cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PTEN loss and ERG protein expression are infrequent in prostatic ductal adenocarcinomas and concurrent acinar carcinomas.

BACKGROUND Prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma is an unusual and aggressive morphologic subtype of prostate cancer. PTEN gene deletion and ERG gene rearrangement are among the most common genomic changes in acinar prostate cancers. Though ductal adenocarcinoma most commonly occurs with synchronous usual-type acinar adenocarcinoma, little is known about the molecular phenotype of these mixed tumors. METHODS We used genetically validated immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays to assess PTEN and ERG status in a group of 37 surgically treated ductal adenocarcinomas and 18 synchronous acinar adenocarcinomas where we have previously reported ERG gene rearrangement status by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). A group of 34 stage and grade-matched pure acinar adenocarcinoma cases was studied as a control. RESULTS ERG IHC was highly concordant with ERG FISH results, with 100% (36/36) concordance among ductal adenocarcinomas and 91% (31/34) concordance among 34 pure acinar carcinomas. Similar to previous FISH results, ERG expression by IHC was significantly less common among ductal adenocarcinomas (11% or 4/37) and their synchronous acinar tumors (6% or 1/18) compared to matched pure acinar adenocarcinoma cases (50% or 17/34; P = 0.0005 and 0.002, respectively). PTEN loss by IHC was also less common among ductal adenocarcinomas (18% or 6/34) and their synchronous acinar tumors (22% or 4/18) compared to matched pure acinar carcinomas (50% or 17/34; P = 0.01 and 0.08, respectively). As expected, PTEN loss was enriched among ERG positive compared to ERG-negative tumors in the pure acinar tumor control group (2.5-fold enrichment; P = 0.04) however this was not observed among the ductal adenocarcinomas (1.5 fold enrichment; P = NS). Of ductal adenocarcinomas with an evaluable synchronous acinar component, ERG status was concordant in 94% (17/18) and PTEN status was concordant in 94% (16/17). CONCLUSIONS Based on PTEN and ERG, ductal adenocarcinomas and their concurrent acinar carcinomas may be clonally related in some cases and show important molecular differences from pure acinar carcinoma. Prostate 75:1610–1619, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Improved Algorithm for Querying Encrypted Data in the Cloud

Organizations have begun outsourcing management of their data to third party cloud service providers after the introduction of Database as a Service (DAS) model. A cloud database is a database that typically runs on a cloud computing platform, such as Amazon EC2, GoGrid, Salesforce and Rackspace. But outsourcing the data raises concerns over privacy. A typical solution is to store databases in encrypted form on the remote server. Queried records are downloaded from the server and decrypted for further processing. Bucketization is one technique for executing queries over encrypted data on a DAS server. This paper is an extension to work done by other researchers [1-4]. Query Optimal Bucketization (QOB) algorithm [1-2] divides the server data into buckets subject to an optimality constraint. In an earlier paper [3], the authors proposed Binary Query Bucketization (BQB) to improve the search time for bucketized datasets and reduce the number of records that are processed by QOB. In this paper, we propose a Parallel Binary Query Bucketization (PBQB) algorithm to query records located in the DAS. It integrates parallel search [4] and BQB. Parallel search divides the search workload into chunks with each thread/processor working on a chunk. Simulation is used to assess the numerical performance of PBQB. It is shown that the proposed algorithm outperforms BQB.
Overcoming Kerr-induced capacity limit in optical fiber transmission

Nonlinear optical response of silica imposes a fundamental limit on the information transfer capacity in optical fibers. Communication beyond this limit requires higher signal power and suppression of nonlinear distortions to prevent irreversible information loss. The nonlinear interaction in silica is a deterministic phenomenon that can, in principle, be completely reversed. However, attempts to remove the effects of nonlinear propagation have led to only modest improvements, and the precise physical mechanism preventing nonlinear cancellation remains unknown. We demonstrate that optical carrier stability plays a critical role in canceling Kerr-induced distortions and that nonlinear wave interaction in silica can be substantially reverted if optical carriers possess a sufficient degree of mutual coherence. These measurements indicate that fiber information capacity can be notably increased over previous estimates.
Transcriptional activation of the herpes simplex virus type 1 UL38 promoter conferred by the cis-acting downstream activation sequence is mediated by a cellular transcription factor.

Abstract The herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 strict late (gamma) UL38 promoter contains three cis-acting transcriptional elements: a TATA box, a specific initiator element, and the downstream activation sequence (DAS). DAS is located between positions +20 and +33 within the 5' untranslated leader region and strongly influences transcript levels during productive infection. In this communication, we further characterize DAS and investigate its mechanism of action. DAS function has a strict spacing requirement, and DAS contains an essential 6-bp core element. A similarly positioned element from the gamma gC gene (UL44) has partial DAS function within the UL38 promoter context, and the promoter controlling expression of the gamma US11 transcript contains an identically located element with functional and sequence similarity to UL38 DAS. These data suggest that downstream elements are a common feature of many HSV gamma promoters. Results with recombinant viruses containing modifications of the TATA box or initiator element of the UL38 promoter suggest that DAS functions to increase transcription initiation and not the efficiency of transcription elongation. In vitro transcription assays using uninfected HeLa nuclear extracts show that, as in productive infection with recombinant viruses, the deletion of DAS from the UL38 promoter dramatically decreases RNA expression. Finally, electrophoretic mobility shift assays and UV cross-linking experiments show that DAS DNA forms a specific, stable complex with a cellular protein (the DAS-binding factor) of approximately 35 kDa. These data strongly suggest that the interaction of cellular DAS-binding factor with DAS is required for efficient expression of UL38 and other HSV late genes.
Microstructure/mechanical properties relationship in electrodeposited Ni/Cu nanolaminates

Abstract Laminated Ni/Cu structures were made by electrodeposition using a single bath sulfamate solution. The texture of deposits was found to depend on their thickness, purity of the electrolyte and its copper content, deposition temperature, and the bi-layer thickness. The deformation and fracture of these structures were characterized by testing free-standing tensile specimens. The fracture behavior varied drastically among the specimens — from so-called knife-edge behavior to complete cleavage-like fracture. The purity of the solution and nodule formation was found to be the most important factors that affected the ductility of the deposits. The observations made in this study suggest that co-deposition of hydrogen is responsible for the embrittlement of specimens produced from impure electrolytes.
Habitability Laws for Rental Housing: The Impact of Tenant Inputs:

Court decisions in the 1970s dramatically changed the distribution of legal rights in the landlord-tenant relationship in seeking to improve the welfare of tenants, thought to be at a disadvantage in their search for housing. Both landlords and tenants contribute to the quality of services but the fact that the rights of ownership and use are separated prevents both parties from fully internalising the benefits of their efforts. The paper develops a simple model of the housing rental relationship capturing the impact which both landlord and tenant have on housing quality. It shows that, because of the moral hazard problem, the non-co-operative equilibrium of the model is inefficient in that, in the absence of any regulation, both parties invest too little in maintaining the quality of the unit. The model, assessing the relationship between the two parties, indicates that (i) increased landlord maintenance raises tenant utility and lowers landlord profits, (ii) the joint benefits of landlords and tenants f...
Positional dependence of solvent effects on the conformation of liquid n-alkanes. An infrared spectroscopic study☆

Abstract Infrared spectra of specifically deuterated n-tridecane-2,2-d 2 mixed with several linear and branched hydrocarbons have been recorded. The concentration of gauche bonds at the ends of the tridecane chain was determined from the intensity of the conformation-sensitive CD 2 rocking vibrations. The results obtained for the gauche concentration at the chains' ends are compared with those previously obtained for the gauche concentration at the centre of the n-tridecane chain (H.L. Casal, P.W. Yang and H.H. Mantsch, Can. J. Chem. 64 (1986) 1544). The concentration of gauche bonds is clearly dependent on the chain position and so are the solvent-induced changes of this concentration.
On the stability of field-theoretical regularizations of negative tension branes

Any attempt to regularize a negative tension brane through a bulk scalar requires that this field is a ghost. One can try to improve in this aspect in a number of ways. For instance, it has been suggested to employ a field whose kinetic term is not sign definite, in the hope that the background may be overall stable. We show that this is not the case; the physical perturbations (gravity included) of the system do not extend across the zeros of the kinetic term; hence, all the modes are entirely localized either where the kinetic term is positive, or where it is negative; this second type of modes are ghosts. We show that this conclusion does not depend on the specific choice for the kinetic and potential functions for the bulk scalar.
Patterns of pigmentation color states regulated by the y locus in Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract Ethyl methane sulfonate was used to induce a new class of heat-sensitive yellow (y: 1-0.0) alleles. A single cold-sensitive allele was discovered among the previously existing y mutants. An analysis of both temperature- and nontemperature-sensitive mutants has shown that y is a complex pattern forming gene. Although the y gene normally functions in every cell of the adult cuticle, it is expressed independently in each different cuticle structure. The need for this pattern of expression is revealed by the finding that y temperature sensitivity occurs at different times in each cuticle forming cell type. This observation suggests that the y gene functions at different times in the cells which form the various structures of the cuticle and therefore must be controlled independently in each cell type.
Application of plastic framing requirements for polar ships

A new International Association of Classification Societies (ICAS) standard for Polar Ship design, in the form of a Unified Requirement is being developed by an international committee with representatives from many classification societies and with the active participation of many polar nations. The framing structural requirements have been developed by a combination of analysis of existing rules and ships, finite element analysis and analytical solutions of plastic collapse mechanisms. This paper describes the use of the rule formulae in designs. The formulae contain interactions between shear and bending and give the designer options and flexibility in satisfying the strength requirements. Effective design requires knowledge of the effects, and the possible approaches to reach a satisfactory design.
CHARACTERISTIC LEVEL OF CHANGE: AN INHERENT CONSTRAINT TO ORGANIZATIONAL ACTION

This paper proposes that organizations have a characteristic level of change describing the amount and tempo of change an organization typically exhibits. The level of change is held in place by a combination of individual, leadership, and organizational factors. It becomes part of the organizational context and is difficult to modify. The paper explores some key determinants and consequences of a characteristic level of change, including the limitations it creates for taking strategic action.
Iron, Vitamin C and Protein Content in the Diets of African-American Children Residing in the Washington Dc Area

Abstract Iron deficiency anemia is at epidemic proportions in the United States. It has been estimated that the majority of preschool children show evidence of iron deficiency anemia. Two hundred sixty two African-American family units were recruited through the Washington DC public school system. All families had a younger child (aged 3 to 5). The families were visited three times over a two-year period for physiological and dietary intake measurements. The dietary measurements were taken via food recall and pre-/post-food weighing, at the time of consumption. The average calorie intake was 1087KC with a 459 KC standard deviation (S.D.). The protein intake averaged 40.23 grams (20 gms S.D.), iron intake was 7.34 milgrams (4.11 S.D.), and vitamin C intake was 66.64mg (57.62mg S.D.). When compared with the RDA the diet was greatly lacking in iron and protein intake was less than recommended, but not woefully low. Vitamin C was in abundance. It was found that children from higher social-economic status homes were receiving a higher amount of iron and vitamin C, primarily because their diet included meat and more fruits. However, their lipid intake was also higher (average 42.95mg) in comparison.
Analysis of California propositions: An experiment in the empirical revelation of shared mental models

Abstract This paper uses factor analysis to analyze Californians’ voting on 12 propositions considered during the 2008 general election. The result is to create quantitative representations of shared mental models. After generating two county-level shared mental model indices, the indices are further examined to explain their variation across counties and to evaluated their performance as substitutes for previous presidential voting as an independent variable in a presidential voting model.
Allergic encephalomyelitis: Preparation of the encephalitogenic basic protein from bovine brain

Abstract A homogeneous preparation of the encephalitogenic A1 protein was obtained from the bovine brain or spinal cord by cation-exchange chromatography on either Bio-Rex 70 or Cellex P. The preparations appeared homogeneous by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis at pH 4.3 and 8.9 and migrated identical to the basic protein prepared from bovine spinal cord. These preparations were encephalitogenic at the levels of 0.1 μg or higher per guinea pig and combine with antibody produced against the bovine spinal cord basic protein as shown by the passive hemagglutination inhibition test. It was concluded that the A1 protein is identical, whether derived from brain or spinal cord, and that its properties are independent of the final method of purification following acid extraction from the defatted tissue.
BIG-ALIGN: Fast Bipartite Graph Alignment

How can we find the virtual twin (i.e., the same or similar user) on Linked In for a user on Facebook? How can we effectively link an information network with a social network to support cross-network search? Graph alignment - the task of finding the node correspondences between two given graphs - is a fundamental building block in numerous application domains, such as social networks analysis, bioinformatics, chemistry, pattern recognition. In this work, we focus on aligning bipartite graphs, a problem which has been largely ignored by the extensive existing work on graph matching, despite the ubiquity of those graphs (e.g., users-groups network). We introduce a new optimization formulation and propose an effective and fast algorithm to solve it. We also propose a fast generalization of our approach to align unipartite graphs. The extensive experimental evaluations show that our method outperforms the state-of-art graph matching algorithms in both alignment accuracy and running time, being up to 10x more accurate or 174x faster on real graphs.
Mechanisms of drug-induced lupus III. Sex-specific differences in T cell homing may explain increased disease severity in female mice

Objective. To determine if sex-specific differences in lymphocyte trafficking could contribute to increased disease severity in female mice. Methods. A lupus-like disease was induced by injecting male and female mice with procainamide-treated T cell clones. Trafficking was examined by labeling the injected cells with 51Cr or 5-chloromethylfluorescein diacetate. Results. Females developed more autoimmune liver disease and greater titers of anti-DNA antibodies than did males, and 2-7 times more cells accumulated in the female spleens. Splenectomy prevented the development of autoantibodies and renal and liver disease. Oophorectomy decreased the splenic homing, autoantibody titer, and liver disease severity, to levels found in males. Conclusion. T cells traffic differently to the spleen in male and female mice, and the spleen appears to be essential in the disease process. This suggests that differences in T cell homing could contribute to sex-specific disease severity in this murine model, and also possibly in human disease.
Measuring the Mass of Dark Matter at the LHC

Abstract Many methods have been developed for measuring the mass of invisible particles that only usekinematic information available at hadron colliders. Because a particle is identi ed by its mass,these methods are critical when distinguishing between dark matter and fake dark matter, where aneutrino or other massless states can mimic a dark-matter signal. However, the uncertainty asso-ciated with measuring the mass of an invisible particle could be so large that it is indistinguishablefrom a neutrino. Monte Carlo is used to estimate lower bounds on how heavy an invisible particlemust be in order for it to be distinguishable from a massless one at 95% CL, which we estimateto be O(10 GeV). This result, to a good approximation, is independent of the way the massive nal-state particle is produced. If there is a light dark-matter particle with mass O(10 GeV), itspresence will be dicult to unambiguously identify at the LHC, using kinematic information alone. email: akobach@u.northwestern.edu
Survivability Studies of Lithium Drifted Silicon Detectors under Severe Environmental Conditions

Several lithium drifted silicon, surface barrier detectors were subjected to a variety of environmental conditions. The conditions were primarily those of long term storage under ambient temperature conditions and of long time operation under both ambient and high (+60°C) temperature operation. Use was made of the temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficient of lithium in silicon so that elevated temperatures could be used to decrease the time scale of the tests. Some detectors were also subjected to a series of vibration and shock tests. The entire set of tests was performed in an effort to see if the detectors could withstand the rigors of the Apollo mission. The results of all the tests are given in the paper.
A Method for the Nonstatistical Assessment of Behaviorally-Based Policy Models

Advanced computer-technology, sophisticated econometric computer-software, and the increasing availability of disaggregated data have all facilitated the development and use, for planning and policy analysis, of statistically-estimated mathematical models of human behavior. In this paper the author presents a method to judge subjectively the quality of these models and illustrates how the results of the method can be used, with statistical measures of the quality of a model, as indicators of the predictive abilities of the model. Ideas are drawn from the literature on artificial intelligence, and the concern is how to represent and manipulate subjective judgments. Five models which are related to household energy-use behavior are subjectively assessed, statistically estimated, and used to predict future behavior. In four of the five cases, the subjective assessments, in combination with the statistical measures, correctly indicate the quality of the predictive accuracy of a model.
Some factors modulating the strength of resurgence after extinction of an instrumental behavior

Abstract In resurgence, an operant behavior that has undergone extinction can return (“resurge”) when a second operant that has replaced it itself undergoes extinction. The phenomenon may provide insight into relapse that may occur after incentive or contingency management therapies in humans. Three experiments with rats examined the impact of several variables on the strength of the resurgence effect. In each, pressing one lever (L1) was first reinforced and then extinguished while pressing a second, alternative, lever (L2) was now reinforced. When L2 responding was then itself extinguished, L1 responses resurged. Experiment 1 found that resurgence was especially strong after an extensive amount of L1 training (12 as opposed to 4 training sessions) and after L1 was reinforced on a Random Ratio schedule as opposed to a variable interval schedule that was matched on reinforcement rate. Experiment 2 found that after 12 initial sessions of L1 training, 4, 12, or 36 sessions of Phase 2 each allowed substantial (and apparently equivalent) resurgence. Experiment 3 found no effect of changing the identity of the reinforcer (from grain pellet to sucrose pellet or sucrose to grain) on the amount of resurgence. The results suggest that resurgence can be robust; in the natural world, an operant behavior with an extensive reinforcement history may still resurge after extensive incentive-based therapy. The results are discussed in terms of current explanations of the resurgence effect.
State interrogation in nuclear magnetic resonance quantum-information processing

Reconstruction of a reduced density operator for weakly coupled systems of spins $\frac{1}{2}$ from fits to nuclear magnetic resonance spectra is described in detail. Particular emphasis is placed on data treatment procedures that specify fewer than the ${3}^{n}$ complete spectra that are implicitly prescribed in published references to state tomography on $n$-spin systems. It is shown that if the density operator is expanded in the so-called product-operator basis, it is always possible to estimate a desired coefficient in the expansion by measuring a single spectral multiplet. This simple observation can substantially reduce the experimental effort required for either complete density-matrix reconstruction or estimation of subsets of the coefficients in the product-operator expansion. A simple iterative algorithm can be used to produce reduced measurement procedures for experiments involving small numbers of qubits.
The distribution of intertidal phytopsammon in an Oregon estuary

The sediments of two tidal flats in Yaquina Bay, Oregon, USA, were studied to determine the distribution and abundance of the interstitial microalgal communities. The hydrography of the bay, as well as fluetuations in various physical and chemical parameters appear to regulate the biomass and the vertical and intertidal distribution of these organisms.
Theory-driven research as a means to improve nutrition education

Abstract The purpose of this paper was to establish a case for theory-driven research as a means to improve the production and use of knowledge in nutrition education. The article was organized around the elements of a heuristic, Gowin's Vee, that was used to identify and interrelate the components involved in knowledge construction including philosophy, theory, principles, concepts, experimental event, records, transformations, results, knowledge claims, and value claims. An applied example of a theory-driven research project provided the basis of discussion throughout the article. The example was also used to demonstrate how to choose and use a theory in the research process.
A study of rembrandt drawings using X-ray fluorescence

Abstract Non-destructive, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence was used to characterize materials used in a group of ink drawings by Rembrandt.
The vibrational spectra of sodium, potassium and ammonium fluoroborates

Abstract The infrared spectra (500–4000 cm −1 ) of NaBF 4 , KBF 4 and NH 4 BF 4 with natural boron abundance and enriched to 96.4% 11 B were obtained at sample temperatures between 30 and 700°K. Solid solution effects, very strong in KBr, were avoided by using NaCl pressed pellets. Raman shifts were measured with a laser Raman spectrometer. The expected site symmetry splittings, isotopic frequency shifts and comparisons with spectra of solid solutions in alkali halides have been utilized in making the vibrational assignments of the bands
Test yourself—Knee pain after falling.

The semimembranosus muscle originates at the posterolateral aspect of the ischial tuberosity. Distally, the semimembranosus tendon divides into five anatomically distinct tendinous branches, each inserting into the posteromedial region of the knee [1]. The insertion sites include the infraglenoid tubercle of the posteromedial tibial plateau, the posterior capsule, the posterior horn of the medial meniscus, and a portion of the capsule deep to the medial collateral ligament [2]. The function of the semimembranosus muscle is flexion and medial rotation of the knee [3]. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) attaches proximally to the posteromedial aspect of the lateral femoral condyle and courses anteromedially to insert anterior to the intercondylar eminence [4]. Functionally, the ACL can be divided into an anteromedial bundle and posterolateral bundle, which prevent anterior translation and internal rotation of the tibia, respectively [2, 4]. An avulsion fracture of the semimembranosus insertion site is a rare, but a highly specific, ancillary finding of cruciate ligament injury [2]. Radiographic findings demonstrate an avulsion fracture of the posteromedial tibial plateau, which is mildly superiorly displaced (Fig. 1). Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the knee confirms the avulsion of the semimembranosus central tendon at its insertion on the infraglenoid tubercle of the posteromedial tibial plateau (Fig. 2). Additional findings include a complete ACL tear and bone contusions in the lateral aspect of the knee joint (Figs. 3, 4). In a retrospective review of patients with acute knee injury, 100% of patients with abnormalities of the posteromedial tibial plateau of the semimembranosus insertion site had an associated complete ACL tear [2]. These abnormalities included fractures of the posteromedial tibial plateau or bone bruises and avulsions of the semimembranosus tendon insertion site. Some of these patients lacked bone contusions in the lateral compartment of the knee. This, as well as the lack of bone marrow edema in the medial femoral condyle, may help distinguish semimembranous avulsions from other bone marrow contusion patterns of the knee. Prior to this case, only three other studies of avulsion fractures of the semimembranosus insertion site and ACL tear had been described [2, 5, 6]. An avulsion fracture of the posterior medial plateau is not necessarily indicative of ACL injury, however, as a single case of a posterior cruciate ligament tear with semimembranosus avulsion has been reported [7]. The exact mechanism of injury of cruciate ligament tears and semimembranosus avulsion is debated. Cadaveric The case presentation can be found at doi:10.1007/s00256-010-1060-8.
Breeding Strategies to Optimize Reproductive Efficiency in Dairy Herds

Reproductive inefficiency of dairy cattle causes great frustration and potential lost income for dairy producers [1]. Even under optimal conditions, the reproductive process is less than perfect because of the multiple factors involved in producing a live calf. To manage the complexities of the estrous cycle and the annual reproductive cycle, understanding of many interrelated physiological functions is critical. Further, reproductive efficiency involves successful management of not only the cows, but also the people who milk, feed, house, inseminate, and care for them. Conception rates of lactating dairy cows in the United States have declined since the 1950s [2], whereas annual milk yield per cow has increased 3.3 times, from 2410 to 8061 kg [3]. Based on a sample of less-productive dairy cows in the United Kingdom, fertility also declined from the period 1975 to 1982 to the period 1995 to 1998 [4]. Between those periods, pregnancy rates after first services decreased from 56% to 40%, despite similar intervals to first service, whereas calving intervals increased from 370 to 390 days. Given the inverse relationship between milk yield and fertility, it is no wonder that a genetic antagonism exists between some reproductive traits and milk yield. This antagonism is manifested particularly in primiparous cows; however, sound management practices have overcome this inverse relationship to achieve acceptable rates of reproductive efficiency. Although the benefits of improving reproduction are apparent, specific causes of poor reproductive performance are difficult to identify and not resolved easily. To improve reproductive efficiency, the limiting factors must be identified. In general, detecting estrus is the major limitation to achieving a pregnancy [5]. To maximize the chances of a renewed pregnancy for every heifer or cow that calves into the herd, a number of important time-dependent
Aardvark to zulu

An electronic process-based management system has been developed from a traditional paper-based system. Subject matter is presented as concise topics containing minimum prescription, and may be accessed in numerous quite different ways. The complete system contains only one-third of the number of words in the original version. Users gain access to topics via an on-screen alphabetic keyboard, business processes, topic groups, the European Model for Total Quality Management, or the requirements of ISO 9001. A word-processor-style search facility is also provided. The level of detail presented to the screen is controlled by users. Default topics present a full description of minimum requirements, but each screen offers the option of going up or down a level of detail. The management system includes cross-references to ISO 9001 and TickIT, hot-spotted business process diagrams linked to lists of related topics, and electronic forms. Two change logs provide cumulative and topic-by-topic change information, in both cases linked to the relevant changed topics. The management system is delivered on the World-wide Web, a world-wide hypermedia system and part of the Internet, and has been approved by Lloyd‘s Register Quality Assurance.
Cystic Pancreatic Neoplasms: Imaging Features and Management Strategy

utmost importance. 5-8 The primary purpose of this review is to highlight the key imaging findings for an array of cystic pancreatic neoplasms. These include the relatively common masses: intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), serous microcystic adenoma (SMA), and mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN), as well as less common lesions including cystic endocrine tumors, solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT), cystic metastases, and lymphangiomas. Finally, this article also provides a comprehensive management algorithm based on lesion size and patient’s symptoms, with recommendations when to reimage patients with those lesions.
Cloning of human microtubule-associated protein 1B and the identification of a related gene on chromosome 15.

Abstract We report here the complete cloning and sequencing of human microtubule associated protein 1B (MAP1B). Comparisons to mouse and partial rat MAP1B sequence indicate that this gene is extremely well conserved, with 91 and 90% identity, respectively. The entire human MAP1B genomic region has been isolated and the genomic organization determined. The gene includes seven exons, and the third exon contains sequence not represented in mouse or rat MAP1B. This sequence, labeled 3A, is present at the 5′ end of an alternative transcript that is expressed at approximately 1/10th the level of the full-length transcript. By comparisons of human MAP1B with the sequence databases, we have identified a MAP1B-related gene that is probably the human homologue of rat MAP1A. This gene is expressed at high levels in brain and spinal cord and much lower levels in muscle and maps to the long arm of human chromosome 15.
TH-E-330A-04: Investigation Into the Cause of a New Artifact in Cone Beam CT Reconstructions On a Flat Panel Imager

Purpose: To investigate the source of and possible corrections for a new artifact seen in cone‐beam CT(CBCT)images acquired using an a‐Si flat panel imager(FPI) (Varian 4030CB). The new artifact is a bright circular region, tangent to the phantom edge, in images of elliptical and off‐center phantoms. Methods and Materials: Temporal response of the FPI was measured using a step‐wedge phantom, as a function of dose and irradiation history (10 cycles of 80 s exposure, with 9 off‐cycles varying in time between 2 and 30 minutes, total time 1hour 20 min). A linear time invariant (LTI) model was developed by fitting multi‐exponentials to the lag response from the step‐wedge phantom. Anthropomorphic phantoms — pelvis placed centrally, and head placed off‐center — were scanned and reconstructed with and without the developed correction. Results: Detector lag and continuous and significant monotonic gain increase (up to 10% for long irradiation periods) were observed during constant irradiation. Even after long periods of no exposure, with the detector being continuously read out, the gain did not return to the original, start‐of‐day value. Unlike Overdick et al., we did not see a saturation effect in the gain change. In CBCTreconstructions, differences up to 35 HU existed close to the edges of the artifact. After applying our correction model, differences were reduced to less than 10 HU. Our anthropomorphic phantoms did not generate streaks or comet tails, which other investigators have shown to be due to lag. Conclusion: We have determined that the source of the circular artifact observed is a non‐ideal temporal response. This artifact can be mostly eliminated by applying a correction based on a LTI model. Future work will focus on more accurate modeling to completely eliminate the artifact. Conflict of Interest: Funding was provided by Varian Medical Systems.
Thymic peptides, stress, and depressive symptoms in older men : a comparison of different statistical techniques for small samples

Abstract Thymic peptides play an important role in aging and immune regulation, but little is known about their relationship to psychosocial factors. One thymic fraction, thymosin-α1 (TSN-α1) may be of particular interest given its hypothesized role in the differentiation of immature T cells into functional, mature T cells. We examined the relationships among stress, psychological symptoms, and TSN-α1 levels in two conditions: before and after a glucose challenge test. The sample consisted of 18 men, aged 48–80, participants in the Normative Aging Study. While none of the correlations reached significance in the baseline condition, life events and depressive symptoms were significantly correlated with TSN-α1 in the postchallenge condition (r's = .57, and .62, respectively). Hierarchical regression analyses with cross-product interaction terms suggested that individuals who were high in both life events and depression showed the highest levels of postchallenge TSN-α1, with the psychosocial variables accounting for 65% of the variance. Given the small sample size, we replicated these analyses using jackknife and bootstrap techniques, which generally confirmed these findings. Thus, these preliminary results suggest that psychosocial factors may be related to abnormal TSN-α1 responses to a challenge.
In situ device processing using shadow mask selective area epitaxy and in situ metallization

A concept for in situ device processing has been demonstrated by the fabrication of Au/CdTe device like structures using shadow mask selective area epitaxy (SAE) and in situ metallization. Patterned CdTe epilayers were grown in the molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) chamber using shadow mask SAE (in situ patterning) and then directly transferred within ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) into a metal evaporation chamber for patterned Au deposition (in situ metallization). Excellent pattern definitions of both the CdTe and Au layers were obtained. Good metal adhesion properties and low levels of contamination at the metal-semiconductor interface were observed. A specially designed mask fixture that allows the mask to be placed and removed within the UHV chamber was implemented to perform this work.
Development of a method to manufacture uncured, no-nitrate/nitrite-added whole muscle jerky.

Abstract “Natural curing” is accomplished by use of vegetable juice/powder high in naturally occurring nitrates combined with a nitrate reducing starter culture to result in indirectly “cured” products. Since the starter culture used is not water soluble, making “naturally cured” whole muscle jerky with current manufacturing techniques has been found ineffective. The objective was to investigate processes for whole muscle beef jerky that might provide cured meat characteristics similar to those of a nitrite-added control. Treatments where jerky was placed in a barrier bag during incubation were found to be the least similar to the nitrite-added control. Jerky placed in a 40.6 °C smokehouse during incubation resulted in significantly more ( P P
A Scheme to Assist in the Evaluation of Tenter Frame Dryer Performance

One of the textile industry's largest consumers of energy is the tenter frame dryer. To assist the industry in operating these dryers efficiently, a mathematical model which simulates the drying process and a scheme to solve for the parameters in the differential equations of the model have been developed and are presented. Temperature profiles predicted from the model are compared with profiles measured on commercial dryers. Also dryer simulation studies to elucidate optimal operating conditions are discussed.
A lean approach to human performance

Training plans required to maintain manufacturing equipment often provide more than the absolutely necessary information which can result in costly training and Technician Time Away from Floor (TTAF). This poster will summarize an evaluation that was performed to reduce waste and improve human performance on equipment maintenance, using a Lean Six-Sigma approach including A3 analysis, Direct Observation, 5 Why's, and DMAIC and Human Performance Analysis (HPA). The results were outstanding. Eliminating 44% of the training tasks reduced training time by 52%, TTAF by 56%, and cost by 50%.
Consensus and controversy regarding osteoporosis in the pediatric population.

ABSTRACT Objective To review current consensus and controversy surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in childhood and adolescence. Methods The medical literature was reviewed with emphasis on the importance of early skeletal health, risk factors for bone fragility, and the diagnosis and management of children at risk for osteoporosis. Results Childhood and adolescence are critical periods for optimizing bone growth and mineral accrual. Bone strength is determined by bone size, geometry, quality, and mass—variables that are influenced by genetic factors, activity, nutrition, and hormones. For children with genetic skeletal disorders or chronic disease, bone growth and mineral accrual may be compromised, increasing the lifetime risk of osteoporosis. The goal for the clinician is to identify children at greatest risk for future fragility fracture. Bone densitometry and turnover markers are challenging to interpret in children. Prevention and treatment of bone fragility in children are less well established than in adults. Optimizing nutrition and activity may not restore bone health, but the drug armamentarium is limited. Sex steroid replacement has not proven effective in restoring bone mass in patients with anorexia nervosa or exercise-associated amenorrhea. Bisphosphonates can increase bone mass and may reduce bone pain and fractures, most convincingly in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta. Further studies are needed to establish the safety, efficacy, and optimal drug, duration, and dosage in pediatric patients. Conclusion Bone health during the first 2 decades contributes to the lifetime risk of osteoporosis. Further research is needed to develop evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in childhood. (Endocr Pract. 2007;13:513-520)
When is urokinase treatment an effective sole or adjunctive treatment for acute limb ischemia secondary to native artery occlusion

Abstract Background: Intra-arterial thrombolytic therapy is currently a therapeutic option for the treatment of acute limb ischemia. A recent large prospective randomized trial (TOPAS) comparing lytic therapy and operative intervention showed that both forms of treatment had similar results in terms of amputation-free survival. However, the exact role for lytic treatment is unclear. Method: Over a 4-year period we treated 60 cases of acute limb ischemia in 57 patients secondary to native artery occlusion with thrombolytic therapy with urokinase. All patients were evaluated at 1 week, 1 month, and then at 3-month intervals posttreatment. Follow-up evaluations included pulse examination, pulse volume recordings, and duplex examinations to confirm arterial patency. No patients were lost to follow-up with a range of 8 to 54 months (mean 26). Results: Of these 60 native arterial occlusions, complete lysis was achieved in 46 cases (76%). Of these 46 cases, 18 required lysis only, 19 cases (9 iliac, 7 superficial femoral artery (SFA), and 3 popliteal) required angioplasty of lesions uncovered by clot lysis, and 9 patients had lysis and angioplasty of iliac arteries followed by infrainguinal bypasses. Eight of the 57 patients (14%) who had been asymptomatic presented with symptoms limited to new onset claudication, all of which were successfully lysed. Cumulative patency for the 43 successful cases was 90% ± 5% at 1 year and 75% ± 4% at 2 years. The 1-year amputation-free survival for all native artery occlusions was 85% ± 6%. Conclusion: Thrombolysis with urokinase simplified the treatment of native arterial occlusion proving to be the sole therapy in 18 (29%) patients or a valuable adjunct by facilitating the angioplasty of arterial lesions and avoiding open surgery in 60% of patients treated. In addition, the correction of inflow lesions reduced the magnitude of required subsequent bypass procedures to achieve limb salvage. In conclusion, successful thrombolysis of native artery occlusion provided durable arterial patency and limb salvage, particularly in patients with new onset claudication.
Proposal for high-power radiative-collisional lasers

We propose the use of the radiative-collisional laser process for the extraction of energy that is stored in the resonance lines of the alkali atoms. The largest calculated gain occurs in Rb at 5.4 microm and is 8%/cm at a resonance-line population of 5 x 10(16) atoms/cm(3).
China's role in world cotton and textile markets: a joint computable general equilibrium/partial equilibrium approach

Under the Uruguay Round's Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC), the quotas inherited from the Multifibre Arrangement were gradually phased-out between January 1995 and 31 December 2004. This study estimates the impact of the ATC's implementation on China's textile industry and China's cotton sector. The study finds that, assuming equilibrium levels of income and exchange rates, the adoption of ATC are expected to increase China's net apparel exports, textile production, cotton consumption, cotton production and cotton imports. However, this study fails to support the hypothesis that the adoption of the ATC results in China supplanting the textile industries of the rest of the developing world. The impacts on cotton are also smaller than indicated by previous studies. These outcomes are somewhat sensitive to estimates of expected efficiency gains around the world.
Palaeontological documentation of speciation in Cenozoic molluscs from Turkana Basin

A recently discovered series of mollusc faunas from the late Cenozoic of the eastern Turkana Basin constitutes one of the best documented metazoan fossil sequences. Evolutionary patterns in all lineages conform to the ‘punctuated equilibrium’ model; no ‘gradualistic’ morphological trends occur. These faunas provide the first fine-scaled palaeontological resolution of events during speciation: fundamental phenotypic transformation of both sexual and asexual taxa occurs rapidly, in comparatively large populations, and is accompanied by a significant elevation of phenotypic variance. This increase in variance reflects extreme developmental instability in the transitional populations.
Modeling strategies and alternatives for data warehousing projects

Choosing the appropriate modeling approach is often the critical factor in the success or failure of a data warehousing implementation.
Structure of anxiety and the anxiety disorders: A hierarchical model.

The authors used a semistructured clinical interview and a self-report battery of questionnaires to measure key features of the anxiety disorders in a large sample of patients seeking treatment at an outpatient anxiety disorders clinic and in a no mental disorder group. Results were consistent with hierarchical models of anxiety and the anxiety disorders such as the model implicit in American Psychiatric Association (1987, 1994) and trait models positing a trait diathesis common to all the anxiety disorders. A higher order general factor differentiated each of the patient groups from the no mental disorder group. Several lower order factors provided the basis for differentiation among the patient groups. Conclusions regarding the degree to which models predicting a hierarchical structure of anxiety and the anxiety disorders are empirically supported must await replication of these results with additional samples.
Effect of abdominal vibroacoustic stimulation on sound and acceleration levels at the head of the fetal sheep

Objective: To measure the vibratory response of the fetal head and abdominal wall in sheep during vibroacoustic stimulation. Methods: A piezoresistive accelerometer was attached to the skulls of seven sheep fetuses (128–134 days' gestational age), and a miniature hydrophone was attached to the skin overlying the fetal temporal bone. During fetal preparation and vibroacoustic stimulation procedures, ewes were anesthetized and supine. Vibroacoustic stimulation of the maternal abdomen was produced by each of two clinical devices that differed in spectral content, and an electric toothbrush. Results: The approximate fundamental frequencies (f 0 ) and first overtones (f 1 ), as determined by both recordings of intrauterine sound pressure level and fetal head acceleration, were as follows: fetal acoustic stimulator, 75 and 150 Hz; electronic larynx, 150 and 300 Hz; and electric toothbrush, 25 and 50 Hz, respectively. At fundamental frequencies and first overtones, the ranges of fetal head accelerations (expressed in 1/12-octave bands) were as follows: fetal acoustic stimulator, 10–53 and 25–224 mm/sec 2 ; electronic larynx, 10–53 and 18–114 mm/sec 2 ; and electric toothbrush, 33–792 and 8–116 mm/sec 2 , respectively. Sound pressure levels exceeded 110 dB in all cases. High sound pressure levels in the uterus were proportional to fetal head vibration levels. Conclusion: Vibroacoustic stimulation of the surface of the abdomen of pregnant sheep is accompanied by both acoustic and vibratory exposure of the fetus.