cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The gadolinium — lead system

The gadolinium-lead binary phase diagram has been determined by differential thermal analysis, metalloρaphie and X-ray methods. The addition of lead to gadolinium lowers the α-β transformation from 1258 to 1212 °C by an inverted peritectic transformation. Gadolinium additions to lead raise its melting temperature by a peritectic transformation from 327 to 328 °C. The room temperature solid solubility is negligible for the pure materials. A eutectic transformation occurs at 14.5 at % Pb and 1120 °C. There are six intermetallic compounds. Gd5Pb3 melts congruently at 1670 °C and Gd5Pb4, Gd11Pb103, Gd6Pb7, GdPb2 and GdPb3 all melt peritectically at 1460, 1225, 1160, 1010, and 969 °C, respectively. In addition there is a polymorphic transformation in Gd5Pb4 at 1410 °C. The crystal structures and lattice parameters for Gd5Pb3, Gd5Pb4 and GdPb3 are: Gd5Pb3, hexagonal Mn5Si3 (D88) type, a0 = 9.078 ± 0.004 A and c0 = 6.644 ± 0.005 A; Gd5Pb4, pseudo-tetragonal Sm5Ge4 (Pnma-D2h16) type, a=c=8.20 ± 0.01 A and b = 15.62 ± 0.02 A; and GdPb3, cubic AuCu3 (LI2) type, a0 = 4.8261 ± 0.0007 A. The crystal structures for the other intermetallic compounds are not known.
Synergistic efficacy of sorafenib and genistein in growth inhibition by down regulating angiogenic and survival factors and increasing apoptosis through upregulation of p53 and p21 in malignant neuroblastoma cells having N-Myc amplification or non-amplification

Neuroblastoma is an extracranial, solid, and heterogeneous malignancy in children. The conventional therapeutic modalities are mostly ineffective and thus new therapeutic strategies for malignant neuroblastoma are urgently warranted. We examined the synergistic efficacy of combination of sorafenib (SF) and genistein (GST) in human malignant neuroblastoma SK-N-DZ (N-Myc amplified) and SH-SY5Y (N-Myc non-amplified) cell lines. MTT assay showed dose-dependent decrease in cell viability and the combination therapy more prominently inhibited the cell proliferation in both cell lines than either treatment alone. Apoptosis was confirmed morphologically by Wright staining. Flow cytometric analysis of cell cycle phase distribution and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining showed increase in subG1 DNA content and early apoptosis, respectively, after treatment with the combination of drugs. Apoptosis was further confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Combination therapy showed activation of caspase-8, cleavage of Bid to tBid, increase in p53 and p21 expression, down regulation of anti-apoptotic Mcl-1, and increase in Bax:Bcl-2 ratio to trigger apoptosis. Down regulation of MDR, hTERT, N-Myc, VEGF, FGF-2, NF-κB, p-Akt, and c-IAP2 indicated suppression of angiogenic and survival pathways. Mitochondrial release of cytochrome c and Smac into cytosol indicated involvement of mitochondia in apoptosis. Increases in proteolytic activities of calpain and caspase-3 were also confirmed. Our results suggested that combination of SF and GST inhibited angiogenic and survival factors and increased apoptosis via receptor and mitochondria mediated pathways in both neuroblastoma SK-N-DZ and SH-SY5Y cell lines. Thus, this combination of drugs could be a potential therapeutic strategy against human malignant neuroblastoma cells having N-Myc amplification or non-amplification.
A definability result for compact complex spaces

A compact complex space X is viewed as a 1-st order structure by taking predicates for analytic subsets of X, X x X, … as basic relations. Let f: X → Y be a proper surjective holomorphic map between complex spaces and set Xy ≔ f−1(y). We show that the setis analytically constructible, i.e.. is a definable set when X and Y are compact complex spaces and f: X → Y is a holomorphic map. The analogous result in the context of algebraic geometry gives rise to the definability of Morley degree.
Splittings in the Burnside ring and in $SF_G$

Let G be a finite p-group, p 6 2. We construct a map from the space JG, defined as the fiber ofk i 1: BGO ! BGSpin, to the space (SFG)p, defined as the 1-component of the zeroth space of the equivariant p-complete sphere spectrum. Our map produces the same splitting of the G-connected cover of (SFG)p as we have described in previous work, but it also induces a natural splitting of the p-completions of the component groups of fixed point subspaces.
Reggeon field theory and the crossover phenomenon

A Reggeon field theory that includes the interaction of Reggeons and Pomerons is studied with the hope of deriving absorptive corrections in a systematic way. The theory is solved in the tree approximation. Measured values of triple-Regge couplings suggest a perturbative solution is appropriate. The formalism is applied to a study of the crossover phenomenon in elastic scattering. Internal couplings of Pomerons and Reggeons are found to generate substantial additional absorption. The strength and energy dependence of these new contributions is, however, still inadequate to provide a satisfactory description of the phenomenon.
Expression of Activated N-ras in a Primary Melanoma Cell Line Counteracts Growth Inhibition by Transforming Growth Factor-β

One critical factor in melanoma progression is the change from radial growth phase to vertical growth phase. We previously showed a high incidence of ras mutations in progressing but not early human melanomas. We also found that stable expression of activated Ras in a primary human melanoma cell line (WM35) led to enhanced proliferation, anchorage-independent survival, migration and invasion in vitro and enhanced subcutaneous tumor formation in vivo , transforming the melanoma phenotype from the radial growth phase to the vertical growth phase. Inhibitory cytokines, especially transforming growth factor-β, are important in homeostasis of normal human melanocytes. Proliferation of early melanoma cells can be inhibited by transforming growth factor-β, whereas more aggressive stages lose this response. Using a transforming growth factor-β activated luciferase reporter transiently transfected into WM35, WM35N-ras, and WM35H-ras (WM35 transfected with mutant N- ras or H- ras genes), we demonstrated significant decreases (p ras transfected cell lines. Transforming growth factor-β also induced significant decreases (p
How accurate are parental chronic pain histories provided by offspring

Previous work suggests possible relationships between offspring-reported parental history of chronic pain (CP) and offsprings' personal chronic pain experience. This study examined reliability of offsprings' reports of parental CP history based on direct comparison with confirmed parental reports. Participants included 108 male and female college students who completed a questionnaire assessing presence/absence and locations of any past or present CP lasting greater than 3 months. Information on maternal and paternal CP history was obtained using a similar questionnaire based both on offspring reports and on reports provided directly by offsprings' parents (for 75 participants). Results indicated relatively high sensitivity (0.79-0.94) but modest specificity (0.55-0.63) for offspring reports of parental CP history, and a tendency to overestimate the incidence of CP in both parents. Significant (Ps<0.001) but moderate inter-rater reliability was noted for judgments of parental CP history (kappas=0.41-0.53). Reliability generally decreased when offspring were asked to report on specific locations of parental CP. Offspring-reported parental CP history predicted (Ps<0.05) presence and number of locations at which offspring reported having personally experienced CP, consistent with previous studies. Results indicated that these relationships were not mediated by social desirability, negative affect, or catastrophizing cognitions. In contrast to results for offspring-reported data, confirmed parental CP history reports failed to predict offsprings' personal CP history. These results raise questions as to the validity of previous findings of relationships between family pain history and individuals' own experience of CP.
Botulinum toxin a treatment of consecutive esotropia in children.

Objective: To assess the outcome of botulinum A toxin (BTXA) to treat surgically overcorrected intermittent exotropia in children.Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on a series of children with consecutive esotropia treated with BTXA.Results: Six children with a mean consecutive esotropia of 21 prism diopters (PD) were treated with BTXA at a mean of 19.8 months following strabismus surgery. Two patients underwent a single injection, three patients 2 injections, and one patient 3 injections. Complications included transient ptosis and a vertical deviation. Mean follow-up from last BTXA injection was 16 months. At last follow-up, 4 of the 6 patients were orthotropic and stereopsis was present in 4 of 5 patients old enough to cooperate with testing. One patient was treated with strabismus surgery following a single BTXA injection.Conclusions: BTXA is an efficacious treatment for consecutive esotropia in children. However, in our series, two-thirds of patients required multiple injections to achi...
Salvage therapy for liver-dominant colorectal metastatic adenocarcinoma: comparison between transcatheter arterial chemoembolization versus yttrium-90 radioembolization.

Purpose To compare transarterial chemoembolization (CE) versus yttrium-90 ( 90 Y) radioembolization (RE) for liver-dominant metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma as salvage therapy. Materials and Methods Of 36 patients, 21 underwent CE (37 procedures; 11 men; mean age, 67 years; 16 with Child-Pugh class A disease) and 15 underwent 90 Y RE (19 procedures; 11 men; mean age, 64 years; 13 with Child-Pugh class A disease) for liver-dominant colorectal adenocarcinoma. Mean index dominant lesion sizes were 9.3 cm and 8.2 cm in the CE and RE groups, respectively. Multilobar disease was seen in 67% and 87% of the respective groups, and extrahepatic metastases were seen in 43% and 33%, respectively. Mean times from diagnosis of liver metastasis to CE or RE were 17.6 months and 22.6 months, respectively. Results A total of 37 CE procedures with cisplatin, doxorubicin, and mitomycin were performed, and 19 RE procedures with 90 Y were performed; 43% of patients in the CE group and 20% in the RE group received multiple treatment sessions, and 100% of procedures were technically successful. Median survival times were 7.7 months for the CE group and 6.9 months for the RE group ( P = .27). The 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival rates were 43%, 10%, and 0%, respectively, in the CE group; and 34%, 18%, and 0%, respectively, in the RE group. There was one major complication (2.7%) in the CE group (pulmonary embolism), with a 30-day mortality rate of 5.4% ( n = 2). There were no major complications in the RE group, with a 30-day mortality rate of 5.2% ( n = 1). Conclusions Patients with unresectable liver colorectal metastases that progress despite systemic chemotherapy can undergo palliative treatment with CE or RE with similar survival benefit.
Progression of occluded internal carotid artery dissection to giant compressive pseudoaneurysm following gunshot wound

Abstract Pseudoaneurysm formation following gunshot wounds is associated with significant morbidity. The natural history and optimal follow-up strategy for penetrating injuries causing dissection remains poorly understood. We report a case of a giant compressive pseudoaneurysm that developed following recanalization of an occlusive internal carotid artery dissection sustained from a gunshot wound. This was detected on routine follow-up imaging six weeks later. The patient subacutely developed dysphagia and hoarseness initially felt to be caused by delayed injury to the laryngeal nerve because computed tomography angiography demonstrated no new pathology. The pseudoaneurysm was successfully treated using a covered stent graft. This case highlights the importance of close angiographic follow-up even in the setting of initial complete vessel occlusion, and the need for a high suspicion for pseudoaneurysm development in the setting of new compressive or neurologic symptoms in patients with potential vascular injury from gunshot wounds to the neck.
Optimization of Complex Engineered Systems Under Risk and Uncertainty

The advances in information technology significantly impact the engineering design process. The primary objective of this research is to develop a novel probabilistic decision support tool to assist management of structural systems under risk and uncertainty by utilizing a stochastic optimization procedure and IT tools. The proposed mathematical and computational framework will overcome the drawbacks of the traditional methods and will be critically demonstrated through large-scale structural problems. The efficiency of the proposed procedure is achieved by the combination of the Karhunen-Loeve transform with the stochastic analysis of polynomial chaos expansion to common optimization procedures. The proposed technology, comprising new and adapted current capabilities, will provide robust and physically reasonable solutions for practical engineering problems.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Experimental gouty synovitis caused by bacterial endotoxin adsorbed onto urate crystals

We used a laboratory model of gouty synovitis giving quantitative dose-dependent results with urate injection intrasynovially into the knee joint of dogs. We found that when precautions were taken to prevent any possible endotoxin contamination of the urate crystals, they became significantly less active. Endotoxin by itself, from Escherichia coli, was very potent in causing pain and leukocytic infiltration into the knee joint. Such endotoxin was readily and firmly adsorbed onto urate crystals. A small dose of urate crystals that caused no pain by itself became very painful when the crystals were allowed to adsorb endotoxin in vitro. When this same small non-painful dose of urate crystals was given into the joint, and the dog also received endotoxin by the oral route, signs of pain arose very clearly. It is known that gouty patients even when in remission may have crystals of sodium urate in the synovial fluid. It would therefore appear possible that if such urate crystals were to adsorb an endotoxin passing from the gastrointestinal tract into the plasma, thence into the synovial space, the patients may develop an attack of gout.
Arterial stiffening with ageing is associated with transforming growth factor-β1-related changes in adventitial collagen: reversal by aerobic exercise

We tested the hypothesis that carotid artery stiffening with ageing is associated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-related increases in adventitial collagen and reductions in medial elastin, which would be reversed by voluntary aerobic exercise. Ex vivo carotid artery incremental stiffness was greater in old (29–32 months, n = 11) vs. young (4–7 months, n = 8) cage control B6D2F1 mice (8.84 ± 1.80 vs. 4.54 ± 1.18 AU, P < 0.05), and was associated with selective increases in collagen I and III and TGF-β1 protein expression in the adventitia (P < 0.05), related to an increase in smooth muscle α-actin (SMαA) (myofibroblast phenotype) (P < 0.05). In cultured adventitial fibroblasts, TGF-β1 induced increases in superoxide and collagen I protein (P < 0.05), which were inhibited by Tempol, a superoxide dismutase. Medial elastin was reduced with ageing, accompanied by decreases in the pro-synthetic elastin enzyme, lysyl oxidase, and increases in the elastin-degrading enzyme, matrix metalloproteinase 2. Fibronectin was unchanged with ageing, but there was a small increase in calcification (P < 0.05). Increased incremental stiffness in old mice was completely reversed (3.98 ± 0.34 AU, n = 5) by 10–14 weeks of modest voluntary wheel running (1.13 ± 0.29 km day−1), whereas greater voluntary wheel running (10.62 ± 0.49 km day−1) had no effect on young mice. The amelioration of carotid artery stiffness by wheel running in old mice was associated with reductions in collagen I and III and TGF-β1, partial reversal of the myofibroblast phenotype (reduced SMαA) and reduced calcification (all P < 0.05 vs. old controls), whereas elastin and its modulating enzymes were unaffected. Adventitial TGF-β1-related oxidative stress may play a key role in collagen deposition and large elastic artery stiffening with ageing and the efficacious effects of voluntary aerobic exercise.
Underwater Options and the Dynamics of Executive Pay-to-Performance Sensitivities

We empirically analyze the dynamics of executives' pay-to-performance sensitivities. Option pay-to-performance sensitivities become weaker as options fall underwater, often leading to pressures to reprice options or restore pay-to-performance sensitivity in other ways. Building a detailed data set on executives' portfolios of stock and options, we find that the responsiveness of pay-to-performance sensitivities (created by all executive holdings of stock and options) to changes in stock price is large. The elasticity of pay-to-performance sensitivities with respect to stock price decreases is about 0.7 and is larger for high-option executives and for executives with high percentages of options already underwater. The dominant mechanism through which companies offset declines in option pay-to-performance sensitivities is larger option grants following stock price declines; on average, these larger grants restore approximately 40% of the stock-price-induced pay-to-performance sensitivity declines. Option repricings are inconsequential in this regard, despite the attention they have attracted. In looking at positive returns, we find the reverse: higher returns both directly increase pay-to-performance sensitivities and lead to larger option grants, which raise pay-to-performance sensitivities further. Thus, option grants to executives tend to be largest following large stock price increases or large stock price decreases.
Reproducibility of alternative probe synthesis approaches for gene expression profiling with arrays

Before gene expression profiling with microarray technology can be transferred to the diagnostic setting, we must have alternative approaches for synthesizing probe from limited RNA samples, and we must understand the limits of reproducibility in interpreting gene expression results. The current gold standard of probes for use with both microarrays and high-density filter arrays are synthesized from 1 μg of purified poly(A)+ RNA. We evaluated two approaches for synthesizing cDNA probes from total RNA with subsequent hybridization to high-density filter arrays: 1) reverse transcription (RT) of 5 μg total RNA and 2) RT-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of 1 μg total RNA, using the SMART system. The reproducibility of these two approaches was compared to the current gold standard. All three methods were highly reproducible. Triplicate experiments resulted in the following concordance correlation coefficients to evaluate reproducibility: 0.88 for the gold standard, 0.86 for cDNA probe synthesized by RT from total RNA, and 0.96 for the SMART cDNA probe synthesized from total RNA. We also compared the expression profile of 588 genes for the total RNA methods to that obtained with the gold standard. Of 150 positive genes detected by the gold standard, 97 (65%) were detected by cDNA probe synthesized by RT of total RNA, and 122 (81%) were detected by the SMART cDNA probe. We conclude that SMART cDNA probe produces highly reproducible results and yields gene expression profiles that represent the majority of transcripts detected with the gold standard.
Predicting the effects of cellular-phone dialing on driver performance

Legislators, journalists, and researchers alike have recently directed a great deal of attention to the effects of cellular telephone ('cell phone') use on driver behavior and performance. This paper demonstrates how cognitive modeling can aid in understanding these effects by predicting the impact of cell-phone dialing in a naturalistic driving task. We developed models of four methods of cell-phone dialing and integrated these models with an existing driver model of steering and speed control. By running this integrated model, we generated a priori predictions for how each dialing method affects the accuracy of steering and speed control with respect to an accelerating and braking lead vehicle. The model predicted that the largest effects on driver performance arose for dialing methods with high visual demand rather than methods with long dialing times. We validated several of the model's predictions with an empirical study in a fixed-based driving simulator.
Structure and Evolution of Neurexophilin

Using affinity chromatography on immobilized α-latrotoxin, we have purified a novel 29 kDa protein, neurexophilin, in a complex with neurexin Iα. Cloning revealed that rat and bovine neurexophilins are composed of N-terminal signal peptides, nonconserved N-terminal domains (20% identity over 80 residues), and highly homologous C-terminal sequences (85% identity over 169 residues). Analysis of genomic clones from mice identified two distinct neurexophilin genes, one of which is more homologous to rat neurexophilin and the other to bovine neurexophilin. The first neurexophilin gene is expressed abundantly in adult rat and mouse brain, whereas no mRNA corresponding to the second gene was detected in rodents despite its abundant expression in bovine brain, suggesting that rodents and cattle primarily express distinct neurexophilin genes. RNA blots and in situ hybridizations revealed that neurexophilin is expressed in adult rat brain at high levels only in a scattered subpopulation of neurons that probably represent inhibitory interneurons; by contrast, neurexins are expressed in all neurons. Neurexophilin contains a signal sequence and is N-glycosylated at multiple sites, suggesting that it is secreted and binds to the extracellular domain of neurexin Iα. This hypothesis was confirmed by binding recombinant neurexophilin to the extracellular domains of neurexin Iα. Together our data suggest that neurexophilin constitutes a secreted glycoprotein that is synthesized in a subclass of neurons and may be a ligand for neurexins.
The Structure of the Hantavirus Zinc Finger Domain is Conserved and Represents the Only Natively Folded Region of the Gn Cytoplasmic Tail

Hantaviruses, of the family Bunyaviridae, are present throughout the world and cause a variety of infections ranging from the asymptomatic to mild and severe hemorrhagic fevers. Hantaviruses are enveloped anti-sense RNA viruses that contain three genomic segments that encode for a nucleocapsid protein, two membrane glycoproteins (Gn and Gc), and an RNA polymerase. Recently, the pathogenicity of Hantaviruses has been mapped to the carboxyl end of the 150 residue Gn cytoplasmic tail. The Gn tail has also been shown to play a role in binding the ribonucleoprotein (RNP), a step critical for virus assembly. In this study, we use NMR spectroscopy to compare the structure of a Gn tail zinc finger domain of both a pathogenic (Andes) and a nonpathogenic (Prospect Hill) Hantavirus. We demonstrate that despite a stark difference in the virulence of both of these viruses, the structure of the Gn core zinc finger domain is largely conserved in both strains. We also use NMR backbone relaxation studies to demonstrate that the regions of the Andes virus Gn tail immediately outside the zinc finger domain, sites known to bind the RNP, are disordered and flexible, thus intimating that the zinc finger domain is the only structured region of the Gn tail. These structural observations provide further insight into the role of the Gn tail during viral assembly as well as its role in pathogenesis.
CORRIDORS AND MAMMAL COMMUNITY STRUCTURE ACROSS A FRAGMENTED, OLD-GROWTH FOREST LANDSCAPE

We studied the influence of corridors on the community structure of old- growth forest mammals across a fragmented ecosystem, the Olympic National Forest, Wash- ington, USA. This region of once contiguous forest has been transformed by logging into a mosaic of landscape features including clearcuts, second-growth forest, and old-growth forest patches and corridors. To assess corridor utility, we quantified among- and within- corridor variability in community structure, landscape indices, and habitat descriptors. Discriminant analyses showed that the four corridors studied differed significantly both in species assemblages (P , 0.05) and in habitat characteristics ( P , 0.005). Changes along individual corridors were primarily associated with adjacent habitat. The proportion of adjacent old-growth forest significantly decreased along two of the four corridors, re- flecting this system's fragmentation gradient of an increasingly disturbed landscape matrix. The number of forest species found in corridor sites was significantly correlated with this matrix: less old-growth forest surrounding a corridor site resulted in fewer forest-dependent species. Width of the corridor at a site and site isolation often acted singly or in combination with the fragmentation gradient as an influence on community structure. This was also the case for many individual species. Demographic measures suggested that, while reproduction is occurring along these corridors, levels are lower than in continuous forest. Finally, data showed that, while forest species richness and occurrence of specific forest species were consistently higher in corridors than in the surrounding matrix, these patterns were driven primarily by differences between corridors and clearcuts. These results suggest that, al- though these corridors appear to be effective and may possibly serve as demographic sources of individuals, they should not be considered equivalent to one another. Only by considering corridors individually can their respective value be determined. For the Olympic National Forest, this value is significant, with the use of a combination of different corridors com- prising a viable supplement to maintaining continuous forest for long-term preservation of
Deciphering signaling outcomes from a system of complex networks.

Cellular signal transduction machinery integrates information from multiple inputs to actuate discrete cellular behaviors. Interaction complexity exists when an input modulates the output behavior that results from other inputs. To address whether this machinery is iteratively complex—that is, whether increasing numbers of inputs produce exponential increases in discrete cellular behaviors—we examined the modulated secretion of six cytokines from macrophages in response to up to five-way combinations of an agonist of Toll-like receptor 4, three cytokines, and conditions that activated the cyclic adenosine monophosphate pathway. Although all of the selected ligands showed synergy in paired combinations, few examples of nonadditive outputs were found in response to higher-order combinations. This suggests that most potential interactions are not realized and that unique cellular responses are limited to discrete subsets of ligands and pathways that enhance specific cellular functions.
Developmental adaptations in the extraocular muscles of Macaca nemestrina may reflect a predisposition to strabismus

Extraoclar muscle development has been studied in two species of monkeys (Macaca nemestrina and Macaca fascicularis). In these studies, the authors have demonstrated a distinctive developmental difference between the two macaques. Specifically, tubular aggregates (ordered aggregations of sarcoplasmic reticulum) occur transiently in the orbital singly innervated muscle fiber type in nemestrina extraocular muscles only. Tubular aggregates are typically seen in skeletal muscle fast-twitch fibers during neuromuscular disease or experimental denervation. The alterations in developing extraocular muscle either may be indicative of a primary muscle disorder or may be secondary to neurologic maldevelopment. The authors suggest that the presence of tubular aggregates in the extraocular muscles of nemestrina monkeys may be indicative of aberrant innervation levels during early postnatal development.
The Relational Determinants of Legislative Outcomes: Strong and Weak Ties Between Legislators

In the repeated interactions of a legislative session, legislators develop working relationships that can be used in the pursuit of legislative goals. I develop a theory of influence diffusion across a legislative network of relations based on strategic actors building relationships in order to increase legislative success. Building on sociological theory initially developed by Granovetter, my research indicates that it is the weak ties between legislators that are the most useful in increasing legislative success. I test my theory using state legislative data from eight state legislatures, along with a second analysis of the U.S. House of Representatives. Empirical analysis provides consistent support for the notion that weak ties lead to legislative success.
Relationship between heart rate variability and the severity of psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia

Kim J-H, Ann J-H, Lee J. Relationship between heart rate variability and the severity of psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia. Objective: The relationship between autonomic neurocardiac function and schizophrenia remains elusive. This study investigated the relationship between the heart rate variability (HRV) parameters and the severity of psychotic symptoms in schizophrenic patients. Methods: Twenty-one patients receiving risperidone monotherapy and 21 matched normal control subjects were evaluated for HRV analysis. The severity of schizophrenic symptoms was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and a five-factor model of the PANSS was used. Results: The value of the ratio of low-to-high frequency spectral power was significantly higher in the patient group. The patient group also showed a significantly lower value of approximate entropy. After controlling the dosage of risperidone, the PANSS total score had significant negative correlations with the standard deviation of all RR intervals (SDNN) and the square root of the mean squared differences of successive normal sinus intervals (RMSSD). With respect to the PANSS factors, the score of the PANSS cognitive/disorganisation factor had significant negative correlations with SDNN and RMSSD. Conclusion: These results provide some evidence that the severity of psychotic symptoms, especially cognitive/disorganisation symptom dimensions, may be associated with reduced HRV, suggesting a potential involvement of neuroautonomic dysfunction in the pathophysiology of specific symptoms of schizophrenia.
Based on SERVQUAL Instrument Explore a New Method for Service Quality Measurement

All the time, as a service quality measurement method SERVQUAL is often recommended in classic textbooks, or cited by many literatures. But there always be some papers persisting that SERVQUAL instrument is not a good method to service quality measurement because of the problems of reliability, discriminant validity, spurious correlations, and variance restriction etc. Considering SERVQUAL is a good instrument for service quality problems diagnosis, and for the above issues, we attempt to improve the SERVQUAL instrument from three facets, that is, choosing the operational definition of expectation; importing self-confidence to expectation in service quality measurement; and adopting the formative service quality measurement model. Finally we test the modified gap measurement method empirically in 2006 Shenyang International Horticultural Exposition (EXPO).
On the short-term relationship between solar soft X-ray irradiances and equatorial total electron content (TEC)

[1] The relationship between total electron content (TEC) and the solar soft X-ray irradiances is presented. Three bands (2–7 nm, 6–19 nm, and 17–20 nm) of solar soft X-ray measurements from the Student Nitric Oxide Explorer (SNOE) satellite are examined and all show a similar relationship with TEC. The TEC data are from a GPS receiver near Ancon, Peru (� 11.78 degrees latitude, � 77.15 degrees longitude) from 11 March 1998 to 23 August 1999 and 2 October 1999 to 10 June 2000. During these periods the average TEC measurement was calculated from all observations whose ionospheric pierce point occurred within � 12 ± 2 degrees latitude and � 77 ± 2 degrees longitude and within the hour selected. TEC shows a more significant correlation with soft X-ray irradiances than with F10.7. The X rays lead the TEC by approximately 0.8–1.3 days, which is consistent with the neutral density affecting the TEC. The magnitude of these short term (27 days or less) changes is approximately 0.18 of the total TEC. During the period examined geomagnetic activity, as represented by Ap, could account for half as much variation in TEC (0.1 of the total TEC) as the solar irradiance.
Mapping and Naming Paleosols

Paleopedology is a field science. Its objects of study are too bulky to be brought back into the laboratory in their entirety, and must be characterized and sampled outdoors. Field work commonly involves identifying different kinds of paleosols and establishing their relationships with each other and the enclosing sediments or rocks. These dual activities of mapping and naming are a necessary first step in the study of paleosols. Such field observations will determine how a paleosol is sampled and later analyzed. More sophisticated indoor studies may refine or test hypotheses developed in the field, but are unlikely to supplant them. Therefore, it pays to have a logical plan for mapping and naming paleosols, and this plan will vary according to the aims of the study. Three common aims are considered in this chapter: paleoenvironmental interpretation of paleosols, use of paleosols as stratigraphic marker horizons, and portrayal of paleosols on geological maps.
Teaching introductory graphics with web assistance

The introduction of high speed computers with excellent graphic rendering capabilities and software that takes advantage of those capabilities have precipitated a change in the philosophy of teaching introductory courses in graphics. Studies of introductory computer graphics courses have indicated that algorithms, such as line and circle drawing and polygon fills, and the study of data structures to support graphics are common topics taught in introductory courses. A cursory review of available software tools for teaching computer graphics topics indicates that there is a lack of web-based visualizations of commonly taught computer graphics algorithms. The purpose of this paper is to describe a web-based tutorial that has been used to supplement an introductory computer graphics course.
Designing coupled-resonator optical waveguides based on high-Q tapered grating-defect resonators

We present a systematic design of coupled-resonator optical waveguides (CROWs) based on high-Q tapered grating-defect resonators. The formalism is based on coupled-mode theory where forward and backward waveguide modes are coupled by the grating. Although applied to strong gratings (periodic air holes in single-mode silicon-on-insulator waveguides), coupled-mode theory is shown to be valid, since the spatial Fourier transform of the resonant mode is engineered to minimize the coupling to radiation modes and thus the propagation loss. We demonstrate the numerical characterization of strong gratings, the design of high-Q tapered grating-defect resonators (Q>2 × 10^6, modal volume = 0.38•(λ/n)^3), and the control of inter-resonator coupling for CROWs. Furthermore, we design Butterworth and Bessel filters by tailoring the numbers of holes between adjacent defects. We show with numerical simulation that Butterworth CROWs are more tolerant against fabrication disorder than CROWs with uniform coupling coefficient.
Multivariate modeling identifies neutrophil- and Th17-related factors as differential serum biomarkers of chronic murine colitis.

Background: Diagnosis of chronic intestinal inflammation, which characterizes inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), along with prediction of disease state is hindered by the availability of predictive serum biomarker. Serum biomarkers predictive of disease state will improve trials for therapeutic intervention, and disease monitoring, particularly in genetically susceptible individuals. Chronic inflammation during IBD is considered distinct from infectious intestinal inflammation thereby requiring biomarkers to provide differential diagnosis. To address whether differential serum biomarkers could be identified in murine models of colitis, immunological profiles from both chronic spontaneous and acute infectious colitis were compared and predictive serum biomarkers identified via multivariate modeling. Methodology/Principal Findings: Discriminatory multivariate modeling of 23 cytokines plus chlorotyrosine and nitrotyrosine (protein adducts from reactive nitrogen species and hypochlorite) in serum and tissue from two murine models of colitis was performed to identify disease-associated biomarkers. Acute C. rodentium-induced colitis in C57BL/6J mice and chronic spontaneous Helicobacter-dependent colitis in TLR4 2/2 x IL-10 2/2 mice were utilized for evaluation. Colon profiles of both colitis models were nearly identical with chemokines, neutrophil- and Th17-related factors highly associated with intestinal disease. In acute colitis, discriminatory disease-associated serum factors were not those identified in the colon. In contrast, the discriminatory predictive serum factors for chronic colitis were neutrophil- and Th17-related factors (KC, IL-12/23p40, IL-17, G-CSF, and chlorotyrosine) that were also elevated in colon tissue. Chronic colitis serum biomarkers were specific to chronic colitis as they were not discriminatory for acute colitis. Conclusions/Significance: Immunological profiling revealed strikingly similar colon profiles, yet distinctly different serum profiles for acute and chronic colitis. Neutrophil- and Th17-related factors were identified as predictive serum biomarkers of chronic colitis, but not acute colitis, despite their presence in colitic tissue of both diseases thereby demonstrating the utility of mathematical modeling for identifying disease-associated serum biomarkers.
Pulmonary applications of perfluorochemical liquids: Ventilation and beyond

In this review of liquid ventilation, concepts and applications are presented that summarise the pulmonary applications of perfluorochemical liquids. Beginning with the question of whether this alternative form of respiratory support is needed and ending with lessons learned from clinical trials, the various methods of liquid assisted ventilation are compared and contrasted, evidence for mechanoprotective and cytoprotective attributes of intrapulmonary perfluorochemical liquid are presented and alternative intrapulmonary applications, including their use as vehicles for drugs, for thermal control and as imaging agents are presented.
Paleomagnetism of the Moenave Formation: Implications for the Mesozoic North American apparent polar wander path

Previous syntheses of the Mesozoic North American apparent polar wander (APW) path have suggested the presence of a sharp corner or cusp (the J-1 cusp) in the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic. Paleomagnetic data from the Lower Jurassic (Sinemurian) Moenave Formation clarify details of this important feature in the APW path. A total of 220 oriented cores were collected from 31 levels in four stratigraphic sections of the Moenave Formation in northern Arizona and southern Utah. Thermal demagnetization in multiple steps, generally between 600 and 660 OC, was successful in revealing the characteristic component of natural remanent magnetization at 23 sites. The paleomagnetic pole is lat = 58.2ON, long = 51.9OE; radius of 95% confidence (ag5) = 4.5'. The Moenave pole position verifies the existence of the J-1 cusp, and thus supports the use of paleomagnetic Euler pole analysis in modeling the pattern of APW.
Acute multiligament injured or dislocated knee: field assessment and management

Knee dislocation is a serious but uncommon injury that can result in significant trauma to the ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels of the leg. With a high rate of spontaneous reduction and signs of injury that are often subtle in the acute stage, knee dislocation can be missed if not specifically sought through meticulous and thorough history-taking and physical examination. Targeted visual inspection, neurologic and vascular examination, and palpation of the limb are all instrumental in the identification of a potential multiligament knee injury or dislocated knee. The association of significant vascular injury with knee dislocation puts the injury victim at risk of limb loss if the injury is not identified and treated in a timely fashion. By identifying the injury, reducing and splinting as appropriate, and communicating awareness of the injury to hospital-based caregivers, the paramedic has a unique opportunity to direct the course of treatment that the patient receives.
Can post-RT neck dissection be omitted for patients with head-and-neck cancer who have a negative PET scan after definitive radiation therapy?

Abstract Purpose A prospective, single institution study was conducted to evaluate the role of positron emission tomography with fluoro-deoxyglucose (FDG) before and after definitive radiation therapy for patients with head-and-neck cancer. Correlation with CT or MRI imaging and pathologic findings at the time of planned neck dissection was made. Methods and materials Twelve patients with AJCC Stages III-IV cancer of the head and neck received CT or MRI and PET imaging before treatment with definitive radiation therapy. One month after completion of treatment, repeat CT or MRI and PET imaging was obtained. All images were reviewed independently by radiologists who were blind to the results of the other modality. Patients then underwent planned neck dissection. Pathologic correlation with posttreatment scans allowed calculation of the sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and the positive predictive value for both CT/MRI and PET. Results Comparison of CT/MRI to PET obtained before definitive RT revealed both primary tumor and nodal disease were detected by both modalities in all cases where primary tumor was known. After RT, comparison of CT/MRI imaging to findings of neck dissection revealed a sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, and negative predictive value of 50%. Comparison of PET imaging with pathologic findings demonstrated sensitivity of 45%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, and a negative predictive value of 14%. Conclusions In this small series of patients, the presence of a positive PET 1 month after RT accurately indicated the presence of residual disease in all cases; however, a negative PET indicated absence of disease in only 14%. Further investigation is warranted before FDG-PET should be used to determine whether post-RT neck dissection should be omitted.
Preventive Interventions for Children

Two central problems have been recognized by many clinical researchers and practitioners during the past two decades. First, despite increased utilization of effective paraprofessional resources (Durlak, 1980), the proliferation of community mental health centers and crisis intervention programs (Rappaport, 1977), and the burgeoning self-help movement (Glasgow & Rosen, 1978), we still have inadequate helping resources relative to identified numbers of personal and social problems (e.g., Albee, 1967; Glidewell & Swallow, 1969; Meyers, Craighead, & Meyers, 1974; President’s Commission on Mental Health, 1978; Zax & Cowen, 1976). Second, the limited services that are available are still used infrequently and ineffectively by large segments of society in great need of assistance (Cowen, 1978; Lorion, 1978). For example, in a recent large-scale survey, Langer, Gersten, Greene, Eisenberg, Herson, and McCarthy (1974) noted that nearly twice as many impoverished inner-city children, compared with their less destitute urban peers, experienced “psychiatric or emotional disorders great enough to interfere markedly with their role functioning or incapacitate them” (p. 117).
Personnel Preparation Projects For Special Education: It Takes More Than Money

The issues regarding teacher shortages and retention have been a concern for many years within the special education field. School districts have struggled at not only maintaining quality teachers to fill positions for special education programs, but also to retain these quality teachers in their districts. As an additional challenge, many communities have members that are place bound. These individuals do not wish to leave their families to move to another location to receive university training. Specific strategies used in training models from a variety of projects will be discussed.
Role of larval release pheromones and peptide mimics in abdominal pumping and swimming behavior of ovigerous blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus

Blue crabs Callinectes sapidus, like most decapods, synchronously hatch eggs and release larvae over a very short time period. Synchrony is achieved though vigorous abdominal pumping in response to pheromones from hatching eggs. We hypothesized that these or related pheromones stimulate vertical swimming associated with larval release and ebb-tide swimming during the last few days before egg hatching. We used abdominal pumping and swimming assays to investigate the roles of pheromones. We tested responses of crabs to egg extract containing pheromones, trypsin (an enzyme that generates peptide pheromones), and bradykinin (a peptide pheromone mimic). We delivered test substances directly into the egg mass via capillary tubing. In response to egg extract, ovigerous crabs increased abdominal pumping and vertical swimming, showing native pheromones evoke both behaviors. Delivery of trypsin and bradykinin caused increased pumping but not vertical swimming. These results suggest that pheromones generated from eggs stimulate vertical swimming during ebb-tide transport, but that peptides that induce abdominal pumping are not sufficient to cause swimming. We hypothesize that swimming is stimulated by a blend of molecules that includes these peptide pheromones.
Germanium-source tunnel field effect transistors with record high I ON /I OFF

Tunnel field effect transistors (TFETs) with record high I ON /I OFF ratio (≫106) for low-voltage (0.5V) operation are achieved by using germanium in the source region to achieve a small tunnel bandgap. The measured data are well explained by the theoretical band-to-band tunneling current model. Using the calibrated analytical model, the energy-delay performance of TFET-based technology is compared against that of conventional CMOS technology, at the 65nm node. The TFET is projected to provide dramatic improvement in energy efficiency for performance in the range up to ∼0.5GHz.
Microwave Tokamak Experiment: an overview of the construction and checkout phase

The Microwave Tokamak Experiment (MTX) demonstrates the feasibility of using microwave pulses produced from a free electron laser (FEL) to provide electron cyclotron heating (ECH) for use in tokamaks, particularly high-field machines. The MTX consists primarily of the ALCATOR C tokamak and power supplies. Additions to the system include a new primary power system from the Magnetic Fusion Test Facility (MFTF) substation, a new commutation system, a substantially upgraded seismic support system for earthquake loading, a fast control system for use with the FEL, a new data-acquisition system, and a new vault facility. Details of the tokamak systems, facilities and grounding, magnet power system, data-acquisition and control systems, plasma diagnostics and program management are provided. >