cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Newborn screening by DNA analysis of dried blood spots

Amplification of DNA recovered from a dried blood spot was used to genotype individuals with sickle cell disease, sickle cell carriers, and controls. A single 200-microliters blood spot applied to a filter paper provides sufficient material for more than 20 genetic analyses. In addition, the stability of the DNA is such that adequate material for amplification can be isolated from dried blood spots up to a year following collection. The DNA analysis methods described in this study could be applied to large-scale screening of newborns for genetic disorders.
Simultaneous Occurrence of Different Cloud Types

Abstract Cloud observations from land stations and from ships in the ocean are used to investigate the frequency of observation and the co-occurrence of different cloud types, and the geographical and seasonal variations of these co-occurrences. Ground-based observations are used because they provide a more definitive identification of clouds by type than do satellite observations. The clouds are grouped into six types (cirrus + cirrostratus + cirrocumulus, altostratus + altocumulus, stratus + stratocumulus, nimbostratus, cumulus, and cumulonimbus). The results are expressed as frequency of occurrence of different cloud types and as contingency probabilities; that is, given that one cloud type is present, the probability that another particular type is also present is computed. Several sources of bias are identified, and their effects on the results are estimated. It is found that, on the average at all latitudes and in all seasons, clear skies occur more frequently, by a factor of about 4, over land than...
Characterization of wafer-induced shift on overlay target using post- etch artifact wafers

ABSTRACT In this paper, I will present a methodology of using post etch wafers with multiple overlay targets to characterize the WaferInduced Shift (WIS). The overlay targets consists of both embedded and exposed structures that represent the post developand post etch measurements respectively. This methodology provides a metric to quantify the WIS in the process, defined asthe difference between post develop measurement, or develop check (DC), and post etch measurement, or final check (FC).It also allows us to characterize the overlay tool, the overlay target and the process variability altogether and to improve theconelation between DC and FC measurementsKeywords: Overlay metrology, overlay target design, alignment 1. INTRODUCTION Metrology errors have traditionally consumed a small portion of the overall overlay budget. Since design rules in advancelithography processes require tighter overlay performance, these errors become more significant as feature dimensions shrink.In a 0. 1 8jtm process, the overlay requirement will be less than 7Onm. Assuming a 10% overlay budget for metrology error, ittranslates to less than 7nm of overall measurement uncertainty. This includes all inherent metrology uncertainties, includingthe Tool Induced Shift (TIS) of the metrology tool, the variability of the overlay target and the error resulted from the biasbetween DC and FC measurements.TIS has been a widely accepted metric for overlay tool accuracy [1]. It can be calculated by collecting overlay results at both0 and 1 80 degree orientations. Equipment manufacturers have been spending much effort in improving optical alignment inoverlay systems to reduce TIS, in order to meet the technology roadmap specifications. However, reducing TIS alone isinsufficient to achieve such specifications. Another major error contribution, WIS has not been sufficiently addressed,mostly because such error is often process specific and is correlated with the intrinsic process variability. WIS is usuallydifficult to quantify or inaccessible for equipment manufacturers to qualify their overlay systems. As WIS is a result of theinteraction between the optical system and the measurement target, it can be difficult to separate from TIS [2].Success in chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) processes for tungsten, interlayer dielectric and shallow trench isolation(STI) has made overlay measurement a new challenge as these CMP processes tend to destroy the overlay targets andalignment marks alike. Difficulties in stepper alignment are accompanied by similar difficulties in measurement, whileaccurate overlay metrology is most needed.Some methodologies have been proposed to minimize overlay measurement error through various target designs [3,4].Through the evaluation of different designs of overlay target, an optimum design can be found for the particular processcondition. However, this procedure needs to be repeated once the process condition changes.
Gunther von Hagens and Body Worlds part 1: The anatomist as prosektor and proplastiker

Recent calls to reintegrate the sciences and humanities are challenged by the contemporary work of anatomist Gunther von Hagens and his Body Worlds exhibits of plastinated cadavers. The anatomical quest to understand our physical interior has long been in tension both with aesthetic ideals and religious sensitivities regarding the metaphysical significance of the human body. Part I of this two-part Historical Note examines tensions epitomized by Goethe's figures of the prosektor and proplastiker. The former, driven by scientific curiosity, is willing to destroy, even desecrate, the human form to obtain knowledge. The latter demurs at such mutilation of our physical body, wondrous even in death--seeking instead to rejoin what the prosektor has pulled apart, to restore human dignity. In the confrontation between prosektor and proplastiker, roles disturbingly fused in the person of von Hagens himself, questions arise regarding the authenticity of models as well as the appropriate recipients of such mediated yet intimate anatomical knowledge. Part II will focus on religious perspectives on the human body, variously interpreted as God's handiwork, habitation for the soul, and vehicle of resurrection. Consideration also is given to the role of anatomist as priest, prophet, and Promethean creator, roles self-consciously embraced by von Hagens.
Computer-Mediated Patient Education: Opportunities and Challenges for Supporting Women with Ovarian Cancer

A majority of women with ovarian cancer will face recurrent disease despite receiving aggressive chemotherapy at the time of diagnosis. Given the complex medical and psychosocial needs of women with ovarian cancer and the time constraints within busy clinical settings, providing women with the necessary education related to their disease and treatments can be challenging. The advent of computers and web-based technologies has created new opportunities for educating cancer patients and supporting them to better cope with their disease. This article reviews prior studies of computer-based patient education interventions to identify key intervention components and other factors associated with improved patient outcomes. Opportunities for using computer-based technologies to support women with ovarian cancer are discussed and WRITE Symptoms (a Written Representational Intervention To Ease Symptoms), a web-based, symptom management intervention for women with recurrent ovarian cancer, is introduced.
Bronchiolitis Obliterans: A New Clinical-Pathologic Complication of Irradiation Pneumonitis

A patient underwent chest irradiation for small-cell carcinoma of the left lung. Several weeks following cessation of irradiation, the patient developed hypoxemia and reticulonodular densities within the radiation port. Open lung biopsy yielded a pathologic diagnosis consistent with irradiation pneumonitis along with a previously unreported association, bronchiolitis obliterans. Bronchiolitis obliterans should be included in the pathologic description of irradiation pneumonitis.
The effects of forest management on plant species diversity in a Sierran conifer forest

Abstract We used a large data set collected as part of a wildlife habitat study at the Blodgett Forest Research Station in the Sierra Nevada of California to assess the influence of management practices on vascular plant diversity in the mixed conifer forest. In addition to the existing data, we conducted botanical inventories in 32 plots (0.28 ha in size) from five different silvicultural regimes in 1997. Based on these inventories, understory species richness normalized to a total area sampled of 1.13 ha was significantly greater in plots under plantation (80 species) and shelterwood (77 species) management compared to plots in reserve sites (i.e., approximately 80 year with no active management, 48 species). This pattern in species richness was consistent in the larger data set. Based on 372 plots sampled between 1977 and 1996, plantations and shelterwoods routinely had the highest species richness and the reserve units routinely were the least rich. Stands under single-tree selection had species richness values closer to those of the reserve stands. The relative diversity observed in group selection plots varied from year to year. Based on the 1997 data, canopy closure and seedbed were significantly correlated to understory plant diversity. Plots that were more open and had more bare ground tended to have higher species richness. This result supports the suggestion that in addition to the total amount of biomass removed, post-harvest practices also affect plant diversity. There were considerable differences in the composition of the understory communities among silvicultural treatments. Plots under a group selection, single tree selection or reserve management regime had a greater proportion of late-seral vs. early-seral species and a lower proportion of introduced exotic species compared to plantations and shelterwoods. In this forest, more intensive management maximized species richness, but the lower intensity practices better conserved understory plants typical of late-seral stands.
Management Half-Truths and Nonsense: How to Practice Evidence-based Management:

The quest for information and research-based insight is an obsession in the capital markets. There is a veritable industry of analysts, investment bankers, portfolio managers, and investors who seek any informational advantage, which is one reason that academics who study finance have been recruited to work on Wall Street and with money managers. Yet the potential payoff for using valid evidence is even greater when it comes to managing organizations. At the same time, however, imitation is much slower and less effective in the world of management practices, in part because such practices depend on tacit knowledge and implementation skill, on knowing not just what to do but how to do it. In addition, management practices and logic resist copying because of the power of precedent and ideology. Most managers actually try to act on the best evidence. They follow the business press, buy business books, hire consultants, and attend seminars featuring business experts. While companies sometimes benefit from these efforts, there is surprisingly little rigorous use or serious appreciation of evidence-based management. This article explores these obstacles and offers guidelines to enable managers to better practice evidence-based management.
Co-extruded multilayer shape memory materials: Nano-scale phenomena

Abstract Shape memory polymers (SMPs), which demonstrate the ability to possess multiple shapes, are traditionally produced from copolymers and recently from blends. These materials often have phase separated morphologies that possess domain sizes on either the nano- or micro-scale. The observed properties, specifically the shape memory behavior, can be significantly altered by a change in the domain size; however, doing this often requires modification to the materials or material production process. Forced assembly multilayer co-extrusion was used to produce shape memory materials with a continuous layered structure that can be easily tailored to cover layer thicknesses ranging from the nano- to the micro-scale. Upon decreasing the layer thickness of polyurethane/polycaprolactone (PU/PCL) layered films, improvement in the shape fixity and recovery ratios tracked with layer thickness. The improvement in properties was attributed to a change in the PCL crystal orientation from randomly oriented in microlayers to in-plane lamella orientation in nanolayers.
Microinterferometry of developing bone mineral

A method based on tetracycline labeling was developed for selecting, in frozen sections of fetal mouse femur, bone foci approximately 6, 24, 48 and 72 h of age. Microinterferometric measurements of these foci permitted a calculation of the effective thickness (t) and refractive index (n) of each focus. After demineralizing the sections by a method which left the organic portion of the bone intact, the foci were re-measured andt andn of the organic compartment of each focus were determined;t andn of the mineral compartment were calculated by difference. A sharp decrease and subsequent rise in then of whole bone occurred between 6 and 48 h. These changes derived from the mineral compartment, and were thought to have resulted from the formation of amorphous calcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite, respectively. The mineral present in 6 h foci, however, was believed to be some precursor of amorphous calcium phosphate.
Non-Linguistic Auditory Processing and Working Memory Update in Pre-School Children Who Stutter: An Electrophysiological Study

Non-linguistic auditory processing and working memory update were examined with event-related potentials (ERPs) in 18 children who stutter (CWS) and 18 children who do not stutter (CWNS). Children heard frequent 1 kHz tones interspersed with rare 2 kHz tones. The two groups did not differ on any measure of the P1 and N1 components, strongly suggesting that early auditory processing of pure tones is unimpaired in CWS. However, as a group, only CWNS exhibited a P3 component to rare tones, suggesting that developmental stuttering may be associated with a less efficient attentional allocation and working memory update in response to auditory change.
Sites of cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein-filament assembly in relation to helical body formation in axenic trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica.

Axenic trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica showed increased logarithmic growth but absence of "chromatoid" material (stacked helical arrays of ribonucleoprotein [RNP]) when grown in an all-liquid monophasic culture. Organisms grown in a liquid overlay on a semisolid slant (biphasic medium) showed slow logarithmic growth and the presence of chromatoid material. Chromatoid material accumulated in the rapidly growing trophozoites from monophasic culture during treatment with the Vinca alkaloid, vinblastine. Many of the glycogen-free regions of vinblastine-treated trophozoites as well as, to a lesser degree, of normal cells grown in monophasic and biphasic cultures, contained free ribosomes and randomly oriented 60 A filaments. As ribonucleoprotein assumed the packed helical configuration, areas consisting of parallel, packed filaments could be detected adjacent to and continuous with the ordered RNP arrays. This arrangement could be visualized most frequently in vinblastine-treated trophozoites grown in monophasic cultures. Depending on the tilt of the section with respect to the longitudinal axis of individual helices, 60 A filamentous material could be demonstrated associated with the RNP helices. Localization of ribonucleoprotein precursors was followed by means of high resolution radioautography with uridine-3H and cytidine-3H. With a short (30-min) pulse, label could be visualized only over the glycogen-free areas containing free ribosomes and filaments. With 60-min pulses, label could also be seen over the packed helical arrays. With 30-min pulses followed by a 60-min cold chase, label was seen chiefly over RNP helices. It is postulated that the areas containing ribosomes and filaments represent sites of assembly of the RNP helices possibly on a filament protein column. The possibility that the final helical configuration may be due to a property of this protein is suggested.
The Magnetic Field of the Earth: Performance Considerations for Space-Based Observing Systems

The core and crustal magnetic fields of the Earth show featureswith spatial-frequency characteristics and, in the case of the corefield, temporal variation which have been studied from satellites. Wereview some of the considerations and problems inherent in makingmagnetic observations from space. We find that useful observations ofthe core and crustal fields are possible at the peak of the solar cycleeven though the greatest useful data volume is obtained at the minimum.During the last three cycles, the proportion of data with Kp < 2at solar maximum compared to minimum varied between 0.4 and 0.8.Orbit determination at the current state of the art effectively eliminatesorbit error as a problem in field measurement. However, the magneticsignature of the carrier and the plasma environment in which the mea-surements are made must be considered on a case by case basis. Wequantify the spatial resolution obtained for crustal-field anomalies atdifferent altitudes and show that observing altitude can be used to se-lect the range of spatial structures to be resolved. For bodies separatedby 350 km, the increase in resolution in going from Magsat altitude( ~ 350 km) to 150-km altitude is about an order of magnitude. Orbitalinclination, while not necessarily of critical importance for crustal-fieldmeasurements, can be a severe limitation on the determination of thespatial moments (Gauss coefficients) of the core field. Measurements atinclinations below 450, by themselves, do not allow a good determina-tion of the moments.
Shock-induced transformation of liquid deuterium into a metallic fluid

Simultaneous measurements of shock velocity and optical reflectance at 1064, 808, and 404 nm of a high pressure shock front propagating through liquid deuterium show a continuous increase in reflectance from below 10% and saturating at approximately (40-60)% in the range of shock velocities from 12 to 20 mm/ns (pressure range 17-50 GPa). The high optical reflectance is evidence that the shocked deuterium reaches a conducting state characteristic of a metallic fluid. Above 20 mm/ns shock velocity (50 GPa pressure) reflectance is constant indicating that the transformation is substantially complete.
New Method To Access Hyperbranched Polymers with Uniform Structure via One-Pot Polymerization of Inimer in Microemulsion

A facile approach is presented for successful synthesis of hyperbranched polymers with high molecular weight and uniform structure by a one-pot polymerization of an inimer in a microemulsion. The segregated space in the microemulsion confined the inimer polymerization and particularly the polymer–polymer reaction within discrete nanoparticles. At the end of polymerization, each nanoparticle contained one hyperbranched polymer that had thousands of inimer units and low polydispersity. The hyperbranched polymers were used as multifunctional macroinitiators for synthesis of “hyper-star” polymers. When a degradable inimer was applied, the hyper-stars showed fast degradation into linear polymer chains with low molecular weight.
Skeletal muscle hemangioma: A cause of unexplained pain about the knee

Two cases of perplexing pain about the knee secondary to hemangioma of the vastus medialis are presented. The diagnostic criteria, pathological histology, and treatment are reviewed. Magnetic resonance imaging has distinct advantages over both computed tomography scans and angiography as a diagnostic tool.
Function of the Labrum and Management of Labral Pathology

Management of hip injuries in the athlete has evolved significantly in the past few years with the advancement of arthroscopic techniques. The application of minimally invasive surgical techniques has facilitated relatively rapid returns to sporting activity in recreational and elite athletes alike. Recent advancements in both hip arthroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging have elucidated several sources of intraarticular pathology that result in chronic and disabling hip symptoms. Many of these conditions were previously unrecognized, and thus, left untreated. One of the most common indications for hip arthroscopy is the evaluation and treatment of acetabular labral tears. The objective of this article is to discuss the pathoetiology of labral tears, to review the current clinical and radiographic methods to detect labral injuries in the hip, and to discuss current arthroscopic techniques for managing these injuries.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors directed against the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) have distinct cutaneous toxicity profiles: A meta-analysis and review of the literature

Purpose Inhibition of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is associated with cutaneous adverse effects that increase patient morbidity. Our objective was to examine the skin toxicity profile of anti-VEGFR TKIs and determine the changing incidence in clinical trials.
The Effect of Oxidation-Induced Surface Transformations on the Anodic Polarization Characteristics of Fe Mn Si Alloys

Abstract High temperature oxidation of Fe Mn Si alloys results in the formation of a transformed surface layer that contains a lower concentration of manganese and a higher concentration of silicon than the underlying metal. Because the corrosion resistance of iron-silicon alloys is very sensitive to the concentration of silicon in the metal, the transformed layer is often more corrosion-resistant than the original alloy. Anodic polarization tests were used to demonstrate that a transformed layer with characteristics similar to those of a Fe-14.5 wt% Si alloy can be produced on an alloy with a low enough silicon content to permit mechanical forming.
Aversive and Attractive Properties of Electrical Stimulation for Paramecium Caudatum

Although there are data to show that mild electrical stimulation from a cathode source can serve as positive or attractive stimulus for paramecia, the properties of anode stimulation have not been clear. This research gives evidence to support the previously reported positive properties of cathode stimulation but showed that anode stimulation has opposite (negative or aversive) properties.
NaOH regeneration of Pb and phenol-laden activated carbon. I. Batch study results

Abstract Granular activated carbon (GAC) has been used to remove organics and metals simultaneously from wastewaters (4). For a regeneration procedure to be effective on GAC containing both metals and organics, it must remove both the metals and organic compounds. In this study, GAC saturated with Pb and phenol was regenerated using an NaOH rinse in batch mode. Four variables were investigated: 1) regenerant concentration (0, 0.1, and 1.0 N), 2) regenerant to carbon mass ratio (5:1 and 10:1), 3) regenerant temperature (22 and 80°C), and 4) regeneration time (0.33, 1, 3, 7, and 21 days). Maximum regenerations of 47% for Pb and 48% for phenol were observed. The 1.0 N NaOH regenerated a higher percentage of both Pb and phenol when compared to the other regenerants. The 10:1 regenerant to carbon ratio resulted in increased regeneration over the 5:1 regenerations. Pb regeneration was slightly higher at 80°C than at 22°C whereas phenol regeneration was slightly lower at 80°C than at 22°C. Maximum regenerations ...
Determination of the microstructure of poly(methyl α-fluoroacrylate) by NMR spectroscopy

The 300 MHz pmr, 282 MHz fmr and 20 MHz cmr spectra of poly (methyl α-fluoroacrylate) that was prepared by free radical initiated polymerization have been recorded. They indicate the polymer to have a Bernoullian distribution of stereosequences, with σ = P(m) = 0.41. Pentad stereosequence distributions were measurable from the 282 MHz fmr spectra of this polymer, but only dyad and triad distributions could be determined from the pmr and cmr spectra, respectively.
Should We Use PPAR Agonists to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk

Trials of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists have shown mixed results for cardiovascular prevention. Fibrates are PPAR-𝛼 agonists that act primarily to improve dyslipidemia. Based on low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL and HDL) effects, gemfibrozil may be of greater cardiovascular benefit than expected, fenofibrate performed about as expected, and bezafibrate performed worse than expected. Increases in both cardiovascular and noncardiovascular serious adverse events have been observed with some fibrates. Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are PPAR-𝛾 agonists used to improve impaired glucose metabolism but also influence lipids. Pioglitazone reduces atherosclerotic events in diabetic subjects, but has no net cardiovascular benefit due to increased congestive heart failure risk. Rosiglitazone may increase the risk of atherosclerotic events, and has a net harmful effect on the cardiovascular system when congestive heart failure is included. The primary benefit of TZDs appears to be the prevention of diabetic microvascular complications. Dual PPAR-𝛼/𝛾 agonists have had unacceptable adverse effects but more selective agents are in development. PPAR-𝛿 and pan-agonists are also in development. It will be imperative to prove that future PPAR agonists not only prevent atherosclerotic events but also result in a net reduction on total cardiovascular events without significant noncardiovascular adverse effects with long-term use.
A quantitative investigation of divacancy production enhancement by interstitial oxygen in electron-irradiated silicon

Abstract Czochralski silicon samples containing different amounts of interstitial oxygen were irradiated with 2-MeV electrons at room temperature to a fixed dose of 1.0×1018 electrons/cm2. Prior to irradiation the interstitial oxygen content of similar specimens had been varied by precipitating different amounts of the dispersed oxygen by suitable heat-treatments. We find that the introduced divacancy density depends linearly on the interstitial oxygen concentration in the samples. However, the divacancy concentration correlates better to the density of introduced vacancy-oxygen centers than to the initially present dissolved oxygen concentration. Based on our experimental data we propose different models for the oxygen enhancement of the divacancy production rate. Numerical tests of these models were performed. A model in which oxygen is allowed to capture both vacancies and interstitials can reproduce all the experimental observations.
Poroelastic effects in the determination of the maximum horizontal principal stress in hydraulic fracturing tests—A proposed breakdown equation employing a modified effective stress relation for tensile failure

Abstract In a hydraulic fracturing stress measurement, the greatest horizontal principal compressive crustal stress S Hmax must be calculated using a breakdown equation which relates the fracture initiation pressure to in situ stress, tensile strength, pore pressure, and, for permeable formations, the Biot poroelastic parameter α. Using laboratory-derived α from core, S Hmax magnitudes have been calculated with breakdown equations for impermeable, permeable and nonporous materials published by Hubbert and Willis [1] ( Trans AIME 210 , 153–163), Haimson and Fairhurst [2] ( Soc. Petrol. Engrs J. Sept , 310–318) and Pine et al. [3] ( Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. & Geomech. Abstr. 20 , 63–72), respectively. Not surprisingly, there are major differences between computed values for S Hmax associated with the different breakdown equations, especially for low compressibility rocks at great depth. This is illustrated with data from two field experiments in crystalline rock. Another problem is that while the published breakdown equations accurately estimate breakdown pressures in many laboratory hydraulic fracturing experiments in relatively high α rocks, in some cases with low α rocks, breakdown pressures are not predicted by any of the breakdown formulae. To resolve these problems we propose a breakdown equation based on a modified effective stress failure relation in which the tensile strength is dependent on a non-Terzaghi effective stress law. This proposed breakdown equation needs experimental validation in the laboratory and the field.
Crystallinity as a selection criterion for engineering properties of high density polyethylene

The differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) was used to discriminate among 25 commercial high density polyethylenes (HDPE) on the basis of their degree of crystallinity and melting temperature. The area under the melting endotherm correlated directly and inversely with creep and thermal expansion measurements. Since high crystallinity was related to the design required properties of density, creep, and thermal expansion, DSC studies readily identified eight of the more promising polymers from the group of 25. The overall crystallization kinetics of polyethylenes with 75% crystallinity were analyzed by the Avrami and Fischer-Turnbull equations. Results indicate small disk-like spherulites (Avrami n = 2) following nucleation-controlled growth kinetics. These conclusions are in reasonable agreement with polarizing microscope observations. An equilibrium melting temperature between 141 and 142/sup 0/C was estimated from Hoffman-Weeks plots. Processing thick parts from highly crystalline polyethylene is difficult because of the 14% volume change on crystallization. Higher degrees of crystallinity are associated with moderate molecular weight, so the viscosity range of these polyethylenes is not especially suited for processing by extrusion. These caveates necessitate tradeoffs between optimal design properties and processing requirements for HDPE parts. 26 references, 11 figures, 2 tables.
Evaluation of chemotherapy response in ovarian cancer treatment using quantitative CT image biomarkers: a preliminary study

The purpose of this study is to identify and apply quantitative image biomarkers for early prediction of the tumor response to the chemotherapy among the ovarian cancer patients participated in the clinical trials of testing new drugs. In the experiment, we retrospectively selected 30 cases from the patients who participated in Phase I clinical trials of new drug or drug agents for ovarian cancer treatment. Each case is composed of two sets of CT images acquired pre- and post-treatment (4-6 weeks after starting treatment). A computer-aided detection (CAD) scheme was developed to extract and analyze the quantitative image features of the metastatic tumors previously tracked by the radiologists using the standard Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) guideline. The CAD scheme first segmented 3-D tumor volumes from the background using a hybrid tumor segmentation scheme. Then, for each segmented tumor, CAD computed three quantitative image features including the change of tumor volume, tumor CT number (density) and density variance. The feature changes were calculated between the matched tumors tracked on the CT images acquired pre- and post-treatments. Finally, CAD predicted patient’s 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) using a decision-tree based classifier. The performance of the CAD scheme was compared with the RECIST category. The result shows that the CAD scheme achieved a prediction accuracy of 76.7% (23/30 cases) with a Kappa coefficient of 0.493, which is significantly higher than the performance of RECIST prediction with a prediction accuracy and Kappa coefficient of 60% (17/30) and 0.062, respectively. This study demonstrated the feasibility of analyzing quantitative image features to improve the early predicting accuracy of the tumor response to the new testing drugs or therapeutic methods for the ovarian cancer patients.
Activation of a Novel Calcineurin-mediated Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Receptor Pathway, Altered Metabolism, and Tumor Cell Invasion in Cells Subjected to Mitochondrial Respiratory Stress

We have previously shown that disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential by depletion of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) or treatment with a mitochondrial ionophore, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone, initiates a stress signaling, which causes resistance to apoptosis, and induces invasive behavior in C2C12 myocytes and A549 cells. In the present study we show that calcineurin (Cn), activated as part of this stress signaling, plays an important role in increased glucose uptake and glycolysis. Here we report that, although both insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor levels (IR and IGF1R, respectively) are increased in response to mitochondrial stress, autophosphorylation of IGF1R was selectively increased suggesting a shift in receptor pathways. Using an approach with FK506, an inhibitor of Cn, and mRNA silencing by small interference RNA we show that mitochondrial stress-activated Cn is critical for increased GLUT 4 and IGF1R expression and activation. The importance of the IGF1R pathway in cell survival under mitochondrial stress is demonstrated by increased apoptosis either by IGF1R mRNA silencing or by treatment with IGF1R inhibitors (AG1024 and picropodophyllin). This study describes a novel mechanism of mitochondrial stress-induced metabolic shift involving Cn with implications in resistance to apoptosis and tumor proliferation.
Strength, drag, and dislodgment of two competing intertidal algae from two wave exposures and four seasons

Abstract Intertidal macroalgae often experience greater risk of dislodgment with increasing size because of underscaling of breaking force of their stipes relative to drag on their thalli. This ratio (breaking force/drag) indicates safety from breakage at a given flow speed, with values greater than one indicating safety from breakage and values lower than one indicating danger of breakage. We examined this force ratio for the largest thalli of two species of co-dominant, red algae, Chondrus crispus Stackhouse and Mastocarpus stellatus Stack. In With. (Guiry), in four seasons at two wave exposures. During fall and winter, the largest thalli in both populations were dislodged resulting in a decrease in mass of the largest thalli found. This decrease was greater for Chondrus than for Mastocarpus , but their mass-specific force ratios (at 0.55 m s −1 ) were equal indicating similar size-specific risk of dislodgment. The equality of force ratios was underlain by two similarities: (1) breaking force was independent of mass and not different between species; (2) mass-specific drag was not different between species. These similarities were underlain by dissimilar causes: (i) similarity in breaking force (the product of cross-sectional area and material strength) occurred because greater material strength of Mastocarpus compensated for greater mass-specific cross-sectional area of Chondrus ; (ii) similarity in mass-specific drag (a function of planform area and the coefficient of drag) occurred because greater drag coefficients for Mastocarpus compensated for greater mass-specific planform areas of Chondrus . The similarity in force ratio, if it held at season- and site-relevant flow speeds, would suggest that during seasons of minimal growth and high wave exposure, the mass of the largest thalli of both species should be the same. Chondrus , however, had a greater mass at both sites in all seasons. Chondrus experienced greater decreases in mass probably because it grew larger and larger thalli are less safe. Extrapolation of a site-relevant force ratio for Chondrus in the fall revealed (1) that the site-relevant force ratio did not differ between exposures even though the mass-specific force ratio was greater at the protected site, and (2) a paradoxical result that all Chondrus thalli studied ought to have dislodged, but had not. This paradox may be resolved by consideration of the protection conferred by canopies of Chondrus : a canopy may effectively raise its site-relevant force ratio. Perhaps differences in protection conferred by different canopies explain why larger Chondrus persist with Mastocarpus even given a similarity in mass-specific force ratio.
Effects of Self-Assessment and Successive Approximations on “Knowing” and “Valuing” Selected Keyboard Skills:

The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to investigate the relationship between college students' perceptions of “knowing” and “valuing” five selected skills on the piano, and (2) to determine whether a successive-approximations approach to learning the skills plus selfe-evaluation would affect students' perceptions of “knowing” and “valuing ” Thirty-two music majors enrolled in piano classes served as subjects for this investigation, which was a pretest-posttest design and covered one academic semester (15 weeks). Results indicated that students' self-evaluations were strongly correlated to their posttest perceptions of “knowing” and that knowledge and valuing became more closely associated following specific instructional and self-assessment procedures. An important aspect of this study was that it defined five areas of keyboard instruction that could be broken down into smaller, observable units before demonstration of the whole skill.
Visionary Ambiguity and Strategic Change The Virtue of Vagueness in Launching Major Organizational Change

Can ambiguous vision statements help to initiate strategic change? We draw on organizational and political concepts to make the case that ambiguity in the expression of future aspirations enables a...
The Effects of Transferred Vocabulary Knowledge on the Development of L2 Reading Proficiency

This study explored the specific effects of vocabulary knowledge, transferred from a first language, in the development of second language reading proficiency. The study was conducted with 24 college students enrolled in a first-year Japanese program. Specially, the study examined the effects of transferred vocabulary knowledge on: (a) the acquisition of L2 linguistic knowledge, (b) verbal processing skills, and (c) reading comprehension. It was found that: (1) L2 vocabulary knowledge was most highly correlated with reading comprehension; (2) that vocabulary knowledge was the single most signifcant factor differentiating students with related L1 orthographic backgrounds from those with unrelated L1 orthographic backgrounds, and (3) that differences in test performance between the two groups became significantly greater over time. These findings seem to suggest that transferred vocabulary knowledge increases L2 reading Comprehension; moreover, the initial advantage magnifies its effects over time as task complexity increases, thus enhancing the overall development of L2 reading proficiency.
Relating rapid chloride transport parameters of concretes to microstructural features extracted from electrical impedance

Abstract The rapid chloride transport parameters such as the rapid chloride permeability (RCP) and non-steady state migration coefficient are related to the material microstructural parameters in this paper. Electrical impedance spectroscopy and associated equivalent circuit modeling are used to extract the microstructural features of the plain concrete as well as concretes modified with varying amounts of Class F fly ash or silica fume. A methodology is developed in this paper that utilizes the ratios of RCP values and the ratios of effective conductivities to pore solution conductivities of plain and modified concretes, to quantify the relative influence of pore solution conductivity and pore structure on the RCP values. The resistance attributable to the connected pores is extracted from an equivalent circuit model for the impedance spectra of concretes, which is found to relate well to the rapid chloride transport parameters as well as the microstructural parameters. Based on the experimental results and electrical circuit models, it is shown that a reduction in pore connectivity has a higher impact on the rapid chloride transport parameters than a reduction in the porosity, and reduction in pore sizes is more consequential than porosity reduction in reducing pore connectivity.
Private incentives in social dilemmas: The effects of incomplete information and altruism

This paper analyzes the provision of discrete public goods when individuals have altruistic preferences which others do not precisely know. The problem is formulated and solved as a Bayesian game. In contrast to standard social psychological approaches, based on such natural language terms as greed, fear, and trust, the Bayesian approach provides a rigorous mathematical treatment of social participation. This theory is shown to make strong testable predictions that can integrate data collected across a wide variety of natural and experimental settings. The altruism model is shown to be supported by existing experimental data on binary voluntary contribution games.
Synthesis and properties of diacetylenic liquid-crystalline monomers and polymers

Diacetylenic monomers have been synthesized in order to obtain long conjugation to provide high nonlinear optical response. We report the preparation of nonadeca-10:12-diynoic acid and used as precursor for the following compounds: (1) 4-cyanobiphenyl-4'-(nonadeca-10:12- diynoate), and (2) 2,3,6,7,10,11-triphenylene-hexa(nonadeca-10:12-diynoate). The polymerizations of these monomers were carried out by UV-irradiation of the monomers in bulk and in 25 (mu) thickness of quartz cells. The cyanobiphenyl-containing diacetylenic monomer exhibits monotropic nematic phase and the polymer displays enantiotropic nematic phase. The diacetylenic discotic monomer is not polymerizable and exhibit no mesophase. The nonlinear absorption properties of the diacetylenic discotic monomer was studied by using 532 nm frequency-doubling output from a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with a pulse width of 7 ns.
Immunisation of the equine uterus against Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus using an intranasal attenuated Salmonella vector

Abstract Attenuated Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium MGN707, expressing the SzP protective protein of the MB9 serovar of Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (SzP-MB9) was tested for its safety and efficacy as a nebulised intranasal vaccine against streptococcal uterine infections in mares. In a preliminary study, vaccinated mares (n = 5) displayed serum, nasal and uterine responses (P
Dynamics and spatial distribution of edge luminescence generators in CDS from time-resolved excitation spectroscopy

Abstract The decay rate of D°-A° recombination radiation is shown to increase for pairs in regions of strong surface electric field. Time-resolved spectral features appear at impurity-bound exciton resonances.
Design and Operation of Self-Biased High-Gain Amplifier Arrays for Photon-Counting Sensors

Design and operation of high-gain (> 1000), low-power (< 75 (mu) W), ultra low-noise amplifier arrays are presented. The amplifier array is operated in self-biased mode, such that all amplifiers are biased irrespective of threshold mismatches, and operate with low reset noise. The amplifiers are designed for possible incorporation as pixels of hybrid solid-state photon-counting sensor. The cell pitch is 30 micrometers in 1.2 micrometers CMOS technology. Design and experimental results from small arrays of the two most promising amplifier circuits are reported. Design issues for obtaining sub-electron input-referred noise from these in- pixel amplifiers are discussed. A performance summary is incorporated.
An automated assay for NaK ATPase kinetics

Abstract We have developed an automated assay for the Na and K activated ATPase which has been used to determine the enzyme activity in a sample of unknown enzymatic activity or the dependence of the initial rate of reaction on ligand concentration where identical samples of enzyme are used. The interference of nucleotides on the color development of the phosphomolybdate complex has been eliminated by the addition of MgCl 2 to the acid molyb-date solution. Ways of handling the microsomal Na and K stimulated ATPase have been found which insure the stability of the enzyme and facilitate washing through autoanalyzer tubing. Finally, a modification of normal autoanalyzer procedures permits kinetic analysis to be carried out in an automated fashion.
Sodium butyrate preserves aspects of the differentiated phenotype of normal adult rat hepatocytes in culture

We have determined that sodium butyrate and, to a lesser extent, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB) preserve aspects of the differentiated phenotype of primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes. The histone deacetylase inhibitor, butyrate, inhibits the increase in gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) activity and the decrease in basal tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) activity normally observed when hepatocytes are cultured under appropriate conditions. The effects of butyrate on GGT and TAT activities are accompanied by parallel changes in GGT and TAT mRNA levels. The poly(ADP)ribose-synthetase inhibitor, 3-aminobenzamide, has effects similar to butyrate on GGT activity and mRNA levels, while both 3-AB and DMSO increase basal TAT activity in cultured hepatocytes. Under appropriate conditions all three agents--butyrate, 3-AB, and DMSO--extend the length of time cultured hepatocytes can be maintained as confluent monolayers. However, under all the conditions studied, butyrate extended the length of time hepatocytes could be maintained as monolayers more than any other treatment used. Butyrate-treated hepatocytes maintained ultrastructural features that were more similar to those of hepatocytes in vivo than hepatocytes treated with any other of the agents tested. Histone acetylation levels of primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes declined concomitant with the loss of the differentiated phenotype of the cells. These results suggest that histone acetylation may play a role in the changes in gene expression observed when hepatocytes are placed in culture.
Estimating a Soil Quality Index with VNIR Reflectance Spectroscopy

Sensor-based approaches to assessment and quantification of soil quality are important to facilitate cost-effective, site-specific soil management. The objective of this research was to evaluate the ability of visible, near-infrared (VNIR) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to estimate multiple soil quality indicators (SQIs) and Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) scores. A total of 234 soil samples from two depths (0–5 and 5–15 cm) were obtained in 2008 from 17 agricultural management systems located in the Central Claypan Region of Missouri, USA. The VNIR spectra were obtained on oven-dried and field–moist soil, and calibration models were developed with partial least squares (PLS) regression. Models were evaluated using the coefficient of determination (R²), residual prediction deviation (RPD), and the ratio of prediction error to interquartile range (RPIQ). The most reliable estimation results were achieved using oven-dry soil for organic C, β-glucosidase, total N, the biological SMAF score, the organic C score, and the β-glucosidase score (R² ≥ 0.76, RPD ≥ 2.0, RPIQ ≥ 3.2). Using field-moist soils, the most reliable estimation results were achieved for organic C and the organic C score (R² ≥ 0.80, RPD ≥ 2.1, RPIQ ≥ 3.6). Incorporating the bulk density score and P score as auxiliary variables with the VNIR spectra improved estimation of the overall SMAF soil quality score for oven-dry soil (R² = 0.76, RPD = 2.0, RPIQ = 3.1) and field-moist soil (R² = 0.75, RPD = 1.9, RPIQ = 2.8). These results demonstrate the robustness of VNIR estimation of biological SQIs, and illustrate the potential for rapid, in-field quantification of soil quality by fusing VNIR sensors with auxiliary data obtained from complementary sensors or supplemental analyses.