cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Speech discrimination after early exposure to pulsed-noise or speech

Early experience of structured inputs and complex sound features generate lasting changes in tonotopy and receptive field properties of primary auditory cortex (A1). In this study we tested whether these changes are severe enough to alter neural representations and behavioral discrimination of speech. We exposed two groups of rat pups during the critical period of auditory development to pulsed-noise or speech. Both groups of rats were trained to discriminate speech sounds when they were young adults, and anesthetized neural responses were recorded from A1. The representation of speech in A1 and behavioral discrimination of speech remained robust to altered spectral and temporal characteristics of A1 neurons after pulsed-noise exposure. Exposure to passive speech during early development provided no added advantage in speech sound processing. Speech training increased A1 neuronal firing rate for speech stimuli in naive rats, but did not increase responses in rats that experienced early exposure to pulsed-noise or speech. Our results suggest that speech sound processing is resistant to changes in simple neural response properties caused by manipulating early acoustic environment.
Reproductive hormone effects on strength of the rat anterior cruciate ligament.

The material properties of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in female rats with normal estrous cycles were compared to those regulated by oral contraceptive steroids. Forty female Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into two groups: an experimental group received daily ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel in a dosing model designed to simulate a typical oral contraception regime in humans, while a control group received daily oral placebo. After eight cycles, six rats from each group underwent daily phlebotomy to measure serum estradiol and progesterone levels over the course of a single 5-day estrous cycle. Significant differences between groups were found for the area under the curve of blood progesterone levels versus time over the length of the estrous cycle (P = 0.02). After 12 cycles, the rats were euthanized and one femur-ACL-tibia complex from each animal was dynamically loaded to failure. The ACLs from the rats in the experimental group had significantly decreased average and tangent stiffness, (P = 0.002 and 0.0001, respectively), and significantly increased elongation (P = 0.002) and total energy absorbed (P = 0.03), or greater toughness than controls. In rats, it appears that the administration of reproductive hormones designed to simulate typical oral contraception in humans alters the mechanical properties of the rat ACL.
Skull Base, Orbits, Temporal Bone, and Cranial Nerves: Anatomy on MR Imaging

Accurate delineation, diagnosis, and treatment planning of skull base lesions require knowledge of the complex anatomy of the skull base. Because the skull base cannot be directly evaluated, imaging is critical for the diagnosis and management of skull base diseases. Although computed tomography (CT) is excellent for outlining the bony detail, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging provides better soft tissue detail and is helpful for evaluating the adjacent meninges, brain parenchyma, and bone marrow of the skull base. Thus, CT and MR imaging are often used together for evaluating skull base lesions. This article focuses on the radiologic anatomy of the skull base pertinent to MR imaging evaluation.
Parameter sensitivity of noisy chaotic time series

We examine the sensitivity of noisy time series of data from a chaotic system to changes in the parameters of the system. The investigation yields two insights: (1) A small fraction of the data contains most of the information about the parameters. (2) For one-parameter families of systems, there is often a preferred direction in parameter space governing how easily trajectories of nearby systems shadow each other. A parameter estimation algorithm is presented that leverages these properties of chaotic systems to yield estimate errors that decrease as ${1/N}^{2}$, where $N$ is the number of state samples used.
The pathology of fungal infection and colonization in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Abstract We used methenamine silver stains to retrospectively evaluate the prevalence of fungi and their associated inflammatory reactions in 63 patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) autopsied between 1982 and 1987. Fungi were detected in 13 patients (21%) who fell into three groups: respiratory tract colonization (five patients); localized infection (five patients); and disseminated infection (three patients). Hyphae consistent with Aspergillus sp were present in five patients; yeast-like cells and/or pseudohyphae consistent with Candida sp occurred in eight patients; and Histoplasma capsulatum produced fibrocaseous lymph node and splenic granulomas in one patient. Acute inflammation typified most fungal lesions, while bronchocentric granulomatosis affected one patient. Compared with patients with no fungi, those with fungi were more frequently treated with indwelling central venous catheters ( P P
Collagen Synthesis by Liver Stellate Cells Is Released from Its Normal Feedback Regulation by Acetaldehyde-Induced Modification of the Carboxyl-Terminal Propeptide of Procollagen

Acetaldehyde stimulates collagen synthesis in stellate cells and forms adducts with procollagen in the liver of alcoholics. To assess the possibility that modification of the carboxyl-terminal propeptide by acetaldehyde affects its capacity to exert a feedback inhibition of collagen synthesis after splitting from procollagen, the propeptide was prepared by gel filtration of the bacterial collagenase digests of procollagen type I (obtained from 10(9) calvaria fibroblasts of newborn rats) and reacted with either 250 mM acetaldehyde and 100 mM CNBH3 or with 170 microM acetaldehyde without reducing agents, to mimick in vivo conditions. The unmodified propeptide produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of collagen synthesis by Ito cells. By contrast, the acetaldehyde-modified propeptide produced a lesser inhibition of procollagen synthesis in the cells, associated with a greater accumulation of collagen in the media. The incubation with 170 microM acetaldehyde and, to a lesser extent, 50 mM ethanol produced collagenase-digestible adducts in stellate cells. Thus, the formation of acetaldehyde adducts with the carboxyl-terminal propeptide of procollagen may account, at least in part, for the stimulatory effect of acetaldehyde on collagen synthesis by stellate cells and may lead to collagen accumulation through a decrease of the normal feedback regulation of collagen synthesis by the propeptide.
Convergence properties of optimal control algorithms

This paper deals with the convergence of optimal control algorithms in the sense of control measures. Specifically, it shows, as a corollary, that most optimal control algorithms construct sequences of controls which always converge in cost to a local minimum.
Molybdenum sound velocity and shear modulus softening under shock compression

We measured the longitudinal sound velocity in Mo shock compressed up to 4.4 Mbars on the Hugoniot. Its sound speed increases linearly with pressure up to 2.6 Mbars; the slope then decreases up to the melting pressure of ∼3.8 Mbars. This suggests a decrease of shear modulus before the melt. A linear extrapolation of our data to 1 bar agrees with the ambient sound speed. The results suggest that Mo remains in the bcc phase on the Hugoniot up to the melting pressure. There is no statistically significant evidence for a previously reported bcc→hcp phase transition on the Hugoniot.
Nuclear/cytoplasmic localization of the von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor gene product is determined by cell density

Abstract The product of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene, the gene inactivated in VHL disease and in sporadic clear-cell renal carcinomas, has recently been shown to have as a functional target the transcription elongation complex, elongin (also called SIII). Here it is shown that there is a tightly regulated, cell-density-dependent transport of VHL into and/or out of the nucleus. In densely grown cells, the VHL protein is predominantly in the cytoplasm, whereas in sparse cultures, most of the protein can be detected in the nucleus. We have identified a putative nuclear localization signal in the first 60 and first 28 amino acids of the human and rat VHL protein, respectively. Sequences in the C-terminal region of the VHL protein may also be required for localization to the cytosol. These findings provide the initial indication of a novel cell density-dependent pathway that is responsible for the regulation of VHL cellular localization.
Parasite uses host NFAT to co-opt immune response

![Figure][1] Insight from Christopher Hunter (left) and David Christian Intracellular pathogens promote their survival by targeting host signaling pathways that either turn off antimicrobial activities or activate events that support their replication and/or survival of the host cell. The
Investigation of algae and yeast for α-tocopherol and α-tocopherolquinone content

Abstract Five species of yeast and nine species of algae were analyzed for their content of α-tocopherol and α-tocopherolquinone. No α-tocopherol or α-tocopherolquinone was found in any of the yeasts examined. However, several of the algae contained α-tocopherol and α-tocopherolquinone. A brine water alga, Stichococcus bacillaris, contained the largest amount of α-tocopherol (134·2 μg/g dry weight) and a brown marine alga, Macrocystis integrifolia, contained the largest amount of α-tocopherolquinone (11·9 μg/g dry weight). None of these organisms would appear to be as suitable as Euglena gracilis for studies of the biosynthesis of α-tocopherol and α-tocopherolquinone.
Overcoming Obstacles to Empathy: The Use of Experiential Learning in Addictions Counseling Courses

Empathy is associated with positive outcomes in addictions counseling. The moral model of addiction and unresolved countertransference issues may hinder counseling students’ development of empathic understanding for clients with substance use disorders. Counselor educators must structure courses in such a way as to help students overcome obstacles to empathy. We provide examples of several experiential activities framed within the context of Kolb’s experiential-learning cycle that are designed to deconstruct obstacles to student empathy development.
Vehicle development process for EcoCAR: The next challenge competition

Present work investigates development of the vehicle design in the Texas Tech University EcoCAR program with industry standard vehicle development process (VDP). The three different architectures considered are fuel cell, GM two-mode hybrid and belt alternator/starter system (BAS+). The design process started from the architecture selection with the use of PSAT software. Based on results, best choice of vehicle architecture among the three considered is two-mode hybrid. With Matlab/Simulink environment vehicle model is developed. The plant model and controller model is tested with software-in-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-loop (HIL) simulations. The testing of this stage is done with NI PXI and dSPACE MicroAutoBox.
The effectiveness of 100 and 200 mg etodolac (Ultradol), aspirin, and placebo in patients with pain following oral surgery

The analgesic efficacy of etodolac (Ultradol) was evaluated in 168 patients experiencing moderate to severe pain following oral surgery. The patients were given either etodolac 100 mg, etodolac 200 mg, aspirin 650 mg, or placebo. There was a minimum of forty patients in each drug group. Patients recorded pain intensity and pain relief at 1/2 hour and then hourly for up to 12 hours after medication. The efficacy variables analyzed were the sum of pain-intensity differences, total pain relief, onset of analgesia, and the patient's opinion of the study drug. Time-effect curves were made from the pain-relief and pain-intensity difference scores. The analgesic potency of both 100 and 200 mg of etodolac was comparable to 650 mg of aspirin and superior to placebo. Like aspirin, both doses of etodolac showed significant analgesia within one hour and a significantly longer duration of action than placebo.
Appraisal Of Nonlinear Organic Optical Materials

Reports of organic materials with second-order nonlinear optical properties are reviewed.© (1987) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Adrenocortical sensitivity to low-dose ACTH administration in depressed patients.

We studied adrenocortical sensitivity to ACTH 1−24 in depressed patients after suppressing endogenous ACTH with dexamethasone. The dose of ACTH 1−24 used (50 ng) was based on prior studies showing that it produced a consistent response
Point-to-Plane Corona in Dry Air

A survey study has been made of point-to-plane corona in dried air for a range of pressures and point sizes. It has been found that negative points can be satisfactorily triggered by ultraviolet illumination and that the difficulties encountered in past attempts have probably been due to too intense illumination and possibly the presence of dust on the points. Under some conditions transitions from Trichel pulses to a pulseless Townsend-type discharge have been observed for negative points at high voltage. With positive points the occurrence of pre-onset streamers has been found to depend on higher pressures and the presence of water vapor to give sufficiently high photon absorbtion. Breakdown streamers are not observed with standard geometry for the usual points sizes, because the first one always closes the gap resulting in breakdown. For points of around 2-mm diameter the gap must be about twice standard length with room air, and about two and one-half times standard length with dried air, for breakdown streamers to be observed.
Autonomic neurons supplying the rat eye and the intraorbital distribution of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-like immunoreactivity

We traced the origin and path of autonomic nerves to the rat eye using, as an aid to dissection, a modified thiocholine method for the histochemical demonstration of cholinesterase. When applied to whole nerves and ganglia supplying the rat eye, this procedure is not specific for cholinergic neurons; instead it stains both sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, many of which are otherwise too fine to identify in dissection. We found that nerves from the superior cervical and pterygopalatine ganglia form a plexus at the orbital apex corresponding to the retro-orbital plexus found in rabbit, monkey and man. In the rat, nerves from the retro-orbital plexus travel peripherally to the superior surface of the optic-nerve sheath. Here, they fuse with long ciliary nerves and the post-ganglionic nerves from the ciliary ganglion to form another dense nerve-fiber plexus that ultimately supplies the eye. Importantly, the plexus on the optic nerve contains many isolated or aggregated ganglion cells. These are comparable in number to those in the ciliary ganglion itself and are assumed to be accessory ciliary neurons. Using immunohistochemistry, we also sought evidence for vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in these ganglia and nerves. As previously known, many pterygopalatine ganglion cells are immunoreactive for this peptide. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-like immunoreactive nerve fibers are present in nerves from the retro-orbital plexus to the optic-nerve sheath plexus, in most nerves of the latter plexus, and in most nerves entering the eye. Furthermore, a small proportion of nerve cells in the main and accessory ciliary ganglia also are immunoreactive for VIP. We conclude that in addition to the pterygopalatine ganglion, the ciliary ganglion and its accessory ganglia are sources of VIP-like immunoreactive nerves in the rat eye.
Southwest Virginia's Railroad: Modernization and the Sectional Crisis

This innovative look at antebellum Southwest Virginia disputes traditional Appalachian scholarship, which has maintained that industrialization in the area occurred after 1880. Kenneth Noe shows how mountain modernization began decades earlier, with a regional railroad that contributed to support for secession and the Confederacy. Combining an adept use of anecdote and detail with analysis of the written record, Noe shows that many supporters of the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad viewed it as a political tool, believing it would spread slavery and unite the state. He focuses on the railroad's economic fruits - integration of the region into the tobacco kingdom, urbanization, a growth in industry, and the spread of slavery - and shows how these brought about political results. By 1860, the author argues, the railroad had indeed increased the region's dependence on slavery, deepened its immersion in the capitalist marketplace, and strengthened its ties to the state capital.
The role of movement in perceptual adaptation to a tilted retinal image

Perceptual adaptation to prismatically created tilt of the retinal image was measured after three conditions of exposure: active, passive and no movement of the observer. No difference in magnitude of effect was found between the two movement conditions. The effects of no movement were considerably less than those attained with movement, thus indicating the effectiveness of movement-produced information for adaptation. An explanation is suggested for the no movement effect in terms of a Wertheimer righting-of-the-field.
Interaction of von Willebrand Factor Domain A1 with Platelet Glycoprotein Ibα-(1–289) SLOW INTRINSIC BINDING KINETICS MEDIATE RAPID PLATELET ADHESION

Abstract We investigated the crucial hemostatic interaction between von Willebrand factor (VWF) and platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ibα. Recombinant VWF A1 domain (residues Glu497-Pro705 of VWF) bound stoichiometrically to a GPIbα-calmodulin fusion protein (residues His1-Val289 of GPIbα; GPIbα-CaM) immobilized on W-7-agarose with a K d of 3.3 μm. The variant VWF A1(R545A) bound to GPIbα-CaM 20-fold more tightly, mainly because the association rate constantk on increased from 1,100 to 8,800m −1 s−1. The GPIbα mutations G233V and M239V cause platelet-type pseudo-von Willebrand disease, and VWF A1 bound to GPIbα(G233V)-CaM and GPIbα(M239V)-CaM with aK d of 1.0 and 0.63 μm, respectively. The increased affinity of VWF A1 for GPIbα(M239V)-CaM was explained by an increase in k on to 4,500m −1 s−1. GPIbα-CaM bound with similar affinity to recombinant VWF A1, to multimeric plasma VWF, and to a fragment of dispase-digested plasma VWF (residues Leu480/Val481-Gly718). VWF A1 and A1(R545A) bound to platelets with affinities and rate constants similar to those for binding to GPIbα-CaM, and botrocetin had the expected positively cooperative effect on the binding of VWF A1 to GPIbα-CaM. Therefore, allosteric regulation by botrocetin of VWF A1 binding to GPIbα, and the increased binding affinity caused by mutations in VWF or GPIbα, are reproduced by isolated structural domains. The substantial increase in k on caused by mutations in either A1 or GPIbα suggests that productive interaction requires rate-limiting conformational changes in both binding sites. The exceptionally slow k on andk off provide important new constraints on models for rapid platelet tethering at high wall shear rates.
The quest for quantum chaos in the stadium

Abstract We study the quantum mechanics of a Hamiltonian system which is classically chaotic: the stadium billard. We have extended the pioneering investigations of McDonald and Kaufman, obtaining a much more detailed look at the eigenfunctions and finding eigenstates of the stadium up to about the 10,000th. Periodic orbits play an active role in shaping the eigenstates.
Experimental Methods for Determining Residual Stresses and Strains in Various Biological Structures

Over the years, an assortment of methods for determining residual stresses has been developed in the field of experimental mechanics. Adaptations of those methods to study residual strains and stresses in various biological structures found in humans, other mammals, viruses and an insect are reviewed. Methods considered include deflections from release of residual stresses, hole drilling and ring coring, strains upon dissection, the contour method, slitting (crack compliance), X-ray diffraction, photoelasticity, and membrane and shell displacements. Sources of residual stresses and strains are summarized and examples of their physiological role noted.
Three-dimensional image correction of tilted samples through coordinate transformation.

In scanned probe measurements of micrometer- or nanometer-scale lines, it is nearly impossible to maintain the sample in a perfectly level position, and even a small amount of tilt can contribute to the accuracy of the result of the measurand such as linewidth or step height. The current practice in image processing to deal with this problem is to conduct a line-by-line analysis to find the best fit of the substrate profile and subtract this background from all data points, thus describing 3D plane turns as a series of lines and processing them in succession in the x- or y-direction. In this paper a coordinate transformation method is proposed. The new coordinate system can be established on the basis of the inclined angle of the sample as well as the translation of three axes between the old coordinate system and the new coordinate system. The method can mathematically derive and hence correct all tilts around the x-, y- and z-axes and produce a leveled image simultaneously. Feature dimensions such as width, height, sidewall angle and pitch are calculated on the basis of simulated images using the coordinate transformation method and other methods. The result shows the advantage of the proposed method. SCANNING 30: 41–46, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Does Puerperal Norplant Insertion Predispose Teens To Postpartum Depression?• 18

Progestins alter central neurotransmitter levels and can cause depression. Administration of exogenous progestins during the puerperium could exacerbate postpartum depression. We hypothesized that teens who have a Norplant inserted during the puerperium are more apt to become depressed then those who do not. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the incidence of depression (score≥17 on the CESD-depression scale) 1 year postpartum in 212, consecutively delivered, ≤18 yr olds. Participants were divided into 3 groups: 100 (47%) had Norplant inserted during the puerperium; 72 (34%) had Norplant inserted during the next 10 mos; and 40 (19%) used other contraceptives (40% pills; 17% condoms; 43% nothing). Bivariate analyses revealed no group differences in: age (17±1 yrs), medicaid use (93% users), parity (80% primiparas); school drop out (35%), race/ethnicity (47% minority), the prevalence of teen parents in the environment, or risk factors for postpartum depression(depression before/during pregnancy, adverse pregnancy outcome, no longer involved with baby's father, and inadequate social support). Teens who had puerperal Norplant insertions were more apt to have been abused in the past(p=.01) & less apt to have new boyfriends (p=.03). Complaints of dysphoria and moodiness were common among Norplant users (70%), but puerperal Norplant insertion was not associated with depression. The mean CESD scores of puerperal Norplant users and users of other contraceptives were significantly lower than those of other Norplant users (13±11 v 11±8 v 18±13, respectively; p=.004), as was the incidence of depression (30% v 23% v 45%, respectively; p=.04). Multivariate analyses did not alter this finding. Postpartum contraceptive group remained the most important determinant of CESD-score and depression. This study shows that progestins are more apt to cause depression when administered after the puerperium. The pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying this intriguing finding remain to be elucidated. We hypothesize that this differential effect of exogenous progestins on these young mothers' moods is related to the resumption of endogenous ovarian cycling.
Measuring environmental improvements image in companies implementing green manufacturing, by means of a fuzzy logic model for decision-making purposes

Green manufacturing is becoming an important strategy that manufacturing companies are implementing in their facilities to differentiate themselves from competitors. Several research efforts have been done aiming to understand the improvements achieved with green manufacturing. However, additional research needs to be conducted on how companies differ from each other, and how they can compare themselves to leading companies in environmental terms. The objective of this research was to design, verify, and validate a model able to deliver a positioning index (environmental improvement index, EIIGM) that measures the environmental image of a company as a function of their environmental improvements, and as compared to achievements in the same areas by leading companies implementing green manufacturing. The model was developed using a fuzzy logic approach. Main findings indicate that the highest levels in the EIIGM are achieved when simultaneously improving the four variables considered (water, waste, energy, and CO2 emissions), with energy savings being the most important variable for companies improving only one variable. The environmental improvement index developed shows its importance as a planning and decision-making tool for manufacturing companies pursuing a higher environmental image, and a differentiation strategy from competitors based on environmental improvements.
Realization of entire operators by differential ones

In this paper, it is shown that the minimal operator generated by a second order operator differential expression of hyperbolic type is entire. As the coefficients of the equation are in general unbounded operators, it covers a number of partial differential equations. In this way the problem of realization of entire operators by partial differential ones as originally introduced by M. G. Krein in 1966 is solved. For the minimal operator, it is given also the analytical description of all its spectral functions. This paper is dedicated to memory of M. G. Krein who was a founder of the theory of entire operators.
A Simple Method of Multiple Comparisons of Means

Abstract A simple procedure for multiple comparisons of means is proposed for unequally sized samples. The procedure is attractive for its simplicity and for a graphical display which allows the experimenter to evaluate all comparisons of interest at a glance. The critical points used are those of the Studentized Maximum Modulus and two inequalities are involved: a conservative probability inequality and a radical algebraic inequality. Apparently, the joint effect of the two inequalities is conservative unless the imbalance in sample sizes is very large. For equally sized samples one can use critical points of the Studentized Range and the procedure becomes equivalent to Tukey's well-known T-method.
"now that's definitely a proper hack": self-made tools in hackerspaces

Cultures of making - that is, social practices of hacking, DIY, tinkering, repair, and craft - continue to rise in prominence, and design researchers have taken note, because of their implications for sustainability, democratization, and alternative models of innovation, design, participation, and education. We contribute to this agenda by exploring our findings on self-made tools, which we encountered in a 9-month ethnographic study of a hackerspace. Self-made tools embody issues raised in two discourses that are of interest in design research on making: tools and adhocism. In this paper, we explore ways that tools and adhocism interface with each other, using our findings as a material to think with. We find that this juxtaposition of concepts helps explain a highly generative creative practice - tool-making - within the hackerspace we studied.
The process selection problem for hole making

Abstract This paper addresses the topic of selecting a hole making process in a batch production based on an economic criterion. The procedure presented herein supports the process planning activity for hole making by producing time and cost estimates for each alternative process. In addition, the optimal machining parameters are produced in order to minimize the cost of each candidate process. Once the optimal machining parameters are found, the cost equations developed can help the process planner choose the most economical process. Since each process has a relative advantage, batch size analysis shows the range of production batch size in which each process is more economical. The paper provides an example and an analysis of the process cost function with respect to the various machining parameters, tool cost and machine fixed cost.
Preparation and characterization of borane adducts of 3- and 4-Substituted pyridines

Abstract The borane adducts of 3-fluoro-, 3- and 4-chloro-, 3- and 4-bromo-, and 3- and 4-cyanopyridine were prepared and characterized by chemical analyses, 1 H and 11 B NMR spectroscopy, IR, and differential scanning calorimetry. The 4-halopyridines as well as the two cyanopyridine derivatives were found upon heating to exhibit exothermic transtions, in contrast to the endothermic transitions of the 3-substituted pyridineboranes.
Treatment Planning and Delivery of Shell Dose Distribution for Precision Irradiation

The motivation for shell dose irradiation is to deliver a high therapeutic dose to the surrounding supplying blood-vessels of a lesion. Our approach's main utility is in enabling laboratory experiments to test the much disputed hypothesis about tumor vascular damage. That is, at high doses, tumor control is driven by damage to the tumor vascular supply and not the damage to the tumor cells themselves. There is new evidence that bone marrow derived cells can reconstitute tumor blood vessels in mice after irradiation. Shell dosimetry is also of interest to study the effect of radiation on neurogenic stem cells that reside in small niche surface of the mouse ventricles, a generalized form of shell. The type of surface that we are considering as a shell is a sphere which is created by intersection of cylinders. The results are then extended to create the contours of different organ shapes. Specifically, we present a routine to identify the 3-D structure of a mouse brain, project it into 2-D contours and convert the contours into trajectories that can be executed by our platform. We use the Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP) to demonstrate the dose delivery procedure. The SARRP is a portable system for precision irradiation with beam sizes down to 0.5 mm and optimally planned radiation with on-board cone-beam CT guidance.
Pain and the Brain: Chronic Widespread Pain

Chronic widespread pain is associated with several medical and psychiatric disorders including, but not limited to, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, mood disorders, hepatitis, endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism, and rheumatologic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Careful and comprehensive differential diagnosis must be performed to ensure a correct diagnosis before an appropriate treatment can be selected. Fibromyalgia, in particular, is challenging to diagnose and treat because it shares many characteristics with other disorders and is commonly concurrent with major mood disorders. A comprehensive disease management strategy including patient education, pharmacotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and aerobic and other forms of exercise can be beneficial for many patients with fibromyalgia.
Comparison of treatment result and compliance between private practice Medicaid and non-Medicaid orthodontic patients--a brief communication.

Treatment result and compliance for orthodontic Medicaid patients were assessed and compared to non-Medicaid patients of similar initial severity. All 55 North Carolina practices providing orthodontic treatment covered by Medicaid were asked to submit their last five Medicaid cases and five non-Medicaid cases of similar initial treatment complexity. Nine practices agreed to participate. Initial models, final models, and progress notes were obtained for all subjects. Casts were scored using the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) Index to assess initial and posttreatment orthodontic status, and progress notes were reviewed for compliance data. No clinically important differences were seen between the Medicaid and non-Medicaid groups with respect to initial PAR, final PAR, percent PAR reduction, broken appointments, broken appliances, or poor oral hygiene. In this study, Medicaid and non-Medicaid patients did not differ substantially with respect to effectiveness of treatment received or their compliance with treatment.
Heterogeneous preferences and non-central agglomeration of firms☆

Abstract This paper examines the locations of firms (such as restaurants), when consumers live in five towns that are equally spaced along a roadway. If heterogeneity in consumer preferences is large relative to the distance between towns, all firms agglomerate at the center. If heterogeneity in consumer preferences is moderate relative to the distance between towns, most firms agglomerate in the second and fourth towns.
A Descent Algorithm for Linear Continuous Chebyshev Approximation

Abstract This paper presents a direct, parameter-space descent algorithm for the linear continuous Chebyshev approximation problem. After suitable definition and characterization of edges and vertices, the search proceeds on a vertex-to-vertex basis. The advantage of the procedure is its generality, since the approximating set need not be a Chebyshev set, and a somewhat quicker time-to-convergence, at least on the examples attempted, than comparison algorithms. For approximation with non-Chebyshev sets the algorithm is defined up to a stop rule.
Investigation of cone-beam acquisitions implemented using a novel dedicated mammotomography system with unique arbitrary orbit capability (Honorable Mention Poster Award)

ABSTRACT We investigate cone-beam acquisitions implemented on a novel dedicated cone-beam transmission computed mammotomography (CmT) system with unique arbitrary orbit capability for pendant, uncompressed breasts. We use a previously reported optimized quasi-monochromatic beam technique together with orbits made possible with a novel CmT gantry system, to evaluate Vertical-Axis-Of-Rotation (VAOR), Circle-Plus-Two-Arcs (CP2A), and Saddle trajectories. Acquisition parameters include: W target, 60 kVp tube potential, 100th VL Nd filtration, 1.25 mAs, 55 cm SID, CsI(Tl) digital flat panel x-ray detector, and 7.7cm diameter uniform disc (Defrise) and resolution phantoms. Complex orbits were also performed for a realistic breast phantom. Reconstructions used an iterative ordered subsets transmission (OSTR) algorithm with 4x4 binned projections, 8 subsets, and 10 iterations, with 0.125 mm 3 voxels. We evaluate the results for image artifacts, distortion, and resolution. Reconstructed images of the disc coronal and sagittal slices show significant distortion of the discs and phantom interfaces away from the central plane of the cone-beam for VAOR, less distortion for CP2A, and minimal distortion for the complex 3D Saddle orbit. Resolution phantoms indicate no loss of resolution with the Saddle orbit, with the smallest 1.1mm diameter rods clearly resolved. Other image artifacts such as streaking were also significantly reduced in the Saddle orbit case. Results indicate that arbitrary orbits of pendant uncompressed breasts using cone-beam acquisitions and OSTR iterative reconstructions can be successfully implemented for dedicated CmT to improve angular sampling with significant reduction in distortion and other image artifacts. This capability has the potential to improve the performance of dedicated CmT by adequately sampling the breast and anterior chest volumes of prone patients with pendant, uncompressed breasts. Keywords: X-ray computed mammotomography, quasi-monochromatic, orbits, iterative reconstruction uncompressed breast imaging.
State of the Art Survey of Reference Sources in Film, Television and Radio

“Since films attract an audience of millions, the need and appetite for information about them is enormous.” So said Harold Leonard in his introduction to The Film Index published in 1941. The 1970's has produced more than enough — too much — food to satisfy that appetite. In the past five years the number of reference books, in this context defined as encyclopedias, handbooks, directories, dictionaries, indexes and bibliographies, and the astounding number of volumes on individual directors, complete histories, genre history and analysis, published screenplays, critics' anthologies, biographies of actors and actresses, film theory, film technique and production and nostalgia, that have been published is overwhelming. The problem in film scholarship is not too little material but the senseless duplication of materials that already exist and the embarrassing output of items that are poorly or haphazardly researched, or perhaps should not have been written at all.
The prevalence of autoantibodies and autoimmune hepatitis in patients with nonalcoholic Fatty liver disease.

The Prevalence of Autoantibodies and Autoimmune Hepatitis in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
THE TSP45I RESTRICTION-MODIFICATION SYSTEM IS PLASMID-BORNE WITHIN ITS THERMOPHILIC HOST

Abstract Thermus species YS45 harbors two small cryptic plasmids of 5.8 (pTsp45s) and approximately 12 kb (pTsp45l). Plasmid pTsp45s has been entirely sequenced, revealing three significant ORFs. In addition to a previously reported thermophilic plasmid-encoded replication protein (Rep), pTsp45s contains two genes for the Tsp45I methyltransferase (M.Tsp45I) and restriction endonuclease (Tsp45I). These two converging genes (tsp45IM and tsp45IR) overlap by 4 bp at their stop codons within an XbaI site. M.Tsp45I (413 aa, 47.0 kDa, recognizing 5′-GTSAC-3′) is highly homologous to other m6A-methyltransferases, especially M.EcaI (recognizing 5′-GGTNACC-3′). Tsp45I (332 aa, 37.4 kDa, cleaving 5′-↓GTSAC-3′) is not homologous to M.Tsp45I, or to other restriction endonucleases. Recombinant Tsp45I is stably produced in E. coli, and cleaves DNA at 65°C with the same specificity as the native enzyme. Therefore, the thermophilic Tsp45I restriction–modification system is plasmid-borne within its native host.
Development of a reactive control apparatus for a fixed two-dimensional oscillating water column wave energy device

Abstract Considerable gains in the performance of a wave energy device are possible when the power take-off mechanism is able to control the hydrodynamic response of the device. This paper reports work on the practical realization of such a mechanism for the oscillating water column device. The servomechanism and the analogue control circuit were tested in the laboratory for a number of regular wave frequencies. The results demonstrate that an oscillating water column of given dimensions can be made to resonate at any chosen frequency of interest by controlling the phase of the load acting on it. A short description of the system is presented together with the tests performed, and the results are discussed in detail.
Social Acceptability of Paranormal and Religious Beliefs

Dudley (in press) has suggested that participants take into account the social acceptabhty of paranormal and religious beliefs when comparing their own beliefs with those of the general population. h the study, participants were told that a socially acceptable belief is one that is praised and looked up to by the general population, and a socially unacceptable belief is one that is ridiculed and looked down on by the general population. Analysis suggested that religious behefs were more socially acceptable than other paranormal beliefs; however, Dudley (in press) did not explicitly measure participants' beliefs about the social acceptabdity of paranormal and religious beliefs. The purpose of the current study was to test the hypothesis that religious beliefs are considered more socially acceptable than paranormal beliefs.
High Precision Measurement Of Phosphorus In Thin Glass Films Using X-Ray Fluorescence

Use of sapphire substrates instead of silicon for measurement of phosphorus in BPSGs and PSGs can improve the precision of the phosphorus measurement from 3σ = 0.32 wt.% to 3o = 0.05 wt.%. Improvement in precision results from elimination of the background silicon counts, elimination of film thickness as a factor in phosphorus calculations, use of peak intensity ratios rather than absolute intensities, and elimination of wafer reloading effects.
Elevated ambulatory blood pressure in a multi-ethnic population of obese children and adolescents.

Objectives To evaluate the relationship among ambulatory blood pressure (ABP), body mass index (BMI), and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) in a multi-ethnic population of obese children with clinic blood pressure in the reference range. Study design A total of 43 obese normotensive children (7-17 years old) were recruited. ABP monitoring, oral glucose tolerance test, lipid levels, and urine microalbumin levels were obtained. Results Fourteen percent of the subjects had elevated 24-hour systolic blood pressure (SBP), 9.3% had elevated daytime SBP, and 32.6 % elevated nighttime SBP. For diastolic blood pressure, 4.7% of the sample had an elevated mean nighttime value. Children with more severe obesity (BMI SD score >2.5) had higher 24-hour and nighttime SBP than children with less severe obesity (BMI SD score ≤2.5). Children with HOMA values in the highest quartile had larger waist circumference and higher clinic blood pressure than children with HOMA values in the lowest quartile, and no difference in the mean ABP values was found in the 2 groups . Multiple linear regression analysis showed that 24-hour and nighttime SBP were significantly correlated with BMI SD score. Conclusion Obese children with normal clinic blood pressure often exhibit elevated ABP. The risk for ambulatory hypertension appears to be correlated with the degree of obesity.
Abstract LB-41: Rictor undergoes GSK3-dependent, FBXW7-mediated ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Rictor directly interacts with mTOR and other proteins to form an important complex (i.e., mTOR complex 2, mTORC2) that plays critical role in regulation of cellular homeostasis primarily by phosphorylating some AGC kinases such as Akt, PKC and SGK. Moreover, rictor also exerts biological functions such as regulation of protein degradation by interacting with other proteins independent of mTORC2. However the degradation of rictor itself and underlying mechanism are largely unknown and thus are the focuses of this study. We found that inhibition of proteasome with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 increased rictor levels accompanied with elevated rictor ubiquitination. Consistently inhibition of F-box and WD repeat domain-containing 7 (FBXW7; also known as FBW7 and CDC4) with various genetic means including knockdown, knockout and enforced expression of a dominant-negative mutant inhibited rictor ubiquitination and increased rictor levels, whereas enforced expression of FBXW7 decreased rictor stability and levels. Moreover, we detected an interaction between FBXW7 and rictor by immunoprecipitation. Hence, rictor is degraded through a FBXW7-mediated ubiquitination/proteasome mechanism. This process is dependent on GSK3 because GSK3 was associated with rictor and directly phosphorylated the Thr1695 site in a putative CPD motif of rictor; mutation of this site impaired the interaction between rictor and FBXW7, decreased rictor ubiquitination and increased rictor stability. Collectively we conclude that rictor undergoes GSK3-dependent, FBXW7-mediated ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. (J Koo and X Wu contributed equally to this work. This study was supported by Georgia Cancer Coalition Distinguished Cancer Scholar award and NIH R01 CA118450, R01 CA160522 and P01 CA116676. FR Khuri and S-Y Sun are Georgia Cancer Coalition Distinguished Cancer Scholars.) Citation Format: Junghui Koo, Xiayun Wu, Ping Yue, Zixu Mao, Fadlo R. Khuri, Shi-Yong Sun. Rictor undergoes GSK3-dependent, FBXW7-mediated ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-41. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-LB-41
A Unified Family of Covariate-Adjusted Response-Adaptive Designs Based on Efficiency and Ethics

Response-adaptive designs have recently attracted more and more attention in the literature because of its advantages in efficiency and medical ethics. To develop personalized medicine, covariate information plays an important role in both design and analysis of clinical trials. A challenge is how to incorporate covariate information in response-adaptive designs while considering issues of both efficiency and medical ethics. To address this problem, we propose a new and unified family of covariate-adjusted response-adaptive (CARA) designs based on two general measurements of efficiency and ethics. Important properties (including asymptotic properties) of the proposed procedures are studied under categorical covariates. This new family of designs not only introduces new desirable CARA designs, but also unifies several important designs in the literature. We demonstrate the proposed procedures through examples, simulations, and a discussion of related earlier work.
Tumor Antigen-Specific Monoclonal Antibodies and Induction of T-Cell Immunity

For decades the primary available cancer therapies were relatively nonspecific cytotoxic agents which, while effective in some patients, were limited by narrow therapeutic indices, extensive toxicity and development of resistance, likely due to tumor heterogeneity. Although these chemotherapies remain common tools of conventional treatment, the approval of a growing number of tumor antigen (TA)-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) by the US Food and Drug Administration has driven a shift in the paradigm of cancer therapy. For a subset of patients with lymphoma, colorectal, head and neck, and breast cancers, the inclusion of rituximab (anti-CD20), cetuximab (anti-human epidermal growth factor 1), and trastuzumab (anti-human epidermal growth factor 2) has resulted in overall improved clinical response rates and survival advantages. The mechanisms that contribute to these effects are limited not only to inhibition of signaling pathways but also include cell-mediated cytotoxicity by innate immune cells and priming of effector cells of adoptive immunity triggered by the TA-specific mAb. However, as the use of these therapeutic mAbs has become more widespread, it has been observed that there is significant variability of response in patients treated with these agents. Thus, the factors that mediate this variability in clinical responses must be elucidated to optimize the use of TA-specific mAbs.
Computer-aided process planning: past, present and future

Abstract The role of process planning in small-batch, discrete parts metal working industries and the impact of the computer in automating this important but tedious job are discussed. The nature, advantages, and limitations of the manual, variant, and generative approaches to process planning are presented along with a review of the progress to date for each approach. A major thrust of the paper is to discuss approaches and strategies for structuring manufacturing methods and data in decision logic formats applicable for developing generative type automated planning systems. Although no particular approach is promoted, the paper provides an overview and information useful for approaching the task of designing a generative type system. Some detailed discussion on part coding schemes and structuring decision logic for generative type planning systems is also presented. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the future of computer-aided process planning and the role that micro-computers will play in...