cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Building a dictionary of image fragments

We show how to build large dictionaries of meaningful image fragments. These fragments could represent objects, objects in a local context, or parts of scenes. Our fragments operate as region-based exemplars, and we show how they can be used for image classification, to localize objects, and to compose new images. While each of these activities has been demonstrated before, each has required manually extracted fragments. Because our method for fragment extraction is automatic it can operate at a large scale. Our method uses recent advances in generic object detection techniques, together with discriminative tests to obtain good, clean fragment sets with extensive diversity. Our fragments are organized by the tags of the source images to build a semantically organized fragment table. A good set of fragment exemplars describes only the object, rather than object+context. Context could help identify an object; but it could also contribute noise, because other objects might appear in the same context. We show a slight improvement in classification performance by two standard exemplar matching methods using our fragment dictionary over such methods using image exemplars. This suggests that knowing the support of an exemplar is valuable. Furthermore, we demonstrate our automatically built fragment dictionary is capable of good localization. Finally, our fragment dictionary supports a keyword based fragment search system, which allows artists to get the fragments they need to make image collages.
62 Skuteczność miejscowa przedoperacyjnej i pooperacyjnej radioterapii raka odbytnicy w odniesieniu do całkowitej dawki promieniowania i czasu leczenia promieniami

Wstep Ocena skuteczności miejscowej przedoperacyjnej i pooperacyjnej radioterapii raka odbytnicy jest przedmiotem kontrowersji. Brak jest kontrolowanych badan klinicznych pozwalających w bezpośredni sposob porownac skutecznośc miejscową obu tyehtych metod leczenia. W biezącej pracy porownano skutecznośc miejscową radioterapii przedoperacyjnej i pooperacyjnej w sposob pośredni, a w oparciu o statyczną analize 51 zbiorow danych z piśmiennictwa. Material i metoda W celu uzyskania mozliwie najbardziej jednorodnego materialu pod wzgledem klinicznym i metodycznym do analizy nie wlączono opracowan, ktorych obok radioterapii stosowano chemioterapie uzupelniającą. W oparciu o dane z piśmiennictwa wyznaczono wskaźniki zmniejszania ryzyka wystepowania wznow lokoregionalnych i analizowano zaleznośc pomiedzy tym parametrem a stosowaną dawką promieniowania, czasem leczenie promieniami i typem radioterapii (przedoperacyjna lub pooperacyjna). Wyniki Wyniki analizy wskazują ze dla zrownowazenia niekorzystnego skutku repopulacji komorek nowotworowych w trakcie cztero- do sześciotygodniowej przerwy pomiedzy leczeniem chirurgicznym a radioterapią pooperacyjną wymagane jest (w porownaniu z terapią przedoperacyjną) podniesienie calkowitej dawki promieniowania o okolo 8 Gy, to jest o okolo 0,2–0,3 Gy na kazdy dzien przerwy. Dla zrownowazenia niekorzystnego skutku repopulacji komorek nowotworowych w trakcie przedlub pooperacyjnego leczenia promieniami wymagana jest dawka okolo 0,5 Gy/na dzien. Wnioski Komorki nowotworowe raka odbytnicy cechuje szybkie tempo repopulacji. Klinicznym odzwierciedleniem tego zjawiska jest wieksza skutecznośc miejscowa radioterapii przedoperacyjnej w porownaniu do radioterapii pooperacyjnej. Wydluzenie calkowitego czasu uzupelniającej radioterapii raka odbytnicy wiąze sie z pogorszeniem skuteczności miejscowej leczenia.
Aviation human factors: a framework for the new millennium

Abstract This paper presents a survey of the literature on human factors in airline safety and builds a conceptual framework for designing future safety studies. In our framework, factors are analyzed to determine their association with operational errors rather than accidents. Since operational errors occur with much greater frequency than accidents, our new approach allows for the analysis of the more complex relationships and interactions that occur among various factors. Results generated through the analysis of operational data can enhance the decision-making process and help reduce pilot-error accidents. We also include recommendations for how data should be collected and stored in order for researchers to more effectively analyze flight safety data.
Postpartum maternal corticosterone decreases maternal and neonatal antibody levels and increases the susceptibility of newborn mice to herpes simplex virus-associated mortality ☆

The effects of corticosterone on the transmammary transfer of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-specific antibody and the ability of the neonate to survive HSV-2 infection were assessed. Increased postpartum maternal corticosterone reduced the levels of total and HSV-specific IgG in the serum and milk of mothers. Neonates nursed by these mothers received increased levels of corticosterone and decreased levels of total and HSV-specific IgG. Accordingly, these neonates were more susceptible to HSV-2-associated mortality; however, survival was restored through passive immunization with HSV-specific antibody. These studies demonstrate that postpartum elevations in corticosterone compromise a mother's ability to provide protective antibody to their offspring.
Realism and the Constructivist Challenge: Rejecting, Reconstructing, or Rereading

oes realism have nothing to say about change in the actors, identities, social practices, and institutions that constitute the present or any future global order? Constructivism has given renewed impetus to this perspective on realism due to its almost universal characterization as a challenge to realism's emphasis on structure at the expense of history.1 Because the reintroduction of "change" as an analytical concept into international relations (IR) theorizing proper is the constructivist goal, many constructivists believe realism is the very antithesis of constructivist theorizing. If the widely accepted claim that realism is incapable of accounting for dynamism in global politics is correct, it is hard to fathom how realism has managed to survive so long as a general theoretical category, let alone dominate the field, as its critics continue to claim.
DYNAMIC RHEOLOGICAL MEASUREMENTS AND ANALYSIS OF STARCH GELS

Abstract The effect of starch modification and concentration on the dynamic shear properties of starch gels in water was studied. The four types of starches used were native corn starch, medium hydroxypropylated distarch phosphate, highly hydroxypropylated distarch phosphate, and distarch phosphate. Concentrations of 4, 6, 8, and 10% (w/w) in distilled water were used for each starch type. All starches showed viscoelastic solid behavior at higher concentrations (6–10% w/w). Critical gelling concentrations were found to be 4, 4, 6, and 6% for native corn starch, medium hydroxypropylated distarch phosphate, highly hydroxypropylated distarch phosphate, and distarch phosphate, respectively. Dynamic measurements were performed to study the effect of concentration and the extent of modification on starch gel properties. The linear viscoelastic region for each type of starch was determined using dynamic strain sweep. Both the elastic and viscous modulus showed only slight dependence upon frequency. The starch gels were classified as weak gels on the basis of their mechanical spectra. Viscous moduli ( G ″) showed a higher dependence upon frequency compared to elastic moduli ( G ′) for all starch types. Equilibrium shear moduli ( G e ) were determined by extending the spectra to zero frequency. Increasing concentration increased the values of G e . Fractional differential model (FDM) was used to model the frequency dependence of the gels. A higher degree of cross-linking resulted in a more shear-resistant gel.
Relationship Between Lesion Topology and Clinical Outcome in Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusions

Background and Purpose— Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS), a surrogate of infarct volume, predicts outcome in anterior large vessel occlusion strokes. We aim to determine whether topological information captured by DWI ASPECTS contributes additional prognostic value. Methods— Adults with intracranial internal carotid artery, M1 or M2 middle carotid artery occlusions who underwent endovascular therapy were included. The primary outcome measure was poor clinical outcome (3-month modified Rankin Scale score, 3–6). Prognostic value of the 10 DWI ASPECTS regions in predicting poor outcome was determined by multivariable logistic regression, controlling for final infarct volume, age, and laterality. Results— Two hundred and thirteen patients (mean age, 66.1±14.5 years; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, 15) were included. Inter-rater reliability was good for DWI ASPECTS (deep regions, κ=0.72; cortical regions, κ=0.63). All DWI ASPECTS regions with the exception of the putamen were significant predictors ( P Conclusions— Involvement of the right parieto-occipital (M6) and left superior frontal (M4) regions affect clinical outcome in anterior large vessel occlusions over and above the effect of infarct volume and should be considered during prognostication.
A Comparision of Spacing and Headway Control Laws for Automatically Controlled Vehicles1

SUMMARY This paper investigates two different longitudinal control policies for automatically controlled vehicles. One is based on maintaining a constant spacing between the vehicles while the other is based upon maintaining a constant headway (or time) between successive vehicles. To avoid collisions in the platoon, controllers have to be designed to ensure string stability, i.e the spacing errors should not get amplified as they propagate upstream from vehicle to vehicle. A measure of string stability is introduced and a systematic method of designing constant spacing controllers which guarantee string stability is presented. The constant headway policy does not require inter-vehicle communication to assure string stablity. Also, since inter-vehicle communication is not required it can be used in systems with mixed automated-nonautomated vehicles, e.g for AICC (Autonomous Intelligent Cruise Control). It is shown in this paper that for all the autonomous headway control laws, the desired control torques ...
The development and analysis of geopotential coefficient models to spherical harmonic degree 360

Two new geopotential coefficient models to spherical harmonic degree 360 are developed using recent advances made in theoretical modeling methods, satellite gravitational models, and expanded and improved terrestrial data. The new models are based on the combination of a satellite potential coefficient model (GEM-T2) to degree 50 with 30-arc mean gravity anomalies, yielding an adjusted set of coefficients and gravity anomalies, which were then harmonically analyzed to yield a set of potential coefficients to degree 360. The models were verified in several ways including satellite orbit residual analysis, demonstrating a substantial improvement over previous high-degree expansions.
On the recommending of citations for research papers

Collaborative filtering has proven to be valuable for recommending items in many different domains. In this paper, we explore the use of collaborative filtering to recommend research papers, using the citation web between papers to create the ratings matrix. Specifically, we tested the ability of collaborative filtering to recommend citations that would be suitable additional references for a target research paper. We investigated six algorithms for selecting citations, evaluating them through offline experiments against a database of over 186,000 research papers contained in ResearchIndex. We also performed an online experiment with over 120 users to gauge user opinion of the effectiveness of the algorithms and of the utility of such recommendations for common research tasks. We found large differences in the accuracy of the algorithms in the offline experiment, especially when balanced for coverage. In the online experiment, users felt they received quality recommendations, and were enthusiastic about the idea of receiving recommendations in this domain.
Resource Allocation for Medium Grain Scalable Videos over Femtocell Cognitive Radio Networks

Femtocells are shown highly effective on improving network coverage and capacity by bringing base stations closer to mobile users. In this paper, we investigate the problem of streaming scalable videos in femtocell cognitive radio (CR) networks. This is a challenging problem due to the stringent QoS requirements of real-time videos and the new dimensions of network dynamics and uncertainties in CR networks. We develop a framework that captures the key design issues and trade-offs with a stochastic programming problem formulation. In the case of a single FBS, we develop an optimum-achieving distributed algorithm, which is shown also optimal for the case of multiple non-interfering FBS's. In the case of interfering FBS's, we develop a greedy algorithm that can compute near-optimal solutions, and prove a closed-form lower bound for its performance. The proposed algorithms are evaluated with simulations, and are shown to outperform two alternative schemes with considerable margins.
Term Co-occurrence Analysis as an Interface for Digital Libraries

We examine the relationship between term co-occurrence analysis and a user interface for digital libraries. We describe a current working implementation of a dynamic visual information retrieval system based on co-cited author maps that assists in browsing and retrieving records from a large-scale database, ten years of the Arts & Humanities Citation Index, in real time. Any figure in the arts or humanities, including scholars and critics, can be mapped, and the maps are live interfaces for retrieving co-citing documents.
Organic magnetoelectroluminescence for room temperature transduction between magnetic and optical information

Magnetic and spin-based technologies for data storage and processing provide unique challenges for information transduction to light because of magnetic metals' optical loss, and the inefficiency and resistivity of semiconductor spin-based emitters at room temperature. Transduction between magnetic and optical information in typical organic semiconductors poses additional challenges, as the spin-orbit interaction is weak and spin injection from magnetic electrodes has been limited to low temperature and low polarization efficiency. Here we demonstrate room temperature information transduction between a magnet and an organic light-emitting diode that does not require electrical current, based on control via the magnet's remanent field of the exciton recombination process in the organic semiconductor. This demonstration is explained quantitatively within a theory of spin-dependent exciton recombination in the organic semiconductor, driven primarily by gradients in the remanent fringe fields of a few nanometre-thick magnetic film.
Ocular motor indicators of executive dysfunction in fragile X and Turner syndromes

Fragile X and Turner syndromes are two X-chromosome-related disorders associated with executive function and visual spatial deficits. In the present study, we used ocular motor paradigms to examine evidence that disruption to different neurological pathways underlies these deficits. We tested 17 females with fragile X, 19 females with Turner syndrome, and 40 females with neither disorder who comprised the comparison group. Group differences emerged for both the fragile X and Turner syndrome groups, each relative to the comparison group: Females with fragile X had deficits in generating memory-guided saccades, predictive saccades, and saccades made in the overlap condition of a gap/overlap task. Females with Turner syndrome showed deficits in generating memory-guided saccades, but not during either the predictive saccade or gap/overlap task. Females with Turner syndrome, but not females with fragile X, showed deficits in visually guided saccades and anti-saccades. These findings indicate that different brain regions are affected in the two disorders, and suggest that different pathways lead to the similar cognitive phenotypes described for fragile X and Turner syndromes.
Waterborne Disease — Current Threata

Control of epidemic waterborne disease of an infectious nature has been made practical through modern drinking-water treatment practices. Certainty of such control depends upon treatment plant reliability. The possibility of the transmission of newly recognized infectious diseases by the water route must be considered. The presence of trace amounts of chemicals in drinking water that are potential agents of chronic disease, particularly cancer, poses many questions concerning the safety of our water supplies.
Triatoma Sanguisuga Texana Usinger And Triatoma Sanguisuga Indictiva Neiva Naturally Infected With Trypanosoma Cruzi Chagas In Texas (Hemiptera: Triatominae) (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomidae)

Trypanosoma Cruzi the causative agent of American trypanosomiasis or Chagas disease was first reported from the United States by Kofoid & McCulloch (1916). Since that time additions and new distribution records are continually being made to the list of Triatominae that are naturally infected with T. crazt-like organisms.
RNA-mediated toxicity in neurodegenerative disease

Cellular viability depends upon the well-orchestrated functions carried out by numerous protein-coding and non-coding RNAs, as well as RNA-binding proteins. During the last decade, it has become increasingly evident that abnormalities in RNA processing represent a common feature among many neurodegenerative diseases. In "RNAopathies", which include diseases caused by non-coding repeat expansions, RNAs exert toxicity via diverse mechanisms: RNA foci formation, bidirectional transcription, and the production of toxic RNAs and proteins by repeat associated non-ATG translation. The mechanisms of toxicity in "RNA-binding proteinopathies", diseases in which RNA-binding proteins like TDP-43 and FUS play a prominent role, have yet to be fully elucidated. Nonetheless, both loss of function of the RNA binding protein, and a toxic gain of function resulting from its aggregation, are thought to be involved in disease pathogenesis. As part of the special issue on RNA and Splicing Regulation in Neurodegeneration, this review intends to explore the diverse RNA-related mechanisms contributing to neurodegeneration, with a special emphasis on findings emerging from animal models.
Exploring the relationship between faculty, students, and the Social and Behavioral Ethics Review Committee through action research.

Student researchers used action research both to study the relationship between university researchers and the ethics committee, and also to explore the ethics committee's approach to protocols inv...
Nurse Anesthetists' Perspectives on Improving the Anesthesia Care of Culturally Diverse Patients

This paper reports the findings from a study which investigated whether the personal experiences of graduate and student nurse anesthetists could provide information on ways to improve the anesthesia care of culturally diverse patients. The study was designed as an exploratory descriptive qualitative investigation involving interviews with informants who were nurse anesthetists from cultural groups other than the dominant group of Anglo-Americans in a large midwestern city in the United States (US). Information emerged from the data that provided pertinent considerations for the provision of culturally congruent nursing care.
The invasive annual cheatgrass increases nitrogen availability in 24-year-old replicated field plots.

Previous studies comparing invaded and non-invaded sites suggest that cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) causes soil N cycling to increase. Unfortunately, these correlative studies fail to distinguish whether cheatgrass caused the differences in N cycling, or if cheatgrass simply invaded sites where N availability was greater. We measured soil C and N concentrations and net and gross N-cycling rates on 24-year-old replicated field plots in a sagebrush–steppe ecosystem that had been plowed, fumigated, and seeded to different plant communities in 1984. Laboratory assays of soil collected throughout the soil profiles (0–60 cm) showed that soil NO3 −, organic C and N, and net N mineralization, net nitrification, and soil respiration rates were all greater beneath cheatgrass than in sagebrush–perennial grass plots. In surface soils (0–10 cm), field and lab assays on five sampling dates during 2 years showed gross N mineralization, net N mineralization, and net nitrification rates were all faster beneath cheatgrass than in sagebrush–perennial grass plots. Modeling analyses based on soil respiration and gross N-cycling rates suggest that cheatgrass provides soil microbes with lower C:N substrates and that this could explain the faster N-cycling rates beneath cheatgrass. This is the first long-term replicated field study to conclusively show that cheatgrass created greater soil organic N pool sizes and stimulated N-cycling rates compared to similar-aged stands of sagebrush and native perennial grasses. Increased N-cycling rates may represent a positive plant–soil feedback that promotes continued dominance by cheatgrass, even in the absence of soil disturbance or fire.
Identification of a Functional Domain Within the Essential Core of Histone H3 That Is Required for Telomeric and HM Silencing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Fourteen novel single-amino-acid substitution mutations in histone H3 that disrupt telomeric silencing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae were identified, 10 of which are clustered within the alpha1 helix and L1 loop of the essential histone fold. Several of these mutations cause derepression of silent mating locus HML, and an additional subset cause partial loss of basal repression at the GAL1 promoter. Our results identify a new domain within the essential core of histone H3 that is required for heterochromatin-mediated silencing.
Reductions in cigarette smoking and acute myocardial infarction mortality in Jefferson County, Texas

After litigation against the tobacco industry ended in a settlement, the Texas legislature funded pilot projects to reduce tobacco use in selected areas of the state. Subsequent telephone surveys showed that well-funded activities were successful in reducing population rates of self-reported cigarette smoking. We present evidence that the reduction in smoking promptly led to lower rates of death from acute myocardial infarctions.
Metal-dependent stabilization of an active HMG protein.

Using a cloned single domain of the high mobility group protein 1 (HMGB1), we evaluated the effect of introducing metal binding site(s) on protein stability and function. An HMG domain is a conserved sequence of ~80 amino acids rich in basic, aromatic and proline residues that is active in binding DNA in a sequence- or structure-specific manner. The design strategy focuses on anchoring selected regions of the protein, specifically loops and turns in the molecule, using His‐metal ligands. Changes in secondary structure, thermostability and DNA binding properties of a series of such mutants were evaluated. The two most stable mutant constructs contain three surface histidine replacements (two metal binding sites) in the regions encompassing both turns of the molecule. On ligation with the divalent nickel cation, the stability of these two triple histidine mutants (I38H/N51H/D55H and G39H/N51H/D55H) increases by 1.3 and 1.6 kcal/mol, respectively, relative to the wild-type protein, although the creation of binding sites per se destabilizes the protein. The DNA-binding properties of the modified proteins are not impaired by the introduction of the metal binding motifs. These results indicate that it is feasible to stabilize protein tertiary structure using appropriate placement of surface His‐metal bonds without loss of function.
Identification of Three Prolactin-Related Hormones as Markers of Invasive Trophoblasts in the Rat

An expressed-sequence tag database search has identified three rat cDNA clones in the prolactin/growth hormone family, including a homologue of mouse proliferin-related protein (PRP). The encoded proteins of the two novel clones, designated prolactin-like proteins L (PLP-L) and M (PLP-M), are predicted to be synthesized as precursors of 229 and 227 amino acids, modified by N-linked glycosylation, and secreted as mature glycoproteins of 199 and 200 residues, respectively. Murine homologues to PLP-L and PLP-M were also identified. The open reading frame of rat PRP encodes a precursor protein of 245 amino acids and predicts a secreted 215-amino acid glycoprotein with 81% identity to mouse PRP. All three rat mRNAs are expressed in the placenta, and expression is not detected in other tissues. PLP-L mRNA expression is observed from Days 11‐ 20, with highest levels at Day 13; highest levels of PLP-M are observed from Day 11 until parturition, with peak levels also on Day 13; and highest levels of PRP are also observed from Day 11 until term, with maximal expression on Day 17. All three genes are most highly expressed in invasive trophoblast cells lining the central placental vessel. The identification of molecular markers for endovascular trophoblasts serves to highlight the invasive nature of rodent placentation and may prove useful for future studies of placental function. cytokines, placenta, trophoblast
Effects of commonly prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on thyroid hormone measurements

Abstract purpose: To assess the effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on thyroid function tests. patients and methods: Eighty-nine patients receiving NSAIDs and 22 control subjects not taking NSAIDs were studied in a cross-sectional survey at Veterans Affairs and University hospitals. Measurements of serum thyroxine (T 4 ), free T 4 index, triiodothyronine (T 3 ), and thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH]) were obtained for all subjects. results: Serum T 4 measurements were lowered only in salsalate-treated patients, while serum T 3 was depressed in patients receiving salsalate, diclofenac sodium, and naproxen. Serum T 4 and T 3 were unchanged in patients treated with diflunisal, ibuprofen, indomethacin, piroxicam, or sulindac. Serum TSH was normal in all subjects. conclusions: Several NSAIDs can lower serum thyroid hormone concentrations, principally by interfering with the binding of T 4 and T 3 to serum carrier proteins; patients taking these drugs remain euthyroid. Awareness of these interactions may prevent unnecessary diagnostic or therapeutic interventions.
CONSERVING STOPOVER SITES FOR FOREST-DWELLING MIGRATORY LANDBIRDS

'The Nature Conservancy, Migratory Bird Program, 1303 Rio Grande Boulevard NW, Suite 5, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104, USA; 2Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, P.O. Box 5018, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406, USA; 'The Nature Conservancy, Great Lakes Program, 2840 East Grand River Avenue, Suite 5, East Lansing, Michigan 48823, USA; 4The Nature Conservancy, Migratory Bird Program, 76 Emery Street, Portland, Maine 04102, USA; 'The Nature Conservancy, Migratory Bird Program, 633 West Main Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53703, USA; 6The Nature Conservancy, Southern U.S. Region, 6114 Fayetteville Road, Suite 109, Durham, North Carolina 27713, USA; and 7U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 6578 Dogwood View Parkway, Suite B, Jackson, Mississippi 39213, USA
The beginning of social time: An interview with myself *

Interviewer: First I must mention that I cannot recall ever having heard of a self-interview. Would you mind saying how you came to interview yourself about your new theory? Donald Black: I decided to interview myself partly because I have never been entirely satisfied with the questions interviewers have asked me in the past (see, e.g., Black, 2002a; 2010b). I thought I might be able to ask better questions e and more difficult questions e if only because I am better acquainted with the nature and history of my work. Interviewing myself also allows me to go into as much detail as I wish. But of course others will have to judge for themselves whether this was a useful strategy.
Directional differentiability of the optimal value function in a nonlinear programming problem

A parameterized nonlinear programming problem is considered in which the objective and constraint functions are twice continuously differentiable. Under the assumption that certain multiplier vectors appearing in generalized second-order necessary conditions for local optimality actually satisfy the weak sufficient condition for local optimality based on the augmented Lagrangian, it is shown that the optimal value in the problem, as a function of the parameters, is directionally differentiable. The directional derivatives are expressed by a minimax formula which generalizes the one of Gol’shtein in convex programming.
Optical biopsy using tissue spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography

'Optical biopsy' or 'optical diagnostics' is a technique whereby light energy is used to obtain information about the structure and function of tissues without disrupting them. In fluorescence spectroscopy, light energy (usually provided by a laser) is used to excite tissues and the resulting fluorescence provides information about the target tissue. Its major gastrointestinal application has been in the evaluation of colonic polyps, in which it can reliably distinguish malignant from benign lesions. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been used in the investigation of Barrett's epithelium (and dysplasia), although a variety of other applications are feasible. For example, OCT could assist in the identification and staging of mucosal and submucosal neoplasms, the grading of inflammation in the stomach and intestine, the diagnosis of biliary tumours and the assessment of villous architecture. OCT differs from endoscopic ultrasound, a complementary modality, in that it has a much higher resolution but lesser depth of penetration. The images correlate with the histopathological appearance of tissues, and the addition of Doppler methods may enable it to evaluate the vascularity of tumours and the amount of blood flow in varices. Refinements in these new optical techniques will likely make them valuable in clinical practice, although their specific roles have yet to be determined.
Abstract 4750: Overcoming DDP resistance using folic acid-heparin-DDP nanoparticles

Cisplatin (DDP) has been widely used in the treatment of different cancers. However, resistance to DDP limits its clinical application. Since reduced intracellular DDP accumulation is one of the main causes for DDP resistance, increasing the accumulation of DDP may overcome drug resistance. The folate receptor (FR) is overexpressed on the surface of many human tumors including breast, ovarian and lung cancer, but is found at low levels in normal tissues. In this study, folic acid (FA) was conjugated to heparin-DDP (FHDDP) nanoparticles to target FR. In vitro cellular uptake experiments showed that the accumulation of FHDDP nanoparticles in FR-expressing DDP-resistant KB-CP.5 cancer cells (selected from KB3-1 cells, and showing a 36-fold increase in resistance to DDP compared with KB3-1) was significantly higher than that of free DDP (9.31±2.2 ng Pt/10 6 cells vs 0.98±0.25 ng Pt/10 6 cells, Pt:0.5ug/ml, 4 hrs at 37°C). Further, the level of platinum DNA-adducts in the resistant cells treated with FHDDP nanoparticles was about 4-fold greater than in cells treated with free DDP (24.21±5.32 pg Pt/ug DNA vs 97.9±22.5 pg Pt/ug DNA). Nude mice bearing KB-CP.5 cell tumors receiving FHDDP nanoparticles (2.5mg/kg, tail vein injection, twice weekly, 5 times) showed enhanced antitumor effects as compared with mice treated with free DDP (tumor volume: 823±221mm 3 vs 1450±392mm 3 , 21 days after treatment), while non-targeted heparin-DDP nanoparticles did not show significant difference compared with free DDP. Our results suggest that FHDDP nanoparticles have the potential to be used for overcoming DDP resistance.(This research was supported by the National Cancer Institute award 5 P50 CA128613) Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4750. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4750
Model Complexity Reduction of a Segmented Mirror Telescope

Segmented mirror telescopes enable large apertures to be formed from smaller mirror segments. The supporting structures generally involve complex hardware so finite element models are used to predict how the equipment will behave under different environmental conditions. This paper takes a very complex high fidelity finite element model, partitions its substructures into superelements, and reduces the number of elements while matching the structure’s dynamic characteristics. It is then possible to tune the reduced-order model based on measured vibration data. The methodology matches specific components, such as the mirrors, and then verifies that the overall structure has the same behavior as the full order model. Results demonstrate how common structures, such as an isogrid, can be modeled by equivalent plate elements and preserve the dynamic characteristics from the measured vibration data.
Digital Clay Force Observer Design and Shape Editing Concept

Digital Clay is a novel fluid-driven device for shape input/output that potentially has wide application in the areas of engineering, sciences, medicine, military, entertainment etc. Shape display is achieved with the current 5×5 prototype but this research seeks to expand its haptic capability with force feedback, but the absence of pressure/force sensors requires finger force estimation. In this paper, a velocity estimator and a mathematical model are derived for the design of a force observer. A brief overview of the current 5×5 prototype at the Georgia Institute of Technology and a new concept for shape editing are also given.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Mucopolysaccharides of Aorta at Various Ages.

SummaryMucopolysaccharides were isolated from whole human aortae and characterized by analysis, enzymatic digestion, optical rotation and I.R. spectroscopy. Average age of the groups ranged from 21 to 72 years. Total MPS and galactosamine/glucosamine ratios showed no significant change with age. Of the 4 MPS fractions identified, hyaluronate and ChS-C decreased with age while ChS-B and heparitin sulfate increased. The data are discussed in relation to age changes in other tissues of mesodermal origin. It is assumed that the complex pattern of human aorta is the resultant of age changes per se superimposed on degenerative and reparative processes.We wish to thank the Dept. of Pathology for their cooperation in obtaining aorta.
Drug Court Effectiveness and Efficiency: Findings for Virginia

ABSTRACTIn 2011, the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia contracted with the National Center for State Courts to conduct a comprehensive, statewide evaluation of adult drug courts. The results provide evidence of the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of Virginia’s adult treatment drug courts. When compared to the business-as-usual alternative, drug courts saved taxpayers an average of $20,000 per participant. Further, programs employing Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) produced significantly lower probabilities of recidivism, and those that employed written sanction guidelines reported significantly higher odds of graduation for participants with no prior felonies than programs that did not.
Using three different screening methods to study overweight and simple obesity among children under age 7 in Ningbo city

Objective To investigate the occurrence of simple obesity among children under age 7 in Ningbo and to analyze the data regarding body mass index (BMI) from overweight screening under different standards. Methods Randomized cluster sampling was adopted and 64 038 children under 7 years old in Ningho were chosen and their length/height and weight were measured but pathological and secondary obesity cases were excluded. According to the Standardized Height and Weight set by WHO, more than 10% referring to overweight and more than 20% referring to obesity. Moreover, results of this study were compared with growth standards with WHO' s 2006 and IOTF standards. Results According to the Standardized Height and Weight set by WHO, the prevalence rates of overweight and obesity of children under age 7 were 4.25% and 2.88%. The ratio for boys were 4.45% and 3.01%, while for girls as 3.86% and 2.56%, with significant difference (P<0.01). Data showed that the rates for overweight and obesity increased along with age, reaching 11.84% and 9.68% for boys and 10.14% and 9.46% for girls at the age of 6. The ratios of overweight/obesity among different age groups and sex were 1.15-1.94:1. The critical value for P85, P95 were lower than the standards set by WHO and IOTE The rates for overweight and obesity for latter were 9.72%, 2.83% and 6.11%, 0.55% respectively. Conclusion Early childhood is the key period for obesity prevention, with boys in particular. Prevention and control for childhood obesity should be included in the programs for children' s health. Value of classification standards for the BMI screening of overweight and obesity for children under age 7 should be established in no time. Key words: Body mass index; Overweight; Obesity; Children
Distribution and regulation of guanylyl cyclase type B in the rat nephron

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) has been localized to the proximal and distal nephron. In this study, we examined the distribution and regulation of the CNP receptor, guanylyl cyclase type B (GC-B), in the rat kidney. GC-B mRNA was detected most frequently in microdissected glomeruli, thin and thick limbs of the loop of Henle, and outer and inner medullary collecting ducts by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). This pattern of expression is supported by immunofluorescent staining, using anti-GC-B-specific antiserum. Nearly equivalent levels of GC-B and guanylyl cyclase type A (GC-A) mRNAs were found by quantitative RT-PCR (5,662 +/- 1,622 and 5,187 +/- 1,204 molecules of cDNA/microgram total RNA, respectively; means +/- SE, n = 6). Renal inner medulla GC-B mRNA levels, but not renal CNP mRNA levels, were 3.2-fold greater in hypervolemic and 2.3-fold less in hypovolemic rats compared with euvolemic controls. Immunohistochemical staining also supports a greater GC-B expression with increased volume status. These data link hydration status and GC-B expression and suggest an additional and novel mechanism for regulating intravascular volume.
Advancing x-ray scattering metrology using inverse genetic algorithms

We compare the speed and effectiveness of two genetic optimization algorithms to the results of statistical sampling via a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm to find which is the most robust method for determining real-space structure in periodic gratings measured using critical dimension small-angle x-ray scattering. Both a covariance matrix adaptation evolutionary strategy and differential evolution algorithm are implemented and compared using various objective functions. The algorithms and objective functions are used to minimize differences between diffraction simulations and measured diffraction data. These simulations are parameterized with an electron density model known to roughly correspond to the real-space structure of our nanogratings. The study shows that for x-ray scattering data, the covariance matrix adaptation coupled with a mean-absolute error log objective function is the most efficient combination of algorithm and goodness of fit criterion for finding structures with little foreknowledge about the underlying fine scale structure features of the nanograting.
Spray Delivery to Nursery Trees by Air Curtain and Axial Fan Orchard Sprayers

Two types of air-assist sprayers were used to treat, from one side only, a single row of hedge-pruned, red maple (Acer rubrum L. ‘Red Sunset’) trees in a commercial Ohio nursery. A traditional orchard type sprayer and a prototype air curtain sprayer using crossflow fans and hydraulic nozzles were evaluated for differences in canopy deposits, spray coverage, and downwind ground deposits. The air curtain sprayer produced more uniform deposits vertically but not higher mean deposits than the traditional orchard type sprayer. The air curtain sprayer also produced somewhat higher ground deposits downwind of the treatment area. There were no differences in spray coverage between sprayers despite differences in the droplet spectrum produced by each sprayer. Evidence from the coverage and ground target samples indicate that slower fans on the air curtain sprayer might be needed to reduce air speed to retain more spray within the tree canopy. As operated, neither of the sprayers can be expected to produce uniform spray deposits around the nursery stock if treatments are made from one side of the row only. Canopy and ground target deposits indicate that alternate row spraying will not necessarily produce uniform deposits across two tree rows as planted at the test site.
Integrated molecular analysis of tumor biopsies on sequential CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockade reveals markers of response and resistance

Immune checkpoint blockade produces clinical benefit in many patients. However, better biomarkers of response are still needed, and mechanisms of resistance remain incompletely understood. To address this, we recently studied a cohort of melanoma patients treated with sequential checkpoint blockade against cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) followed by programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) and identified immune markers of response and resistance. Building on these studies, we performed deep molecular profiling including T cell receptor sequencing and whole-exome sequencing within the same cohort and demonstrated that a more clonal T cell repertoire was predictive of response to PD-1 but not CTLA-4 blockade. Analysis of CNAs identified a higher burden of copy number loss in nonresponders to CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockade and found that it was associated with decreased expression of genes in immune-related pathways. The effect of mutational load and burden of copy number loss on response was nonredundant, suggesting the potential utility of a combinatorial biomarker to optimize patient care with checkpoint blockade therapy.
Cooperative Grace, Cooperative Agency

In an earlier paper, I argued for an account of the metaphysics of grace which was libertarian in nature but also non-Pelagian. My goal in the present paper is to broaden my focus on how the human and divine wills relate in graced activities. While there is widespread agreement in Christian theology that the two do interact in an important way, what’s less clear is how the wills of two agents can be united in one of them performing a particular action via a kind of joint or unitive willing. Insofar as the goal in these unitive willings is to have the human will and the divine will operating together in the human bringing about a particular action, I refer to this kind of volition as ‘cooperative agency’. I explore two different models – an identificationist model and an incarnation model – regarding how the human agent is aligned with God in cooperative agency. I then argue that there are significant reasons for preferring the incarnational model over the identificationist model.
Ultrastructure of cell types within the scolex and cephalic peduncle of the litobothriidean tapeworm, Litobothrium aenigmaticum

Litobothrium aenigmaticum Caira, Jensen, Waeschenbach, & Littlewood 2014 is a cestode species that parasitizes pelagic thresher sharks in Taiwan and the Gulf of California. A previous study using light microscopy suggested the scolex contains four types of unusual tissues, one of which was considered to aid in adhesion of the worm to the mucosa of the spiral intestine. The function of the other tissues was unknown. Also unknown was the function of two laterally paired ducts found extending throughout the length of the worm. The goal of the present study was to use transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to examine the internal anatomy of the scolex and cephalic peduncle of this tapeworm in more detail. Three specimens from Taiwan were examined with TEM and two with light microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the laterally paired ducts were excretory, since they were closely associated with numerous protonephridia. The number of cell types, previously referred to as tissues, in the scolex was expanded to 11 based on a combination of features including cell size, nucleus size, ratio of the maximum diameter of the nucleus to maximum diameter of the whole cell, and types of observed organelles, as well as the presence or absence of cytoplasmic electron-dense and electron-lucent vesicles. The cytoplasm of all 11 cell types was found to include electron-dense vesicles, and all types were periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) positive. This suggests that the electron-dense vesicles may contain glycoproteins and/or mucoproteins. As all 11 cell types occurred within the region of the scolex that is surrounded by a papilla of host mucosa at the site of tapeworm attachment, we hypothesize that one or more of these cell types may produce a substance that induces this inflammatory reaction. The specific products in the secretory vesicles and how those products are released are still unclear, as are any relationships between or among the cell types in terms of products produced. Further research will be necessary to fully understand the complexity of this organism.
Shame and the Question of Responsibility

I am in disbelief twice over. The incomprehensibility of a “President Donald Trump” is a waking nightmare. Unlike other times of personal stress in my life when work has been a respite, my consulti...
El uso de adjuntos en correos electrónicos para aumentar el cumplimiento de las lecturas asignadas en las clases de lengua extranjera

This is the first quantitative research on reading compliance in foreign language courses. It investigated the effect of email attachments with the assigned readings to promote reading compliance of the textbook. Their effect on learning gains was measured by 16 grammar or vocabulary quizzes during a semester. 31 intermediate L2 Spanish students assigned to two group conditions, those receiving the emails and those who did not, also completed a questionnaire at the end of the semester about their preparedness for the quizzes and about their opinions about the email attachments. Results indicated that participants in the email group prepared more often for the next class and obtained significantly better grades in the quizzes than those in the regular one. Pushing the readings at students via regular emails helped them access the contents to read them before class, which in turn increased their preparedness and boosted their leaning gains.
Between the local and the global: An analysis of economic tensions in cooperatives’ practices:

Cooperatives help meet critical livelihood needs worldwide. This article seeks to provide an understanding of the potential of cooperatives to promote economic and social objectives by illuminating...
An improved Bennett's inequality

ABSTRACTThis paper gives an improvement to Bennett's inequality for tail probability of sum of independent random variables, without imposing any additional condition. The improved version has a cl...