cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Machine learning principles applied to CT radiomics to predict mucinous pancreatic cysts.

Current diagnostic and treatment modalities for pancreatic cysts (PCs) are invasive and are associated with patient morbidity. The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate machine learning algorithms to delineate mucinous from non-mucinous PCs using non-invasive CT-based radiomics. A retrospective, single-institution analysis of patients with non-pseudocystic PCs, contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans within 1 year of resection, and available surgical pathology were included. A quantitative imaging software platform was used to extract radiomics. An extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) machine learning algorithm was used to create mucinous classifiers using texture features only, or radiomic/radiologic and clinical combined models. Classifiers were compared using performance scoring metrics. Shapely additive explanation (SHAP) analyses were conducted to identify variables most important in model construction. Overall, 99 patients and 103 PCs were included in the analyses. Eighty (78%) patients had mucinous PCs on surgical pathology. Using multiple fivefold cross validations, the texture features only and combined XGBoost mucinous classifiers demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.72 ± 0.14 and 0.73 ± 0.14, respectively. By SHAP analysis, root mean square, mean attenuation, and kurtosis were the most predictive features in the texture features only model. Root mean square, cyst location, and mean attenuation were the most predictive features in the combined model. Machine learning principles can be applied to PC texture features to create a mucinous phenotype classifier. Model performance did not improve with the combined model. However, specific radiomic, radiologic, and clinical features most predictive in our models can be identified using SHAP analysis.
An integrative approach for examining the determinants of abnormal returns: the cases of internet security breach and electronic commerce initiative

Researchers in various business disciplines use the event study methodology to assess the market value of firms through capital market reaction to news in the public media about the firm's activities. Capital market reaction is assessed based on cumulative abnormal return (sum of abnormal returns over the event window). In this study, the event study methodology is used to assess the impact that two important information technology activities, Internet security breach and ecommerce initiative, have on the market value of firms. While prior research on the relationship between these business activities and cumulative abnormal return involved the use of regression analysis, in this study, we use decision tree induction and regression. For the Internet security breach study, we use negative cumulative abnormal return as a surrogate for damage to the breached firm. In contrast to what has been reported in the research literature, our results suggest that the relationship between cumulative abnormal return and the independent variables for both the Internet security breach and ecommerce initiative studies is complex, often involving conditional interactions between the independent variables. We report that the incomplete contract theory is unable to effectively explain the relationship between cumulative abnormal return and the organizational variables. Other ecommerce theories provide support to the findings from our analysis. We show that both attack and firm characteristics are determinants of damage to breached firms. Our results revealed that the use of decision tree induction presents additional insight to that provided by regression models. We illustrate that there is value in using data mining techniques to study the market value of e-commerce initiative and Internet security breach and that this approach has applicability in other domains and that Decision Tree can enhance the event study methodology. We demonstrate that Decision Tree induction can be used for both theory building and theory testing. We specifically employ Decision Tree induction to test and enhance ecommerce theories and develop a theoretical model for cumulative abnormal return and ecommerce. We also present theoretical models for Internet security breach and damage to the breached firm. These models can be used by decision makers in Internet security and ecommerce investments strategic formulations and implementations.
Zitterbewegung of the new positive-energy particle

I spoke about a new wave equation last year and I would like now to talk about some recent developments of it. At present we don’t know how to apply this equation. I am not sure if it applies at all, but it is so closely connected with the successful equations that I feel there must be some application for it.
On the relevance of poor judgement.

In this issue of Pediatrics, Dolan and colleagues compare the injured drivers of three-wheel all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) with those injured in four-wheel ATVs. Although it was surprising to learn that injuries sustained in four-wheel vehicles were as severe as those sustained in three-wheel vehicles, it is no surprise that deficiencies in personal judgment were among the most frequently identified contributing causes of injury. In the study, "immature judgment" was identified as a contributing cause in 15 of the 36 ATV injuries. Lack of parental supervision (ie, poor judgment on the part of an adult) was a contributing factor in 10 incidents and a possible factor in an additional 10 incidents.
Discovery of the mammalian insulin release modulator, hepoxilin B3, from the tropical red algae Platysiphonia miniata and Cottoniella filamentosa.

The insulin release enhancer, 10-hydroxy-11,12-trans-epoxy-5(Z),8(Z),14(Z)-icosatrienoic acid (hepoxilin B3), is a 12-lipoxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid that has been found in various mammalian tissues. Although lipoxygenase pathways are well documented in terrestrial plants, this lipoxygenase product has never been isolated from the plant kingdom. Herein, we report the first isolation of this lipoxygenase product, hepoxilin B3, from two plants, the tropical red marine algae Platysiphonia miniata (C. Agardh) Borgesen and Cottoniella filamentosa Borgesen. Furthermore, through application of two-dimensional NMR methodology to the structural description of this algal natural product, we demonstrate the tremendous power of this technique in this chemical class.
Teaching programming concepts with GameMaker

This paper explores the idea of using the popular GameMaker system, GUI, language, and IDE for introducing students to programming in an approachable way that appeals to students interests and cultural experiences. GameMaker allows students to create and program playable games using the introductory development GUI, and then seamlessly transition to programming using the GameMaker Language (GML). While the idea of introducing software development through game design or other interesting and engaging approaches is not new, many innovative approaches do not seamlessly progress into programming. Students must often discard the platform-specific techniques and skills when moving to a traditional programming language, leveraging only conceptual understanding. This is particularly true when transitioning from an icon-based drag-and-drop GUI development system that supports the logic of programming while insulating the student developer from syntax and language complexity. Because the GML follows Java syntax and supports OO concepts, the transition from GML to Java programming is a natural progression. This paper demonstrates that GameMaker GML follows Java syntax and supports OO technologies and concepts including objects, methods, and inheritance along with standard program control features (various loops and ifs), along with discrete real-time control and timing, graphical objects and design.
Making things real in electronics laboratories

Typical projects in basic electronics laboratories focus on teaching key concepts by having the students design, build and test many simple circuits. At the end of each laboratory, the circuit is disassembled. As a result, students are often frustrated as they never quite get to the level where they can design and build anything practical. We have started a new approach in our Junior year electronics laboratories. Several laboratory projects were changed to give the students the opportunity to design and build useful circuits that they then can keep and use in follow-on projects. This approach takes advantage of our "Electronic Prototyping Facility" which offers a vertical integration of advanced CAD tools with an automated printed circuit board manufacturing system. The students are able to rapidly prototype electronic systems and experience the entire design-production cycle just as they would in industry. The projects the students constructed include an adjustable power supply, a variable frequency/duty cycle clock and a linear amplifier. The details of this experiment in electronics laboratory instruction along with the promises and drawbacks are discussed.
SUV: Standard Uptake or Silly Useless Value?

Quantification has always held a pervasive allure for nuclear medicine. There is a sense that anything that can be quantified should be. Once we have the numbers in hand, there is a mysterious tendency to accord them special value. Why this should be the case is unclear. Perhaps it is because of the functional nature of nuclear medicine studies, which seem as if they should be quantified. Perhaps it is because it is so easy to extract numbers from our studies. Whatever the cause, the phenomenon has been particularly strong in PET, in which we hear at every turn that PET is {open_quotes}quantitative.{close_quotes} DiChiro and Brooks commented on this phenomenon years ago, noting that, in many applications, subjective interpretation of PET images is actually superior to the use of quantitative data. Undaunted, however, the field has continued to lean heavily toward numbers as the final arbiter of correctness. 15 refs., 2 tabs.
Signal estimation using adapted tree-structured bases and the MDL principle

We present a new signal denoising technique based on adapted tree-structured bases and the following paradigms: (a) use of the minimum description length (MDL) principle for estimating the signal in each branch of the tree and the best tree structure; (b) use of signal-adapted filter banks.
Pelvic incidence: an anatomic investigation of 880 cadaveric specimens

Pelvic incidence is a position- and posture-independent parameter used to quantify sagittal balance of the spine, sacrum, pelvis and hips. Its functional consequences have been associated with a number of different pathologies of the spine. However, there exists considerable controversy over which demographic features contribute to the development of pelvic incidence. 880 cadaveric skeletons from the Hamann-Todd Osteological Collection were obtained. The innominate bones and sacrum were reconstructed, and pelvic incidence was measured using a previously validated technique. Specimens with obvious fracture, infection, or rheumatologic conditions were excluded from study. Descriptive data of age at the time of death, gender, race and height were collected. The average pelvic incidence was 46.0° ± 11.0°. Pelvic incidence did not change with age (r = 0.026, p = 0.288). There was no difference in pelvic incidence measurements between females and males (47.2° ± 13.8° vs. 45.8° ± 10.4°, respectively; p = 0.257), although this analysis was under-powered. Pelvic incidence was higher in African-Americans compared to Caucasians (48.9° ± 11.0° vs. 44.9° ± 10.8°; p = 0.001). There was no association between height and pelvic incidence (r = −0.042, p = 0.164). This study represents the largest single cohort of pelvic incidence measurements reported in the literature. Our data suggest that pelvic incidence does not change with age or height, although racial differences do exist. As spine care providers increasingly rely on pelvic incidence as an important means to quantify sagittal balance, the normative data provided herein will provide an essential reference.
Association of low-level blood lead and blood pressure in NHANES 1999–2006

Abstract This study investigated whether low blood-lead levels (≤10 μg/dL) were associated with blood pressure (BP) outcomes. The authors analyzed data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2006 and participants aged 20 years or older. Outcome variables were systolic and diastolic BP measurements, pulse pressure, and hypertension status. Multivariable linear and logistic regressions stratified by race/ethnicity and gender were performed. Blood lead levels (BLL) were significantly correlated with higher systolic BP among black men and women, but not white or Mexican–American participants. BLLs were significantly associated with higher diastolic BPs among white men and women and black men, whereas, a negative association was observed in Mexican–American men that had, also, a wider pulse pressure. Black men in the 90th percentile of blood lead distribution (BLL≥3.50 μg/dL) compared to black men in the 10th percentile of blood lead distribution (BLL≤0.7 μg/dL) had a significant increase of risk of having hypertension (adjusted POR=2.69; 95% CI: 1.08–6.72). In addition, blood cadmium was significantly associated with hypertension and systolic and diastolic blood. This study found that, despite the continuous decline in blood lead in the U.S. population, lead exposure disparities among race and gender still exist.
The case against memory consolidation in REM sleep: Balderdash!

Unfortunately, some researchers think a good scientific theory is one that has been repeatedly confirmed, and a bad theory is one that has not received consistent confirmation. However, confirmation of a theory depends on the extent to which a hypothesis exposes itself to disconfirmation. One confirmation of a highly specific, falsifiable experiment can have a far greater impact than the disconfirmation of twenty experiments that are virtually unfalsifiable. This commentary (1) counteracts misleading biases regarding the REM sleep/memory consolidation theory, and (2) demonstrates how chaotic cerebral activation during sleep is an essential component of long-term memory storage processes.[Vertes & Eastman]
Coupled Modeling of Multiphase Flow and Fault Poromechanics During Geologic CO2 Storage

Abstract Coupling between fluid flow and mechanical deformation in porous media plays a critical role in geologic storage of CO 2 One of the key issues in simulation of CO 2 sequestration is the ability to describe the mechanical and hydraulic behavior of faults, and the influence of the stress tensor and change in pressure on fault slip. Here, we present a new computational approach to model coupled multiphase flow and geomechanics of faulted reservoirs. We represent faults as surfaces embedded in a three-dimensional medium by using zero-thickness interface elements to accurately model fault slip under dynamically evolving fluid pressure and fault strength. We incorporate the effect of fluid pressures from multiphase flow in the mechanical stability of faults by defining a fault pressure. We employ a rigorous formulation of nonlinear multiphase geomechanics based on the increment in mass of fluid phases, instead of the change in porosity. Our nonlinear formulation is required to properly model systems with high compressibility or strong capillarity, as can be the case for geologic CO 2 sequestration. To account for the effect of surface stresses along fluid-fluid interfaces, we use the equivalent pore pressure in the definition of multiphase effective stress. We develop a numerical simulation tool by coupling a multiphase flow simulator with a mechanics simulator, using the unconditionally stable fixed-stress scheme for a computationally efficient sequential solution of two-way coupling between flow and geomechanics. We validate our modeling approach using several synthetic test cases that illustrate the onset and evolution of earthquakes from fluid injection.
Multimodality Therapy for Stage III Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

The treatment of stage III non-small-cell lung cancer has evolved over the last two decades, with combined-modality therapy the current standard of care. As a result, intermediate and long-term survival has improved for patients in this common stage category, compared to the poor outcomes achieved with the historical standard of once-daily radiation therapy alone. This review summarizes two decades of clinical research regarding bimodality and trimodality approaches for the heterogenous stage subsets within the stage III designation, discusses the rationale and status of prophylactic brain irradiation, and concludes with perspectives on progress and future directions. Chemotherapy plus radiotherapy given concurrently is the optimal treatment for the group of patients with advanced stage III disease. The potential role of a surgical resection following chemotherapy (with or without radiation) in this setting is still controversial. The only subsets for which trimodality treatments are clearly preferred include T4N0-1 disease and superior sulcus tumors. The other major stage III subgroup has a minimal disease burden with low tumor volume and/or microscopic N2 disease, thus technically could undergo a surgical resection upfront. Induction chemotherapy before surgery may yield a survival advantage, although the phase III trials in this area are not conclusive. Given the marked survival benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery in even earlier stages of non-small-cell lung cancer, the proper sequence of surgery and chemotherapy (before v after surgery) remains an important unresolved question in this subgroup. Furthermore, how to incorporate radiation therapy, as well as whether it should be given at all in this subset of patients, are other important issues actively under study in ongoing trials.
Gene expression of types I, II, and VI collagen, aggrecan, and chondroitin-6-sulfotransferase in the human annulus: in situ hybridization findings

Abstract Background context Within each lamellar bundle in the annulus, disc cells produce a complex and sophisticated architectural organization which acts to meet the unique biomechanical needs of the disc. How cells coordinate expression of genes throughout the disc is an important but as yet poorly understood process. For the annulus, such coordination probably involves cell–cell communication as well as growth factor and mechanoreceptor signaling to appropriately maintain the disc extracellular matrix (ECM) for the prevention of annular tears. Purpose To determine the percentage and patterns of gene expression for types I, II, and VI collagen, aggrecan, and chondroitin-6-sulfotransferase in the human annulus. Study design/setting Human annulus specimens were obtained from surgical subjects and a control donor in a study approved by the authors' Human Subjects Institutional Review Board. Patient sample Four Thompson grade II, three grade III, and four grade IV annulus specimens were evaluated with in situ hybridization to determine gene expression. Outcome measures The percentages of cells in the human annulus expressing type I, II, and VI collagen, aggrecan, and chondroitin-6-sulfotransferase. Methods In situ hybridization, a technique with high temporal and spatial resolution, was used to detect gene expression of types I, II, and VI collagen, aggrecan, and chondroitin-6 sulfotransferase in cells in adjacent sections of annulus from discs with Thompson grades of II, III, and IV. Results Overall, 30.8% of cells expressed aggrecan, 38.4% type I collagen, 45.6% type II collagen, 48.1% type VI collagen, and 57.7% chondroitin-6-sulfotransferase. An important finding was that adjacent cells could be expressing, or not expressing, the gene of interest. These data could not have been gained from other global molecular techniques such as microarray analysis or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Information on gene expression by individual disc cells is important to better understand disc matrix homeostasis, the pathogenesis of disc degeneration, and to formulate potential biologic therapies for disc degeneration. Conclusions This in situ hybridization study revealed the important finding that adjacent cells differ in their gene expression patterns for specific genes. Factors that could contribute to this difference in adjacent cell gene expression include cellular heterogeneity within the annulus, the presence of senescent cells with altered gene expression, and/or loss of coordinated disc cell function as a result of disruption of cell–cell communication.
Hardware debugging method based on signal transitions and transactions

This paper proposes a hardware design debugging method, transition and transaction tracer (TTT), which probes and records the signals of interest for a long time, hours, days, or even weeks, without a break. It compresses the captured data in real time and stores it in a state transition format in memory. It can be programmed to generate a trigger for a logic analyzer when it detects certain transitions. The visualizer, which shows the captured data in the matrix, timing-chart, and state-transition diagram formats, helps the engineer effectively find bugs.
The effect of mouse serum on lipid metabolism in embryonic chick limb-bud cells

Dissociated embryonic chick limb cells will undergo terminal differentiation in culture. The addition of whole or delipidated mouse serum to the cultures will, however, inhibit the chondrogenic potential of the cells. The inhibitory serum readily stimulates increased incorporation of arachidonic acid and palmitic acid into triacylglycerol in the treated cells, while the incorporation of arachidonate into various phospholipids is significantly lowered. In contrast, mouse serum has no effect on the incorporation of inorganic [32P] phosphate into phospholipid. We interpret the patterns of incorporation of these lipid substrates as indicating that mouse serum modulates the deacylation-reacylation cycle of phospholipids (Lands' cycle), which is primarily responsible for the incorporation of arachidonic acid. This finding suggests that there may be a decrease in membrane fluidity which might play a key role in cellular regulation and differentiation.
Developing the business case for a digital library project

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of the role comprehensive business cases can have in ensuring the successful adoption of a digital library project.Design/methodology/approach – Using theory and practice from information technology in both profit and non‐profit organizations, the author develops a methodology for developing a successful business case for digital library projects.Findings – One of the major tasks a digital library project manager faces is getting their project approved and in the queue for development. By exploiting the full potential of the planning phase of the SDLC (systems development lifecycle), a digital project manager can develop a compelling business case for their proposed project. By using SWOT analysis as well as additional considerations, the project manager should identify how the project will address critical organizational (business) issues and success factors as well as provide a compelling case for action. In particular, the most successf...
From Medicine to Teaching: The Evolution of the Simulated Interaction Model

Medical education institutions frequently simulate interactions between future health professionals and standardized patients. This manuscript describes a partnership between a teacher preparation institution and a nearby medical institution, outlining specific procedures associated with the use of standardized parents, students, and paraprofessionals in helping future teachers and school leaders navigate common problems of practice. Implications center on the potential of this pedagogy to help bridge the gap between teacher preparation and practice as well as the applicability of this pedagogical approach to other higher education professional preparation programs.
Electron Microscopic Studies of Growth Structures in Hexagonal Ferrites

Electron microscopic studies of sintered hexagonal ferrites have revealed growth structures which indicate that crystal growth from a relatively highly saturated vapor phase occurs above certain temperatures during the sintering process. Illustrations of variations in the growth structures at various locations in the ferrite are given, and the probable importance of the vapor-phase growth mechanism in the over-all sintering process is discussed.
Differential intrahepatic phospholipid zonation in simple steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs frequently in a setting of obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, but the etiology of the disease, particularly the events favoring progression to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) as opposed to simple steatosis (SS), are not fully understood. Based on known zonation patterns in protein, glucose and lipid metabolism, coupled with evidence that phosphatidylcholine may play a role in NASH pathogenesis, we hypothesized that phospholipid zonation exists in liver and that specific phospholipid abundance and distribution may be associated with histologic disease. A survey of normal hepatic protein expression profiles in the Human Protein Atlas revealed pronounced zonation of enzymes involved in lipid utilization and storage, particularly those facilitating phosphatidylcholine (PC) metabolism. Immunohistochemistry of obese normal, SS and NASH liver specimens with anti-phosphatidylethanomine N-methyltransferase (PEMT) antibodies showed a progressive decrease in the zonal distribution of this PC biosynthetic enzyme. Phospholipid quantitation by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in hepatic extracts of Class III obese patients with increasing NAFLD severity revealed that most PC species with 32, 34 and 36 carbons as well as total PC abundance was decreased with SS and NASH. Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization - imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) imaging revealed strong zonal distributions for 32, 34 and 36 carbon PCs in controls (minimal histologic findings) and SS that was lost in NASH specimens. Specific lipid species such as PC 34∶1 and PC 36∶2 best illustrated this phenomenon. These findings suggest that phospholipid zonation may be associated with the presence of an intrahepatic proinflammatory phenotype and thus have broad implications in the etiopathogenesis of NASH.
Extension of Oxley’s Analysis of Machining to Use Different Material Models

The aim of the present work is to extend the applicability of Oxley's analysis of machining to a broader class of materials beyond the carbon steels used by Oxley and co-workers. The Johnson-Cook material model, history dependent power law material model and the Mechanical Threshold Stress (MTS) model are used to represent the mechanical properties of the material being machined as a function of strain, strain rate and temperature. A few changes are introduced into Oxley's analysis to improve the consistency between the various assumptions. A new approach has been introduced to calculate the pressure variation along the alpha slip lines in the primary shear zone including the effects of both the strain gradient and the thermal gradient along the beta lines. This approach also has the added advantage of ensuring force equilibrium of the primary shear zone in a macroscopic sense. The temperature at the middle of the primary shear zone is calculated by integrating the plastic work thereby eliminating the unknown constant η. Rather than calculating the shear force from the material properties corresponding to the strain, strain rate and temperature of the material at the middle of the shear zone, the shear force is calculated in a consistent manner using the energy dissipated in the primary shear zone. The thickness of the primary and secondary shear zones, the heat partition at the primary shear zone, the temperature distribution along the tool-chip interface and the shear plane angle are all calculated using Oxley's original approach. The only constant used to fine tune the model is the ratio of the average temperature to the maximum temperature at the tool-chip interface (ψ). The performance of the model has been studied by comparing its predictions with experimental data for 1020 and 1045 steels, for aluminum alloys 2024-T3, 6061-T6 and 6082-T6, and for copper. It is found that the model accurately reproduces the dependence of the cutting forces and chip thickness as a function of undeformed chip thickness and cutting speed and accurately estimates the temperature in the primary and secondary shear zones.
Ionic mechanisms of central CO2 chemosensitivity

A comparative analysis of chemosensory systems in invertebrates and vertebrates reveals that different animals use similar strategies when sensing CO2 to control respiration. A variety of animals possess neurons that respond to changes in pH. These respiratory chemoreceptor neurons seem to rely largely on pH-dependent inhibition of potassium channels, but the channels do not appear to be uniquely adapted to detect pH. The ‘chemosensory’ potassium channels identified thus far are widely distributed, common potassium channels. The pH-sensitivity is a common feature of the channels whether the channels are in chemosensory neurons or not. Thus, the pattern of synaptic connectivity and the mix of potassium channels expressed seem to determine whether a neuron is chemosensory or not, rather than any special adaptation of a channel for pH-sensitivity. Moreover, there are often multiple pH-sensitive channels in each chemosensory neuron. These ionic mechanisms may, however, be only part of the chemosensory process, and pH-dependent modulation of synaptic activity seems to contribute to central chemosensitivity as well. In addition, the exploration of the mechanisms of pH-dependent modulation of ion channel activity in chemosensory cells is incomplete: additional mechanisms of pH modulation of channel activity may be found, and addition conductances, other than potassium channels, may participate in the chemosensory process.
A Comparison of Measured and Wind-derived Ekman Transport at 11°N in the Atlantic Ocean

Abstract A comparison of measured and wind-derived ageostrophic transport is presented from a zonal transect spanning the Atlantic Ocean along 11°N. The transport per unit depth shows a striking surface maximum that decays to nearly zero at a depth of approximately 100 m. We identify this flow in the upper 100 m as the Ekman transport. The sustained values of wind stress and the penetration depth of the Ekman transport reported here are considerably greater than in previous observations, which were made in conditions of light winds. The transport of 12.0 ± 5.5 × 106 m3 s−1, calculated from the difference of geostrophic shear and shear measured by an acoustic Doppler current profiler, is in good agreement with that estimated from the shipboard winds, 8.8 ± 1.9 × 106 m3 s−1, and from climatology, 13.5 ± 0.3 × 106 m3 s−1. Qualitatively, the horizontal distribution of the wind-driven flow was best predicted by the shipboard winds. The cumulative transport increased linearly over the western three-fourths of t...
Chemical vapor transport and thermal behavior of the GeSe-GeI4 system for different inclinations with respect to the gravity vector; Comparison with theoretical and microgravity data

The diffusive and convective mass flux in closed tube chemical vapor transport of the GeSe-GeI4 system has been investigated as a function of inclination of the temperature gradient with respect to the gravity vector. A strong effect of inclination on the degree of convective contribution to mass transport was observed. Computed streaming-diffusive transport rates of this system are compared with experimental data observed for the vertical, stabilizing configuration and for microgravity conditions. At low to medium pressures, good agreement between experimental and predicted results is obtained, at higher pressures experimental transport rates are about 40% greater than predicted. Microgravity flux data of this system are about 300% greater at the highest pressure compared to experimental (vertical, stabilizing) rates on earth and about 400% greater relative to those predicted by diffusion. Transport rates for other ampoule orientations reveal progressively increasing convective contributions with increasing inclination relative to the vertical, stabilizing orientation, reaching in general the highest rates for the vertical, destabilizing orientation. Studies of the thermal behavior inside closed transport ampoules indicated changes of the temperature profile owing to natural convection. In addition, small amplitude (~ ±1°C) temperature oscillations were observed inside transport ampoules under both horizontal and vertical, stabilizing conditions. These could possibly be related to gas phase reactions. Very large oscillations (±25°C) observed under vertical, destabilizing conditions and at 1.5 atm pressure are caused by natural convection.
OE Device Integration for Optically Enabled MCM

We propose a new architecture of optical device integration on SLC carrier with capability of handling of the optical signals directly on MCM, or an optically enabled MCM, where VCSELs/PDs and the interface chips are placed closer to the main VLSI on a waveguide integrated SLC, while the optical connectors are at the periphery of the SLC carrier. This separated structure allows the highest number of optical channels per periphery length defined by the connector size, as well as the higher optical speed.
Selective placement of adopted children: prevalence and effects

SUMMARY Should adopted children be placed with adoptive parents who are matched to them on physical or behavioral characteristics? This question has been informally debated for many years, yet there is very little theoretical or empirical work on the topic. The purpose of this article is to review what is known of the extent of selective placement from previous studies, to examine data concerning the effects of selective placement and to explore some theoretical implications of selective placement. The article addresses the questions of the extent of selective placement and the effect of selective placement on adopted children. It is suggested that even where substantial selective placement occurs, it may not always be producing the desired effect.
Whole-organ cell shape analysis reveals the developmental basis of ascidian notochord taper

Here we use in toto imaging together with computational segmentation and analysis methods to quantify the shape of every cell at multiple stages in the development of a simple organ: the notochord of the ascidian Ciona savignyi. We find that cell shape in the intercalated notochord depends strongly on anterior-posterior (AP) position, with cells in the middle of the notochord consistently wider than cells at the anterior or posterior. This morphological feature of having a tapered notochord is present in many chordates. We find that ascidian notochord taper involves three main mechanisms: Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) pathway-independent sibling cell volume asymmetries that precede notochord cell intercalation; the developmental timing of intercalation, which proceeds from the anterior and posterior towards the middle; and the differential rates of notochord cell narrowing after intercalation. A quantitative model shows how the morphology of an entire developing organ can be controlled by this small set of cellular mechanisms.
Degree of Hippocampal Neuron Loss Determines Severity of Verbal Memory Decrease After Left Anteromesiotemporal Lobectomy

Summary: Fifty-eight left speech dominant adults with medically refractory epilepsy originating from the temporal lobe (28 left, 30 right) were examined using the verbal Selective Reminding Test before and after anteromesiotemporal lobectomy. After neuron density in the excised hippocampal tissue was established, a median split procedure was performed to distinguish patients with severe neuron loss (13 left, 16 right) from those with only mild or moderate neuron loss (15 left, 14 right). The memory of patients with severe left hippocampal neuron loss did not decrease significantly postoperatively. Patients with mild or moderate left hippocampal neuron loss experienced significant verbal memory decrease postoperatively. The magnitude of the verbal memory decrease was not related to recurrence of seizures after operation. Patients undergoing right anteromesiotemporal lobectomy exhibited significant improvements in verbal memory, regardless of the condition of the excised hippocampal tissue. The degree of hippocampal neuron loss determines to a great extent the severity of the verbal memory decrease that follows dominant anteromesiotemporal lobectomy.
Reduction of Radiation-Induced Hair Loss by Topical Application of Radioprotectors

AbstractOur transdermal permeation studies of radioprotectors in permeation-enhancing vehicles led us to hypothesize that radiation-induced hair loss could be reduced by topical application of radioprotectors. In the present study we used a hair regrowth assay in “plucked” mice to measure the radioprotective effectiveness of WR-1065, cysteine and TEMPOL when they were dissolved in a variety of vehicles, i.e., saline, dimethyl formamide (DMF), propylene glycol (PG), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethanol. Protector effectiveness varied with radiation dose and vehicles. At 600 R, WR-1065 or cysteine, in any vehicle, reduced radiation-induced baldness scores; at 800 R, only WR-1065 in DMF and cysteine in saline, produced some protection. TEMPOL in ethanol produced protection at both the 600 and 800 R. Results suggest that suitably chosen topical application of protector/vehicle combinations can reduce radiation-induced hair loss.
2 keV scandium filtered neutron beam using separated isotopes as a secondary filter

Abstract A neutron filter has been developed which uses scandium as the primary filtering material and separated isotopes of 60 Ni and 54 Fe as secondary filter materials. High energy neutron contamination is reduced to 15% as compared to some previously reported results in which contaminant was ∼50%. Details of the filter construction and use of several other secondary materials (Co, Ti, Mg, Al) to optimize beam purity and intensity are discussed.
Interpretation of hysteresis loops of cobalt-rare-earth single particles

The magnetic behavior of single particles of Co 5 Sm is being studied in an effort to understand the origin of the coercive force in cobalt rare earths. It has been found that the complex hysteresis loops often observed, containing several magnetization discontinuities, can be analyzed as the linear sum of single-discontinuity hysteresis loops, implying that regions of a particle can act magnetically independently.
Professional Learning Communities, Real Experiences of School Based SLPs

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are emerging in many school districts across the country to develop a structure for educational teams to collaborate to work towards improving student achie...
Geospatial patterns of hospitalization rates for stroke with comorbid hypertension in relation to environmental sources of persistent organic pollutants: results from a 12-year population-based study.

Purpose Recent evidence indicates that exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is emerging as an important risk factor for atherosclerosis-related diseases, including stroke. Hypertension (HTN) is a major risk factor for stroke, and some studies suggest that exposure to POPs is also a risk factor for HTN. We hypothesized that POPs increase the environmental burden of stroke with comorbid HTN.
Capillary array electrophoresis: an approach to high-speed, high-throughput DNA sequencing

The speed and throughput of DNA sequencing can be increased by performing sequencing separations on arrays of microcapillaries followed by detection with a laser-excited, confocal-fluorescence scanner.
Partial and differential photoionization cross sections of Cl and Br

Partial and differential cross sections are calculated for Cl and Br near the ${\mathit{nsnp}}^{5}$ thresholds. We compare our calculations with experiment, obtaining good agreement over part of the energy range. The autoionizing structure is well reproduced, but the slowly evolving direct contribution to the photoionization cross section does not have the correct shape. Most of the discrepancies with experiment in the autoionizing part of the spectrum appear to derive from our neglect of doubly excited resonances in the calculations. This possibility points to the importance of an accurate theoretical description of doubly excited states of open-shell atoms. The similarity of the Cl and Br spectra in this energy range is not as pronounced as their similarity near the ${\mathit{ns}}^{2}$${\mathit{np}}^{4}$ thresholds.
Nifedipine in congestive heart failure: Effects on resting and exercise hemodynamics and regional blood flow

Ten patients with moderate to severe congestive heart failure (CHF) underwent central and regional hemodynamic measurements at rest and central hemodynamic measurements during exercise before and after the oral administration of nifedipine (0.2 mg/kg). Nifedipine significantly decreased systemic blood pressure, systemic vascular resistance, pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. Stroke volume and cardiac output increased after nifedipine. The measured parameters of left ventricular inotropy did not change significantly for this calcium channel blocker. While blood flow to renal, hepatic, and limb vascular beds increased (p less than 0.05 for renal and limb) after nifedipine, only limb blood flow increased in proportion to the increase in cardiac output, suggesting preferential dilatation of limb vasculature. Although initial-dose nifedipine did not increase exercise duration, it elicited an improvement in exercise hemodynamics by reducing systemic vascular resistance and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and increasing stroke volume and cardiac output. The calcium channel blocker, nifedipine, can be administered safely in the setting of ventricular failure and appears to favorably alter resting and exercise hemodynamics. A select number of patients with CHF may benefit from its long-term administration.
Use of Urine Testing in Outpatients Treated for Urinary Tract Infection

OBJECTIVE: To characterize urine test use in ambulatory, antibiotic-treated pediatric urinary tract infection (UTI). METHODS: We studied children RESULTS: Of 40 603 treated UTI episodes in 28 678 children, urinalysis was performed in 76%, and urine culture in 57%; 32% of children P CONCLUSIONS: Providers often do not obtain urine tests when prescribing antibiotics for outpatient pediatric UTI. Variation in urine culture use was observed based on age, gender, and physician specialty. Additional research is necessary to determine the implications of empirical antibiotic prescription for pediatric UTI without confirmatory urine testing.
A note on the preservation of chromatic information in the lamina of the worker honeybee (Apis mellifera)

Extracellular recordings were taken from a “sustained” unit in the first optic chiasma of the optic lobe of the worker honeybee. This unit received information from onlyone of the four retinal photopigments, despite the anatomical convergence in the retina and lamina ganglionaris.
Use of speech recognition software: a vocal endurance test for the new millennium?

Abstract Speech recognition software for the personal or office computer is a relatively new area of technology. As the number of these products has increased so has use of this software. Some individuals will employ speech recognition systems due to difficulty with the conventional keyboard and mouse interface; others will use it for perceived efficiency or simply novelty. Regardless of the reason for use of this technology, the voice demands associated with extended or frequent use can be high, placing the user at risk for vocal difficulties. This paper reviews the case of an individual referred to our multidisciplinary voice care program for evaluation and treatment of vocal difficulties that began secondary to utilization of speech recognition software. We discuss medical and vocal histories, examination findings, treatment, and treatment outcomes.
Lymphocytic hypophysitis with diabetes insipidus in a young man

Lymphocytic hypophysitis—an inflammatory condition of presumed autoimmune etiology—is characterized by an enlargement of the pituitary gland, resulting in its dysfunction. Although found generally in peripartum women, this Case Study of a 29-year-old man, who was referred to a neurosurgical clinic for evaluation of a suprasellar mass and diabetes insipidus, illustrates the need to consider this disorder in men. Background. A 29-year-old man was referred to a multidisciplinary pituitary clinic with a 3.5-year history of central diabetes insipidus, initially presumed to be idiopathic based on a normal MRI scan of the pituitary gland. Subsequent scanning revealed a suprasellar mass, which demonstrated progressive enlargement on serial imaging. He also developed hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Investigations. Measurement of levels of serum morning fasting cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, total testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, insulin-like growth factor 1, TSH and free T4, MRI of the pituitary gland and a transsphenoidal biopsy of a pituitary mass were performed. Diagnosis. Lymphocytic hypophysitis presenting with diabetes insipidus, with development of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and a suprasellar mass. Management. The patient was treated with intranasal desmopressin and transdermal testosterone. The underlying lymphocytic hypophysitis was initially managed conservatively with serial MRI and visual field testing. No immunosuppressant medication was given and, aside from the diagnostic transsphenoidal biopsy, no surgical intervention was required. He subsequently developed secondary hypothyroidism, secondary adrenal insufficiency and growth hormone deficiency. These disorders were managed with levothyroxine and prednisone.
Locating bound structure in an accelerating universe

Given the overwhelming evidence that the universe is currently undergoing an accelerated expansion, the question of what are the largest gravitationally bound structures remains. A couple of groups, Busha et al. 2003 (B03) and Dunner et al. 2006 (D06), have attempted to analytically define these limits, arriving at substantially different estimates due to differences in their assumptions about the velocities at the present epoch. In an effort to locate the largest bound structures in the universe, we selected the Aquarius (ASC), Microscopium (MSC), Corona Borealis (CBSC), and Shapley (SSC) superclusters for study, due to their high number density of rich Abell clusters. Simple N-body simulations, which assumed negligible intercluster mass, were used to assess the likelihood of these structures being gravitationally bound, and the predictions of the models of B03 and D06 were compared with those results. We find that ASC, and MSC contain pairs of clusters which are gravitationally bound, A2541/A2546 and A3695/A3696 respectively, with no other structures having a significant chance of being bound. For SSC, we find a group of five clusters, A3554, A3556, A3558, A3560, and A3562 that are bound, with an additional pair, A1736/A3559, having a slight chance of being bound. We find that CBSC has no extended bound structure, contrary to the findings of Small et al. 1998, who claim that the entire supercluster is bound. In regards to the analytical models, we find that B03 will identify structure that is definitely bound, but tends to underestimate the true extent of the structure, while D06 will identify all structure that is bound while overestimating its extent. Combined, the two models can provide lower and upper limits to the extent of bound structures so long as there are no other significant structures nearby or no significant dark matter exterior to the clusters.