cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling the diet dynamics of children: the roles of socialization and the school environment

Childhood obesity is a health emergency in many parts of the world including the U.S. and, consequently, identifying local, regional or national intervention models capable, of altering the dynamics of obesity at scales that make a difference remains a challenge. The fact that consumption of healthful foods among most youth has yet to meet recommended nutritional standards highlights a lack of effective policies aimed at addressing the epidemic of obesity. Mathematical models are used to evaluate the roles of socialization and school environment on the diet dynamics of children. Data suggest that standard nutrition education programs may have, at best, minimal impact in altering diet dynamics at the population-level. Inclusion of peer influence (model as contagion) reinforced by the use of culturally-sensitive school menus (environmental disruption) may prove capable of modifying obesity enhancing diet dynamics; altering the diets of a significant (critical) proportion of youngsters. A framework is introduced to explore the value of behavior-based interventions and policies that account for the sociocultural environments of at risk communities. These models capture carefully choreographed scenarios to account for the fact that when dealing with diet-dynamics systems, thinking additively is not enough as it cannot account for the power of nonlinear effects.
Effect of gene copy number and chaperone coexpression on recombinant hydrophobin HFBI biosurfactant production in Pichia pastoris.

Hydrophobins are small highly surface-active fungal proteins with potential as biosurfactants in a wide array of applications. However, practical implementation of hydrophobins at large scale has been hindered by low recombinant yields. In this study, the effects of increasing hydrophobin gene copy number and overexpressing endoplasmic reticulum resident chaperone proteins Kar2p, Pdi1p, and Ero1p were explored as a means to enhance recombinant yields of the class II hydrophobin HFBI in the eukaryotic expression host Pichia pastoris. One-, 2-, and 3-copy-HFBI strains were attained using an in vitro multimer ligation approach, with strains displaying copy number stability following subsequent transformations as measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Increasing HFBI copy number alone had no effect on increasing HFBI secretion, but increasing copy number in concert with chaperone overexpression synergistically increased HFBI secretion. Overexpression of PDI1 or ERO1 caused insignificant changes in HFBI secretion in 1- and 2-copy strains, but a statistically significant HFBI secretion increase in 3-copy strain. KAR2 overexpression consistently resulted in enhanced HFBI secretion in all copy number strains, with 3-copy-HFBI secreting 22±1.6 fold more than the 1-copy-HFBI/no chaperone strain. The highest increase was seen in 3-copy-HFBI/Ero1p overexpressing strain with 30±4.0 fold increase in HFBI secretion over 1-copy-HFBI/no chaperone strain. This corresponded to an expression level of approximately 330 mg/L HFBI in the 5 ml small-scale format used in this study.
Racemic synthesis of 2′‐substituted nicotine analogs

The chemical and pharmacological properties of 2′-substituted nicotines are poorly understood relative to other substituted nicotines. We developed a practical synthesis of the key intermediate (±)-2′-cyanonicotine using the Polonovski reaction. Alkylation of (±)-2′-cyanonicotine with Grignard reagents led to several 2′-alkylnicotines; (±)-2′-aminomethylnicotine, (±)-2′-hydroxymethylnicotine, and (±)-2′-carbamoylnicotine were also synthesized. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2012).
Silicon integrated circuit thermoelectric generators with a high specific power generation capacity

Microelectronic thermoelectric generators (TEGs), which can recycle waste heat into electrical power, have applications ranging from the on-chip thermal management of integrated circuits to environmental energy sources for Internet-of-things sensors. However, the incompatibility of TEGs with silicon integrated circuit technology has prevented their broad adoption in microelectronics. Here, we report TEGs created using nanostructured silicon thermopiles fabricated on an industrial silicon complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) process line. These TEGs exhibit a high specific power generation capacity (up to 29 μW cm−2 K−2) near room temperature, which is competitive with typical (Bi,Sb)2(Se,Te)3-based TEGs. The high power capacity results from the ability of CMOS processing to fabricate a very high areal density of thermocouples with low packing fraction and to carefully control electrical and thermal impedances. TEG power was also found to increase significantly when thermocouple width was decreased, providing a path to further improvements. Unlike (Bi,Sb)2(Se,Te)3 TEGs, our silicon integrated circuit TEGs could be seamlessly integrated into large-scale silicon CMOS microelectronic circuits at very low marginal cost. Thermoelectric generators based on nanostructured silicon thermopiles, which are fabricated on an industrial silicon CMOS process line and are thus compatible with integrated circuit technology, exhibit a high specific power generation capacity of up to 29 μW cm−2 K−2 near room temperature.
Identification and Characterization of Efflux Transporters that Modulate the Subtoxic Disposition of Diclofenac and its Metabolites

In the present work, in vivo transporter knockout (KO) mouse models were used to characterize the disposition of diclofenac (DCF) and its primary metabolites following a single sub-toxic dose in mice lacking breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp) or multidrug resistance-associated protein (Mrp)3. The results indicate that Bcrp acts a canalicular efflux mediator for DCF as wild-type (WT) mice had biliary excretion values that were 2.2- to 2.6-fold greater than Bcrp KO mice, though DCF plasma levels were not affected. The loss of Bcrp resulted in a 1.8- to 3.2-fold increase of diclofenac acyl glucuronide (DCF-AG) plasma concentrations in KO animals compared to WT mice, while the biliary excretion of DCF-AG increased 1.4-fold in WT versus KO mice. Furthermore, Mrp3 was found to mediate the basolateral transport of DCF-AG, but not DCF or 4ʹ-hydroxy diclofenac. WT mice had DCF-AG plasma concentrations 7.0- to 8.6-fold higher than Mrp3 KO animals, however there were no changes in biliary excretion of DCF-AG. Vesicular transport experiments with human MRP3 demonstrated that MRP3 is able to transport DCF-AG via a low and high affinity binding site. The low affinity MRP3 transport had a Vmax and Km of 170 pmol/min/mg and 98.2 μM, respectively, while the high affinity Vmax and Km parameters were estimated to be 71.9 pmol/min/mg and 1.78 μ;M, respectively. In summary, we offer evidence that the disposition of DCF-AG can be affected by both Bcrp and Mrp3, and these findings may be applicable to humans. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We report that diclofenac was found to be a substrate of Bcrp but not Mrp3 using mouse transporter models. Using the same models, diclofenac acyl glucuronide was found to be a substrate of both Bcrp and Mrp3. Importantly, the loss of Mrp3 affects diclofenac acyl glucuronide plasma concentrations but has no apparent effect with respect to liver concentrations or biliary excretion rates. We also report that diclofenac acyl glucuronide as an apparent low affinity and high affinity for human MRP3 compared to human MRP2 for which a single binding site is considered operative.
A phase II RCT of high-dose vitamin D supplementation and exercise for cancer treatment-induced bone loss in breast cancer patients on aromatase inhibitors.

11500Background: Cancer-treatment-induced bone loss (CTIBL) is a side effect of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) and can result in osteoporotic fractures. Vitamin D (VITD) protects against postmenopausal...
Endoscopic submucosal dissection of a gastric mass.

This case report describes the first endoscopic submucosal dissection performed at Baylor University Medical Center for high-grade dysplasia of the stomach. The patient, a 76-year-old man with mult...
Differentiation: Moderator or mediator for change in satisfaction in the early sessions of couple therapy

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether differentiation served as a moderator or a mediator for the association between initial levels of distress in couple members and chan...
Arab Spring and the Issue of Democracy: Where Does Middle Eastern Studies Stand?

The main aim of this chapter is to explore the broadly defined academic status of Middle Eastern studies on the issue of democracy and transition in the region. In this context, the author conducts a critical survey of academic studies from 1989 to 2017 on the topics of democracy and authoritarianism by using interpretative content analysis. The survey offers a glimpse at how the field of Middle Eastern studies has changed its perspective on Arab democracy over three comparative periods: prior to 2011, between 2011 and 2013, and after 2013. The analysis will serve to answer the main question: “Where does Middle Eastern studies stand on the issue of democracy in the region?”
Modelling temporal relations within English syllables

Abstract: Walsh and Parker (1982) propose that consonant cluster abbreviation in final consonant clusters is due in part to a tendency to produce CVC syllables with a fixed ratio between the CV and final C portions of the syllable. It is further suggested that the temporal relations within a syllable can be modelled by a set of ordered rules. This study presents evidence from two experiments which supports these proposals.
The Effect of Preferred Leadership Role and Preferred Team Leadership Structure on Students’ Perception of Team Processes and Outcome

This research full paper investigates how much the type of leadership role and the type of team leadership structure that engineering students prefer before teamwork will affect students’ perception of team processes and outcome. Team processes are team-level attributes that influence team effectiveness and reflect team members’ collective attitudes, values, cognitions, and motivations. Many factors can affect these team processes, including leadership role and structure.In this study, we explored how engineering student preferences about leadership structure are related to the perception of students about team processes and outcome. We used a one-way ANOVA, dividing students by leadership role into three groups: prefer following, prefer leading, and balanced. We also divided students by preferred team structure: one strong leader, one leader who gets lots of team input, and shared leadership. We considered other team processes including conflict, psychological safety, cohesion, and the team outcome satisfaction.In the preferred leadership role, students with balanced preference reported most positively regarding all team processes and outcome. Similarly, students with a preference for shared leadership reported most positively regarding those variables.
Requiring Consent for Brain-Death Testing: A Perilous Proposal

Berkowitz and Garrett’s article makes an interesting argument claiming surrogate consent to brain-death testing should be ethically and legally required (Berkowitz and Garrett 2020). We argue that ...
Machine Segmentation of Pelvic Anatomy in MRI-Assisted Radiosurgery (MARS) for Prostate Cancer Brachytherapy

Purpose To investigate machine segmentation of pelvic anatomy in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-assisted radiosurgery (MARS) for prostate cancer using prostate brachytherapy MRIs acquired with different pulse sequences and image contrasts. Methods and Materials Two hundred 3-dimensional (3D) preimplant and postimplant prostate brachytherapy MRI scans were acquired with a T2-weighted sequence, a T2/T1-weighted sequence, or a T1-weighted sequence. One hundred twenty deep machine learning models were trained to segment the prostate, seminal vesicles, external urinary sphincter, rectum, and bladder using the MRI scans acquired with T2-weighted and T2/T1-weighted image contrast. The deep machine learning models consisted of 18 fully convolutional networks (FCNs) with different convolutional encoders. Both 2-dimensional and 3D U-Net FCNs were constructed for comparison. Six objective functions were investigated: cross-entropy, Jaccard distance, focal loss, and 3 variations of Tversky distance. The performance of the models was compared using similarity metrics, including pixel accuracy, Jaccard index, Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), 95% Hausdorff distance, relative volume difference, Matthews correlation coefficient, precision, recall, and average symmetrical surface distance. We selected the highest-performing architecture and investigated how the amount of training data, use of skip connections, and data augmentation affected segmentation performance. In addition, we investigated whether segmentation on T1-weighted MRI was possible with FCNs trained on only T2-weighted and T2/T1-weighted image contrast. Results Overall, an FCN with a DenseNet201 encoder trained via cross-entropy minimization yielded the highest combined segmentation performance. For the 53 3D test MRI scans acquired with T2-weighted or T2/T1-weighted image contrast, the DSCs of the prostate, external urinary sphincter, seminal vesicles, rectum, and bladder were 0.90 ± 0.04, 0.70 ± 0.15, 0.80 ± 0.12, 0.91 ± 0.06, and 0.96 ± 0.04, respectively, after model fine-tuning. For the 5 T1-weighted images, the DSCs of these organs were 0.82 ± 0.07, 0.17 ± 0.15, 0.46 ± 0.21, 0.87 ± 0.06, and 0.88 ± 0.05, respectively. Conclusions Machine segmentation of the prostate and surrounding anatomy on 3D MRIs acquired with different pulse sequences for MARS low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy is possible with a single FCN.
Actions Speak Louder than Words: Entity-Sensitive Privacy Policy and Data Flow Analysis with PoliCheck

Identifying privacy-sensitive data leaks by mobile applications has been a topic of great research interest for the past decade. Technically, such data flows are not “leaks” if they are disclosed in a privacy policy. To address this limitation in automated analysis, recent work has combined program analysis of applications with analysis of privacy policies to determine the flow-to-policy consistency, and hence violations thereof. However, this prior work has a fundamental weakness: it does not differentiate the entity (e.g., first-party vs. third-party) receiving the privacy-sensitive data. In this paper, we propose POLICHECK, which formalizes and implements an entity-sensitive flow-to-policy consistency model. We use POLICHECK to study 13,796 applications and their privacy policies and find that up to 42.4% of applications either incorrectly disclose or omit disclosing their privacy-sensitive data flows. Our results also demonstrate the significance of considering entities: without considering entity, prior approaches would falsely classify up to 38.4% of applications as having privacy-sensitive data flows consistent with their privacy policies. These false classifications include data flows to third-parties that are omitted (e.g., the policy states only the first-party collects the data type), incorrect (e.g., the policy states the third-party does not collect the data type), and ambiguous (e.g., the policy has conflicting statements about the data type collection). By defining a novel automated, entity-sensitive flow-to-policy consistency analysis, POLICHECK provides the highest-precision method to date to determine if applications properly disclose their privacy-sensitive behaviors.
Soil properties and climate drive ponderosa pine seedling presence in the southwestern USA

Abstract A continual improvement of our understanding about factors that influence tree regeneration is needed to inform landscape-scale restoration efforts across the western USA. This is increasingly important because changing climate and disturbance regimes will influence where restoration efforts should be implemented across landscapes. In this study, we used Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data to model ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa C. Lawson var. scopulorum Engelm.) seedling presence across FIA plots in Arizona and New Mexico, USA. Additionally, we analyzed archived soil samples from FIA plots for percent clay, silt, and sand; samples were collected from the upper 20 cm of the mineral soil. Soil particle size is correlated with soil parent material, which has been shown to influence ponderosa pine regeneration. We used structural equation modeling to determine the relative importance of direct and indirect factors affecting ponderosa pine seedling presence. For the 0–10 cm depth increment of the mineral soil, soils with high inorganic C (carbonate) concentrations, a low percentage of coarse fragments (>2 mm) in the mineral soil, a low percentage of sand in the fine fractions (
Fatigue analysis of the Spallation Neutron Source 2 MW target design

Abstract Upgrades to the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are under way with two major projects. The first project is the Proton Power Upgrade (PPU), which will double the power capacity of the SNS accelerator system to enable the operation of a future second neutron source target station—the second project. PPU also will increase power to the SNS first target station – which currently operates at 1.4 MW with 1.0 GeV protons – to 2 MW with 1.3 GeV protons. Final design of the PPU 2 MW target module is finished, including all necessary design and analysis calculations. The fatigue evaluation described herein is an assessment of the fitness of the PPU 2 MW target mercury vessel to resist failure from cyclic loading from the pulsed 60 Hz proton beam and thermal changes from disrupted operation. In addition to the reliability predictions, the method, detail, and depth of this fatigue evaluation are superior to those of past target design assessments. The thermal fatigue life is predicted to exceed 3125 thermal cycles per 1250 h of operation for all load cases. The design also meets the (relative) fatigue design goal for combined thermal and pulse loading of greater than 0.5 times the minimum fatigue life calculated for a jet-flow target design operating at 1.4 MW—the most robust design to date in terms of resistance to fatigue failure. From the onset of the PPU, it has been known that pulse loading requires effective application of helium gas injection into the target mercury to reduce beam pressure loading. For the PPU 2 MW target, none of the pulse load cases requires a maximum strain reduction from gas injection of more than 50% (for base material) to meet the fatigue design goal. This level of reduction is achievable from gas injection, according to historical strain measurements from 1.4 MW target operation. Overall, the PPU 2 MW target design is predicted to have superior resistance to fatigue failure compared with past target designs.
Characterizing Synchronized Lissajous Curves to Scrutinize Power Distribution Synchro-Waveform Measurements

A new concept, called synchronized Lissajous curve , is proposed to study synchro-waveform measurements that are obtained from waveform measurement units (WMUs) in power distribution systems. Two types of synchronized Lissajous curves are discussed. The first one is created by plotting the difference of two synchronized voltage waveforms versus the difference of two synchronized current waveforms. The second one is created by plotting the difference of two synchronized voltage waveforms versus the difference of the derivatives of two synchronized current waveforms. These two curves carry valuable and complementary information about the state of the power system and the root cause of events and disturbances. We characterize the area , rotational angle , and shape of the introduced synchronized Lissajous curves to study events and disturbances in power distribution feeders.
Computers and Social Diagnosis

This paper addresses ways in which computers are now and will likely continue to influence social diagnosis within direct practice. Social diagnosis is first defined followed by an overview of current and emerging uses and issues about computers from the perspective of the client. One currently available computerized clinical assessment system is provided as an illustration followed by discussion of expected future directions and of the need for social workers to take an active and informed role in shaping these developments.
Fast Separator Decomposition for Finite Element Meshes

We present a randomized O(n loglog n) time algorithm for the construction of a separator tree decomposition for well-shaped meshes in two and three dimensions. Our algorithm takes O(n log log n) time which improves the previous algorithms that need O(n log n) time. We use techniques from probability theory, computational geometry, and graph theory. Our algorithm has applications in the solution of sparse linear systems and 3D point location.
Comparison and the Development of Cognition and Language

reasoning lies through the career of similarity. There is evidence for effects of specific content in deductive reasoning . A large number of studies based on Wason's (1968) classic selection task have shown that while normal subjects typically fail in the application of conditional inference rules to abstract and unfamiliar material (in particular, they fail to apply Modus Tollens), their performance can be greatly improved if concrete and far 11 miliar material is used . In the selection task, subjects see four cardse.g., "A," "C, 17 &'4," and "3"and are told to turn over the necessary cards to test the following rule : "If a card has a vowel on one side, then it has an even number on the other side." Only a small number (about 10%) choose the correct two cards ("A" and "3") ; the majority choose cards "A" and "4," suggesting that the participants, rather than following a rule of inference to test the conditional statement, were simply basing their choice on surface matches between the rule as stated and the cards (i .e., choosing the card that matched the antecedent (the vowel) and the card that matched the consequent (the even number) . However, it appears that performance is considerably better when the ,rule is stated in terms of a familiar domain in which the contingencies are accessible to the subjects . Wason & Shapiro (1971) used a thematic rule instead of an abstract conditional rule ("Every time I go to Manchester I travel by car") and a set of cards representing various destinations and modes of transport . They obtained 62% correct selection . Griggs & Cox (1982) found substantial improvement by using a familiar rule such as "If a person is drinking beer, then the person must be over 19." Johnson-Laird, Legrenzi and Legrenzi s) (1972) found improvement (to 81% correct) using a familiar postal rule ("If a letter is sealed, then it has a 50 lire stamp on it") and a set of envelopes (sealed and unsealed, with a 50 lire or a 40 lire stamp) . When the rule concerned an arbitrary relation between symbols, instead of a realistic relation between concrete objects, the subjects relapsed to the
EFFECTS OF THE RAD52 GENE ON RECOMBINATION IN SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE

Effects of the rad52 mutation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae on meiotic, gamma-ray-induced, UV-induced and spontaneous mitotic recombination were studied. The rad52/rad52 diploids undergo premeiotic DNA synthesis; sporulation occurs but inviable spores are produced. Both intra and intergenic recombination during meiosis were examined in cells transferred from sporulation medium to vegetative medium at different time intervals. No intragenic recombination was observed at the his1-1/his1-315 and trp5-2/trp5-48 heteroalleles. Gene-centromere recombination also was not observed in rad52/rad52 diploids. No gamma-ray- or UV-induced intragenic mitotic recombination is seen in rad52/rad52 diploids. The rate of spontaneous mitotic recombination is lowered five-fold at the his1-1/his1-315 and leu1-c/leu1-12 heteroalleles. Spontaneous reversion rates of both his1-1 and his1-315 were elevated 10 to 20 fold in rad52/rad52 diploids.-The RAD52 gene function is required for spontaneous mitotic recombination, UV- and gamma-ray-induced mitotic recombination and meiotic recombination.
Prevention of hyperglycemia in the Zucker diabetic fatty rat by treatment with metformin or troglitazone

To determine whether metformin or troglitazone can delay the onset of diabetes in the Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rat, lean control, fatty, and ZDF rats received metformin, troglitazone, or no treatment from 6 to 12 wk of age. Glucose, insulin, triglyceride (TG), and free fatty acid (FFA) levels and glucose stimulated insulin secretion by the perfused pancreas were measured. Metformin-treated rats gained significantly less weight. Both drugs prevented hyperglycemia by 12 wk in diabetic rats and significantly reduced TG and FFA levels. Insulin secretion at low glucose was elevated in untreated fatty and diabetic animals, and the increment in diabetic animals produced by glucose perfusion was attenuated compared with lean and fatty rats. Both drugs reduced basal insulin secretion in fatty and diabetic rats and improved glucose responsiveness in diabetic rats. Metformin and troglitazone delay the onset of diabetes in the ZDF rat. The significantly improved insulin secretory response of the pancreas undoubtedly contributes to the improved glucose tolerance.
Market Misvaluation and Merger Activity: Evidence from Managerial Insider Trading

This paper tests the empirical predictions of the market misvaluation theory of mergers advanced by Rhodes-Kropf and Vishwanathan (2004) and Shleifer and Vishny (2003) using data on managerial insider trading around merger announcements. I first present evidence of opportunistic insider trading by acquirer-firm managers prior to mergers. Acquirer-firm managers abnormally increase their selling prior to stock mergers suggesting those deals might be overvalued. I then construct a misvaluation measure based on the magnitude and direction of managerial trades prior to the merger and use it to test the empirical predictions of the misvaluation theory. To the extent that managerial trading is motivated by misvaluation, I find consistent differences in the merger characteristics and long-run returns of overvalued and undervalued firms. Overvalued firms are more likely to conduct stock mergers, have high pre-merger but negative post-merger excess long-run returns and receive negative market reaction to their acquisition announcements. My results support the theory that market misvaluation affects merger activity.
Microwave embedment for light and electron microscopy using epoxy resins, LR white, and other polymers

Microwave energy can be used to polymerize embedding polymers used for light and electron microscopy, providing novel and ultrarapid processing methods to accomplish cell and tissue embedments. These quick methods steadily show promise for diagnosis of disease where rapid methods can be crucial. This review is intended to answer some of the questions microscopists may have in attempting to utilize such microwave embedding procedures and to provide a comparison of results using divergent Medcast and LR White.
Spiritual Well-Being and Suicidal Ideation Among College Students

Objective: This study explored whether specific dimensions of spiritual well-being (religious well-being and existential well-being) relate to reduced suicidal ideation, and whether associations persisted after controlling for religiosity and psychosocial variables associated with suicide. Participants: Participants were 457 college students who completed measures that assessed spiritual well-being, religiosity, hopelessness, depression, social support, and suicidal ideation. Methods: The authors used linear regression modeling to assess religious and spiritual correlates of suicidal ideation. Results: After controlling for demographic variables and psychosocial factors, neither involvement in organized religion nor religious well-being significantly contributed to suicidal ideation. However, even after controlling for significant correlates, existential well-being remained a significant predictor of suicidal ideation. Conclusions: This investigation highlighted existential well-being as an important fact...
CD56 expression of neuroendocrine neoplasms on immunophenotyping by flow cytometry: a novel diagnostic approach to fine-needle aspiration biopsy

BACKGROUND CD56 antigen or NCAM (neural cell adhesion molecule) has an established role in the diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)-natural killer cell type and other hematologic malignancies. Therefore, it is included routinely in the panel of antibodies for flow cytometric (FC) analysis of suspected lymphomatous tissue specimens obtained from fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). The authors evaluated the role of CD56 expression on FC of neuroendocrine (NE) tumors. An initial diagnosis of NHL was suspected based on an on-site FNAB evaluation. METHODS Ten FNABs were identified from the cytopathology files at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (2000–2001). Flow cytometric analysis was negative for NHL but revealed a CD56-positive nonlymphoid cell population. An FNAB evaluation was performed on air-dried Diff-Quik–stained smears and FC analysis used a fixed panel of 12 antibodies (B-cell markers, T-cell markers, CD33, CD56, and CD71). Immunoperoxidase staining (IPOX) was performed on the cell block sections from four of the tissue specimens using epithelial and NE markers, CD56, desmin, and O13 antibodies. Sites of FNAB included the lung (five cases), liver (one case), lymph node (three cases), and peritoneum (one case). Only one patient had a history of cancer at the time of FNAB. RESULTS All cytologic diagnoses were confirmed by histopathologic follow-up on resection or biopsy or both. Diagnoses included small cell carcinoma (eight cases), Merkel cell carcinoma (one case), and primitive neuroectodermal tumor/Ewing sarcoma (one case). All tissue specimens that underwent IPOX stained strongly with NE markers, with one tissue section staining only with O13. CONCLUSIONS CD56 expression by FC in the presence of negative immunostaining with lymphoid markers represented a unique yet highly specific method for the diagnosis of NE tumors by FNAB. This procedure eliminated the need for further IPOX studies on the already limited cytologic sample and provided a timely and accurate diagnosis. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2003;99:240–6. © 2003 American Cancer Society.
Vibrational properties of bulk LaAlO3 from Fourier-transform infrared ellipsometry

Abstract We used Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic ellipsometry to determine the dielectric function of twinned single-crystalline bulk lanthanum aluminate at 300 K in the region of lattice vibrations from 250 to 1000 cm − 1 . We fit the experimental data using a classical sum of Lorentz oscillators as well as a factorized model. We were able to determine the parameters of five infrared-active optical phonons within our spectral range. Transverse phonons appear as peaks in the imaginary part of the dielectric function which are clearly visible without fitting. By transforming the data to obtain the loss function, we are able to observe the longitudinal phonons as peaks in the imaginary part. The polar nature of LaAlO 3 causes a strong splitting between the transverse optical (TO) and longitudinal optical (LO) phonon energies. We report energies, amplitudes and broadenings of five TO/LO phonon pairs and compare the two models used to describe the data.
Human-caused habitat fragmentation can drive rapid divergence of male genitalia

The aim of this study rests on three premises: (i) humans are altering ecosystems worldwide, (ii) environmental variation often influences the strength and nature of sexual selection, and (iii) sexual selection is largely responsible for rapid and divergent evolution of male genitalia. While each of these assertions has strong empirical support, no study has yet investigated their logical conclusion that human impacts on the environment might commonly drive rapid diversification of male genital morphology. We tested whether anthropogenic habitat fragmentation has resulted in rapid changes in the size, allometry, shape, and meristics of male genitalia in three native species of livebearing fishes (genus: Gambusia) inhabiting tidal creeks across six Bahamian islands. We found that genital shape and allometry consistently and repeatedly diverged in fragmented systems across all species and islands. Using a model selection framework, we identified three ecological consequences of fragmentation that apparently underlie observed morphological patterns: decreased predatory fish density, increased conspecific density, and reduced salinity. Our results demonstrate that human modifications to the environment can drive rapid and predictable divergence in male genitalia. Given the ubiquity of anthropogenic impacts on the environment, future research should evaluate the generality of our findings and potential consequences for reproductive isolation.
Informatics Challenges in Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials

Both tissue engineering and biomaterials have made tremendous strides recently, yet major questions remain unanswered. Tissue-engineered products have come to the market; others are in development. A fundamental issue that informatics could address for tissue engineering is to describe and to predict the cascade of biochemical and cellular reactions that occur as a function of time and implant material: surface texture, microporosity; pore size, density, and connectivity; and three-dimensional configuration. Behavior of ceramics, a subset of tissue-engineering scaffold materials and a mainstay of dental restorations, has been studied extensively for very thin layers and for thicknesses greater than 2 mm. Until recently, little has been known about dentally relevant thickness of 1-2 mm. Results have been surprising and are continuing to develop. Still, at least one fundamental question remains that could be addressed by informatics techniques: Where, along the spectrum of flat-polished material to 10-year clinical in vivo study, can we test to predict clinical performance of all-ceramic crowns accurately?
Regional variation in farm input use: The case of pesticides

Changes in crop production activities resulting from farm programs and policies alter the demand for inputs. This article discusses a statistical method by which regional input responses may be analyzed before aggregate impacts on farm production and income are forecast. Researchers and decision makers may anticipate projected changes in input markets based on the observed regional deviations of input use levels from national average quantities as explained by crop location and distribution effects. An example of pesticide use changes after implementing a conservation reserve program illustrates the value of incorporating regional variation factors into the analysis of impacts on agricultural input industries.
Monocotyledons : systematics and evolution

This two-volume set dedicated to Rolf Dahlgren (1932-1986), contains 31 papers presented at an international Monocotyledons conference: Systematics and Evolution symposium at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in 1993. The conference addressed systematics, mainly at family level and above, with the aim of encouraging a new classification.
Fertilizer adoption by small-scale farmers in Nakuru District, Kenya

This study identifies the socio-economic factors responsible for fertilizer adoption in Nakuru District, Kenya. Data for the study were obtained from a cross section of the farmers by using a multi-stage random sampling technique to purposively select both adopters and non-adopters of fertilizers. The probit model was employed to analyse the data via the maximum likelihood estimation technique. In addition, by making use of changes in stimulus level due to changes in socioeconomic variables, the effect of different policy options on fertilizer adoption was explored.
G-actin pool and actin messenger RNA during development of the apical processes of the retinal pigment epithelial cells of the chick.

Abstract It has been suggested that during development an increase in the pool of G-actin may drive the elongation of actin-containing processes which occur in several types of epithelial cells. The apical processes of chick retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells elongate during the last 7 days of embryonic life (E15–E21) reaching lengths of 20 μm or more by hatching (E21). F-actin bundles form the cores of these processes. We followed the elongation by measuring F-actin in the cells and cytoskeletons. In correlation with this, we studied by DNAse assay the levels of monomeric actin in supernatants of cell extracts from E13, before elongation starts, to E17, when elongation is well underway. Total F-actin increased 1.9-fold over this time period and cytoskeletal actin increased 2.5-fold. In supernatants from extracts of E13 RPE the monomeric actin concentration was 51 ± 0.5 μg/ml. From estimates of cell volume we calculated the cellular monomeric actin concentration at E13 as at least 510 μg/ml (13 μ M ). We compared this with monomeric actin levels in extracts from RPE at E15 and E17. Allowing for the estimated increase in cell volume, our data show little overall change in cellular monomeric actin concentration at these times. Changes in the level of actin mRNA were measured over the same time period. Normalized to equal RNA, we found a twofold increase in β actin mRNA and a four- to fivefold increase in message for γ actin at E17 as compared to E13. In summary, we show that (1) there is a substantial pool of monomeric actin in these epithelial cells before elongation starts; (2) process elongation is not associated with a significant change in the size of this pool; and (3) process elongation is associated with a significant increase in actin mRNA.
Particle properties of sugar maple hemicellulose hydrolysate and its influence on growth and metabolic behavior of Pichia stipitis.

Abstract In this study the influence of the insoluble solids in nano-filtrated sugar maple hemicellulosic hydrolysate on the metabolic behavior of Pichia stiptis was investigated. The particle properties of hemicellulosic hydrolysate were analyzed. Phosphoric acid and ammonium (PA) were applied to remove the particles. The metabolic behavior and growth property of P. stipitis in particle – removed hydrolysate was measured. Results demonstrated that the average particle size and zeta potential of the untreated hydrolysate were 2266.9 ± 78.2 nm and −6.09 ± 0.49 mV. Xylose consumption and ethanol production rate were significantly decreased when particle content is greater than 1.63 g/L. Because the majority of particles (34 g/L) were removed from hydrolysates by phosphoric acid and ammonium treatment, the fermentability of the hydrolysate was significantly improved. These results indicated particles play an important role in hydrolysate inhibition effect.
Molecular-Dynamics Calculations for Ethylene Adsorbed on Graphite

The structural and dynamical behavior of overlayers of ethylene physisorbed on the graphite basal plane, has been investigated via computer simulation. The dynamics of various surface phases has been revealed by examination of the power spectra appropriate to molecular translational and rotational motion. Our results are discussed in the light of recent experimental work on the ethylene-graphite system.
Performance Evaluation of Nonwoven Geotextiles in Soil-Fabric Interaction

A laboratory research program was undertaken to determine the influence of fabric mass and normal pressure on the stress-strain characteristics of a geotextile-soil inter face. Pullout tests were done in a large pullout box using three needlepunched non woven geotextiles with the same apparent opening sizes and different mass/unit areas. A dry medium sand was the cover material. Effects of mass/unit area of the fabric and normal pressure on pullout test results were analyzed in terms of ultimate pullout load and strain at different points on the geotextile specimens. Pullout tests were conducted at 7, 14, and 21 kPa normal pressures and at a constant displacement rate of 20 mm/min. Pullout resistance decreased with increased gootextile mass / unit area due to extensive necking of the geotextiles. Pullout resistance also increased with increasing normal pressure. Effective embedment length was determined at each normal pressure level based on the strain developed along the length of the geotextiles.
Determining lateral migration rates of meandering rivers using fallout radionuclides

Abstract We explore the novel technique of using short-lived fallout radionuclides to date fluvial surfaces with the goal of determining lateral migration rates. Specifically, we use the fallout radionuclide 210Pb (half-life t1/2 ~ 22.3 years) to determine the lateral migration rates of meandering reaches on the Winooski River, VT, the upper Connecticut River, NH, and the Genesee River, NY. We find that, particularly near the channel, 210Pbex inventories are affected by the initial 210Pbex inventories of freshly deposited sediment (inheritance). Inheritance differs at each site, with lower inheritance occurring at sites with larger upstream drainage areas. After accounting for inheritance, 210Pbex inventories in surface sediments along a transect orthogonal to the channel yield migration rates of 0.7, 3.1, and 4.7 m/y for the Winooski, Connecticut, and Genesee Rivers, respectively. These rates agree well with values derived independently from historical aerial photography. Variations in 210Pbex inventories along the transects also provide details of the channel migration histories not evident from the limited available aerial photographs, including evidence for both nearly constant linear and episodic channel migrations. Results suggest the broad applicability and added value of our approach for quantifying decadal-scale variations in fluvial surface ages.
Character Education: Introduction, Evolution, and Current Trends

In 1983, the National Commission on Excellence in Education published A Nation at Risk in response to the growing perception that the public educational system in the United States was failing to a...
Heroin and morphine binding with human serum proteins and red blood cells.

SummaryEquilibrium dialysis experiments were performed to determine the binding properties of heroin and morphine to major blood constituents. The serum proteins studied showed little binding with heroin-14C or morphine-14C.However, the addition of cold heroin to the system increased the observed uptake of the radioactive substance with serum, RBC, ghosts, and washed RBC. These changes in binding may be due to mechanical affinity of the molecules: 14C-labeled plus nonradioactive in vitro. Conjugation may alter this pattern in vivo. Free heroin and morphine probably float unbound in the blood before further metabolism in other tissues.
Overflow and underflow in multiplication and division

Abstract In this paper the distribution of floating-point exponents and its effect on the frequency of underflow and overflow is studied. Previous work suggested that the uniform distribution of exponents was the only continuous one consistent with the logarithmic distribution of floating-point fractions. This paper takes that as a starting point and analyzes, both mathematically and computationally, how the distribution evolves as a result of repeated multiplications and divisions. We see that continuous and discrete models exhibit very similar behavior, generating subsequent distributions which are splines of increasing degree with characteristics similar to those of a normal distribution. These distributions are related to a system of functional differential equations. The analysis leads to a simple computational model which is used as a basis for the experimental results. These confirm that the likelihood of exponent spill is substantially reduced if the initial distribution is restricted to a small range. Even better results are obtained if the initial range is symmetric.
Performance of the Solar Desalination Plant at Abu Dhabi

Abstract This paper describes the solar desalination plant located in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., and gives the main design parameters of each of the plant's major subsystems. It also reviews the basic operating and control features as well as the basic operating and performance parameters observed during the plant's first year of operation.
Dissolution/reprecipitation and protein adsorption studies of calcium phosphate coatings by FT-IR/ATR techniques

The surfaces of bioactive Ca-P ceramics immediately change when exposed to proteinaceous solutions. The dissolution behavior and protein interactions of these bioactive materials at the bone/implant interface need to be investigated to understand their material-cellular interactions fully. In this study, FT-IR/ATR techniques were used to study the in situ phosphate release kinetics of Ca-P coatings. The net loss of phosphate molecules from coatings was slower in saline solutions compared with alpha-MEM solutions. Coatings exposed to alpha-MEM solutions containing fibronectin released phosphate molecules slower than coatings exposed to alpha-MEM solutions containing albumin. Conformational changes in fibronectin and albumin adsorbed onto Ca-P and uncoated germanium surfaces were also investigated using FT-IR/ATR spectroscopy. Analysis of changes in the amide I bands indicated that there was a greater loss of beta-sheet structure in adsorbed fibronectin on Ca-P coatings when compared with bare germanium surfaces. Although albumin did change its structure upon adsorption on both Ca-P and germanium, unlike fibronectin, adsorbed albumin structure was similar on Ca-P coatings and germanium. Furthermore, with time the conformation of adsorbed fibronectin and albumin appeared to be very stable on Ca-P coatings, whereas albumin adsorbed to germanium exhibited an increase in ratio of alpha-helix to beta-turn.
Further analysis and comparative study of intermolecular interactions using dimers from the S22 database

Accurate MP2 and CCSD(T) complete basis set (CBS) interaction energy curves (14 points for each curve) have been obtained for 20 of the dimers reported in the S22 set and analytical Morse curves have been fitted that can be used in developing updated density functional theory (DFT) and force field models. The magnitude and the effect of the basis set superposition error (BSSE) were carefully investigated. We found that going up to aug-cc-pVDZ and aug-cc-pVTZ basis sets is enough to obtain accurate CBS MP2 energies when BSSE corrected values are used but aug-cc-pVTZ and aug-cc-pVQZ basis sets are needed when the BSSE uncorrected total energies are used in CBS extrapolations. MP2 interaction energies with smaller basis sets such as 6-31G* are found to have very little dispersion energy and that the true source of dispersion attributed attractive interactions is almost entirely due to BSSE. MP2 and CCSD(T) CBS interaction energies are found to be very close to one another if aromatic systems are not involved. Comparative analyses have been performed with semiempirical and ab initio methods utilizing the moderate in size but affordable 6-31G* basis set both of which can be readily applied to macromolecular systems. The new M06-2X and M06-L DFT functionals were found to be more accurate than all methods tested herein. Interaction energy curves using the SG1 grid showed discontinuities for several of the dimer systems but this problem disappeared when finer DFT numerical grids were used.