cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Geography and genography: prediction of continental origin using randomly selected single nucleotide polymorphisms.

Recent studies have shown that when individuals are grouped on the basis of genetic similarity, group membership corresponds closely to continental origin. There has been considerable debate about the implications of these findings in the context of larger debates about race and the extent of genetic variation between groups. Some have argued that clustering according to continental origin demonstrates the existence of significant genetic differences between groups and that these differences may have important implications for differences in health and disease. Others argue that clustering according to continental origin requires the use of large amounts of genetic data or specifically chosen markers and is indicative only of very subtle genetic differences that are unlikely to have biomedical significance. We used small numbers of randomly selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the International HapMap Project to train naive Bayes classifiers for prediction of ancestral continent of origin. Predictive accuracy was tested on two independent data sets. Genetically similar groups should be difficult to distinguish, especially if only a small number of genetic markers are used. The genetic differences between continentally defined groups are sufficiently large that one can accurately predict ancestral continent of origin using only a minute, randomly selected fraction of the genetic variation present in the human genome. Genotype data from only 50 random SNPs was sufficient to predict ancestral continent of origin in our primary test data set with an average accuracy of 95%. Genetic variations informative about ancestry were common and widely distributed throughout the genome. Accurate characterization of ancestry is possible using small numbers of randomly selected SNPs. The results presented here show how investigators conducting genetic association studies can use small numbers of arbitrarily chosen SNPs to identify stratification in study subjects and avoid false positive genotype-phenotype associations. Our findings also demonstrate the extent of variation between continentally defined groups and argue strongly against the contention that genetic differences between groups are too small to have biomedical significance.
SU-E-T-659: Maximizing the Therapeutic Effect of a Fractionated Treatment with Delivery of Inhomogeneous Daily Dose Distributions

Purpose: To evaluate potential gain in therapeutic effect from delivery of daily inhomogeneous fractional dose distributions in proton therapy, using pencil beam scanning. Methods: For a sample case of prostate cancer, we consider a standard course of 39 fractions of 2 Gy (78 Gy total), and a hypofractionated course of 20 fractions of 3 Gy (assuming alpha/beta=1.5, the equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions (ED2Gy) is 77.1 Gy). Two sets of dose distributions were planned: (1) the standard approach, with a uniform dose (100% of prescription) delivered in every fraction to the entire target; (2) delivery of inhomogeneous fractional dose (IFD) distributions, which varied within the target volume between 65% and 135% of the nominal prescription. For IFD, the daily distributions were optimized in such a way that the two hemispheres of the prostate (split sagittally through the urethra) received, in alternating fractions, either 65% or 135% of the nominal fractional dose (e.g., 1.3 and 2.7 Gy), while the urethra received approximately 100% (e.g., 2 Gy) daily. The equivalent uniform dose (EUD), and ED2Gy were compared for different plans. Results: In the IFD course, the whole prostate received a nearly uniform dose over every 2 fractions, however ED2Gy was higher than with standard uniform dose: 81.9 Gy (5% increase) for the conventional, and 82.6 Gy (7% increase) for the hypofractionated course. Rectal and bladder EUD increased by <5%, while urethral EUD was unchanged. Conclusions: In treatment of prostate and other sites, improved therapeutic outcome can be expected with delivery of inhomogeneous daily dose distributions, while administering the prescribed uniform dose to target over the entire course of treatment. The extent of expected gain is dependent on model parameters (alpha/beta, EUD‐a, etc.), and dose distributions may potentially be designed to maximize the gain specifically for a certain assumed range of parameters. No disclosures or conflict of interest. Supported by the Federal Share of program income earned on C06‐CA059267, Proton Therapy Research and Treatment Center.
The role of moisture on combustion of pyrolysis gases in wildland fires

The role of water vapor, originated from the moisture content in vegetation, on the combustion process was investigated via simulating an opposed diffusion flame and a laminar premixed flame with pyrolysis gases as the fuel and air as the oxidizer. The fuel was mixed with water vapor, and the simulation was repeated for various water mole fractions. In both of the diffusion and premixed flames, the smaller the water mole fraction, the higher the maximum temperature. No reactions occurred when the water mole fraction was 0.65 or larger in the diffusion flame, and 0.70 or larger in the premixed flame. The maximum energy release rate and the flame speed decreased with the increase of the water mole fraction in the premixed flame. In both flames, O2 and H were the components that showed dramatic changes with the change of the water mole fraction.
On being social: A reply to Olafson

Frederick Olafson criticizes Hubert Dreyfus's interpretation of Being and Time on a number of points, including the meaning of being, the nature of intentionality, and especially the role of das Man in Heidegger's account of social existence. But on the whole Olafson's critique is unconvincing because it rests on an implausible account of presence and perceptual intuition in Heidegger's early philosophy, and because Olafson maintains an over‐individuated notion of Dasein and consequently a one‐sided conception of the role of das Man. Unfortunately, since Dreyfus confines his commentary exclusively to Division I, he in effect forgoes any attempt to explain how das Man might be understood as playing the simultaneously constitutive and destructive role Heidegger seems to have envisioned for it. I conclude by arguing that the conformity and the conformism represented by das Man are bound together by Heidegger's notion of standoffishness (Abstandigkeit).
Syndecans, signaling, and cell adhesion

Syndecans are transmembrane proteoglycans which can participate in diverse cell surface interactions, involving extracellular matrix macromolecules, growth factors, protease inhibitors, and even viral entry. Currently, all extracellular interactions are believed to be mediated by distinct structures within the heparan sulfate chains, leaving the roles of chondroitin sulfate chains and extracellular portion of the core proteins to be elucidated. Evidence that syndecans are a class of receptor involved in cell adhesion is mounting, and their small cytoplasmic domains may link with the microfilament cytoskeleton, thereby mediating signaling events. The molecular details are unknown, but the conservation of regions of syndecan cytoplasmic domains, and a strong tendency for homotypic association, support the idea that the ligand-induced clustering may be a discrete source of specific transmembrane signaling from matrix to cytoskeleton, as proposed for other classes of adhesion receptors.
Comparative gene expression in hematopoietic progenitor cells derived from embryonic stem cells

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to characterize at the molecular level the hematopoietic progenitor cells derived from rhesus monkey embryonic stem (ES) cell differentiation. Materials and Methods We purified CD34 + and CD34 + CD38 − cells from rhesus monkey ES cell cultures and examined the expression of a variety of genes associated with hematopoietic development, by semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. For comparison, we examined cell preparations from fresh or cultured rhesus monkey bone marrow (BM) and from mouse ES cells and BM. Results We observed a high degree of similarity in the expression patterns of these genes, with only a few exceptions. Most notably, the message of the flt 3 gene was undetectable in rhesus monkey ES cell-derived CD34 + and CD34 + CD38 − cells, whereas substantial flt 3 expression was observed in the corresponding cells from fresh BM and in CD34 + cells from cultured BM. The integrin αL and interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor genes also were expressed in CD34 + CD38 − cells from BM, but there was little or no expression of these genes in CD34 + CD38 − cells derived from ES cells. Parallel analyses, using CD34 + Lin − cells derived from murine ES cell cultures, showed no apparent expression of flt 3, integrin αL, or IL-6 receptor, whereas corresponding cell preparations isolated from mouse BM expressed high levels of all of these genes. Conclusions ES cell-derived hematopoietic progenitors, both from the rhesus monkey and from the mouse, exhibited the same alterations in gene expression compared with BM-derived cells from these animals. These observations could reflect the presence of different subpopulations in the cell fractions that were compared, or they may represent altered biologic properties of ES cell-derived hematopoietic stem cells.
Rotational levels of deformed doubly even nuclei

Abstract A model of deformed doubly even nuclei is described in which the nucleus is assumed to be made up of a rotating core and an even number of valence nucleons. The intrinsic motion of the valence nucleons is assumed to be strongly coupled to the nuclear rotation so that the total Hamiltonian of the system may be obtained as consisting of three parts: the rotational Hamiltonian, the intrinsic Hamiltonian and the rotational-particle interaction. Since the rotational-particle interaction gives rise to coupling between rotational bands, the eigenfunctions of the total Hamiltonian are taken to be superpositions of the usual adiabatic wave functions. The intrinsic energies are calculated by using a deformed Hamiltonian with pairing interaction and by setting up a two-quasiparticle basis for the intrinsic states. The rotational energies are obtained by setting up the total energy matrix with the help of a few collective parameters and by diagonalizing it in a truncated space of the basis states. The results of the calculations including the high-spin members of the ground state rotational band indicate that the experimental levels are well reproduced. Generalized decoupling parameters are extracted and compared with model calculations.
Na++ K+ATPase in Serially Excised Segments of Epileptic Monkey Cortex

Summary: The membrane-bound enzyme Na++ K+ATPase was measured in serially excised specimens of cerebral cortex in epileptic and control monkeys. Experimental chronic epileptic cortex showed significantly lower values than controls, as is seen in some other models and human epilepsy, but is different from the increased enzyme values in cobalt and freezing lesion epilepsy. RESUME L'activite de la Na+K+ATPase membranaire a ete determinee sur des coupes seriees de cortex cerebral de singes normaux ou epileptiques. Dans l'epilepsie chronique experimentale, cette activite enzymatique du cortex est plus basse que chez l'animal normal, comme cela a ete decrit dans divers modeles ex-perimentaux ou dans l'epilepsie humaine; elle se differencie done de l'augmentation d'activite decrite dans les lesions epileptiques provoquees par le cobalt ou la refrigeration. RESUMEN Se midio la enzima unida a membrana Na++ K+ATPasa en muestras cortadas y seriadas de corteza cerebral en monos epilepticos y controles. La corteza cronicamente epileptica de modo experimental mostro valores significativamente mas bajos que los controles, al igual que se observa en algunos otros modelos y en la epilepsia humana. Sin embargo, esos valores son diferentes de los valores enzimaticos elevados que se ven en lesiones epilepticas producidas por cobalto y congelacion. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Die membrangebundenen Enzyme Natrium++ K+ ATPase wurden in seriell excidierten Proben des cerebralen Cortex von epileptischen und Kontrollaffen gemessen. Der experimentele chronische epileptische Cortex zeigte signifikant niederige Werte als die Kontrollen, wie es in einigen anderen Modellen und bei der menschlichen Epilepsie ebenso gefunden wurde; er unterscheidet sich aber von den erhohten Enzymwerten bei der Kobalt- und Kalte-induzierten Epilepsie.
Performance and Area Optimization of a Bundled-Data Intel Processor through Resynthesis

We describe a method in which resynthesis is applied to the bundled-data implementation of a production-level Intel architecture CPU (Quark) to improve performance and area. A two-step quadratic program is presented for optimally adjusting the new flop-to-flop path constraints for resynthesis. Our experimental results show an average improvement of 25% in performance at the same area cost.
The clinical psychologist in the pediatric office

The incorporation of a clinical psychologist in a private practice of pediatrics is described. Several advantages were found in establishing this two-year arrangement: The familiarity of the office helped the patients to reduce anxiety associated with seeking psychological help, and the ease of communication between the psychologist and the pediatrician aided in obtaining histories and carrying out recommendations.
α-Zirconium phosphate nanoplatelets as lubricant additives

Abstract Two dimensional (2D) nanostructured α-zirconium phosphate (ZrP) was studied for its effects on lubrication. Tribological characterization revealed that these nanoplatelets were effective as lubricant additives in both non-aqueous and aqueous media. Friction was reduced as much as by 65% and 91%, respectively in mineral oil and water when they were added. Two mechanisms of friction were proposed: viscosity modification and intermolecular interaction. This research has uncovered a novel approach for minimizing energy loss by friction reduction and should benefit many sectors such as manufacturing and consumer automobiles. Additionally, a clear understanding of properties-performance relationship of 2D nanoparticles would enable innovative design of novel materials for a variety of end uses.
Inheritance of Male-Sterile Mutant ms13 in American Pima Cotton

A male-sterile American Pima cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) plant was found in the field in 1976. Genetic male steriles in cotton are useful as markers and in controlled crossing by providing male-sterile stocks as female parents. In this study our objectives were to determine the inheritance of the genes conditioning the Pima male-sterile trait and to detect possible linkage between Pima male-sterile and other mutant genes in cotton. Crosses made between Pima male-sterile and normally male-fertile ‘Pima S-5’ plants produced male-sterile and raaleferitle F₁ plants in a 1:1 ratio. BC₁ progenies from sterile F₁ plants crossed with Pima S-5 fit a ratio of 1 sterile : 1 fertile. Fertile F₁ plants crossed with Pima S-5 produced only fertile progeny. These data show that the male-sterile trait is conditioned by one dominant gene. We propose the name Male-sterile- 12 and the gene symbol Ms₁₂ for this trait. Linkage tests between Ms₁₂ and 23 Gossypium mutant genes were negative. Relationships between Ms₁₂ and other genetic male steriles in cotton are discussed.
Introducing Wpt (Waypoint): A color equivalency representation for defining a material adjustment transform

The basis of this research is the manipulation of sensor excitation values to account for differences in observer or illuminant when spectral data are unknown. This touches on several related topics: color constancy, chromatic adaptation, and white balancing. The central premise is that these concepts make use of some form of intermediate color equivalency representation or waypoint system that makes comparison and color transformations possible. Differences between these concepts are related to the kind of color equivalency representation system used and how transformations are made into and out of it. A new sensor excitation normalization method was derived that has been optimized to predict changes in material color as Wpt (pronounced Waypoint) coordinates, which can be used to form a material adjustment transform. The prediction of such changes is also known as least dissimilar color matching. This is contrasted with a chromatic adaptation transform, which is optimized to predict corresponding color changes. As such a distinction is made between adaptation (which is based on corresponding color) and adjustment (which is based on other criteria). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2014
Development of the individual leads to more productive workplaces

A holistic approach to the development of individuals in the context of a learning organization produces well-informed, knowledgeable, critical-thinking adults who make decisions that cause an organization to prosper.
Soaking it all up

More and more nanoporous materials are being created with properties very different to those of the bulk materials. A new book describes how to characterize these materials.
An initial experience with 85 consecutive robotic assisted rectal dissections: Improved operating times and lower costs with experience

Background Data are limited about the robotic platform in rectal dissections, and its use may be perceived as prohibitively expensive or difficult to learn. We report our experience with the initial robotic-assisted rectal dissections performed by a single surgeon, assessing learning curve and cost.
Etiology of the Austin Flint Murmur

Abstract Objectives. The aim of the study was to determine the mechanism of the Austin Flint murmur. Background. More than 100 years after the initial description of the Austin Flint murmur, the etiology of the murmur remains unclear. Methods. M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiography, conventional and color flow Doppler study, and cine nuclear magnetic resonance (cine NMR) imaging were performed in 24 patients with clinically moderate or severe aortic regurgitation. Mitral valve area was determined by planimetry and pressure half-time measurement. Overlap of the aortic regurgitation and mitral inflow jets was graded 0 (no overlap) to 4 (marked overlap) by Doppler study and cine NMR imaging. The volume of signal loss resulting from turbulent blood flow secondary to the aortic regurgitation jet was determined on cine NMR images, and the extent of contact with the left ventricular endocardium was graded 0 (no contact) to 4 (extensive contact). Results. The presence of an Austin Flint murmur did not correlate with mitral valve area (2.7 ± 0.8 cm2with the murmur vs. 2.5 ± 0.7 cm2without), overlap of the aortic regurgitation and mitral inflow jets (3 ± 1 vs. 2.3 ± 1.2), diastolic mitral regurgitation (50% vs. 71%) or fluttering of the anterior mitral valve leaflet (70% vs. 50%). The presence of an Austin Flint murmur correlated best with the volume of signal loss associated with the aortic regurgitation jet on cine NMR imaging (65 ± 16 ml with the murmur, vs. 38 ± 11 ml without, p Conclusions. The Austin Flint murmur is caused by the aortic regurgitation jet abutting the left ventricular endocardium, resulting in the generation of a low-pitched diastolic rumbling.
Examining the correlates and spatial distribution of organizational data breaches in the United States

While copious amounts of information exist on the loss of personal data by various entities (government offices, colleges and universities, health-care facilities, private sector organizations and so on), very little scholarly analysis has been performed to aid our understanding of our vulnerabilities. This research utilizes a 6-year sample compiled from the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse who maintain a record of all published data breaches in the United States to examine the correlates of data loss as well as how lost records are spatially distributed across the country. Advanced spatial analysis techniques were employed to achieve this goal. A thorough discussion of our current vulnerabilities is proffered given this rich data source followed by an exploration of preliminary policy implications.
Inhibition of distal lung morphogenesis in Nkx2.1(-/-) embryos.

In vitro and in vivo results are consistent with a critical role for NKX2.1, an epithelial homeodomain transcription factor in lung morphogenesis. Nkx2.1 null mutant embryos die at birth due to respiratory insufficiency caused by profoundly abnormal lungs. However, the precise role of NKX2.1 in the multistep process of lung structural morphogenesis and differentiation of various pulmonary cell types remains unknown. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that the mutant lungs do not undergo branching morphogenesis beyond the formation of the mainstem bronchi and therefore consist solely of dilated tracheobronchial structures. To test this hypothesis, we determined the spatial and temporal expression pattern of a number of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and their cellular receptors, including α-integrins, laminin, and collagen type IV. Although laminin is expressed in the mutant Nkx2.1(−/−) lungs, expression of α-integrins and collagen type IV is significantly reduced or absent. In addition, examination of regionally specific expression of differentially spliced Vegf (vascular endothelial growth factor) transcripts, clearly indicates that the epithelial phenotype of the Nkx2.1(−/−) lungs is similar to the tracheo-bronchial epithelium. In contrast to wild-type lungs in which both Vegf1 and Vegf3 are developmentally expressed, Nkx2.1(−/−) lungs are characterized by predominant expression of Vegf1 and reduced or absent Vegf3. A similar pattern of Vegf expression is also observed in isolated tracheo-bronchial tissue. The sum of these findings suggest that at least two separate pathways may exist in embryonic lung morphogenesis: proximal lung morphogenesis is Nkx2.1 independent, while distal lung morphogenesis appears to be strictly dependent on the wild-type activity of Nkx2.1. Dev Dyn;217:180–190. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The role of an intensive care unit in a cancer center. An analysis of 1035 critically ill patients treated for life-threatening complications editorial

Life-threatening complications of cancer therapy often involve multiple organ systems and offer a therapeutic challenge which can be met with efficiency and success by concentrating personnel and equipment in a facility devoted to these problems. Three years ago, an Intensive Care Unit was created at Memorial Cancer Center to offer such patients the benefit of highly skilled nursing, advanced monitoring and supportive techniques, and full-time attendance by physicians and surgeons with a particular interest in Critical Care Medicine. Since then, 1035 patients have been admitted to the eight-bed unit with a mortality rate of 22.3%, which compares favorably with those reported from other institutions. Analysis of this experience has revealed that an average of 16% of those who survived their acute problems after considerable effort and expense, subsequently died of their underlying disease within 2 months. This experience has suggested the need for prognostic criteria to facilitate recognition of those patients for whom intensive supportive measures offer a reasonable chance of worthwhile palliation.
Topographic mediation of growth in high elevation foxtail pine (Pinus balfouriana Grev. et Balf.) forests in the Sierra Nevada, USA

Aim Climate variability is an important mediating agent of ecosystem dynamics in cold, semi-arid regions such as the mountains of western North America. Climatically sensitive tree-ring chronologies offer a means of assessing the impact of climate variability on tree growth across temporal scales of years to centuries and spatial scales of metres to subcontinents. Our goal was to bring practices from landscape ecology that highlight the impact of landscape heterogeneity on ecological pattern and processes into a dendroclimatic study that shows that the biophysical setting of target trees affects ring-width patterns. Location This study was conducted at two sites near alpine treeline in the Sequoia National Park, USA (36 ° 30 ′ 00 ′ N, 118 ° 30 ′ 00 ′ W). Methods We collected stand information and increment cores from foxtail pines ( Pinus balfouriana Grev. et Balf.) for eight tree-ring chronologies in four extreme biophysical settings at two sites using proxies for soil moisture and radiation derived from a digital elevation model. Results Biophysical setting affected forest age‐class structure, with wet and bright plots showing high recruitment after 1900  , but had no obvious effect on immature stem density (e.g. seedlings). Biophysical setting strongly affected ring-width patterns, with wet plots having higher correlation with instrumental temperature records while dry plots correlated better with instrumental precipitation records. Ring-width chronologies from the wet plots showed strong low-frequency variability (i.e. hundreds of years) while ring-width chronologies from the dry plots showed strong variability on multidecadal scales. Main conclusions There was a strong association between biophysical setting and age-class structure, and with ring-width patterns in foxtail pine. The mediation of ring widths by biophysical setting has the potential to further the understanding of the expression of synoptic-scale climate across rugged terrain. When combined with remotely sensed imagery, a priori GIS modelling of tree growth offers a viable means to devise first-order predictions of climatic impacts in subalpine forest dynamics and to develop flexible and powerful monitoring schemes.
Corrigendum to “The impact of extreme weather events on Salmonella internalization in lettuce and green onion” [Food Res. Int. 42 (2012) 1118–1122]

Corrigendum to “The impact of extreme weather events on Salmonella internalization in lettuce and green onion” [Food Res. Int. 42 (2012) 1118–1122] Chongtao Ge, Cheonghoon Lee, Jiyoung Lee⁎ a Department of Food Science & Technology, The Ohio State University, 375 Howlett Hall, 2001 Fyffe Ct. Columbus, OH 43210, USA b College of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, The Ohio State University, 375 Howlett Hall, 2001 Fyffe Ct. Columbus, OH 43210, USA
Planar Hamiltonian chordal graphs are cycle extendable

A cycle C in a graph G is extendable if there exists a cycle C' in G such that V(C) ⊆ V(C') and |V(C')| = |V(C)| + 1. A graph G is cycle extendable if G contains at least one cycle and every non-Hamiltonian cycle in G is extendable. Hendry (Discrete Math. 85 (1990) 59) asked if every Hamiltonian chordal graph is cycle extendable. We prove that every planar Hamiltonian chordal graph is cycle extendable.
Association of transient tachypnea of the newborn and childhood asthma

Objective: To determine if transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is independently associated with childhood asthma. Methods: The sampling frame was a computerized database on 18,379 term infants born between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 2000 in an urban tertiary care hospital. This was a case-control study nested in a cohort of all term newborns who were subsequently diagnosed with asthma (n = 2137) and a similar number of birthday-matched controls. The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code was used to identify the infants with TTN and those who developed asthma. Logistic regression was used to adjust for potentially confounding variables. Stratified multivariate analysis was undertaken on subgroups to assess possible effect modification by factors known to influence the incidence of asthma: race, gender, domicile, and maternal asthma. Results: After adjustment for potential confounding, TTN was significantly associated with the diagnosis of childhood asthma (adjusted OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.13–1.99; P = 0.0052). The association of TTN and asthma was statistically strongest among male infants, especially among males whose mothers lived at an urban address, males of non-white race, and males whose mothers did not have asthma. The pattern of association of TTN and asthma was similar for infants diagnosed with asthma once compared with those diagnosed with asthma recurrently. Conclusion: TTN was independently and significantly associated with the subsequent diagnosis of childhood asthma, especially among male infants. TTN may be a marker of deficient pulmonary function reflecting inherited susceptibility to asthma. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2006, 41:978–984. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Subcellular immunolocalization of protein kinase CK2 in normal and carcinoma cells.

Abstract CK2 is a messenger-independent protein serine/threonine kinase that has been implicated in cell growth and proliferation. Our recent analysis of squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (SCCHN) revealed a significant elevation in CK2 activity in these tumor cells relative to normal mucosa of the upper aerodigestive tract and suggested a correlation with aggressive tumor behavior and poor clinical outcome. In order to further define the distribution of CK2 in these tissues, we have examined the immunohistochemical staining pattern of surgical specimens of both SCCHN tumors and normal upper aerodigestive tract mucosa using a monoclonal antibody directed against the catalytic subunit CK2-α of the kinase, and have compared these data with the subcellular distribution of CK2 activity in these same tissues. These measurements showed that CK2 is predominantly localized to the nuclei of the tumor cells, which agreed closely with the immunohistochemical staining pattern of CK2-α in tumor cells. The chiefly nuclear distribution of CK2-α immunostaining found consistently in SCCHN tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes contrasted with a relatively more predominant cytosolic staining pattern exhibited by various cellular constituents of normal oropharyngeal mucosa. The immunostaining pattern of CK2-α revealed that staining was observed in the cells stained for the proliferation-marker Ki-67; however, strong distinct immunostaining for CK2-α was also observed in large numbers of other cells in these same tumors, suggesting that CK2 elevation in these tumors is not a reflection of proliferative activity alone, but may also relate to the pathobiological behavior of the tumor.
Paleoecology of Late Neogene Deposits at Belle Glade, Florida: ABSTRACT

About 30 ft. of gray shell marl is exposed along Florida Highway 80, 1 mi. south of Belle Glade and 3 mi. east of South Bay, Palm Beach County, Florida. The fauna from these deposits includes at least 115 species of Mollusca and 36 species of Foraminiferida. Twenty-six extinct molluscan species (20 pelecypods and 6 gastropods) were recovered; 4 fresh-water gastropods were recognized. The molluscan and foraminiferal faunas were identified and counted, and paleoecological data were compiled. The Foraminiferida are benthonic forms characteristic of nearshore marine environments. The association of genera compares with modern assemblages from the nearshore turbulent zone or coastal lagoon. The species of Mollusca identified range from freshwater forms (in rare occurrence) through shallow-water marginal-marine to normal-marine forms. However, approximately 40% of the molluscan fauna is composed of Chione cancellata (275 specimens), Anomia simplex (147 specimens), and Macrocallista maculata (110 specimens). The abundance of these shoal-water species suggests an environment with a water depth of less than 10 fm. in an open-sound or open-lagoon margin with a mud bottom. The age of the Belle Glade deposits is interpreted to be Plio-Pleistocene. End_of_Article - Last_Page 2326------------
Optimal positions for SB assignment and the specification of SB width variation

High NA illumination system and off-axis illumination (OAI) have been shown as two of the most practical resolution enhancement techniques (RET) available for micro-lithography. However, these two illumination approaches may reduce the DOF of iso-patterns. To overcome this problem, scattering bar (SB) assignment has been wildly used. In this paper, the discussions are focused on SB variables of iso-features. The most important variable of SB usage is where is the suitable assignment position. A simply efficient rule has been found to easily catch the optimal position of SB assignment. For OAI illumination, the optimal SB position is exactly the same with the defocus side-lobe position of iso-line. The effect of the secondary pair of SB is also discussed in this paper, and it is found that if the secondary SB pair was not at the optimal position, the process window would be reduced. Another major topic in this paper is the specification of SB width. Here we design a test pattern to target the specification of SB width. The experimental results might give us a clear specification of SB width.
AUTOMATED MEASUREMENT OF AGGREGATE INDICES OF SHAPE

ABSTRACT Aggregate angularity is a significant factor in determining pavement resistance to rutting. Determination of aggregate angularity by direct means allows a more meaningful study of the mechanisms of pavement deformation. However, direct techniques have not been developed sufficiently to allow a more advanced study of angularity effects on pavement. Utilizing modern digital imaging hardware and image analysis techniques, we report here the development of an automated system for measuring aggregate angularity. Combining high resolution video, image capture hardware, sample transport, and computerized analysis, an instrument was constructed and used to compare various aggregate samples. Differentiation of known good quality aggregate from poorer grades was possible. Shape indices were developed from basic linear measurements, and the Hough Transform technique. These indices appear to have value in quantifying aggregate shape, and in studying the mechanisms of pavement deformation, and possibly the pr...
Can efficiency be gained by correcting for misclassification

Abstract This paper considers 2×2 tables arising from case–control studies in which the binary exposure may be misclassified. We found circumstances under which the inverse matrix method provides a more efficient odds ratio estimator than the naive estimator. We provide some intuition for the findings, and also provide a formula for obtaining the minimum size of a validation study such that the variance of the odds ratio estimator from the inverse matrix method is smaller than that of the naive estimator, thereby ensuring an advantage for the misclassification corrected result. As a corollary of this result, we show that correcting for misclassification does not necessarily lead to a widening of the confidence intervals, but, rather, in addition to producing a consistent estimate, can also produce one that is more efficient.
Wall suction applied to needle muscle biopsy - a novel technique for increasing sample size.

Background The needle biopsy technique described by Bergstrom is the most commonly used technique to obtain samples to assess muscle metabolism. Sampling of muscle, particularly the vastus lateralis, has become an essential tool in biomedical and clinical research. Optimal sample size is critical for availability of tissue for processing. To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel technique to obtain adequate sample size using wall suction applied to needle muscle biopsy, we collected samples from subjects in on-going clinical studies for gene expression. Materials and methods Muscle biopsy samples of the vastus lateralis using 6 mm Bergstrom needles under local anesthesia were obtained from 55 subjects who had volunteered to participate in this research project. The vastus lateralis was biopsied according to the methods described by Bergstrom with a 6 mm biopsy needle. Wall suction was applied to the inner bore of the biopsy needle after the needle was inserted into the muscle. Results The mean sample of biopsy taken using the 6 mm was 233 mg (n = 55). The wall suction (200 mm Hg) applied to the needle pulled the surrounding tissue into the central bore of the needle. The quality of the samples was adequate for all biochemical assays. The biopsy technique did not result in any complications due to infection or bleeding. Conclusions Using a novel technique of connecting a 6 mm Bergstrom biopsy needle to wall suction, we have obtained 200 to 300 mg muscle biopsy specimens uniformly, with ease, and minimal discomfort. An increase in sample size allows for a wider variety of biochemical and histopathological analysis.
Validation of a Liquid Chromatographic Method for Quantitation of Organic Compounds Leached from a Plastic Container into a Pharmaceutical Formulation

A chromatographic method for the quantitation of organic compounds leached from a plastic solution container and its associated secondary packaging is described and its validation is enumerated.
Application of the Short-Pulse Propagation Technique for Broadband Characterization of PCB and Other Interconnect Technologies

A comprehensive overview is given of the strengths, limitations, and applicability of the short-pulse propagation technique (SPP). SPP is shown to be able to extract the broadband characteristics of a wide range of interconnect technologies found in digital computer applications and generate causal predictive models. Examples are given of such applications from on-chip wiring, ceramic and organic chip carrier, cards, boards, to cables, and structures with large inhomogeneities, such as found in differential and microstrip cases, irregularities (such as introduced by roughening of metallization), and various operating conditions, such as variable temperature and humidity. The use of SPP as a virtual test bench is explained and showcased through the analysis of the impact of manufacturing tolerances and via stub length on the electrical characteristics. The diverse versatility of the SPP method is discussed through many examples on practical interconnect structures with special emphasis on printed circuit board wiring.
New quadratic programming algorithms for designing FIR digital filters

The Parks-McClellan algorithm (1973) is very popular for designing FIR digital filters. It is based on a linear programming algorithm called the Remez exchange. Our new algorithm is based on quadratic programming, which includes linear programming as a special case. The filters in this paper permit the designer to control the tradeoff between the peak error and the total squared error. These filters are designed according to the peak-constrained least-squares (PCLS) optimality criterion. >
Liquid-Phase Growth of Small Crystals for Seeding α-SiAlON Ceramics

Single-phase small crystals of Li-, Mg-, Ca-, Y-, Nd-, and Yb-α-SiAlONs have been obtained by liquid-phase sintering for various compositions and processing conditions. These crystals are suitable for seeding grain growth in α-SiAlON ceramics. The influence of chemical and processing parameters (starting composition and powders, green density, liquid content, heating schedule, nitrogen pressure, and temperature) on the size and morphology of seed crystals has been investigated. The results are compared with those for β-Si3N4 crystal formation, and the differences are discussed in terms of nucleation and growth kinetics during liquid-phase sintering.
SOX 4O4 Assessments and Financial Reporting Errors

This paper investigates the usefulness of auditor's adverse SOX Section 404 internal control over financial reporting (ICOFR) opinions as leading indicators of financial reporting errors, which are proxied by subsequent financial report restatements. Consistent with our expectations, we find that companies that receive adverse ICOFR opinions are more likely to report restatements in the future than companies receiving clean ICOFR opinions. This result indicates that adverse ICOFR opinions are "representationally faithful" since they actually are associated with poorer financial controls. We also find subsequent restatements from companies receiving adverse ICOFR opinions have larger net income impacts and involve more account groups. Further analyses of types of internal control material weaknesses suggest both general and specific material weaknesses are positively associated with subsequent restatements. We also investigate whether internal control weaknesses falling into specific COSO categorizations are associated with subsequent restatements.
Guest Editors' Introduction: Pervasive Computing in Healthcare

Pervasive computing has great potential to improve healthcare, from enriching data collection and distribution to virtually bringing experts to an emergency site. This special issue samples this developing area through five theme articles that go beyond current applications to find a wider range of applicability. This article is part of a special issue on Healthcare.
Primate evolution of the recombination regulator PRDM9

The PRDM9 gene encodes a protein with a highly variable tandem-repeat zinc finger (ZF) DNA-binding domain that plays a key role in determining sequence-specific hotspots of meiotic recombination genome wide. Here we survey the diversity of the PRDM9 ZF domain by sequencing this region in 64 primates from 18 species, revealing 68 unique alleles across all groups. We report ubiquitous positive selection at nucleotide positions corresponding to DNA contact residues and the expansion of ZFs within clades, which confirms the rapid evolution of the ZF domain throughout the primate lineage. Alignment of Neandertal and Denisovan sequences suggests that PRDM9 in archaic hominins was closely related to present-day human alleles that are rare and specific to African populations. In the context of its role in reproduction, our results are consistent with variation in PRDM9 contributing to speciation events in primates.
Development of clade-specific Symbiodinium primers for quantitative PCR (qPCR) and their application to detecting clade D symbionts in Caribbean corals

We developed quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays to distinguish each of the four clades (A–D) of dinoflagellate endosymbionts (genus Symbiodinium) commonly found in Caribbean corals. We applied these primer sets, which target portions of the multi-copy ribosomal DNA (rDNA) gene family, to assess the presence/absence of symbionts in clade D (as indicated by the detection of clade D DNA). We detected these symbionts in five of six Caribbean host species/genera (21% of samples analyzed, N = 10 of 47 colonies), from which clade D had rarely or never been observed. This suggests that Symbiodinium in clade D are present in a higher diversity of coral species than previously thought. This qPCR-based approach can improve our understanding of the total microbial diversity associated with corals, particularly in hosts thought to be relatively specific, and has many other potential applications for studies of coral reef ecology and conservation.
The posterior parietal cortex: sensorimotor interface for the planning and online control of visually guided movements

We present a view of the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) as a sensorimotor interface for visually guided movements. Special attention is given to the role of the PPC in arm movement planning, where representations of target position and current hand position in an eye-centered frame of reference appear to be mapped directly to a representation of motor error in a hand-centered frame of reference. This mapping is direct in the sense that it does not require target position to be transformed into intermediate reference frames in order to derive a motor error signal in hand-centered coordinates. Despite being direct, this transformation appears to manifest in the PPC as a gradual change in the functional properties of cells along the ventro-dorsal axis of the superior parietal lobule (SPL), i.e. from deep in the sulcus to the cortical surface. Possible roles for the PPC in context dependent coordinate transformations, formation of intrinsic movement representations, and in online control of visually guided arm movements are also discussed. Overall these studies point to the emerging view that, for arm movements, the PPC plays a role not only in the inverse transformations required to convert sensory information into motor commands but also in 'forward' transformations as well, i.e. in integrating sensory input with previous and ongoing motor commands to maintain a continuous estimate of arm state that can be used to update present and future movement plans. Critically, this state estimate appears to be encoded in an eye-centered frame of reference.
Electrical Control of Debye Screening in Liquid Microchannels for Ionic Separations

In this work we demonstrate controlled electrostatic depletion and accumulation of liquid ions in microscale channels by applying voltage across a dielectric coating on the channel walls. A 100 muM fluorescent ionic dye (FITC) was flown through a series of oxidized (SiO2) Si microscale channels (each 10 mum wide, 15 mum deep and 1cm long). Negative and positive voltages on the Si substrate were used to deplete and accumulate the negative fluorescent FITC2" ions, respectively. Theoretically calculated plots were used confirm the experimental results. This ability to screen ionic species based on charge can now be applied towards creating a platform for multidimensional separations (charge, surface energy, size) in a single lab-on-chip format.
Dating Relationship Quality: Effects of Global Self-Verification and Self-Enhancement

This study explored the effects of self-verification and self enhancement on dating relationship quality. We predicted that dating persons should be more intimate, satisfied, and committed when they perceive that their partners evaluate them in ways that are either consistent with or more positive than their own self-evaluations. A survey of dating undergraduate women involved in stable dating relationships tested these predictions, using global and specific measures of self-evaluations and perceived partner evaluations of the self. Global self-verification and self-enhancement each accounted for unique variance in measures of intimacy and satisfaction. Parallel findings emerged with regard to self-verification and self-enhancement based upon specific self-attributes, although these findings were less robust. Divergence from earlier work that suggested no role for self-verification among dating couples is discussed, and implications of self-verification and self-enhancement for relationship quality during...
Mechanical-thermal noise in MEMS gyroscopes

We derive expressions for the effect of mechanical thermal noise on a vibrational microelectromechanical system gyroscope, including the angle of random walk, the noise equivalent rotation rate, and the spectral density of the noise component of the rate measurement. We explicitly calculate and compare the output signal due to rotation and the output due to noise. We avoid several ambiguities in the literature concerning bandwidth and correctly observe a factor of two reduction in noise power due to synchronous demodulation. We use stochastic averaging to obtain an approximate "slow" system that clarifies the effect of thermal noise and shows the effect of frequency mismatch between the drive and sense axes. We compute the noise equivalent rate for both open-loop and force-to-rebalance operation of the gyroscope.