cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Frost and flowers: Predicting the effects of climate change on spring frost damage using a large pollen count dataset

Climate change is resulting in warmer average temperatures in much of North America, leading to earlier flowering dates for most tree genera. However, earlier flowering dates can increase the chance of frost damage which may in turn reduce or eliminate seed and fruit production. This has important implications for both forest regeneration and the organisms which depend on these resources.Although specific examples, such as the “Easter frost” of 2007, show that frost damage can have extreme short term impacts on tree reproduction, we lack a general understanding of the frequency and importance of these events in non-agricultural contexts. Moreover, the magnitude by which climate change could increase these events is unknown.In this study we address the following questions: 1) How good of a predictor are environmental variables (such as temperature) for pollen release date and duration across multiple genera of North American trees? 2) How frequently and to what extent has frost damage affected pollen production over the last decade? 3) Based on temporal and spatial variation in environmental factors and tree pollen phenology, what can we predict for future decades?To investigate these questions we make use of a large pollen count dataset, derived from asthma related data collection efforts. This dataset consists of 55 urban sites across North America, and contains six years of data. Pollen was collected daily and identified to the genus level. We also make use of nearby municipal weather stations for detailed daily weather data. Certain genera, such as Acer, Alnus, Populus, and Quercus had relatively earlier pollen production times, putting them at higher risk of frost damage. Within each genus there was high variation in when the day of peak pollen counts occurred; for example Quercus peak days ranged from February 28th to June 7th. This variation was largely explained by environmental variables and site specific effects.We found many examples of days which had minimum temperatures sufficiently low to damage plant tissue but where pollen was still collected. For example, in the Quercus genus 223 out of 7417 pollen count observations fit these criteria, suggesting the importance of frost damage to this genus. Next, by comparing pollen count distributions between years, we show the extent to which frost damage has limited pollen production for multiple genera. Finally, we use hierarchical models to show how climate change may affect the impact of frost damage in the future.
Lower incisor space analysis: A contrast of methods

Two current methods to assess spacing-crowding among lower anterior teeth are described and contrasted. These are the anterior space analysis of Merrifield and the irregularity index of Little. There is only a modest correlation between these methods (rs = +0.53) because they provide complementary information; space analysis is more attuned to tooth displacements while the irregularity index is susceptible to axiversions. Cases illustrating major divergences between the two methods are illustrated.
Random repression, immunological surveillance and hyperthermia.

Summary A theoretical model of the phenomenon of random repression of genetic information in a cancer cell is related to the efficiency of the immune system in removing cancer cells. It is suggested that at some elevated temperature, binding of a certain repressor molecule to the genome ceases and that the cell loses its random properties. We conclude with the idea that elevated temperature increases the efficiency of the immune system.
Using personal photos as pictorial passwords

Pictorial passwords, where the user recognizes "target" images among "distractors", appear to have potential for improving the usability of authentication systems. We conducted three exploratory studies on the use of personal photos for authentication over a three-month period. Participants provided 8-20 photos of personal significance to them but which they believed others would not recognize. They also chose four photos to remember from a set of stock photos. Recognition accuracy for the personal photos was significantly higher than the stock photos. We also manipulated the number of target and distractor photos as well as their similarity, and we tested how well others who know the users could guess their photos. Larger numbers of distractors and greater similarity to the targets made it harder for others to guess the correct photos, while having no impact on the user's own recognition accuracy.
Polypeptide growth factors augment interleukin 1-induced release of prostaglandin E2 by rheumatoid arthritis synovial cells in vitro

When stimulated with increasing amounts of interleukin 1β(IL, 1β) rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as compared with osteoarthritis (OA), synovial cells grown in RPMI plus fetal bovine serum (FBS), released significantly more prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) (p < 0.05; paired t test, two-tailed). PGE2 release by IL 1β-stimulated RA synovial cells grown for 14 days in serum-free RPMI was significantly less than that released by the same cells grown in medium plus 10% FBS (p < 0.03; two-tailed). Since these data suggest that growth factors present in FBS may augment the effects of IL 1β, experiments were conducted to study the influence of four polypeptide growth factors—transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), on IL 1β-induced release of PGE2 by cultured RA synovial cells. Both EGF and bFGF significantly enhanced IL 1β-induced release of PGE2 (p < 0.05; paired t test, one-tailed), while PDGF was synergistic with IL 1β, significantly increasing release of PGE2 by these cultured cells (p < 0.02; two-tailed). No such effect was seen when TGF-β was added to the culture medium. Taken together, these data lend support to the concept that within the synovial micro-environment small quantities of individual growth factors may potentiate the effects of IL 1β to amplify intra-articular inflammation.
Compact and low-power continuous-time derivative circuit

A new circuit to compute a continuous-time derivative is introduced. Comprising only one capacitor and six to eight transistors, this derivative circuit occupies very little real estate and consumes limited power, making it particularly well suited to low-power and array applications such as imager systems and sub-banded audio-processing applications. A description of the operation of this circuit is provided along with results from a circuit fabricated in a standard 0.5 μm CMOS process.
The Use of a Time-Shared, On-Line Computer to Support Basic and Applied Radiation Research

The Sandia Data Acquisition and Display System (DADS) is being used in a time-shared, real-time mode to support basic and applied radiation research. Five remote terminals provide computer access for experiments such as electron beam diagnostics, fast neutron spectrum measurements, static and dynamic reactor fuels testing and neutron damage studies on solid state electronic components. The system has substantially increased radiation facility and experimenter efficiency. This paper describes the DADS and demonstrates its utility by discussing some of the experiments that are currently interfaced to the system.
Utilizing Business Intelligence to Enhance Online Education at For-Profit and Non-Profit Institutions

With the increase in the demand of online education, especially for working people, there is a need for institutions that offer online education to identify, target, and market their services to people who are in need of furthering their education or who would be interested in using online education to advance their careers. The aim of this paper is to explore how Business Intelligence (BI) can be utilized to enhance online education for profit and non-profit organizations. The goal is to identify, target, and market online education to an audience who may not have thought of online education, but will appreciate the opportunity.
Polyp of the colon possessing features of colitis cystica profunda.

Submucosal glands have been observed in a polyp of the colon. Histologically, the submucosal pattern was similar to that of colitis cystica profunda and inverted hamartomatous polyps. The major problem in this type of lesion is differentiating it from adenocarcinoma. Histologic criteria are reviewed which provide the correct diagnosis.
Training Self Explanation and Reading Strategies

This research examines the effectiveness of a training intervention program designed to improve strategies for learning from texts and to determine whether the success of this intervention depends ...
No Nonsense Neuro-law

In Minds, Brains, and Norms, Pardo and Patterson deny that the activities of persons (knowledge, rule-following, interpretation) can be understood exclusively in terms of the brain, and thus conclude that neuroscience is irrelevant to the law, and to the conceptual and philosophical questions that arise in legal contexts. On their view, such appeals to neuroscience are an exercise in nonsense. We agree that understanding persons requires more than understanding brains, but we deny their pessimistic conclusion. Whether neuroscience can be used to address legal issues is an empirical question. Recent work on locked-in syndrome, memory, and lying suggests that neuroscience has potential relevance to the law, and is far from nonsensical. Through discussion of neuroscientific methods and these recent results we show how an understanding of the subpersonal mechanisms that underlie person-level abilities could serve as a valuable and illuminating source of evidence in legal and social contexts. In so doing, we sketch the way forward for a no-nonsense approach to the intersection of law and neuroscience.
Hyperperfusion in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is associated with disease progression and absence of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome

We sought to characterize perfusion patterns of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy lesions by arterial spin labelling perfusion magnetic resonance imaging and to analyse their association with immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, and survival. A total of 22 patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy underwent a clinical evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain within 190 days of symptom onset. The presence of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome was determined based on clinical and laboratory criteria. Perfusion within progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy lesions was determined by arterial spin labelling magnetic resonance imaging. We observed intense hyperperfusion within and at the edge of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy lesions in a subset of subjects. This hyperperfusion was quantified by measuring the fraction of lesion volume showing perfusion in excess of twice normal appearing grey matter. Hyperperfused lesion fraction was significantly greater in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy progressors than in survivors (12.8% versus 3.4% P = 0.02) corresponding to a relative risk of progression for individuals with a hyperperfused lesion fraction ≥ 4.0% of 9.1 (95% confidence interval of 1.4–59.5). The presence of hyperperfusion was inversely related to the occurrence of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome at the time of scan (P = 0.03). Indeed, within 3 months after symptom onset, hyperperfusion had a positive predictive value of 88% for absence of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. Arterial spin labelling magnetic resonance imaging recognized regions of elevated perfusion within lesions of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. These regions might represent virologically active areas operating in the absence of an effective adaptive immune response and correspond with a worse prognosis.
Coping strategies in chronic fatigue syndrome: outcomes over time

This paper examined the contribution of coping strategies and neuroticism to longitudinal outcomes in a tertiary care sample of participants with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Coping strategies and neuroticism were assessed among 93 participants with CFS, and used to predict participants' illness-related outcomes. Coping by instrumental support was the only strategy associated with clinical outcomes over time: more reliance on instrumental support predicted less vitality over time after accounting for the level of vitality at the index visit. Neuroticism and coping strategies were not associated with fatigue symptoms, physical functioning or role functioning over time. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Co-site interference mitigation using optical signal processing

Co-site interference is a problem found everywhere from wireless systems and environmental sensors to military communications; it refers to the difficulty of extracting or detecting a weak signal in proximity to a strong transmitter. Traditional interference cancellation techniques are electronics-based and their performance is consequently bandwidthlimited; electronic interference cancellation is also inhibited by the inability to cancel in-band interference. Our group has developed an optical technique for interference cancellation, and our signal processor, called the Opto-Cancellation System (OCS), is capable of cancelling both in-band interference as well as broadband signals over a wide range of frequencies. The OCS has demonstrated >70 dB cancellation of narrowband signals while also cancelling 20 MHz-wide signals by at least 40 dB cancellation over a full 20 MHz range. Proof-of-concept cancellation performance has been previously demonstrated, and to better understand cancellation performance, we explore a theoretical model of our optical interference cancellation. The theoretical model and its projected performance will be compared to experimental results, and various performance parameters will be used to evaluate the limitations and advantages of our RF photonic link approach.
Epidemic size determines population-level effects of fungal parasites on Daphnia hosts

Parasites frequently reduce the fecundity, growth, and survival of individual hosts. How often do these virulent effects reduce the density of host populations? Spectacular examples show that recently invaded parasites can severely impact host populations—but what about parasites persisting long-term in host populations? We have addressed this issue using a zooplankton host (Daphnia dentifera) that becomes infected with a fungal microparasite (Metschnikowia bicuspidata). We combined observations of epidemics in nine lakes over 6 years, fine-scale sampling of three epidemics, and a mesocosm experiment. Most epidemics remained small (<10% maximum prevalence) and exerted little influence on host densities. However, larger epidemics more severely depressed the populations of their hosts. These large/severe epidemics started and peaked earlier than smaller/benign ones. The larger epidemics also exerted particularly negative effects on host densities at certain lags, reflecting the delayed consequences of infection on fecundity reduction and host mortality. Notably, negative effects on the juvenile stage class manifested later than those on the adult stage class. The results of the experiment further emphasized depression of host density by the fungus, especially on the density of the juvenile stage class. Consequently, this common parasite reduces the density of host populations when conditions foster larger outbreaks characterized by an earlier start and earlier peak. Given these considerable effects on host density seen in a number of large epidemics, parasitism may sometimes rank highly among other factors (predation, resource availability) driving the population dynamics of these hosts.
Improving perimeter security with security-oriented program transformations

A security-oriented program transformation maps programs to security-augmented programs, i.e. it introduces a protection mechanism to make programs more secure. Our previous work defined security-oriented program transformations [6], introduced a catalog of transformations [8], and showed how program transformations could be applied to systematically eradicate various types of data injection attacks [9]. This paper shows how security-oriented program transformations could be used to improve the security of a system's perimeter by introducing authentication, authorization and input validation components. The program transformation examples in this paper are JAVA specific, but the transformations could be implemented to use other authentication and authorization frameworks.
Treatment of Pulmonary Colorectal Metastases by Radiofrequency Ablation

Abstract Background Radiofrequency ablation has emerged as a potential, lung function-preserving treatment of colorectal lung metastases. Patients and Methods Forty-five patients with colorectal pulmonary metastases underwent computed tomography-guided RFA from December 2004 to June 2010. A baseline posttreatment scan was obtained 4-6 weeks after RFA and follow-up imaging studies every 3 months thereafter were obtained and compared to evaluate the tumor progression at site of ablation or elsewhere. The primary end points were LTP-free survival and overall survival from RFA procedure. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to analyze the end points. A Cox proportional hazard model with robust inference was used to estimate the associations between baseline factors and survival end points. Results Sixty-nine metastases were ablated in 45 patients. Tumor size ranged from 0.4 to 3.5 cm. The median number of metastases ablated per patient was 1 (range, 1-3). Median follow-up after RFA was 18 months. Median survival from the time of RFA was 46 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 27.8-47.3). One-, 2- and 3-year overall survival rates from the time of RFA were 95% (95% CI, 82%-99%), 72% (95% CI, 52%-85%), and 50% (95% CI, 26%-71%), respectively. Nine of 69 lesions (13%) progressed and 4 were retreated with no progression after second RFA. Median time to progression was not reached. LTP-free survival from RFA was 92% (95% CI, 82%-97%) at 1 year, 77% (95% CI, 58%-88%) at 2 years, and 77% (95% CI, 58%-88%) at 3 years. Conclusion Radiofrequency ablation of lung metastases is an effective minimally invasive, parenchymal-sparing technique that has very good local control rates in patients with pulmonary metastases from colorectal cancer, with LTP-free survival of 77% at 3 years.
Elevated levels of pancreatic polypeptide in obese-hyperglycemic mice.

The concentration and distribution of pancreatic polypeptide (PP) was studied in hyperglycemic obese (ob/ob) mice and homozygous (+/+) controls. By radioimmunoassay, the concentration of PP in the pancreas of ob/ob mice was greater both in the duodenal lobe (70.7%) and in the body and tail (66.3%) when compared to identical areas of control pancreases. Analysis of immunostained pancreatic tissue indicated that the number of PP cells per islet crosssection was significantly increased (58%) in the ob/ob tissue. The calculated total number of PP cells per average islet was elevated three times in the ob/ob islet. However, the proportion PP cell volume relative to the islet volume in ob/ob was one-half that of control islets. These results clearly demonstrate an elevation in both the number of PP cells per islet and the concentration of PP in the diabetic ob/ob murine pancreas.
Radar cross section reduction using cylindrical segments

The deformation of metallic flat plates into cylindrical segments, or the shielding of flat plates by such segments, reduces the large specular echo but may not necessarily reduce the mean cross section by more than 1 dB or so. A useful reduction in the mean return can be achieved only if the angle subtended by the cylindrical segment is significantly greater than the angular base interval over which the mean is taken. For all save very small intervals, the radar cross section reduction is independent of frequency.
Upright Biplanar Slot Scanning in Pediatric Orthopedics: Applications, Advantages, and Artifacts

OBJECTIVE. Digital slot scanning is a relatively new technology that has been used for imaging of pediatric orthopedic conditions such as scoliosis and leg-length discrepancies. This article will review the clinical applications, advantages, and unique artifacts of this new technology. CONCLUSION. Upright biplanar slot scanners acquire high-resolution radiographs simultaneously in two orthogonal planes with reduced radiation dose. Other advantages include a more physiologic weightbearing imaging position, improved Cobb angle measurements, and 3D modeling.
How AMPA Receptor Desensitization Depends on Receptor Occupancy

AMPA-type glutamate receptors mediate fast excitatory transmission at many central synapses, and rapid desensitization of these receptors can shape the decay of synaptic currents and limit the fidelity of high-frequency synaptic transmission. Here we use a combination of fast glutamate application protocols and kinetic simulations to determine how AMPA receptor desensitization depends on the number of subunits occupied by glutamate. We show that occupancy of a single subunit is sufficient to desensitize AMPA-type channels and that receptors with one to four glutamates bound enter desensitization at similar rates. We find that recovery from desensitization follows a similar sigmoid time course for channels with two to four glutamates bound but is faster and exponential for singly occupied channels. The results suggest that desensitization, at intermediate and high glutamate concentrations, is accompanied by two conformational changes that slow glutamate dissociation. We propose a kinetic scheme that accurately predicts several types of experimental results and differs significantly from previous models in the assignment of affinities for binding to closed and desensitized states. We conclude that desensitization involves a rearrangement that stabilizes the binding domains of one subunit in each dimer in a partially closed conformation. This stabilization likely results from an interaction at the dimer–dimer interface between the binding domains of adjacent subunits.
An analysis of the perona-malik scheme

The Perona-Malik scheme is a numerical procedure for de-noising digital pictures. In this work, we investigate how it evolves piecewise smooth initial data in one space dimension. By scaling a natural parameter that appears in the scheme in an appropriate way with respect to the grid size, we obtain a meaningful continuum limit. The resulting evolution is unusual: it involves solving a system of heat equations coupled to each other through nonlinear boundary conditions that become singular at special times, leading to gradient blow-up for the solutions. However, the scheme suggests a natural continuation beyond each of the singular times that involves a change in the p.d.e. system. We give a convergence proof that applies under some technical restrictions on any bounded interval of time, which might include singular times. Furthermore, the proposed continuum limit has some of the essential features observed in applications of the numerical scheme.
Minimum size of mammalian homeotherms: role of the thermal environment

The minimum size of a mammalian homeotherm appears to be related to the animal's maximum rate of endogenous heat production, the ambient thermal environment, and the animal's ability to be a facultative homeotherm.
Syllogisms with fractional quantifiers

Aristotle's syllogistic is extended to include denumerably many quantifiers such as ‘more than 2/3’ and ‘exactly 2/3.’ Syntactic and semantic decision procedures determine the validity, or invalidity, of syllogisms with any finite number of premises. One of the syntactic procedures uses a natural deduction account of deducibility, which is sound and complete. The semantics for the system is non-classical since sentences may be assigned a value other than true or false. Results about symmetric systems are given. And reasons are given for claiming that syllogistic validity is relevant validity.
Improving Classification Accuracy Assessments with Statistical Bootstrap Resampling Techniques

The use of remotely sensed imagery to generate land cover models is common today. Validation of these models typically involves the use of an independent set of ground-truth data that are used to calculate an error matrix resulting in estimates of omission, commission, and overall error. However, each estimate of error contains a degree of uncertainty itself due to: (1) conceptual bias; (2) location/registration and co-registration errors; and (3) variability in the sample sites used to produce and validate the model. In this study, focus was not placed upon describing land cover mapping techniques, but rather the application of bootstrap resampling to improve the characterization of classification error, demonstrate a method to determine uncertainty from sample site variability, and calculate confidence limits using statistical bootstrap resampling of 500 sample sites acquired within a single Landsat 5 TM image. The sample sites represented one of five land cover categories (water, roads, lava, irrigated...
Herding and Feedback Trading by Institutional and Individual Investors

We document strong positive correlation between changes in institutional ownership and returns measured over the same period. The result suggests that either institutional investors positive-feedback trade more than individual investors or institutional herding impacts prices more than herding by individual investors. We find evidence that both factors play a role in explaining the relation. We find no evidence, however, of return mean-reversion in the year following large changes in institutional ownership—stocks institutional investors purchase subsequently outperform those they sell. Moreover, institutional herding is positively correlated with lag returns and appears to be related to stock return momentum. HERDING AND FEEDBACK TRADING HAVE THE POTENTIAL to explain a number of financial phenomena, such as excess volatility, momentum, and reversals in stock prices. Herding is a group of investors trading in the same direction over a period of time; feedback trading involves correlation between herding and lag returns. 1 Although a recent growing body of literature is devoted to investor herding and feedback trading, extant studies take divergent paths. One path depicts individual investors as engaging in herding as a result of irrational, but systematic, responses to fads or sentiment. A second path depicts institutional investors engaging in herding as a result of agency problems, security characteristics, fads, or the manner in which information is impounded in the market.
Bidirectional promoter of human monoamine oxidase A (MAO A) controlled by transcription factor Sp1

The core promoter region of human monoamine oxidase (MAO) A has been identified in the two 90 bp repeat sequences, which can be further divided into four imperfect tandem repeats, each containing an Sp 1 binding site in the reversed orientation. Gel retardation and DNase 1 footprinting assays identified Sp 1 to be the major transcription factor binding to MAO A core promoter. In addition, positive association has been observed between cellular Sp1 concentration and MAO A promoter or catalytic activity, indicating that Sp1 is a controlling factor for human MAO A expression. DNA fragments from MAO A core promoter exhibit promoter activity in both orientations in a transient transfection assay, using human growth hormone as the reporter gene. A DNA probe isolated from upstream of the core promoter detected positive signals in a Northern analysis, suggesting that the reverse promoter activity may endogenously transcribe a new gene located upstream of MAO A.
Express Cube Topologies for on-Chip Interconnects

Driven by continuing scaling of Moore's law, chip multi-processors and systems-on-a-chip are expected to grow the core count from dozens today to hundreds in the near future. Scalability of on-chip interconnect topologies is critical to meeting these demands. In this work, we seek to develop a better understanding of how network topologies scale with regard to cost, performance, and energy considering the advantages and limitations afforded on a die. Our contributions are three-fold. First, we propose a new topology, called Multidrop Express Channels (MECS), that uses a one-to-many communication model enabling a high degree of connectivity in a bandwidth-efficient manner. In a 64-terminal network, MECS enjoys a 9% latency advantage over other topologies at low network loads, which extends to over 20% in a 256-terminal network. Second, we demonstrate that partitioning the available wires among multiple networks and channels enables new opportunities for trading-off performance, area, and energy-efficiency that depend on the partitioning scheme. Third, we introduce Generalized Express Cubes - a framework for expressing the space of on-chip interconnects - and demonstrate how existing and proposed topologies can be mapped to it.
Increased nerve growth factor expression triggers bladder overactivity

Abstract Prior studies have demonstrated an association between visceral inflammation, an increase in nerve growth factor (NGF) expression, and development of hyperalgesia. Because multiple mediators are released during inflammatory processes, we examined the effect of NGF alone using viral gene transfer in vivo. Replication-deficient adenoviral vectors encoding for NGF or β-galactosidase were injected into the bladder wall. NGF levels were determined with an enzyme-linked immunoabsorbance assay. Cystometrograms were obtained 3 and 5 days after gene transfer by using a surgically implanted bladder catheter in awake male rats. Although the treatment with a control virus did not change NGF levels compared with those of naive animals, the vector encoding for NGF increased NGF protein levels in the bladder 4-fold. Histologically, no evidence of inflammation was noted. Expression of NGF led to bladder overactivity, whereas β-galactosidase expression was without effect. These data demonstrate that a transient increase in NGF expression without associated inflammation sensitizes visceral reflex pathways, leading to bladder overactivity. Treatment strategies targeting NGF signaling might be useful in disorders involving sensitization of peripheral nerves. Perspective Growth factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory pain. This study uses gene transfer to demonstrate that NGF sensitizes afferent pathways in the absence of inflammation, making it a potentially relevant treatment target.
DIALYSIS ASSAY FOR INTRINSIC FACTOR AND ITS ANTIBODY: DEMONSTRATION OF SPECIES SPECIFICITY OF ANTIBODIES TO HUMAN AND HOG INTRINSIC FACTOR.

Abstract With the use of an assay system depending on the fact that antibody to intrinsic factor (IF) will block the ability of IF to bind subsequently added vitamin B 12 , 7 species specificity of IF antibody was demonstrated with precipitating antibody produced in rabbits to hog, rat, or human intrinsic factor, and precipitating antibody produced in 2 patients injected with hog IF. In this system, the nonprecipitating antibody present in the serum of patients with pernicious anemia, never treated with hog IF concentrate, was directed against human IF. The nonprecipitating antibody present in the serum of 2 patients with pernicious anemia treated with oral hog IF was directed against human IF; while the nonprecipitating antibody of another such patient was directed against hog IF. These observations support the assumption that circulating autoantibody in patients with pernicious anemia, never treated with hog IF, is directed against autogenous IF. They also support the belief that oral hog IF may on occasion produce circulating antibody, a phenomenon which implies that in certain circumstances there may be absorption of the antigenic determinant from the gastrointestinal tract.
Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 in Combination and Age-Related Cataract in a Randomized Trial of Women.

ABSTRACTPurpose: To examine the incidence of cataract and cataract extraction in a trial of folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12.Methods: In a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial, 5442 female health professionals aged 40 years or older with preexisting cardiovascular disease (CVD) or three or more CVD risk factors were randomly assigned to receive a combination of folic acid (2.5 mg/day), vitamin B6 (50 mg/day), and vitamin B12 (1 mg/day), or placebo. A total of 3925 of these women did not have a diagnosis of cataract at baseline and were included in this analysis. The primary endpoint was age-related cataract, defined as an incident age-related lens opacity, responsible for a reduction in best-corrected visual acuity to 20/30 or worse, based on self-report confirmed by medical record review. Extraction of incident age-related cataract was a secondary endpoint of the trial.Results: During an average of 7.3 years of treatment and follow-up, 408 cataracts and 275 cataract extractions were docu...
U.S. farm dynamics and the distribution of U.S. agricultural subsidies

ABSTRACTThe persistent instability of the agricultural sector is the fundamental premise of most agricultural policy. Yet no research has ever quantified the aggregate dynamics of individual farms in the US. This article is the first to combine the US Census of Agriculture with the Agricultural Resource Management Survey to observe the dynamics of nearly 1.5 million farms. The data reveal substantial variation in farm size expansion and contraction. Most of this variation is unobservable in the sector totals reported by the US Department of Agriculture each year. The distribution of agricultural subsidies suggests that subsidies become more important as farms get smaller and may play a role in slowing farm size contraction.
The role of chromosome analysis in practice.

With the rapid advances in medicine, the research tool of yesterday is now part of the practicing physician's diagnostic armamentarium. This is true of chromosome analysis. This article is offered as a guide to the use of this potent tool in diagnosis and genetic counseling. Particular attention is given to three mechanisms of chromosomal aberration: meiotic nondisjunction, translocation, and mitotic nondisjunction.
The importance of age as a context for understanding African-American women's mammography screening behavior.

Introduction Although several studies have explored reasons for lower mammography screening rates among African-American women generally, none has addressed the effect of age as a context for interpreting these reasons. This study examines the association of predisposing, reinforcing, and enabling factors with recent screening mammography behavior for different age groups of African-American women. Methods Data are from stratified random sample household surveys of women in two Florida communities (n = 648). Bivariate, log linear, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed separately for three different age groups: 40-49, 50-64, and >65. Results Age was found to be a key context for distinguishing factors associated with having a recent mammogram: Knowledge of screening guidelines and exposure to information about breast screening on radio or television were the most important factors that distinguished the youngest group. Having health insurance and level of education were important factors for the middle group. The most noteworthy differences were found for the oldest group for whom physician recommendation for a mammogram and confidence in being able to get a mammogram were the only significant factors associated with having a recent mammogram. Conclusions This study confirms the need to tailor breast screening initiatives to specific age groups of African-American women.
Introduction to the Manual and Understanding Cultural Complexities

The goal of the subsequent chapters is to introduce the culturally adapted cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for the depressed Chinese Americans manual entitled, “Improving your mood: A culturally responsive and holistic approach to treating depression in Chinese Americans.” As previously mentioned, this manual was originally developed and funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) grant to be the first study to culturally adapt an evidence-based treatment for an Asian American group. Specifically, the project compared the treatment effectiveness of CBT against Culturally Adapted CBT (CA-CBT). Both treatment manuals utilized in the randomized controlled trial consisted of 12 sessions of psychotherapy. The manual is intended to have flexibility in usage, and there is much more room for tailoring and adjusting the tempo of implementation when not used in a clinical trial format (eg, spending more time for each session, spending more than one meeting for each session, repeating various sessions, and utilizing select components from each session).
Simulated left ventricular aneurysm and aneurysm repair in swine.

Patch reconstruction of left ventricular aneurysm may be superior to linear closure, but this hypothesis has not been tested experimentally. Accordingly, six anesthetized domestic pigs were instrumented to measure regional left ventricular wall thickening, stroke volume, systolic left ventricular pressure, and myocardial oxygen consumption. With total bypass and cardioplegia, a 6 by 8 cm Dacron patch was inserted into the anteroapical left ventricle. Simulations were as follows: left ventricular aneurysm, patch open; patch reconstruction, 50% patch plication; standard repair, ventriculotomy edges approximated. Global function, from stroke work (stroke volume × left ventricular pressure)-left ventricular end-diastolic pressure curves, was depressed in all three simulations compared with control. A tendency for stroke work to be greater for standard repair than for left ventricular aneurysm and patch reconstruction at higher preloads was not statistically significant. Mechanical efficiency, from stroke work/myocardial oxygen consumption (joules per milliliter oxygen per beat), was 2.43 ± 0.52 (mean ± standard error of the mean) (control), 2.22 ± 0.94 (standard repair), 1.27 ± 0.39 (patch reconstruction), and 1.09 ± 0.37 (left ventricular aneurysm) (no significant differences). Regional work was calculated as regional left ventricular wall thickening × left ventricular pressure. The slope of the regional work-end-diastolic wall thickness relation decreased in the posterior wall 14.0 ± 2.9 (control) versus 8.4 ± 2.0 (left ventricular aneurysm), 6.9 ± 1.4 (patch reconstruction), and 7.4 ± 1.4 (standard repair) (p
Segmental Medullary Sponge Kidney Mimicking a Renal Mass

AbstractWe report an unusual case of a medullary sponge kidney that presented clinically and radiologically as a renal mass. Histopathological study after nephrectomy proved the mass to be consistent with segmental medullary sponge kidney.
SU-F-T-663: Cerenkov Radiation Enhanced Radiotherapy with Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticle: A Monte Carlo Study

Purpose: A recent publication has shown that by delivering titanium dioxide nanoparticles (titania) as a photosensitizer into tumors, Cerenkov radiation (CR) produced by radionuclides could be used for substantially boosting damage to cancer cells. The present work compares CR production by various clinically relevant radiation sources including internal radionuclides and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), and provides preliminarily computational results of CR absorption by titania. Methods: 1) Geant4.10.1 was used to simulate ionizing radiation-induced CR production in a 1cm diameter spherical volume using external radiotherapy sources: Varian Clinac IX 6MV and Eldorado 60Co, both with 10*10 cm2 field size. In each case the volume was placed at the maximum dose depth (1.5cm for 6MV source and 0.5cm for 60Co). In addition, 18F, 192Ir and 60Co were simulated using Geant4 radioactive decay models as internal sources. Dose deposition and CR production spectra in 200nm-400nm range were calculated as it is the excitation range of titania. 2) Using 6MV external source, the absorption by titania was calculated via the track length of CR in the spherical volume. The nanoparticle concentration was varied from 0.25 to 5µg/g. Results: Among different radioactive sources, results showed that 18F induced the highest amount of CR per disintegration, but 60Co had the highest yield per unit dose. When compared with external sources, 6MV source was shown to be the most efficient for the the same delivered dose. Simulations indicated increased absorption for increasing concentrations, with up to 68% absorption of generated CR for 5µg/g titania concentration. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that 6MV beam is favored with a higher CR yield, compared to radionuclides, and that the use of higher concentrations of titania may increase photosensitization. From the findings, we propose that if sufficiently potent concentrations of titania are delivered to tumors this could substantially boost EBRT.
Seeing Multithreaded Behavior Using TSGL

Since multicore processors are now the architectural standard and parallel computing is in the core CS curriculum, educators must create pedagogical materials and tools to help students master parallel abstractions and concepts. This paper describes the thread safe graphics library (TSGL), a tool by which an educator can add graphics calls to a working multithreaded program in order to make visible the underlying parallel behavior. Using TSGL, an instructor (or student) can create parallel visualizations that clearly show the parallel patterns or techniques that a given program is using, allowing students to see the parallel behavior in near real-time as the program is running. TSGL includes many examples that illustrate its use, this paper presents a representative sample that can be used, either in a lecture or a self-paced lab format.
Injectivity of the Water-flooding Wells

Water flooding is one of the economically viable techniques for recovery of additional oil from mature fields. However, the brine used for water flooding frequently contains suspended fine particles, which can be deposited over the formation injection face and inside the near-wellbore formation to reduce the injectivity of the water-flooding wells. Therefore, it is necessary to predict the economic life of the water-injection wells and the treatment frequencies required for stimulation of the damaged wells. In this chapter, the preliminaries of and models for prediction of the injectivity decline of the water-flooding wells are reviewed and demonstrated by typical applications.
Analysis of Pemoline-Associated Hepatic Failure

A search of online computerized medical data-bases (Medline, Peruse) at McGill University, Montreal, Canada, revealed four reported cases of fatal fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) associated with pemoline (Cylert) use as a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Modal-based voltage stability analysis of low frequency AC transmission systems

The low frequency AC (LFAC) transmission, in which a power system is operated at a low frequency, i.e., below 50/60 Hz, is superior to the conventional 60 Hz system in terms of power transfer capability. In addition, due to low operating frequency, the line reactance is reduced and thus voltage drops along the line are decreased. The low frequency transmission thus offers a higher voltage profile for a power system. In other words, an LFAC system can be more voltage stable in comparison to the conventional 60-Hz system. This paper intends to focus on the voltage stability of an LFAC system. The theoretical foundations of a two-bus system are first discussed based on eigenvalue. A modified stability index calculation is also introduced for low frequency transmission to estimate the system stability accurately. The simulation results from a practical system verify that the LFAC transmission has great benefits over the 60 Hz system in terms of power transfer capability and voltage stability.
Formulation design space for stable, pH sensitive crystalline nifedipine nanoparticles

Enteric coated formulations protect drugs from degrading in the harsh environment of the stomach (acidic pH and enzymes), and promotes drug delivery to and absorption into the duodenum and/or later parts of the intestine. Four DoE models were applied to optimize formulation parameters for the preparation of pH sensitive nifedipine nanoparticles. Stability studies were performed on the optimized formulations to monitor any possible variation in particle size distribution, homogeneity index, surface charge and drug release (pH 1.2 and pH 6.8). Stability studies were performed for 3 months at 4°C, 25°C and 40°C. A combination of Eudragit®L 100-55 and polyvinyl alcohol was determined to be the most effective in stabilizing the nanoparticle suspension. The average particle size distribution, polydispersity index and surface charge of the optimized pH sensitive nifedipine nanoparticles were determined to be 131.86±8.21nm, 0.135±0.008 and -7.631±0.146mV, respectively. Following three months storage, it was observed that the formulations stored at 4°C were stable in terms of particle size distribution, polydispersity index, surface charge, drug loading and drug release, whereas those stored at 25°C and 40°C were relatively unstable. A predictive model to prepare stable pH sensitive nifedipine nanoparticles, was successfully developed using multiple linear regression analysis.
Vitamin D and APC modulate molecular crosstalk between β-catenin/Wnt signaling and the vitamin D receptor in colon cancer cells

1217 Vitamin D is implicated as a protective factor in human colon carcinogenesis. Anti-tumor activity of vitamin D on colonocytes is thought to be mediated by 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 , the active hormonal metabolite of vitamin D. We examined the role of vitamin D on a putative VDR/β-catenin interaction. We first sought to confirm that VDR associates physically with β-catenin regulating critical Wnt signaling events in colon tumorigenesis. Second, we assessed the role of the intact and mutant adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene, commonly dysregulated in human colon cancers, as a modulator of the VDR/β-catenin interaction. Third, we investigated the role of germline allele variation in APC as potential commonly occurring gene modifiers of individual susceptibility for the formation of colorectal adenomas. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) pulldown assays and an in-vitro transcription/translation system to produce β-catenin protein support an interaction between β-catenin and VDR that appears independent of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 . Further evaluation of this interaction within the cell using a mammalian two hybrid system in transfected HT29-APC, a cell line which allows inducible wildtype APC protein, suggest that APC positively influences the interaction between β-catenin and VDR, and that this association is enhanced at least 6-fold in the presence of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 . To determine the functional significance of VDR and 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 on the transcriptional activity of β-catenin, a TOPflash assay is being implemented in HT-29 cells. Thus, our biochemical results support the presence of a VDR and β-catenin interaction that occurs independent of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 and that appears to be significantly enhanced in the presence of both the hormone and intact APC. In an effort to determine if polymorphic variation in APC influenced risk of colorectal neoplasia, haplotype analyses of single nucleotide polymorphisms located in APC were assessed for their relationship with colorectal adenoma recurrence. A strong association (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.59 - 0.92) was observed for a T-A haplotype subgroup and risk of recurrent adenoma. Overall, the data presented herein suggest an APC/VDR binary or ternary complex with β-catenin. This represents a novel crosstalk mechanism whereby 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 -VDR and APC could negatively regulate the Wnt signaling pathway to restrict tumorigenesis. Furthermore, genetic variation in APC may alter the efficiency of the interaction of this complex resulting in variable risk of adenoma recurrence among individuals.