cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Time to Treatment Failure (TTF) and FLIPI Correlate Well with Survival and Are Independent Variables in Stage IV Indolent Follicular Lymphomas (IFL).

BACKGROUND: The FLIPI score has been shown to predict survival in FL pts. Previous studies have suggested that type of treatment, and quality of response may not affect survival in pts with stage IV IFL. We address here the significance of TTF and quality of response as prognostic factors for survival in stage IV IFL. METHODS: We reviewed the records of 580 pts with stage IV IFL treated from 1972- to 2002 with anthracycline containing regimens +/− rituximab. Demographics: male 51%, age 60 28%, Hgb RESULTS: With a median f/up of 7 years Regression analysis for survival showed that both TTF and FLIPI correlated well with survival and were independent of each other (p CONCLUSION: As expected, FLIPI
Layer number dependent optical properties of multilayer hexagonal BN epilayers

Deep ultraviolet photoluminescence emission spectroscopy has been employed to probe the layer number dependent near band-edge transitions above 5 eV in multilayer hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) epilayers grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. Two emission lines near 5.30 and 5.47 eV were resolved at 10 K. These two emission lines share similar spectroscopic features, and their energy peak separation is nearly independent of the number of layers. The observed energy separation of ∼172 meV coincides well with the in-plane phonon vibration mode, E2g, having an energy of 1370 cm−1 (∼172 meV). The results suggested that the emission line at ∼5.30 eV and ∼5.47 eV are a donor-acceptor-pair transition and its one E2g phonon replica, respectively. When the number of layers decreases from 100 to 8, the emission peak positions (Ep) of both emission lines blueshifted monotonically, indicating the dimensionality effects on the optical properties of h-BN. The layer number dependence of Ep can be described by...
A Mathematical Model of the Canine Circulation

Abstract A lumped-parameter model of the canine closed-loop circulation has been developed. The model consists of the following components: the right heart (atrium and ventricle), pulmonary circulation (pulmonary arteries, capillaries, and veins), left heart (atrium and ventricle), systemic circulation (aorta, systemic arteries, systemic veins, and the vena cavae). The passive elements, the arteries and veins, are represented by their resistive, compliant, and inertial properties. In addition to the mathematical description of the arteries and veins of both the systemic and pulmonary circulations, this model makes use of the time-varying elastance (instantaneous pressure-volume relationship) to describe the nature of the source pumps in the intact circulation. Using elastance functions adopted for both the left and right atria and ventricles, the model produces realistic left and right atrial and ventricular pressure and volume waveforms. Model parameters associated with the systemic and pulmonary circulations have been estimated so that the pressure waveforms at various points in the circulation are in agreement with data from animal experiments. The model can generate realistic pressure waveforms on a beat-to-beat basis and yields good estimates of mean blood pressures, cardiac output and ejection fraction for a normal dog. Furthermore, the model allows the description and specification of blood volume distribution within the entire closed circulation, and the changes in blood volumes can be monitored dynamically. We conclude that our model provides a useful theoretical framework for analyzing experimental studies of the circulatory system.
Reprogramming of a defense signaling pathway in rough lemon and sweet orange is a critical element of the early response to ‘ Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’

Huanglongbing (HLB) in citrus infected by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) has caused tremendous losses to the citrus industry. No resistant genotypes have been identified in citrus species or close relatives. Among citrus varieties, rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri) has been considered tolerant due to its ability to produce a healthy flush of new growth after infection. The difference between tolerance and susceptibility is often defined by the speed and intensity of a plant's response to a pathogen, especially early defense responses. RNA-seq data were collected from three biological replicates of CLas- and mock-inoculated rough lemon and sweet orange at week 0 and 7 following infection. Functional analysis of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) indicated that genes involved in the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway were highly upregulated in rough lemon. MAPK induces the transcription of WRKY and other transcription factors which potentially turn on multiple defense-related genes. A Subnetwork Enrichment Analysis further revealed different patterns of regulation of several functional categories, suggesting DEGs with different functions were subjected to reprogramming. In general, the amplitude of the expression of defense-related genes is much greater in rough lemon than in sweet orange. A quantitative disease resistance response may contribute to the durable tolerance level to HLB observed in rough lemon.
Mixture of Polynomials Probability Distributions for Grouped Sample Data

This paper describes techniques for developing a mixture of polynomials (MOP) probability distribution from a frequency distribution (also termed grouped data) summarized from a large dataset. To accomplish this task, a temporary dataset is produced from the grouped data and the parameters for the MOP function are estimated using a Bspline interpolation technique. Guidance is provided regarding the composition of the temporary dataset, and the selection of split points and order of the MOP approximation. Good results are obtained when using grouped data as compared to the underlying dataset, and this can be a major advantage when using a decision support system to obtain information for estimating probability density functions for random variables of interest.
Anisotropic Plasticity of a Porous Material with Aligned Spheroidal Voids

A theory is developed to predict the transverse isotropy for the overall elastoplastic response of a porous material containing aligned spheroidal pores. The emphasis is on the influence of pore shape on the overall behavior, and it is found that, when the pores are in a prolate shape the shape-dependence is small, but that, when they become oblate the pore-shape sensitivity is rather pronounced. The disc or penny-shaped pores are seen to cause the severest damage under the axial tension and the axial shear, out along the transverse tension, transverse shear, and biaxial plane-strain tension, penny-shaped pores provide the least weakening effect.
Anytime problem solving using dynamic programming

In previous work, we have advocated explicitly scheduling computation time for planning and problem solving (deliberation) using a framework called expectation-driven iterative refinement. Within this framework, we have explored the problem of allocating deliberation time when the procedures used for deliberation implement anytime algorithms: algorithms that return some answer for any allocation of time. In our search for useful techniques for constructing anytime algorithms, we have discovered that dynamic programming shows considerable promise for the construction of anytime algorithms for a wide variety of problems. In this paper, we show how dynamic programming techniques can be used to construct useful anytime procedures for two problems: multiplying sequences of matrices, and the Travelling Salesman Problem. Dynamic programming can be applied to a wide variety of optimization and control problems, many of them relevant to current AI research (e.g., scheduling, probabilistic reasoning, and controlling machinery). Being able to solve these kinds of problems using anytime procedures increases the range of problems to which expectation-driven iterative refinement can be applied.
Psychometric Properties of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Within Hispanic College Students

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) within a sample of Hispanic college students. The s...
Development of a multicomponent psychological mobile application (app) for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

166Background: Patients newly diagnosed with AML experience substantial psychological distress as they confront a life-threatening diagnosis requiring an urgent 4-6 week hospitalization to initiate...
Effects of Assimilation of Surface Temperature Data on the Evaporation Duct and Propagation Predictions

The evaporation duct is an ubiquitous feature over the world's oceans responsible for trapping electromagnetic energy from surface emitters. The height of the evaporation duct (EDH) is often used to determine if ship-board radars and communications systems will be adversely affected by the environment. EDHs typically range from 2 to 40 meters and can vary substantially with surface stability, wind speed, and low-level humidity, particularly within 100 km from shore where temporal and spatial variations in the environment are the norm. A study was conducted to measure sea surface and air temperature from a specially instrumented ocean glider during a 30-day deployment off of San Diego, California. Improvements to the surface layer and evaporation duct modeling resulted from assimilation of the glider measurements into a numerical weather prediction (NWP) model. We show the impact of these data on the prediction of electromagnetic energy propagating from a surface radio frequency (RF) sensor.
Factors that Affect the Evolution of Complex Cooperative Behavior

Collaboration in order to perform various tasks such as herding or hunting is frequently seen in nature. Cooperative behaviors benefit the group by helping them achieve rewards that would not be po...
Pre-treatment estradiol does not predict testosterone response to clomiphene citrate

Background Clomiphene citrate (CC) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to stimulate ovulation in women. CC is used off-label in men to increase levels of endogenous testosterone (T) while potentially improving semen parameters by downregulating the inhibitory feedback of estradiol (E) on the male hypothalamus. Our objective was to determine whether pre-treatment E level is associated with greater total testosterone (TT) response to treatment with CC in men with low T. Methods Following IRB approval (The University of Miami IRB No. 20170849), retrospective chart review was performed for all men prescribed CC (25 mg every other day) between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2018. Age, body mass index (BMI), and prescription date were recorded for all patients. Pre- and post-treatment E, total T (TT), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were recorded for all patients as well. Only men with pretreatment TT <300 ng/dL were included in the analysis in order to focus our study on men with low TT. Univariate linear regression analysis was performed to determinate the percent change in TT following CC treatment (dependent variable) and pre-treatment E and other variables including age, BMI, FSH, and LH (independent variables). Results A total of 69 men with TT <300 ng/dL received CC 25 mg every other day. Mean age and BMI were 33.3±7.31 years and 35.4±5 kg/m2 respectively. Median pre-treatment E, TT, FSH, and LH were 18 [11.35-24.6] pg/mL, 226 [156-262] ng/dL, 5.1 [2.98-8.05] mIU/mL, and 4.5 [2.6-6.8] mIU/mL respectively. Post-treatment TT was 389 [263-592] ng/dL and TT% change was 102 [45.51-176.75]. Univariate linear regression showed that pre-treatment E (B=-0.595; R2=0.001; P=0.757) did not significantly predict TT% change. TT% change could be significantly predicted by age in years (B=-7.428; R2=0.057; P=0.048), pre-treatment FSH (B=-8.362; R2=0.068; P=0.041), and pre-treatment LH (B=-20.67; R2=0.096; P=0.027). Conclusions Pre-treatment E level does not appear to predict treatment response with CC in men with low T.
Mediated, Evidence-Informed Practice as Impact.

This study presents a conceptualization of mediated, evidence-informed practice as a form of impact within the education context, then examines whether and how a particular intermediary organization, Edutopia, is having such an impact. Extant open- and closed-ended survey data are analyzed. Survey respondents routinely reported using content hosted or featured by Edutopia in their professional practice, and provided specific insights regarding how they were doing so. These findings provide strong evidence that an educational intermediary can variously impact educators’ practices. The study provides a conceptualization and model that may be useful for other intermediaries and for scholars who are interested in examining impact and knowledge mobilization.
Whole virus detection using aptamers and paper-based sensor potentiometry.

Paper-based sensors, microfluidic platforms, and electronics have attracted attention in the past couple of decades because they are flexible, can be recycled easily, environmentally friendly, and inexpensive. Here we report a paper-based potentiometric sensor to detect the whole Zika virus with a minimum sensitivity of 0.26 nV/Zika and a minimum detectable signal (MDS) of 2.4x107 Zika. Our paper sensor works very similar to a P-N junction where a junction is formed between two different regions with different electrochemical potentials on the paper. These two regions with slightly different ionic contents, ionic species and concentrations, produce a potential difference given by the Nernst equation. Our paper sensor consists of 2-3 mm x 10 mm segments of paper with conducting silver paint contact patches on two ends. The paper is dipped in a buffer solution containing aptamers designed to bind to the capsid proteins on Zika. We then added the Zika (in its own buffer) to the region close to one of the silver-paint contacts. The Zika virus (40 nm diameter with 43 kDa or 7.1x10-20 gm weight) became immobilized in the paper's pores and bonded with the resident aptamers creating a concentration gradient. Atomic force microscopy and Raman spectroscopy were carried out to verify that both the aptamer and Zika become immobilized in the paper. The potential measured between the two silver paint contacts reproducibly became more negative upon adding the Zika. We also showed that a Liquid Crystalline Display (LCD) powered by the sensor can be used to read the sensor output.
Abstract SY09-02: Zero Childhood Cancer: A comprehensive precision medicine platform for children with high-risk cancer in Australia

Pediatric cancers have distinct molecular landscapes compared to adult cancers, with low point mutation rates, distinct mutated genes, and a prevalence of structural rearrangements. These complex features suggest genomic analyses alone will have limitations for translation into clinical benefit, and a multifaceted approach is therefore needed to maximize the number of patients for whom a therapeutic recommendation can be made. The Zero Childhood Cancer Program (ZERO) aims to assess the feasibility of precision medicine to identify targeted therapeutic agents for patients with high-risk (HR) pediatric malignancies (newly diagnosed, relapsed or refractory, overall expected survival =6 months), with 38% demonstrating an objective response. ZERO demonstrates the feasibility of a comprehensive precision medicine platform to identify treatment recommendations in HR pediatric cancer patients. Plans are underway for subsequent enrolment expansion, introduction of emerging methods and technologies and extension of research projects in immunoprofiling, liquid biopsy, psychosocial impact of pediatric precision medicine, health economics and health implementation. Citation Format: Michelle Haber, Mark J. Cowley, Paul Ekert, Loretta Lau, Emily Mould, ZCC PRISM Omics Core, ZCC Prelinical Drug Testing Core, Andrew Gifford, Richard B. Lock, Glenn M. Marshall, Murray D. Norris, Tracey O9Brien, Dong Anh Khuong Quang, David Thomas, Toby Trahair, Katherine Tucker, David S. Ziegler, Vanessa Tyrrell. Zero Childhood Cancer: A comprehensive precision medicine platform for children with high-risk cancer in Australia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr SY09-02.
Phenomenological mechanisms of hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite thin film deposition by RIR-MAPLE

Resonant infrared, matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (RIR-MAPLE) is a promising technique for the physical vapor deposition of hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites. The approach already has been used to deposit both three-dimensional and two-dimensional hybrid perovskites with material quality comparable to those synthesized by solution processing. However, the phenomenological mechanisms of hybrid perovskite film formation by RIR-MAPLE have not been articulated. Therefore, this work presents a careful investigation of film formation mechanisms of three-dimensional methylammonium lead halide perovskites by considering the temporal evolution of morphology, crystallinity, and optical properties of films deposited by RIR-MAPLE.
Identifying Important Clinical Symptoms in Children With Severe Neurological Impairment Using Parent-Reported Outcomes of Symptoms.

This cross-sectional study evaluates whether the Parent-Reported Outcomes of Symptoms system identifies more symptoms than clinicians do among children with severe neurological impairment.
Herpes Simplex Virus-2 Meningoencephalitis With Abducens Nerve Palsy With Literature Review

Herpes simplex virus (HSV), a human alpha herpes virus, is responsible for most infections caused by herpes viruses worldwide. Among the herpes simplex viruses, both HSV 1 and 2 cause significant morbidity. HSV-2 accounts for most genital infections with extragenital complications involving the groin, thigh, or other pelvic areas. HSV-2 is the leading viral cause of sexually transmitted diseases. Viral dissemination via the blood or the cutaneous route during primary infection can affect joints, liver, lungs, spinal cord, and brain. HSV-2, by nature of its higher reactivation frequency, leads to clinical reactivation or subclinical shedding, resulting in increased transmission risk during unprotected sexual encounters. HSV-2 reactivation can result in lesions involving the fingers, skin, eyes, brain, and visceral organs such as the esophagus, lung, and liver. Ocular involvement results in keratitis, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and rarely necrotizing retinitis. Oculomotor cranial nerve involvement by HSV is a rare entity even in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Clinical features associated with reactivation are seen in primary infections, especially in children and adolescents. A medical literature search resulted in a few cases caused by a varicella-zoster virus but none by HSV. Here we describe a young female with a newly diagnosed meningoencephalitis and abducens nerve palsy (first case) due to a primary HSV infection. She came to the emergency department with headache, confusion, abnormal behavior and later developed diplopia as an inpatient. She was treated successfully with two weeks of acyclovir.
Climate Change and Water Governance: Decision Making for Individual Vineyard Owners in Global Wine Regions

This study investigates the institutional, social, and ecological dynamics that influence regional water governance and individual vineyard owners' decisions-making in global wine regions. Global wine grape production has grown steadily over the past twenty years, and climate change has emerged as a driver of transformation in wine regions resulting in a range of impacts. Changes to the climate are anticipated to accelerate in the future and present a number of challenges for wine regions; including risks to human systems, e.g., agriculture, labor, and economics, as well as ecological systems, e.g., surface and groundwater. Water is a critical resource for environmental and economic sustainability in wine regions, and vulnerability to freshwater resources in wine producing regions is expected to increase as wine regions experience climate extremes like heat and drought. We use the Institutional-Social-Ecological Dynamics (ISED) framework to help understand individual vineyard owner decision making about water management within the context of institutional, social, and ecological systems. We ask how the relationships between these systems impact outcomes for individual grape farmers adapting to climate challenges. Our empirical research uses document review and interviews with vineyard owners, planners, and natural resource managers in wine regions in Oregon, USA and Tasmania, Australia as a means to explore climate vulnerabilities and adaptation approaches. Subsequently we focus on an example vignette in each region to better understand individual decision-making at the farm scale within the unique institutional, social and ecological contexts identified in each region. Our cases highlight the finding that entrenched institutional regimes, in the context of ecological variability contribute to a social unevenness in access to water. Landowner conflict over water resources is likely to increase in the context of a hotter, drier climate in regions with wine industry growth. Individual vineyard owners have a range of attitudes and approaches to climate change planning and management; and adaptation around water is dependent on both economic resources and social values. Lessons from the individual farm scale help to inform broader implications of how institutional, social, and ecological drivers influence opportunities or barriers to the implementation of climate change adaptation practices in wine regions.
Instructional Practices and Approaches

In Guererra’s class, I feel important. Like, he cares that I’m there and stuff . . . I don’t feel like he is pushing me out like the other ones. Like the other teachers are so negative. They are like, “if you miss one more day, you won’t graduate.” He’s not like that. He has *never* said that to me, ever. He’s just, “Mija, make sure that you are doing something” you know, trying to help me... I feel like I do better because [Mr. Guererra] cares. That’s one of the main things, why I like the class, ‘cause he’s not just there to get paid . . . . It’s different in that class. Like, you feel way more um, important, than just a student in the class.
Pareto Optimality and the Rule of Law

In 1959, James M. Buchanan criticized the collectivist misuse of Pareto optimality by the “new welfare economists” and made a first attempt to extend that individualist concept into the political realm.1 Over the following three decades he further developed his political application of Pareto’s insight to buttress an essentially economic analysis of political exchange that would justify the processes of constitutional democracy in the same way Pareto efficiency justifies free markets. In this paper I will explain why Buchanan’s particular formulations will not work and propose a more comprehensive solution that accomplishes Buchanan’s announced purpose. I will argue that a conventionalist understanding of the rule of law provides a precise and appropriate application of the Pareto criterion in the legal and political realm.
On the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. A 1990 update.

Abstract Although most investigators now agree that chronic hyperglycemia is the basis for diabetic retinopathy, this has not been proven definitively. Even if chronic hyperglycemia is the initial common pathway leading to retinopathy and other complications of diabetes, it appears to act by different mechanisms in different tissues. The enzyme, aldose reductase, may play a major role in the development of diabetic retinopathy, but contradictory evidence exists. At the present time, results of the only study of aldose reductase inhibition and diabetic retinopathy reported in humans were negative. Another mechanism worthy of consideration is nonenzymatic glycation (glycosylation) of proteins, but there is no direct evidence of a causal role in diabetic retinopathy. Several growth factors have been identified in the retina that may promote neovascularization, and at least two inhibitors may prevent the process. There is evidence to support a role for basic and, perhaps, acidic fibroblast growth factors in retinal vasoproliferation. Transforming growth-factor β, a peptide produced by capillary pericytes and smooth muscle cells and activated by the interaction of these cells with vascular endothelial cells, appears to be an important inhibitor of neovascularization, as is the vascular basement membrane.
All-optical SCM-to-TDM label format converters for interoperating optical-label switching networks

We propose and demonstrate all-optical label-encoding format conversion from subcarrier-multiplexing to time-domain-multiplexing for 156.25 Mb/s labels and 10 Gb/s payload. The experiments show error-free operations with only 0.41 dB normalized power penalty for the payload.
Enthalpy of formation of zinc acetate dihydrate

Abstract The enthalpy of formation of zinc acetate dihydrate (Zn(CH3COO)2 · 2H2O) was measured with respect to crystalline zinc oxide (ZnO), glacial acetic acid (CH3COOH) and liquid water by room temperature solution calorimetry. The enthalpy of formation was verified by utilizing two independent thermodynamic cycles, using enthalpy of solution measurements in 5 mol · L−1 sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and in 5 mol · L−1 hydrochloric acid (HCl) solutions. The enthalpy of the reaction ZnO (cr) + 2CH3COOH (l) + H2O (l) to form Zn(CH3COO)2 · 2H2O (cr) is –(65.78 ± 0.36) kJ · mol−1 for measurements in 5 mol · L−1 NaOH and –(66.25 ± 0.17) kJ · mol−1 for measurements in 5 mol · L−1 HCl. The standard enthalpy of formation of Zn(CH3COO)2 · 2H2O from the elements is –(1669.35 ± 1.30) kJ · mol−1. This work provides the first calorimetric measurement of the enthalpy of formation of Zn(CH3COO)2 · 2H2O.
The function of corpus cardiacum peptides in horse flies

Abstract HPLC separation of corpus cardiacum homogenates from Tabanus lineola, T. proximus and T. calens all produced two peaks whose retention times corresponded to the retention times of the synthetic Tabanus atratus adipokinetic and T. atratus hypotrehalosaemic hormones. Corpus cardiacum extracts from T. proximus and from T. lineola produced hyperlipaemic and hyperglycaemic responses when injection into sucrose fed T. lineola. Synthetic T. atratus hypotrehalosaemic hormone induced strong hyperlipaemic and hyperglycaemic responses in T. lineola, but synthetic T. atratus adipokinetic hormone produced only a weak hyperglycaemic response. The current names of the tabanid metabolic peptides do not correspond to their action in T. lineola. Octopamine also elevated both lipids and sugars in the blood of sucrose fed T. lineola, indicating the sensitivity of storage tissues to both biogenic amines and to metabolic peptides. Lack of response to synthetic T. atratus hypotrehalosaemic by starved T. lineola suggests an inhibition of the hyperlipaemic/glycaemic response when the available tissue reserves falls below a given level.
Laser-heated rotating specimen autoignition test

Specimens of 440 C steel were rotated in a chamber pressurized with oxygen gas and heated with a 5-kW CO2 laser to determine the temperature required for autoignition to occur. Tests included exposures of static and rotating (25,000 rpm) specimens in oxygen pressurized to 5.51 MPa, and with focused laser fluences of more than 3.5 billion W/sq m. Specimen surface temperatures were monitored with a scanning infrared camera. Temperature measurement difficulties were experienced due to a problem with internal reflection inside the test chamber; however, posttest specimen examinations confirmed that surface melt (1371 C) was achieved in several tests. No sustained combustion was initiated in any rotating specimen. One static specimen was ignited. Results indicated that conditions necessary for autoignition of 440 C steel are more dependent on specimen geometry and available heat removal mechanisms. Sustained combustion occurred in the ignited static specimen with an estimated 130 C/sec cooling rate due to conduction. The rotating specimens could not sustain combustion due to a greater conductive/convective cooling rate of about 4000 C/sec and ejection of molten material. These results were applied to the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) oxygen turbopump bearings to conclude that the LOX-cooled 440 C steel bearings cannot sustain combustion initiated by skidding friction.
RELATION BETWEEN PHENOLIC ACID CONTENT AND STABILITY OF PECANS IN ACCELERATED STORAGE

Eight phenolic acids were isolated from the testa of Stuart pecan kernels and identified by gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (GLC-MS). Acid quantities decreased significantly during 12 wk of accelerated storage of the kernels at 21°C, 65% RH. High correlations (r = 0.95-0.97) were obtained between decreases in the dihydroxy and trihydroxy benzoic acids and declines in sensory quality of the kernels, indicating that these compounds are implicated in storage stability. Acids identified by GLC-MS analyses were gallic, gentisic, vanillic, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, and p-hydroxyphenylacetic acids. Coumaric and syringic acids were present in trace amounts and were identified primarily by comparison of their retention times with those of authentic compounds on two dissimilar GLC columns. Gallic was the predominant acid and constituted ca 78% of those present.
Inter-storm comparisons from the OSCAR high density network experiment

Abstract The high density network component of the Oxidation and Scavenging Characteristics of April Rains (OSCAR) experiment combined aircraft, surface and sequential precipitation chemistry measurements to characterize the physicochemical and dynamic features of four storms sampled during an April 1981 field investigation. A surface network of 47 precipitation sampling stations, covering a region roughly 110 km by 110 km, was established in the area surrounding Fort Wayne, Indiana. The network provided temporal and spatial resolution of rainfall chemistry via the use of specially designed automatic sequential bulk precipitation collectors, while aircraft and surface sampling provided measurements of the major aerosols and trace gases in the boundary-layer inflow region. Composite concentration and ion ratio profiles for the events were analyzed to investigate potential pollutant scavenging pathways. This analysis led to the following observations: 1. (i) dryfall deposition during pre-rainfall exposure periods influenced initial sampler stage chemistry; 2. (ii) relative precipitation acidity increased throughout the events; SO 4 2− and NO 3 − were the major contributors to this acidity; 3. (iii) evidence exists for the in-cloud oxidation of SO 2 during Events 3 and 4, while scavenging of HNO 3 and aerosol NO 3 − probably produced precipitation NO 3 − ; 4. (iv) the non-frontal meteorology of Event 3 influenced the precipitation chemistry associated with this storm and led to distinct concentration profiles; 5. (v) an anomalous pattern of NH 4 + concentrations observed during Event 1 cannot be explained by known NH 4 + scavenging behavior or by non-scavenging related influences, such as local source contamination or NH 3 volatilization; 6. (vi) Event 4 is more suitable for analysis by one- and two-dimensional diagnostic wet removal models. Analysis of the other events is complicated by more complex meteorological behavior and, in some cases, a less complete chemistry data set. This paper enlarges on these observations with comparisons of the major meteorological and chemical characteristics of the four events.
Multivariate variance-components analysis of longitudinal blood pressure measurements from the Framingham Heart Study

Multivariate variance-components analysis provides several advantages over univariate analysis when studying correlated traits. It can test for pleiotropy or (in the longitudinal context) gene × age interaction. It can also have more power than univariate analyses to detect a quantitative trait locus influencing several traits. We apply multivariate variance components to longitudinal systolic blood pressure data from the Framingham Heart Study. We find evidence for a polygenic influence on blood pressure (heritabilities at different ages range from 27% to 38%). Tests based on a factor-analytic parameterization of the polygenic variance find significant (p < 2 × 10-3) evidence that different genes affect blood pressure at different ages. Still, estimates for the proportion of polygenic variance due to shared genes ran as high as 85% for some trait pairs. Univariate and multivariate linkage analyses replicate previous linkage results on chromosome 17 (maximum LOD scores of 2.2 and 2.4, respectively). In this study, multivariate analysis provides no increase in power; this is likely due to the strong positive correlation in systolic blood pressure measured at different ages.
Extension of coupled-cavity additive pulse mode-locked laser theory

Abstract We present an extended theory for a coupled-cavity Additive Pulse Mode-locked (APM) laser. With filtering in the auxiliary (fiber) cavity, stable operation at higher powers is made possible. We present both numerical and analytic studies and compare them to experimental results.
A light scattering investigation of the retrogradation of amylose

Studies of the rate of retrogradation (precipitation) of amylose from aqueous solution utilizing turbidity studies, are reported. A marked dependence of rate on the prior physical state of the amylose preparation is demonstrated. In particular it is concluded that retrogradation is retarded by increased perfection of the helical crystalline form. It is suggested that the rate of retrogradation is primarily governed by the rate of disruption of the intramolecularly hydrogen-bonded helical form of amylose. The process of retrogradation is thus akin to the prevalent picture of protein denaturation.
Detecting genomic clustering of risk variants from sequence data: cases versus controls

As the ability to measure dense genetic markers approaches the limit of the DNA sequence itself, taking advantage of possible clustering of genetic variants in, and around, a gene would benefit genetic association analyses, and likely provide biological insights. The greatest benefit might be realized when multiple rare variants cluster in a functional region. Several statistical tests have been developed, one of which is based on the popular Kulldorff scan statistic for spatial clustering of disease. We extended another popular spatial clustering method—Tango’s statistic—to genomic sequence data. An advantage of Tango’s method is that it is rapid to compute, and when single test statistic is computed, its distribution is well approximated by a scaled χ 2 distribution, making computation of p values very rapid. We compared the Type-I error rates and power of several clustering statistics, as well as the omnibus sequence kernel association test. Although our version of Tango’s statistic, which we call “Kernel Distance” statistic, took approximately half the time to compute than the Kulldorff scan statistic, it had slightly less power than the scan statistic. Our results showed that the Ionita-Laza version of Kulldorff’s scan statistic had the greatest power over a range of clustering scenarios.
Flowering of three species of Brodiaea in relation to bulb size and source

Abstract Flowering of Triteleia bridgseii Greene, Triteleia ixiodes Greene, and Dichelostemma Ida-maia Greene was investigated using corms of various sizes collected from the natural habitat as well as those from a cultivated field. Regardless of species, flowering percentage of all plants in the Brodiaea complex increased, the number of florets per scape increased, and the forcing time decreased as the size of the mother corm increased. The length of the flowering scape is species specific: 18–20 cm for T. ixiodes , 40–45 cm for T. bridgseii , and 40–50 cm for D. Ida-maia , and is unaffected by the size of the mother corm. Except for large corms, T. bridgseii and T. ixiodes generally produced only one replacement corm indicating that other means of propagation would be required prior to commercial cut flower production. In contrast, D. Ida-maia readily produced a replacement corm as well as many cormlets from each mother corm. The minimum corm size for 100% flowering varies with species and the source of the corms. All T. bridgseii corms >0.8 g flowered, whereas for D. Ida-maia , a minimum corm size of 3 g was required. In T. ixiodes , the source of the corms affected the flowering of the corms. All T. ixiodes corms from the natural habitat weighing >0.3 g flowered, whereas for those from the cultivated field, a minimum corm size of 3.6 g was required. Data for T. ixiodes , thus, suggest that environmental conditions during which the corms are produced may play a significant role in the flowering potential of a species.
Effects of allopurinol on cardiac function and oxidant stress in chronic intermittent hypoxia.

Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, oxidant stress, and chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). Allopurinol (ALLO) is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that also scavenges free radicals. Using an animal model of CIH we hypothesized that ALLO decreases oxidant stress and cardiac injury. Rats were exposed to either CIH (nadir 4–6%, approximately once per minute) or room air (handled controls, HC) for 8 h a day for 10 days. Four treatment groups (six to ten animals per group) were studied: CIH/ALLO, CIH/placebo (PLAC), HC/ALLO, and HC/PLAC. Outcomes included myocardial lipid peroxides (LPO) for oxidant stress, fraction shortening of the LV cavity for cardiac function (LVFS) and an assay for myocyte apoptosis. LPO was lower in CIH/ALLO group compared to CIH/PLAC (179 ± 102 vs. 589 ± 68 mcg/mg protein, p < 0.05). LVFS was greater in ALLO animals than PLAC in both CIH and HC (CIH/ALLO 48.6 ± 2.3% vs. CIH/PLAC 38 ± 1.4%; HC/ALLO 64.9 ± 1.8% vs. HC/PLAC 51.5 ± 1.5%; both p < 0.05). Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay showed fewer apoptotic nuclei in LV myocardium in CIH/ALLO compared to CIH/PLAC (38.0 ± 1.4 vs. 48.6 ± 2.3 positive nuclei per 2.5 mm2 area, p < 0.05). ALLO is associated with improvement in CIH-associated oxidant stress, myocardial dysfunction, and apoptosis in rats.
Educating Civil Engineering Professionals of Tomorrow

Engineering education is currently facing both unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Engineering institutions are being called upon to educate the architectural, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) professionals of tomorrow by complementing their traditional engineering education with the transfusion of information technology and process automation concepts through a necessary reorganization of classes and academic curricula. This paper presents a framework for an interdisciplinary course sequence in civil engineering, project management, and information technology centered on the concepts of fully integrated and automated project processes (FIAPP). The described sequence enables students to benefit pedagogically from working in truly multidisciplinary teams, to enrich their educational experience by bringing real world projects to academic settings, and to teach them fundamental principles in integration and automation of project processes highlighting the value of such integrated project management systems (information management, planning, design, construction management, procurement, operations, and maintenance). Furthermore, the course sequence addresses deficiencies in current one-dimensional educational curricula and needs expressed by educators, students, and industry professionals. The paper presents experiences and knowledge gained from the aforementioned academic sequence on FIAPP and on the utilization of 3-D computer models and associated databases in the management of A/E/C processes.
Fatigue-Life Computational Analysis for the Self-Expanding Endovascular Nitinol Stents

Self-expanding endovascular stents made of Nitinol (a Ni-Ti intermetallic compound possessing superelastic and shape-memory properties) are being widely used to treat a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries, primarily due to fatty deposits, hamper blood flow to the extremities (the problem commonly referred to as “peripheral artery disease”). The stents of this type unfortunately occasionally fail structurally (and, in turn, functionally) rendering the stenting procedure ineffective. The failure is most often attributed to the fatigue-induced damage since over its expected ten-year life span, the stent will normally experience 370-400 million pulsating-blood flow-induced loading cycles. Redesign/redevelopment of the stents using the conventional make-and-test approaches is quite expensive and time consuming and therefore is being increasingly complemented by computational engineering methods and tools. In the present study, advanced structural and fluid-structure interaction finite element computational methods are combined with the advanced fatigue-based durability analysis techniques to further enhance the use of the computational engineering analysis tools in the development of vascular stents with improved high-cycle fatigue life.
Automatic segmentation and supervised learning‐based selection of nuclei in cancer tissue images

Analysis of preferential localization of certain genes within the cell nuclei is emerging as a new technique for the diagnosis of breast cancer. Quantitation requires accurate segmentation of 100-200 cell nuclei in each tissue section to draw a statistically significant result. Thus, for large-scale analysis, manual processing is too time consuming and subjective. Fortuitously, acquired images generally contain many more nuclei than are needed for analysis. Therefore, we developed an integrated workflow that selects, following automatic segmentation, a subpopulation of accurately delineated nuclei for positioning of fluorescence in situ hybridization-labeled genes of interest. Segmentation was performed by a multistage watershed-based algorithm and screening by an artificial neural network-based pattern recognition engine. The performance of the workflow was quantified in terms of the fraction of automatically selected nuclei that were visually confirmed as well segmented and by the boundary accuracy of the well-segmented nuclei relative to a 2D dynamic programming-based reference segmentation method. Application of the method was demonstrated for discriminating normal and cancerous breast tissue sections based on the differential positioning of the HES5 gene. Automatic results agreed with manual analysis in 11 out of 14 cancers, all four normal cases, and all five noncancerous breast disease cases, thus showing the accuracy and robustness of the proposed approach.
Paramagnetic properties of several rare earth compounds with K3Ln2(NO3)9 structure

Abstract We present measurements of the paramagnetic susceptibilities of K 3 Pr 2 (NO 3 ) 9 and K 3 Sm 2 (NO 3 ) 9 , cubic materials with rare earth sites having threefold rotational symmetry about (111). The rare earth environment resembles that of the Ln 2 Mg 3 (NO 3 ) 12 ·24H 2 O materials, and the magnetic susceptibilities show similarities but also interesting differences with Pr 2 Mg 3 (NO 3 ) 12 ·24H 2 O and Sm 2 Mg 3 (NO 3 ) 12 ·24H 2 O. Paramagnetic resonance experiments in K 3 La 2 (NO 3 ) 9 doped with these and several heavier lanthanides are also described and compared with theory.
The kinetics of multilayered titanium-silicide coatings grown by the pack cementation method

The halide-activated, pack cementation coating method is a viable technique for forming silicide diffusion coatings that provide oxidation resistance for titanium alloys at high temperature. In this study, growth rates were determined for the five-layered silicide coatings on commercially pure titanium grown at 950 ‡C, 1050 ‡C, and 1150 ‡C using three halide activators. Solid-state titanium-silicon diffusion couple experiments were also made to determine the diffusional growth rates for the five silicide phases. Based on a model for growth of multiple layers, solid-state diffusion controls the growth rates in all of the silicide layers for coatings formed by packs with the less stable AlF3 and CuF2 activators. However, the growth of TiSi2 was influenced by gas-phase transport for coatings formed using the more stable MgF2 activator. The growth rates of the layers (TiSi2, TiSi, Ti5Si4, Ti5Si3, and Ti3Si) are parabolic; by assuming solid-state dif-fusion control, the diffusion coefficients in these phases were calculated.
Two-Layer Dielectric Rod Antenna

A dielectric rod antenna (DRA) design that consists of two concentric dielectric cylinders and achieves more than 4:1 bandwidth is described. The new DRA is composed of a launcher section, followed by a waveguide section and ends in a radiation section. The utilization of two-layer structure avoids the excitation of high-order modes, thus extending the operational bandwidth. Properly chosen radii and dielectric constants of each layer in conjunction with a properly tapered radiation tip ensure frequency-insensitive radiation properties (gain and pattern) and stable phase center. The design example of a two-layer dual-polarization DRA presented in this paper operates from 2 to 8 GHz and produces symmetric radiation patterns with half-power beamwidth greater than 55deg. The current design is one of the most ideal antennas to be used as a near-field probe or reflector feed.
Binding and uptake of copper from ceruloplasmin

Specific binding of [67Cu]ceruloplasmin to plasma membrane containing preparations from rat tissues was shown in the presence of an excess of non-radioactive Cu(II) or ceruloplasmin. With Cu(II) there was positive cooperativity and an apparent K D of 10 −7 M. The effects of both “cold” ligands was partly additive. No “specific” binding was shown with Zn(II), unrelated proteins and after boiling the membranes. Total and specific binding of [67Cu]ceruloplasmin were 2–7 fold greater for heart and brain than for liver preparations, per g tissue or per mg protein, ± correction for yield of 5′-nucleotidase. Cu(II) also inhibited uptake of [67Cu]from ceruloplasmin by CHO cells, but monensin did not, suggesting uptake of ceruloplasmin Cu occurs at the cell surface.
Paternal alcohol consumption affects grooming response in rat offspring

Grooming behavior in response to novelty and water immersion was examined in rat offspring sired by males consuming liquid alcohol diets containing 35%, 17.5% or 0% ethanol-derived calories (EDC). In the first study, offspring were tested at 35–38 days of age under conditions of lights on or off. Offspring in the 35% EDC group groomed less than controls. Lighting conditions did not affect grooming significantly. In the second study, animals were immersed in a water bath for 15 seconds and were then placed in the same observation chambers. As in the previous study, animals sired by alcohol-consuming fathers groomed considerably less than controls. These results were interpreted as suggesting offspring sired by alcohol-consuming fathers have a blunted response to conditions which spontaneously elicit behavior like grooming or ambulation.