less increases in science content knowledge and understanding of the Learning Cycle than the other three categories. Disinterested science learners demonstrated fewer gains in science content knowledge than Enthusiastic science learners. Fearful science learners were less confident to learn science than other categories.
A Coherent Approach To Optical Engineering

Carrying through the layout, design and engineering of an optical system is a major task of the optical engineer. Successful application of the techniques involved requires an understanding of why some of the simple formulae that are used for describing image, location, size, quality, and so on, apply as well as they do to the very complex nonlinear problem of optical imagery. This paper reviews some of the approaches used in optical engineering and indicates how they form a consistent model for the analysis of optical systems.
Acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors are survival factors with distinctive activity in quiescent BALB/c 3T3 murine fibroblasts.

Abstract Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), epidermal growth factor, and insulin-like growth factor have previously been identified as survival factors with distinctive activities for the density-inhibited quiescent BALB/c 3T3 murine fibroblasts. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF), like PDGF, renders quiescent BALB/c 3T3 cells competent to respond to epidermal growth factor and insulin-like growth factor, which mediate cell-cycle traverse through G1 into S phase [Stiles, C. D., Pledger, W. J., VanWyk, J. J., Antoniades, H. N. & Scher, C. D. (1979) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 76, 1279-1283]. We now show that FGF possess marked cell survival-enhancing activity distinctive from that of PDGF. Both acidic FGF (aFGF) and basic FGF (bFGF) markedly enhance short-term (3-hr) survival of quiescent cells. bFGF is the more active of the two factors and shows marked long-term (20-hr) survival-promoting activity alone, whereas aFGF requires heparin for long-term activity. Protection by bFGF or aFGF plus heparin is not associated with cell-cycle traverse into S phase. Both the short-term (3-hr) and long-term (20-hr) protective actions of aFGF and bFGF critically depend on protein synthesis, whereas those of PDGF do not. The accumulated evidence shows that several growth factors can contribute to maintenance of the integrity of quiescent murine fibroblasts and that their action can involve protein kinase A- and C-mediated processes as well as protein synthesis. Different growth factors display distinctive modes of action.
Roles of nutrition, obesity, and estrogens in diabetes mellitus: human leads to an experimental approach to prevention.

Abstract A review of diabetes mellitus is presented. Over 90% of adult-onset diabetes mellitus in the United States is due to “Westernized” diet while only 8% is due to genetic factors. The incidence of adult-onset diabetes mellitus is associated with dietary intake of fat, fiber, and sugar. High-fat, low-fiber diets stimulated the metabolic activity of the intestinal microflora and produced estrogens. Estrogens are significantly elevated in diabetic men. Amelioration of the hyperglycemia and diminished estrogen production appear responsible for the reversibility of the abnormalities seen in adult-onset diabetics. If one can prevent hyperglycemia and over nutrition during pregnancy, pre- and postnatal life, prophylaxis of juvenile-onset diabetes mellitus seems possible. An hypothesis is presented on how elevated plasma estrogens reversibly block the estradiol receptors in the liver, pituitary, and hypothalamus, cause hyperplasia of the β cells of the pancreas, and deterioration of glucose homeostasis leading to adult-onset diabetes mellitus.
CT Anatomy of the heart

Contrast-enhanced ECG-gated multidetector CT provides high contrast and spatial resolution for imaging the thoracic organs. High photon flux, very rapid gantry rotation, and very sensitive photon detectors optimize the scanner for cardiac imaging. ECG-gating (and pharmacological intervention, i.e., beta-blockade), have increased temporal resolution. The structure of the heart is revealed in a manner convenient for all radiologists. The atria and ventricles display their characteristic morphology. Antero-posterior and left-to-right relationships are apparent. Viewing through space, or reconstructing in orthogonal planes enforces the supero-inferior relationships as well. Appreciation of normal structure is the foundation for detecting the abnormal.
Effects of growth temperature and device structure on GaP solar cells grown by molecular beam epitaxy

Gallium phosphide (GaP) is an attractive candidate for wide-bandgap solar cell applications, possessing the largest bandgap of the III-arsenide/phosphides without aluminum. However, GaP cells to date have exhibited poor internal quantum efficiency (IQE), even for photons absorbed by direct transitions, motivating improvements in material quality and device structure. In this work, we investigated GaP solar cells grown by molecular beam epitaxy over a range of substrate temperatures, employing a much thinner emitter than in prior work. Higher growth temperatures yielded the best solar cell characteristics, indicative of increased diffusion lengths. Furthermore, the inclusion of an AlGaP window layer improved both open-circuit voltage and short wavelength IQE.
A new procedure for revealing the microstructure of a-plutonium

Abstract A new electrolytic polishing and etching technique that produces sharply delineated grain boundaries in a-plutonium-visible under bright-field illumination-is described. It is shown that the microstructures obtained by this technique reveal more detail than is generally obtained by other techniques. The technique, utilizing an optical electropolisher-etcher, can be applied directly to as-machined surfaces, thereby eliminating the mechanical grinding and polishing stages normally employed. Specimens are satisfactorily electrolytically polished at 3.0 A/cm2 for 10 to 30 seconds in a solution of 10% nitric acid, 20% ethylene glycol, and 70% methanol, and electrolytically etched at 30 mA/cm2 for 1.5 to 3 minutes.
In situ timing and pointing verification of the ICESat altimeter using a ground-based system

[1] To provide validation of the ICESat laser altimeter time of measurement and geolocation, a ground-based technique was implemented at White Sands Space Harbor (WSSH), during the Laser 2a and 3a operational periods. The activities used an electro-optical detection system and a passive array of corner cube retro reflectors (CCR). The detectors and the CCRs were designed to provide an independent assessment of the laser footprint location, while the detectors also provide timing verification. This ground-based system unambiguously validated the elevation product time tag to 3 μsec ± 1 μsec. In addition, the ground equipment provided in situ geolocations of the laser pulse. Comparing the in situ results to the ICESat GLA14 data product the positions differ by 10.6 m ± 4.5 m for Laser 2a (Release 21) operations and 7.5 m ± 6.6 m for Laser 3a (Release 23). These comparisons correlate to pointing validations at this site, for the specific overflight configurations.
Uncertainty in T1 mapping using the variable flip angle method with two flip angles

Propagation of errors, in conjunction with the theoretical signal equation for spoiled gradient echo pulse sequences, is used to derive a theoretical expression for uncertainty in quantitative variable flip angle T(1) mapping using two flip angles. This expression is then minimized to derive a rigorous expression for optimal flip angles that elucidates a commonly used empirical result. The theoretical expressions for uncertainty and optimal flip angles are combined to derive a lower bound on the achievable uncertainty for a given set of pulse sequence parameters and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). These results provide a means of quantitatively determining the effect of changing acquisition parameters on T(1) uncertainty.
Redundancy and the choice of hydrologic indices for characterizing streamflow regimes

The utility of hydrologic indices for describing various aspects of streamflow regimes has resulted in their increased application in riverine research. Consequently, researchers are now confronted with the task of having to choose among a large number of competing hydrologic indices to reduce computational effort and variable redundancy prior to statistical analyses, while still adequately representing the major facets of the flow regime. The present study addresses this concern by providing a comprehensive review of 171 currently available hydrologic indices (including the commonly used Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration) using long-term flow records from 420 sites from across the continental USA. We highlight patterns of redundancy among these hydrologic indices and provide a number of statistically and ecologically based recommendations for the selection of a reduced set of indices that can simultaneously (1) explain a dominant proportion of statistical variation in the complete set of hydrologic indices and (2) minimize multicollinearity while still adequately representing recognized, critical attributes of the flow regime. In addition, we examine the transferability of hydrologic indices across ‘stream types’ by identifying indices that consistently explain dominant patterns of variance across streams in varying climatic and geologic environments. Together, our results provide a framework from which researchers can identify hydrologic indices that adequately characterize flow regimes in a non-redundant manner. In combination with ecological knowledge, this framework can guide researchers in the parsimonious selection of hydrologic indices for future hydroecological studies. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Leaving it to chance: the effects of random variation in shared savings arrangements

Shared savings arrangements are designed to financially reward provider groups that reduce healthcare spending through improved care coordination. A major concern with these arrangements is that annual changes in spending are subject to a variety of random factors that are unrelated to care coordination efforts. As a result, resources can be misallocated if providers who are unsuccessful at controlling spending are inappropriately rewarded and providers who are successful are inappropriately denied rewards. This paper provides a systematic analysis of the role of random variation using a general statistical model based on shared savings arrangements that are currently evolving in the public and private sectors. The model focuses specifically on the variance of the average savings rate (ASR), which is the quantity used to determine whether and by how much a provider group will be rewarded. Variance in the ASR is a major driver of the probabilities of Type I error (i.e., inappropriately rewarding providers) and Type II error (i.e., inappropriately failing to reward providers), which can lead to major resource misallocations. We find that the probabilities of Type I and Type II errors associated with common approaches to savings measurement can be quite high, often exceeding 10 or 25 %, respectively. We also find that the likelihood of both types of errors can be substantially reduced through careful planning and design of savings measurement schemes before payers and providers enter into shared savings agreements.