cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
WE‐EF‐207‐05: Monte Carlo Dosimetry for a Dedicated Cone‐Beam CT Head Scanner

Purpose: Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) is an attractive platform for point-of-care imaging of traumatic brain injury and intracranial hemorrhage. This work implements and evaluates a fast Monte-Carlo (MC) dose estimation engine for development of a dedicated head CBCT scanner, optimization of acquisition protocols, geometry, bowtie filter designs, and patient-specific dosimetry. Methods: Dose scoring with a GPU-based MC CBCT simulator was validated on an imaging bench using a modified 16 cm CTDI phantom with 7 ion chamber shafts along the central ray for 80–100 kVp (+2 mm Al, +0.2 mm Cu). Dose distributions were computed in a segmented CBCT reconstruction of an anthropomorphic head phantom with 4×10⁵ tracked photons per scan (5 min runtime). Circular orbits with angular span ranging from short scan (180° + fan angle) to full rotation (360°) were considered for fixed total mAs per scan. Two aluminum filters were investigated: aggressive bowtie, and moderate bowtie (matched to 16 cm and 32 cm water cylinder, respectively). Results: MC dose estimates showed strong agreement with measurements (RMSE<0.001 mGy/mAs). A moderate (aggressive) bowtie reduced the dose, per total mAs, by 20% (30%) at the center of the head, by 40% (50%) at the eye lens, and by 70% (80%) at the posterior skin entrance. For the no bowtie configuration, a short scan reduced the eye lens dose by 62% (from 0.08 mGy/mAs to 0.03 mGy/mAs) compared to full scan, although the dose to spinal bone marrow increased by 40%. For both bowties, the short scan resulted in a similar 40% increase in bone marrow dose, but the reduction in the eye lens was more pronounced: 70% (90%) for the moderate (aggressive) bowtie. Conclusions: Dose maps obtained with validated MC simulation demonstrated dose reduction in sensitive structures (eye lens and bone marrow) through combination of short-scan trajectories and bowtie filters. Xiaohui Wang and David Foos are employees of Carestream Health
Alcohol, vitamin A, and β-carotene: adverse interactions, including hepatotoxicity and carcinogenicity

Isozymes of alcohol and other dehydrogenases convert ethanol and retinol to their corresponding aldehydes in vitro. In addition, new pathways of retinol metabolism have been described in hepatic microsomes that involve, in part, cytochrome P450s, which can also metabolize various drugs. In view of these overlapping metabolic pathways, it is not surprising that multiple interactions between retinol, ethanol, and other drugs occur. Accordingly, prolonged use of alcohol, drugs, or both, results not only in decreased dietary intake of retinoids and carotenoids, but also accelerates the breakdown of retinol through cross-induction of degradative enzymes. There is also competition between ethanol and retinoic acid precursors. Depletion ensues, with associated hepatic and extrahepatic pathology, including carcinogenesis and contribution to fetal defects. Correction of deficiency through vitamin A supplementation has been advocated. It is, however, complicated by the intrinsic hepatotoxicity of retinol, which is potentiated by concomitant alcohol consumption. By contrast, beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, was considered innocuous until recently, when it was found to also interact with ethanol, which interferes with its conversion to retinol. Furthermore, the combination of beta-carotene with ethanol results in hepatotoxicity. Moreover, in smokers who also consume alcohol, beta-carotene supplementation promotes pulmonary cancer and, possibly, cardiovascular complications. Experimentally, beta-carotene toxicity was exacerbated when administered as part of beadlets. Thus ethanol, while promoting a deficiency of vitamin A also enhances its toxicity as well as that of beta-carotene. This narrowing of the therapeutic window for retinol and beta-carotene must be taken into account when formulating treatments aimed at correcting vitamin A deficiency, especially in drinking populations.
Time to next pregnancy in spontaneous pregnancies versus treatment cycles in fertile patients with recurrent pregnancy loss

The current standard of care for management of patients with recurrent pregnancy loss is expectant management. However, the emotional impact of pregnancy losses and the urgency to conceive often leads couples to consider a variety of fertility treatments. The objective of this study is to report the time to next pregnancy and subsequent live birth and miscarriage rates in fertile patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) who choose to attempt spontaneous conception compared to those that opt to pursue fertility treatment. Retrospective cohort study of one hundred and fifty-eight fertile RPL patients treated at a university-based fertility center. Patients were followed for a minimum of 6 months. Patients were encouraged to attempt spontaneous conception, but allowed to initiate fertility treatments (ovarian stimulation, insemination, IVF or PGS) according to their preferences. Main outcome measures were time to next pregnancy and pregnancy outcome. For those patients who achieved a spontaneous conception, 88% conceived within 6 months, with a median time of 2 months and range of 1–10 months. Patients using IUI, IVF and PGS conceived in a median of 3, 4 and 5 months, respectively. The live birth rate and clinical miscarriage rate was not improved with any fertility treatment. In the fertile RPL patient population, there does not appear to be a benefit to proceeding directly with fertility treatment. Patients should be encouraged to attempt spontaneous conception for at least 6 months.
Van Fraassen's Instrumentalism

In The Scientific Image [1980], Bas van Fraassen argues against a particular form of scientific realism and for a view of his own which he dubs constructive empiricism. The version of realism he intends to refute is the view that the aim of science is to construct theories that are literally true, and that to accept a scientific theory is to believe that it is literally true (or at least approximately true). In contrast, according to van Fraassen's constructive empiricism, science aims only at theories that are empirically adequate, that is, at theories that accord with all observable events, and to accept a scientific theory is only to believe that it is empirically adequate. To accept a scientific theory it is not necessary, according to constructive empiricism, to believe what it says about unobservable entities, such as electrons. It is quite clear that van Fraassen is not merely advancing a thesis about actual scientific practice. He is not saying merely that science, as we know it, does not aim to discover true theories about unobservable events and processes, but rather that the discovery of such theories can never be the object of any reasonable human endeavour. The problem is not simply that we know, from the historical frequency with which theories are refuted, that the achievement of this aim is a practical impossibility. After all, if the frequency of empirical refutation counts against the aim of arriving at true theories, then it also counts against the aim of obtaining theories that are empirically adequate! Consequently, van Fraassen's objection is quite different from that of Laudan [1981], which is based on the historical frequency of theoretical errors.1 Instead, van Fraassen is claiming that it is not even possible to approach
Affect-related behaviors in mice selectively bred for high and low voluntary alcohol consumption.

There is considerable evidence for the existence of comorbidity between alcohol-use disorders and depression in humans. One strategy to elucidate hereditary factors affecting the comorbidity of these disorders is to use genetic animal models, such as mouse lines selectively bred for voluntary ethanol consumption. We hypothesized that mice from lines that were bred for high-alcohol preference would manifest increased depression-like phenotypes compared to low-alcohol preferring mice. Mice that were bi-directionally selected and bred on the basis of their High- (HAP) or Low-Alcohol Preference (LAP) were tested in the open-field (OFT), dark–light box (DLB), forced swim (FST), and learned helplessness tests (LH). The study was conducted in two independently derived replicates. In the OFT, both HAP2 and HAP3 mice showed higher levels of general locomotion compared to LAP mice. However, only HAP2 mice spent more time in the center compared to LAP2 mice. In the DLB, there was a slightly higher anxiety-like phenotype in HAP mice. In both FST and LH, we observed higher depression-like behaviors in HAP mice compared to LAP mice, but this was limited to the Replicate 2 mice. Overall, we identified affect-related behavioral changes in mouse lines bred for high-alcohol preference. Notably, the Replicate 3 lines that showed fewer depression-like behaviors also manifest smaller differences in alcohol intake. These data suggest that there may be overlap between genes that predispose to excessive alcohol intake and those underlying affect-related behaviors in the mouse.
Effect of dioxin on ovarian function in the cynomolgus macaque (M. fascicularis)

Abstract Ovarian function was evaluated in mature female cynomolgus macaques 443 to 625 days following a single oral exposure (1, 2, or 4 μg/kg BW) to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD). Urinary estrone conjugates (E1C), pregnanediol-3-glucuronide (PdG), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured. Three of four animals in the high dose group had no evidence of menstrual cycles while animals in the low and medium dose groups plus one from the high dose group had cycles that were similar to those of control animals. The noncycling animals had baseline E 1 C concentrations without ovulatory midcycle peaks and monotonic PdG profiles. Mean FSH concentrations during the midfollicular phase of the medium dose group and during the entire cycle of the high dose group were elevated compared to those of the control group and the endometria of the noncycling animals were inactive. These data demonstrate that a single exposure of 4 μg/kg BW TCDD leads to long-term adverse effects on ovarian function in primates.
Can CSMA/CA networks be made fair?

We demonstrate that CSMA/CA networks, including IEEE 802.11 networks, exhibit severe fairness problem in many scenarios, where some hosts obtain most of the channel's bandwidth while others starve. Most existing solutions require nodes to overhear transmissions made by contending nodes and, based on the overheard information, adjust local rates to achieve fairness among all contending links. Their underlying assumption is that transmissions made by contending nodes can be overheard. However, this assumption holds only when the transmission range is equal to the carrier sensing range, which is not true in reality. As our study reveals, the overhearing-based solutions, as well as several non-overhearing AIMD solutions, cannot achieve MAC-layer fairness in various settings. We propose a new rate control protocol, called PISD (Proportional Increase Synchronized multiplicative Decrease). Without relying on overhearing, it provides fairness in CSMA/CA networks, particularly IEEE 802.11 networks, by using only local information and performing localized operations. It combines several novel rate control mechanisms, including synchronized multiplicative decrease, proportional increase, and background transmission. We prove that PISD converges and achieves (weighted) fairness.
Wavefield Extrapolation In Riemannian Coordinates

Riemannian spaces are described by non-orthogonal curvilinear coordinates. We generalize one-way wavefield extrapolation to semiorthogonal Riemannian coordinate systems, which include, but are not limited to, ray coordinate systems. The result are one-way wavefield extrapolation methods which are not dip-limited, and which can even be used to image overturning waves. Ray coordinate systems can be initiated either from point sources, or from plane waves incident at various angles. Since wavefield propagation happens mostly along the extrapolation direction, we can use inexpensive finite-difference or mixed-domain extrapolators to achieve high angle accuracy. The main applications of our method include imaging of steeply dipping or overturning reflections.
Fibrous dysplasia-induced hypocalcemia/rickets.

6. Oberman HA, Holtz F, Sheffer LA, et al: Chemodectomas (nonchromaffin paragangliomas) of the head and neck. A clinicopathologic study. Cancer 21:838, 1968 7. Bertogalli D, Calearo C, Pignataro 0: Les paragangliomes non chromatophiles a siege rare. Ann Otol (Paris) 76688. 1959 8. Burman SO: The chemoreceptor system and its tumourThe chemodectoma. Int Abstr Surg 102:330. 1956 9. Lack EE, Mercer L: A modified Grimelius argyrtophil technique for neurosecretory granules. Am J Surg Path01 1~275, 1977 10. Batsakis JG: Tumors of the Head and Neck. Clinical and Pathological Considerations (ed 2). Baltimore, Williams & Wilkins, 1979, pp 369-380
On the need to screen for gonorrhea and chlamydia infections prior to colposcopy in adolescents

Background Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is the most significant consequence of sexually transmitted infections (STI). The present study explored the association of PID with cervical biopsy, and examined the standard clinical practice in the US regarding the need to screen for chlamydia and gonorrhea infections within 2 weeks prior to colposcopy in adolescents. Methods An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to US physicians and nurses, members of the Society for Adolescent Medicine and/or the North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Results Three hundred and sixty-eight, from all the states in the US, responded. Only 5% of the respondents have encountered biopsy-associated PID due to chlamydia and/or gonorrhea. Fifteen percent of the respondents screen their patients, and 23% favor screening, for chlamydia and gonorrhea infections within 2 weeks prior to colposcopy in adolescents. Previous experience with colposcopy and previous encounters with biopsy-associated PID in adolescents did not significantly affect the practice or the opinion of the respondents. Conclusions Screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea infections within 2 weeks prior to colposcopy in adolescents is presently not a common clinical practice among US adolescents’ care providers. Because of the potential risk for biopsy-associated PID, it is advisable to minimize the interval between STI screening and colposcopy in adolescents.
Improving manufacturing process for biomedical products: a case study

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to design and implement a new manufacturing process for biomedical products by removing an electro‐polishing (EP) operation. The research was performed in a major North American orthopedic industry.Design/methodology/approach – Value stream mapping is used to analyze and identify the waste in the current manufacturing process of bone screw. Upon formulation of new (to‐be) process, it has been validated to meet the regulatory requirements for the products through autoclave, endotoxin level, and biomechanical tests. Statistical tests are performed to compare the EP versus non‐EP process.Findings – The study has shown that the EP operation was not only redundant to bone screw manufacturing but also created other problems such as quality and production delays. The overall production lead time of the screws has been reduced from 17 to 4.5 days.Research limitations/implications – Scope of the pilot study was limited to stainless steel screw. In future, the company plans to...
Effects of microstructure on fatigue crack propagation and crack closure behavior in aluminum alloy 7150

A study has been made of the role of aging treatment in influencing fatigue crack propagation and crack closure behavior in a high purity ingot metallurgy aluminum alloy 7150, with specific reference to crack growth at low and high load ratios in the near-threshold regime. A trend of increasing growth rates and decreasing threshold stress intensity ΔKth values with increased aging was seen to be consistent with lower measured levels of crack closure and a decreasing tortuosity in crack path. On the basis of crack growth measurements in moist room air, where closure due to corrosion product formation was found to be negligible in this alloy, the superior fatigue resistance of underaged microstructured (compared with overaged structures of similar strength and peak-aged structures of higher strength) was attributed to greater slip reversibility and to enhanced roughness-induced crack closure and deflection from the more tortuous crack paths. Such factors are promoted in alloy systems hardened by coherent shearable precipitates where the mode of deformation is one of non-homogeneous planar slip.
TNF-α potentiates lysophosphatidic acid-induced COX-2 expression via PKD in human colonic myofibroblasts.

The myofibroblast (MFB) has recently been identified as an important mediator of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-associated colitis and cancer, but the mechanism(s) involved remains incompletely understood. Here, we show that treatment of 18Co cells, a model of human colonic MFBs, with TNF-α and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) induced striking synergistic cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression and production of PGE2. This effect was prevented by the LPA1 receptor antagonist Ki16425, the Giα-specific inhibitor pertussis toxin, and by the preferential protein kinase (PK) C inhibitors GF109203X and Go6983. As a known downstream target of LPA and PKC, we tested whether PKD, recently implicated in the regulation of COX-2 expression in MFB, was involved in this response. TNF-α, while having no detectable effect on the activation of PKD when added alone, augmented PKD activation stimulated by LPA, as measured by PKD autophosphorylation at Ser910. LPA-induced PKD activation was also inhibited by Ki16425, pertussis toxin, GF109203X, and Go6983. Transfection of 18Co cells with short interfering RNA targeting PKD completely inhibited the synergistic increase in COX-2 protein, demonstrating a critical role of PKD in this response. Our results imply that cross talk between TNF-α and LPA results in the amplification of COX-2 protein expression via a conserved PKD-dependent signaling pathway that appears to involve the LPA1 receptor and the G protein Giα. PKD plays a critical role in the expression of COX-2 in human colonic MFBs and may contribute to an inflammatory microenvironment that promotes tumor growth.
Quality or quantity: is nutrient transfer driven more by symbiont identity and productivity than by symbiont abundance?

By forming symbiotic interactions with microbes, many animals and plants gain access to the products of novel metabolic pathways. We investigated the transfer of symbiont-derived carbon and nitrogen to the sponges Aplysina cauliformis, Aplysina fulva, Chondrilla caribensis, Neopetrosia subtriangularis and Xestospongia bocatorensis, all of which host abundant microbial populations, and Niphates erecta, which hosts a sparse symbiont community. We incubated sponges in light and dark bottles containing seawater spiked with 13C- and 15N-enriched inorganic compounds and then measured 13C and 15N enrichment in the microbial (nutrient assimilation) and sponge (nutrient transfer) fractions. Surprisingly, although most sponges hosting abundant microbial communities were more enriched in 13C than N. erecta, only N. subtriangularis was more enriched in 15N than N. erecta. Although photosymbiont abundance varied substantially across species, 13C and 15N enrichment was not significantly correlated with photosymbiont abundance. Enrichment was significantly correlated with the ratio of gross productivity to respiration (P:R), which varied across host species and symbiont phylotype. Because irradiance impacts P:R ratios, we also incubated A. cauliformis in 13C-enriched seawater under different irradiances to determine whether symbiont carbon fixation and transfer are dependent on irradiance. Carbon fixation and transfer to the sponge host occurred in all treatments, but was greatest at higher irradiances and was significantly correlated with P:R ratios. Taken together, these results demonstrate that nutrient transfer from microbial symbionts to host sponges is influenced more by host–symbiont identities and P:R ratios than by symbiont abundance.
A Swing Relay for the East-West Intertie

Closure of the ties to interconnect power systems across the continent has imposed new relaying problems for which new solutions have been developed. A special relay has been monitoring the East-West Intertie since it was reestablished December 3, 1967. It is designed to sense conditions of the interarea tie and to anticipate when interchange is approaching difficulty. Power, rate-of-change of power, and oscillation quantities are employed. The relay, installed at the Yellowtail Power Plant in Montana, also effects transfer tripping at Fort Peck, Mont., and at Stegall, Neb., for prompt, clean East-West separations with minimum disturbance to the systems.
Stop-Think-Relax: An Adapted Self-Control Training Strategy for Individuals with Mental Retardation and Coexisting Psychiatric Illness

Abstract Published self-instructional techniques for stress/anger management for those with mental retardation and developmental disabilities are often impractical due to the demands of complex instructional sequencing and of applying the technique during distressing situations. The development and implementation of an adapted, self-instructional, self-control technique employing a simple, 3-step method, reinforced by iconic visual cues, will be presented. The application of this strategy in individuals with mental retardation and concurrent mental illness will be reviewed in 3 detailed clinical cases. The Stop-Think-Relax strategy is a highly versatile and easily taught method for self-control that can be successfully applied in adults with limited cognitive capacities and with coexisting psychiatric features.
Conservatively Treated Breast Cancer: Outcome by Histologic Subtype

: Between 1970 and 1990, 1,008 patients with early-stage breast cancer were treated by conservative surgery without axillary dissection followed by radiation therapy to the intact breast in the Department of Therapeutic Radiology at Yale-New Haven Hospital. The patient population, broken down by histologic subtype, was as follows: 761 patients presented with infiltrating ductal carcinoma, 70 patients with pure intraductal, 38 intraductal with focal invasion, 54 infiltrating lobular, 21 tubular, 17 medullary, 16 mucinous, and 29 with other various histologic subtypes. Patients were followed on a regular basis by the referring physicians and radiation oncologists. Diagnostic studies for distant metastases were performed as clinically indicated. Annual mammography was a routine component of the follow-up program. As of 3/96, with a median follow-up of 10.5 years, 83 patients developed an ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence, and 109 patients developed distant metastases resulting in an overall 10-year breast recurrence-free rate of 84%, and a 10-year distant metastasis-free rate of 78%. There were significant differences in clinical stage, pathological nodal involvement, and administration of systemic therapy between various histologic subtypes. As expected, those patients with histologies of low metastatic potential (such as intraductal, tubular, and mucinous) had significantly superior distant recurrence-free survival rates. With respect to breast relapse rates, there were no statistically significant differences in the 5- and 10-year breast recurrence-free rates between any of the histologic subtypes. Patients with intraductal carcinoma with or without focal invasion had similar breast relapse rates as those with other histologic subtypes. Patients with lobular carcinoma in situ as a histologic component also had a similar overall breast relapse-free recurrence rate. In conclusion, long-term follow-up of conservatively treated breast cancer patients demonstrates no significant differences in ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence rates between various histologic subtypes. There are no histologies which had a statistically significantly higher breast-relapse rate than infiltrating ductal carcinomas and therefore no primary histologic subtype represents a relative contraindication to breast conservation therapy.
Ground Tracking Using Microsoft Kinect Sensor for Ground Penetrating Radar

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) systems have been successfully developed and deployed for buried object detection in real-world environments. Currently, the detection algorithms using GPR assume a flat earth model and incoming data is manipulated so the air ground interface conforms to this requirement. This manipulation of data occasionally results in missed detections and false alarms. Knowing the exact location of the air-ground interface could be used to relax the flat earth assumption and alleviate some of the associated detection problems. This paper describes a method of using the Microsoft Kinect sensor to track the ground for use in the buried object detection algorithms.
The Leadership Role of Today's Middle Manager:

In a previous article this author identified a leadership role for top management. In this article he sets his sights on identifying the unique leadership role of today's middle manager. This author links the role of middle management with that of today's organizational leaders in response to the simultaneous calls for unity and diversity.Is there a legitimate need for middle managers in today's flattened organizations? What role might be left for the middle manager in light of trends toward team-based operations? Can middle managers supplement the work of teams? How can middle management complement the role of organizational leaders? How should middle managers respond to today's simultaneous calls for unity and diversity?After briefly reviewing the role of organizational leaders in response to simultaneous calls for unity and diversity, the author explores the leadership role of middle management today. In preparation for identifying the tasks of the middle manager in today's organizational environment, ...
Hydrocarbon gases produced during in vitro peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and decomposition of preformed hydroperoxides

Hydrocarbon gases have been used previously as an index of lipid peroxidation in vivo and in vitro. In vitro experiments are reported on the formation of hydrocarbon gases from peroxidizing ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids. Hydrocarbon gases were not related during a 20-hr peroxidation phase but were released following the decomposition of hydroperoxides by addition of excess ascorbic acid. The major hydrocarbon gas products in iron, copper, or hematin catalyzed peroxidation systems were ethane or ethylene from linolenic acid, and pentane from linoleic acid and arachidonic acid. Calculations of the ratios of hydrocarbon gases formed were based on fatty acid decrease and/or change in diene conjugation and peroxide values. Depending on the fatty acid, catalyst, and calculation basis used, pentane formation was a high as 1.3 mol %, ethanol 4.3 mol %, and ethylene 10.6 mol %.
Improving mass and liquid chromatography based identification of proteins using bayesian scoring.

We present a method for peptide and protein identification based on LC−MS profiling. The method identified peptides at high-throughput without expending the sequencing time necessary for CID spectr...
Monte Carlo experiments and the defense of diffusion models in molecular population genetics

In the 1960s molecular population geneticists used Monte Carlo experiments to evaluate particular diffusion equation models. In this paper I examine the nature of this comparative evaluation and argue for three claims: first, Monte Carlo experiments are genuine experiments: second, Monte Carlo experiments can provide an important meansfor evaluating the adequacy of highly idealized theoretical models; and, third, the evaluation of the computational adequacy of a diffusion model with Monte Carlo experiments is significantlydifferent from the evaluation of the emperical adequacy of the same diffusion model.
Nuclear structure in 133,135Xe and 133,135Cs

Abstract The relative gamma-ray intensities of transitions depopulating the 133,135Xe ground and isomeric states as well as the 133Ba ground state have been measured using a semiconductor detector. The half-lives of these xenon states have been measured and are found to differ slightly from the reported values. The K internal conversion coefficient of the 133Xe isomeric transition was determined to have the value αK = 7.68±0.25. The 130Te(α, n)133,133mXe cross sections were measured in a stacked-foil experiment. More than nine new transitions have been observed from unreported levels in 135Cs. New levels are proposed at 408.2, 981.7 and 1062.6 keV. The above results are discussed in terms of the level schemes.
In-vivo motion characteristics of lumbar vertebrae in sagittal and transverse planes.

Lumbar vertebrae are complicated in structure and function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in-vivo motion characteristics of different portions of the lumbar vertebrae during functional activities. Motion of L2, L3 and L4 was reproduced using a combined dual fluoroscopic and MR imaging technique during flexion–extension and left–right twisting of the trunk. The ranges of motion (ROM) of the proximal vertebra with respect to the distal one at 3 representative locations: the center of the vertebral body, the center of the spinal canal and the tip of the spinous process were measured. Centers of rotation (COR) of the vertebrae were then determined by calculation of the points of zero motion in 2D sagittal and transverse planes. During flexion–extension, the center of the vertebral body moved less than 0.6 mm, while the tip of the spinous process moved less than 7.5 mm in the sagittal plane. The CORs of both L23 (L2 with respect to L3) and L34 were located inside the vertebral body, at a distance about one-third the length of the vertebral body from the posterior edge. During left–right twisting, the center of the vertebral body moved less than 1.0 mm, while the tip of the spinous process moved less than 1.6 mm in the transverse plane. The CORs of both L23 and L34 were located approximately 30 mm anterior to the front edge of the vertebral body. The results of this study may be used to define the ideal locations for surgical placement of the disc prosthesis, thus help improve the prosthesis design and surgical treatment of various pathological conditions.
Innovation capability and corporate growth: An empirical investigation in China

This study examines the antecedents of firm innovation capability in high technology firms in China and its effect on long-term corporate growth. It explores the growth-driven core competence of a firm by employing a knowledge-based view. The analysis of firm innovation capability indicates that firm innovation capability is related to long-term corporate growth. The results of this study support this link and the findings stress the importance of innovation intent and infrastructure to a firm's innovation capability.
Sharp vs Blunt Crack Hypotheses in the Strength of Glass: A Critical Study Using Indentation Flaws

The fundamental question as to whether the tip structure of brittle cracks is atomically sharp or has a rounded contour is examined in relation to current descriptions of strength-controlling flaws. The distinction between the two opposing viewpoints lies in the controlling flaw dimensions in the strength formulation; crack length in the first and tip radius in the second. Definitive evidence on the issue is obtained from aging tests on soda-lime glass, using indentations as controlled flaws. An increase in the inert strength is observed with increased exposure of the newly created flaws to moist environments prior to stressing to failure. This strength increase saturates after approximately 1 day, depending on the environmental species. The trend mirrors that reported by Mould in an earlier aging study on abrasion flaws. However, whereas Mould concluded that the strengthening must be due to tip rounding, the present tests reveal that the indentation-induced cracks actually extend during the aging period. A fracture mechanics analysis shows that such extension relaxes residual crack-opening stresses associated with the central contact deformation zone. It is accordingly concluded that the cracks remain sharp throughout their postindentation evolution; the influence of extraneous conditions on the strength is manifested only through the driving forces on these cracks. Flaws which have been annealed (i.e., which have had their residual driving forces removed) show no such aging effects. The fracture mechanics analysis also shows that in the region of saturated aging, where the indentation cracks appear to stop growing, the fracture driving force is in the region of the zero-velocity threshold described in the macroscopic crack growth studies by Michalske. Contrary to previous interpretation, the indication is that the cracks do not blunt out in this region, for otherwise the strengthening would steepen rather than level out. Implications of this result concerning the inviolate nature of basic crack growth laws are discussed.
8-Anilino naphthalene sulfonate binding as a probe for conformational changes induced in glutamate dehydrogenase by regulatory reagents

Abstract 8-Anilinonaphthalene sulfonate binds to a limited number of sites on bovine glutamate dehydrogenase and exhibits a large increase in fluorescence with a shift in the emission peak. The enzyme-enhanced fluorescence of the dye is sensitive to changes in enzyme tertiary structure, thus serving as a useful “probe” to study structure transitions evoked by a variety of regulatory reagents. Using this technique, reagents previously known to affect the structure and activity of the enzyme may be shown to to result in different conformational states. In addition, such reagents as diethylstilbestrol, Zn ++ , and phenanthridine, which have been shown to require NAD + or NADH for maximum effect on the enzyme, influence fluorescence of the enzyme-dye mixture independent of the presence of the nucleotide.
Sociocultural development and validation of lexicon for Asian-Indian individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication

Purpose. Individuals who temporarily or permanently are not able to communicate through use of gestures/signs, speech, and/or written communication mode benefit from the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. Effective communication skills for individuals who use an AAC system depend on appropriate lexicon. This study was designed to develop and validate a socially and culturally appropriate lexicon for Asian-Indians who use AAC.Method. To this end, 120 individuals from India participated in this study. A composite list of lexical items was identified, using a structured social validation technique involving non-categorical and categorical nominations, and a rating of lexical items from a Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) lexicon.Results. Data analysis indicated that 88 lexical items from the nomination task were not represented in the PCS lexicon and 247 items were rated as having no value for the Asian-Indian culture.Conclusions. Findings suggest that while a lexicon from sym...
High frequency transfer of nodulating ability between strains and species of Rhizobium

THE most striking and important feature of members of the genus Rhizobium is their ability to nodulate and fix nitrogen in the roots of legumes. There is specificity in this interaction. Legumes belonging to one cross-inoculation group are nodulated only by certain classes of Rhizobium and indeed Rhizobium species are defined in terms of the host legumes that they can nodulate—for example, R. leguminosarum nodulates peas, R. trifolii nodulates clover and R. phaseoli nodulates beans of the genus Phaseolus. The genetic bases of the nodulation process and of host specificity are poorly understood. Many Rhizobium strains harbour plasmids1–4 and genetic evidence has suggested that such plasmids might carry some of the information required for the development of the symbiosis5,6. We report here that the ability to nodulate peas can be transferred at high frequency from a strain of R. leguminosarum to a non-nodulating strain of R. leguminosarum and to three other species of Rhizobium that nodulate legumes other than peas. We infer from this that some of the genetic information required for nodulation is plasmid-linked.
Fulvic acid mediated photolysis of ibuprofen in water.

Abstract Photolysis of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen was studied by exposure to a solar simulator in solutions of fulvic acid (FA) isolated from Pony Lake, Antarctica; Suwannee River, GA, USA; and Old Woman Creek, OH, USA. At an initial concentration of 10 μM, ibuprofen degrades by direct photolysis, but the presence of FA significantly increases reaction rates. These reactions proceeded up to 6× faster in FA solutions at lower ibuprofen concentrations (0.1 μM), but the rates are highly dependent upon DOM composition. Incomplete quenching of the reaction in the presence of isopropanol suggests that the hydroxyl radical is only partially responsible for ibuprofen’s photodegradation in FA solutions, and other reactive transients likely play an important role. Liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy reveal the formation of multiple photoproducts, with three byproducts identified as 1-(4-isobutylphenyl)ethanol, isobutylacetophenone, and a phenol derivative. Pony Lake FA significantly increases the production of the major byproduct relative to yields produced by direct photolysis and the other two FA. Thus, the photolytic fate of ibuprofen in sunlit waters is affected by its initial concentration and the source of dissolved organic matter present.
Physics of interband cascade lasers

The interband cascade laser (ICL) is a unique device concept that combines the effective parallel connection of its multiple-quantum-well active regions, interband active transitions, and internal generation of electrons and holes at a semimetallic interface within each stage of the device. The internal generation of carriers becomes effective under bias, and the role of electrical injection is to replenish the carriers consumed by recombination processes. Major strides have been made toward fundamentally understanding the rich and intricate ICL physics, which has in turn led to dramatic improvements in the device performance. In this article, we review the physical principles of the ICL operation and designs of the active region, electron and hole injectors, and optical waveguide. The results for state-of- the-art ICLs spanning the 3-6 μm wavelength range are also briefly reviewed. The cw threshold input powers at room temperature are more than an order of magnitude lower than those for quantum cascade lasers throughout the mid-IR spectral range. This will lengthen battery lifetimes and greatly relax packaging and size/weight requirements for fielded sensing systems.
Cloud detection and characterization using topological data analysis

The presence of cirrus clouds introduces complex heating and cooling effects on the atmosphere and can also interfere with remote sensing from satellite-based sensors or from high-altitude aircraft. Detection of cirrus clouds thus provides an opportunity for atmospheric correction to introduce accurate compensation to images of the earth’s surface. Previous work on detection and characterization of cirrus clouds have been based on observing spectral signatures on a spectral channel with significant water absorption, or calculation of radiant intensity ratios over a water band to a reference spectral channel. Our proposed approach is based on applying computational homology to characterize the topological properties of cirrus clouds. We utilize an application called JPLEX to study the persistent homology of multi-dimensional simplicial complexes built from available hyperspectral or multispectral data. The technique has been successfully applied to discriminate subtle features in high dimensional noisy data sets. Previous examples include anomaly detection in hyperspectral images. The analysis makes use of the entire multidimensional data set (not just one or a combination of spectral bands) which may offer advantages in discriminating among various cloud types in a scene, as well as determining other characteristics of cirrus clouds such as altitude and thickness. Our initial computational experiment with an AVIRIS scene has demonstrated that JPLEX is able to discriminate between cumulus and cirrus clouds.
In search of a relationship between physiologically-induced variations in adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase activity and very low density lipoprotein kinetics in normal rats.

Abstract The relationship between total and heparin-releasable adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL0-triglyceride (TG) removal rate was studied in normal rats. Significant variation in both total and heparin-releasable adipose tissue LPL activity could be induced by changing diet and/or time of day at which the measurements were made. However, these maneuvers did not seem to modify VLDL-TG kinetics, and substantial variations (both increases and decreases) in LPL activity could be produced without altering VLDL-TG removal. These data indicate that quantitative variations in adipose tissue LPL activity as directly measured do not give rise to useful insights into VLDL-TG kinetics.
Acculturation and Attitudes of Latinos Toward Hospice

The relationship between acculturation and attitudes of Latinos toward hospice was examined in a sample of 380 Latinos from southern New Jersey. A survey design, using self-administered questionnaires, including a bi-dimensional acculturation scale, examined attitudes toward hospice. The sample represented a cross-section of socioeconomic groups and various nationalities of Latinos. Findings revealed that education and income were significantly related to attitudes toward hospice but acculturation was not. Findings also revealed that more than one-half of participants were unfamiliar with the word "hospice" prior to the study. Respondents with higher incomes, higher levels of education, and who were older were more familiar and had more positive attitudes. Overall, despite respondents' limited knowledge of hospice, the majority would use it. These findings underscore the need to intensify hospice education in Latino communities taking into account Latinos' socioeconomic status.
Abstract 4047: Introducing a novel acoustic imaging tool for breast cancer detection

Objective: This paper introduces an alternative non-invasive and non-ionizing breast imaging tool called vibro-acoustography (VA). This method is based on low-frequency harmonic vibrations induced in the object by the radiation force of ultrasound. Contrast in Vibro-acoustography images represent several properties of the object, including the dynamic characteristics at the audio frequency and scattering and absorption properties at the ultrasound frequency. X-ray mammography and ultrasound are the main imaging modality used today for detection of breast lesions. X-ray mammography, however, is ionizing and its sensitivity is greatly reduced in dense breasts. Ultrasound images suffer from speckles or other or artifact that prevents the physician from delineating the mass lesion from the background tissue. Hence, VA may be used as a stand-alone imaging device or as a tool to provide supplementary information to other existing imaging modalities. Materials & Methods: Matching vibro-acoustography and mammography images of human breast are acquired using a combined mammography/vibro-acoustography machine. Images of various types of breast masses are investigated and their characteristics features are compared. Image features, such as lesion borders, interior texture, and speculation pattern, are studied. Results: Resulting images show soft tissue structures, breast lesions and microcalcifications within breast with high contrast, high resolution, and no speckles. The results have been verified using x-ray mammograms of the breast. Vibro-acoustography images demonstrate that calcified masses normally show sharp borders, benign non-calcified masses have smooth texture, and, in some cases, malignant masses are characterized with spiculation. Conclusion: The encouraging results which are based on the data collected from an ongoing study indicate that the above mentioned image features may be used for differentiation of breast masses and suggest that further development of vibro-acoustography technology may lead to a new clinical tool for various imaging applications. Work supported in part by Grant CA121579-01A1from NIH and Grant BCTR#0504550 from Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4047. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4047
Phylogenetic conservation of epitopes in mammalian aldose reductase: application to immunoquantitation.

Abstract Rabbit antibodies raised against bovine kidney aldose reductase (ALR2) were shown to be monospecific by Western blot analysis of kidney homogenates. In addition, the antiserum (α-BKALR2) reacts with a single electrophoretic species in homogenates from rabbit, porcine, and human kidney. ALR2 has been detected in homogenates of bovine kidney, heart, brain and lens, and estimation of the enzyme level in these tissues was accomplished by densitometric analysis of Western blots. Standard curves using highly purified bovine kidney ALR2 were linear in the range of 5–100 ng; a similar sensitivity was seen in tissue homogenates. The results presented here for the ALR2 level in bovine tissues (kidney > heart > brain > lens) are in agreement with literature values for those tissues from which the enzyme has previously been purified. The interspecies similarity in electrophoretic mobility and the retention of antibody reactivity suggest extensive phylogenetic epitope conservation in mammalian aldose reductase.
Pluto: Comments on crustal composition, evidence for global differentiation

Abstract The implications of rapid atmospheric escape and the established presence of methane on Pluto's surface leads to the conclusion that unless Pluto's crust is young, it cannot contain more than a few percent by volume nonvolatile material (e.g., water ice, rock). Were this not the case, the escape of volatiles would cause a deepening lag deposit to form and eventually halt the resupply of CH 4 to Pluto's surface. Unless Pluto's surface methane has been recently deposited, it is therefore possible to conclude that Pluto has likely differentiated. The consequences of differentiation are explored as they relate to Pluto's bulk composition, surface topography, and atmospheric composition. Several relevant observational tests of the differentiation hypothesis are suggested.