cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Gaussian Mixture-Model Exploiting Pathway Knowledge for Dissecting Cancer Heterogeneity

In this work, we develop a systematic approach for applying pathway knowledge to a multivariate Gaussian mixture model for dissecting a heterogeneous cancer tissue. The downstream transcription factors are selected as observables from available partial pathway knowledge in such a way that the subpopulations produce some differential behavior in response to the drugs selected in the upstream. For each subpopulation, each unique (drug, observable) pair is considered as a unique dimension of a multivariate Gaussian distribution. Expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm with hill-climbing is then used to rank the most probable estimates of the mixture composition based on the log-likelihood value. A major contribution of this work is to examine the efficacy of the EM based approach in estimating the composition of experimental mixture sets from cell-by-cell measurements collected on a dynamic cell imaging platform. Towards this end, we apply the algorithm on hourly data collected for two different mixture compositions of A2058, HCT116, and SW480 cell lines for three scenarios: untreated, Lapatinib-treated, and Temsirolimus-treated. Additionally, we show how this methodology can provide a basis for comparing the killing rate of different drugs for a heterogeneous cancer tissue. This obviously has important implications for designing efficient drugs for treating heterogeneous malignant tumors.
Development and validation of a Medicare health outcomes survey (MHOS) frailty index in multiple myeloma (MM).

e21519Background: Increasing age is associated with poorer outcomes in MM. However, biological aging (BA) is heterogeneous and does not correlate perfectly with chronological age (CA). A recently d...
SUBJECTIVE HELPFULNESS OF COGNITIVE-REMEDIATION TREATMENT COMPONENTS FOR GERIATRIC HOARDING

Hoarding disorder (HD) is characterized by urges to save items, difficulty discarding, and excessive household clutter. Older adults with HD often experience cognitive and functional impairment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the self-reported “helpfulness” of the cognitive remediation components of an individual treatment for HD and to explore the relationship between the “helpfulness” ratings and treatment response. This study utilized data from 21 older adults (mean age 69.66, range 60–85) with HD who received 26 sessions of individual Cognitive Rehabilitation and Exposure/Sorting Therapy (CREST). Participants were asked during the post-treatment assessment to rate the “helpfulness” of the different cognitive remediation treatment modules. On average, participants reported that on a 10 point scale (0 = not at all; 10 = a lot), they found all of the CREST modules to be “quite a bit” helpful, including using a calendar (mean = 8.32, SD = 2.28), making a to-do list (mean = 8.29, SD = 2.08), linking tasks with places (mean = 6.81, SD = 3.19), problem solving (mean = 7.55, SD = 2.36), and meeting deadlines (mean = 7.57, SD = 2.36). Treatment response on the Saving Inventory-Revised, a 23-item self report measure of hoarding symptom severity, was not significantly correlated to participants’ “helpfulness” ratings on any of the different cognitive remediation treatment modules (all ps > .05). Clinicians treating older adults with HD should consider including sessions focused on cognitive remediation skills.
Cyber Physical Security Analytics for Anomalies in Transmission Protection Systems

Protection devices are considered to be the most critical components responsible for protecting the electrical grid. Due to recent technological advancements in the electrical grid, digitalization has played an influential role in integration of digital devices in protection systems. Incorporation of digital devices in protection systems has made Transmission Protection System more prone to vulnerabilities and cyber-attacks. A cyber attack exploiting protection devices aims to disrupt the normal operations by raising multiple false alarms on a large scale creating conflicting and confusing observation in the control center. Finding exact root cause(s) for the multiple alarms is important to solve this problem. The research presented in this paper imitates a cyber attack on the IEEE test system with industrial hardware relays in the loop, by manipulating the setting/logic design of protection devices in the system creating conflicting alarms in the control center. This paper presents a novel data analytics based approach combining signature-based method for detecting an intrusion in the cyber system and a deep learning algorithm for detecting a mal-operation in the physical system. Data gathered from the physical system through sensors such as Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) and data acquired from cyber system through relay are analyzed by data analytics approach finding the root-cause of the observed events. The results of data analytics are further validated using the log data from protection devices.
Gender Differences in Associations Between Stress and Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Outcomes.

Psychological stress, a subjective perception of an adverse environmental change, is a hallmark of modern society. Although psychological stress has previously been established as a risk factor for...
Fantastic Liquids and Where To Find Them: Optimizations of Discrete Chemical Space

We present a computational adaptive learning and design strategy for ionic liquids. In this approach we show that (1) multiple cycles of chemical search via genetic algorithm (GA), property calculation with molecular dynamics, and property modeling with physiochemical descriptors and neural networks (QSPR/NN) lead to overall lower property prediction error rates compared to the original QSPR/NN models; (2) chemical similarity and kernel density estimation are a proxy for QSPR/NN error; and (3) single QSPR/NN models projected onto two-dimensional property space recreate the experimentally observed Pareto optimum frontier and, combined with the GA, lead to new structures with properties beyond the frontier.
Rhoptry and Dense Granule Secreted Effectors Regulate CD8+ T Cell Recognition of Toxoplasma gondii Infected Host Cells

Toxoplasma gondii secretes rhoptry (ROP) and dense granule (GRA) effector proteins to evade host immune clearance mediated by interferon gamma (IFN-γ), immunity-related GTPase (IRG) effectors, and CD8+ T cells. Here, we investigated the role of parasite-secreted effectors in regulating host access to parasitophorous vacuole (PV) localized parasite antigens and their presentation to CD8+ T cells by the major histocompatibility class I (MHC-I) pathway. Antigen presentation of PV localized parasite antigens by MHC-I was significantly increased in macrophages and/or dendritic cells infected with mutant parasites that lacked expression of secreted GRA (GRA2, GRA3, GRA4, GRA5, GRA7, GRA12) or ROP (ROP5, ROP18) effectors. The ability of various secreted GRA or ROP effectors to suppress antigen presentation by MHC-I was dependent on cell type, expression of IFN-γ, or host IRG effectors. The suppression of antigen presentation by ROP5, ROP18, and GRA7 correlated with a role for these molecules in preventing PV disruption by IFN-γ-activated host IRG effectors. However, GRA2 mediated suppression of antigen presentation was not correlated with PV disruption. In addition, the GRA2 antigen presentation phenotypes were strictly co-dependent on the expression of the GRA6 protein. These results show that MHC-I antigen presentation of PV localized parasite antigens was controlled by mechanisms that were dependent or independent of IRG effector mediated PV disruption. Our findings suggest that the GRA6 protein underpins an important mechanism that enhances CD8+ T cell recognition of parasite-infected cells with damaged or ruptured PV membranes. However, in intact PVs, parasite secreted effector proteins that associate with the PV membrane or the intravacuolar network membranes play important roles to actively suppress antigen presentation by MHC-I to reduce CD8+ T cell recognition and clearance of Toxoplasma gondii infected host cells.
The Influence of preterm birth beyond infancy: Umbrella review of outcomes of adolescents and adults born preterm.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In recent decades, increased neonatal survival has enabled research of long-term outcomes of those born preterm. The purpose of this article is to present the findings of an umbrella review, an examination of published systematic reviews and meta-analyses, to examine the outcomes of adolescents and adults born preterm. METHODS The research was guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for umbrella reviews. A systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases with the search years 2010 through September 2018 yielded 16 reviews for inclusion. CONCLUSIONS The 16 reviews included in this umbrella review represent five clinical outcomes: neurodevelopmental (3 reviews), mental/behavioral health (5 reviews), cardiovascular (4 reviews), pulmonary (3 reviews), and life experience outcomes (4 reviews). One review included data for multiple clinical outcomes. This umbrella review highlights the adolescent and adult risks related to cognitive scores, executive function, anxiety, depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, long-term effects on systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoproteins and cholesterol levels, pulmonary symptoms, including asthma, pulmonary function, radiographic changes in the lungs, sports and leisure participation, and educational attainment and employment. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE There is a preponderance of evidence that supports targeted screening for a history of preterm birth by all health care providers. This screening should facilitate the promotion of healthy lifestyles and improving psychosocial and neurodevelopmental difficulties through early and continued support services. Curricular and practice standards are advocated to support this change.
A genome-wide association study uncovers consistent quantitative trait loci for resistance to Verticillium wilt and Fusarium wilt race 4 in the US Upland cotton

A high-resolution GWAS detected consistent QTL for resistance to Verticillium wilt and Fusarium wilt race 4 in 376 U.S. Upland cotton accessions based on six independent replicated greenhouse tests. Verticillium wilt (VW, caused by Verticillium dahliae Kleb.) and Fusarium wilt (FOV, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum Atk. Sny & Hans) are the most important soil-borne fungal diseases in cotton. To augment and refine resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL), we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using high-density genotyping with the CottonSNP63K array. Resistance of 376 US Upland cotton accessions to a defoliating VW and virulent FOV4 was evaluated in four and two independent replicated greenhouse tests, respectively. A total of 15 and 13 QTL for VW and FOV4 resistances were anchored by 30 (on five chromosomes) and 56 (on six chromosomes) significant single nucleotide polymorphic (SNPs) markers, respectively. QTL on c8, c10, c16, and c21 were consistent in two or more tests for VW resistance, while two QTL on c8 and c14 were consistent for FOV4 resistance in two tests. Two QTL clusters on c16 and c19 were observed for both VW and FOV4 resistance, suggesting that these genomic regions may harbor genes in response to both diseases. Using BLAST search against the sequenced TM-1 genome, 30 and 35 candidate genes were identified on four QTL for VW resistance and on three QTL for FOV4 resistance, respectively. These genomic regions were rich in NBS-LRR genes presented in clusters. The results create opportunities for further studies to determine the correlations of field resistance with these QTL, molecular examinations of VW and FOV4 resistances, marker-assisted selection (MAS) and eventual cloning of QTL for disease resistance in cotton.
Chapter 5 – Photographic Composition

Publisher Summary Aerial photography shares many common attributes with ground-based photography. However, the bird's-eye view afforded by small-format aerial photography opens new vistas for image composition. Most important is a consideration of top lighting for illuminating the ground scene as viewed from above. For high-oblique views, generally the horizon should be nearly level and little sky should be visible. For vertical views, shadows are often critical; for best effect, shadows should fall from the upper-left toward the lower-right corner of the image. Linear features, both straight and curved, draw the viewer's eye into the picture, and the placement of linear objects has a strong influence on the overall visual impact of the image. Patterns, especially at different scales or combined with other elements, may be an important aspect for making an image interesting and enjoyable to the observer. Color is the fundamental basis of image recognition, and much quantitative research and qualitative evaluation have been done on this subject. In general, people react more favorably to warm (red, orange, yellow) colors than to cool (blue, green, violet) colors; warm colors stand out and may create a pseudo depth perception. The combination of multiple visual elements creates the most dramatic photographs from an aesthetic point of view.
Association of Maternal Nativity Status and Race/Ethnicity on Emergency Department Utilization Among Children in Vulnerable Families.

OBJECTIVES We aimed to determine the role of mothers' nativity and race/ethnicity on their children's emergency department utilization. METHODS Data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study was used for the analyses. Descriptive and regression analyses were conducted to compare use of ED services between children of foreign-born versus US-born mothers within different racial groups. RESULTS The sample in this analysis contained 3426 mother-child pairs, of which 14.2% were foreign-born mothers. Adjusting for mother's race, education, and marital status, child's insurance coverage, and caregiver's perception of child's health, children of foreign-born mothers were less likely to use ED services compared with those born to US-born mothers (risk ratio [RR], 0.71 [0.54-0.94]). Emergency department utilization was lower among children of Hispanic, foreign-born mothers (RR, 0.67 [0.46-0.96]) and among children of non-Hispanic Asian or other race, foreign-born mothers (RR, 0.32 [0.14-0.74]) when compared with children of their US-born counterparts in the respective race. CONCLUSIONS Maternal nativity status and race influence child's use of emergency department services. Future research should explore the intersection of parental nativity, immigrant documentation status, and citizenship status and how that may influence children's health care usage.
Sulfur-Infused Hole Transport Materials to Overcome Performance-Limiting Transport in Colloidal Quantum Dot Solar Cells

Colloidal quantum dot (CQD) solar cells have benefited from rapidly rising single-junction efficiencies in recent years and have shown promise in multijunction and color-tuned applications. However...
Influence of Media on Body Image for Fitness Center Users.

Mass media influences one’s body esteem, and images seen in the media may lead to unhealthy behaviors to achieve an ideal body. Body esteem may be shaped by one’s ethnicity, gender, and age, as wel...
Unplanned implant removal in locally advanced breast cancer.

Study conducted to determine frequency and timing of unplanned breast implant removal after mastectomy, reconstruction, and postmastectomy radiation (PMRT). From 2010-2017, 52 patients underwent mastectomy, reconstruction, and PMRT. With median follow-up of 3.1 years, 23 patients (44%) experienced implant removal. Implant removal occurred in 9 (17%) patients before starting PMRT and 14 (27%) patients after starting PMRT. Implant removal rates were similar for hypofractionated PMRT compared with standard fractionation and for proton compared with photon PMRT. Implant removal is common for women undergoing mastectomy and reconstruction followed by PMRT. The risk is clinically significant even before starting radiation.
Convergence analysis of the variational operator splitting scheme for a reaction-diffusion system with detailed balance.

We present a detailed convergence analysis for an operator splitting scheme proposed in [C. Liu et al.,J. Comput. Phys., 436, 110253, 2021] for a reaction-diffusion system with detailed balance. The numerical scheme has been constructed based on a recently developed energetic variational formulation, in which the reaction part is reformulated in terms of the reaction trajectory, and both the reaction and diffusion parts dissipate the same free energy. The scheme is energy stable and positivity-preserving. In this paper, the detailed convergence analysis and error estimate are performed for the operator splitting scheme. The nonlinearity in the reaction trajectory equation, as well as the implicit treatment of nonlinear and singular logarithmic terms, impose challenges in numerical analysis. To overcome these difficulties, we make use of the convex nature of the logarithmic nonlinear terms, which are treated implicitly in the chemical reaction stage. In addition, a combination of a rough error estimate and a refined error estimate leads to a desired bound of the numerical error in the reaction stage, in the discrete maximum norm. Furthermore, a discrete maximum principle yields the evolution bound of the numerical error function at the diffusion stage. As a direct consequence, a combination of the numerical error analysis at different stages and the consistency estimate for the operator splitting results in the convergence estimate of the numerical scheme for the full reaction-diffusion system.
Non-Hermitian physics and engineering in silicon photonics

Driven by the great needs for low-cost and scalable advanced optoelectronic systems that could leverage the existing infrastructure already developed for the semiconductor industry, silicon photonics has been extensively explored as a platform with system-level integration to host numerous devices and systems with various functionalities, including lasers, modulators, filters, isolators, wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) transceivers, etc. Recently, non-Hermitian physics, which breaks the conventional scope of quantum mechanics based on Hermitian Hamiltonians, has been widely explored in the platform of silicon photonics. With judicious designs of refractive index, modal coupling and gain–loss distribution, unconventional control and manipulation of light flow and nonlinear effects could be achieved. As we will discuss in this chapter, the unconventional properties of exceptional points and parity-time symmetry realized in silicon photonics have created new opportunities for ultrasensitive sensors, laser engineering, control of light propagation, topological mode conversion, etc. The marriage between the quantum non-Hermiticity and classical silicon platforms not only inspires numerous studies on the fundamental physics but also enriches the potential functionalities of the integrated photonic systems.
P48 Preliminary Analysis from Statewide Stakeholder Interviews Around the Impact of Food Access During COVID-19

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 24 million adults reported that their households sometimes or often lacked sufficient food in the last 7 days, with Black and Latino adults approximately 3 times as likely as White adults to report food insecurity. Objective The objective of this study was to assess the impact COVID-19 on food access in Rhode Island (RI), document challenges encountered, and identify promising practices and policy solutions by conducting individual, 1-hour key stakeholder interviews from September-November 2020. Study Design, Settings, Participants Virtual qualitative interviews (n = 25) were conducted with 33 key stakeholders from 25 community organizations located throughout RI. This includes state/city agencies (n = 9), nonprofit organizations (n = 5), Health Equity Zone representatives (n = 5), food pantries/food bank (n = 4), a home-delivered meal program (n = 1), and a FQHC (n = 1) that primarily serve low-income and racial/ethnic minority populations. Measurable Outcome/Analysis A structured interview guide was developed to capture scope of work, successes and challenges, and impact on health disparities including how organizations adjusted during COVID-19 to provide access to food safely. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically coded in NVivo with a priori codes to guide the analysis. An inductive and deductive approach was used to identify themes. Results Preliminary findings suggest that organizations struggled to meet food needs due to unemployment, lack of culturally relevant foods, insufficient resources (ie, funding, personal protective equipment, technology), and exacerbation of existing food access challenges connected to transportation and food storage needs. Despite these challenges, reported successes included enhanced collaboration between new and existing partnerships among stakeholders, increased effective communication among community stakeholders and the populations they serve, and increases in new initiatives to support food access needs. Conclusion Our findings highlight the need to ensure a coordinated response through strategic leadership that has a focus on vulnerable racial/ethnic populations to ensure access to culturally appropriate food during emergency situations.
Kimura Disease: A Rare and Difficult to Diagnose Entity

Kimura disease (KD) is a rare inflammatory disorder which involves the head and neck. Due to its rarity and various findings, definitive diagnosis can be difficult to ascertain. Kimura disease is distinguished from other conditions, including angiolymphoid hyperplasia, by histopathological features including follicular hyperplasia, reactive germinal centers, abundant eosinophilia, eosinophilic microabscesses, preserved nodal architecture, Warthin-Finkeldy polykaryocytes, and capsular fibrosis. Herein, we describe the clinical presentation, pathology, and diagnosis of a single case of a 39-year-old treated at an academic center in Texas.
Factors predicting postoperative range of motion for anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty.

Background Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) has repeatedly been shown to be an effective and durable treatment option for end-stage arthritis with good long-term survivorship. Whereas pain relief is typically the primary goal, improvements in range of motion are typically expected as well. The factors that influence postoperative motion have not been well characterized. The purpose of the study was to examine the factors that influence ultimate postoperative motion after TSA. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of prospectively collected data of 230 patients with minimum 1-year follow-up after TSA for end-stage arthropathy with an intact rotator cuff. Analysis was focused on factors that may correlate with postoperative measured forward flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation. Included in this analysis was perception of motion, age, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities (smoking, diabetes, osteoporosis, hypercholesterolemia, inflammatory arthritis, and thyroid disease), and number of comorbidities. Results Preoperative motion in all directions was predictive of postoperative motion for forward flexion ( R = 0.235; P R = 0.363; P R = 0.325; P R = 0.213; P = .002). BMI and diabetes both negatively correlated with internal rotation ( R = −0.134, P = .40 and R = −0.196, P = .003, respectively). Individual and total number of comorbidities were not predictive of postoperative motion. The patient's perception of preoperative motion also did not correlate with postoperative motion. Conclusions Preoperative range of motion before TSA is most predictive of final motion achieved. Individual and total number of comorbidities are not predictive of postoperative motion. Patients with high diabetes and increased BMI have limited postoperative internal rotation.
Pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction: can magnetic resonance urography identify crossing vessels?

MR Urography (MRU) is an increasingly used imaging modality for the evaluation of pediatric genitourinary obstruction. To determine whether pediatric MR urography (MRU) reliably detects crossing vessels in the setting of suspected ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. The clinical significance of these vessels was also evaluated. We identified pediatric patients diagnosed with UPJ obstruction by MRU between May 2009 and June 2014. MRU studies were evaluated by two pediatric radiologists for the presence or absence of crossing vessels. Ancillary imaging findings such as laterality, parenchymal thinning/scarring, trapped fluid in the proximal ureter, and presence of renal parenchymal edema were also evaluated. Imaging findings were compared to surgical findings. We used the Mann–Whitney U test to compare continuous data and the Fisher exact test to compare proportions. Twenty-four of 25 (96%) UPJ obstructions identified by MRU were surgically confirmed. MRU identified crossing vessels in 10 of these cases, with 9 cases confirmed intraoperatively (κ = 0.92 [95% CI: 0.75, 1.0]). Crossing vessels were determined to be the primary cause of UPJ obstruction in 7/9 children intraoperatively, while in two children the vessels were deemed incidental and noncontributory to the urinary tract obstruction. There was no significant difference in age or the proportions of ancillary findings when comparing children without and with obstructing vessels. MRU allows detection of crossing vessels in pediatric UPJ obstruction. Although these vessels are the primary cause of obstruction in some children, they are incidental and non-contributory in others. Our study failed to convincingly identify any significant predictors (e.g., age or presence of renal parenchymal edema) that indicate when a crossing vessel is the primary cause of obstruction.
Pay for Play: Analysis of the Image Restoration Strategies of High Profile College Athletes

This study sought to explore the college athletic landscape through a Crisis Communications perspective. Using William Benoit’s “Theory of Image Restoration” as a framework, this study employed a case-study approach to analyze the image restoration strategies of three high profile college football players following scandals. The study found a consistent use of traditional strategies such as mortification, corrective action, and denial from the athletes and associated parties. This research demonstrates the level of prominence that college athletes have been elevated to and concludes they be recognized from a public relations standpoint accordingly. Given the national attention and loyalty that college athletics receive, this study would provide an important foundation for future research on a rapidly evolving section of society as well.
Double points and the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process on Wiener space

The starting point for this paper is Lyons (1987) which proved that the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process {Y(t):−∞<1<∞} on d-dimensional space hits states with double points if d<6 but does not do so if d6. I wish to offer an alternative proof of the above results using ideas found in works by Kahane and Geman, Horowitz and Rosen. Within their framework I am able to also show: 1) if d=5 then dim{t:Y(t)( ) has double points}=1/2; 2) if d=4 then dim{t:Y(t)( ) has double points}=1
On the lysosomal occurrence and the properties of the neuraminidase of rat liver and of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells.

Abstract Neuraminidase of rat liver is now shown to possess the latency characteristic of lysosomal enzymes. Particular conditions were required for this demonstration, since the enzyme is sensitive to many treatments usually used in such studies. Assay conditions are described which indicate that rat liver has much higher neuraminidase activity than heretofore reported. Since EDTA is moderately inhibitory, and divalent cations are stimulating to some extent, metal is probably involved in the action of the enzyme. However, anion effects are also reported herein. α1-Glycoprotein and a glycopeptide fraction derived from this protein showed substrate activity comparable to that of sialyllactose, whereas a brain ganglioside preparation was a poorer substrate. Analysis of subcellular fractions from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells indicated that most of the neuraminidase of these cells is present in the fraction containing lysosomes and mitochondria.
Human [/sup 123/I]5-I-A-85380 dynamic SPECT studies in normals: kinetic analysis and parametric imaging

[/sup 123/I]5-I-A-85380 ([/sup 123/I]5-IA) is a ligand specific for the /spl alpha/4/spl beta/2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtype. It was reported that distribution volume (DV) is an appropriate measurement for /spl alpha/4/spl beta/2 nAChR density in baboon [/sup 123/I]5-IA dynamic SPECT studies. To evaluate the kinetics obtained from human [/sup 123/I]5-IA dynamic SPECT, three different methods were applied to region of interest (ROI) kinetics analysis as follows: A: a 2-compartment 3-parameters model, B: 3-compartment 5-parameter model, and C: same model as in B but fitting with a constraint of ratio of K/sub 1//k/sub 2/e estimated by fitting occipital kinetics to model in A. The DV was estimated as DV= K/sub 1//k/sub 2/ for A, and DV=(K/sub 1//k/sub 2/)(1+k/sub 3//k/sub 4/) for B and C. Nonlinear least squares fitting using Marquardt algorithm was performed for A-C. Akaike information criterion (AIC) and R/sup 2/ were used for evaluation of fitting results. A linear parametric imaging algorithm derived from model in method A was used for generating images of K/sub 1/ and DV. Four normal human [/sup 123/I]5-IA dynamic studies were evaluated by A-C. In each study, after a bolus of [/sup 123/I]5-IA (5/spl sim/10 mCi, specific activity>10 Ci/umol) was injected intravenously, a dynamic scanning with 20 acquisitions over 6 hour was started immediately on a Trionix TriadXLT scanner. 30-40 arterial plasma samples were taken during the study and HPLC was performed to determine the metabolite-corrected arterial plasma radioactivity as input function. The ROI regions (cerebellum, frontal cortex, occipital cortex, pones, and thalamus) were drawn on co-registered MRI images. Results show that A fits to all ROI kinetics very well (R/sup 2/>0.99), and paired T-test for AIC showed there is no statistical significantly improvement of model fitting from B, C methods. The K/sub 1/ and DV images are of good image quality. Conclusion: A is best for ROI kinetic analysis and parametric imaging for DV and K/sub 1/.
Dynamic Assessment in the Classroom

Mediation is the term proposed by L. S. Vygotsky in his Sociocultural Theory of Mind that accounts for the development of human mental abilities. Specifically, Vygotsky explained that while other animals interact with their environments in a direct manner, humans relate to the world through a process that is mediated by others in our social environment and by artifacts available in our culture. In schooling, a high premium is typically placed on instructional materials as well as interactions with peers and with the teacher, and communicative second language (L2) classrooms are certainly no exception. However, external forms of mediation are prohibited during most assessments, rendering them distinct from other forms of classroom activity. Dynamic assessment (DA) breaks with this convention, arguing instead that important diagnostic information about individuals’ abilities is obtained through analysis of their response to mediation. DA thus advocates cooperative interaction between teachers and learners, with the result that assessments continue to function as instructional opportunities. This chapter explores mediation as it is realized and elaborated in L2 DA. As illustrated through analysis of an L2 DA interaction, it is argued that effective mediation should be developmentally relevant when learners are engaged in what they cannot do independently and should also be systematic, becoming only as explicit as necessary to guide learners during the activity. Keywords: Assessment methods; Classroom assessment; Language teaching
Kirchhoff's laws for nonlinear transfinite networks

Kirchhoff's laws hold only sometimes in transfinite networks. For nonlinear networks there are presently just a few preliminary results regarding when they do hold. This work establishes more explicit and broader conditions for their validity in nonlinear transfinite networks. A fundamental theorem for the existence and uniqueness of the voltage-current regime in such a network is presented. This theorem is dual to the one currently extant. >
Strain hardening of fcc metal surfaces induced by microploughing

Microploughing experiments were used as a method for better understanding the ploughing mechanism in gold and iridium single crystals. The plough depths ranged from 20 nm in iridium to 1,600 nm in gold. Yield stress profiles and TEM analyses indicate that both materials strain harden even when very small volumes of material are involved. Strain hardening theory, as applied to bulk material, is useful in analyzing the results.
Effect of oxygen contamination on the tensile properties of T-111 (tantalum-8tungsten-2hafnium) at 1204 °C

Abstract An investigation of the effects of contamination of T-111 (Ta-8W-2Hf) with up to 6000 ppm of oxygen has shown that 2400 ppm can be dissolved at 1400 °C without impairing its mechanical properties at 1204 °C. Under the prescribed conditions T-111 could be homogeneously contaminated with oxygen only at levels of 3600 ppm and above. Below this level T-111 exhibited a stable reaction zone which was proportional to the oxygen concentration. The reaction zone contained a precipitate which was identified as HfO2.
Graft healing in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Graft healing within the bone tunnel after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is still a complex, poorly understood biological process that is influenced by multiple surgical and postoperative variables. However, remarkable advances in knowledge of this process have been made based primarly on animal models. According to the findings of this review, some surgical and postoperative variables are known to directly affect time-course and quality of graft-tunnel healing. The type of graft, graft motion, and fixation methods have shown to directly affect time-course and quality of graft-tunnel healing. Therefore, the application of early and aggressive rehabilitation protocols should be cautious when using soft-tissue graft, allografts, and direct or aperture type of fixation for ACL reconstruction. With regard to graft placement, several cadaveric models showed biomechanical advantages of a more anatomical graft location; however, there are no studies that explore the relationship between graft placement and healing process. The precise effect of graft tensioning, graft/tunnel diameter disparity, and graft length within the bone tunnel in the graft healing process remains unclear and requires more research. To enhance graft-tunnel healing, tissue-engineering approaches, including the use of growth factors, mesenchymal stem cells, and periosteum graft augmentation, have been tested on animal models. These have shown promising results in terms of enhancement of bone-graft healing rate.
One-Step “Green” Synthesis of Pd Nanoparticles of Controlled Size and Their Catalytic Activity for Trichloroethene Hydrodechlorination

We present here a straightforward, one-step “green” approach for preparing Pd nanoparticles of controlled size and size distribution. The new catalysts were synthesized using a low-cost, biocompatible cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), as a stabilizer and ascorbic acid as a reducing agent at temperatures ranging from 22 to 95 °C. The mean size and polydispersivity (expressed as standard deviation, SD) of the Pd nanoparticles was exponentially reduced by increasing the preparation temperature from 22 to 95 °C. At 95 °C, nearly monodisperse Pd nanoparticles were obtained with a mean diameter of 3.6 nm (SD = 0.5 nm). The Pd nanoparticles exhibited high catalytic reactivity when tested for hydrodechlorination of trichloroethene in the presence of H2. The observed pseudofirst-order reaction rate constant, kobs, was up to 692 L g−1 min−1, which is comparable to the Pd nanoparticles synthesized per the conventional borohydride reduction method. This new approach not only offers a simple way to mani...
Elections and political risk: New evidence from the 2008 Taiwanese Presidential Election

Abstract We examine the effects of party platforms on the economic opportunities of firms using a unique data set from a political prediction market in Taiwan, a country with two dominant parties whose political cleavage derives mainly from a single issue: the “One China Principle”. We find that during the 2008 Presidential campaign, the share price of Taiwanese firms with investments in the mainland responded strongly and positively to a positive electoral outlook for the KMT, the party which advocates lifting caps on cross-strait investment in mainland China. The response is strongest for those firms who have already hit their caps.
A high-resolution system for gradient analysis.

Abstract A high-performance semiautomatic apparatus for the analysis and fractionation of density gradient preparations is described. The critical parameters of length and diameter of the conducting system, smoothness of stream line, and nonpulsatile flow have been examined and brought close to a practical optimum. In this system, the centrifuge tube for analysis attaches to a tube cap mounted directly under the cuvet housing of the spectrophotometer. A syringe pump filled with a dense solution displaces the gradient solution upward through a conical tube cap, through a vertically oriented, straight-flow-path cuvet, then downward through a short length of small-bore tubing to a fraction collector below the cuvet compartment. The apparatus was made by adding easily fabricated or commercially available accessories to a standard recording spectrophotometer. The resolving power of the system is more than sufficient for analyzing the banding pattern of 5 ml gradient preparations of subcellular particles. Different tube sizes are readily accommodated, the apparatus is inherently free of bubble trapping, and it has been found reliable and convenient to use. Excellent results are obtained with cesium as well as sucrose gradients.
Low speed performance of a supersonic axisymmetric mixed compression inlet with auxiliary inlets

The aerodynamic performance of a representative supersonic cruise inlet was investigated using a fan simulator coupled to the inlet to provide characteristic noise signatures and to pump the inlet flow. Data were obtained at Mach numbers from 0 to 0.2 for the inlet equipped with an auxiliary inlet system that provided 20 to 40 percent of the fan flow. Results show that inlet performance improved when the inlet bleed systems were sealed; when the freestream Mach number was increased; and when the auxiliary inlets were opened. The inlet flow could not be choked by either centerbody translation or by increasing the fan speed when the 40 percent auxiliary inlet was incorporated.
An unusual property of chromatin isolated from mammalian salivary glands

Abstract Chromatin from mammalian salivary glands has been isolated and found to exhibit an absolute requirement for NaCl or KCl for its template activity. By chemical analysis this chromatin shows no difference in its basic protein complements as compared with liver chromatin. The absolute requirement of monovalent ions for the template activity of a chromatin has not been observed previously.
Antimicrobial activity of vascular plants

Numerous surveys have demonstrated the wide occurrence of active antimicrobial substances in higher plants. The array of compounds with unique structures which plants produce has served as a stimulus to continued search for useful antibiotics. Reports referred to in the table indicate that active substances have been found in plants from 157 families.
The development of gravel mole drainage

Abstract A form of gravel mole drainage, in which clean gravel aggregate of 10–20 mm, viz. passing 20 mm and retained on 10 mm square mesh, is filled into a mole channel, was developed as a solution to the problem of failure of mole drains because of unstable channels. The development and testing programme for the system is described. The results of field trials show that gravel mole drains perform equally well as conventional mole drains where the latter are stable and they continued to perform well in soils where mole drainage failed because the mole channel became filled with soil. The oldest drains are still working after 17 years and the system is in commercial use.
Characterization of metal-diamond interfaces: Electron affinity and Schottky barrier height

Abstract In this study, the electron affinity and Schottky barrier height of thin Cu and Zr films on diamond (100) substrates were correlated by means of UV photoemission spectroscopy (UPS) measurements. Prior to metal deposition the diamond crystals were cleaned by a 1150°C or 500°C anneal in UHV, and the surfaces were characterized by AES and AFM. This resulted in surfaces terminated with oxygen or free of chemisorbed species. By means of UPS it was found that whether a metal did induce a negative electron affinity (NEA) on a diamond surface was dependent on the surface preparation before metal deposition and on the metal work function. In particular, the Schottky barrier height for clean surfaces was lower than for surfaces terminated by oxygen. Metal-diamond interfaces exhibiting a NEA had a lower Schottky barrier height than those exhibiting a positive electron affinity. These effects were attributed to different interfacial layers. Field emission measurements were performed before and after metal deposition. For all cases a reduction in the threshold electric field was observed upon metal overgrowth.
Using smart meters for diagnostics and model-based control in thermal comfort systems

This paper describes how smart meters can be used to for automatic diagnostics and control in HVAC systems. The specific smart meter used in this paper is the non-intrusive load monitor (NILM). The NILM can disaggregate the operating schedule of individual loads from aggregate current measurements. Combining load operating schedules with measurements from several environmental sensors, the NILM builds a representative thermal model for the building. Two different model formulations are proposed. The first is designed to detect refrigerant leaks in existing thermostatically controlled HVAC systems; the other is intended for use with next-generation variable-capacity systems. Experimental and simulation results are presented.
Periorificial dermatitis in children and adolescents

Background There has been very little evaluation of the history, morphology, or disease course of perioral/periorificial dermatitis in children. Objective We sought to elucidate the clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes in this condition. Methods A retrospective chart review with telephone follow-up was used to study 79 children and adolescents. Results Patients ranged from 6 months to 18 years of age. The average duration of the rash at presentation was 8 months. Seventy-two percent had a history of topical, inhaled, or systemic steroid exposure. Seventy percent of patients had perioral involvement, 43% perinasal, and 25% periocular involvement. A perivulvar rash was reported in 1% of patients. Treatment with topical metronidazole was associated with clearing on follow-up examination. Limitations This is a retrospective study without case controls and is subject to interviewer and memory bias. Conclusion Perioral dermatitis appears at all ages in childhood and adolescence and may be associated with topical corticosteroid use. It may be responsive to topical metronidazole in children and adolescents and is more appropriately termed periorificial dermatitis .
Prenatal protein malnutrition and hippocampal function: Partial reinforcement extinction effect

Abstract Developing rats were either malnourished or well-nourished during the prenatal period by feeding their dams diets of low (6% casein) or adequate (25% casein) protein content 5 weeks prior to mating and throughout pregnancy. All pups were well-nourished from the day of birth onwards. Male offspring aged 107 days were gradually reduced to 80% of their free-feeding weight. When weights were stable they were trained to run in an alley for food rewards given on every trial (continuous reinforcement, CR) or on a random 50% of trials (partial reinforcement, PR), then the running response was extinguished. A very clear and similar partial reinforcement extinction effect (PREE) was demonstrated in the previously malnourished and control rats when reward was discontinued. That is, PR groups showed greater persistence as compared with CR groups. During acquisition, however, differences in running speed were observed in the goal section between 6–25 PR and 25-25 PR groups, and between 6–25 CR and 25-25 CR groups. The latter may be due to differences between the nutritional groups in food motivation.
Closure hypotheses from the method of smoothing for coherent wave propagation in discrete random media

A closure hypothesis is required to truncate the hierarchy of equations resulting from the conditional ensemble average of the multiple-scattering equations for coherent wave propagation in discrete random media. In this Letter the method of smoothing is used to construct a systematic sequence of closure hypotheses These include the quasi-crystalline approximation as a special case. The smoothing closure hypotheses include some of the multiple scattering neglected by the quasi-crystalline approximation. They are therefore expected to improve predictions of the attenuation coefficient of the coherent field at intermediate particle concentrations.
Communicating deviance: The effects of television news coverage of social protest

Past research raises concern that media coverage may unfairly bias the audience against social protesters by portraying them as deviant. Furthermore, negative treatment of protest groups may discourage protest as a form of democratic participation. To examine whether such concerns are indeed warranted, an experiment was conducted exposing 266 subjects to one of two television news stories about the same protest. Results indicate that subtle differences in the news stories led to significant differences in subjects’ perceptions of the protesters and police, but no differences in perceptions of the utility of social protest in general.