cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 2840: Efficacy of radiation therapy in mammary carcinomas is regulated by macrophages

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL In patients with locally advanced breast cancer, radiation therapy (RT) and chemotherapy following surgery has been a mainstay of treatment with demonstrated survival advantage in numerous randomized trials. However, despite recent advances in treatment, many women still ultimately succumb to disease highlighting the need to improve therapeutic strategies. Results from several groups have recently revealed that the therapeutic effects of RT are in part dependent on activation of immune-mediated mechanism(s); however, little is known regarding the mechanistic details of this activation. To address this, we examined changes in the immune microenvironment of mammary carcinomas following RT. We found that following RT (5 Gy), the density of infiltrating macrophages was significantly increased (20 vs 35%, p = 0.02) as compared to mammary tumors in mice not receiving RT. When macrophages were depleted following RT, via use of a CSF-1 antagonist, a significant delay in tumor growth, as compared to tumors treated with RT alone was observed. Since this data indicated that macrophage infiltration blunted RT responsiveness, we hypothesized that reprogramming tumor-infiltrating macrophages more towards a classical cytotoxic phenotype would result in enhanced RT response and delayed tumor re-growth. Thus, we treated tumor-bearing mice with anti-IL-4 neutralizing mABs in combination with RT, and evaluated tumor re-growth, as compared to tumor-bearing mice treated with either RT or anti-IL4 mAB alone, and found that indeed, reprogramming tumor-infiltrating macrophages to favor classical (M1)-type activity significantly enhanced RT response and delayed tumor re-growth. Together these studies indicate that: 1) RT induces macrophage infiltration into mammary tumors, 2) protumor-type macrophages infiltrating mammary carcinomas blunt response to RT, and 3) reprogramming of tumor-infiltrating macrophages to favor a cytotoxic phenotype improves efficacy of RT. This work was supported by grants from the NIH/NCI, and Era of Hope (W81XWH-06-1-0416), and Program in Mesothelioma (PR080717) grants from the Department of Defense to LMC. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2840. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2840
Rab-αGDI activity is regulated by a Hsp90 chaperone complex

The Rab-specific αGDP-dissociation inhibitor (αGDI) regulates the recycling of Rab GTPases. We have now identified a novel αGDI complex from synaptic membranes that contains three chaperone components: Hsp90, Hsc70 and cysteine string protein (CSP). We find that the αGDI–chaperone complex is dissociated in response to Ca2+-induced neurotransmitter release, that chaperone complex dissociation is sensitive to the Hsp90 inhibitor geldanamycin (GA) and that GA inhibits the ability of αGDI to recycle Rab3A during neurotransmitter release. We propose that αGDI interacts with a specialized membrane-associated Rab recycling Hsp90 chaperone system on the vesicle membrane to coordinate the Ca2+-dependent events triggering Rab-GTP hydrolysis with retrieval of Rab-GDP to the cytosol.
Exact expressions for the energy current and stress tensor operators in many-particle systems

For some purposes in statistical physics, such as, for example, the calculation of various transport coefficients, it is necessary to have expressions for the energy current operatorS and stress tensor operatorT lm . In this work it is shown that by using a simple identity, exact expressions forS andT lm which satisfy the conservation laws for the energy densityɛ and momentum densityP, respectively, exist.S andT lm can each be written as a sum of two parts,S=S (A) +S (B) T lm =T +T . The “A” part is the ordinary convective or kinetic part while the “B” part is shown to be expressible as a gradient and hence its homogeneous component vanishes identically. The expressions are compared with approximate forms found in the literature. The operators are Fourier analyzed and written in terms of the field operators in the second quantization formalism.
The perception of surface orientation from multiple sources of optical information

One of the fundamental issues in the study of human perception concerns how the shapes of objects in the environment are visually specified from the measurable properties of optical stimulation. There are many different aspects of optical structure that are known to provide perceptually salient information about an object’s threedimensional form. Some of these properties—the socalled pictorial depth cues—are available within individual static images. These include texture gradients, linear perspective, and patterns of shading. Others are defined by the systematic transformations among a sequence of multiple images, and include the disparity between each eye’s view in binocular vision, and the optical deformations that occur when objects are observed in motion. In the theoretical analysis of motion or binocular disparity, two distinct classes of optical phenomena need to be considered. One involves the optical transformations of identifiable image features, such as surface texture or the vertices of a polyhedron, for which it is possible to establish a point-to-point correspondence over multiple views. The ability to match corresponding features in different images is a necessary condition for most existing computational models for the analysis of 3-D shape from motion or stereo, but there are other types of optical transformations that occur frequently in natural vision, for which this condition cannot be satisfied. These include the optical deformations of occlusion contours and smooth gradients of image shading. Patterns of shading in an image arise because of systematic changes in local surface orientation. Patches that are oriented perpendicularly to the prevailing direction of illumination reflect the greatest amount of light, while those that are parallel to the direction of illumination re
Extending self-regulated learning to include self-regulated emotion strategies

Emotions and their regulation were examined in favorite and least favorite academic courses. Building on prior research, three forms of regulation (suppression, reappraisal, and rumination) were examined. Reappraisal was positively related to positive emotions across contexts and negatively related to negative emotions in favorite courses. Rumination was positively related with negative emotions in both contexts and negatively related to positive emotions in least favorite courses. Surprisingly, suppression was negatively related to activated positive emotions (excitement) in favorite courses, but positively related to positive deactivated emotions (relaxation) in least favorite courses. Person-centered analyses using latent classes revealed that in favorite courses, the use of rumination was critical in differentiating regulatory profiles. In contrast, reappraisal distinguished among the regulatory profiles in least favorite courses. Results suggest that self-regulated emotion strategies are differentially employed based on course preference and highlight the potential utility in considering self-regulated emotion strategies as part of self-regulated learning.
Photocatalytic degradation of PCBs in TiO2 aqueous suspensions

A generator-column technique was used to prepare aqueous solutions of PCBs. The degradation of 2-chlorobiphenyl, Aroclor 1248, Aroclor mixture (1221, 1016, 1254, and 1260) and St. Lawrence River water by simulated sunlight or sunlight has been investigated in the presence of aqueous suspensions of TiO2. The effect of TiO2 concentration and pH on the degradation rate of PCBs have been studied. The reaction rate followed apparent first-order kinetics and increased with increasing TiO2 concentration. The half-life of the degradation process for 2-chlorobiphenyl is 20 minutes at pH 10 and 9 minutes at pH 3 in the presence of 25 mg/L of TiO2. Less chlorinated PCBs decomposed faster than higher chlorinated ones. The rate constants and half-lives of individual PCBs in the commercial PCB mixture and St. Lawrence River water were also measured.
Sense of place: From location resources to MNE locational capital

Location is commonly perceived as a source of generic resources to all firms in a given place and, therefore, not something that leads to firm-specific advantage. We challenge this view and suggest that multinational enterprises (MNEs) differ in their location capability, which enables them to create locational capital from generic location resources. Location capability is expressed in an MNE's ‘sense of place’—its recognition of the potential in a location and the actions it takes to create value from this potential. We outline the engagement, transformation and appropriation processes through which this happens and their implications for MNEs following multidomestic and global strategies. Thus, we advance an action-based view of firms driven by their sense of place to change the very nature of location resources.
Let's call a Truce...for now: The silent bared-teeth face expression in Mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) during baseline and post-conflict conditions

The distinction between signals that are friendly and those that are non-aggressive but motivationally neutral (signals of benign intent, SBIs) has not often been well elucidated in the literature. Although both signals occur in similar contexts, friendly signals should be exchanged more often between animals with good relationships whereas SBIs should be more commonly exchanged between animals with poor or unpredictable relationships. The importance of this distinction is particularly salient in the post-conflict context, because the two different types of signals may have disparate distributions and functions. This study examines the nature of the silent bared-teeth face (SBTF) in captive mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) both during baseline interactions and following aggressive conflicts. We report that the SBTF is most commonly exchanged between mandrills with high rates of agonism. In addition, the SBTF is the most common post-conflict signal exchanged, and the mandrills exchanging this signal after fighting also have poor relationships. We conclude that, although one must be careful in generalizing from studies of captive populations, the mandrill SBTF observed in this study is most accurately classified as a signal of benign intent, but not a truly friendly signal and discuss problems with interpreting post-conflict data without distinguishing between these types of signals.
Children's sympathy for peers who are the targets of peer aggression.

Although a goal of many aggression intervention programs is to increase children’s concern (often termed sympathy or empathy) for their peers as a means of ultimately reducing aggressive behavior, there are no measures specifically of children’s concern for peers who are the targets of peer aggression. A participatory action research (PAR) model was used to create a culturally-sensitive measure of urban African American children’s sympathy for peers who are the targets of physical aggression, relational or social aggression, verbal aggression, and property damage. In Study 1, 40 children (Mage = 9.71 years; 47.5 % female) were interviewed about the types of incidents that lead them to feel sympathy for a peer. Based upon these findings, the 15-item Peer Sympathy Scale (PSS) was developed. In Study 2, the PSS was administered to 517 children (Mage = 9.82 years; 47.4 % female) to examine the psychometric properties of the measure and to explore the association between children’s sympathy for their peers and their social behavior. Greater sympathy was associated with less overt and relational aggression according to both peer and teacher reports as well as with less oppositional-defiant behavior according to teacher reports. The clinical utility of the PSS as an outcome assessment tool for social skills intervention programs is discussed.
The modulation instability revisited

The modulational instability (or “Benjamin-Feir instability”) has been a fundamental principle of nonlinear wave propagation in systems without dissipation ever since it was discovered in the 1960s. It is often identified as a mechanism by which energy spreads from one dominant Fourier mode to neighboring modes. In recent work, we have explored how damping affects this instability, both mathematically and experimentally. Mathematically, the modulational instability changes fundamentally in the presence of damping: for waves of small or moderate amplitude, damping (of the right kind) stabilizes the instability. Experimentally, we observe wavetrains of small or moderate amplitude that are stable within the lengths of our wavetanks, and we find that the damped theory predicts the evolution of these wavetrains much more accurately than earlier theories. For waves of larger amplitude, neither the standard (undamped) theory nor the damped theory is accurate, because frequency downshifting affects the evolution in ways that are still poorly understood.
CORRELATION OF GLUCOCORTICOID-INDUCED SYNTHESIS OF HEPATIC GLUCONEOGENIC ENZYMES WITH AMINO ACID LEVEL AND RNA METABOLISM.

Abstract Triamcinolone injection induced rapid synthesis of hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-diphosphatase which was detectable in 4 to 6 hours and activities increased to about 200 percent in 24 hours. The earliest measurable effect relevant to gluconeogenesis and enzyme synthesis was the steep rise of free amino acids which was observable in 2 hours. The incorporation of labeled orotic acid into total cellular RNA reached a peak of 250 percent at 8 hours after hormone injection and then returned to normal range by the end of 24 hours. The total RNA amount slowly rose, reaching a plateau at about 12 hours. The early metabolic events involving an increase in synthesis and amount of RNA, nitrogen and glycogen levels and de novo synthesis of gluconeogenic enzymes were completely blocked when actinomycin was injected prior to corticosteroid administration. Thus, the increased gluconeogenesis induced by corticoid hormones entails at an early stage an increased rate in the synthesis of gluconeogenic enzymes.
Estimating the components of the bid/ask spread

Abstract This paper develops and implements a technique for estimating a model of the bid/ask spread. The spread is decomposed into two components, one due to asymmetric information and one due to inventory costs, specialist monopoly power, and clearing costs. The model is estimated using NYSE common stock transaction prices in the period 1981–1983. Cross-sectional regression analysis is then used to relate time-series estimated spread components to other stock characteristics. The results cannot reject the hypothesis that significant amounts of NYSE common stock spreads are due to asymmetric information.
Matching and a technology-induced skewness in income distributions

Abstract This paper examines a source of skewness in income distribution which is technology-based. A simple competitive matching model is constructed in which agents of two types freely from ‘firms‘ to produce a single good. We derive explicit expressions relating the skewness in the income distributions to characteristics in the production function. It is found that labor input complementarity guarantees the existence of an elistist, efficient equilibrium and imparts a positive skewness to the income distributions, while concavity tends to skew the distributions the opposite way. An application to the problem of allocating scarce educational resources according to talent is studied.
Characterization of microsatellite loci isolated in Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus)

Primers for 15 microsatellite loci were developed for Mountain Plover, a species whose distribution and abundance have been reduced drastically in the past 30 years. In a screen of 126 individuals collected from four breeding locales across the species’ range, levels of polymorphism ranged from two to 13 alleles per locus. No two loci were found to be linked, although one locus revealed significant departures from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. These microsatellite loci can be used in population genetic studies, ultimately aiding in management efforts for Mountain Plover. Additionally, these markers can potentially be used in studies investigating the mating system of Mountain Plover.
On the toughening of ceramics by whiskers

The toughening of ceramics by whiskers is now an established phenomenon. However, the prevalent toughening mechanism have not been rigorously identified, and microstructures that afford optimum toughness cannot yet be specified. Various toughening mechanisms have been proposed. These include deflection, microcracking and bridging. The dominant micro-structural characteristics differ substantially for each of these mechanisms. Consequently, it is important to establish the prevalent mechanisms operative in specific material systems. The purpose of the present study is to investigate toughening in a SiC whisker toughened Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/, with the objective of establishing experimental procedures that allow identification of the principal toughening mechanism.
Temporal Issues in Reproductive Risk Assessment

AbstractWhile there is increasing interest in characterizing reproductive hazards, reproductive endpoints are complex, difficult to characterize, and variable across populations and across time in the same individual. It is generally appreciated that time is a critical variable; however, it is seldom fully considered in the characterization of reproductive risks. For example, female fecundity varies with cycle day, and while both male and female fecundity are dependent on historical performance they also vary over time in a given individual. In addition, sensitivity of the male and female reproductive systems to toxicants varies during ovarian and spermatogenic cycles. Initial characterization of toxic effects on fecundity has considered the time necessary to achieve a particular endpoint, such as time to pregnancy. However, analysis of time in the calculation of benchmark doses has not been considered for quantitative characterization of reproductive risks. This article suggests an approach for character...
Indirect Tests of the Spatial Mismatch Hypothesis in the Cleveland PMSA A Labor Market Perspective

This article presents two indirect tests of the spatial mismatch hypothesis. Awage-gradient model and a two-sample t-test procedure are used to examine wage differences across the Cleveland primary metropolitan statistical area (PMSA) for 18 selected low-wage industries. Empirical evidence produced in both sets of tests do not support the spatial mismatch hypothesis in the context of the Cleveland PMSA: A positive wage gradient was not found, and two-sample t-tests did not indicate that wages in industries typified as being predominantly low skilled are higher in suburbs than in the central city—an outcome predicted by a spatial mismatch—for all industries in the sample, with the exception of gasoline service stations.
Effect of ionizing radiation on styrene/acrylonitrile copolymer hollow fiber membranes

A thin layer of highly permeable, nonselective polymer is applied to the surface of an asymmetric membrane to reduce permeability through the membrane pores and defects and to render permeation through the matrix predominant. In environments which contain active moieties, the coating may be swollen and dissolved causing it to lose its effectiveness. The effects of irradiation to induce crosslinking between the hollow fiber membrane and the coating were studied. Fibers were irradiated both before and after coating with polydimethylsiloxane. Radiation dosages at 10, 25, and 50 Mrads were used. The increased stabilities of the crosslinked coating and substrate were reflected by the higher retention of H2/CH4 separation factor after exposure to a solvent (i.e., isopentane) which dissolves the coating. The results also suggest that ionizing radiation also alters the structure and morphology of the dense selective layer on the surface of the styrene/acrylonitrile copolymer hollow fiber.
Governing sustainability: examining audits and compliance in a third-party-certified organic shrimp farming project in rural Indonesia

Drawing on a case study of an organic shrimp project in Indonesia, this paper provides a preliminary assessment of the use of third-party certification (TPC) to make shrimp aquaculture more environmentally sustainable in a rural setting in Indonesia. Specifically, I examine three processes of TPC: (1) the development of standards, (2) the communication of standards, and (3) the enforcement of standards. My research indicates that TPC is based on technoscientific norms and values and Western ideas of rationality. Thus, implementing TPC in rural settings in the global South may pose additional difficulties, resulting from cultural and structural differences. Consequently, TPC may not be able to be successfully implemented everywhere in the world, especially in the rural South, in its current form.
Adenyl cyclase of oxyntic cells its association with different cellular membranes

The adenyl cyclase of the oxyntic, or acid-secreting, cells of bullfrog gastric mucosa has been found to be a membrane-bound enzyme. A method has been developed to isolate the adenyl cyclase rich membrane fractions in a hypotonic medium containing dithiothreitol, which has been found to protect the hormonal resposivenes of the adenyl cyclase. Highest specific activity of adenyl cyclase was localized in a light membrane fraction which also had abundant K+-stimulated ATPase and K+-stimulated p-nitrophenyl phophatase and very low cytochrome c oxidase activty. The three gastric secretagogues tested, namely histamine, pentagastrin and methylcholine, significantly stimulated the adenyl cyclase activity of the light membrane fraction. After treatment with 10 mM Mg+ further subfractionation of the light membrane fraction on a sucrose density gradient yielded light membrane subfraction 1, light membrane subfraction 2 and light membrane subfraction 3 in order of increasing densities. The three subfractions had different enzymatic and chemical properties. Adenyl cyclase activity has been found to be distributed in all three subfractions. However, the hormonal responsiveness of the three fractions was quite different. Light membrane subfraction 2 could be stimulated by all three secretagogues, light membrane subfraction 1 by histamine and methylcholine, while light membrane subfraction 3 was refractory to all three secretagogues. On the basis of the cholesterol to phospholipid molar ratio, RNA content, glycoprotein content and the enzymatic data it is suggested that light membrane subfraction 1 and light membrane subfraction 2 are of general plasma-membrane type, while light membrane subfraction 3 is largely of cytoplasmic origin.
Observed-to-expected ratio for adherence to treatment guidelines as a quality of care indicator for ovarian cancer

Objective To develop an observed-to-expected ratio (O/E) for adherence to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) ovarian cancer treatment guidelines as a risk-adjusted hospital measure of quality care correlated with disease-specific survival.
'I Was the World in Which I Walked': The Transformation of the British Novel

In the Sculpture Garden of the Museum of Modern Art stands Rodin’s large 1897 statue, Monument to Balzac. The imposing figure of Balzac is 10 feet tall, and it rests on a 5 foot-high slab. At first, the observer may wonder what this seemingly realistic piece is doing in the citadel of modernism. But gradually he realizes that the work is a crystallizing image of modernism, for it depicts the artist as outcast and hero. Towering above onlookers, Balzac is wearing the expression of scornful magisterial dignity. With back stiffly yet regally arched past a 90° angle, Balzac looks into the distance and the future as if oblivious and indifferent to the opinions of the Lilliputians observing him from below. The large moustache, massive brows, flowing hair, and enormous ears and nose all emphasize the immense physical stature of the figure. As observers we crane our necks to see the features of this commanding figure whose gigantic head is disproportionate to his body. His features are boldly outlined but not precisely modelled. His huge head dominates the massive form; the body enwrapped in a cloak is a taut cylinder; the only visible feature is the feet, which are in motion as if they were going to walk off the slab. Indeed, one foot actually overhangs the slab as if it were about to depart. In the geometric shape of an isosceles triangle, the intimidating figure asserts the dependence of content upon form.
Characterization of WC1 co-receptors on functionally distinct subpopulations of ruminant γδ T cells

WC1 molecules are implicated in augmenting cellular activation as well as inducing cell cycle arrest of gammadelta T cells. Since WC1 is a large multigene family differences in outcome could result from modulation of different WC1 molecules. To further investigate this family of molecules, peripheral blood WC1(+) gammadelta T cell subpopulations were evaluated by 2-D Western blotting and RT-PCR. We found 13 cDNA intracytoplasmic tail sequences with differences in signaling motifs among them and at least 20 biochemically distinguishable WC1 spots associated with cell membranes, with some in lipid rafts. An understanding of the diversity of 2-D spots could not be resolved by evaluating T cell clones, removing sialyated carbohydrates or blotting with anti-WC1.1 or anti-WC1.2-specific antibodies. Nevertheless, while the major gammadelta T cell subpopulations in blood (WC1.1(+)/WC1.2(-) and WC1.2(+)/WC1.1(-)) both had complex 2-D patterns, virtually all spots associated with WC1.2(+)/WC1.1(-) cells bore the WC1.2 epitope, distinguishing them from the WC1.1(+) cells.
Mouse Skin Bioassay for Chemical Carcinogens

The mouse skin initiation/promotion bioassay is one of the proposed bioassays of the Carcinogenesis Testing Matrix for tier II (Bull and Pereira, 1980). A review of the literature indicated that 54...
On the simultaneous solution and optimization of large scale engineering systems

Abstract The application of recently developed process optimization strategies is motivated and reviewed from a Newton perspective. Over the past fifteen years Newton-type methods have been used to solve difficult simulation problems. Similar principles and advantages also extend to process optimization. Using the Newton framework we discuss recent improvements to nonlinear programming algorithms and the application to large-scale systems. The improvements in the optimization strategy also lead us to consider new and more difficult process problems. Recent results relating to three of these: • simultaneous optimization and heat integration • optimization of processes with differential equation models • sensitivity of optimal flowsheets will be reviewed. Finally future directions will be discussed that address the solution of larger and more difficult optimization problems.
Glucose utilization by enzymatically-formed trophoblastic vesicles and Day-14 porcine blastocysts.

Abstract The total glucose metabolism of 48-h spherical trophoblastic vesicles, Day-60 trophoblastic vesicles sections and Day-14 porcine blastocyst sections was measured by the method of O'Fallon and Wright (1). Trophoblastic vesicles were formed by enzyme dispersal in Day-14 porcine blastocysts. Glucose was based on DNA content of the tissue measured by diamino benzoic acid reaction with DNA (2). Slope of the lines (PMoles glucose utilized/4 h × DNA content) was different between Day-14 blastocyst sections and 48 h trophoblastic vesicles (P ≤ 0.062) and between Day-14 blastocyst sections and Day-60 trophoblastic vesicles sections (P ≥ 0.05). Slopes of the lines were identical between 48-h trophoblastic vesicles and Day-60 trophoblastic vesicles sections (P ≥ 0.87). Average glucose utilization on a per ng DNA basis was calculated. Day-14 blastocyst sections utilized 0.67 Pmoles glucose/4 h per ng DNA, Day-60 trophoblastic vesicles sections; 0.57; and 48-h sperical trophoblastic vesicles used 0.29. It is hypothesized that the change in glucose utilization between the Day-14 porcine blastocyst and enzymatically formed trophoblastic vesicles may be due to a decrease in metabolism as a consequence of in vitro culture. Further, it is theorized that Day-60 trophoblastic vesicles sections used higher quantities of glucose than 48-h sperical trophoblastic vesicles on a per ng DNA basis due to the increased availability of glucose to the cells of the inner layers, caused by the sectioning of the tissue. The results of this study identify changes in glucose metabolism of enzymatically formed porcine trophoblastic vesicles during culture. It is proposed that enzymatically-formed trophoblastic vesicles be used as a model system for the study of embyro metabolism.
Interpretation of image flow: Rigid curved surfaces in motion

A new method is described for interpreting image flow (or optical flow) in a small field of view produced by a rigidly moving curved surface. The equations relating the shape and motion of the surface to the image flow are formulated. These equations are solved to obtainexplicit analytic expressions for the motion, orientation, and curvatures of the surface in terms of the spatial derivatives (up to second order) of the image flow. We state and prove somenew theoretical results concerning the existence of multiple interpretations. Numerical examples are given for some interesting cases where multiple solutions exist. The solution method described here is simpler and more direct than previous methods. The method and the representation described here are part of a unified approach for the interpretation of image motion in a variety of cases (e.g., planar/curved surfaces, constant/accelerated motion, etc.). Thus the representation and the method of analysis adopted here have some advantages in comparison with previous approaches.
Suggested improvements for microscopic measurement of cells and starch granules in fresh potatoes

Methods are described for microscopic measurements of starch granules and starch-containing parenchyma cells of potatoes. Improvements include use of mold-counting slides for starch granules, and deep chamber slides for uniformly thick sections of fresh potato tissue intended for intact cell measurements. A calibrated eye-piece counting reticule is suggested for volumetrically estimating average cell size from sections cut at a critically established thickness using a sliding microtome and containing mostly intact cells. The values of these improvements are discussed with reference to applications in potato technology and potato breeding.
Fine-scale spatial variability of heat-related mortality in Philadelphia County, USA, from 1983-2008: a case-series analysis.

High temperature and humidity conditions are associated with short-term elevations in the mortality rate in many United States cities. Previous research has quantified this relationship in an aggregate manner over large metropolitan areas, but within these areas the response may differ based on local-scale variability in climate, population characteristics, and socio-economic factors. We compared the mortality response for 48 Zip Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs) comprising Philadelphia County, PA to determine if certain areas are associated with elevated risk during high heat stress conditions. A randomization test was used to identify mortality exceedances for various apparent temperature thresholds at both the city and local scale. We then sought to identify the environmental, demographic, and social factors associated with high-risk areas via principal components regression. Citywide mortality increases by 9.3% on days following those with apparent temperatures over 34°C observed at 7:00 p.m. local time. During these conditions, elevated mortality rates were found for 10 of the 48 ZCTAs concentrated in the west-central portion of the County. Factors related to high heat mortality risk included proximity to locally high surface temperatures, low socioeconomic status, high density residential zoning, and age. Within the larger Philadelphia metropolitan area, there exists statistically significant fine-scale spatial variability in the mortality response to high apparent temperatures. Future heat warning systems and mitigation and intervention measures could target these high risk areas to reduce the burden of extreme weather on summertime morbidity and mortality.
Memory-efficient groupby-aggregate using compressed buffer trees

The rapid growth of fast analytics systems, that require data processing in memory, makes memory capacity an increasingly-precious resource. This paper introduces a new compressed data structure called a Compressed Buffer Tree (CBT). Using a combination of techniques including buffering, compression, and serialization, CBTs improve the memory efficiency and performance of the GroupBy-Aggregate abstraction that forms the basis of not only batch-processing models like MapReduce, but recent fast analytics systems too. For streaming workloads, aggregation using the CBT uses 21--42% less memory than using Google SparseHash with up to 16% better throughput. The CBT is also compared to batch-mode aggregators in MapReduce runtimes such as Phoenix++ and Metis and consumes 4x and 5x less memory with 1.5--2x and 3--4x more performance respectively.
Mugged by reality: the American experience in Iraq

The Occupation of Iraq: Winning the War, Losing the Peace, by Ali A Allawi, Yale, 2007, 518 pp., $28.00 (hardcover) ISBN 978-0-300-11015-9 My Year in Iraq: The Struggle to Build a Future of Hope, b...
Low-Grade Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is an often painful condition affecting millions of people in North America with some ethnic variability. It is characterized by the displacement, usually anterior, of on vertebral body upon another. There are familial predispositions to having the lesion, and a family history of spondylolisthesis may raise one's clinical suspicion. Although the diagnosis is easily made on radiographic evaluation, the pathoetiology and appropriate treatment modality are not always as clear. In the absence of severe neurological symptoms or an unsafe component of instability, a trial of conservative management is reasonable and prudent. Nevertheless, surgical management is more efficacious for enduring symptomatic relief and restoration of physical function. Whereas assessment of postoperative radiographic results lends insight to surgical technique, the true barometer of treatment success is improvement in patient quality of life.
Patient Perceptions of Electronic Medical Records

Background: Physicians are adopting electronic medical records in much greater numbers today and are escalating the rate of adoption. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides incentives for physicians to adopt this technology. Objectives: Determine whether patient satisfaction is affected by computer use in the exam room and whether patients who have experienced computers in the exam room perceive differences in the utility of electronic medical records. Results: Physicians received higher overall satisfaction scores when a computer was used to retrieve patient information. Physicians received similar satisfaction scores when a computer was used to enter patient information. Patients who have experienced electronic medical records perceive benefits such as increased portability of the record but do not believe that physicians who use electronic medical records produce better health outcomes. Patients who have experienced electronic medical records do not desire more control over their record than those who have traditional medical records.
Development of discriminant functions to detect dissimulation for the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (3rd edition)

This study investigated the ability of the MCMI-III to discriminate student dissimulators from psychiatric inpatients by re-analyzing data previously obtained by the authors. The sample consisted of 181 psychiatric inpatients and 218 college undergraduates. Students were randomized to either a fake-bad (FB) or standard instruction (SI) condition. Discriminant analyses were used to determine whether combining Scales X, Y, and Z with the clinical scales could improve the ability of the MCMI-III to identify dissimulators beyond using single scale cutoff scores. Two functions were developed. Function A yielded a positive predictive power (PPP) of 72%, a negative predictive power (NPP) of 75%, and an overall hit rate (HR) of 76%. Function B provided a PPP of 71%, a NPP of 80%, and a HR of 77%. The algorithms improved the ability of the MCMI-III correctly to identify dissimulators over any single scale cutoff score. The benefits and limitations of the discriminant functions are discussed.
Hydrocarbon and fatty acid distribution in the halophyte, Salicornia bigelovii

The paraffin hydrocarbons and total fatty acids extracted from Salicornia bigelovii, collected from two distinct ecological areas of the Texas Gulf Coast, were analyzed by TLC and GLC. Although qualitatively these lipid components were not unlike those reported for non-halophites, there were significant differences between plants collected from the Texas City Dike area and those from Mud Island. Thus, shoot tissue of the Mud Island plants contained pentacosane (C25) as the predominant hydrocarbon with a 3-fold difference in concentration over that of the Texas City Dike are plants. In addition, branched or unsaturated structural isomers of the n-alkanes were found only in the shoot tissue of the samples collected from Mud Island. Significant differences in the relative distribution of fatty acid constituents were noted in the shoots and roots from the two ecological areas. Shoot tissues from Mud Island contained saturated long-chain fatty acids (C20, C22) in high concentration whereas the shoot tissues from Texas City Dike plants contained the unsaturated C18 acids in high concentration. Root tissue fatty acids of both samples are more similar because of the high degree of saturation; there were however, concentration differences.
A note on syntactic categories and coordination in GPSG

The requirement of syntactic-category identity that (1) imposes on coordinate structures reflects a traditional, and presumably noncontroversial, view of coordination as involving elements 'ofthe same rank'. Less traditional and more controversial, however, is the way that Gazdar identifies syntactic categories and it is on this mode of category identification that his CSC-ATBE results depend. Consider in this connection examples (2a) and (2b), illustrating the CSC and the ATBE respectively:
Thematic accuracy of the NLCD 2001 land cover for the conterminous United States

The land-cover thematic accuracy of NLCD 2001 was assessed from a probability-sample of 15,000 pixels. Nationwide, NLCD 2001 overall Anderson Level II and Level I accuracies were 78.7% and 85.3%, respectively. By comparison, overall accuracies at Level II and Level I for the NLCD 1992 were 58% and 80%. Forest and cropland were two classes showing substantial improvements in accuracy in NLCD 2001 relative to NLCD 1992. NLCD 2001 forest and cropland user's accuracies were 87% and 82%, respectively, compared to 80% and 43% for NLCD 1992. Accuracy results are reported for 10 geographic regions of the United States, with regional overall accuracies ranging from 68% to 86% for Level II and from 79% to 91% at Level I. Geographic variation in class-specific accuracy was strongly associated with the phenomenon that regionally more abundant land-cover classes had higher accuracy. Accuracy estimates based on several definitions of agreement are reported to provide an indication of the potential impact of reference data error on accuracy. Drawing on our experience from two NLCD national accuracy assessments, we discuss the use of designs incorporating auxiliary data to more seamlessly quantify reference data quality as a means to further advance thematic map accuracy assessment.
The Language of Learning: The Academic Engagement of Newcomer Immigrant Youth

The current study uses an accelerated longitudinal design to examine the role of three dimensions of academic engagement (behavioral, relational, and cognitive) in explaining the influence of English language proficiency on newcomer immigrant youths' academic performance across adolescence. The sample included 354 youth from Central America, China, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Mexico. As established with other populations, the behavioral, relational, and cognitive dimensions of academic engagement were closely associated to one another and significantly contributed to academic performance. Mediation analyses revealed that immigrant youth with limited English language proficiency were more likely to experience low levels of relational and behavioral engagement, which contributed to lower levels of academic performance over time.
Determining the Right Size of a Rental Vehicle Fleet: Case Study

The Virginia Department of Transportation's Division of Fleet Management (DFM) maintains a fleet of vehicles for short-term rental to state employees traveling on official state business. This fleet, known as the trip pool, is a subset of the state-owned centralized fleet. Until May 1996, vehicles in the trip pool were not assigned in the most efficient manner, thereby limiting their maximum potential use. In May 1996, a vehicle-rental contract with a private-sector company allowed DFM to change its vehicle-assignment practices to use the vehicles in the trip pool more effectively. The private-sector vehicle-rental contract enabled DFM to reduce the size of the trip pool because excess demand could be met with private-sector vehicles. Data collected from an unpublished 1995-1996 study of DFM, together with updated data, were incorporated into a revised inventory model. The results show that the vehicle-rental contract with a private-sector company resulted in an approximate quantifiable savings of $20,000...
Apollo 17 KREEPy basalt: A rock type intermediate between mare and KREEP basalts

The Apollo 17 KREEPy basalt is a unique lunar volcanic rock, observed only as clasts in the light friable breccia matrix (72275) of Boulder 1, Station 2 at Taurus-Littrow. Its status as a volcanic rock is confirmed by the absence of any meteoritic contamination, a lack of cognate inclusions or xenocrystal material, and low Ni contents in metal grains. The basalt was extruded 4.01 + or - 0.04 b.y. ago, approximately contemporaneously with the high-alumina mare basalts at Fra Mauro; shortly afterwards it was disrupted, probably by the Serenitatis impact, and its fragments emplaced in the South Massif. The basalt, which is quartz-normative and aluminous, is chemically and mineralogically intermediate between the Apollo 15 KREEP basalts and the high-alumina mare basalts in most respects. It consists mainly of plagioclase and pigeonitic pyroxene in approximately equal amounts, and 10-30% of mesostatis.
KINETICS OF PHOTODEGRADATION OF THIFENSULFURON-METHYL IN AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS

An investigation was conducted to measure the rates of photodegradation of thifensulfuron-methyl in Millipore and Saskatchewan natural waters (Difenbaker Lake, Candle Lake, Saskatchewan River) using 254 nm irradiation. The primary degradation was found to follow pseudo-first-order kinetics. The rate constants determined for Difenbaker Lake, Candle Lake, Saskatchewan River and Millipore water were 9.94, 8.68, 9.00 and 8.55×10−5 (s−1), respectively. There was no significant difference in the photodegradation rates for both natural and Millipore waters. The quantum yields in these waters were 0.0135, 0.0167, 0.0215 and 0.0148, respectively. The photodegradation rate constant was enhanced relative to neutral waters (pH=7; 0.366×10−4 (s−1)) for strongly acidic (pH=2.7) or alkaline environments (pH=11.3) with rate constants of 1.65 and 1.69×10−4 (s−1) respectively. Degradation was also enhanced when either Fe3+ or H2O2 were added to the system, with rate constants of 1.24 (Fe3+) and 1.12×10−4 (s−1) (H2O2). In v...
Use of intelligent controller nodes to augment human role-players in synthetic battlespace exercises

Distributed exercises, which combine live, virtual, and constructive entities, are increasingly used for training, readiness exercises, and CONOPS analysis. These exercises require the support of human controllers who monitor and control simulated entities to maintain realism of the exercise. The high cost in time, money, and personnel for supporting large exercises makes it important to reduce the number of role players required. In addition, the large volume of information flowing from the synthetic battlespace and the narrow window for response dictate a need for mechanisms to assist the human role players who control the simulated entities. The role player intelligent controller node (RPICN) uses intelligent agents to monitor and interact with the simulation environment. The agents can recognize significant events, make recommendations, and perform routine actions for the role player. By increasing situational awareness and automating routine tasks, the RPICN improves the efficiency of the human controllers.
Measurement of Regional Rates of Cerebral Protein Synthesis with L-[1-11C]Leucine and PET with Correction for Recycling of tissue amino acids: I. Kinetic Modeling Approach

Measurements of regional rates of cerebral protein synthesis (rCPS) require correction for the effect of recycling of tissue amino acids back into the precursor pool for protein synthesis. The fraction of the precursor pool derived from arterial plasma, lambda, can be evaluated as the steady-state ratio of the specific activity of leucine in the tissue tRNA-bound fraction to that in arterial plasma. While lambda can be directly measured in terminal experiments in animals, an alternative method is required for use with PET. We report a method to estimate lambda based on a kinetic model of labeled and unlabeled leucine and labeled CO2 in the tissue. The kinetic model is also used to estimate the amount of labeled protein and rCPS. We measured time courses of [14C]leucine, [14C]protein, and 14CO2 in the blood and brain of anesthetized rats and estimated parameters of the kinetic model from these data. Simulation studies based on the kinetic parameters were then performed to examine the feasibility of this approach for use with L-[1-11C]leucine and PET. Lambda and rCPS were estimated with low bias, which suggests that PET can be used for quantitative measurement of rCPS with L-[1-11C]leucine and a kinetic modeling approach for correction for recycling of tissue amino acids.