cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using Computerized Workflow Simulations to Assess the Feasibility of Whole Slide Imaging Full Adoption in a High-Volume Histology Laboratory

Background: Whole slide Imaging (WSI) has been touted by many as the future of pathology, with estimates of full adoption occurring sometime in the next 5 to 15 years. While WSI devices have become increasingly capable since their inception, there has been little consideration of how WSI will be implemented and subsequently affect the workflow of high-volume histology laboratories. Methods: Histology workflow process data was collected from a high-volume histology laboratory (Massachusetts General Hospital) and a process model developed using business process management software. Computerized workflow simulations were performed and total histology process time evaluated under a number of different WSI conditions. Results: Total histology process time increased approximately 10-fold to 20-fold over baseline with the presence of one WSI robot in the histology workflow. Depending on the specifications of the WSI robot, anywhere from 9 to 14 WSI robots were required within the histology workflow to minimize the effects of WSI. Conclusions: Placing a WSI robot into the current workflow of a high-volume histology laboratory with the intent of full adoption is not feasible. Implementing WSI without making significant changes to the current workflow of the histology laboratory would prove to be both disruptive and costly to surgical pathology.
The good, the bad, and the ugly: Lore‐based correlations in international relations

People's interpretation of information is often distorted by their prior expectations of the data relationships. These expectations may be only weakly or unsupported by the relevant evidence. Sometimes they even persist in face of strong contrary evidence. This paper reports some expectations that define the images of a group of American college students about sixteen countries. Although the paper‐and‐pencil experiment used to elicit their perceptions was purposefully designed to offer a neutral stimulus, the subjects’ recollection of the test material revealed systematic differences in the perceived belligerency or pacifism of some countries, and in the strength or weakness of their military capability. These biases, labeled as lore‐based correlations, occurred despite warnings to guard against them. They reflect popular beliefs about the foreign and defense policies of the test countries, often mimicking conditions in the real world of international relations. However, some of the students’ judgmental d...
Visual motion integration for perception and pursuit

To examine the relationship between visual motion processing for perception and pursuit, we measured the pursuit eye-movement and perceptual responses to the same complex-motion stimuli. We show that humans can both perceive and pursue the motion of line-figure objects, even when partial occlusion makes the resulting image motion vastly different from the underlying object motion. Our results show that both perception and pursuit can perform largely accurate motion integration, i.e. the selective combination of local motion signals across the visual field to derive global object motion. Furthermore, because we manipulated perceived motion while keeping image motion identical, the observed parallel changes in perception and pursuit show that the motion signals driving steady-state pursuit and perception are linked. These findings disprove current pursuit models whose control strategy is to minimize retinal image motion, and suggest a new framework for the interplay between visual cortex and cerebellum in visuomotor control.
THE EFFECT OF ANTIGENIC STIMULATION ON INCORPORATION OF PHOSPHATE AND METHIONINE INTO PROTEINS OF ISOLATED LYMPH NODE CELLS

Isolated lymph node cells incorporate inorganic orthophosphate into a protein fraction. The phosphorylated product is a phosphoprotein. The rate of phosphate incorporation into phosphoprotein was determined in cells isolated from regional lymph nodes at varying times after antigen injection. The rate was unaltered on the 3rd day, but was enhanced on the 4th day after injection. Parallel results were obtained with L-methionine incorporation into the same gross protein fraction. Possible relationships between antibody formation and the observed enhancement in phosphate incorporation into phosphoprotein are discussed.
Effective Teaching of Computer Integrated Mechanism Analysis and Design

An effective teaching strategy that integrates computer aided design and programming into a course on mechanism analysis and design is presented. Mechanism analysis is enhanced when coupled with basic programming that allows students to find solutions to more complex systems than would otherwise be possible. Web-based distance learning is part of the class and students also learn how to create these kinds of materials themselves. Students can better understand the course material through an integrated computing environment. By solving mechanism design problems in C/C++, the programming skills gained in the course are widely applicable in other areas of engineering. Ch, a C/C++ interpreter, is used to incorporate programming and mechanism design because of its high-level numerical and graphical plotting capabilities, scripting capability, and a mechanism toolkit with easy and quick animation. A student project is given as an example to show how computers are integrated for effective learning. This teaching strategy has been actively used at UC Davis for several years in an undergraduate course in computer-aided mechanism design.© 2005 ASME
124I-HuCC49deltaCH2 for TAG-72 antigen-directed positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of LS174T colon adenocarcinoma tumor implants in xenograft mice: preliminary results

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET) is widely used in diagnostic cancer imaging. However, the use of 18F-FDG in PET-based imaging is limited by its specificity and sensitivity. In contrast, anti-TAG (tumor associated glycoprotein)-72 monoclonal antibodies are highly specific for binding to a variety of adenocarcinomas, including colorectal cancer. The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate a complimentary determining region (CDR)-grafted humanized CH2-domain-deleted anti-TAG-72 monoclonal antibody (HuCC49deltaCH2), radiolabeled with iodine-124 (124I), as an antigen-directed and cancer-specific targeting agent for PET-based imaging. HuCC49deltaCH2 was radiolabeled with 124I. Subcutaneous tumor implants of LS174T colon adenocarcinoma cells, which express TAG-72 antigen, were grown on athymic Nu/Nu nude mice as the xenograft model. Intravascular (i.v.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of 124I-HuCC49deltaCH2 was then evaluated in this xenograft mouse model at various time points from approximately 1 hour to 24 hours after injection using microPET imaging. This was compared to i.v. injection of 18F-FDG in the same xenograft mouse model using microPET imaging at 50 minutes after injection. At approximately 1 hour after i.v. injection, 124I-HuCC49deltaCH2 was distributed within the systemic circulation, while at approximately 1 hour after i.p. injection, 124I-HuCC49deltaCH2 was distributed within the peritoneal cavity. At time points from 18 hours to 24 hours after i.v. and i.p. injection, 124I-HuCC49deltaCH2 demonstrated a significantly increased level of specific localization to LS174T tumor implants (p = 0.001) when compared to the 1 hour images. In contrast, approximately 50 minutes after i.v. injection, 18F-FDG failed to demonstrate any increased level of specific localization to a LS174T tumor implant, but showed the propensity toward more nonspecific uptake within the heart, Harderian glands of the bony orbits of the eyes, brown fat of the posterior neck, kidneys, and bladder. On microPET imaging, 124I-HuCC49deltaCH2 demonstrates an increased level of specific localization to tumor implants of LS174T colon adenocarcinoma cells in the xenograft mouse model on delayed imaging, while 18F-FDG failed to demonstrate this. The antigen-directed and cancer-specific 124I-radiolabled anti-TAG-72 monoclonal antibody conjugate, 124I-HuCC49deltaCH2, holds future potential for use in human clinical trials for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative PET-based imaging strategies, including fused-modality PET-based imaging platforms.
Castrate Resistant Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Options for a Patient in 2012

Castrate resistant metastatic prostate cancer remains a fatal disease. Through preclinical studies and clinical trials, a multitude of options have been made available to prolong the life of these patients, as well as improve quality of life. First line treatment options following tumor progression after androgen deprivation therapy include Provenge and docetaxel. Several options are available as second line treatment, including cabazitaxel, abiraterone, and enzalutamide. Many drugs currently being studied are very promising, such as alpharadin. Here we review treatment options for patients suffering from disease progression after androgen deprivation therapy, and offer a review of the current available options for the clinician.
A new instrument for measuring optimism and pessimism: Test-retest reliability and relations with happiness and religious commitment

The main purpose of the present study was to assess the test-retest reliability of a newly devised instrument for measuring optimism and pessimism. In addition, correlations were obtained between the optimism and pessimism scores and two measures of happiness as well as with subjects’ responses to single-item questions about the likelihood of a nuclear encounter and about their religious and political commitment and philosophy of life. The instruments were administered to 106 introductory psychology students on two occasions separated by a 2-week interval. The test-retest reliability for the optimism scale was.75; for pessimism,.84. Both optimism and pessimism were correlated, on both administrations, with both happiness measures in the high.50s to low.60s. Of the remaining items, the strongest relation was between optimism and religious commitment (r =.27), confirming prior results.
Preparative regimen dosing for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with chronic kidney disease: analysis of the literature and recommendations.

Abstract Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potentially life-saving therapy for patients with malignant and nonmalignant disease states. Transplant has been associated with high treatment-related morbidity and mortality, therefore limiting its usefulness in patients with baseline liver dysfunction. In the event that a patient with hepatic insufficiency is selected for HSCT, dosage adjustments may be considered; however, no reliable endogenous biomarkers can serve as a guide for adjustments. There is no clear standard or guideline for how to approach these patients, and most adjustments are made empirically on the basis of expert opinion. This article offers practical advice and outlines our personal approaches to provide dosing recommendations for commonly-used preparative agents in the setting of hepatic impairment with the aim to optimize dosing for this patient population.
Urinary F2-isoprostanes in young healthy children at risk for type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Abstract Oxidative stress has been linked to many diseases, but little information exists on biomarkers of oxidative stress in healthy children. The purpose of this study was to describe factors that correlate with urinary F2-isoprostanes, an indicator of oxidative stress, and to establish normal concentrations of F2-isoprostanes in children at risk to develop type 1 diabetes mellitus. Creatinine-adjusted urinary F2-isoprostanes were assessed in 342 Denver children under the age of 7 years, from whom we had collected data during 769 clinic visits from August 1997 through January 2001 (mean 2.3 visits per child). Children were identified by newborn screening for HLA-markers, of varying degrees of prediction, for the development of type 1 diabetes. Plasma antioxidants and carotenoids, age at clinic visit, vitamin supplement use, exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, gender, and race were evaluated as correlates to the degree of oxidative stress, using mixed models for longitudinal data. F2-isoprostane levels were highest in infancy and decreased nonlinearly until 7 years. Female gender, HLA-DR3/4 genotype, higher plasma γ-tocopherol:total lipids ratio, and lower α-carotene:total lipids ratio correlated with higher F2-isoprostane levels. Normal values in this healthy population can be used as the basis for future studies of disease mechanisms involving oxidative stress.
The effect of sample rate on propagation measurements

This article presents results from a study on the effect of data sampling rate for earth-space propagation experiments. Data taken from the Olympus 30-GHz satellite beacon signal at Blacksburg, VA were sampled at 10 Hz in real time and then postprocessed to obtain effective sampling rates down to 0.1 Hz. Both event and statistical data are presented. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Use of Oxaprozin in the Treatment of Aspirin Failures in Rheumatoid Arthritis

The efficacy and safety of Oxaprozin (600 mg twice daily) and aspirin (975 mg four times daily) were evaluated and compared in the treatment of 202 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a 4-week double-blind, multicenter study. After 1 month, significant [ P P
Breakdown of Pippard ineffectiveness condition for phonon-electron scattering in micro and nanostructures

The Pippard ineffectiveness condition—that electrons strongly scattering from impurities and defects are ineffective in scattering phonons—is based on the assumption that electron scatterers vibrate in the same way as the host lattice. Then the relaxation rate of a low-energy phonon with the wave vector q is 1/τph − e ~ u2q2l/vF (u and vF are the sound velocity and Fermi velocity, l is the electron mean free path). Boundaries and defects moving differently from host lattice drastically change the character of the interference between scattering processes and increase the phonon-electron coupling. In the presence of the quasistatic potential the phonon relaxation is (q2lL)−1 times faster: 1/τph − e ~ u2/(vFL) (L is the electron mean free path with respect to scattering from the quasistatic potential). Analogous effect is expected for phonons with ω ~ 0.01ωD (ωD is the Debye frequency) in conductors with substitutional disorder.-1
(−)-Doliculide, a New Macrocyclic Depsipeptide Enhancer of Actin Assembly

The cytotoxic, cyclic depsipeptide (−)-doliculide was originally isolated by Ishiwata et al.(Ishiwata, H., Nemoto, T., Ojika, M., and Yamada, K. (1994)J. Org. Chem. 59, 4710–4711 and Ishiwata, H., Sone, H., Kigoshi, H., and Yamada, K. (1994) J. Org. Chem. 59, 4712–4713) from the sea hare Dolabella auriculariacollected in Japanese waters, but the mechanism of action of the depsipeptide was not known. Using synthetic (−)-doliculide, we found that the compound arrests cells at the G2/M phase of the cell cycle by interfering with normal actin assembly. In cells, normal stress fibers disappeared and were replaced by multiple clumps of apparently aggregated F-actin. These effects of (−)-doliculide on cells were essentially identical to those obtained with jasplakinolide. Like jasplakinolide, (−)-doliculide caused the hyperassembly of purified actin into F-actin as measured both fluorometrically and by centrifugation. In addition, (−)-doliculide, like jasplakinolide, readily displaced a fluorescent phalloidin derivative from actin polymer. In these biochemical assays (−)-doliculide and jasplakinolide were quantitatively virtually identical in their behaviors. Similar effects have also been reported with a series of depsipeptides known as chondramides. Using recently developed, computer-driven shape descriptor analysis (Mansfield, M. L., Covell, D. G., and Jernigan, R. L. (2002) J. Chem. Inf. Comput. Sci. 42, 259–273), we compared (−)-doliculide with jasplakinolide, phalloidin, and chondramide C to gain insight into a possible pharmacophore that would explain the apparent binding of this diverse group of molecules at the same site on F-actin. We found that the segment of (−)-doliculide that best overlapped the other molecules encompassed its phenyl and isopropyl side chains and the portion of the macrocycle between these substituents.
Performance of Asian and White Children on the K-ABC: Understanding Information Processing Differences

Eighty-two children living in Taipei, Taiwan were tested with the K-ABC and several other instruments. Children were classified according to ethnic group (Asian or White) and whether they had lived in the United States. Data analyses indicate no significant differences based on the child's sex, language of the test administration, or ethnicity of the examiner. Children who had lived in the United States performed significantly higher on the achievement scale, but there were no differences on the mental processing scales. However, Asian children scored significantly higher than White children on the sequential processing scale of the K-ABC, a difference caused primarily by superior information processing of recalling numbers. Findings are discussed in terms of ethnic, environmental, cultural, and linguistic factors.
The effect of platelet factor 4 (PF4) on assays of plasma heparin

Platelet factor 4 (PF4) is a potent antiheparin in vitro. In view of the large amount of PF4 secreted from platelet alpha-granules during routine blood collection and processing techniques, the potential significance of this release was investigated using three measurements of heparin activity: the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), the thrombin time, and factor Xa inactivation using the chromogenic substrate S2222 for assay of factor Xa. The results demonstrate that purified PF4 neutralizes heparin activity when added in increasing amounts to normal platelet-poor plasma containing a fixed concentration of commercial porcine gut mucosal heparin. This effect was seen when assaying heparin activity by all three methods. In addition, when heparin was added in increasing concentrations to pooled plasma samples that were collected from normal volunteers, there was neutralization of heparin activity in blood samples collected by routine citrate anticoagulation (CIT60) in comparison to blood samples collected simultaneously with platelet secretion inhibiting agents added to the anticoagulant (CIT+). This effect was seen when assaying heparin by the aPTT and thrombin time. These data confirm that both purified and secreted PF4 have significant antiheparin activity when heparin is added in vitro to normal plasma. Neutralization of circulating heparin by PF4 secreted during blood collection from anticoagulated patients could result in underestimation of the actual in vivo heparin concentration. In order to evaluate the significance of this effect, purified PF4 was added to plasma collected from heparinized patients and again PF4 neutralized heparin activity. This was seen, however, only when heparin activity was measured by the thrombin time or Xa inactivation assays. There was minimal shortening of the aPTT when PF4 was added in final concentrations up to 1000 ng/ml. When blood samples were simultaneously collected from anticoagulated patients by both routine and special collection methods, these results were confirmed. There was a significant difference between heparin activities measured in the CIT+ (secreted PF4 58 ng/ml) and CIT60 (secreted PF4 1074 ng/ml) plasma samples by both thrombin time and Xa inactivation. There was no difference, however, in the aPT when both types of plasma samples were simultaneously collected and assayed for each anticoagulated patient. This suggests that there may be circulating heparin fractions which can prolong the aPTT but which do not interact with PF4.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
A model for reverse logistics entry by third-party providers

Abstract Reverse logistics has become an important entity in the US economy. Nonetheless, many companies are not capable of or are unwilling to enter the reverse logistics market. Such reluctance appears to be attributed to lack of knowledge of reverse logistics. This paper reviews current industry practices in reverse logistics. Specifically, we examine the issues and processes that an organization has to address to engage in the reverse logistics business. A reverse logistics decision-making model is developed to guide the process of examining the feasibility of implementing reverse logistics in third-party providers such as transportation companies. The purpose of this model is to help those companies who would like to pursue reverse logistics as a new market. A field study was conducted with a larger US transportation company to validate the proposed model.
Eyewitness Lineups: Is the Appearance-Change Instruction a Good Idea?

The Department of Justice’s Guide for lineups recommends warning eyewitnesses that the culprit’s appearance might have changed since the time of the crime. This appearance-change instruction (ACI) has never been empirically tested. A video crime with four culprits was viewed by 289 participants who then attempted to identify the culprits from four 6-person arrays that either included or did not include the culprit. Participants either received the ACI or not and all were warned that the culprit might or might not be in the arrays. The culprits varied in how much their appearance changed from the video to their lineup arrays, but the ACI did not improve identification decisions for any of the lineups. Collapsed over the four culprits, the ACI increased false alarms and filler identifications but did not increase culprit identifications. The ACI reduced confidence and increased response latency. Two processes that could account for these results are discussed, namely a decision criterion shift and a general increase in ecphoric similarity. Consider two witnesses to a crime who had equally good views of the culprit. Each agrees to view a photo lineup and each is warned that the actual culprit might not be in the lineup. The first witness views the lineup and does not see anyone who fits her memory of the culprit well enough to make a positive identification. For the second witness, the detective administering the lineup adds a phrase to the instruction: “Keep in mind that the culprit’s appearance may have changed and they might not appear exactly as they did at the time of the crime.” The second witness has the same initial reaction as the first witness but, recalling the instruction, realizes that an exact match in appearance is not needed. The second witness reasons that if number three’s hair were cut and combed more like the culprit’s hair and some weight taken off of his face, then he would look a lot like the culprit. The second witness decides to identify number three from the lineup.
Scaling performance of interior-point method on large-scale chip multiprocessor system

In this paper we describe parallelization of interior-point method (IPM) aimed at achieving high scalability on large-scale chip-multiprocessors (CMPs). IPM is an important computational technique used to solve optimization problems in many areas of science, engineering and finance. IPM spends most of its computation time in a few sparse linear algebra kernels. While each of these kernels contains a large amount of parallelism, sparse irregular datasets seen in many optimization problems make parallelism difficult to exploit. As a result, most researchers have shown only a relatively low scalability of 4X-12X on medium to large scale parallel machines. This paper proposes and evaluates several algorithmic and hardware features to improve IPM parallel performance on large-scale CMPs. Through detailed simulations, we demonstrate how exploring multiple levels of parallelism with hardware support for low overhead task queues and parallel reduction enables IPM to achieve up to 48X parallel speedup on a 64-core CMP.
A generalized grid connectivity–based parameterization for subsurface flow model calibration

[1] We develop a novel method of parameterization for spatial hydraulic property characterization to mitigate the challenges associated with the nonlinear inverse problem of subsurface flow model calibration. The parameterization is performed by the projection of the estimable hydraulic property field onto an orthonormal basis derived from the grid connectivity structure. The basis functions represent the modal shapes or harmonics of the grid, are defined by a modal frequency, and converge to special cases of the discrete Fourier series under certain grid geometries and boundary assumptions; therefore, hydraulic property updates are performed in the spectral domain and merge with Fourier analysis in ideal cases. Dependence on the grid alone implies that the basis may characterize any grid geometry, including corner point and unstructured, is model independent, and is constructed off-line and only once prior to flow data assimilation. We apply the parameterization in an adaptive multiscale model calibration workflow for three subsurface flow models. Several different grid geometries are considered. In each case the prior hydraulic property model is updated using a parameterized multiplier field that is superimposed onto the grid and assigned an initial value of unity at each cell. The special case corresponding to a constant multiplier is always applied through the constant basis function. Higher modes are adaptively employed during minimization of data misfit to resolve multiscale heterogeneity in the geomodel. The parameterization demonstrates selective updating of heterogeneity at locations and spatial scales sensitive to the available data, otherwise leaving the prior model unchanged as desired.
SiGe BiCMOS fully differential amplifier for extreme temperature range applications

A BiCMOS fully differential amplifier was designed for use with a specified power supply of 3.3 V, requiring a 100 μA current bias and utilizing only heterojunction bipolar npn and PMOS transistors because of their demonstrated performance in both extreme temperature ranges (−180 °C to +120 °C) and radiation-rich environments. One unique feature of this design is that two common-mode feedback circuits were employed to control both the input stage and output stage independently. Regulating the common-mode level between the input and output stages produced better stability over temperature for each stage. Special considerations were taken in the layout to increase the immunity of latch-up and noise and decrease mismatch. The BiCMOS amplifier described successfully demonstrates the use of the commercially available IBM SiGe 5AM process to produce reliable operation in extreme temperature and radiation environments.
Synergistic effect of TEST—yolk buffer treatment and glass wool filtration of spermatozoa on the outcome of the hamster oocyte penetration assay

Enhanced penetration of zona-free hamster oocytes occurs after spermatozoa have either been treated with TEST--yolk buffer or processed by glass wool filtration. The present study was conducted to determine if a synergistic effect on fertilizing ability could be achieved by combining these two treatments. Ejaculates (n = 16) were treated with TEST--yolk buffer (TYB) and divided into two aliquots. One aliquot was kept as control and the other aliquot was filtered through glass wool prior to the sperm penetration assay. The TYB--glass wool filtered spermatozoa penetrated a significantly higher percentage of oocytes than the TYB treated spermatozoa.
Perceived Similarity, Personality, and Attraction to Large Organizations

Two separate studies tested the hypothesis that perceived similarity to members of an organization was related to attraction to that organization, but only for relationship-motivated persons, and not for task-motivated persons. Support for the hypothesis was obtained in both studies using Least Preferred Coworker (LPC) scores as measures of relationship and task motivation. For high-LPC persons only, perceived similarity of personality (study 1) and perceived similarity of values and attitudes (study 2) were related to attraction to the organization. The report seeks to integrate the literature on interpersonal attraction and on job satisfaction and suggests practical implications of the findings.
Affect and letter-writing: Unconventional conventions in casual writing by young Japanese women

With special attention to the use of unconventional practices and pictorial signs in casual letter writing, this article shows how young Japanese women effectively exploit affect-laden shape, form, and function in order to establish intimate and solidary relationships. They rely on both conventional and unconventional aspects of Japanese orthography, encoding affect specific to the given context and merging spoken with written modes of self-representation. In so doing, they seem to draw on diverse “frames” of written language, and to manipulate symbolic means of association and integration for achieving reciprocity. These features not only provide the basis for reciprocity, but may also suggest a new mode of literacy caused by social change. (Writing, literacy, affect, Japanese, pictorial signs, letter-writing)
Dominant syndrome with isolated cryptophthalmos and ocular anomalies.

We report on a mother and daughter with nonsyndromal cryptophthalmos. Both patients have additional ocular anomalies, including microphthalmia, retinal dysplasia, and Peters anomaly. The periocular and lid changes seen in these individuals are distinct from those seen in typical cryptophthalmos. The apparent dominant mode of inheritance in this family distinguishes this condition from autosomal recessive isolated cryptophthalmos and from the Fraser or cryptophthalmos syndrome. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Adjustment of the Osmostat in Primary Aldosteronism

Objective To analyze osmoregulation in primary aldosteronism. Design The physiologic and pathologic factors involved in function of the osmostat and in Hypernatremia were reviewed. Results Patients with primary aldosteronism commonly have mild hypernatremia, with serum sodium concentrations usually less than 150 meq/L. Hypernatremia has been detected in patients with aldosterone-producing adrenal adenomas and adrenal hyperplasia. The patients seem to ingest normal amounts of water. Adjustment of the osmostat (in the hypothalamus) to a higher than normal level of plasma osmolality seems to be the cause. Resetting of the osmostat to a higher level has rarely been noted in conditions other than primary aldosteronism. The hypernatremia can be corrected by either medical or surgical treatment of the primary aldosteronism. Conclusion Mild hypernatremia in primary aldosteronism is attributable to shifting of the osmostat to the right.
Computer-aided design of a temperature insensitive integrated bandpass amplifier

A monolithic, temperature-insensitive, high-frequency bandpass amplifier has been designed by computer-aided simulation and optimization. The circuit features independent control of Q (50) and center frequency (1 MHz) over a 100°C temperature range.
Electrical Characterization of Metal Contacts on Diamond Thin Films

Polycrystalline boron-doped diamond thin films were prepared by microwave-enhanced plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition. Ti, V, Ta, Nb, Al, Mo and W contacts were prepared by physical vapor deposition and their behavior was studied as a function of the annealing temperature, atmosphere and duration. For Ti contacts, short heat treatments (less than 60 minutes) at 500 °C under argon atmosphere were found to make ohmic contacts for applied voltages up to 50 V. Longer annealing times, more reactive atmospheres, and higher temperatures degraded the contact characteristics. In order to obtain a more complete picture of the interface structure, the capacitance-voltage characteristics and the impedance spectra of the systems were measured between 10 K and 1000 K. The interface contribution to the overall dielectric behavior of the system shows much shallower depletion widths in Ti-diamond (ohmic) contacts than with the non-linear Nb and Ta contacts. The higher values of the contact resistance and the shallower depletion width with Ti can be explained in terms of formation of a thin carbide-like region at the metal-semi conductor interface. The space-charge region width as well as the distribution of localized states in the band gap were also determined. The effect of the microstructure on the electrical properties of the systems is discussed in comparison with the behavior of metal-contacts on single-crystal diamonds.
Poverty and Inequality in Mexico after NAFTA: Challenges, Setbacks and Implications

This article analyzes the progress obtained in diminishing poverty and inequality in Mexico during the post-NAFTA years ranging from 1994 to 2007, and how it pertains to the broad critical debate surrounding poverty-gap reduction in the context of regional and international economic integration and trade liberalization. Specifically, the article discusses the evolution of Mexican rural and urban poverty, income and regional disparities, as well as the role of government spending after the enactment of NAFTA and within the framework of economic liberalization marked by expanded international trade and investment, particularly with the United States.
Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor lowers PPARγ agonist-induced body weight gain by affecting food intake, fat mass and beige/brown fat but not fluid retention (1160.9)

DPP-4 inhibitors are anti-diabetic drugs that enhance renal Na+ and fluid excretion. We tested whether the DPP-4 inhibitor alogliptin (ALG) ameliorates PPARγ agonists pioglitazone (PGZ)-induced flu...
Memory model effects on application performance for a lightweight multithreaded architecture

In this paper, we evaluate the effects of a partitioned global address space (PGAS) versus aflat, randomized distributed global address space (DGAS) in the context of a lightweight multithreaded parallel architecture. We also execute the benchmarks on the Cray MTA-2, a multithreaded architecture with a DGAS mapping. Key results demonstrate that distributing data under the PGAS mapping increases locality, effectively reducing the memory latency and the number of threads needed to achieve a given level of performance. In contrast, the DGAS mapping provides a simpler programming model by eliminating the need to distribute data and, assuming sufficient application parallelism, can achieve similar performance by leveraging large numbers of threads to hide the longer latencies.
Ending Civil Service Protections in Florida Government: Experiences in State Agencies

This study examines the impact of civil service reform in state agencies. The objective is to ascertain the extent to which the elimination of the defining characteristic of the merit system—job protection against partisan interference—has affected employees. After the introduction and background, the third section describes the study method. This is followed by the presentation of findings and discussion of their implications for the future of reform.
UFG to NC FePd by Combined Reaction Transformation Mode of Severely Plastically Deformed Disordered FePd

Numerous studies have shown that equiaxed ultra fine grained FePd alloys can be produced by phase transformation of heavily deformed austenitic FePd via the combined reaction mode. As the magnetic properties can be improved by suppressing development of the polytwinned micro-constituent formed by the conventional ordering mode, it appears reasonable to speculate that further grain refinement might lead to further property enhancement. In order to reduce the grain size in bulk intermetallic alloys severely plastically deformed austenitic FePd has been phase transformed in this study. Equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) has been used to deform disordered FePd. The microstructure and property evolution during the deformation process and post-deformation annealing have been studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and hardness and magnetization curve measurements. The observations are compared to known results from use of other deformation processing routes, such as cold rolling.
On Variational Formulations for Structures Design Problems

It has been shown in a number of problems that necessary and sufficient conditions for optimal design of a single purpose structure may be obtained directly through a simple procedure, in cases where the mode of response being considered is covered by an extremum principle. The conditions relate to global optimality whenever the cost function is linear in the design variable, as well as in some cases where the relation is nonlinear. The proof of sufficiency is facilitated in particular by the association with an extremum principle. This association has also proved to be useful in the construction of certain techniques for the numerical treatment of structures optimization problems.
Marine Geomechanics: Overview and Projections

Until recently, most geotechnical studies of deep-sea sediments have been necessarily concerned with the upper few meters, and comprehensive studies aimed at determining basic stress-strain parameters in relation to sediment processes are scarce. There are important differences between some deep-sea sediments and most finegrained terrestrial soils including compositional differences and differences due to rate of deposition, pressure, and temperature. Some diagenetic processes are reviewed along with a brief discussion of the factors which affect microstructure. Detailed studies of sediment microstructure coupled with geochemical and engineering studies may yield valuable insight into the basic mechanisms involved in sediment diagenesis as well as stress-strain behavior.
Chronic infusion of islet amyloid polypeptide causes anorexia in rats

Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) is a hormonal peptide that at high doses has been shown to reduce food intake. In the present study, the dose-response effects of subcutaneous infusion of IAPP (0, 2, 7, and 25 pmol.kg-1.min-1) for 8 days on food intake and meal patterns in rats were investigated. At the end of the experiment, plasma was obtained and levels of IAPP were measured by radioimmunoassay. IAPP dose-dependently and transiently inhibited food intake. The minimal effective dose (2 pmol.kg-1.min-1) caused a small but significant (up to 14%, P < 0.01) inhibition of food intake that lasted 5 days. The highest dose administered (25 pmol.kg-1.min-1) had the greatest effect (up to 44%, P < 0.001), which lasted throughout the 8-day period. Reductions in feeding during light and dark phases occurred through a decrease in number of meals consumed rather than meal size or meal duration. IAPP also decreased body weight gain and water intake dose dependently. IAPP infusion of 2, 7, and 25 pmol.kg-1.min-1 increased plasma IAPP concentrations from a basal level of 10.3 +/- 0.7 pM to 35.1 +/- 5.4, 78.1 +/- 11.2, and 236.6 +/- 23.6 pM, respectively, values that are likely to be close to physiological and within the pathophysiological ranges. Thus IAPP may play an important physiological or pathophysiological role in control of food intake.
Pathological Changes in the Skeletal Muscles Produced by Dietary Means

Guinea pigs maintained on the diet described in the previous paper1 for periods ranging from 35 to 133 days, develop extreme degeneration of the skeletal muscles of the trunk and extremities.The primary alteration is a waxy or hyaline necrosis of the fibers. This is followed by great proliferation of the muscle nuclei, leading to the formation of so-called “Muskelzellenschlauche” within the intact sarcolemma. There is also active regeneration of muscle cells in the later stages. The disappearance of the degenerated fibers is accompanied by a variable amount of interstitial fibrosis and lipomatosis.The affected muscles are characterized grossly by a striking pallor.The prevailing color is yellowish grey, with fine stippling. The muscular tone and elasticity are lost, and the muscle bulk is much reduced in comparison with that of control litter mates.Careful histological study of the principal organs and tissues other than the skeletal muscles shows no significant change. The brain has not been routinely ex...
DISSECTING HEMATOMAS OF THE PULMONARY ARTERY : RARE AND FATAL CATASTROPHIES

This article presents, to the author's best knowledge, the first reported case of a fatal pulmonary artery dissecting hematoma that was a long-term complication of a Waterston shunt procedure (aortopulmonary anastamosis). Pulmonary artery dissecting hematomas are rare and generally fatal, and they are usually not diagnosed until the autopsy is performed. They occur in young adults, are almost always associated with pulmonary hypertension, and often present with the sudden onset of excruciating lancet-like retrosternal pain. Risk factors for the development of dissecting hematomas, in addition to hypertension, include vascular turbulence, trauma, connective tissue disorders, syphilis, infection, previous surgery, and iatrogenic events (e.g., catheterization). The treatment is prompt medical reduction of pulmonary hypertension.
Abstract 3070: Suppression of tumor cell invasiveness andin vivotumor growth by microRNA-874 in non-small cell lung cancer.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC MicroRNAs are a family of small non-coding RNAs that regulate expression of many genes involved in normal development as well as human disorders including cancer. Here, we show that miR-874 plays a tumor suppressor role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, in silico target prediction analysis revealed numerous pro-oncogenes associated with tumor initiation, angiogenesis, invasion and migration, including MMP-2, uPA, NFAT5, PAK3, PAK7, LIMD, PECAM1, VEGF-A, Stat3, CUX1 and FGF1 as the putative target genes of miR-874. Our preliminary in situ hybridization experiments demonstrated the diminution of miR-874 expression in lung cancer tissues as compared to its normal counterparts. Overexpression of miR-874 in CD133-positive NSCLC cancer stem cell (CSC) population led to a significant loss in CSC phenotype and enhanced sphere de-differentiation into epithelial-like morphology. Restoration of miR-874 expression drastically reduced the invasive ability of cells in comparison to mock and control-miR treated cells by suppressing the protein levels of MMP-2 and uPA. Further, miR-874 treatment decreased orthotopic tumor growth in nude mice as compared to mock and control-miR treatments. Further, in vivo orthotopic tumor experiments in nude mice revealed the significant decrease in the immunoreactivity of human anti-MMP-2 and anti-uPA in miR-874-treated tumor sections. In conclusion, our study highlights the possible tumor suppressor role of miR-874 in NSCLC-initiating cells and suggests miR-874 as a potential target in the future treatment of NSCLC. Citation Format: Divya Kesanakurti, Dilip Maddirela, Subramanyam Chittivelu, Jasti S. Rao, Chandramu Chetty. Suppression of tumor cell invasiveness and in vivo tumor growth by microRNA-874 in non-small cell lung cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3070. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-3070 Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2013 because the presenter was unable to attend.
Analysis on the seasonal characteristics of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome from 2005 to 2010 in Henan province by concentration ratio and circular distribution

Objective To get an insight into the characteristics of temporal clustering and distribution of patients with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) from 2005 to 2010 in Henan province, with the concentration ratio and circular distribution methods evaluated. Methods The incidence data on HFRS from 2005 to 2010 in Henan province were analyzed by concentration ratio combined with circular distribution. Results The M value of the concentration ratio of HFRS in Henan province from 2005 to 2010 by year was 0.356, 0.243, 0.370, 0.341, 0.489 and 0.746,respectively, with the mean angle of the circular distribution from 2005 to 2010 being 338.21°, 12.47°, 296.03°, 341.19°, 319.87°and 314.42° respectively. Except for the years 2006 and 2007,incidence of HFRS in Henan province took on obvious seasonal characteristics (P0.05), with the morbidity peak not at the same time (P0.05). Conclusion Obvious seasonal characteristics can be seen in the morbidity of HFRS in Henan province with the peak incidence seen in November and December. There has been a trend of the peak incidence occurring more earlier in recent years.
Analysis of accidental death of townspeople in 7 cities of Liaoning province from 1988 to 2000

Objective: To study the characteristics and trend of accidental deaths of townspeople in 7 cities of Liaoning province from 1988 to 2000. Methods: Data from annual Liaoning province death registry (1988-2000) were analyzed to study the mortality rate of accidental death and its trend. Results: The mortality rate of accidental death was 40.48/105, ranked the 5th in all death causes, and tended to wave. The mortality rate in men was higher than that in women, and the sex ratio was 2.20. The highest mortality rate was found in the population aged 20 to 39 years. The first 4 causes of accidental death were traffic accident, suicide, poisoning, and accidental fall in turn. The mortality rate of suicide was 6.51/105 and tended to decrease. The mortality rate of traffic accidents was 10.07 /105 and tended to increase, especially in men. Conclusion: Accidental injury has been one of the leading causes of death and has not been controlled effectively in the townspeople, so it is important to strengthen safety education and improve safety measures.
Development of Transparent Electrodynamic Screens on Ultrathin Flexible Glass Film Substrates for Retrofitting Solar Panels and Mirrors for Self-Cleaning Function

Development of transparent electrodynamic screens (EDS) printed on ultrathin flexible glass film substrates for retrofitting on solar panels and solar mirrors to perform self cleaning function is reviewed. Large-scale solar plants are generally installed in semi-arid and desert areas where dust layers build up on solar collectors causes major energy-yield loss. Maintaining designed plant capacities requires more than 90% reflectivity for CSP mirrors and 90% transmission efficiency for PV modules; solar collectors must therefore be cleaned at a frequency depending on the rate of dust deposition. Scarcity of water in these regions requires a cleaning method that drastically reduces or eliminates water and the associated labor costs for high efficiency operation of large-scale solar plants. An EDS film consists of rows of interdigitated, transparent conducting parallel electrodes embedded within a flexible ultrathin glass film and an optically clear adhesive film used for retrofitting the film on the surface of solar collectors. When phased voltage pulses activate the electrodes, the dust particles are first electrostatically charged, then repelled and removed from the surface of the solar collectors by Coulomb force, restoring transmission efficiency greater than 90%. The electrodes of EDS are either made from silver nanowire or another conductive transparent material printed on a highly transparent, ultrathin (100-μm thick), flexible borosilicate glass film. Applications of different conducting transparent electrodes and methods of printing are reviewed for optimizing self-cleaning function of solar panels and mirrors.
AMP deaminase binding in contracting rat skeletal muscle.

AMP deaminase, which hydrolyses AMP to inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP) and NH3 at high rates during excessive energy demands in skeletal muscle, is activated when bound to myosin in vitro. We evalua...