cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Geographic variation in embryonic development time and stage of diapause in a grasshopper

Embryonic development times and the stage at which embryonic diapause occurs varied dramatically among 23 populations of the Melanoplus sanguinipes/ devastator species complex in California, USA. Grasshoppers were collected from a wide range of latitudes (32°57N to 41°20N) and altitudes (10m to 3031 m), spanning much of the variation in climatic conditions experienced by these insects in California. When reared in a “common garden” in the laboratory, total embryonic development times were positively correlated to the mean annual temperature of the habitat from which the grasshoppers were collected (varying from about 19 days to 32 days when reared at 27°C). These grasshoppers overwinter as diapausing eggs and the proportion of embryonic development completed prior to diapause was significantly higher in populations collected from cool habitats (>70%) than in populations collected from warm environments (<26%). The length of pre-diapause development time is determined by the stage of embryonic development at which diapause occurs, and varies considerably among populations of these grasshoppers; grasshoppers from warmer environments tend to diapause at very early stages of embryogenesis, while grasshoppers from cooler environments diapause at very late stages. The combined effect of variation in embryonic development times and variation in the stage at which diapause occurs results in a dramatic reduction in the time needed to hatch in the spring; populations from warm environments required up to 20 days (at 27°C) to hatch while populations from cool environments required as few as 5 days to complete embryonic development prior to hatching. Egg size also varied significantly among populations, but tended to be larger in populations with shorter embryonic development times. Significant family effects were observed for development time and stage of diapause, suggesting significant heritabilities for these traits, although maternal effects may also contribute to family level variation. We interpret these findings to support the hypothesis that embryonic development time and the stage of embryonic diapause have evolved as adaptations to prevailing season lengths in the study populations.
The pathways of acetate oxidation

In micro-organisms considered to oxidize acetate via the dicarboxylic acid cycle or by oxidation to glycolic acid, there were found the enzymes for the synthesis of citric and for the oxidation of isocitric acid. The culture media of moulds believed to oxidize acetate via glycolic acid contained citric, α-ketoglutaric, succinic, malic, and glycolic acids. In most of these organisms malonate inhibited acetate oxidation. In the absence of malonate, citric acid was detected chromatographically from solutions where acetate was oxidized whereas in the presence of malonate only succinate was detected. Formation of succinate from acetate seems to occur by the oxidative condensation of acetylcoenzyme A to succinate. Cell-free extracts of bacteria, moulds, yeast, and animal tissues contain the enzyme which oxidizes acetate in the presence of coenzyme A, flavine adenine dinucleotide, DPN, and Mg+2. It is postulated that all cells oxidize acetate via citric acid cycle but also possess the dicarboxylic acid cycle which provides the oxalacetate required for citric acid formation.
Solitosynthesis induced phase transitions

We consider a phase transition induced by the growth of Q-balls in a false vacuum. Such a transition could occur in the early universe in the case of broken supersymmetry with a metastable false vacuum. Small Q-balls with a negative potential energy can grow in a false vacuum by accretion of global charge until they reach critical size, expand, and cause a phase transition. We consider the growth of Q-balls from small to large, using the Bethe-Salpeter equation to describe small charge solitons and connecting to the growth of larger solitons for which the semiclassical approximation is reliable. We thus test the scenario in a simplified example inspired by supersymmetric extensions of the standard model.
Minimal codes in abelian group algebras

Abstract In this paper we show that two minimal codes M 1 and M 2 in the group algebra F 2[G] have the same (Hamming) weight distribution if and only if there exists an automorphism θ of G whose linear extension to F 2[G] maps M 1 onto M 2. If θ(M1) = M2, then M 1 and M 2 are called equivalent. We also show that there are exactly τ(l) inequivalent minimal codes in F 2[G], where l is the exponent of G, and τ(l) is the number of divisors of l.
PROSTATIC REFLUX DURING POSITIVE CONTRAST RETROGRADE URETHROGRAPHY IN THE DOG

Forty-five positive contrast retrograde urethrograms in which contrast medium reflux into the prostate was identified were evaluated to determine whether a correlation existed between the time and pattern of reflux and the nature of the prostatic disease. Prostatic diseases identified included prostatitis (25 dogs), prostatic tumor (13 dogs), and prostatic hyperplasia (1 dog). Six dogs with contrast medium reflux had no evidence of prostatic disease. No correlation was found between presence of prostatic reflux and specific prostatic diseases; however, prostatic tumor or infection was observed more frequently than hyperplasia, metaplasia, or cyst in the dogs with contrast medium reflux. A linear pattern and irregular, indistinct margination of the contrast medium reflux were associated with prostatitis; however, these patterns were also observed in dogs without prostatic disease
Velocity Control of Electric Propulsion Space Vehicles Using Heliocentric Gravitational Sling

The objective of this research is to determine a near optimal fuel efficient control strategy for an electric propulsion space vehicle to attain a predefined velocity at the target. The control strategy is represented as a chromosome and micro genetic algorithms are used to find the best solution. The control strategy uses the space vehicle's reverse thrust and the sling effect caused by the Sun.
Smoking trajectories, health, and mortality across the adult lifespan.

This study extends research on the association between smoking behavior and chronic disease by following a cohort from the time of initiation of regular smoking patterns into old age and by examining the association of lifetime smoking trajectories with chronic disease and mortality. Participants consisted of 232 males selected from the Harvard classes of 1942–1944 and followed biennially through 2003. Five distinct smoking trajectories were identified based on the age at which participants quit daily smoking. Participants following smoking trajectories with later cessation had a higher likelihood of developing lung disease and lived shorter lives than those who quit smoking at an earlier age. This study confirms that the earlier a smoker quits, the greater the health benefits, and that these benefits are observed even decades after smoking cessation. Additionally, by showing different survival rates between trajectory groups 25 and 40 years after quitting, the results run counter to previous work that has found no difference in mortality between smokers and non-smokers 15 years after cessation.
A new design for WDM packet switching networks with wavelength conversion and recirculating buffering

In this paper we study switching fabric design in WDM optical switching networks with recirculating buffers. The switching network we consider may have arbitrary wavelength conversion capabilities. We focus on limited range wavelength conversion while considering full range wavelength conversion as a special case. We show that by adopting the idea of concentrators the cost of the switching fabric can be substantially reduced. For example, for a typical switching network with 16 input/output fibers, 16 wavelength channels per fiber, 12 delay lines and wavelength conversion degree 7, the new design can yield about 20% savings in network cost. We also give an efficient algorithm to assign the outputs to the inputs in the switching network.
Research grant implementation: Staff development as a tool to accomplish research activities

Abstract The successful completion of a research grant requires accurate and timely implementation of the scientific research plan. Given the multiple demands of a research project, principal investigators (PIs) must rely on grant staff to perform many activities. To ensure that staff members have the knowledge and skills to perform these activities in accordance with the research plan, staff development is needed. Although numerous resources address staff development in nonresearch settings (e.g., Abruzzese, 1992; American Nurses' Association, 1990; McGregor, 1990; Orth, Wilkinson, & Benfari, 1990; Phelps, 1990; Weiss, 1989 ), little information is available to address the special staff development needs in a research project. This article addresses these needs. Specifically, this article provides PIs with practical guidance for determining staffing needs and selecting staff for a research project. Additionally, it provides guidance for using staff development to enhance the research skills of the staff so they can assist in completing the grant activities and can grow into more seasoned researchers themselves. Particular attention is focused on providing development experiences that will enable the staff to assist the PI in the following activities: supervising personnel; fostering positive public relations; handling routine office tasks; producing correspondence and reports; maintaining confidentiality; managing the budget; developing and testing data collection instruments; collecting, entering, monitoring, and analyzing data; keeping abreast of current research; disseminating findings; and laying the groundwork for future research.
MO‐G‐BRA‐03: The Study of Needle Insertion Force and Its Effect on Deflection in Brachytherapy

Purpose:To quantify needle deflection and study the relationship between the deflection and the force that is produced during insertion into a homogeneous phantom. A proposed model can be used to estimate needle deflection using the force that occurs on the needle during insertion into the phantom. Methods: A model was developed that correlates needle insertion force to needle deflection. Experiments were performed to validate this model. Using a needle grid, a 30° bevel trocar was inserted bevel up and then bevel right into two separate areas within a homogeneous phantom. During and after needle insertion, a force dynamometer was used to measure the y‐directional force data. After insertion and obtaining force data, needle deflection was quantified using a measurement apparatus that consisted of a digital depth gauge and two datum surfaces. A second experiment used a linear stage to bend a trocar inside the phantom, while force and needle deflection were measured. Using Matlab, the y‐force directional data of the bevel up and bevel right were analyzed. After matching up peeks of both data sets, the force of interest was obtained via bevel up data minus bevel right data. Results: With a sample size of n = 3 for the bevel up and bevel right experiments, a force reading of 0.23 ± 0.04 N and trocar deflection of 3.63 ± 0.5 mm were obtained. Similarly, the linear stage experiment was performed to obtain the Young's modulus of the needle and phantom system. The deflection and force results validate the model created, providing the experimentally determined Young's modulus of the needle and phantom system. Conclusions: Two sets of experimental apparatus was constructed to obtain force and deflection data. A model was developed to correlate the needle force to needle deflection and validated with experimental data.
Current strategies and barriers in integrated health care: a survey of publicly funded providers in Texas

Abstract Objective This study aimed to assess the extent to which publicly funded behavioral health and primary care providers in Texas have integrated physical and mental health care, the strategies used in implementation efforts and barriers encountered in integration. Method A survey of behavioral health and primary care providers in Texas was conducted to examine providers' perceptions of efforts to integrate physical and mental health care in their organizations. Integration strategies utilized, health conditions targeted and barriers to implementation were evaluated. Descriptive analyses were conducted to determine organizations' current integration strategies and perceived clinical, organizational and financial barriers to integration. Results Out of 382 surveys initially distributed, a final subsample of 84 organizations with complete data was examined, a response rate of 22%. Among this sample of behavioral health and primary care providers, many shared integration practice strategies and endorsed similar barriers to integration. Conclusion The findings from this study suggest that publicly funded organizations in Texas attempting to integrate physical and mental health care were aware of and employing practice strategies considered essential to the successful treatment of mental health issues in primary care settings. Attention to barriers that still exist, especially regarding workforce and funding issues, will be critical for organizations considering and attempting integration.
Proton: The Particle

The purpose of this article is to review briefly the nature of protons: creation at the Big Bang, abundance, physical characteristics, internal components, and life span. Several particle discoveries by proton as the experimental tool are considered. Protons play important roles in science, medicine, and industry. This article was prompted by my experience in the curative treatment of cancer patients by protons and my interest in the nature of protons as particles. The latter has been stimulated by many discussions with particle physicists and reading related books and journals. Protons in our universe number ≈10 80 . Protons were created at 10 −6 –1 second after the Big Bang at ≈1.37 × 10 10 years beforethe present. Proton life span has been experimentally determined to be ≥10 34 years; that is, the age of the universe is 10 −24 th of the minimum life span of a proton. The abundance of the elements is hydrogen, ≈74%; helium, ≈24%; and heavier atoms, ≈2%. Accordingly, protons are the dominant baryonic subatomic particle in the universe because ≈87% are protons. They are in each atom in our universe and thus involved in virtually every activity of matter in the visible universe, including life on our planet. Protons were discovered in 1919. In 1968, they were determined to be composed of even smaller particles, principally quarks and gluons. Protons have been the experimental tool in the discoveries of quarks (charm, bottom, and top), bosons (W + , W − , Z 0 , and Higgs), antiprotons, and antineutrons. Industrial applications of protons are numerous and important. Additionally, protons are well appreciated in medicine for their role in radiation oncology and in magnetic resonance imaging. Protons are the dominant baryonic subatomic particle in the visible universe, comprising ≈87% of the particle mass. They are present in each atom of our universe and thus a participant in every activity involving matter.
Phase II, Randomized Trial Comparing Bevacizumab Plus Fluorouracil (FU)/Leucovorin (LV) With FU/LV Alone in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Purpose: This phase II trial investigated the safety and efficacy of two doses of bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody to vascular endothelial growth factor, plus fluorouracil (FU)/leucovorin (LV) versus FU/LV alone in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Patients and Methods: One hundred four previously untreated patients with measurable metastatic colorectal cancer were randomly assigned to one of the following three treatment groups: 36 to FU (500 mg/m2)/LV (500 mg/m2) alone, 35 to FU/LV + low-dose bevacizumab (5 mg/kg every 2 weeks), and 33 to FU/LV + high-dose bevacizumab (10 mg/kg every 2 weeks). FU/LV was given weekly for the first 6 weeks of each 8-week cycle. Results: Compared with the FU/LV control arm, treatment with bevacizumab (at both dose levels) plus FU/LV resulted in higher response rates (control arm, 17%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 7% to 34%; low-dose arm, 40%, 95% CI, 24% to 58%; high-dose arm, 24%, 95% CI, 12% to 43%), longer median time to disease progression (control arm, 5....
Autonomous search for mines: II. Hierarchical search using sensory data

Typically, a human agent or a robotic device may sweep a suspected minefield in a systematic up and down pattern to search for explosive mines with the help of an appropriate sensor or sensor system, such as an EMI (Electromagnetic Induction) sensor. In this paper we consider alternative search patterns which take advantage of a priori knowledge of the minefield. In previous work, a gradient based search algorithm has been designed and shown to be an effective search strategy using simulations on hypothetical minefield data. This paper considers a suite of fast search heuristics based on a hierarchical two level approach, and evaluates these algorithms with the realistic sensory data, specifically the Electromagnetic Sensory Data from DARPA. Heuristics considered include a hierarchical version of our gradient based algorithm, a nearest neighbor type greedy heuristic, and a heuristic which is inspired from an approximate solution of the traveling salesman problem.
Morphological abnormalities in Chironomus tentans exposed to cadmium-and copper-spiked sediments.

Abstract The induction of mouthpart deformities and the developmental response with exposure to sediments spiked with three concentrations (9, 39, and 61 μg g −1 Cd dry wt.) of cadmium (Cd) and three concentrations (30, 125, and 215 μg g −1 Cu dry wt.) of copper (Cu) were investigated. Mouthpart deformity proportions in Chironomus tentans larvae were compared between metal-spiked and control populations and between parent and offspring (F1) populations. Cd- and Cu-treated sediments induced deformities (low Cd=13%, medium Cd=7%, high Cd=4%, low Cu=6%, medium Cu=9%, high Cu=6%) at significantly higher proportions than control (3%) sediments. No negative developmental response was determined. Larval sizes in metal-treated aquaria and control aquaria were not significantly different. F1 larvae from parents reared in medium and high Cu had significantly lower deformity rates than their parents. Our research adds to the growing evidence implicating heavy metals in general, and Cd and Cu specifically, as teratogenic agents.
Groundwater resource assessments

SUMMARY Groundwater is a key component of water supply worldwide. In many areas, surface waters are inadequate or too polluted for effective utilization; while in other parts of the world groundwater is virtually the only source of water. Unfortunately groundwater is a fragile, finite, and often non-renewable resource. Overproduction and contamination threaten the water resource itself, and water supply conflicts threaten the peace and stability of neighbouring nations. Finding new, optimizing existing, and sustaining groundwater resources are extremely important components of water supply strategy. Rational application of geoscience principles and technology is a necessity for groundwater resource assessments, e.g. location of new water well drilling sites, optimizing and sustaining production from existing well fields, and detecting and mapping groundwater contamination. Geophysical surveys contribute to all aspects of the requirements for groundwater resource assessment. Importantly, geophysics provide...
Assessment of acceptance sampling plans using posterior distribution for a dependent process

In this study, performance of single acceptance sampling plans by attribute is investigated by using the distribution of fraction nonconformance (i.e. lot quality distribution) for a dependent production process. It is the aim of this study to demonstrate that, in order to emphasize consumer risk (i.e. the risk of accepting a bad lot), it is better to evaluate a sampling plan based upon its performance as assessed by the posterior distribution of fractions nonconforming in accepted lots. Similarly, it is the desired posterior distribution that sets the basis for designing a sampling plan. The prior distribution used in this study is derived from a Markovian model of dependence.
Design and fabrication of a wide-field holographic lens for a laser communication receiver

The design and fabrication of a wide field-of-view (FOV) holographic lens for use in a laser communication receiver are described. The holographic lens was designed to image incoming laser radiation at 850 nm onto a solid state detector array over a FOV of ±22.5 x ±16 deg (±26.7 deg in the diagonal direction). Experimental results obtained with the holographic wide FOV laser receiver are presented. The location of the focused spot can be determined by interpolation to subpixel accuracy, providing the laser receiver with an angular resolution better than 1.5 mrad.
Single Wire Electrode Contacts ABD their Effects on Energy Deposition

Summary form only given. When single wires are driven with short, high-current pulses the energy deposited is terminated by a voltage collapse that occurs when coronal plasma forms along the wire. It has been shown that the formation of this plasma and the amount of energy deposited can be affected by the way electrical contact is established between a wire and the electrodes. It has also been shown that soldered contacts or improved mechanical contacts can delay the plasma formation and increase the energy deposited. We present here more detailed experiments using a new approach for improving the electrical connection between the wires and electrodes. Large diameter, 50 mum, 5056 aluminum wires were chemically etched down to 25 mum except for regions at the ends where the wire-electrode contact occurred. Initial wire diameters were determined and placement between the electrodes was adjusted using diffraction techniques. Care was taken so that the extension of the thicker portion of the wires into the anode-cathode gap region was minimized. Energy deposited before voltage collapse using these types of wires was compared to the energy deposited in uniform diameter 25 mum wires with simple mechanical electrode contacts and also with 25 mum wires using soldered contacts. Similar experiments are planned starting with larger wires of, for example 75 and 100 mum. Detailed time dependent measurements of the plasma at the ends of the wires, near the electrodes, was made using 532 nm laser interferometry. Time dependent laser backlighting was used to observe the wire expansion after the voltage collapse.
Kinetics and redox properties of vanadium phosphate catalysts for butane oxidation

Abstract The kinetics of butane oxidation over two vanadium phosphate catalysts of differing phosphorous to vanadium ratios (P/V = 1.0 and 1.1) were studied in order to assess the effects of phosphorous content on butane oxidation kinetics. These catalysts were prepared in an organic medium and demonstrated yields of maleic anhydride (MA) comparable to those claimed in commercial catalysts. The primary reaction products were MA and carbon oxides. The kinetic data were correlated by an eight parameter model which accounts for reaction inhibition by butane and MA. The PV1.0 catalyst was approximately twice as active as the PV1.1 catalyst, while the selectivities to MA were similar. Transient reaction experiments and redox titrations indicate that the redox processes taking place under reaction conditions are restricted to a near-surface region.
Remote intraoperative monitoring during cochlear implant surgery is feasible and efficient.

OBJECTIVES Intraoperative testing of cochlear implant devices, establishment of electrical threshold for acoustic reflex, and recording neural responses to electrical stimulation have traditionally required the presence of a cochlear implant audiologist in the operating room. The goal of this study was to determine the feasibility of remote testing to improve time efficiency and reduce cost. STUDY DESIGN Prospective. METHODS A standard PC with Tridia VNC software and either Cochlear Corporation or Advanced Bionics Corporation mapping software was configured to perform remote testing. The time required to perform on-site or remote testing was measured. RESULTS With the availability of the laptop and internet access, there were no geographic restrictions regarding the site of remote testing. Remote testing was time efficient, requiring 9 minutes of audiologist's time compared with 93 minutes when the audiologist had to travel to the operating room. CONCLUSION Remote testing of the cochlear implant device and patient's response to electrical stimulation is technically feasible. It is timesaving, practical, and cost efficient.
Influence of dorsal periaqueductal gray activation on respiratory occlusion reflexes in rats

The dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG) is an essential neural component for central integration of defense behavior and associated autonomic regulation. Electrical and chemical stimulation of this region results in a significant decrease of inspiratory (Ti) and expiratory (Te) breathing durations. In the present study it was hypothesized that breath timing changes elicited by dPAG activation would modulate respiratory load compensation volume-timing reflexes. The effect of dPAG activation of breathing pattern was investigated using chemical stimulation with microinjection of the excitatory amino acid D,L-homocysteic acid (DLH) or disinhibition with GABA(A) (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptor antagonist bicuculline (BIC) in urethane-anesthetized, spontaneously breathing rats. Volume-timing reflexes were studied using inspiratory and expiratory occlusion before and after DLH or BIC dPAG activation. Both BIC and DLH activation of the dPAG significantly increased breathing frequency. Inspiratory occlusion significantly increased Ti before dPAG activation and DLH and BIC potentiated the relative increase in Ti during occlusion. BIC elicited a greater increase in inspiratory occlusion Ti than DLH. Inspiratory occlusion alone also significantly increased diaphragm EMG activity and this response was potentiated with dPAG activation. Expiratory occlusion significantly increased Te and DLH and BIC potentiated the relative increase in Te during expiratory occlusion. These results suggest that dPAG activation modulates the respiratory neural network, resulting in an increased respiratory drive and a decrease in volume-timing reflex sensitivity.
“If I didn’t write it, why would I remember it?” Effects of encoding, attention, and practice on accurate and false memory

In two experiments involving recall and recognition, we manipulated encoding strategies, attention, and practice in the Deese, Roediger, and McDermott false memory procedure. During the study of auditory word lists, participants listened to the words, wrote the words, wrote the second letter of the words, or counted backward by threes and wrote numbers in time with the words. The results from both experiments showed that, relative to the full-attention hear word condition, the divided-attention write number condition impaired accurate memory, but not false memory. In contrast, the focused-attention write word and write second letter conditions were comparable to the hear word condition in producing accurate memory, yet they were better at reducing false memory. But even after multiple study-test trials, people still falsely recalled or recognized words that they had never written during study. These results are consistent with predictions generated from fuzzy trace theory and the activation/monitoring framework.
Post-Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction among the Largely Hispanic Underinsured of Southern California: An Analysis of Factors Leading to Lower Referral and Reconstruction Rates over Two Decades.

Background: This study investigates improvements in the rate of reconstruction over the last decade for the, predominantly Hispanic, county hospital population of Riverside County, California. This is accomplished be comparison to a similar study within the same institution by Kalina et al for the preceding decade. In addition, comparisons to national trends are also made as a global measure of the success of the reconstructive process in the study population. While previous national studies have focused solely on reconstructive rates, the present study also examines post-mastectomy referral rates. Additional investigation was carried out into the factors affecting both referral and reconstructive rates within this population.Methods: A retrospective review of all female patients9 charts who underwent mastectomy from Aug 1998- June 2007 was performed. Factors investigated in relation to referral and reconstruction rates were stage of the cancer, smoking status, race, surgeon performing mastectomy, and age. Ten studies were selected for comparison that represented reconstruction rates from various national database and single institution studies from 1984-2003. Logistic regression was used to analyze the data.Results: n=163. Mean Age 52. Hispanics comprised 42% followed by whites at 26%. Eighty seven (53%) patients were referred to plastics for reconstruction and 24 (15%) underwent reconstruction. There was a 273% and 333% increase compared to the previous decade in referral and reconstruction rates respectively within the study population. Rate of reconstruction (15%) within the study population was 58% lower than what was projected by national trends (36%). The surgeon performing the mastectomy was the most significant factor affecting referral (odds ratio 3.35). Younger age ( Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 3081.
Expression of the keratan sulfate proteoglycans lumican, keratocan and osteoglycin/mimecan during chick corneal development.

Abstract The corneal proteoglycans belong to the Leu-rich proteoglycan (LRP) gene family and contain chondroitin/dermatan (CS/DS) or keratan sulfate (KS) chains. These proteoglycans play a critical role in generating and maintaining a transparent matrix within the corneal stroma. Decorin which has CS/DS chains and lumican which has KS chains, were first to be identified in the cornea. Two other corneal KS proteoglycans (KSPGs), keratocan and osteoglycin/mimecan were recently identified in bovine corneas. We cloned and sequenced chick osteoglycin/mimecan and found it to contain a stretch of 60 amino acids that showed no identity to the presumed mammalian homolog. The 177 base pair DNA coding for this unique sequence shows 47% identity to an 189 base pair sequence between exons 4 and 5 of the bovine osteoglycin/mimecan gene. This indicates that this cDNA represents an alternatively spliced form of osteoglycin/mimecan containing a unique N-terminal sequence. The expression of each of the three corneal KSPGs in the developing and mature chick cornea was investigated by competitive PCR and immuno-biochemical analysis of corneal extracts. Competitive PCR was used to determine the message levels for chick lumican, keratocan and osteoglycin in embryonic day 9, 12, 15, 18 and adult corneas. Results showed that lumican mRNA fluctuated during development but remained at a relatively high level while keratocan and osteoglycin message levels declined steadily from day 9 to adult. Additionally, lumican mRNA was present at higher levels, during all stages of corneal development, than keratocan and at much higher levels than osteoglycin. Antibodies shown to be specific for each KSPG were used to characterize proteoglycans isolated from embryonic and adult chick corneas. KSPGs from embryonic corneas eluted 1–2 fractions earlier on Q-Sepharose than KSPG from adult corneas. Additionally, Western blot analysis showed that embryonic KSPGs were more keratanase-resistant, endo-β-galactosidase sensitive than adult KSPGs. The results of this study indicate an alteration in sulfation or the fine structure of the glycosaminoglycan chains occurs during corneal maturation for the 3 KSPGs.
Conversion of dihydrotestosterone to androstanediol glucuronide by female sexual skin.

Abstract Sexual skin biopsies from 13 normal women were obtained and minces/3-h studied after adding either [3H]dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or [3H]androstanediol (3αdiol) to RPMI-1640 medium in a Dubnoff apparatus. Unconjugated or conjugated androgens (after hydrolysis) were purified by three chromatography steps. Formation of 3αdiol and 3αdiol glucuronide (3αdiolG) was linear with time. The conversion of DHT to DHT17βG was only 4.4 ± 0.5%/200 mg/3 h, while conversion to Socdiol was 32 ± 1.7% The back conversion of 3αdiol to DHT was 30 ± 3% and conversion to 3αdiolG was 4.5 ± 1.25%. The product of the conversion separately measured of DHT to 3αdiol and 3αdiol to 3αdiolG was 1.5%, which is not very different than the overall conversion rate of DHT to 3αdiolG of 1.4%. This study indicates that the predominant path in this tissue is DHT ⇌ 3αdiol → 3αdiolG, rather than formation of DHT17βG and then 3α reduction to 3αdiolG.
Product brand differentiation and dual‐channel store performances of a multi‐channel retailer

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework to help business marketers with online and traditional retail channels (multi‐channel retailers) to find the optimal branding strategy and market structure in order to maximize their profits.Design/methodology/approach – A game‐theoretic model is developed to determine the optimal branding strategy and market structure for the dual‐channel stores of a multi‐channel retailer.Findings – The paper demonstrates that an optimal branding strategy and market structure exists for the dual‐channel stores of a multi‐channel retailer. When a retailer uses multiple channels in parallel to sell its product, the optimal branding strategy is to employ as large as possible brand differentiation between the dual‐channel stores, particularly when the price is less sensitive for consumers and the market base size is larger. Furthermore, it is also found that the optimal market structure is the Stackelberg mode, especially when the product brands between the two c...
Spherical approximations for minimax optimization problems

A general iterative method for the solution of convex minimax optimization problems is proposed. At each iteration, the functions are locally approximated by spheres and the resulting minimax problem is solved. We tested the algorithm on three different minimax location problems in the plane. Computational results with these problems are favorable.
Use of a polynomial exponential function to describe migration of proteins on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels.

Standard mixtures of proteins were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Polynomial regression analysis was used to fit curves to the data, points obtained by plotting log10 of protein molecular weight versus electrophoretic mobility. Polynomials with orders ranging from 1 to 4 were generated. The coefficients of each equation were analyzed for statistical significance. It was found that a third order polynomial was the hightest-order equation in which all coefficients contributed significantly to the prediction of molecular weights. Using this equation, it was possible to estimate the molecular weights of known proteins in the range from 97 400 to 14 400 with a maximum error of 1 %, compared with a maximum error of 17 % when a first-order equation was used to describe the migration of the standarads.
Mechanically switchable photonic crystal structures based on coupled photonic crystal slabs

Using both analytic theory, and first-principles finite-difference time-domain simulations, we introduce several novel mechanically tunable photonic crystal structures consisting of coupled photonic crystal slabs. These structures exploit guided resonance effects which give rise to strong variation of transmission for normally incident light. First, when the two slabs are separated apart by a few wavelengths, such a coupled slab structure behaves as a miniaturized Fabry-Perot cavity with two photonic crystal slabs acting as highly reflecting mirrors. Therefore, the transmission through the structure is highly sensitive to the spacing between the slabs. Second, when the two slabs are in proximity to each other, the evanescent tails of the resonance start to overlap. Exploiting the evanescent tunneling, we introduce a new type of optical all-pass filter. The filter exhibits near complete transmission for both on and off resonant frequencies, and yet generates large resonant group delay. Thus, we expect the coupled photonic crystal slab structures to play important roles in micro-mechanically tunable optical sensors and filters.
Implementation of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy in the Treatment of Carcinoma of the Nasopharynx and Oropharynx: A Retrospective Single Institution Analysis

Conclusions From February 2003 to August 2008, 51 patients with nasopharyngeal (n=8) or oropharyngeal (n=43) carcinoma were treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) at the National Naval Medical Center. The majority of patients received treatment for squamous cell carcinoma (n=50) with one patient undergoing IMRT for treatment of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the oropharynx. One patient treated for nasopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma was lost to follow-up after 7 months with exclusion from this analysis. Of the 50 patients, 49 were treated with definitive IMRT and 1 received re-treatment for recurrent base of tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Materials/Methods
Noble gases in an Hawaiian xenolith

THE noble gas record in meteorites and lunar samples has been the subject of many investigations aimed at determining their age, the history of their exposure to cosmic rays and to the solar wind, and the early chronology of events in the Solar System (see review in ref. 1). Information on the latter is contained primarily in the isotopes of xenon, where the decay products of extinct 129I and 244Pu provide a record of the synthesis of elements and the early history of planetary solids (see review in ref. 2). The occurrence of radiogenic xenon in CO2 well gas from Harding County, New Mexico is the only clear evidence that extinct radioactivities were present in the early history of the Earth3,4, but the suggestion that this radiogenic xenon had been brought near the Earth's surface in hot magmas was not confirmed by recent analyses of xenon in lava rock from this region5.
Facing Imbalanced Data--Recommendations for the Use of Performance Metrics

Recognizing facial action units (AUs) is important for situation analysis and automated video annotation. Previous work has emphasized face tracking and registration and the choice of features classifiers. Relatively neglected is the effect of imbalanced data for action unit detection. While the machine learning community has become aware of the problem of skewed data for training classifiers, little attention has been paid to how skew may bias performance metrics. To address this question, we conducted experiments using both simulated classifiers and three major databases that differ in size, type of FACS coding, and degree of skew. We evaluated influence of skew on both threshold metrics (Accuracy, F-score, Cohen's kappa, and Krippendorf's alpha) and rank metrics (area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and precision-recall curve). With exception of area under the ROC curve, all were attenuated by skewed distributions, in many cases, dramatically so. While ROC was unaffected by skew, precision-recall curves suggest that ROC may mask poor performance. Our findings suggest that skew is a critical factor in evaluating performance metrics. To avoid or minimize skew-biased estimates of performance, we recommend reporting skew-normalized scores along with the obtained ones.
Alteration of renal blood flow during sequential embolization of the canine kidney.

Experimental embolization of the renal artery with cross-linked dextran (CLD) microspheres was performed in 6 dogs. the blood flow was monitored by electromagnetic flow meter (EM) in 3 dogs and by video dilution technique (VDT), adapted to an angiographic digital subtraction system, in a second group of 3 dogs. Retrograde flow in the embolized renal artery was detected by 99Tcm microspheres. Sequential emboli produce a predictable and equal flow response with both measuring techniques. Thus, the less invasive VDT can be used in the clinical setting to optimize and control embolization procedures. This type of flow monitoring has great potential in alerting the angiographer when approaching the risk level for retrograde flow
The Future of Personal Information Management, Part I: Our Information, Always and Forever

We are well into a second age of digital information. Our information is moving from the desktop to the laptop to the "palmtop" and up into an amorphous cloud on the Web. How can one manage both the challenges and opportunities of this new world of digital information? What does the future hold? This book provides an important update on the rapidly expanding field of personal information management (PIM). Part I (Always and Forever) introduces the essentials of PIM. Information is personal for many reasons. It's the information on our hard drives we couldn't bear to lose. It's the information about us that we don't want to share. It's the distracting information demanding our attention even as we try to do something else. It's the information we don't know about but need to. Through PIM, we control personal information. We integrate information into our lives in useful ways. We make it "ours." With basics established, Part I proceeds to explore a critical interplay between personal information "always" at hand through mobile devices and "forever" on the Web. How does information stay "ours" in such a world? Part II (Building Places of Our Own for Digital Information) will be available in the Summer of 2012, and will consist of the following chapters: Chapter 5. Technologies to eliminate PIM?: We have seen astonishing advances in the technologies of information management -- in particular, to aid in the storing, structuring and searching of information. These technologies will certainly change the way we do PIM; will they eliminate the need for PIM altogether? Chapter 6. GIM and the social fabric of PIM: We don't (and shouldn't) manage our information in isolation. Group information management (GIM) -- especially the kind practiced more informally in households and smaller project teams -- goes hand in glove with good PIM. Chapter 7. PIM by design: Methodologies, principles, questions and considerations as we seek to understand PIM better and to build PIM into our tools, techniques and training. Chapter 8. To each of us, our own.: Just as we must each be a student of our own practice of PIM, we must also be a designer of this practice. This concluding chapter looks at tips, traps and tradeoffs as we work to build a practice of PIM and "places" of our own for personal information. Table of Contents: A New Age of Information / The Basics of PIM / Our Information, Always at Hand / Our Information, Forever on the Web
Effects of nitrogen nutrition on responses of rice seedlings to carbon dioxide

Abstract Global atmospheric CO2 concentration is increasing, likely increasing the productivity of crops as higher CO2 enhances plant photosynthesis. Responsiveness to nitrogen supply is an essential trait of modern rice cultivars, and may play a role in the response of rice cultivars to CO2. To determine the relationship between these two important production variables on young rice plants, seedlings of Oryza sativa L. `IR72' and `KDML 105' were exposed for 28 days after sowing to CO2 levels of 373, 545, 723 and 895 μmol mol−1, and 3 levels of nitrogen fertility. There were large increases in leaf CO2 assimilation and biomass production whereas leaf nitrogen concentration dropped sharply as CO2 increased from 373 to 545 μmol mol−1, with little additional effect from higher levels of CO2. Root and shoot biomass, and tiller number per plant increased with increasing nitrogen supply and with increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration. The biomass response to CO2 was slight at low N supply, but became dramatically greater as the N supply increased. Mean root/shoot ratio increased slightly as atmospheric CO2 concentration increased, but decreased sharply as nitrogen fertility rate increased. These results suggest that careful attention to nitrogen fertilization will be necessary for rice farming to get the full benefit of any future increases in atmospheric CO2.
Parental Support Programs and Paternal Stress: An Exploratory Study.

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the effects of a parent support program designed specifically for fathers on the stress they were experiencing in their paternal roles. Subjects were 54 fathers (27 treatment, 27 control) and their preschool-aged children. Measures of the fathers' perceived parental stress were taken on a pretest-posttest basis using the Parenting Stress Index (PSI). Analyses revealed significant program effects on their sense of competence, social isolation, and depression subscales of the PSI parent domain. No program effects were evident on PSI child domain subscales. Correlational analyses indicated the fathers' educational levels and family incomes to be the only demographic variables significantly related to PSI parent and child domain subscales. Implications are drawn from the findings for future research on paternal stress, and for the development of support programs for fathers.
Presentation of the Mineralogical Society of America Award for 2005 to Tiziana Boffa-Ballaran

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: It was a pleasant surprise when Tiziana asked me to introduce her as the recipient of the MSA award for 2005, as she has worked with many excellent mineralogists and crystallographers who have influenced and guided her career more than I. Indeed, I suspect I have learnt more from Tiziana than she has from me. Like many senior crystallographers, Tiziana comes from a farming background, having grown up in the small village of Sella di Tavigliano on the flanks of the Piemontese Alps in northern Italy. Mineralogists know this area better as the Ivrea zone, and for the eclogites at Monte Mucronne that lie above her home. Despite these mineralogical influences early in her life, Tiziana choose to study chemistry for her undergraduate degree, first at the University of Milan, and then at Pavia. However, when one reads Tiziana’s CV for her undergraduate years one sees the seeds of the two pervasive themes of her subsequent career. First, she won scholarships to spend semesters at other Universities in Europe (Aarhus in Denmark, Aveiro in Portugal, and Wroclaw in Silesia) and so develop scientific collaborations and friendships that cross many international borders. In this sense Tiziana is a representative of the new model of European integration, maintaining her strong regional roots and traditions while developing links that span the continent; her new young family is another product of such collaboration! The other theme that appears in Tiziana’s undergraduate record is thermodynamics of solid solutions, the topic of both her senior thesis and her work in Wroclaw, and it is this theme that formed the basis of the …