cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
INTRATHORACIC PATTERNS OF FAILURE FOR NON-SMALL-CELL LUNG CANCER WITH POSITRON-EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY/COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY-DEFINED TARGET DELINEATION

Purpose Dosimetric studies suggested several advantages to defining the radiotherapy target by using positron-emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) compared with CT alone. We investigated patterns of treatment failure in patients treated to a PET-defined radiotherapy target and evaluated the effect of standardized uptake value (SUV) on recurrence after radiotherapy. Methods and Materials Thirty-five patients with non–small-cell lung cancer who underwent PET/CT simulation for definitive radiotherapy were included. The PET/CT scans were obtained with patients in the treatment position with custom immobilization for use in radiation treatment planning. Nine to 11 regions of interest (ROIs) were identified for each patient, including the primary tumor and regional nodes. Maximum SUV, volume, and mean dose received were recorded for each ROI, and follow-up scans were used to evaluate for recurrence in each ROI. Results We identified 353 ROIs from 35 patients; 5.7% of patients developed isolated out-of-field recurrences. Recursive partitioning analysis was used to divide ROIs into low, intermediate, and high risk by using volume and SUV. All low-risk ROIs with volumes less than 1.2 cm 3 were recurrence free compared with 73% of intermediate-risk ROIs (volume ≥1.2 cm 3 ; SUV ≤13.8) and 29% of high-risk ROIs (SUV > 13.8). Conclusion Limiting the target volume to predominantly PET-positive disease resulted in a low rate of isolated out-of-field recurrences. The SUV and volume were predictors of recurrence. Recursive partitioning analysis identified SUVs greater than 13.8 as the best identifier of ROIs at the greatest risk of recurrence; control rates for this subgroup did not show a dose–response relationship within the range of doses administered.
Synthesis and applications of electrochemically self-assembled titania nanotube arrays

Highly ordered vertically oriented TiO2 nanotube arrays fabricated by electrochemical anodization offer a large surface area architecture with precisely controllable nanoscale features. These nanotubes have shown remarkable properties in a variety of applications including, for example, their use as hydrogen sensors, in the photoelectrochemical generation of hydrogen, dye-sensitized and solid-state heterojunction solar cells, photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide into hydrocarbons, and as a novel drug delivery platform. Herein we consider the development of the various nanotube array synthesis techniques, different applications of the TiO2 nanotube arrays, unresolved issues, and possible future research directions.
Use of 13C chemical shift surfaces in the study of carbohydrate conformation. Application to cyclomaltooligosaccharides (cyclodextrins) in the solid state and in solution.

The anomeric carbon chemical shifts of free cyclomaltohexaose, -heptaose, -octaose, -decaose, and -tetradecaose (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, epsilon-, and eta-cyclodextrin, respectively), and of alpha-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes, both in the solid state and in solution, were computed using ab initio 13C chemical shift surfaces for the D-Glcp-alpha-(1-->4)-D-Glcp linkage as a function of the glycosidic bond dihedral angles. Chemical shift calculations in the solid state used angle pairs measured from cyclodextrin X-ray structures as input. For estimations in the liquid state two different approaches were employed to account for dynamic averaging. In one, the computed solid-state anomeric carbon chemical shifts for each cyclodextrin D-Glcp monomer were simply averaged to obtain an estimate of the 13C shifts in solution. In the other, chemical shifts for the anomeric carbons were determined by averaging back-calculated 13C shift trajectories derived from a series of 5 ns molecular dynamic simulations for the oligosaccharides with explicit representation of water. Good agreement between calculated and experimental 13C shifts was found in all cases. Furthermore, our results show that the ab initio 13C chemical shift surfaces are sufficiently sensitive to reproduce the small variations observed for the anomeric 13C shifts of the different cyclodextrin D-Glcp units in the solid state with excellent accuracy. The use of chemical shift surfaces as tools in conformational studies of oligosaccharides is discussed.
Secondary and tertiary structural effects on protein NMR chemical shifts: an ab initio approach

Recent theoretical developments permit the prediction of 1H, 13C, 15N, and 19F nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shifts in proteins and offer new ways of analyzing secondary and tertiary structure as well as for probing protein electrostatics. For 13C, phi, psi torsion angles dominate shielding for C alpha and C beta, but the addition of hydrogen bonding and electrostatics gives even better accord with experiment. For 15NH, side chain (chi 1) torsion angles are also important, as are nearest neighbor sequence effects, whereas for 1HN, hydrogen bonding is particularly significant. For 19F, weak or long-range electrostatic fields dominate 19F shielding nonequivalencies. The ability to predict chemical shifts in proteins from known or test structures opens new avenues to structure refinement or determination, especially for condensed systems.
Mock aridity and the paleoecology of volcanically influenced ecosystems

The effects of volcanicity often mimic those of aridity and can lead to paleoenvironmental misinterpretations. The occurrence of volcanically induced barrenness, xeric conditions, and extreme geochemical alkalinity or salinity in the context of a regionally more humid climate is dubbed here “mock aridity.” Biotic recovery at Mount St. Helens (Washington) and Oldoinyo Lengai (Kenya) points to potential long-term effects of volcanicity on the overall ecosystem. Contraindicating sedimentary rocks and fossils from Kenya Miocene rocks and contraindicating sites in U.S. Pacific Northwest Miocene rocks both suggest interpretive problems due to mock aridity. This calls for a reevaluation of volcanogenic sites derived from supposed climax ecosystems in the light of mock aridity.
The effect of early dietary amino acid levels on muscle satellite cell dynamics in turkeys.

Abstract Understanding the relationship between nutrition and satellite cell activity will be beneficial in obtaining optimal muscle growth and meat production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of early post-hatch levels of dietary amino acids ± 0.88 NRC, 1.00 NRC, and 1.12 NRC), and feed deprivation on the satellite cell mitotic activity, pectoralis thoracicus muscle weight, and body weight of male turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo). Birds from each treatment were injected with 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) to label mitotically active cells. The right pectoralis thoracicus was harvested 1 h after BrdU injection for immunohistochemical and myofiber diameter analysis. On the third day post-hatch, satellite cell mitotic activity was the highest (P 0.05) between treatments in body weight or pectoralis thoracicus muscle weight. Research evaluating species-related differences in apoptotic events and in genes regulating cell proliferation may be necessary to devise feeding strategies aimed at obtaining optimal pectoralis thoracicus muscle yield at market age.
A revisit-based mixed-initiative nested classification scheme for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), used often by the Armed Forces for Surveillance and Reconnaissance (S&R) missions, are powerful classification agents to inspect objects of interest (OOIs) under human supervision. To achieve improved decision-making, we have previously explored the idea of a two-tiered classification structure, where a primary trichotomous classifier (machine) precedes a secondary dichotomous classifier (human). The trend for future operations is for a single operator to control an increasing number of UAVs. However, low human-to-UAV ratio can result in a stressful situation for the human operator, which is undesirable for successful classification and UAV management. To address this issue, we extend our previous work to a three-tiered classification scheme, where an intermediate revisit sensor makes a decision to revisit the OOI in cases where the primary classifier is unsure, which can be caused by noisy sensor data or viewing from a poor vantage point. We compare the performance (i.e, the probability of misclassification) under single, two-tiered, and three-tiered classifier schemes and show the efficacy of the proposed technique.
An axiomatic model for concept structure description and its application to circuit design

This paper describes an axiomatic model to express concept structures in analog circuit design. The concepts of a structure represent sets of circuit designs, and are defined based on the similarities and differences in their circuit topology, behavior and performance. Similarities and differences are found through concept matching, a main operator of the concept structure. A concept structure is extended with new concepts that are created by combining the features of existing concepts and by exploring new relations between variables through instantiation. Concepts are characterized by a set of metrics, e.g., variety, utility, novelty, complexity, flexibility, constraining factor, and bottleneck. The paper presents a novel circuit design methodology as an application of the model. Two case studies illustrate the utility of the axiomatic model in expressing knowledge structures for various types of circuits.
The Illusive Ground between Town and Gown.

This chapter addresses complex dynamics and turmoil that may be unleashed when universities attempt to engage with community. Benefits and risks are examined through stories that illustrate the power and potential conflicts at the core of academic intrusions into the lives of marginalized people.
Sensitive detection of laser-ablation plumes in an optical build-up cavity

Cavity-enhanced detection is used to monitor the dynamics of minute vapor plumes produced by focusing a pulsed laser beam onto a surface. The time evolution of the various processes, namely vaporization, acoustic wave generation and photothermal effect range from nsec to msec.
Correlates of physical and emotional health among Native American adolescents.

Abstract Purpose: To examine the risk and protective factors among Native American youth that are correlated with both physical and emotional health. Methods: The study was based upon the National American Indian Adolescent Health Survey (n = 13,454), conducted using students self-categorized into a ranked variable of physical health ("poor," "fair," "good," or "excellent") and a continuous variable of emotional health based upon a nine-item unidimensional scale (overall Cronbach's alpha of .74). Twenty-nine variables derived from resilience theory encompassing both risk and protective factors were selected. Associations with physical and emotional health were examined using linear regression analysis. Results: Identified protective factors explained approximately 30% of variance for emotional health, with family caring explaining nearly 15% of variance for both genders. The most significant associations for emotional health for females were family caring, body pride, feelings about school, and worries or concerns particularly about violence. For males, most significant protective factors included family caring, body pride, parental expectations, and type of sexual attraction. For physical health, the identified variables explained only 16% of variance for both genders. Body pride was the most significant association, explaining 10% of variance. Conclusions: Connection to family remains a consistently powerful factor in the lives of these youth. Other associations including body pride and parental expectations may help in the exploration and buffering of emotional health among American Indian youth.
Biogeochemical Process-Based Design and Performance of a Pilot-Scale Constructed Wetland for Arsenic Removal from Simulated Bangladesh Groundwater

A pilot-scale constructed wetland treatment system (CWTS) was designed and built to produce biogeochemical conditions promoting processes targeted for removal of arsenic from simulated Bangladesh groundwater. Two CWTS series were designed to promote coprecipitation and sorption of arsenic with iron oxyhydroxides under oxidizing conditions, and two series were designed to promote precipitation of arsenic sulfide and coprecipitation of arsenic with iron sulfide under reducing conditions. Arsenic removal performance was greater in series with oxidizing conditions than in series with reducing conditions (mean outflow concentrations of 64 and 108 μg L−1, respectively). Additions of zero-valent iron (ZVI) to oxidizing series and to reducing series enhanced arsenic removal (mean removal efficiencies of 72 and 42 %, respectively) compared to unamended series (27 and 20 %, respectively). Arsenic removal performance was significantly greater (α = 0.05) in the oxidizing series amended with ZVI than in the other series, with removal extents, efficiencies, and rate coefficients ranging from 6 to 79 μg L−1, 40 to 95 %, and 0.13 to 0.77 day−1, respectively. Results from this pilot-scale study demonstrate that a CWTS can decrease concentrations of arsenic in arsenic-contaminated water to below the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water quality guideline of 10 μg L−1.
An analytical decision model for resource allocation in highway maintenance management

Abstract The annual expenditure for maintenance of the highway system in the United States runs into billions of dollars. The majority of maintenance decisions are undertaken based on subjective judgments and rules of thumb which, in many cases, are not very efficient. This paper is concerned with the development of an efficient technique for allocation of resources in highway maintenance management. The highway maintenance problem is formulated in terms of a 0–1 integer linear programming problem. For a realistic highway maintenance system, the number of 0–1 variables and constraints become large. A solution technique was developed so that meaningful solutions can be obtained for this large-scale problem within a reasonable computation time.
Some effects and noneffects of campaign commercials: An experimental study

This paper addresses the question of how TV commercials can be used to build support for a candidate. Employing experimental methods, the authors tested the independent effects of several advertisement variables. Spot advertisements of an actual congressional candidate were produced by the authors and shown to groups of viewers who had no other information about the candidate. Evaluation of the candidate differed little among experimental groups, and the lack of extreme differences suggests that the extent to which voters can be manipulated by manufactured images is severely limited. The implications of these findings for candidates and campaign professionals are discussed.
Weight Velocity in Infants and Children

Growth velocity assessment is a means for tracking growth in infants and children over time. With the revision of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) growth charts in 2000 and the introduction of the World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts in 2006, there is a need for an updated growth velocity reference to provide data that better align with these current charts. In this article, the authors provide data on weight velocity for males and females from birth through 20 years using the WHO data and the revised CDC data. Weight velocity charts can be especially useful when patients are seen within short time intervals and can be used to set weight goals for children requiring nutrition support and for children who are chronically ill.
The genetics of a wild population of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). I. Genetic variability within and between social groups

One hundred and eighty-nine members (86%) of five social groups in a small population of rhesus monkeys in the Himalayan foothills of the Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan were trapped and blood samples were drawn. Each individual's plasma and red-cell hemolysate were screened for variation at 35 structural loci. Considerable genetic variation was found within the population (proportion of polymorphic loci = 0.143; average hetero- zygosity per individual = 0.0531, and social groups were significantly hetero- geneous in their gene frequencies. However, the distribution of genotypes in the population and the overall level of intergroup genetic differentiation (FST = 0.0346) indicates substantial gene flow (about 50% per generation) among social groups. Thus, we can find no genetic evidence that the social subdivision of rhesus populations impedes gene flow to any great extent. We suggest that the social structure of such primates will not itself produce the high levels of homozygosity necessary for rapid speciation, but it will make such levels more likely in the event of geographical or ecological isolation.
Nanosized Au4Pd28(CO)22(PMe3)16 Containing 32-Atom Au4Pd28 Core-Geometry with Nearly Regular Encapsulated Au4 Tetrahedron: Proposed Multitwinned-Composite Growth-Pattern Involving Four Interpenetrating Au-Centered Cuboctahedral-Based Three-Layer (Pd3)A(AuPd6)B(Au3)C Polyhedra

Our synthetic exploratory efforts to obtain new nanosized Au–Pd carbonyl/phosphine clusters by use of the trimethylphosphine precursor Pd10(CO)12(PMe3)6 with smaller-sized PMe3 ligands (versus precursors with relatively larger PEt3 ligands) have previously produced via reaction with Au(SMe2)Cl an unusual Au4Pd32(CO)28(PMe3)14 (2) containing a pseudo-D2 36-atom Au4Pd32 core-geometry with a highly distorted encapsulated Au4 tetrahedron. Herein we report a striking illustration that analogous precursors under different reaction conditions have given rise to another new type of Au–Pd cluster, Au4Pd28(CO)22(PMe3)16 (1), that not only has a completely dissimilar Au4Pd28 core-geometry with a nearly regular encapsulated Au4 tetrahedron but also a totally different postulated multitwinned-composite growth-pattern. This extraordinary cluster, which was obtained from the reaction of Pd10(CO)12(PMe3)6 with Au(PPh3)Cl or Au(SMe2)Cl (estimated yield, ∼20–40%), has a 32-atom Au4Pd28 framework that roughly conforms to cubic T (23) symmetry that is maintained by inclusion of the 16 PMe3 P atoms but is completely reduced to general C1 (1) symmetry by inclusion of the 22 bridging CO ligands. 1 was isolated under different crystallization conditions to give two solvated crystal forms: namely, 1a as diisopropyl-solvated triclinic ( $$\hbox{P}\bar 1 $$ with Z = 2), and 1b as THF/hexane-solvated monoclinic (P2/c with Z = 4). A comparative analysis of resulting low-temperature CCD X-ray diffractometry determinations revealed an amazing molecular similarity between the actual shapes of the highly deformed Au4Pd28 architectures and ligand connectivities of 1 within the two dissimilar crystal structures. These results clearly indicate that the large observed localized geometrical distortions of 1 are primarily induced by intracluster strain-releasing effects and not by crystal-packing interactions. We propose a multitwinned growth-pattern of its Au4Pd28 core involving the formation of a Au4Pd24 composite-twinned framework formed from four markedly deformed interpenetrating three-layer Au-centered (Pd3)A(Au(n)Pd6)B(Au3)C cuboctahedra (n = 1–4) that are oriented along the four localized threefold axes of the Au4 tetrahedron. The other four outermost (external) Pd atoms that are tetrahedrally disposed about the Au4Pd24 composite presumably provide stabilization by face-condensations (i.e., three tetracapped, one tricapped). This new type of multitwinned bimetallic cluster has direct relevance to both ligated and non-ligated (bare) non-crystalline metal nanoparticles, of which many have been postulated to be multitwinned.
The limits of power : the Nixon and Ford administrations

This book argues the thesis that during the Nixon and Ford administrations America discovered the limits of its power, and that both presidents had, therefore, to adjust to new realities in both their domestic and their international activities. It was also the period when the American people first insisted on certain limits to presidential activity, and even forced a powerful president from office for that reason. Like the distinguished preceding volumes in this series by Charles Alexander on Eisenhower and Jim Heath on the Kennedy-Johnson years, John Greene's book provides a balanced historical assessment of the Nixon and Ford administrations. The volume forcuses on both domestic and foreign policy and presents one of the first true historical judgments about these administrations.
Dynamic Isoelectric Focusing for Proteomics

Dynamic isoelectric focusing is a new technique that is related to capillary isoelectric focusing but uses additional high-voltage power supplies to provide control over the shape of the electric field within the capillary. Manipulation of the electric field changes the pH gradient, enabling both the location and width of the focused protein bands to be controlled. The proteins can be migrated to a designated sampling point while remaining focused, where they can be collected for further analysis. This ability to collect and isolate the protein bands while maintaining a high peak capacity demonstrates that dynamic isoelectric focusing has great potential as a first dimension in a multidimensional separation system. Dynamic isoelectric focusing can achieve a peak capacity of over 1000, as shown by both mass spectrometry analysis and direct imaging.
Initial Test of a Proton Radiographic System

Protons have a well defined range in matter. A detector, therefore, placed near the end of range of a monoenergetic proton beam becomes a very sensitive measure of changes in the mass of material which the beam has traversed. This property of protons can be exploited in a variety of ways to make radiographs of solid objects. The experimental radiography system we have built to use with the 200 MeV booster synchrotron of the Zero Gradient Synchrotron (ZGS) is described. In addition, there is a brief description of a more elegant system which would operate with a suitable source such as the proton diagnostic accelerator proposed by R. Martin.
The asymptotic behavior of doubly periodic strain states

The asymptotic behavior of the doubly periodic strain state on a three-dimensional body is discussed. The components of the elastic state are initially assumed to be bounded by an arbitrary polynomial. It is then shown that the components can be approximated by second degree polynomials whose coefficients can be readily computed from data generally available in such problems. The error in using the approximation at different points in the elastic body is on the order of the reciprocal of any polynomial of the distance to the boundary of the body.
Remodeling of the Postsynaptic Density: A Macromolecular Signaling Complex

The postsynaptic density (PSD), a macromolecular protein machine that resides under the postsynaptic plasma membrane, regulates the efficiency of synaptic transmission by stabilizing neurotransmitter receptors in the membrane and organizing signaling molecules within the postsynaptic compartment. Data suggests that synaptic activity results in changes in the protein composition of the PSD and it is hypothesized that these changes lead to structural modifications that explain enduring and stable alterations in synaptic function. However, direct evidence for these structural changes has never been obtained and the extent of remodeling and the mechanisms responsible are not fully understood. Our long term goal is to create a high-resolution molecular model of the PSD that accurately represents the number and 3D relationships between its protein components allowing hypothesis to be generated about how recruitment or loss of specific proteins results in structural alterations at the PSD. The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) targets proteins for degradation and is, in part, responsible for modifications of the proteins that compose the PSD. Synaptic activity has been shown to induce proteasomal recruitment into the postsynaptic compartment, that requires prior activity-dependent recruitment of CaMKII, resulting in changes in protein composition of PSDs. Electron cryo-tomography (ECT) and immunogold labeling were employed to examine the 3D structure of isolated PSDs and to identify scaffold molecules targeted by the UPS. Proteasome levels were found to be highest in PSDs isolated earlier in development, providing evidence that the UPS plays a crucial role in the structural reorganization of PSDs. ECT will also be utilized to examine whether CaMKII functions as a direct scaffold for the proteasome that might serve as a mechanism to spatially restrict protein degradation.
Local Optical Spectra and Texture for Chiral Nematic Liquid Crystals in Cells with Interdigitated Electrodes

A microspectrophotometer was used to measure reflection spectra of cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) in cells with interdigitated electrodes as a function of applied voltage in order to probe the spatial variation in behavior in the electrode and gap regions. Complex changes in the optical spectra are observed in the gap regions for cells in which the electric field magnitude changes significantly through the thickness of the cell. This leads to a non-uniform helix unwinding and pitch gradient in the cell. In cells with smaller field gradients, the unwinding occurs in a uniform manner and it is possible, under certain conditions, to distinguish discrete changes in pitch, corresponding to a decrease in the number of half-turns of the helical structure in the cell.
Racial, ethnic, and affluence differences in elderly patients’ use of teaching hospitals

OBJECTIVE: To understand the role of race, ethnicity, and affluence in elderly patients’ use of teaching hospitals when they have that option. METHODS: Using a novel data set of 787,587 Medicare patients newly diagnosed with serious illness in 1993, we look at how sociodemographic factors influence whether patients use a teaching hospital for their initial hospitalization for their disease. We use hierarchical linear models to take into account differences in the availability of teaching hospitals to different groups. These models look within groups of people who live in the same county and ask what demographic factors make an individual within that county more or less likely to use a teaching hospital. RESULTS: We find that blacks are much more likely than whites to use teaching hospitals (odds ratio [OR], 1.75; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.73 to 1.77). However, Hispanics and Asian-Americans are less likely to use teaching hospitals than are whites (Hispanic OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.88 to 0.97; Asian-American OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.82 to 0.97). Medicaid patients are less likely to use teaching hospitals (given their opportunities) than are non-Medicaid recipients (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.90 to 0.92). And we find a curvilinear relationship with affluence, with those in the poorest and those in the wealthiest neighborhoods most likely to use a teaching hospital. CONCLUSION: The use of teaching hospitals is more complex that heretofore appreciated. Understanding why some groups do not go to teaching hospitals could be important for the health of those groups and of teaching hospitals.
Evaluating the Effects of Birth Complications on Low Self-Control in a Sample of Twins

Gottfredson and Hirschi's general theory has generated an abundance of research examining the effects of low self-control on crime and analogous behaviors. Less research, however, has focused on the factors that contribute to the development of low self-control. Gottfredson and Hirschi maintain that ineffective parents are the sole cause for the emergence of low self-control. At the same time, they disregard the possibility that low self-control has a biological or genetic component. This article extends prior research and examines the effects of birth complications and parental involvement on low self-control. Using a sample of twin children, the authors find that parental involvement is only weakly and inconsistently related to low self-control. On the other hand, although most of the birth complications had no appreciable effect on low self-control, anoxia (oxygen starvation) emerged as the strongest and most consistent predictor of low self-control.
Escalation and premature termination in MIS projects: the role of real options

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how the real option theory is applicable to evaluation of cases of escalation and premature termination of Management Information Systems (MIS) projects.Design/methodology/approach – The paper compares the implications of psychological and economic escalation theories with lessons from the real option theory as applied to MIS projects. Then, it examines published case studies, and discuss when project continuation enhances and reduces value for the manager and the firm.Findings – Escalation of commitment is continuation of an investment project after receiving negative signals. Escalation was identified as a significant problem in MIS projects often explained by the desire of the manager to avoid recognizing mistakes and to protect reputation. The opposite problem of premature termination of certain investment projects was also identified. This study argues that accurate application of real option theory is critical to distinguish between escalation and pr...
Factors that Contribute to Assay Variation in Quantitative Analysis of Sex Steroid Hormones Using Liquid and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

The list of physiological events in which sex steroids play a role continues to increase. To decipher the roles that sex steroids play in any condition requires high quality cohorts of samples and assays that provide highly accurate quantitative measures. Liquid and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS and GC-MS) have dramatically increased the capability to quantitatively measure sex steroids in complex biologic samples. Although it is important to optimize and calibrate the LC-MS and GC-MS steps, other areas such as sample preparation, molecular derivatization, and data analysis need to be carefully considered to minimize assay variation. The specific steps necessary for an effective quantitative assay are highly dependent on the type of sex steroid(s) being measured and the analytical steps described in this article will not be pertinent to every analyte. In this article, however, many of the steps necessary to develop an effective assay for sex steroids will be reviewed with a focus on areas that contribute to variation within the final quantitative results. The development of robust quantitative assays with high precision, accuracy, and reproducibility will continue to contribute to our understanding of the specific roles sex steroids play in diseases such as cancer.
Availability of residual phosphorus fertilizer for loblolly pine

Fertilizing pine plantations with phosphorus has been a common practice on the Coastal Plain since the 1960s. A decision to fertilize a second or subsequent rotation must take into consideration the availability of residual phosphorus fertilizer. We tested the efficacy of phosphorus applied in a first rotation loblolly pine stand to support the growth of the subsequent second rotation stand. Phosphorus rates applied in 1967 at the time of planting of the first rotation were 0, 28 and 56 kg/ha. Retreatments included the application of 45 kg/ha P at midrotation in 1978, and the application of 45 kg/ha P at the beginning of the second rotation in 1991. The field trial had a split-block design with the three initial P rates crossed by five retreatments, and replicated four times. The first rotation 28 kg/ha P treatment had 91% and the 56 kg/ha P treatment 101% of the volume at age 5 of all the treatments fertilized with P in the second rotation. Foliar P levels, in the second rotation, were elevated at age 2 relative to ages 3 and 5, presumably due to effective competition control. Twenty-nine percent, 40% and 75% of the trees fertilized with 28 kg/ha P in 1967, 56 kg/ha P in 1967, and 45 kg/ha P in 1991, respectively, had foliar P concentrations of 0.10% or above at age 3. Based on foliar analyses, we recommend refertilizing stands fertilized with 45 kg/ha P in the first rotation by age 3 in the second rotation.
Determination of the biologically relevant sampling depth for terrestrial ecological risk assessments

Abstract To estimate the risks to soil organisms from soil contaminants, assessors need to relate the vertical distribution of contaminants to the vertical distribution of the organisms. Paramount to this objective is appropriate sampling strategies. While methodologies have been proposed that focus on optimizing the spatial scale of sampling efforts, sampling depths for ecological risk assessments (ERAs) are usually dictated by the vertical distribution of soil contamination or default to a generic constant. However, these approaches may not adequately reflect site-specific exposures to soil biota. This study uses a meta-analysis approach to quantify the zone of highest biological activity, for soil-dwelling ecological receptors commonly utilized in ERAs. Results suggest sampling strategies should be adaptive allowing for variable depths. If constant depths are utilized, our results suggest that samples should be collected to a depth of approximately 25–30 cm as opposed to shallower depths.
Crafting Social Identity in Ur III Southern Mesopotamia

During the Ur III period in southern Mesopotamia, artisans were engaged in the production of crafts that required enormous technical skill and yet craft production appears not to have been an avenue to prestige and power. This paper draws on archival records from artisan workshops and literary sources to demonstrate the intricate fusion of a powerful political ideology and a rigidly controlled economy in which rulers legitimated their authority at the same time that they suppressed the mobility of craft producers. The establishment of a wide range of economic, social and legal differentiation was based on a state strategy designed to promote efficiency and to achieve control of artisan production. Craft producers during this period negotiated their social identity in a variety of domains that were legal, kinship, ethnic and gender based.
Measuring cysteine biosynthesis activity from serine in extracts from sorghum, corn and grass weeds, and their metolachlor susceptibility

In vitro assay procedures for measuring the activity of cysteine biosynthesis from serine (CBS), which is a coupled reaction catalyzed by serine acetyltransferase and cysteine synthase, were developed using crude extracts from sorghum shoots. Cysteine biosynthesis from serine activity was dependent on acetyl-CoA concentrations (up to 1.5 mmol L−1), serine (at least up to 20 mmol L−1) and sulfide (up to 0.25 mmol L−1), respectively, and was proportional to the protein concentration in the reaction mixture below 0.4 mg mL−1. The reaction rate was 6.6 nmol min−1 per mg of protein during the first 5 min, but increased to 45.6 nmol min−1 per mg of protein between 30 and 45 min after reaction initiation. Sorghum had the highest CBS total activity (222.4 nmol min−1 per g of fresh weight), and large crabgrass had the lowest CBS total activity (4.7 nmol min−1 per g of fresh weight) when CBS activity in shoots was extracted from sorghum, corn, johnsongrass, barnyardgrass, goosegrass, green foxtail and large crabgrass. Similar results were obtained for CBS specific activity (nmol min−1 per mg of protein). There was no correlation between total CBS activity and susceptibility to metolachlor; however, when corn was excluded, a correlation of R2 = 0.690 was found. Flurazole seed treatment (1.25 g per kg of seed) conferred metolachlor resistance by sorghum, and enhanced total CBS activity and non-protein thiol content by 27 and 61%, respectively. The increase in thiol content presumably contributed to metolachlor tolerance in sorghum. From these results, the difference in CBS activity partially contributes to the selectivity to metolachlor among certain grass species, and to the safening action of flurazole by increasing thiol content.
Transplantation of embryonic retinal donor cells labelled with BrdU or carrying a genetic marker to adult retina

After transplantation of embryonic retinal cells to injured adult retina, it is often difficult to distinguish donor from host cells. To overcome this problem, two methods were applied: labelling donor cells with the nuclear marker bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and use of transgenic donor tissue. BrdU was injected into timedpregnant rats on 2 or 3 consecutive days. The donor embryos were taken 1–4 days later for transplantation. The BrdU-labelled donor tissue was examined in transplants sampled up to 1 year after grafting. Labelled donor cells were specifically identified in the transplants and in the interface with the adjacent host retina. The varying intensities of cell labelling indicated differences in the initial uptake of BrdU in the S-phase, or the dilution of the label by cell divisions after BrdU injection. The best labelled cells were presumably the ones that stopped dividing shortly after injection of BrdU. As controls, the normal development of BrdU-labelled retinas from the offspring of females that had been BrdU-injected at E16 and E17 and not used for transplantation was studied. Near the time of birth, clones of labelled cells were radially distributed. In the mature retina, labelled cells were seen in all retinal layers. Embryonic retina derived from transgenic (NSE-lacZ) mice was transplanted to ‘nude’, immunodeficient rats (xenografts). These transgenic mice contain the Escherichia coli β-galactosidase gene, coupled to the promoter for neuron-specific enolase (NSE). Thus, all retinal donor cells that contain NSE could be identified by histochemistry or immunohistochemistry. The donor cells expressing the transgene could be detected several months after transplantation.
Satellite observations of surface circulation in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico during March and April 1989

Abstract Six Argos-reported drifters drogued to a depth of 2.7 m produced eight trajectories over the Texas-Louisiana Shelf and the adjacent oceanic waters of the northwestern Gulf of Mexico from 7 March to 29 April 1989. Launched by United States Coast Guard aircraft and Texas A & M University's R.V. Gyre, the trajectories span the shelf from the vicinity of Barataria Bay, Louisiana to the southern reaches of Padre Island near Port Isabel, Texas. Two tracks demonstrate cross-slope and cross-shelf motion northward from the central western Gulf toward Louisiana. These two drifters join three others to define a coastal current flow westward from near the Mississippi delta to Galveston and then southwestward along the Texas coast. Two other trajectories indicate a relatively low-energy mid-shelf regime over the northwestern portion of the outer continental shelf. Five drifter groundings locate a convergence in the nearshore and littoral flows on the Texas coast between Matagorda Peninsula and southern Padre Island. Strong wind-driven events in the northwestern Gulf demonstrate instances of coherent shelf response over 7° of longitude and 3° of latitude. Infrared satellite imagery indicates the regional context and structure of the spatial scales of Gulf of Mexico surface circulation.
Recognizing occluded objects in SAR images

Recognizing occluded vehicle targets in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images is addressed. Recognition algorithms, based on local features, are presented that successfully recognize highly occluded objects in both XPATCH synthetic SAR signatures and real SAR images of actual vehicles from the MSTAR data. Extensive experimental results are presented for a basic recognition algorithm, using SAR scattering center relative locations as features with the XPATCH data and for an improved algorithm, using scatterer locations and magnitudes with the real SAR targets in the MSTAR data. The results show the effect of occlusion on recognition performance in terms of probability of correct identification, receiver operating characteristic curves, and confusion matrices.
Measurement of specific heat using bayesian inference to account for uncertainties in the calorimeter performance

One way of estimating thermal conductivity is to measure the temperature history for transient conduction. Unfortunately, the property estimated is usually not the conductivity but the thermal diffusivity, α = k/ρcp. While α can often be estimated with good precision, and ρ is usually well defined, the specific heat is often poorly known. As a consequence the uncertainty in the conductivity can be large. This paper reports the use of a calorimeter designed to measure the specific heat with high accuracy. The accuracy depends upon a precise characterization of the thermal performance of the calorimeter. Even when much care is taken, the calorimeter's behavior introduces uncertainty in the measured specific heat. The effects of these uncertainties are accounted for by using Bayesian inference to estimate the confidence intervals of the specific heat.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
The effectiveness of cervical versus thoracic thrust manipulation for the improvement of pain, disability, and range of motion in patients with mechanical neck pain

AbstractBackground:Many patients present to physical therapy with mechanical neck pain. Cervical and thoracic manipulations are being utilized in treating this impairment, but minimal evidence as to which technique is superior exists in the literature.Objective:The purpose of this systematic review is to identify whether cervical or thoracic manipulation is more effective at improving pain, range of motion (ROM), and disability in patients with mechanical neck pain.Methods:A comprehensive search of published literature from seven search engines (PubMed, ProQuest, PEDro, CINAHL, Healthsource, Cochrane Library, SPORTDiscus) yielded 13 studies that examined the effectiveness of either cervical manipulations, thoracic manipulations, or cervical and thoracic manipulations to relieve the effects of mechanical neck pain. Eleven of the studies included were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), while two were secondary analyses of RCTs. Each study was assessed using the PEDro scale and found to be of fair to high ...
Degree of first-list learning and stimulus meaningfulness as related to transfer in the A-B, C-B paradigm

Summary Two levels of List-1 learning, low (three out of six pairs) and high (six out of six plus five additional trials), and two levels of stimulus meaningfulness, high and low, were related to transfer in the A-B, C-B paradim relative to A-B, C-D paradigm. Nonsense syllables served as both stimuli and responses for both lists. A pronounced effect was found for degree of List-1 learning, over all 10 trials on List 2 and also for Trials 1–5 and 6–10 considered separately, with positive transfer occurring under the low degree and negative transfer under the high degree of practice. The effect of stimulus meaningfulness was more equivocal, with a net negative transfer effect (that is, less positive transfer) being present over all 10 trials but only under the low degree of List-1 practice. The results were interpreted in terms of differential amounts of transfer from response learning and differential amounts of associative interference via List-1 R-S associations yielded by variations in degree of List-1 learning and stimulus meaningfulness.
Characterization of membrane potential dependency of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake by an improved biophysical model of mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter.

Mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter is the primary influx pathway for Ca2+ into respiring mitochondria, and hence plays a key role in mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis. Though the mechanism of extra-matrix Ca2+ dependency of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake has been well characterized both experimentally and mathematically, the mechanism of membrane potential (ΔΨ) dependency of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake has not been completely characterized. In this paper, we perform a quantitative reevaluation of a previous biophysical model of mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter that characterized the possible mechanism of ΔΨ dependency of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. Based on a model simulation analysis, we show that model predictions with a variant assumption (Case 2: external and internal Ca2+ binding constants for the uniporter are distinct), that provides the best possible description of the ΔΨ dependency, are highly sensitive to variation in matrix [Ca2+], indicating limitations in the variant assumption (Case 2) in providing physiologically plausible description of the observed ΔΨ dependency. This sensitivity is attributed to negative estimate of a biophysical parameter that characterizes binding of internal Ca2+ to the uniporter. Reparameterization of the model with additional nonnengativity constraints on the biophysical parameters showed that the two variant assumptions (Case 1 and Case 2) are indistinguishable, indicating that the external and internal Ca2+ binding constants for the uniporter may be equal (Case 1). The model predictions in this case are insensitive to variation in matrix [Ca2+] but do not match the ΔΨ dependent data in the domain ΔΨ≤120 mV. To effectively characterize this ΔΨ dependency, we reformulate the ΔΨ dependencies of the rate constants of Ca2+ translocation via the uniporter by exclusively redefining the biophysical parameters associated with the free-energy barrier of Ca2+ translocation based on a generalized, non-linear Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz formulation. This alternate uniporter model has all the characteristics of the previous uniporter model and is also able to characterize the possible mechanisms of both the extra-matrix Ca2+ and ΔΨ dependencies of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. In addition, the model is insensitive to variation in matrix [Ca2+], predicting relatively stable physiological operation. The model is critical in developing mechanistic, integrated models of mitochondrial bioenergetics and Ca2+ handling.
Effects of Social Demand on Reports of Self‐Monitored Blood Glucose in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that social demand could substantially affect reports of self-monitored blood glucose (BG) in adolescents with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Of 34 patients initially enrolled in the study, 10 were excluded because they did not bring any BG records with them to an outpatient clinic appointment. The remaining 24 patients were randomly assigned to either a low or high social demand condition that provided instructions for monitoring of BG for the week following the appointment. The subjects' BG records were quantified to provide frequency of measurement and mean reported BG for the week prior to and after the clinic visit. Five subjects did not return their BG records for the week following the intervention. The analyses were therefore based on the 19 subjects from whom complete records were obtained. The 12 subjects in the low social demand group and 7 subjects in the high social demand group were equivalent with regard to age, duration of diabetes, socioeconomic status, and glycosylated hemoglobin. Frequency of BG measurement was similar in both groups during both weeks. The mean BG value reported in the week prior to intervention was similar for the groups. However, analyses of the post-intervention BGs revealed that subjects in the low-demand group reported significantly higher BGs compared to pre-intervention and to subjects in the high-demand group. These findings suggest that self-monitoring and reporting of BG is a social behavior that is affected by the demand characteristics of the interpersonal patient-health provider relationship. Because optimal treatment planning for individuals with diabetes requires accurate BG records, care must be taken to interpret them in light of the social demand characteristics associated with clinical assessment.