cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A mathematical computer simulation model for the development of colonic polyps and colon cancer

Currently known information about the development and progression of colon polyps and cancer is summarized and organized into a mathematical computer simulation model that successfully predicts the natural history of colon polyp and cancer development for an average patient with (1) familial polyposis coli (2) genetic susceptibility as measured by a positive family history, and (3) negative family history with a high fat diet. The mathematical model uses four distinct types of cells (normal, transformed, polypoid, and cancerous) and two kinetic processes (mutation and promotion). Arachidonic acid metabolites play a role in the model in the promotion of cancer from polyps, and account for that promotion through: (1) their effect on encouraging more polypoid cells in mitosis to move toward cancer; and (2) their immunosuppressive effect over time. The model also shows that one defect in allowing more cells to mutate to the transformed state is sufficient to account for the chain of events leading to the clinical sequelae of familial polyposis coli. A second genetic effect at another point in the process is unnecessary. The mechanism of action of Sulindac on colon polyps is explained by the model through inhibition of production of arachidonic acid metabolites, most notably prostaglandin E.
Persistence of Vaccinia Virus and Chick-Embryonic Cells in Suspended Cell Tissue Cultures

ConclusionsAt 37°C viable cells and vaccinia virus can be demonstrated in cultures composed of Tyrode's solution and chick embryonic tissue during about 4 weeks following inoculation. These results are contrasted with those previously obtained in roller tube cultures where survival of both cells and virus persists much longer and the multiplication of the virus is greatly increased.
Heart Rate Variability by Triangular Index in Infants Exposed Prenatally to Cocaine

Background: In adults, heart rate variability triangular index (HRVi) is a highly reproducible measure of heart rate variability (HRV), which makes it more suitable for use in longitudinal studies. Although normative data have been published for newborns, studies in infants with pathological conditions are lacking. Methods: From 1997 to 2000, within the first 4 days of life, we prospectively evaluated HRVi in cocaine-exposed asymptomatic newborns (N = 97) by Holter monitoring. Their data were compared with infants from two control groups (one with no in utero drug exposure, N = 102; the other with exposure to alcohol, nicotine, or marijuana but no cocaine, N = 111). Results: In assessing concordance between and within operators for HRVi, the intraclass correlations were 0.983 (95% Cl: 0.958, 0.994) and 0.997 (95% Cl: 0.984, 0.999), respectively. Infants with in utero cocaine exposure had significantly (P < 0.0001) lower HRVi than those exposed to other drugs and to no drugs in utero. If abnormal HRVi is defined as < fifth percentile for the no drug exposed group (HRVi < 8), 10% of the cocaine-exposed newborns, in contrast to 2% in each of the control groups (P = 0.003) had abnormal values. Conclusion: HRVi is a reliable measure to study heart rate variability in newborns. Asymptomatic infants with in utero cocaine exposure have lower HRVi. Our study supports the clinical use of an abnormal HRVi as a value < 8 for newborn infants. A.N.E. 2002;7(4):374–378
DYNAMICS OF DISSOLUTION OF GAS BUBBLES OR POCKETS IN TISSUES

A mathematical model is developed which describes the dynamic characteristics of gas bubbles in subcutaneous tissues. Consideration is given to both inert and reacting gases. The effects of blood perfusion (or oxygen consumption in the tissue in dead animals), diffusion of the dissolved gases, a creep process occuring in the tissue, and thermodynamic behavior of the gases in the cavity on the dissolution of the gas bubbles are taken into account. The stress- strain relation of the tissues in creep is described by the standard linear model of viscoelasticity. The theoretical analysis is presented in three categories: (i) tissue creep controlled, (ii) mass transfer controlled and (iii) the intermediate case where both mechanisms are of comparable importance. A close agreement is obtained between the theoretical predictions and the existing experimental data for subcutaneous inert gas pockets in air breathing rats.
Anin SituCIR-FTIR Study ofn-Heptane Cracking over a Commercial Y-Type Zeolite under Subcritical and Supercritical Conditions

Abstract An in situ cylindrical internal reflection infrared technique (CIR-FTIR) was used in order to understand the behavior of subcritical and supercritical hydrocarbons processing over a commercial Y-type zeolite (P-Octacat) at 475°C and pressures up to 41.6 bar. The changes in the concentrations of the active catalytic sites were monitored in situ by CIR-FTIR during the catalytic cracking of n -heptane at subcritical and supercritical conditions. High-quality in situ spectra were acquired for the first time at such high temperatures and pressures. The results showed that the catalyst maintained higher activity when catalytic cracking was performed under the supercritical conditions of the hydrocarbon, whereas the subcritical conditions led to a rapid deactivation of the catalyst. The subcritical IR spectra showed dramatic reductions in the concentration of the acid sites and in the interactions of the acid sites with the olefinic and paraffinic products of the reaction. Supercritical fuel showed an extraordinary dense behavior within the pores of the zeolite, which was significantly higher than the values estimated by equations of state under the same conditions. Higher amounts of carbonaceous deposits under subcritical conditions were also observed. Finally, reactivation studies on a deactivated catalyst resulted in a partial regeneration of the catalyst under supercritical conditions, provided with a complete experimental proof by CIR-FTIR.
Performance evaluation in subclinical depression: It looks like I did as poorly as I expected to

The study tested the hypothesis that subclinically depressed individuals' unduly negative performance evaluations reflect self-confirmatory processing: their performance evaluations are biased toward the confirmation of their negative success expectations. To test this hypothesis, 17 subclinically depressed and 47 nondepressed participants indicated their success expectations and their performance standards for an upcoming test of academic aptitude. After taking the test, they evaluated their test performance without explicit feedback about how well they had done. Three findings suggest that the less favorable performance evaluations of subclinically depressed participants were due to self-confirmatory processing: (a) success expectations covaried with performance evaluations, (b) depressed participants had less favorable success expectations, and (c) after statistically removing the effect of expectations on performance evaluations, depressed-nondepressed differences in performance evaluations were eliminated. There was no evidence that overly stringent standards accounted for the relatively negative performance evaluations of subclinically depressed participants.
Cocaine and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp120 mediate neurotoxicity through overlapping signaling pathways

Although it has been well documented that drugs of abuse such as cocaine cause enhanced progression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated neuropathological disorders, the underlying mechanisms mediating these effects remain poorly understood. The present study demonstrated that exposure of rat primary neurons to both cocaine and gp120 resulted in increased cell toxicity compared to cells treated with either factor alone. The combinatorial toxicity of cocaine and gp120 was accompanied by an increase in both caspase-3 activity and expression of the proapoptotic protein Bax. Furthermore, increased neurotoxicity in the presence of both the agents was associated with a concomitant increase in the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Increased neurotoxicity mediated by cocaine and gp120 was ameliorated by NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin, thus underscoring the role of oxidative stress in this cooperation. Signaling pathways including c-jun N-teminal kinase (JNK), p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/ mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), and nuclear factor (NF)-κB were also identified to be critical in the neurotoxicity induced by cocaine and gp120. These findings thus underscore the role of oxidative stress, mitochondrial and MAPK signal pathways in cocaine and HIV gp120-mediated neurotoxicity.
A decomposition theorem form-convex sets

LetS be a closedm-convex subset of the plane,m≧2,Q the set of points of local nonconvexity ofS, with convQ ⊆S. If there is some pointp in [(bdryS) ∩ (kerS)] ∼Q, thenS is a union ofm−1 closed convex sets. The result is best possible for everym.
Novel primers for detection and quantification of Myxococcus species in situ

A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol using unique primers was developed to detect and quantify Myxococcus species from environmental samples. The protocol amplified most species of Myxococcus when 10 pg of DNA representing 1000 cells was present, although over half were amplified with as little as 0.1 pg (10 cells). The protocol did not amplify other myxobacterial species, members of the δ δ δ -proteobacteria or other unrelated organisms tested at significantly higher concentrations of DNA. The primers were also used in quantitative PCRs, which accurately estimated the population levels in soil.
Degenerative changes in the entopeduncular nucleus following lesions of the caudate nucleus: an electron microscopic study.

Abstract Degenative changes in the entopeduncular nucleus which result from discrete lesions of the head of the caudate were examined by electron microscopy. By the third postoperative day, numerous dense and shrunken boutons make contact with dendritic profiles in the neuropil. Few degenerated axosomatic synaptic contacts are found. Astrocytic processes isolate and presumably phagocytose degenerated boutons during the first week. Later degeneration involves mainly thin myelinated and unmyelinated axons. This is characterized by increased density and granularity of the axoplasm and myelin disruption. Contralateral entopeduncular elements remain intact following unilateral destruction of the caudate nucleus. I suggest that the inhibitory influences of the caudate nucleus on entopeduncular elements are mediated by thin, finely-myelinated and unmyelinated projections which terminate mainly on dendritic profiles in the entopeduncular nucleus.
On Some Finite Dimensional Representations of Symplectic Reflection Algebras Associated to Wreath Products

Let Γ N : = S N ⋉ Γ N be the wreath product of Γ, a finite subgroup of SL(2,C), by the symmetric group of degree N. In this article we classify all the irreducible representations of S N ⋉ Γ N that can be extended to a representation of the associated symplectic reflection algebra H 1,k,c (Γ N ) (where k is a complex number and c a class function on the nontrivial elements of Γ) for nonzero values of k.
Signal transduction in the sexual life of Chlamydomonas

Several signal transduction pathways play important roles in the sexual life cycle of Chlamydomonas. Nitrogen deprivation, perhaps sensed as a drop in intracellular [NH4+], triggers a signal transduction pathway that results in altered gene expression and the induction of the gametogenic pathway. Blue light triggers a second signalling cascade which also culminates in gene induction and completion of gametogenesis. New screens have uncovered several mutants in these pathways, but so far we know little about the biochemical events that transduce the environmental signals of nitrogen deprivation and blue light into the changes in gene transcription that produce gametes.
In vitro induction of vegetative buds by tobacco smoke condensate.

Es wird gezeigt, dass wasserlosliche Extrakte aus Tabakrauchkondensaten vegetative Keimlinge auf Kallusstucken aus Stammen von haploiden Tabakpflanzen (Nicotiana tabacum) induzieren und dass der gleiche Effekt mit Kinetin und 3-Indolessigsaure erzielt werden kann.
To link or not to link: how to avoid copyright traps on the internet

Abstract The problem of avoiding Web-related copyright liabilities in library activities, including legal ramifications of linking and librarians’ responsibility for the content of the linked sites, is discussed. The recommendations offered may help librarians stay safe on the Web and be instrumental in developing intellectual property guidelines for their libraries.
Genes and Biogeographers: Incorporating a Genetic Perspective into Biogeographical Research

Genetic variation has a dynamic spatial component that is of inherent interest to biogeographers who are deciphering the patterns and processes of species distributions. Despite some current practical limitations on using DNA research methods, the possibilities for future applications appear virtually unlimited. This kind of research is already providing many new insights into evolutionary lineages and the processes that have assembled plants and animals in particular places at particular times in Earth's history. To date, however, the role of humans in shaping those processes has not been as clearly addressed using genetic techniques, both in regards to indirect influences due to habitat alterations and to the direct changes caused by conscious decisions affecting domesticated species as well as by unintentional activities affecting weedy and other wild species of the world. Research efforts utilizing landscape ecology frameworks directed towards species, including those that are rare or have restricted ...
An Agar-Gel Diffusion Technique for demonstrating Antibody Production by Lymph Node Cells in Tissue Culture

MANY previous investigations on antibody production in tissue culture have utilized indirect systems for antibody detection1,2. Others have examined the incorporation of isotope-labelled amino-acids into antibody by tissue-cultured cells3. There are few reports concerning the production of precipitating antibodies to protein antigens by cells in tissue culture for more than 1–2 days, and these are often unconvincing. Preliminary experiments in our laboratory with fluid media from cultures of immune lymphoid tissue fragments were not successful in demonstrating precipitins. However, it was thought that the combination of the sensitivity of the agar-gel diffusion technique with the continuous antibody production of cells in tissue culture possessed possibilities of demonstrating precipitating antibody production. Accordingly, the following techniques were developed to reveal anti-bovine serum albumin antibody production by immunized lymph node cells in tissue culture.
Energetics of transition-metal ions in low-coordination environments

The energetics of the interaction of transition-metal ions with low-coordination, non-close-packed neighbor shells are studied by ab initio total-energy calculations using plane-wave and other basis sets. Total energies are calculated for small clusters containing $3d$ transition-metal ions in simple, low-coordination environments. The clusters are obtained by placing four molecules of ${\mathrm{NH}}_{3},$ ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O},$ or ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{S}$ at the vertices of a square or tetrahedron, with the N, O, or S facing the ion. The energy differences between square and tetrahedral structures are found to be $\ensuremath{\approx}1\mathrm{eV}$ in several cases. Such a large magnitude is expected for open d-shell systems because of ligand-field-splitting effects, but similar energy differences are also found in closed-shell systems. We use the results to show that the main factors determining the structural energetics of the ions, in addition to direct ligand-ligand interactions, are the ligand-field splitting of the transition-metal d shell, and a contribution from the interaction of the ligand orbitals with the transition metal charge and $\mathrm{sp}$ orbitals. The results are used to parametrize a classical force field for ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{2+}$ and evaluate its accuracy.
Leptandria gen.n., a monophyletic group of Neotropical aleocharine Staphylinidae (Coleoptera)

Based on external structural features, especially those of the mouthparts, and male and female genitalia, the aleocharine staphylinid genus Leptandria, new genus, is proposed and diagnosed. Three new species are also described, L. ashei, L. tishechkini and L. ecitophila, with a key to differentiate them and numerous illustrations of diagnostic features presented.
The effect of three serum basic proteins on the mass of lipids in normal and hyperapoB fibroblasts.

We studied whether serum basic proteins (BPs) produce abnormal changes in the mass of cellular lipids in fibroblasts from patients with hyperapobetalipoproteinemia (hyperapoB) and if inhibition or stimulation of protein kinase C affects these processes. In normal cells, BP I increased the mean mass of triglycerides about twofold, whereas there was significantly less stimulation in hyperapoB cells (P < .005). The increase in the mass of cell cholesteryl esters seen in normal cells with BP I was also significantly reduced in hyperapoB cells (P < .005). In contrast, BP II abnormally stimulated the mass of cell cholesteryl esters sixfold in hyperapoB cells (P < .005). BP I also stimulated the mass of total phospholipids about twofold in normal cells, an effect that was reduced by about one third in hyperapoB cells (P = .08). No abnormality was found in hyperapoB cells with BP III. H-7, an inhibitor of protein kinase C, decreased the effects of BP I and BP II in normal and hyperapoB cells. C:8, an analogue of diacylglycerol, activated protein kinase C and stimulated triglyceride formation in normal (fourfold) and hyperapoB (fivefold) cells in the absence of BP I. When added with C:8, BP I further increased triglyceride production 1.5-fold in normal cells but not in hyperapoB cells. Two cellular abnormalities in lipid metabolism in hyperapoB fibroblasts were found, one with BP I, another with BP II. Protein kinase C activity was not deficient in hyperapoB cells, and the defect(s) may occur at another, perhaps earlier, step in the pathway.
Oxidoreductase Enzymes in Biotechnology: Current Status and Future Potential

The variety of chemical transformations catalyzed by enzymes make these catalysts a prime target for exploitation by the emerging biotechnology industries. Over the last two decades, intense research in the area of enzyme technology has provided many approaches that facilitate the practical application of enzymes. This review focuses on oxidoreductases, the large class of enzymes catalyzing biological oxidation/reduction reactions. Since so much industrial chemistry involves oxidation/reduction processes, the use of oxidoreductases to carry out synthetic transformations is a major area of interest. Of particular significance in this regard are oxidoreductase–mediated asymmetric syntheses of amino acids, steroids, and other pharmaceuticals, and of a host of specialty chemicals. Another area of major importance is the current extensive use of oxidoreductases in clinical diagnosis and other analytical applications. Future applications for oxidoreductases can be visualized in areas as diverse as polymer synthesis, pollution control, and oxygenation of hydrocarbons.
Combustion of nano-aluminum and liquid water

Abstract An experimental investigation on the combustion behavior of nano-aluminum (nAl) and liquid water has been conducted. In particular, linear and mass-burning rates of quasi-homogeneous mixtures of nAl and liquid water as a function of pressure, mixture composition, particle size, and oxide layer thickness were measured. This study is the first reported self-deflagration on nAl and liquid water without the use of any additional gelling agent. Steady-state burning rates were obtained at room temperature (∼25 °C) using a windowed vessel for a pressure range of 0.1–4.2 MPa in an argon atmosphere, particle diameters of 38–130 nm, and overall mixture equivalence ratios (ϕ) from 0.5 to 1.25. At the highest pressure studied, the linear burning rate was found to be 8.6 ± 0.4 cm/s, corresponding to a mass-burning rate per unit area of 6.1 g/cm2 s. The pressure exponent at room temperature was 0.47, which was independent of the overall mixture equivalence ratio for all of the cases considered. The mass-burning rate per unit area increased from ∼1.0 to 5.8 g/cm2 s for an equivalence ratio range of 0.5–1.25. It varied inversely to particle diameter, increasing by 157% when the particle diameter was decreased from 130 to 50 nm at ϕ = 1.0.
A base isolation system for bridges subjected to seismic disturbances

The study reported in this paper investigates the feasibility of developing an active base isolation system for the protection of bridges subjected to earthquakes. The proposed system incorporates spherical supports, cams and springs which can be optimally designed to minimize the transmissibility of the seismic disturbances to the bridge. The considered example shows that the proposed design is implementable and can provide an order of magnitude reduction in the maximum stress resulting from seismic waves acting on the bridge in the transverse or longitudinal direction. Since the system performance is highly dependent on the rapid unlocking of the cams in the event of a seismic disturbance, careful consideration should be given to the design of a reliable cam release control. This can be achieved by spring loading each cam such that it would be normally unlocked. A hydraulic actuator would be used to force it to rotate to the locking position under fluid pressure which would be constantly maintained at the design level during normal conditions. The actuator would be equipped with a quick response release valve for rapidly releasing the pressure and consequently unlocking the cam as soon as an earthquake is detected. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Bloodstream Infections Due to Gram-Negative Bacteria According to Carbapenem MIC Stratification

Predictive modeling suggests that actual carbapenem MIC results are more predictive of clinical patient outcomes than categorical classification of the MIC as susceptible, intermediate, or resistant. Some have speculated that current CLSI guidelines' suggested thresholds are too high and that clinical success is more likely if the MIC value is ≤1 mg/liter for certain organisms. Patients treated with carbapenems and with positive blood cultures for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, or extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Gram-negative bacteria were considered for evaluation in this clinical retrospective cohort study. Relevant patient demographics and microbiologic variables were collected, including carbapenem MIC. The primary objective was to define a risk-adjusted all-cause hospital mortality breakpoint for carbapenem MICs. Secondarily, we sought to determine if a similar breakpoint existed for indirect outcomes (e.g., time to mortality and length of stay [LOS] postinfection for survivors). Seventy-one patients met the criteria for study inclusion. Overall, 52 patients survived, and 19 died. Classification and regression tree (CART) analysis determined a split of organism MIC between 2 and 4 mg/liter and predicted differences in mortality (16.1% versus 76.9%; P < 0.01). Logistic regression controlling for confounders identified each imipenem MIC doubling dilution as increasing the probability of death 2-fold (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3 to 3.2). Secondary outcomes were similar between groups. This study revealed that patients with organisms that had a MIC of ≥4 mg/liter had worse outcomes than patients whose isolates had a MIC of ≤2 mg/liter, even after adjustment for confounding variables. We recommend additional clinical studies to better understand the susceptibility breakpoint for carbapenems.
Moments of the truncated normal distribution

The truncated (below zero) normal distribution is considered. Some existing results are surveyed, and a recursive moment formula is used to derive the first four central moments in terms of the mean and variance of the underlying normal and in terms of lower moments of the truncated distribution. Bounding and monotonicity of the moments of the truncated distribution are considered and some previously unknown features of the distribution are presented. Moment results are used to derive a test of the distributional form. The distribution is commonly used in economics, particularly in the stochastic frontier literature. Application to the stochastic frontier model is briefly considered.
The regulation of complex building behaviour in the paper wasp, Polistes fuscatus (Insecta, Hymenoptera, Vespidae)

Abstract The paper wasp, Polistes fuscatus , builds its nest by both linear and non-linear construction. Linear construction follows a set sequence of building acts, while non-linear construction can be performed with any of several building acts at a given time. We report on the building programme regulating the non-linear phase of construction and discuss its relevance to the construction behaviour of other species. New cell placement is influenced by distance to the substrate, the location of nearest-neighbour cells (older cells on which the new cell is initiated), the groove between nearest-neighbour cells, orientation of comb and gravity. Gravity also influences many aspects of cell shape, and more cells tend to be added to the lower side of a tilted comb. Amputating one-half of one antenna from wasps demonstrated that the antennae are used for many of the measurements required during construction. Cell lengthening is initially done at a constant rate. Once the larvae become third instars, however, cell lengthening is regulated by larval growth. Wasps use two methods to repair holes in a cell wall: (1) patching and (2) tearing down the wall and rebuilding it. The time to repair decreases with subsequent holes, and some wasps clearly show an improvement in repair technique with experience, suggesting that some learning is involved. The cues triggering the addition of pulp to the petiole, the substrate and the pupal caps and secondary petiole construction were also investigated. These activities are infrequently performed and only specific cues could induce some of them. The decision process involved in non-linear construction can be represented by a non-overlapping branching hierarchy of choice levels. At each construction choice level, multiple cues are evaluated either simultaneously or in a hierarchical manner. Evidently, the more complex nest construction becomes (non-linear construction, multiple building materials, etc.), the more sophisticated the building programme must be. Hierarchical levels of evaluation, sub-routines within the building programme, and learning capabilities appear to be ways of achieving this sophistication.
The fust stage and complete promoting activity of retinoic acid but not the analog RO-10-9359

Retinoic acid has the ability to act as either a weak first stage promoter or a weak complete promoter in the initiation-promotion protocol for skin carcinogenesis in the SENCAR mouse. The retinoid analog RO-10-9359 lacks this tumor promoting activity. Both retinoids however inhibit 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) promotion. Additional comparisons revealed that retinoic acid alone can induce dark keratinocytes, a characteristic of tumor promoters, while RO-10-9359 cannot. Retinoic acid but not RO-10-9359 can induce an immediate chemiluminescence response in human polymorphonuclear cells. Both retinoids, however, inhibit a TPA-induced response. Since the chemiluminescence response is believed to be due to oxygen free radical generation, the data suggest that the ability of retinoic acid but not RO-10-9359 to promote tumors and induce dark cells may be due to initial oxidative reactions at the cell membrane.
Acellular biomaterials in mesenchymal stem cell-mediated endogenous tissue regeneration

The functions of acellular biomaterials have evolved from a space filler and mechanical support to biological tissue replacements that guide endogenous tissue regeneration. Delivery of acellular materials avoids high cost of production and scientific and regulation barriers associated with cellular systems. The advent of tissue specific stem cells and advances in biomaterials have created new opportunities for refining the properties and identifying new applications for the acellular materials. In particular, increasing knowledge of mesenchymal stem cell in vivo identity and their roles in endogenous tissue regeneration has provided a target population of resident tissue stem cells and scientific foundation upon which the material properties can be optimized. This article discusses the progress in tissue-specific stem cells, their role in endogenous tissue repair, and methods that direct resident MSC migration and differentiation. These concepts are then discussed in the case of guided tissue regeneration to highlight the application and challenges of acellular biomaterials in clinical applications.
Genetic Variation for Green Pod Yield and Quality Among Vegetable Soybean Genotypes

Abstract Few studies have evaluated vegetable soybean (Glycine max [L]. Merr.) for green pod yield and individual and total sugar when harvested at green pod stage (R6 to R7). The purpose of this research was to assess the amount of genetic variation that existed among vegetable soybeans for green pod yield (GPY), hundred pod weight (HPW), pod length (PL), plant height (PH), and individual sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose, raffinose, and stachyose) and total sugar, and to determine the association of GPY with the individual and total sugars. Thirty-one vegetable soybean genotypes from maturity groups (MGs) III, IV, V, and VI were planted at Virginia State University Research Farm during 1996,1997, and 1998. Each genotype was harvested at green pod stage. There was substantial genetic variation for GPY, PH, and PL as indicated by relatively large genotypic variance components. Heritability (h2) estimates of 0.85, 0.68, 0.81, and 0.85 were observed for GPY, HPW, PL, and PH, respectively. These high h2 est...
Software And Hardware For 3-D Gray Level Image Analysis And Quantization

Due to dramatic advances in optical microscope technology, it is now possible to examine biological specimens in three-dimensions with either electron microscopy or light microscopy. Although the algorithms used for generating the three-dimensional reconstructions are well known, much work remains on developing methods for the display and analysis of the resultant complicated three-dimensional data. In the first part of this paper, we will introduce image processing schemes for enhancing features in data and some computational methods for manipulating three dimensional data sets. In the second part, we will discuss the image display system in the context of software design and hardware requirements, which must be considered for convenient data visualization and measurement. Much effort has been spent on developing a generalized display system that can also be used for model building and analysis. By model building we mean the interactive tracking of features in three-dimensional volumetric images. Throughout this chapter we will make a distinction between display methods that directly utilize three-dimensional image data stored as a contiguous set of pixels (also called volumetric data, or voxel data) and those that convert the data into a set of polygon vertices that define a single-level contour surface. Although this latter approach contains much less information than volumetric approaches, it can make stunning pictures. Figure 1 shows a typical procedure for handling three-dimensional data involving image enhancement, data manipulation, data display and analysis.
A New Approach to the Teaching of the Russian Language

Author's Summary— Russian is just as accessible to American students as any other foreign language. Like others, it has its difficulties and its redeeming features. Difficulties that can be avoided; how to attack those that must be faced.
Automated detection of ureter abnormalities on multi-detector row CT urography

We are developing a CAD system for automated detection of ureter abnormalities on multi-detector row CT urography, which potentially can assist radiologists in detecting ureter cancer. In the first stage of the CAD system, given an initial starting point, the ureter is tracked based on the CT values of the contrast-filled lumen. In the second stage, lesion candidates are detected using histogram and shape analysis to separate the abnormality from the background, which is the ureter filled with contrast material. A uniformity measure is designed to detect non-uniformity of the CT values within the ureter volume. If a ureter abnormality is present, the CT values uniformity will be distorted, resulting in a reduced uniformity measure. The smoothness of the ureter wall is also estimated using a shape measure. A rule-based system is used to combine the two measures. In this pilot study, a limited data set of 11 patients with biopsy-proven lesions was used. Nine patients had 12 ureter cancers and 6 benign lesions and the remaining two patients had 2 benign lesions. The average lesions size for the 12 cancers was 7.8mm (range: 2.1mm-9.5mm). The tracking program successfully tracked the ureters in 10 of the patients. Our system detected 75% (15/20) of the ureter lesions with 2.6 (28/11) false positives per patient. 83% (10/12) of the ureter cancers were detected. The preliminary results show that our detection system can track the ureter and detect ureter cancer of medium conspicuity and relatively small size.
Brightness, lightness, and specifying color in high-dynamic-range scenes and images

Traditional color spaces have been widely used in a variety of applications including digital color imaging, color image quality, and color management. These spaces, however, were designed for the domain of color stimuli typically encountered with reflecting objects and image displays of such objects. This means the domain of stimuli with luminance levels from slightly above zero to that of a perfect diffuse white (or display white point). This limits the applicability of such spaces to color problems in HDR imaging. This is caused by their hard intercepts at zero luminance/lightness and by their uncertain applicability for colors brighter than diffuse white. To address HDR applications, two new color spaces were recently proposed, hdr-CIELAB and hdr-IPT. They are based on replacing the power-function nonlinearities in CIELAB and IPT with more physiologically plausible hyperbolic functions optimized to most closely simulate the original color spaces in the diffuse reflecting color domain. This paper presents the formulation of the new models, evaluations using Munsell data in comparison with CIELAB, IPT, and CIECAM02, two sets of lightness-scaling data above diffuse white, and various possible formulations of hdr-CIELAB and hdr-IPT to predict the visual results.
The Subscapularis Footprint: An Anatomic Study of the Subscapularis Tendon Insertion

Purpose: Arthroscopic repair of the subscapularis tendon has become more prevalent in recent years. Tears of the subscapularis insertion can be measured arthroscopically when the size of the average subscapularis tendon insertion is known. This anatomic study was performed to measure the dimensions and describe the anatomy of the subscapularis footprint. Methods: A total of 6 male and 6 female shoulders were dissected down to the insertion of the subscapularis tendon. The insertion was demarcated, the tendon was detached, and the dimensions of the insertion site were measured. Results: The footprint is the insertion of the subscapularis tendon onto the lesser tubercle. The shape of the footprint was characterized as resembling a human ear. The insertion is broad proximally and tapered distally and has a straight medial border that is almost parallel to the longitudinal axis of the humerus. The total average cephalocaudal height of the footprint was 25.8 mm (±3.2 mm). The total average width was 18.1 mm (±1.6 mm). Average male cephalocaudal height was 26.7 mm (range, 22 to 32 mm), and width was 18.3 mm (range, 16 to 21 mm). Average female cephalocaudal height was 24.8 mm (range, 22 to 29 mm), and width was 17.8 mm (range, 15 to 19 mm). Although the male footprint was slightly larger than the female footprint, differences were not statistically significant ( P = .18 and .31 for height and width, respectively). Conclusions: An anatomic study was performed to determine the size of the footprint of the subscapularis tendon. We found that the average cephalocaudal height of the footprint was 25.8 mm, and the average width was 18.1 mm. Clinical Relevance: Subscapularis tears are now more frequently addressed arthroscopically. This anatomic study was performed to characterize the anatomy of the subscapularis footprint so that the surgeon can achieve a more anatomic repair.
Severe muscular dystrophy in mice that lack dystrophin and α7 integrin

The dystrophin glycoprotein complex links laminin in the extracellular matrix to the cell cytoskeleton. Loss of dystrophin causes Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most common human X-chromosome-linked genetic disease. The alpha7beta1 integrin is a second transmembrane laminin receptor expressed in skeletal muscle. Mutations in the alpha7 integrin gene cause congenital myopathy in humans and mice. The alpha7beta1 integrin is increased in the skeletal muscle of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients and mdx mice. This observation has led to the suggestion that dystrophin and alpha7beta1 integrin have complementary functional and structural roles. To test this hypothesis, we generated mice lacking both dystrophin and alpha7 integrin (mdx/alpha7(-/-)). The mdx/alpha7(-/-) mice developed early-onset muscular dystrophy and died at 2-4 weeks of age. Muscle fibers from mdx/alpha7(-/-) mice exhibited extensive loss of membrane integrity, increased centrally located nuclei and inflammatory cell infiltrate, greater necrosis and increased muscle degeneration compared to mdx or alpha7-integrin null animals. In addition, loss of dystrophin and/or alpha7 integrin resulted in altered expression of laminin-alpha2 chain. These results point to complementary roles for dystrophin and alpha7beta1 integrin in maintaining the functional integrity of skeletal muscle.
Large modulation effect in two-wave mixing in photorefractive crystals

Large signal two-wave mixing in photorefractive materials was studied. A theory based on the Kukhtarev-Vinetskii's model was developed. The coupled-mode equations for large modulation was obtained and their numerical solutions were found. It is shown that large modulation reduces the coupling coefficient of the two-wave mixing interaction, and, therefore, the effective gain. Theoretical results of large modulation agree well with experimental measurements.
Comparison of Two Comorbidity Scoring Systems for Older Adults with Traumatic Injuries

Background The purpose of this study was to determine the mortality predictive value of two different comorbidity scores, Comorbidity–Polypharmacy Score (CPS) and Charlson scoring system, in a large sample of older trauma patients. Study Design At an urban tertiary care Level I trauma center, trauma patients aged 55 years and older who were initially admitted to critical care were included. This retrospective chart review was conducted at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA. Older trauma patients admitted from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010 were screened for inclusion. One-year mortality data were obtained from the Washington State Department of Health. Covariates included age, presence of hypotension, traumatic brain injury, and Injury Severity Score. Results Records for 667 older trauma patients were reviewed. In multivariate analyses, CPS was an independent predictor of fatal outcomes. Higher CPS was associated with greater mortality, however, it was not superior to Charlson methodology in predicting 1-year mortality in this patient cohort. Conclusions The addition of a comorbidity score improves multivariate models predicting long-term mortality in older trauma patients. There was no advantage to using CPS instead of Charlson score, and each was an independent predictor of fatal outcomes.
An embedded communication network simulator for power systems simulations in PSCAD

The emergence of distributed communication based control schemes in power systems emphasizes the need for a realistic power systems simulation tool that allows inclusion of communication components. Communication performance parameters like delay and loss in transfer of measurements and commands can affect the result of control and should be taken into account while studying a control mechanism over power system dynamics. In this paper we present the method and tools that we have developed to allow simulation of communication networks inside off-the-shelf product for power system transient simulation, PSCAD. In particular we present the structural designs and interfaces of modules that are needed for implementing an embedded communication network simulator in PSCAD, and provide a brief guide on how power system engineers could use these modules in their designs. In addition, we present an example of a control scheme using communication for stabilizing a power system that incorporates integration of a renewable energy source and energy storage. We use the IEEE 13-node test feeder as our case study. A wind generator and battery are connected to the system to add more dynamic behavior; a control for the system has been designed which works with communication interface and modules implemented in PSCAD. The test system is used to validate and verify the embedded communication simulator and its implementation.
Shortcomings of the Keldysh approximation.

A simple derivation of the Keldysh amplitude for the ionization of an atom by a strong field is presented using a perturbation expansion in the binding potential. It is shown that the ''Keldysh approximation'' is questionable under conditions of strong ionization, when there is substantial probability of removing the electron from its initial bound state. This is consistent with published numerical studies based on model binding potentials. It is argued that the Keldysh amplitude is not gauge invariant in the usual sense, and that it is effectively canceled in a conventional gauge-invariant formulation of strong-field perturbation theory.
Probabilistic earthquake scenarios : Extending risk analysis methodologies to spatially distributed systems

Abstract This paper proposes a methodology by which probabilistic risk analysis methods can be extended to the assessment of urban lifeline systems. Probabilistic hazard information is commonly used for site‐specific analysis. However, for such systems as highway networks, electric power grids, and regional health care delivery systems, the spatial correlation between earthquake ground motion across many sites is important in determining system functionality. The methodology developed in this paper first identifies a limited set of deterministic earthquake scenarios and evaluates infrastructure system‐wide performance in each. It then assigns hazard‐consistent probabilities to the scenarios in order to approximate the regional seismicity. The resulting probabilistic scenarios indicate the likelihood of exceeding various levels of system performance degradation. A demonstration for the Los Angeles study area highway network suggests that there is roughly a 50% probability of exceedance of Northridge‐level ...
Direct finite element analysis of SAW filter frequency response

A direct finite element model is developed for the full-scale analysis of electromechanical phenomena involved in SAW devices. The equations of wave propagation in piezoelectric materials are discretized using the Galerkin method, in which an implicit algorithm of the Newmark family with unconditional stability is implemented. The Rayleigh damping coefficients are included in the elements near the boundary to reduce the influence of the reflection of waves. The performance of the model is demonstrated by the analysis of the frequency response of a YZ-lithium niobate filter with two uniform ports, with emphasis on the influence of the number of electrodes. The frequency response of the filter is obtained through the Fourier transform of the impulse response, which is solved directly from the finite element simulation. It shows that the finite element results are in good agreement with the characteristic frequency response of the filter predicted by the simple phase-matching argument. The ability of the method to evaluate the influence of the bulk waves at the high-frequency end of the filter passband and the influence of the number of electrodes on insertion loss is noteworthy. We conclude that the direct finite element analysis of SAW devices can be used as an effective tool for the design of high performance SAW devices. Some practical computational challenges of finite element modeling of SAW devices are discussed.
The Breast Ultrasound Lexicon: Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS)

o Aradiologist’s ability to perceive an abnormality on an image is not unlike an art critic’s ability to perceive the ignificance of color choice when evaluating a painting. Pereption is a learned skill, refined over time, and difficult to uantify. Some have better perception than others. Radiology esidents are given the example of “Aunt Minnie,” a term oined by the late Dr Edward B. Neuhauser, the former chief f Radiology at Boston Children’s Hospital. An “Aunt Minnie” efers to a radiology finding pathognomonic for a disease.1 A radiologist should be able to perceive a finding because he or she has seen it many times before, like one recognizes his or her Aunt Minnie. Unfortunately, not all imaging findings are pathognomonic for a specific disease. Consequently, radiologists need to identify several different features in an attempt to specifically characterize a lesion. Breast cancer can present on imaging studies in many fashions, requiring a combination of perceptions to make a specific diagnosis. Mammography remains the gold standard for the detection of breast cancer, although the sensitivity is approximately 75%.2 Ultrasound has been used primarily as a complementary tool to mammography to discern solid masses from cysts, thereby improving the specificity of mammography.3 Sonography is an perator-dependent modality. When operator-dependence s combined with the variety of ways a feature can be decribed, the utility of ultrasound is hampered. Stavros et al3 defined several ultrasound characteristics to predict the likelihood of malignancy when evaluating a solid mass. Other authors attempted to reproduce the results of Stavros et al with varied success.4,5 Consequently, the creation of a lexicon was advocated for better communication of findings and so that standard terms could be used as the basis for ultrasound research.4 The bulk of breast ultrasound research pertains to he use of sonography in conjunction with mammography.