cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spurious progression in pediatric brain tumors.

In this study, we sought to characterize post-therapy MRI changes mimicking progression, which we refer to as “spurious progression” (SP) in children with brain tumors. We analyzed whether SP is associated with particular tumor types or therapeutic modalities. Between 2000 and 2009, we identified 181 consecutive children <21 years of age at our center who were treated for brain tumors and had at least three MRI scans within a year after completing therapy. SP was defined as MRI abnormalities characterized by increase in size, enhancement, edema, or cystic changes within 12 months following therapy, and stabilization or improvement on subsequent imaging. One-hundred forty-one patients with brain tumors were evaluable. Fifty-six (40%) had imaging abnormalities initially suggestive of disease progression; of these, 34 (24%) had true disease progression (TP). The remaining 22 (16%) had SP based on either stability, decrease in enhancement, edema, size, or disappearance of these cystic or non-cystic abnormalities. SP occurred in patients with low grade (n = 20) and high grade lesions (n = 2). Median time to SP was 2.4 months (range, 0.7–8.3 months), with time to stability, decrease, or disappearance at a median of 4 months (range 1.4–7.7 months). Five patients were clinically symptomatic from SP and were treated with steroids, cyst drainage, and/or surgery. Therefore, SP occurs more commonly in children with low grade tumors, but can also occur with high grade brain tumors, regardless of therapeutic approach.
Use of frameless stereotactic computed tomography venography for intraoperative localization of dural arterial venous fistulas: case report.

Background: The following technical case report illustrates the use of multiple imaging modalities including 3D CTV with frameless stereotactic navigation for intraoperative planning and localization for surgical obliteration of a cranial dAVF with leptomeningeal drainage. Case Description: This 65-year-old man presented with an asymptomatic occipital dAVF with leptomeningeal drainage. In addition to cerebral angiography, a CTV with 3D reconstruction was performed, which provided excellent visualization of the dAVF and clarified its pattern of drainage. The dAVF was supplied by a middle meningeal artery branch that drained into an occipital cortical vein, which then retrograde filled the vein of Labbe. Frameless stereotactic navigation with the imported CTV images was used to plan the craniotomy and to localize the leptomeningeal draining vein and vein of Labbe. The draining vein of the fistula was successfully ligated and divided while preserving flow in the vein of Labbe. Postoperative angiogram demonstrated complete obliteration of the dAVF. Conclusion: Integration of a 3D reconstructed CTV with conventional angiographic information optimized our surgical understanding of the spatial anatomy of this dAVF and its pattern of venous drainage. Applying the CTV with frameless stereotaxy allowed for safe obliteration of the dAVF while preserving the vein of Labbe.
Scattering of Visible Light by Large Water Spheres

The intensity and the degree of polarization of the radiation scattered by a large sphere were computed using the Mie theory at sufficiently small interval of the scattering angle for obtaining a complete picture of all the characteristics of the field of the scattered radiation. The results are presented for four different sizes of the water sphere (radius = 6.25 micro, 12.5 ;micro, 25.0 micro, and 50.0 micro) assumed to be illuminated by an unpolarized beam of monochromatic radiation with wavelength 0.4 micro. A detailed comparison is then made between the results obtained using the exact Mie theory and those obtained using an approximate approach based on the application of the other laws of the geometrical and physical optics. The angular positions of the primary and secondary rainbows, as well as those of their supernumerary bows as obtained using the approximate method, agree with those obtained from the Mie theory only if the size parameter of the sphere is of the order of 800. Besides the phenomenon of glory which is not amenable to explanation in terms of the geometrical and physical optics, the Mie computations bring out several distinct maxima and minima whose occurrence cannot be explained in likewise manner.
Student teacher communication and performance during a clinical experience supported by a technology-enhanced cognitive apprenticeship

This study is the third in a series of design-based research on a technology-enhanced cognitive apprenticeship (TECA) that uses a variety of technology (e.g. video, discussion boards, performance support) to support triad member activity during the clinical experience. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in communication and performance among student teachers who participated in the TECA during a year-long clinical experience and those who did not. Overall, performance scores were higher among students in the TECA; planning scores were higher at a statistically significant level. Communication reports suggest that online discussions through both public and private channels contributed to these results. Findings were consistent with prior studies of the TECA and supported the efficacy of key design elements. Implications for teacher education and the design of TECAs are discussed. Study examines student teachers in a technology-enhanced cognitive apprenticeship (TECA).Performance assessed with valid and reliable state-wide portfolio assessment.TECA students had higher planning scores (statistically significant).TECA students communicated with experts more (statistically significant).Results consistent with prior studies, support efficacy of design principles.
A Cybernetic Approach to Information Systems and Organisational Learning

The viability of a social system is dependent upon its ability to generate information and learn. This requires an appropriate arrangement of its information systems, incorporating two types of recursions and reflecting two methods of learning. The first method generates information; the second one invokes it from a higher organisational level. Notwithstanding these recursions, the system will not learn unless it is able to face a certain level of inclemency from its environment that compels it into a learning mode.
Toward a Mechanistic Understanding and Prediction of Biotic Homogenization

Abstract: The widespread replacement of native species with cosmopolitan, nonnative species is homogenizing the global fauna and flora. While the empirical study of biotic homogenization is substantial and growing, theoretical aspects have yet to be explored. Consequently, the breadth of possible ecological mechanisms that can shape current and future patterns and rates of homogenization remain largely unknown. Here, we develop a conceptual model that describes 14 potential scenarios by which species invasions and/or extinctions can lead to various trajectories of biotic homogenization (increased community similarity) or differentiation (decreased community similarity); we then use a simulation approach to explore the model’s predictions. We found changes in community similarity to vary with the type and number of nonnative and native species, the historical degree of similarity among the communities, and, to a lesser degree, the richness of the recipient communities. Homogenization is greatest when simil...
Theoretical and experimental investigations of an active hydrofoil with SMA actuators

In the area of underwater vehicle design, the development of highly maneuverable vehicles is presently of interest with their design being based on the swimming techniques and anatomic structure of fish; primarily the undulatory body motions, the highly controllable fins and the large aspect ratio lunatic tail. The tailoring and implementation of the accumulated knowledge into biomimetic vehicles is a task of multidisciplinary nature with two of the dominant fields being actuation and hydrodynamic control. Within this framework, we present here our progress towards the development of a type of biomimetic muscle that utilizes shape memory alloy (SMA) technology. The muscle is presently applied to the control of hydrodynamic forces and moments, including thrust generation, on a 2D hydrofoil. The main actuation elements are two sets of thin SMA wires embedded into an elastomeric element that provides the main structural support. Controlled heating and cooling of the two wire sets generates bi-direction bending of the elastomer, which in turn deflects or oscillates the trailing edge of the hydrofoil. The aquatic environment of the hydrofoil lends itself to cooling schemes that utilize the excellent heat transfer properties of water. The modeling of deflected shapes as a function of input current has been carried out using a thermomechanical constitutive model for SMA coupled with the elastic response of the elastomer. An approximate structural analysis model, as well as detailed FEM analysis has been performed and the model predictions are been compared with preliminary experimental measurements.
Visual preference in the four-month old infant

Four series of stimuli, varying in shape, or color, or in both dimensions, were presented according to the method of pair comparisons to separate groups of infants four months of age. Preference was measured in terms of relative visual fixation time. The shapes used differed in number of turns, area and contour being held constant, and hue, brightness and saturation were specified in Munsell coordinates. Little evidence was found for preference of one color to another, although there were indications that red and blue stimuli were preferred to a grey stimulus of the same shape. There was no demonstrated preference for any of the five regular polygonal shapes used. Where both shape and color were varied within a stimulus set, the ordering suggested dominance of choice by color.
Comparison of the effect of density and hydrogen bonding on the cloud-point behaviour of poly(ethylene-co-methyl acrylate)-propane-cosolvent mixtures

Abstract Cloud-point data to 170°C and 2800 bar (280 MPa) are presented for poly(ethylene-co-(31 mol%) methyl acrylate) at ∼5 wt% in propane and in hexane and in mixtures of propane plus 5, 10, and 15 wt% hexane, hexene, methanol, ethanol, n-propanol and n-butanol. Hexane and hexene, which densify the propane, have no effect on the pressure-temperature location of the copolymer-propane cloud-point curve; however, the alcohols, which hydrogen bond to the acrylate repeat units, lower the curve by as much as 75°C. The magnitude of the temperature shift of the cloud-point curve decreases with increasing alcohol content as the acrylate units become saturated and the alcohol preferentially self-associates. Methanol is the least effective cosolvent as it self-associates more than the other alcohols at a given temperature.
Surveying the current landscape of clinical genetics residency training

Further knowledge about medical genetics residency training structure and function could help advance this educational process. Medical genetics residency program directors were surveyed about their trainees' backgrounds and skills as well as the recruitment and matching process. Previous resident training was predominantly in pediatrics (49%). Average ratings of residents' beginning clinical knowledge (scale of 1–10, minimal to superior) were: dysmorphology - 3.5, inborn errors of metabolism - 2.5, prenatal genetics - 2.6, and cancer genetics - 2.8. On average, four months of research were required for categorical residency and fifteen months for combined residency. For the 2011 transition to ERAS/NRMP, 69% of program directors were extremely or somewhat prepared; however, 21% felt unprepared. The number of trainees at most institutions remained unchanged. 36% of respondents reported that ERAS/NRMP has had no impact on recruitment of trainees, and 26% felt it has had a slightly positive impact. Continued utilization was recommended by 71% while 5% disagreed. Genetics residents come from diverse training backgrounds. Their education can be directed toward specific areas of perceived initial weakness. ERAS/NRMP has not drastically increased entrance into the field. Further discussions are merited regarding enhancement of medical genetics residency recruitment and training. Genet Med 17 5, 386–390.
The motion of long bubbles through viscoelastic fluids in capillary tubes

The penetration of long gas bubble through a viscoelastic fluid in a capillary tube has been studied in order to investigate the influence of viscoelastic material properties on the hydrodynamic coating thickness and local flow kinematics. Experiments are conducted for three tailored ideal elastic (Boger) fluids, designed to exhibit similar steady shear properties but substantially different elastic material functions. This allows for the isolation of elastic and extensional material effects on the bubble penetration process. The shear and extensional rheology of the fluid is characterized using rotational and filament stretching rheometers (FSR). The fluids are designed such that the steady-state extensional viscosity measured by the FSR at a Deborah number (De) greater than 1 differs over three orders of magnitude (Trouton ratio = 103–106). The experiment set up to measure the hydrodynamic coating thickness is designed to provide accurate data over a wide range of capillary numbers (0.01 < Ca < 100). The results indicate that the coating thickness in this process increases with an increase in the extensionally thickening nature of the fluid. Experiments are also conducted using several different capillary tube diameters (0.1 < D < 1 cm), in order to compare responses at similar Ca but different flow De. Suitable scaling methods and nonlinear viscoelastic constitutive equations are explored to characterize the displacement process for polymeric fluids. Bubble tip shapes at different De are recorded using a CCD camera, and measured using an edge detection algorithm. The influence of the mixed flow field on the bubble tip shape is examined. Particle tracking velocimetry experiments are conducted to compare the influence of viscoelastic properties on the velocity field in the vicinity of the bubble tip. Local shear and extension rates are calculated in the vicinity of the bubble tip from the velocity data. The results provide quantitative information on the influence of elastic and extensional properties on the bubble penetration process in gas-assisted injection molding. The bubble shape and velocity field information provides a basis for evaluating the performance of constitutive equations in mixed flow.
The effects of biasing information on behavioral observations and rating scales

The effects of biasing information on behavioral observations and rating scales were studied. Fortyone undergraduate students trained in making reliable behavioral observations were given differential expectations concerning the activity level of a target child. They then viewed videotape recordings of that child and tallied frequency counts of six behavioral categories simultaneously. In addition, subjects completed postexperimental rating scales composed of specific, identifiable behaviors in regard to the target child. Results indicated that, for the most part, neither the behavioral observations nor the rating scales were significantly affected by the biasing information. It is suggested that rating scales constructed of items as discrete and readily identifiable as those of behavioral observation measures may prove resistant to biasing effects.
Simulations of turbulent transport with kinetic electrons and electromagnetic effects

A new electromagnetic kinetic electron simulation model that uses a generalized split-weight scheme, where the adiabatic part is adjustable, along with a parallel canonical momentum formulation has been developed in three-dimensional toroidal flux-tube geometry. This model includes electron–ion collisional effects and has been linearly benchmarked. It is found that for H-mode parameters, the nonadiabatic effects of kinetic electrons increase linear growth rates of the ion-temperature-gradient-driven (ITG) modes, mainly due to trapped-electron drive. The ion heat transport is also increased from that obtained with adiabatic electrons. The linear behaviour of the zonal flow is not significantly affected by kinetic electrons. The ion heat transport decreases to below the adiabatic electron level when finite plasma β is included due to finite-β stabilization of the ITG modes. This work is being carried out using the 'Summit Framework'.
Variability in brightness matching of colored lights

Fifty-four subjects matched the brightness of CRT images using a luminance adjustment method. The log-luminance ratio (LLR) of brightness-matched images was the response index. Standard deviations of LLR depended on the color relationship of the compared sources, the background luminance, the target type, and the subject's age. Heterochromatic (i.e., different color) comparisons were more variable than either homochromatic (i.e., same color) or color-white comparisons. Standard deviations were greater for text than for circle comparisons and greater for high-luminance backgrounds than for low-luminance backgrounds. LLR was somewhat more variable for the older subjects in this study. By treating LLR as an index of brightness disparity, a one-dimensional scale of brightness was obtained for each subject. The degree of transitivity exhibited by these scales was relatively high and was not related to age or gender.
Detection of ammonia, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, and common organic vapors using thin-film carbon black-metalloporphyrin composite chemiresistors

Thin-film chemiresistive composites of octaethylporphine-based transition-metal complexes (Ph(M), M = Co, Cu and Zn) and carbon black (CB) have been fabricated and tested as chemical vapor sensors. The sensing performance of such sensor composites was compared to the sensing performance of composites of metallophthalocyanines (Phtc(M)) and CB. The relative differential resistance response of Ph(M)/CB sensor films upon exposure to organic vapors, such as n-hexane, n-heptane, n-octane, iso-octane, cyclohexane, toluene, ethyl acetate and ethanol, was dependent on the nature of the metal center. An array of chemiresistive Ph(M)/CB vapor sensors therefore provided discrimination between the organic vapor analytes that had different polarities, specifically classifying non-polar vapors, aprotic polar vapors and protic polar vapors. However, discrimination was not observed for analytes that had mutually similar polarities. The Ph(M)/CB sensors showed reversible responses toward ammonia, NH_3(g), at concentrations below the 8 h permissible exposure level (50 ppm). Ph(M)/CB composites exhibited a slightly larger resistance response than Phtc(M)/CB composites, consistent with the Ph(M) species having less π-stacked molecular aggregates, resulting in an increase in the number of adsorption sites relative to the Phtc(M)/CB composites. Resistance responses with a signal-to-noise ratio value of ∼900 were obtained upon exposure to vapor pulses saturated with 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene.
Domestic Structure and Preventive War: Are Democracies More Pacific?

Realists have long viewed uneven rates of growth among states as a major cause of wars. According to strict logic of realpolitik, a declining dominant power should launch a preventive war against a rising challenger as a prudent long-term security strategy. But historically, power shifts have only sometimes resulted in war. Although preventive war has been the preferred response of declining authoritarian leaders, no democracy has ever initiated such a war. Instead, depending on the regime type of the rising challenger, democratic states have chosen accommodation, defensive alliances, or internal balancing to solve the problem of impending decline. In addition to establishing the correlation between preventive war and authoritarian regimes and explaining why democratic states forgo this option, this essay (1) develops a model based on the domestic structures of the leader and challenger that predicts which strategy will be employed by a declining dominant power and (2) tests the propositions against historical survey data and several in-depth case studies.
MRI and ultrasound in children with juvenile chronic arthritis

In this era of advancing imaging technology, a knowledge of the relative values of available imaging techniques is necessary to optimize the management of children with juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA). After clinical examination, plain films remain the initial investigation. The need for radiation protection must be a priority in children with JCA. Conventional radiographs allow grouping of the various arthritides (on the base of the distribution and pattern of joint space changes) and staging of disease progression. Ultrasound (US) is very sensitive in the detection of joint effusions, especially in the hip, and guides fluid aspiration. US and Doppler can be used for the evaluation of synovial hypertrophy and activity. Arthrography and to a certain extent nuclear studies have been replaced by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI can demonstrate articular cartilage, joint effusion, synovial hypertrophy, cortical and medullary bone, cartilage and bone perfusion, and fibrocartilaginous structures (menisci and ligaments). Contrast enhanced MRI is the most sensitive modality to determine whether an arthritic condition is present. However, it does not assist in establishing a specific diagnosis. MRI determines accurately the activity and the extent of the disease and is particularly useful in the early detection of articular damage. Finally, MRI is of major importance in the evaluation of response to local therapy (especially steroids) and the detection of complications.
A MEG investigation of single-word auditory comprehension in aphasia.

Purpose To explore whether individuals with aphasia exhibit differences in the M350, an electrophysiological marker of lexical activation, compared with healthy controls. Method Seven people with a...
Opioids Should Not Be Used in Migraine

Opioids should not be used for the treatment of migraine. This brief review explores why not. Alternative acute and preventive agents should always be explored. Opioids do not work well clinically in migraine. No randomized controlled study shows pain-free results with opioids in the treatment of migraine. Saper and colleagues' 5-year study showed minimal effectiveness, with many contract violations, interfering with the therapeutic alliance. The physiologic consequences of opioid use are adverse, occur quickly, and can be permanent. Decreased gray matter, release of calcitonin gene-related peptide, dynorphin, and pro-inflammatory peptides, and activation of excitatory glutamate receptors are all associated with opioid exposure. Opioids are pro-nociceptive, prevent reversal of migraine central sensitization, and interfere with triptan effectiveness. Opioids precipitate bad clinical outcomes, especially transformation to daily headache. They cause disease progression, comorbidity, and excessive health care consumption. Use of opioids in migraine is pennywise and pound foolish.
Altered PYK2 phosphorylation by ANG II in hypertensive vascular smooth muscle.

10.1152/ajpheart 00546.2001.—Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) exhibit increased cell growth compared with normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). ANG II ...
Encapsulation of Pulp Fibers by Vanadium Trichloride-Catalyzed Polymerization of Ethylene

A rapid process of encapsulating wood pulp is described. It involves first a reflux ing of cellulose with a solution of VCl4 in heptane to thermally generate VCl3 which forms crystals on the surface of cellulose fibers. These vanadium-covered fibers are suspended in a dilute triethylaluminum solution in heptane. Subsequent ethylene bubbling results in rapid encapsulation of individual fibers with high molecular-weight polyethylene. The process is rapid (100% weight increase in 5 min) and polyethylene is found only at fiber surfaces. Fiber cementation does occur, and it is relatively simple to control the thickness of the polymer sheath. Because of the relative uniformity of the polymer layer, significant surface property changes for the pulp fibers may be expected at relatively low add-ons. Polarized-light microscopy has shown that the added polymer layer around the fibers is birefringent due to a preferred tangential orientation of the growing chains.
Alain Locke and the AAAE Movement: Cultural Pluralism and Negro Adult Education.

Alain Locke's philosophy of cultural pluralism contained a vision of American society that would be inclusive of ethnic European immigrants and also those of the American Negro. Drawing on themes developed during the new Negro movement and the Harlem Renaissance, Locke developed a vision of Negro adult education emphasizing culturally—grounded adult education. The Harlem and Atlanta experiments in Negro adult education sponsored by the American Association for Adult Education actualized many of Locke's educational ideas from 1931 to 1935. Locke's role as evaluator of these projects provided him the opportunity to apply his philosophy of cultural pluralism to adult education.
A robust radar CFAR detector for multiple target situations

The authors propose a generalized censored mean level detector (GCMLD) that determines the number of interfering targets and censors their corresponding samples. The GCMLD does not require any prior knowledge about the number of interfering targets and achieves robust performance. The authors also derive exact expressions for the probability of censoring the interfering targets and the overall probability of detection of the proposed detector. The GCMLD and a recently proposed CFAR (constant false-alarm rate) detector (B. Barboy, et al., 1986) are compared. The GCMLD is shown to be more robust in the presence of both weak and strong interfering targets. It also maintains its robustness even when the number of range cells is small, unlike the other CFAR detector. >
PETN Coarsening – Predictions from Accelerated Aging Data

Ensuring good ignition properties over long periods of time necessitates maintaining a good level of porosity in powders of initiator materials and preventing particle coarsening. To simulate porosity changes of such powder materials over long periods of time a common strategy is to perform accelerated aging experiments over shorter time spans at elevated temperatures. In this paper we examine historical accelerated-aging data on powders of Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN), an important energetic material, and make predictions for long-term aging under ambient conditions. Lastly, we develop an evaporation-condensation- based model to provide some mechanistic understanding of the coarsening process.
Corelease of acetylcholine and GABA from cholinergic forebrain neurons

Neurons communicate with one another at junctions called synapses. When an electrical signal arrives at the presynaptic cell, it triggers the release of molecules called neurotransmitters into the synapse. These molecules then bind to receptor proteins on the postsynaptic cell, starting a chain of events that leads to the regeneration of the electrical signal in the second cell. Broadly speaking, neurotransmitters are either excitatory, which means that they increase the electrical activity of the postsynaptic neurons, or they are inhibitory, meaning that they reduce postsynaptic activity. Initially, it was thought that neurons release only one type of neurotransmitter, but it is now known that this is not always the case. Many neurons within the spinal cord, for example, release two different inhibitory neurotransmitters, GABA and glycine, while some neurons in the midbrain release GABA and an excitatory neurotransmitter called glutamate. Saunders, Granger, and Sabatini now provide the first direct evidence that cholinergic neurons in different regions of the forebrain also release two neurotransmitters. Collectively known as the ‘forebrain cholinergic system’, these cells are best known for producing the excitatory transmitter acetylcholine. However, Saunders et al. now show that this system also produces an enzyme that manufactures GABA, as well as a protein that pumps GABA into structures called vesicles, which are then released into the synapse. Although this is not concrete evidence for the release of GABA, Saunders et al. also show—with a technique called optogenetics, which involves the use of light to control neuronal activity—that some of the neurons in this system can trigger inhibitory responses in postsynaptic cells. Moreover, these responses can be blocked using drugs that occupy GABA receptors, or by using genetic techniques to delete the GABA-pumping protein from cholinergic neurons. Taken together, the results of these experiments strongly suggest that the cholinergic neurons throughout the forebrain—unlike, for example, the cholinergic neurons in the midbrain, the region of the brain that controls movement—possess the molecular machinery needed to produce and release GABA, in addition to acetylcholine. Given that the cholinergic system has a key role in cognition and is particularly susceptible to degeneration in Alzheimer's disease, the ability of these neurons to release GABA release could have widespread implications for the study and understanding of brain function.
Profile of carvedilol controlled-release: a new once-daily formulation of carvedilol

Carvedilol is a third-generation β1- and β2-blocker that also possesses α1-adrenergic-blocking properties. This compound has: i) shown superior efficacy to certain other β-blockers in heart failure, ii) can improve myocardial function (e.g., in myocardial infarction) and iii) is the only β-blocker shown to significantly reduce mortality and morbidity (such as reinfarction and development of heart failure) in postmyocardial infarction patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVD). The currently available preparation of carvedilol needs to be taken twice daily; however, studies have shown that the need for twice-daily dosing may decrease adherence. A once-daily formulation of carvedilol (controlled release) is expected to become available in 2007. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the new formulation are equivalent to the twice-daily formulation. A number of investigations have demonstrated equivalence between the twice-daily and once-daily formulations; thus, carvedilol controlled-re...
Use of reoperative sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer patients.

Background Ipsilateral breast recurrence or second primary breast cancer can develop in patients who have undergone breast conservation and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). This brings into question the necessity of complete axillary lymph node dissection (CALND) versus a second SLNB (remapping). Our objective is to determine the feasibility of a reoperative SLNB. Study Design A review of patients receiving a reoperative SLNB between April 1994 and December 2006 was conducted with IRB approval. Fifty-six patients underwent a second SLNB on the ipsilateral side an average of 42.5 months after their first SLNB. Results Sentinel lymph nodes were successfully remapped in 45 of 56 (80.4%) patients. Of 45 patients successfully remapped, 36 (80%) were node negative and were spared CALND. There was only 1 patient (2.2%) in whom a sentinel lymph node was identified outside of the ipsilateral axilla. At 26 months mean followup for the second SLNB, there have been no axillary recurrences and 1 death. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that remapping sentinel nodes in patients with ipsilateral recurrence or new primary breast cancer after SLNB achieved success in 80.4% of patients. Overall, 80.0% (36 of 45) of the successfully remapped patients were spared a CALND.
From the Tower to the Tiltyard: Robert Dudley's Return to Glory

At some point in the winter of 1554-5, Robert Dudley and his brothers, Ambrose and Henry, were released from the Tower of London and pardoned for their attempt to block Queen Mary's accession to the throne in 1553.1 They were far more fortunate than other members of their family. Their father, the duke of Northumberland, had contrived to marry his youngest son, Guildford, to the Lady Jane Grey before persuading the dying king to alter the succession in his daughter-in-law's favour. After the collapse of their abortive coup, all the Dudleys were imprisoned, attainted for treason, and condemned to death. Northumberland and his pawns, the Lady Jane and Guildford, were duly executed. Another son, John, fell ill in the T'ower and was released a few days before his death in the fall of 1554. 'IThe duchess of Northumberland was determined to assist her three surviving sons and, following their release, she worked ceaselessly to secure their pardon. She apparently won the sympathy of several highly placed Spaniards at the court of Philip and Mary before her own death on 22 January I555, and she declared her gratitude in her will to one who helped her make 'so many friends about the King's Majesty' and others who 'did her Sons Good, beseeching them for God's sake to continue the good Lords to her Sons '.2 Her efforts paid off, for not only were their pardons officially ratified on the day of their mother's death, but, during that same winter, all three sons returned to court to participate in a tournament with these Spanish lords. Robert
Association of Ovavesicula popilliae (Microsporida: Ovavesiculidae) with Winter Mortality of Larvae and Reduced Fecundity of Female Japanese Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Populations of Japanese beetle at sites in Michigan where Ovavesicula popilliae (Andreadis) was introduced in 1999 and 2000 were compared with nearby control sites from fall of 2005 through spring of 2008. Percent infection by O. popilliae and winter mortality of Japanese beetle were determined by sampling larvae in October and April from 12 golf holes on six courses in southeast Michigan and eight holes on four courses in southwest Michigan. Adult Japanese beetles were also collected from these golf courses in July and August of 2007 to determine the impact of O. popilliae-infection on egg development in females. In southeast Michigan, O. popilliae appeared to spread rapidly from the 100 m2 plots where it was previously introduced to surrounding golf course holes between 2000 and 2006. However, data from southwest Michigan suggests that O. popilliae had already been introduced into the area. Regression analysis of data from all 20 golf course holes gives a significant relationship between percent infection of larvae with O. popilliae and winter mortality of Japanese beetle. Mean winter mortality of larvae around golf course holes where 30% were infected. Females infected with O. popilliae contained 50% fewer mature eggs than uninfected females. In addition, females from golf courses where all of the fairways and roughs were treated annually with imidacloprid contained 48% fewer mature eggs than females from golf courses where insecticides were only used on the fairways or not at all.
A model of the pacemaking neuron of the respiratory central pattern generator

We have developed a model of the mammalian respiratory central pattern generator (rCPG) to mimic the salient characteristics of its constituent medullary neurons. This model is designed as a network of Hodgkin-Huxley-type medullary neurons driven by a pacemaking neuron from the pre-Bo/spl uml/tzinger complex. Here, we present the results of our model of this pacemaking neuron, based on available voltage clamp data. Implications for the behavior of the rCPG are discussed.
Ultraquenching, Double Tg, Order, and Motion in Amorphous Polymers

In this paper we discuss the application of the ultraquenching technique to the resolution of a number of questions and controversies in polymer physics. In several of these, Dr. R.F. Boyer, has played a substantial role and it is to him that we dedicate this paper on the occasion of his 75th birthday. Subjects to be discussed include: 1 The presence of ordered domains in amorphous polymers. 2 The presence of two glass transitions in crystallizable polymers. 3 The glass transition of linear polyethylene. 4 The degree of molecular motion during polymer crystallization. 5 The morphology and properties of polymers crystallized from the glass. Of these, Dr. Boyer has been particularly involved in the first three.
Enriching chatter bots with semantic conversation control

Businesses deploy chatter bots to engage in text based conversations with customers that are intended resolve their issues. However, these chatter bots are only effective in exchanges consisting of question answer pairs, where the context may switch with every pair. I am designing a semantic architecture that enables chatter bots to hold short conversations, where context is maintained throughout the exchange. I leverage specific ideas from conversation theory, speech acts theory, and knowledge representation. My architecture models a conversation as a stochastic process that flows through a set of states. The main contribution of this work is that it analyses and models the semantics of conversations as entities, instead of lower level grammatical and linguistics forms. I evaluate the performance of the architecture in accordance with Grice's cooperative maxims, which form the central idea in the theory of pragmatics.
On Mis-measured Binary Regressors: New Results and Some Comments on the Literature

This paper studies the use of a discrete instrumental variable to identify the causal eect of an endogenous, mis-measured, binary treatment. We begin by showing that the only existing identification result for this case, which appears in Mahajan (2006), is incorrect. As such, identification in this model remains an open question. We first prove that the treatment eect is unidentified based on conditional first-moment information, regardless of the number of values that the instrument may take. We go on to derive a novel partial identification result based on conditional second moments that can be used to test for the presence of mis-classification and to construct simple and informative bounds for the treatment eect. In certain special cases, we can in fact obtain point identification of the treatment eect based on second moment information alone. When this is not possible, we show that adding conditional third moment information point identifies the treatment eect and the measurement error process.
Bonding Capital, Bridging Capital and Black Political Tolerance

This paper seeks to theorize the role that social capital plays in formulating policy preferences within the African American communities. I seek to understand how various notions of bonding and bridging capital can serve as vessels for creating political tolerance among minority segments of the black community, especially gay and lesbian populations. There has not been enough focus on understanding the impact that social capital has on African American political tolerance therefore understanding its influence will provide a theoretical framework that better accounts for group marginalization's impact and impact on larger black political interest.
Biotin Supply Affects Expression of Biotin Transporters, Biotinylation of Carboxylases and Metabolism of Interleukin-2 in Jurkat Cells

Biotin supply may affect transcription of genes and biotinylation of proteins in cells. In this study, Jurkat cells were used to model effects of biotin supply on biotin homeostasis and interleukin-2 metabolism in immune cells. Cells were cultured in media containing deficient (25 pmol/L), physiologic (250 pmol/L), or pharmacologic concentrations (10,000 pmol/L) of biotin for 4 wk. Activities of the biotin-dependent enzyme propionyl-CoA carboxylase paralleled the biotin concentrations in media [pmol bicarbonate fixed/(min x 10(6) cells)]: 1.9 +/- 0.7 (25 pmol/L biotin) vs. 19 +/- 1.2 (250 pmol/L biotin) vs. 40 +/- 2.0 (10,000 pmol/L biotin). Cells responded to biotin deficiency with increased expression of biotin transporter genes. Biotin-deficient cells maintained normal biotinylation of histones but contained reduced levels of biotinylated carboxylases, suggesting compartmentalization of intracellular biotin distribution. Rates of cell proliferation and activities of the apoptotic enzyme caspase-3 were similar among treatment groups, suggesting that net proliferation was not affected by biotin status. Net secretion of interleukin-2 by Jurkat cells was inversely associated with the biotin concentration in media [kU/(L x 24 h x 10(6) cells)]: 21 +/- 1.8 (25 pmol/L biotin) vs. 15 +/- 5.4 (250 pmol/L biotin) vs. 6.1 +/- 1.8 (10,000 pmol/L biotin), suggesting increased secretion or decreased internalization of interleukin-2 by biotin-deficient cells. This study provides evidence that biotin supply affects biotinylation of proteins, gene expression and metabolism of interleukin-2 in Jurkat cells. The physiological significance of effects of biotin status on metabolism of interleukin-2 remains to be elaborated.
Devices for High-Frequency Applications

Semiconductor devices capable of very high switching speeds (>100 GHz) are integral components for voice and data transmission systems operating at rates above 40 Gb s -1 . The most important semiconductors for high-speed devices are Si/SiGe, GaAs/AlGaAs, InP/InGaAs, InP/InGaAsSb, and GaAs/InGaP. Silicon-based circuits comprising upwards of 10 9 individual transistors for microprocessors and 10 10 transistors for memory chips are the most recognizable semiconductor product and have provided the impetus for the computing and information age. Silicon-based devices now constitute approximately 95% of all semiconductor devices sold worldwide. However, for ultrahigh-speed applications the III–V semiconductors mentioned above have advantages over silicon because of their higher carrier mobilities and higher effective carrier velocities. In this article we will summarize the basic characteristics of silicon, Si/SiGe, and compound semiconductor transistors for high-frequency applications.
Tumor eosinophil infiltration and improved survival of colorectal cancer patients: Iowa Women’s Health Study

The role of the innate immune response in colorectal cancer is understudied. We examined the survival of colorectal cancer patients in relation to eosinophils, innate immune cells, infiltrating the tumor. Tissue microarrays were constructed from paraffin-embedded tumor tissues collected between 1986 and 2002 from 441 post-menopausal women diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the Iowa Women's Health Study. Tissue microarrays were stained with an eosinophil peroxidase antibody. Eosinophils in epithelial and stromal tissues within the tumor (called epithelial and stromal eosinophils, hereafter) were counted and scored into three and four categories, respectively. In addition, the degree of eosinophil degranulation (across epithelial and stromal tissues combined) was quantified and similarly categorized. We used Cox regression to estimate the hazard ratios and 95% confidence interval for all-cause and colorectal cancer death during 5-year follow-up after diagnosis and during follow-up through 2011 ('total follow-up'). The hazard ratios associated with eosinophil scores were adjusted for age of diagnosis, SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) stage, tumor grade, body mass, and smoking history. High tumor stromal eosinophil score was inversely correlated with age and stage, and was associated with a decreased risk for all-cause and colorectal cancer death: hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 0.61 (0.36-1.02; P-trend=0.02) and 0.48 (0.24-0.93; P-trend=0.01), respectively, during the 5-year follow-up for the highest vs lowest category. The inverse associations also existed for total follow-up for all-cause and colorectal cancer death for the highest vs lowest stromal eosinophil score: hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 0.72 (0.48-1.08; P-trend=0.04) and 0.61 (0.34-1.12; P-trend=0.04), respectively. Further adjustment for treatment, comorbidities, additional lifestyle factors, tumor location, or molecular markers did not markedly change the associations, while adjustment for cytotoxic T cells slightly attenuated all associations. The infiltration of tumors with eosinophils, especially in stromal tissue, may be an important prognostic factor in colorectal cancer.
MetaTutor: A MetaCognitive Tool for Enhancing Self-Regulated Learning.

Learning about complex and challenging science topics with advanced learning technologies requires students to regulate their learning. The deployment of key cognitive and metacognitive regulatory processes is key to enhancing learning in open-ended learning environments such as hypermedia. In this paper, we propose a metaphor—Computers as MetaCognitive tools—to characterize the complex nature of the learning context, self- regulatory processes, task conditions, and features of advanced learning technologies. We briefly outline the theoretical and conceptual assumptions of self-regulated learning (SRL) underlying MetaTutor, a hypermedia environment designed to train and foster students’ SRL processes in biology. Lastly, we provide preliminary learning outcome and SRL process data on the deployment of SRL processes during learning with MetaTutor.
An application of KL transform in feature extraction and selection for polyp differentiation via CT colonography

The main task of computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) is to differentiate the pathological stages to which each detected colorectal lesion belongs, especially to differentiate hyperplastic polyps, which are non-neoplastic and seldom show malignant potential, from neoplastic lesions, which are malignant or at risk for malignant transformation. If we could extract useful pattern information from detected lesions, we would achieve the goal of the CADx task. In this paper, we aim to minimize the spatial variation in expanding the well-known Haralick texture descriptor in three-dimensional (3D) space for extraction and selection of volumetric texture features. Haralick et al described a way to compute measures along four directions in an image slice and select the mean and range over the four directions as the texture features. When extend their description in 3D space, we will have 13 directions and the feature selection would be the mean and range over the 13 directions. However, because of the heterogeneity of lesions' texture orientation, the mean and range over spatially variant directions may be sub-optimal. To mitigate the variation, we propose to perform one kind of principal component (PC) analyses, i.e., the Karhunen-Loeve transform, on the 13 directions and select the features along the PCs, instead of the mean and range.
Periodontal Disease and Preterm Birth

Preterm birth (delivery at fewer than 37 weeks’ gestation) is the most common cause of infant morbidity and mortality among nonanomalous infants in the United States. Increasing evidence has focused on associations between clinical infection, inflammation, and preterm birth. Maternal periodontal disease, which is associated with systemic inflammation, has been associated with preterm birth. Intervention trails for treatment of periodontal disease during pregnancy, however have not consistently shown a reduction in preterm birth rates. Despite the lack of reduction in preterm birth, oral health maintenance is an important part of preventive care and should be supported during pregnancy.