cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developing a quantitative framework for implementing traffic management initiatives in the National Airspace System

The National Airspace System (NAS) constitutes a complex system comprising dynamic parameters, multiple stakeholders and sources of uncertainty. Varying weather and traffic conditions often cause unexpected system-wide delays and disruptions, which can lead to significant costs for airlines and passengers. Air traffic managers facilitate the balance of demand and capacity within this complex system by continuously monitoring numerous sources of information that change in real time, and by constantly communicating and coordinating with a myriad of stakeholders, such as facilities and airline dispatchers, through the process of Collaborative Decision Making (CDM). During periods when demand exceeds capacity, air traffic managers have a toolbox of strategies called traffic management initiatives (TMIs) that can be utilized to manage elements of the NAS. This toolbox includes ground delay programs (GDP), ground stops (GS), airspace flow programs (AFP) and strategic reroutes. By assessing multiple parameters and sources of uncertainty simultaneously, traffic managers consider their options and alternatives at several decision points in order to choose which of these numerous strategies to implement. Currently traffic managers largely rely on operational experience and tacit knowledge when deciding which TMIs to implement. However, as the NAS progresses towards NextGen goals such as Collaborative Airspace Constraint Resolution (Cactus) and Collaborative Air Traffic Management Technologies (CATMT), it will be increasingly important to ensure that CDM processes, including TMI decision-making, are systematic and repeatable. Here we conduct a holistic decision analysis (DA) of TMIs to systematically identify the elements of air traffic management decisions, and to provide a rigorous assessment of possible outcomes and sources of uncertainty. An influence diagram illustrates a generalized view of the decision network and identifies the decision elements, including sources of uncertainty and consequences. The influence diagram is then translated into Bayesian networks to probabilistically model observed relationships and conditional dependencies, and evaluate the likelihood of the chance elements. Ultimately, the Bayesian network is integrated into probabilistic decision trees representing each element at specific decision points in time. Importantly, the decision points span several hours prior to an event ranging from the strategic to tactical environments to account for varying uncertainty levels over time, and to incorporate the balance between efficiency and predictability. By identifying and quantifying uncertainty in TMI decision-making, developing a decision framework, and characterizing potential outcomes, we aid the decision-making process for air traffic managers and provide a resource for more methodical TMI implementation, coordination with stakeholders, and congestion management in response to variable weather and demand conditions.
Internal cantholysis for repair of moderate and large full-thickness eyelid defects.

Purpose To determine the safety and efficacy of internal cantholysis for closure of larger full-thickness eyelid defects. Design Retrospective review of a consecutive case series. Participants Eighteen patients (18 eyelids) underwent internal cantholysis for repair of a moderate or large full-thickness eyelid defect during the study period. Methods Retrospective review of a consecutive case series of all patients undergoing transconjunctival lateral cantholysis for repair of moderate and large full-thickness eyelid defects between October 2008 and November 2010. Moderate was defined as ≥14 mm in horizontal length, and large was defined as ≥20 mm in horizontal length. Main Outcome Measures Charts were reviewed for patient demographics; indication for surgery; defect size, type, and location; other concomitant repair; follow-up interval; and complications. Results Eighteen patients (18 eyelids) underwent internal cantholysis for repair of a moderate or large full-thickness eyelid defect during the study period. Average patient age was 73 years (range, 45–94 years), and there were 10 male and 8 female patients. Average defect size was 19.0 mm (range, 14–25 mm). Average follow-up interval was 4.6 months (range, 1–12 months). Complications included eyelid margin notch (3 cases), persistent canthal dystopia (3 cases), trichiasis (2 cases), pyogenic granuloma (2 cases), eyelid margin nodule (1 case), lower eyelid elevation of 1 mm (1 case), and mild resolving medial lagophthalmos (1 case). No patient requested or required further surgery on the operated eyelid for any reason during the study period. Conclusions Internal cantholysis allows for closure of moderate and large full-thickness eyelid defects. Complications are acceptable in light of the morbidity of other therapeutic options, such as semicircular flap or shared eyelid flap procedures. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Salt loading has a more deleterious effect on flow-mediated dilation in salt-resistant men than women.

Abstract Background and aims Dietary sodium loading has been shown to adversely impact endothelial function independently of blood pressure (BP). However, it is unknown whether dietary sodium loading impacts endothelial function differently in men as compared to women. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that endothelial-dependent dilation (EDD) would be lower in men as compared to women in response to a high sodium diet. Methods and results Thirty subjects (14F, 31±2y; 16M, 29±2y) underwent a randomized, crossover, controlled diet study consisting of 7 days of low sodium (LS; 20 mmol/day) and 7 days of high sodium (HS; 300–350 mmol/day). Salt-resistance was determined by a change in 24-hr mean arterial pressure (MAP) ≤ 5 mm Hg between HS and LS as assessed on day 7 of each diet. Blood and 24-hr urine were also collected and EDD was assessed by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD). By design, MAP was not different between LS and HS conditions and urinary sodium excretion increased on HS diet ( P P > 0.05) and declined in both men and women on HS ( P P Conclusions HS reduced FMD in both men and women. In response to an HS diet, FMD was lower in men compared to women suggesting a greater sensitivity of the vasculature to high sodium in men.
Whole body MRI in the diagnosis of chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is a diagnosis of exclusion primarily in children and adolescents. As part of the essential criteria for the diagnosis of CRMO, multifocal lesions must be identified. We present the case of an 11-year-old boy with CRMO, whose diagnosis was facilitated by the use of whole body magnetic resonance imaging (WBMR), but not isotope bone scanning.
Id1 Promotes Tumor Cell Migration in Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancers

Id1, which belongs to the Id family of helix-loop-helix transcription factors has been most associated with tumor progression and metastatsis; however, its significance in lung cancers has not been extensively explored. Here we seek to evaluate the expression of Id1 in a pilot study of nonsmall-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) and determine its diagnostic and functional significance in these tumors. Paired normal and malignant lung tissues as well as a panel of NSCLC primary tumors and cell lines were evaluated for Id1 expression using Western blotting and quantitative RT-PCR. Functional assays were performed to evaluate the role of Id1 in tumor cell growth, migration and progression. We find Id1 expression is upregulated in squamous cell carcinoma when compared to adenocarcinoma of the lung and that expression of Id1 versus the normal control is variable in NSCLCs. We also note that Id1 expression in NSCLC cells is largely growth factor dependant and constitutive expression of Id1 in NSCLC cells significantly increases tumor cell migration without affecting cell proliferation. We conclude that Id1, as a mediator of tumor cell migration, may be an indicator of aggressive potential in nonsmall-cell lung cancers.
Laparoscopic Management of Urolithiasis in a Continent Urostomy

Abstract Background. Urinary calculi formation is an infrequent but challenging late complication of continent urostomy. Percutaneous endoscopic management of two patients with symptomatic pouch urolithiasis is described. Cases. A 48-year-old woman with a history of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) treated with primary chemoradiotherapy presented with recurrent pain and urinary tract infections (pouchitis). She had undergone continent urostomy 4 years previously for management of a vesicovaginal fistula. A 59-year-old woman following exenteration with continent diversion for recurrent cervix SCC had a 6-month history of refractory pouchitis. In both women, multiple pouch urinary calculi were identified. Their continent reservoirs were, in part, created using titanium staplers. Percutaneous CO 2 endoscopy afforded identification and removal of their stones and staples without complication. Conclusion. Successful treatment of continent urostomy urolithiasis is accomplished by percutaneous endoscopy.
Hetero-epitaxial growth and optical properties of LaF3 on CaF2

Abstract LaF 3 films were fabricated on CaF 2 (1 1 1) and SiO 2 glass substrates at a relatively low temperature of 250 °C by vacuum evaporation. X-ray diffraction revealed that [0 0 l ] of the LaF 3 film deposited on CaF 2 (1 1 1) was parallel with [1 1 1] of CaF 2 and the film was also orderly arranged in-plane direction. It has been found out experimentally that LaF 3 grows epitaxially on CaF 2 (1 1 1). The LaF 3 film on CaF 2 (1 1 1) had a bulk-like dense structure. On the other hand, SiO 2 glass was selected as a typical substrate that did not have any orientation at all. The LaF 3 film on SiO 2 glass was random poly-crystallites and the film structure was columnar with narrow openings where the air could easily enter and absorb. The insides of LaF 3 films on CaF 2 (1 1 1) and SiO 2 glass had accurately stoichiometric compositions. However, in the films, total areas exposed to the air were hydroxidized and oxidized because of chemical reactions with water and molecular oxygen adsorbed on the exposed areas. Thus, the exposed areas were lack of fluorine. The total area exposed to the air in the columnar LaF 3 film on SiO 2 glass was much larger than that in the epitaxial LaF 3 film on CaF 2 (1 1 1). Therefore, the film on SiO 2 glass had much more O and OH concentrations than the film on CaF 2 (1 1 1). Vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light was much more absorbed at F-poor areas exposed to the air in LaF 3 films than the stoichiometric film insides. It is significant for LaF 3 film deposition to make dense film structures and reduce the total exposed areas. Polycrystalline columnar LaF 3 films on the materials useless for the epitaxial growth as well as SiO 2 glass have much larger optical losses than the epitaxial LaF 3 films. The optical transparency of LaF 3 films in VUV regions has been improved using hetero-epitaxial growth technique.
Intergranular fracture of nickel: The effect of hydrogen-sulfur co-segregation

Abstract The effect of grain boundary sulfur segregation on the embrittlement of hydrogen charged nickel has been studied using tensile tests at 77 K. The extent of intergranular fracture was studied as a function of the amount of segregated sulfur at the grain boundaries and as a function of the solute hydrogen concentration. Segregated sulfur decreased the amount of solute hydrogen required to cause 100% intergranular fracture. The amount of local deformation which accompanied the intergranular fracture also depended on the extent of sulfur and hydrogen segregation and was examined using SEM techniques. These results are discussed based on the effects of sulfur on hydrogen segregation and on the synergistic effects of sulfur and hydrogen on fracture at the grain boundary.
SU-E-T-508: A Novel Method of Heterogeneity Compensation for the Convolution / Superposition Algorithm.

Purpose: We developed a better method of accounting for the effects of heterogeneity in convolution algorithms. We integrated this method into our GPU‐accelerated, multi‐energetic convolution/superposition (C/S) implementation. In doing so, we have created a new dose algorithm: heterogeneity compensated superposition (HCS). Methods: Convolution in the spherical density‐scaled distance space, a.k.a. C/S, has proven to be a good estimator of the dose deposited in a homogeneous volume. However, near heterogeneities electron disequilibrium occurs, leading to faster fall‐off and re‐buildup than predicted by C/S. We propose to filter the actual patient density in a position and direction sensitive manner, allowing the dose deposited near interfaces to be increased or decreased relative to traditional C/S. We implemented the effective density function as a multivariate first‐order recursive filter. We compared HCS against traditional C/S using the ICCR 2000 Monte‐Carlo accuracy benchmark, 23 similar accuracy benchmarks and 5 patient cases. For the patient cases, we created custom routines capable of using the discrete material mappings used by Monte‐Carlo. C/S normally considers each voxel to be a mixture of materials based on a piecewise‐linear density look‐up table. Results: Multi‐energetic HCS increased the dosimetric accuracy for the vast majority of voxels; in many cases near Monte‐Carlo results were achieved. HCS improved the mean Van Dyk error by 0.79 (% of Dmax or mm) on average for the patient volumes; reducing the mean error from 1.93%|mm to 1.14%|mm. We found a mean error difference of up to 0.30 %|mm between linear and discrete material mappings. Very low densities (i.e. <0.1 g / cm3) remained problematic, but may be solvable with a better filter function. Conclusions: We have developed a novel dose calculation algorithm based on the principals of C/S that better accounts for the electron disequilibrium caused by patient heterogeneity. This work was funded in part by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. EEC9731748, in part by Johns Hopkins University internal funds and in part by Elekta.
Determination of Gallium Concentration in “Blood-Free” Tissues Using a Radiolabeled Blood Marker

Radioiodinated serum albumin has been used as a blood marker to define and quantitate physiological volumes for 12 organs and tissue types. The concentration of gallium-67 in “blood-free” tissues of rats was also determined at various times after intravenous administration. Tissues were divided into two kinetically distinguishable types based on reported nonuniform distribution of the blood marker and the gallium distribution observed in the present study. Gallium distribution into the liver and spleen was observed to be slow, with a discernable accumulation phase followed by monoexponential elimination. In contrast, gallium accumulation into the stomach, small and large intestines, heart, lung, skin/adipose tissue, and muscle was rapid and elimination was monophasic.
Histochemical demonstration of endothelial superoxide and hydrogen peroxide generation in ischaemic and reoxygenated rat tissues.

Objective: The aims were to test and evaluate two novel and independent histochemical methods for detecting the initial postischaemic burst of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide in buffer perfused rat tissues during reflow after 60 min warm ischaemia. Methods: The first is a high manganese/diaminobenzidine technique, in which superoxide oxidises Mn2+ to Mn3+, which in turn oxidises diaminobenzidine to form amber coloured polymers, observable by light microscopy. The second is a high iron/diaminobenzidine technique, in which hydrogen peroxide oxidises diethylenetriaminepenta-acetate chelated Fe2+ to form intermediate species, which in turn oxidise diaminobenzidine similarly to Mn3+. Various isolated organs of the rat were rendered ischaemic for 60 min, and reperfused with oxygen or air equilibrated buffers containing diaminobenzidine and either Mn2+ or Fe2+. Tissues were fixed by perfusion with Trump's solution and processed for light microscopy. Results: Both manganese and iron methods consistently showed the appearance of reaction product on the luminal surfaces of arterial, capillary, and venular endothelial cells in lung, heart, and intestine of the rat during the first 2 to 3 min of reoxygenation after ischaemia. The histochemical reactions were nearly absent in non-manganese-treated and non-iron-treated controls. Superoxide dismutase strongly inhibited Mn2+/diaminobenzidine reaction product formation and catalase strongly inhibited Fe2+/diaminobenzidine reaction product formation, when tested in specially perfused lung preparations in which these specific antioxidant enzymes were concentrated. Conclusions: These histochemical techniques provide direct, visual evidence that a burst of reactive oxygen species is generated in postischaemic rat tissues. The Mn2+/diaminobenzidine and Fe2+/diaminobenzidine techniques permit investigation of the endothelium derived reactive oxygen by simple laboratory procedures available to almost any investigator at low marginal cost. The endothelial oxidants so revealed may be of pathophysiological significance in a variety of cardiovascular disorders.
A query language for a network data base with graphical entities

A generalized high level query language has been developed for use with a network data base, as defined by the CODASYL DBTG report. Of particular interest is the capability of manipulating graphical entities with this language. The system was developed to supportan offshore oil lease information project where one must formulate queries pertaining to proximity of graphical entities. To facilitate such requests new relational operators were defined and implemented. Thus compound Boolean expressions can be formed which involve graphical as well as non-graphical criteria. Since one goal of the information system is to produce selectively colored maps via an FR80 microfilm recorder, the query language syntax provides the user with a comprehensive thematic cartography capability. The query language is designed to isolate the user from the underlying network structure of the data base. In order to accomplish this generalized pathfinding and accessing algorithms had to be developed. Pathfinding is facilitated through an adjacency matrix involving all record types in the data base, while accession is controlled by examining the local owner-member relation for current record types. Besides querying, the system provides the usual complement of data base management system functions, i.e. deletion, updating, reporting, etc.
The effect of reinforcement and the synergism between CuS and carbon fiber on the wear of nylon

Abstract The polymer composite specimens were prepared with nylon 11 as the matrix material, CuS as the filler, and short fibers of carbon as the reinforcement. This was done because CuS filler has shown an unusual ability in reducing the wear of a number of polymers including nylon. It was expected that the synergistic action of filler and fiber would produce a highly wear-resistant material. The friction and wear behaviors of the composite materials were investigated in a pin-on-disk system where sliding occurred under ambient conditions between the composite pin and a tool steel counterface. The sliding conditions used were 1 m s −1 speed and 0.65 MPa contact pressure. When nylon was reinforced with carbon fiber, wear and the coefficient of friction were reduced considerably. Wear rate was the lowest for 20 vol.% fiber content and it was higher for both the lower and higher percentages of fiber. Wear reduction was still more significant when carbon fiber was used for reinforcement along with CuS as the filler. These differences in wear behavior have been investigated in terms of the synergism between fiber and CuS. This synergistic action occurred because of the role of fiber in enhancing the decomposition of CuS which increased the adhesion between the transfer film of the composite and the steel substrate.
Aging changes in synaptology of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone neurons in male rat preoptic area.

Abstract This study was undertaken to examine some aspects of the anatomical substrate for reproductive senescence. Immunocytochemically identified luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone neurons and their processes in the male rat brain preoptic area were compared in young adult (2–4 months), middle-aged (12–14 months) and old (20–23 months) animals. At the light microscopic level there were no age-dependent differences in total numbers or sizes of LHRH neurons nor in their distribution in the brain. Examination of these neurons at the electron microscopic level did reveal significant differences in certain organelles and in the degree and kind of synaptic input. Random sections of middle-aged luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone neurons more frequently passed through the nucleolus and the incidence of nematosomes was higher than in luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone neurons from the young and old animals. Quantitative measures of synaptic input to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone soma and dendrites as well as to unidentified neurons in the same thin section were made. These are reported as percent of membrane that showed synaptic structure. Dendrites of both luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone and nonidentified neurons were more densely innervated than perikarya. The density of synaptic input to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone neurons was significantly greater than that to nonidentified neurons in young and middle-aged animals, but was equal to that of nonidentified neurons by old age. Age-related changes were noted in synaptic organization with the most significant change being an increased input to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone perikarya. Indeed, synaptic input to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone perikaryal membrane was increased three-fold by middle age and ten-fold by old age. Density of synaptic input to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone dendritic membrane did not change with age. There were no aging changes in percentage of membrane with synaptic structure in nonidentified elements. Synapses were also classified on the basis of their synaptic vesicle content. There were proportionately more synaptic boutons containing round clear than pleomorphic vesicles in the young sample. The proportion of synapses with pleomorphic vesicles increased with age onto both luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone perikarya and their dendrites. The proportion of boutons containing some electron dense-core vesicles along with clear vesicles decreased with age onto both luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone and nonidentified neurons and their processes.
Influence of psychological variables on the activity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis

Psychobiology is the discipline that attempts to integrate the impact of environmental and psychological variables on biological systems. This paper focuses on the psychobiology of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and illustrates several processes that influence the response of the HPA axis. The interaction of the developing rodent or primate with their primary care giver has permanent long-term effects on the HPA axis. Manipulations that alter maternal behavior during critical periods of development permanently modify the HPA axis. The HPA axis can be programmed to be hypo-responsive or hyper-responsive as a function of time and length of maternal separation. In the adult organism, the HPA response to stress is highly dependent on specific psychological factors such as control, predictability, and feedback. In primates, social variables have been shown to diminish or exacerbate the HPA stress response. During the post-natal period of development, the mother appears to actively inhibit the pups' HPA axis. Different aspects of maternal behavior regulate different components of the HPA system.
Manufacturing systems: A knowledge- and optimization-based approach

Optimization approaches have traditionally been viewed as tools for solving manufacturing problems. The optimization approach is not suitable for many problems arising in modern manufacturing systems due to their complexity and involvement of qualitative factors. Expert systems appear to remedy the latter weakness of optimization approaches. The biggest disadvantage of expert systems in manufacturing environment is the slow response time. In this paper an integrand approach involving knowledge-based and optimization approaches is explored. The knowledge-and optimization-based approach is applied to solve two manufacturing problems: group technology (static problem) and scheduling (dynamic problem). The approach presented is illustrated with numerical example and computational results.
Comparison between Sephadex G-10 and Percoll for preparation of normospermic, asthenospermic and frozen/thawed ram semen

Abstract We have compared the efficacy of Percoll and Sephadex G-10 for the enrichment of viable, motile spermatozoa in three types of ram semen samples: normospermic, asthenospermic, and frozen-thawed. Twelve normospermic ejaculates from six rams and 12 asthenospermic ejaculates from four rams were used. Samples showing at least 70% motility were considered normospermic. Asthenospermic samples showed 20–50% motility. Normospermic semen was frozen in 0.2-ml pellets using a Tes-Tris-based diluent containing 20% (v/v) egg yolk and 4% (v/v) glycerol, and thawed at 37°C. Immediately after collection or thawing, samples were filtered through a 3-cm Sephadex column, centrifuged through a discontinuous 45–90% Percoll gradient, or left at room temperature for the same time. After treatments, the samples were incubated for 3 h at 37°C. Motility, membrane integrity and acrosomal stage were evaluated before and after treatments, as well as after 3 h at 37°C. Both Percoll and Sephadex improved the three parameters analyzed, in frozen-thawed and asthenospermic semen. However, non-treated semen (fresh normospermic, frozen-thawed or asthenospermic) maintained its initial characteristics after 3 h of incubation at 37°C, whereas Percoll- and Sephadex-treated samples showed a significant decrease in motility and membrane integrity at that time. Both procedures were equally effective at sperm recovery from normospermic and frozen-thawed semen, whereas Percoll appeared more effective than Sephadex in asthenospermic samples. These results show that Percoll and Sephadex are effective at increasing seminal quality in low-motility samples, due either to freeze/thawing or to asthenospermia. Despite the opposite effects found (i.e. enrichment of high-quality spermatozoa on the one hand, and shortening of their half-life on the other) by the use of both techniques, adjusting appropriate times for capacitation and insemination may allow its use in all types of semen samples.
Glutathione-related enzymes, glutathione and multidrug resistance

This review examines the hypothesis that glutathione and its associated enzymes contribute to the overall drug-resistance seen in multidrug resistant cell lines. Reports of 34 cell lines independently selected for resistance to MDR drugs are compared for evidence of consistent changes in activity of glutathione-related enzymes as well as for changes in glutathione content. The role of glutathione S-transferases in MDR is further analyzed by comparing changes in sensitivity to MDR drugs in cell lines selected for resistance to non-MDR drugs that have resulting increases in glutathione S-transferase activity. In addition, results of studies in which genes for glutathione S-transferase isozymes were transfected into drug-sensitive cells are reviewed. The role of the glutathione redox cycle is examined by comparing changes in elements of this cycle in MDR cell lines as well as by analyzing reports of the effects of glutathione depletion on MDR drug sensitivity. Overall, there is no consistent or compelling evidence that glutathione and its associated enzymes augment resistance in multidrug resistant cell lines.
Self-triggered feedback systems with state-independent disturbances

This paper studies self-triggering in sampled-data systems, where the next task release time and finishing time are predicted based on the sampled states. We propose a new self-triggering scheme that ensures finite-gain L 2 stability of the resulting self-triggered feedback systems. This scheme relaxes the assumptions in [1] that the magnitude of the process noise is bounded by a linear function of the norm of the system state. We show that the sample periods generated by this scheme are always greater than a positive constant. We also provide dynamic deadlines for delays and propose a way that may enlarge predicted deadlines without breaking L 2 stability, especially when the predicted deadlines are very short. Simulations show that the sample periods generated by this scheme are longer than those generated by the schemes in [1]. We also show that the predicted deadlines can be extended by our scheme. Moreover, this scheme appears to be robust to the external disturbances.
Performance Evaluation, Contracts, and Flows in Ecient Markets

A common misconception in nance is that investors who believe in an efcient market will not invest with an active fund manager. In this paper I develop a model of active money management in which both the investor and the fund manager believe that the market is ecient and that all assets are fairly priced. Furthermore traditional performance measures would not be positive for the manager. But despite this the investor still nds it desirable to invest with the manager. The model yields equilibrium contracts, performance measures, and performance/ow relationships that conform with those we observe in the mutual fund industry.
FORMATION AND FUNCTION OF SPEMANN'S ORGANIZER

The organizer is formed in an equatorial sector of the blastula stage amphibian embryo by cells that have responded to two maternal agents: a general mesoendoderm inducer (involving the TFG-beta signaling pathway) and a dorsal modifier (probably involving the Wnt signaling pathway). The meso-endoderm inducer is secreted by most vegetal cells, those containing maternal materials that had been localized in the vegetal hemisphere of the oocyte during oogenesis. As a consequence of the inducer's distribution and action, the competence domains of prospective ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm are established in an animal-to-vegetal order in the blastula. The dorsal modifier signal is secreted by a sector of cells of the animal and vegetal hemispheres on one side of the blastula. These cells contain maternal materials transported there in the first cell cycle from the vegetal pole of the egg along microtubules aligned by cortical rotation. The Nieuwkoop center is the region of blastula cells secreting both maternal signals, and hence specifying the organizer in an equatorial sector. Final steps of organizer formation at the late blastula or early gastrula stage may involve locally secreted zygotic signals as well. At the gastrula stage, the organizer secretes a variety of zygotic proteins that act as antagonists to various members of the BMP and Wnt families of ligands, which are secreted by cells of the competence domains surrounding the organizer. BMPs and Wnts favor ventral development, and cells near the organizer are protected from these agents by the organizer's inducers. The nearby cells are derepressed in their inherent capacity for dorsal development, which is apparent in the neural induction of the ectoderm, dorsalization of the mesoderm, and anteriorization of the endoderm. The organizer also engages in extensive specialized morphogenesis, which brings it within range of responsive cell groups. It also self-differentiates to a variety of axial tissues of the body.
Agilent technologies' singlemode small form factor (SFF) module incorporates micromachined silicon, automated passive alignment, and non-hermetic packaging to enable the next generation of low-cost fiber optic transceivers

Agilent Technologies (formerly Hewlett-Packard) are currently manufacturing a range of multimode and singlemode (SM) SFF transceivers with data rates from 125 Mb/s to 1.25 Gb/s (higher data rates are being developed). This paper will address the singlemode module design, assembly techniques and performance. The SFF transceivers offer the same functionality as SC duplex transceivers but utilize the mini MT-RJ optical interface in order to achieve twice the port density. Test results that demonstrate the performance of the mini MT-RJ optical interface will be presented. The SFF modules are price competitive with SC duplex modules, and are designed to enable low cost, high volume manufacture. In order to meet the size constraints and achieve low manufacturing costs, the SM SFF transceiver utilizes silicon as a base to support the optical fibers and active components, and as an aid to passively align of the active components to the fibers. Most other passively aligned modules require the use of a more expensive expanded mode region laser diode (LD). But Agilent Technologies have developed a unique passive align and attach system that can easily achieve the required coupling power for fast ethernet, OC3 and gigabit ethernet using a standard 1300 mn Strained Multiquantum Well (SMQW) LD. The module design and the methods used for passive align will be discussed, as will the precision die attach (PDA) equipment. All precious Agilent Technologies/Hewlett-Packard SM modules relied on an Hermetic cavity around the active devices to achieve the reliability assurance, e.g., as defined in Bellcore TA-NWT-000983, but this type of Hermetic design has limited potential for cost reduction. The SM SFF module is designed to meet the same assurance levels, but uses silicone encapsulation in place of Hermeticity, and the results of the qualification testing will be presented.
Divorce and Marital Instability over the Life Course

This study uses a national sample of married persons under age 55, interviewed in 1980 and again in 1983, to estimate why divorce and marital instability vary by age and duration of marriage. Results indicate that the accumulation of assets substantially reduces the propensity to divorce. We also find that several important correlates of divorce and instability (age at marriage, health, social integration, and income) interact with age and duration. In general, these factors seem to operate almost exclusively among young people and young marriages.
Left atrial thrombus after complete left atrial appendage exclusion with LARIAT device

A 74-year-old woman with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation underwent left atrial appendage (LAA) exclusion with a LARIAT snare device. Transesophageal echocardiogram one month later demonstrated a left atrial thrombus at orifice of the completely occluded LAA that subsequently resolved with two months of anticoagulation. This case highlights that LAA ligation with LARIAT device continues to pose a risk for left atrial thrombosis in the immediate post-operative period. It also emphasizes the need for further evidence regarding antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy in these patients. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular-genetic imaging: current and future perspectives

Medical imaging has undergone a revolution in the past decade. This is largely due to improved technology involving all the major imaging modalities: MRI, computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), ultrasound, and optical imaging. These advances and improvements in technology are being rapidly translated into the clinic and have established new standards of medical practice. Cancer imaging was identified as one of six “extraordinary scientific opportunities” by the National Cancer Institute in 1997–1998, and the institute’s subsequent funding initiatives have provided a major stimulus for further developments. A major target of these initiatives has been development of and support for molecular imaging. Molecular-genetic imaging provides visualization in space and time of normal as well as abnormal cellular processes at a molecular or genetic level. Needless to say, current gamma camera, PET, MRI, and optical technologies do not visualize individual cells, much less molecules. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of this emerging new field are the novel imaging paradigms being developed — paradigms that image molecular-genetic processes rather than anatomy. These paradigms can be successful within the inherent spatial-resolution limits of existing imaging systems, provided that the volume element, or voxel, of the tissue (cells) is relatively homogenous. This review will focus primarily on radionuclide imaging, although many of the principles described are directly applicable to optical and MRI technology as well. A more extensive discussion of these issues was recently published (1). Molecular imaging has its roots in molecular biology and cell biology as well as in imaging technology. Three different noninvasive, in vivo imaging technologies have developed more or less in parallel: (a) MRI (2–6); (b) nuclear imaging (quantitative autoradiography, gamma camera, and PET) (7–11); and (c) optical imaging of small animals (12–14). The convergence of these disciplines is at the heart of the molecular imaging success story and constitutes the wellspring for further advances in the field. The development of versatile and sensitive assays that do not require tissue samples will be of considerable value for monitoring of molecular-genetic and cellular processes in animal models of human disease, as well as for studies in human subjects. Noninvasive imaging of molecular-genetic and cellular processes will complement established ex vivo molecular-biological assays that require tissue sampling; it also provides a spatial as well as a temporal dimension to our understanding of various diseases.
Function and localization of microRNAs in mammalian cells.

microRNAs (miRNAs) represent a large set of master regulators of gene expression. They constitute 1‐4% of human genes and probably regulate 30% of protein-encoding genes. These small regulatory RNAs act at a posttranscriptional level—mediating translational repression and/or mRNA degradation—through their association with Argonaute protein and target mRNAs. In this paper, we discuss various mechanisms by which miRNAs regulate posttranscriptionally, including their subcellular localization. Recent results indicate that the majority of miRNA-targeted and thus translationally repressed mRNA is probably distributed in the diffuse cytoplasm, even though a small fraction is concentrated in subcellular compartments, such as processing bodies or stress granules; notably, the stress granule localization of Argonaute depends on the presence of miRNAs. Here we discuss the structural requirement of these subcellular compartments in light of their potential miRNA functions.
School-Relevant Effects of Educational Uses of Microcomputers in Kindergarten Classrooms and Homes

The purpose of this study was to examine effects of microcomputer use on school-readiness skills of kindergarteners. Three classes (N = 88) were provided with microcomputers and eleven software programs, of which nine focused on prereading skills, one on premathematics skills, and one on both. One of the three classes (N = 22) was also provided with micros to use at home. Two classes (N = 98) constituted a comparison group. Students were pre- and posttested on items selected to assess reading readiness, mathematics readiness, Piagetian operations, and keyboard knowledge. The computer-use group gained more on reading readiness and keyboard knowledge; moreover, the home-use group gained more than classroom-use students. No sex differences appeared in gain scores. Teacher implementation strategies and the techniques that nonreaders used to deal with software are described.
GWASs and the age of human as the model organism for autoimmune genetic research

Genetic studies have identified more than 150 autoimmune loci, and next-generation sequencing will identify more. Is it time to make human the model organism for autoimmune research?
A conceptual model of quality of life in relation to heart failure.

Many clinical trials now incorporate measures ranging from simple assessments of symptoms and physical performance tests to more complex multidimensional questionnaires and batteries of measures to determine whether interventions affect patients’ quality of life. Inconsistent nomenclature and operational definitions can create conceptual confusion that undermines quality of life research. For example, are symptoms and physical dysfunction components or determinants of the quality of life of patients with heart failure? If symptoms and physical dysfunction are components, there’s no need to define and measure a distinct quality of life concept, and any improvement in symptoms or function would improve a patient’s quality of life assuming other components of quality of life, whatever they might be, don’t deteriorate. If symptoms and function are determinants of quality of life, then conceptually what do they determine and how are they related? A conceptual model of quality of life as it relates to heart failure is needed to clarify concepts, classify measures according to what concepts they represent, and serve as a framework for scientific research and discourse. Figure 1 depicts a conceptual model with symptoms, functional limitations, and psychologic distress as distinct, but interrelated, phenomena that mediate the effects of heart failure pathophysiology on a patient’s quality of life. Note that pathophysiologic variables including those commonly used to assess cardiac structure and function (eg, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, ejection fraction) and neurohormonal activation (eg, brain natriuretic peptide) do not have a direct effect on a patient’s quality of life. Several interrelated variables intervene between a patient’s pathophysiology and quality of life. Therefore, the correlation between
Volunteering for College? Potential Implications of Financial Aid Tax Credits Rewarding Community Service:

President Obama has proposed a financial aid policy whereby students who complete 100 hours of community service would receive a tax credit of US$4,000 for college. After lawmakers cut this proposal from previous legislation, the administration was tasked with studying the feasibility of implementation. However, the implications of the policy for potential and current college students are unclear, especially for students who have the most financial need. Given existing literature about student volunteerism, tax credits, and inducements as policy instruments, combined with analyses of student volunteerism from three national data sets, this study explores disparities in student volunteerism by income level and school type and draws implications from these results concerning who would be most likely to benefit from such a policy.
Multi-institutional study of fine-needle aspiration for thyroid lymphoma

Introduction Primary thyroid lymphoma is a rare neoplasm accounting for 1% to 5% of thyroid malignancies. We study the efficacy of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in diagnosing thyroid lymphoma. Methods Pathology databases from our three institutions were searched for thyroid FNA biopsies having a diagnosis of lymphoma or atypical lymphoproliferative cells, or a corresponding tissue diagnosis of thyroid lymphoma having a prior FNA biopsy. Results Sixty-eight cases were retrieved from 64 patients; 67 cases with histologic confirmation. Forty-six specimens were from women (68%), ages 21 to 87 years (mean = 60). Forty-seven aspirates were diagnosed as lymphoma (n = 29) or suspicious (n = 18) for lymphoma (sensitivity = 73%), 11 atypical, 7 benign, 2 unsatisfactory, and 1 suspicious for carcinoma. Follow-up surgical diagnoses included diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (n = 43), classical Hodgkin lymphoma (5), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (5), and other cases (11). Only 12 of 64 patients (13 specimens) had a known diagnosis of lymphoma prior to FNA. Light chain restriction was detected in 34 specimens (by flow cytometry [FCM] in 32 cases or polymerase chain reaction, in 2 cases). FCM was polyclonal (n = 7) or inconclusive (2) with 25 cases not having FCM performed or not having enough viable cells for evaluation. Four cases showed lymphocytic thyroiditis on surgical follow-up with 2 of these cases having a small monoclonal lymphoid population detected by FCM. Conclusions Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was the most common lymphoma in this series (63%). The sensitivity of FNA with the optional use of FCM was 71% with a specificity of 99%.
Incentive Compensation and Performance Measurement in the Property and Casualty Insurance Industry

Changes in the property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry, and changes in executive compensation in general, have lead to a situation where P&C managers have increased opportunities and motivation to influence earnings. A significant opportunity to influence earnings arises out of establishing and managing insurance claims reserves, which are composed of both case and actuarial reserves. This is significant because many insurance incentive compensation programs are based on yearly reported earnings. This paper presents an alternative insurance executive compensation approach. The approach utilizes a more accurate measure of insurance performance, accident year analysis  in place of the more traditional calendar analysis  and a bonus bank program.
Comparison of HTI and Orthorhombic Methods for Determining Fracture Density and Fracture Azimuth from 3D Seismic Data

The presence of closely spaced aligned fracture sets in an otherwise VTI anisotropic background rock, such as shale, will lead to the rock exhibiting effective orthorhombic anisotropy. Seismic waves traveling in orthorhombic media produce an azimuthally and radially varying amplitude response. These azimuthally and radially dependent response characteristics can be analyzed by decomposing the seismic data into a Fourier series. The azimuth corresponding to the maximum value of the constructed Fourier series represents fracture azimuth. By keeping incident angle constant at a particular location, the coefficients of a Fourier series dependent only on azimuthal variations in the data can be found via a least squares curve fitting algorithm. We repeat this for a variety of incident angles, and use the information of how Fourier coefficients vary with respect to incident angle in a weighted least squares inversion to determine weights wij , which are constant with respect to incident angle. These weights are used to determine the total energy in the 2 order Fourier Coefficients, which is related to fracture density. Results from this orthorhombic method and an analogous HTI Fourier decomposition method are compared. The HTI and orthorhombic methods provide similar, though not identical, results for fracture azimuth; however the orthorhombic method produces much better resolved images of fracture density, indicating the necessity of correcting for the VTI component of a fractured shale.
GNB3 and FTO Polymorphisms and Pregnancy Weight Gain in Black Women

Background: Gestational weight gain (GWG) is a modifiable risk factor for obesity in women. Black women have the greatest prevalence of high body mass, which predisposes them to excessive GWG. Incr...