cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Positron Tomographic Imaging Of The Liver With Ga-68 Iron Hydroxide Colloid

A new radiopharmaceutical, 68Ga-iron hydroxide colloid, for hepatic imaging by positron emission tomography (PET) was prepared from the eluate of a "Ge-68Ga solvent extraction generator. In rats, 84% of the administered dose of colloid localized in the liver and 4.6% accumulated in the spleen. Initial imaging studies in normal dogs showed close correspondence of the findings by PET and transmission computed tomography (CT). PET with 68Ga-colloid was performed in 10 patients with hepatic metastases demonstrated by conventional scintigraphy with 99mTc-sulfur colloid. All focal defects noted on the conventional scintigrams were easily identified and generally seen more clearly by PET. In one patient, lesions not identified on the initial 99mTc-sulfur colloid images were demonstrated by PET. The positron tomographic images were compared with those obtained by CT in 7 patients; the two studies showed comparable findings in 5 patients, whereas PET more clearly showed multiple lesions in 2. Our results suggest that PET is a suitable technique for obtaining high-contrast, cross-sectional images of large abdominal organs. Emission computed tomography with positron-emitting radionuclides shows promise as an important new tool for clinical research (1-4). Unfortunately, wide clinical application of positron-emission tomography (PET) is presently limited by the need for an expensive, hospital-based cyclotron facility and highly trained professional and technical personnel to synthesize the radiopharmaceuticals labeled with the very short-lived radionuclides 11c, 13N, 150 and 18 F that are employed most commonly in such studies. These difficulties may be circumvented in part by the use of a simple generator system that produces the positron-emitting radionuclide 68Ga (T1/2 = 68 min) from the long-lived parent 68Ge (T1/2 = 275 days) (5-7). A large number of radiopharmaceuticals of potential clinical interest may be prepared readily from the eluate of such a generator (6,8-11). In the present study, we have prepared and characterized a new radiopharmaceutical for liver imaging, 68Ga iron hydroxide colloid, and have evaluated this agent in patients with hepatic tumors by imaging with a positron tomographic scanner.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Abstract P265: Trends In Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Among Older Adults (65+ Years) In New York City

Introduction: There was a 19% increase in the older adult population ages 65 and older in New York City (NYC) between 2005 and 2015, which now comprises about 1.13 million people. Cardiovascular di...
The differential associations of shame and guilt with eating disorder behaviors.

Abstract Negative affect increases in the hours prior to binge eating (BE), suggesting individuals may use BE to attempt to alleviate experiences of aversive self-awareness, such as shame and guilt. Guilt involves feeling bad about ones behavior and may elicit reparative actions; shame involves feeling bad about oneself and is generally associated with maladaptive behavior. Distinguishing how shame and guilt differentially relate to specific eating disorder (ED) behaviors may inform our understanding of emotional antecedents of ED behaviors and lead to refined treatment and prevention targets. We aimed to distinguish shame and guilt as they relate to BE and self-induced vomiting (SIV). We hypothesized that: (a) shame-proneness and state shame would be uniquely associated with BE, as BE may be used to escape from experiences of shame, and (b) guilt-proneness and state guilt would be positively associated with SIV among individuals who binge eat, as SIV may be used as a reparative action for BE. Participants (N = 347) completed self-report measures assessing guilt, shame, and ED behaviors. Shame-proneness and state shame were uniquely associated with BE and the urge to binge eat, while guilt-proneness and state guilt were not. Contrary to our hypothesis, guilt-proneness and state guilt were not associated with SIV among those who binge eat or endorsed urges to binge eat. These findings suggest that shame and guilt are differentially related to ED behaviors and identify shame specifically as an emotion that may elicit BE. Future research is needed to identify temporal relations between shame and ED behaviors.
Two Separate Tyrosine-Based YXXL/Φ Motifs within the Glycoprotein E Cytoplasmic Tail of Bovine Herpesvirus 1 Contribute in Virus Anterograde Neuronal Transport

Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) causes respiratory infection and abortion in cattle. Following a primary infection, BHV-1 establishes lifelong latency in the trigeminal ganglia (TG). Periodic reactivation of the latent virus in TG neurons results in anterograde virus transport to nerve endings in the nasal mucosa and nasal virus shedding. The BHV-1 glycoprotein E cytoplasmic tail (gE-CT) is necessary for virus cell-to-cell spread in epithelial cells and neuronal anterograde transport. Recently, we identified two tyrosine residues, Y467 and Y563, within the tyrosine-based motifs 467YTSL470 and 563YTVV566, which, together, account for the gE CT-mediated efficient cell-to-cell spread of BHV-1 in epithelial cells. Here, we determined that in primary neuron cultures in vitro, the individual alanine exchange Y467A or Y563A mutants had significantly diminished anterograde axonal spread. Remarkably, the double-alanine-exchanged Y467A/Y563A mutant virus was not transported anterogradely. Following intranasal infection of rabbits, both wild-type (wt) and the Y467A/Y563A mutant viruses established latency in the TG. Upon dexamethasone-induced reactivation, both wt and the mutant viruses reactivated and replicated equally efficiently in the TG. However, upon reactivation, only the wt, not the mutant, was isolated from nasal swabs. Therefore, the gE-CT tyrosine residues Y467 and Y563 together are required for gE CT-mediated anterograde neuronal transport.
Soft-Grasping With an Anthropomorphic Robotic Hand Using Spiking Neurons

Evolution gave humans advanced grasping capabilities combining an adaptive hand with efficient control. Grasping motions can quickly be adapted if the object moves or deforms. Soft-grasping with an anthropomorphic hand is a great capability for robots interacting with objects shaped for humans. Nevertheless, most robotic applications use vacuum, 2-finger or custom made grippers. We present a biologically inspired spiking neural network (SNN) for soft-grasping to control a robotic hand. Two control loops are combined, one from motor primitives and one from a compliant controller activated by a reflex. The finger primitives represent synergies between joints and hand primitives represent different affordances. Contact is detected with a mechanism based on inter-neuron circuits in the spinal cord to trigger reflexes. A Schunk SVH 5-finger hand was used to grasp objects with different shapes, stiffness and sizes. The SNN adapted the grasping motions without knowing the exact properties of the objects. The compliant controller with online learning proved to be sensitive, allowing even the grasping of balloons. In contrast to deep learning approaches, our SNN requires one example of each grasping motion to train the primitives. Computation of the inverse kinematics or complex contact point planning is not required. This approach simplifies the control and can be used on different robots providing similar adaptive features as a human hand. A physical imitation of a biological system implemented completely with SNN and a robotic hand can provide new insights into grasping mechanisms.
Failure modeling in a gas turbine system: Combining classification with anomaly detection models for two data selection strategies

In this work, the sensor data from a gas turbine system is analyzed with the objective of failure modeling and prediction. Several maintenance incidents were recorded by the sensor system in two separate vehicles. Two approaches to selecting training data were used in the analysis. The first followed a traditional method of randomly selecting a certain percentage of data points to include in training. The second data selection strategy was to select certain incidents to include in training, with the remaining incidents unseen for testing. Using classifier and anomaly detection techniques, models of the system using 76 predictor variables were trained to distinguish between healthy and failed system states in a two-class problem. Significant differences in performance results were noted depending on the selection of data included in training. A rule-based classifier model was then applied to leverage the predictions from both the classifier and anomaly detection models yielding promising results. The construction of an ensemble model was an effective way to mitigate the challenges presented in the training strategies, where a single individual model would not succeed in both scenarios. The simplification of the system into two states could be regarded as restrictive when the ‘healthiness’ of a system is nuanced; however, despite this simplification, good performance and accurate predictions could still be achieved.
The Violent Wahhabism and the Use of Islamic Texts to Justify Armed Violence Against Muslims and Non-Muslims

This chapter explores how one of the main historical figures and ideological references of current jihadism, Muhammad Ibn ‘Abd Al-Wahhāb, used the Islamic creed (Al-Shahâda), the Qur’an, and the argument of apostasy to theorize jihad against his fellow believers in the eighteenth century and further discusses the modern adoption and development of this theory by Al-Qaeda to include Muslims and non-Muslims in its jihad. In addition to deconstructing specific tactics used by Ibn ‘Abd Al-Wahhāb to interpret verses from the Qur’an, this work analyzes the motives that drove the founder of Wahhābism to radicalize, as two centuries later, nearly the same reasons have driven Osama Bin Laden and hundreds of young Muslims living in the West toward jihadism.
Detection of Tick-Borne Bacteria from Whole Blood Using 16S Ribosomal RNA Gene PCR Followed by Next-Generation Sequencing.

Reported cases of tick-borne diseases have steadily increased for more than a decade. In the United States, a majority of tick-borne infections are caused by bacteria. Clinical diagnosis may be challenging as tick-borne diseases can present with similar symptoms. Laboratory diagnosis has historically relied on serologic methods, which have limited utility during the acute phase of disease. Pathogen-specific molecular methods have improved early diagnosis, but can be expensive when bundled together and miss unexpected or novel pathogens. To address these shortcomings, we developed a 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene PCR with next-generation sequencing approach to detect tick-borne bacteria in whole blood. A workflow was optimized by comparing combinations of two extractions platforms and two primer sets, ultimately pursuing DNA extraction from blood with the MagNA Pure 96 and PCR amplification using dual-priming oligonucleotide primers specific to the V1-V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene. The amplified product underwent modified Illumina 16S metagenomics sequencing library preparation and sequencing on a MiSeq V2 Nano flow cell, with data analysis using Pathogenomix RipSeq NGS software. Results with the developed method were compared to those from a V1-V2 16S rRNA gene primer set described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The V1-V3 assay demonstrated equivalent performance to the CDC assay, with each method showing concordance with targeted PCR results in 31 of 32 samples, and detecting 22 of 23 expected organisms. These data demonstrate the potential for using a broad-range bacterial detection approach for diagnosis of tick-borne bacterial infection from blood.
Ophthalmology Services at Student-Run Free Clinics: A National Survey.

Abstract Importance Student-run free clinics (SRFCs) primarily service the uninsured and are a unique way for medical students to gain hands-on exposure to ophthalmology. The free clinic model takes many different forms- some with episodic and longitudinal models-- and this is mirrored in corresponding eye services. Objective To describe SRFC ophthalmology services nationwide. Design This was a telephone survey study administered from June through July of 2018. Setting This study surveyed medical school SRFC clinics across the United States. Participants Survey request was sent to 19 SRFCs previously identified as having ophthalmology services via internet search. Fourteen SRFCs (73%) participated; participants were either student clinic leaders or medical directors. One respondent no longer had a distinct eye clinic so was excluded from relevant results. Main Outcome and Measure Characteristics of ophthalmology SRFCs including participants, frequency of sessions, common diagnoses treated, and challenges encountered were assessed through this survey. Results On average, each SRFC provided 5.15 hours per month of ophthalmology services. The mean number of medical students involved per session was 8.7. Lack of infrastructure to ensure adequate patient follow-up and faculty recruiting were cited as the main challenges in providing ophthalmology services. Most SRFC leaders indicated exposure to ophthalmology and practice with the exam as the main experiences that students sought and achieved. The most common conditions treated were refractive error (92.3%) and diabetic retinopathy (69.2%). Conclusion There are a small number of SRFCs that have ophthalmology services, and they share common features in terms of participants, staffing, and, barriers to sustainability. Ophthalmology services at SRFCs offer a unique venue for medical students to gain exposure to an under-represented field in medical school curricula. The growth of this critical venue for medical student training could be enhanced by recruitment strategies aimed at ophthalmology faculty with a strong interest in service and teaching.
Afterword: Technology in Teaching Shakespeare in Taiwan

Chen Yilin concludes that Shakespeare came to East Asia more than a century ago and it has been taught at school through English language education. Shakespeare in East Asian Education is the first book exploring the ways in which Shakespeare has been incorporated into classrooms across the region, including both subjects of English and Theatre studies. She argues that the book is important for western readers not only to understand traditional approaches to teaching Shakespeare in this region, but also to reflect on new pedagogies in terms of making Shakespeare relevant to local cultures in the global context nowadays. Foregrounding the latter, Chen offers an insight into the rationale and pedagogies of the Global/Local Shakespeare MOOC. She focuses in particular on the MOOC’s incorporation into Taiwanese higher education using a flipped classroom and Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives to align objectives, teaching and assessment, from manga to mobile apps.
Trauma, media and the brain.

Greater exposure to media coverage of traumatic events is associated with greater symptoms of post-traumatic stress. A new study by Dick et al. indicates that this relationship is stronger in youth with a specific pattern of brain activation that may make them more vulnerable to the effects of trauma.
Design Rules Volume 2: Table of Contents with Chapter Abstracts

The purpose of this book is to present a theory of technical systems that can help us better understand the demands technology places on organizations. New technologies in general require new patterns of activity and reward some patterns over others. Quoting Brian Arthur: "When a novel technology enters the economy, it calls forth novel arrangements—novel technologies and organizational forms. The new technology or new arrangements in turn may cause new problems … . The whole moves forward in a sequence of problem and solution." My goal in this book is to shed light on the ways new organizations arise to meet the requirements and respond to the rewards implicit in new technologies. This document presents the Table of Contents of the book plus abstracts of each chapter.
Iontophoresis: as a new treatment modality in the management of acute soft tissue injuries in the emergency department

Background: Iontophoresis utilizes a transcutaneous process to deliver charged medication to a localized area of injury via an electrical current to remedy pain symptoms. Although this practice is largely used in the physical and occupational therapy settings, there is little evidence showing its use and efficacy in the emergency department as a therapeutic modality. Methods: Through the voluntary enrollment of 39-participants, 21 in the treatment group and 18 serving as controls, subjects were treated via iontophoresis using lidocaine-HCl and dexamethasone or oral NSAID therapy alone. Measurements of pain were numerated in person on the visual-analogue scale (VAS) using a 0-10 range immediately prior to treatment, 30 minutes after treatment, and via phone at 24 and 72-hours after treatment for both groups. Results: At the initiation of treatment, average pain scores for the treatment and control groups were 7.29 and 6.50, respectively. Greater reduction in pain was seen in the iontophoresis group compared to the control group; 62% pain reduction in the iontophoresis group and only 8% reduction in the control group at 30-minutes post-treatment (p<0.001). Similar results were seen at 24 and 72-hours with reductions of 71% and 73% in the experimental group at the respective times versus 18% and 40% reduction in the control group. Further, participants in the control group consumed over 4-times as many oral NSAIDs 24-hours after visiting the emergency department and almost 5-times more oral NSAIDs at 72-hours. At 24-hours the treatment group utilized, on average, less than 1-tablet while the control group had used over 3. At 72-hours, the control group averaged over 6-tablets compared to the less than 2-tablets, on average, for the treatment group. Conclusions: These results are promising in using iontophoresis as an effective treatment modality in the management of acute soft tissue injuries in the emergency department. They not only show greater pain reduction, but iontophoresis reduced the number of oral NSAIDs required for pain relief, lowering the complications associated with these medications.
Chapter 5 Terminal Lake Level Variability and Man's Attempts to Cope it with them

Publisher Summary Terminal lakes are usually located in the arid, lightly populated regions. The lack of understanding about the nature of terminal lakes is not only unfortunate but also potentially dangerous and costly to structures, agricultural undertakings, and utilization of such lakes as chemical sources, transportation links, or recreation areas. Because closed lakes have no outlet, their level, surface area, and volume are dependent on the drainage and evaporation rate of their closed environment. The size of terminal lakes is, thus, dependent on the weather or more accurately its long-term effect, climate. Because the essence of weather and climate is change, it follows that the essence of terminal lakes is also change. Man interferes with terminal lakes and their mechanisms, thereby upsetting the balance regulated by nature. Two of the best known examples of problem-plagued terminal lakes and man's efforts to utilize, control, and regulate them are found today in the Soviet Union's Caspian Sea and the Great Salt Lake in the United States.
Abnormal Claisen rearrangement

Further rearrangement of the normal Claisen rearrangement product with the β-carbon becoming attached to the ring.
Responses of the bovine lymphatic system to infection by Theileria parva. I. Histology and ultrastructure of lymph nodes in experimentally-infected calves.

Abstract Ten cattle were infected with Theileria parva, the cause of East Coast fever (ECF), and serially killed to investigate the origin of parasitized lymphoblasts (PL), routes of their metastasis and lymph node changes. Histological examination of 13 selected lymph nodes from each call revealed non-specific changes including germinal centre development and regression, paracortical hyperplasia and plasmacytosis. Changes characteristic of T. parva infection included: large numbers of PL in the paracortical zone, sinuses, medullary cords and stroma; and terminal necrosis. These changes appeared first and were most marked in the parotid node draining the inoculation site and were least obvious in the mesenteric node. Ultrastructurally, lymphoblasts containing schizonts of T. parva were remarkably similar to phytohaemagglutinin-stimulated bovine lymphocytes. Although no early stages of T. parva were identified in phagocytic cells, possible pre-schizont forms were found in lymphoid cells of the parotid node of calves killed 7 and 9 days after inoculation, indicating that the parasite may actively invade lymphocytes. Electron microscopy of lymph nodes in early ECF revealed proliferation of non-parasitized lymphoblasts in the paracortical zone, marked plasmacytosis (two plasma cells were in mitosis) and little evidence of reticulum cell hyperplasia. Later in the disease, schizont-containing lymphoblasts, often in mitosis and occasionally degenerating, were present in the paracortical zone, in all the sinuses, within the trabeculae and in the medullary cords. Free schizonts were numeruous. As intracellular schizonts matured, they became more electron-dense, and eventually formed merozoites. It was concluded that parasitized lymphoblasts drain from infected local lymph nodes by efferent lymphatics to the tracheal lymph duct, whence they enter the blood. Their route of exit from the blood to the general body nodes was not determined.
Neural network output feedback training for optimal vibration suppression

Neural network control of flexible structures demonstrate better settling time and energy dissipation than linear design methods. Optimal tuning of passive vibration absorbers for reduced order control is examined using linear and nonlinear cases. Quasi-Newton optimization performed well in the passive control case, but not in an active nonlinear example. In both cases unsupervised least mean squares or backpropagation techniques were unstable. Lessons on unsupervised training for dynamic system control are based on training data. Output feedback parameters are "tuned" for best disturbance rejection using total energy as a cost function. The passive case trained reaction mass actuator coefficients which used position and velocity feedback for stiffness and damping respectively. Laboratory data for the linear single neuron case validated the model fidelity. The active case used air jet thrusters as a bang-bang type control for a 20 bay truss. This work illustrates the usefulness of neural networks for linear and nonlinear control, in this case for flexible structures. >
Abstract 15493: Comparison of Myocardial Scar Indices for Patients Treated With Pre-Hospital Reduced Dose Fibrinolytic Followed by Percutaneous Coronary Intervention versus Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Alone for Treatment of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Introduction: Current standard treatment for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Early reperfusion results in shorter ischemic time (IT), smaller infarct size and lower mortality. Since fibrinolysis can be initiated earlier than PPCI; for over 7 years, we have used a strategy of field evaluation for STEMI using 12 lead ECGs transmitted by emergency services personnel with over-read by emergency center physicians. Appropriate patients receive pre-hospital reduced dose fibrinolytic (10 units reteplase) along with aspirin, clopidogrel, and heparin, and are transported for urgent PCI (FAST-PCI strategy). Hypothesis: Patient with STEMI in FAST-PCI group have reduced myocardial scar and microvascular obstruction (MVO) indices measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) compared with those in PPCI. Methods: Patients with CMR performed 3 to 5 days after STEMI at our tertiary center were prospectively included for retrospective analysis. Demographic, clinical, angiographic data and outcomes were compared. We defined IT as time from onset of pain to device activation. Patients were divided into groups based on IT (<120, 120-179, ≥ 180 minutes). Within each group, patients were compared by PPCI and FAST-PCI groups. The primary endpoints were myocardial scar and MVO indices as defined in the table. Results: Between 1/2007 and 2/2014, we treated 1323 STEMI patients of which 357 (26.9%) had CMR after STEMI. FAST-PCI was employed in 216 (60.5%) and PPCI in 141 (39.5%) patients. The two treatment groups in each IT interval were well matched for age, cardiac risk factors, left main and left anterior descending artery infarct. Data are shown in the table. Conclusions: For STEMI patients with IT < 3 hours, FAST-PCI had reduced myocardial scar and MVO indices compared to PPCI. However, for patients with IT ≤ 3 hours, there was no significant difference in those indices between the two treatment groups ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Does the 'Responsibility to Protect' Encourage Third-Party Intervention?

The concept that a state’s right to non-intervention is predicated on its responsibility to protect its population from harm has gained currency during the past decade. The corollary, as stated in the 2005 UN world Summit Outcome Document, is when a state manifestly is failing to uphold its responsibility, other actors in the international system have a responsibility to take action in a timely and decisive manner. According to the leaders of small states and academic critics, this challenge to the Westphalian notion of state sovereignty paves the way for more intervention by strong states in the internal affairs of weaker states. This paper tests this critique against a realist alternative hypothesis that the decision to intervene depends on perceived threats to national interests, not on a feeling of responsibility for the population of another state. The initial findings support the realist argument that the responsibility to protect (R2P) concept does not lead to more third-party military intervention. The constructivist argument that R2P dangerously encourages intervention is not supported. The data also show it is not true that most interventions are initiated by powerful countries against weak ones. It is more common for weak countries to initiate military action against other weak countries. Intervention was justified on the grounds of protecting civilians on a number of occasions in the post-cold war period. On most such occasions, the intervention was led by an international organization, not a selfish state. Overall, these findings refute the arguments that R2P encourages military intervention and that interventions are undertaken mostly by powerful states that try to hide their political motives behind humanitarian rhetoric.
Eight: Eurocentric Historians. By J. M. Blaut. New York: Guilford Press, 2000. Pp. xii, 227. $22.00, paper.

The late J. M. Blaut, a geographer who passed away in November 2000, had a pet theory. Europe's political and economic domination of the rest of the world in the past four centuries or so was due to a single event: the almost happenstance discovery of America's treasures in 1492 by Europeans, who then used these resources to subjugate the rest of the world and to create a capitalist system that produced the Enlightenment, modern science, the Industrial Revolution, and all the rest.
Changes in flood-plain vegetation and land use along the Missouri River from 1826 to 1972

Changes in vegetation and land use since 1826 were evaluated along the 800 kilometer portion of the Missouri River flood-plain that extends across the State of Missouri using County Land Office Survey records for 1826 and aerial photos for 1937, 1958, and 1972. The combined results show a decline in flood-plain forest coverage from 76% in 1826 to 13% in 1972; cultivated land increased from 18% to 83% during the same time. Uncultivated-unforested areas increased from 6% in 1826 to 27% in 1937, then declined to 1% in 1972; these changes occurred coincident with extensive bank-stabilization and channelization activities initiated in 1912 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Riverbank stabilization activity since that time may account for the increased rate of decline in flood-plain forests from 0.25% per year between 1826 and 1937 to 1.6% per year between 1937 and 1972.
Risk factors for bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy among African American women.

Objective The objective of the study was to examine risk factors for bacterial vaginosis (BV) during pregnancy among African American women. Study Design As part of a study of preterm birth, African American women residing in Baltimore, MD, were recruited from prenatal care sites. Women enrolled prenatally (between 22 and 28 weeks’ gestation) were asked to provide a vaginal smear specimen for ascertainment of BV. Log-binomial analysis was utilized. Results Approximately one quarter of the women were identified with BV (110 of 438). After adjusting for several confounders, vaginal douching during pregnancy remained significantly associated with an increased likelihood of BV. In addition, greater frequency of intercourse during the first trimester of pregnancy was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of BV. None of the social or psychosocial factors examined were associated with BV. Conclusion Douching and sexual activity were associated with an increased risk of BV in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Literacy, Black self‐representation, and cultural practice in an elementary classroom: implications for teaching children of African‐Caribbean heritage

This study examines literacy strategies used by Black teachers who aimed to create an environment in which African‐Canadian pupils could develop literacy skills as well as learn their social histories and personal identities as children of African heritage. The study site, located in a low‐income area of Ontario, Canada, was a school with a student population that was 80% Black. The data for the study were drawn from interviews with teachers about their pedagogy and from participant observations in their classrooms. Based on the findings, some implications for teacher education as well as for culturally supportive pedagogies for children of African heritage are considered.
Overcoming the challenges in the effective delivery of chemotherapies to CNS solid tumors

Locoregional therapies, such as surgery and intratumoral chemotherapy, do not effectively treat infiltrative primary CNS solid tumors and multifocal metastatic solid tumor disease of the CNS. It also remains a challenge to treat such CNS malignant solid tumor disease with systemic chemotherapies, although these lipid-soluble small-molecule drugs demonstrate potent cytotoxicity in vitro. Even in the setting of a 'normalized' tumor microenvironment, small-molecule drugs do not accumulate to effective concentrations in the vast majority of tumor cells, which is due to the fact that small-molecule drugs have short blood half-lives. It has been recently shown that drug-conjugated spherical lipid-insoluble nanoparticles within the 7-10 nm size range can deliver therapeutic concentrations of drug fraction directly into individual tumor cells following systemic administration, since these functionalized particles maintain peak blood concentrations for several hours and are smaller than the physiologic upper limit of pore size in the VEGF-derived blood capillaries of solid tumors, which is approximately 12 nm. In this article, the physiologic and ultrastructural basis of this novel translational approach for the treatment of CNS, as well as non-CNS, solid cancers is reviewed.
Palynologic and geomorphic evidence for environmental change during the Pleistocene-Holocene transition at Point Reyes Peninsula, central coastal California

Three sites on the Point Reyes Peninsula, California, provide evidence of major environmental change during the Pleistocene-Holocene transition. A 12,300-yr-long pollen record from Coast Trail Pond reveals a change from closed canopy Pseudotsuga-Abies forest to coastal scrub and grassland about 10,000 yr B.P. The same change is also evident in pollen records from two sea cliff exposures that contain a series of buried soils interstratified with fluvial and debris-flow deposits. Eight radiocarbon dates from these exposures indicate that aggradation at both sites began ca. 12,000 yr B.P. and that the change from forest to scrub and grassland occurred between 10,300 and 9400 yr B.P. High percentages of alder pollen and bracken fern spores reflect repeated geomorphic disturbance at ca. 10,400 yr B.P. The occurrence of major aggradation accompanied by recurrent debris flows between ca. 12,000 and 10,000 yr B.P. suggests that this was a period of more frequent high-intensity storms.
3DVIEWNIX: A machine-independent software system for the visualization and analysis of multidimensional biomedical images

3DVIEWNIX is a data-, machine-, and application-independent software system for the visualization and analysis of multimodality biomedical images. It is based on UNIX, C, X-Window, and our own multidimensional generalization the ACR-NEMA standards for image representation. Its design is image dimensionality independent to make it just as convenient to process 2D and 3D data as it is for higher-dimensional data. Its design is not tied to any specific approach, machine or application. It supports a large variety of visualization and analysis methods that run on from super graphics workstations to PC's for a variety of applications. It is an open, user expandable software system intended to promote cooperative research.
The p53 circuit board

The p53 tumor suppressor is embedded in a large gene network controlling diverse cellular and organismal phenotypes. Multiple signaling pathways converge onto p53 activation, mostly by relieving the inhibitory effects of its repressors, MDM2 and MDM4. In turn, signals originating from increased p53 activity diverge into distinct effector pathways to deliver a specific cellular response to the activating stimuli. Much attention has been devoted to dissecting how the various input pathways trigger p53 activation and how the activity of the p53 protein itself can be modulated by a plethora of co-factors and post-translational modifications. In this review we will focus instead on the multiple configurations of the effector pathways. We will discuss how p53-generated signals are transmitted, amplified, resisted and eventually integrated by downstream gene circuits operating at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational levels. We will also discuss how context-dependent variations in these gene circuits define the cellular response to p53 activation and how they may impact the clinical efficacy of p53-based targeted therapies.
Response to "Clustering effects in group-based behavioral weight loss trials".

We appreciate the thoughtful comments of Li and colleagues in response to our article entitled “Do weight loss and adherence cluster within behavioral treatment groups?”1 and agree with the findings from their simulation model about the effects of clustering on statistical power. However, it is important to consider the clustering effect not only theoretically, but also empirically and to determine the magnitude of the clustering effect within specific types of groups, such as weight loss trials. We know of only two studies that have examined intra-class correlations coefficients (ICCs) in weight loss groups1, 2 and both found little evidence of clustering. We hope that our article will encourage others to examine the extent to which there is a clustering of responses within their weight loss trials and to consider whether specific features of the intervention influence the ICCs. Although we did not analyze clustering in the control condition, we want to clarify that groups were held for both the intervention and the control condition in Look AHEAD, but with differing frequency and content. Moreover, intensive interventions with structured protocols, as used in Look AHEAD, are recommended for ensuring fidelity to treatment and optimizing weight loss outcomes.
Comparison of linear gap penalties and profile-based variable gap penalties in profile-profile alignments

Graphical abstractDisplay Omitted Highlights? We compared two linear gap penalties with two profile-based gap penalties. ? We examine alignment accuracy improvements brought by profile-based gap penalties. ? Profile-based gap penalties get limited improvements than linear gap penalties. ? Secondary structure is less powerful in gap penalties than in scoring functions. ? The maximal potential of the indel frequency profiles remains to be discovered. Profile-profile alignment algorithms have proven powerful for recognizing remote homologs and generating alignments by effectively integrating sequence evolutionary information into scoring functions. In comparison to scoring function, the development of gap penalty functions has rarely been addressed in profile-profile alignment algorithms. Although indel frequency profiles have been used to construct profile-based variable gap penalties in some profile-profile alignment algorithms, there is still no fair comparison between variable gap penalties and traditional linear gap penalties to quantify the improvement of alignment accuracy. We compared two linear gap penalty functions, the traditional affine gap penalty (AGP) and the bilinear gap penalty (BGP), with two profile-based variable gap penalty functions, the Profile-based Gap Penalty used in SP5 (SPGP) and a new Weighted Profile-based Gap Penalty (WPGP) developed by us, on some well-established benchmark datasets. Our results show that profile-based variable gap penalties get limited improvements than linear gap penalties, whether incorporated with secondary structure information or not. Secondary structure information appears less powerful to be incorporated into gap penalties than into scoring functions. Analysis of gap length distributions indicates that gap penalties could stably maintain corresponding distributions of gap lengths in their alignments, but the distribution difference from reference alignments does not reflect the performance of gap penalties. There is useful information in indel frequency profiles, but it is still not good enough for improving alignment accuracy when used in profile-based variable gap penalties. All of the methods tested in this work are freely accessible at http://protein.cau.edu.cn/gppat/.
Environmental and behavioral strategies to prevent and manage neonatal pain

This article provides an overview of environmental and behavioral methods for pain management in newborn infants. Specific interventions in the areas of containing, positioning, nonpainful sensory stimuli, non-nutritive sucking, sucrose, and procedural technique are discussed. The conceptual framework and research evidence for the efficacy of these methods are examined. Opportunities for further research to evaluate the comparative efficacy of environmental and behavioral pain interventions are emphasized.
Grains of anomalous isotopic composition from novae

The effects of grain formation in nova ejecta are studied in order to model the optical and infrared luminosities schematically and to identify the anomalies of isotopic composition that should be present in large abundance in these grains. The large carbon concentration makes rapid and efficient grain formation possible and accounts for the peculiar luminosities observed in Nova Serpentis 1970. In the anticipated range of nova conditions, rapid addition of hot protons during the outburst produces large overabundances of C-13, O-18, Na-22, Al-26, Si-30, and perhaps others. Anomalous C-14 is expected subsequent to the C-13(alpha, n)O-16 reaction, and will be trapped in grains formed by subsequent atmospheric loss. Each of these anomalies may have been detected on the moon (due to accretion of interstellar dust) or in carbonaceous chondrites. Perhaps nova grains are responsible.
Small punch tests to estimate the mechanical properties of steels for steam power plant : II. Fracture toughness

Abstract Accurate measurements of the fracture appearance transition temperature and fracture toughness KIC are greatly desired for engineering in steam power plant, especially from the standpoint of life extension. The current toughness of materials at critical locations is a key characteristic necessary for the remaining life analysis. For this purpose, small punch test techniques using miniature-sized specimens have been investigated on header components. Linear relationships, obtained between mechanical characteristics determined from small punch tests and from Charpy tests, have been used to estimate the fracture appearance transition temperature. Energy based and fracture stress formulations have been applied to estimate the fracture toughness in the upper- and lower-shelf regimes on a class of low alloy steels.
Comparison of 180° and 360° acquisition for myocardial perfusion SPECT with compensation for attenuation, detector response, and scatter: Monte Carlo and mathematical observer results

Background The optimal projection data acquisition strategy for myocardial perfusion (MP) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) remains controversial. Methods We compared MP SPECT using 180° and 360° projection data obtained with the same acquisition time, reconstructed either with filtered back projection (FBP) or the iterative ordered-subsets expectation maximization (OS-EM) algorithm with various combinations of attenuation, detector response, and scatter compensation using mathematical observers and a myocardial defect detection task. We used Monte Carlo–simulated projection data from a population of 3-dimensional nurbs-based cardiac-torso (NCAT) phantoms with ranges of variability in patient anatomy, organ uptake, defect location, defect size, and noise level based on clinical data. Projection data from 180° and 360° acquisitions were generated by assuming the same acquisition time. After iterative or FBP reconstruction, standard postprocessing methods were applied. For each acquisition and reconstruction method, we optimized the number of iterations and cut-off frequency of the Butterworth filter using the Channelized Hotelling Observer methodology. The optimum set of parameters was that which gave the maximum area under the curve. Results For both acquisition protocols, OS-EM with compensations provided better performance than FBP or OS-EM without compensation. For FBP, the optimized 180° acquisition provided a statistically significant increase in AUC as compared with optimized 360° acquisition. For OS-EM, the AUCs for 180° were slightly larger than for 360° acquisitions when comparing images reconstructed with the same compensations. However, the differences were smaller and not statistically significant. Conclusion With optimized reconstruction and filtering parameters, 180° acquisition provided a statistically significant improvement over 360° acquisition for FBP reconstruction. However, for OS-EM the differences were small and not statistically significant.
Current Treatment of Myoclonic Astatic Epilepsy: Clinical Experience at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Summary: Purpose: Myoclonic astatic epilepsy (MAE) is a generalized epilepsy of early childhood. Little is known about the use of newer antiepileptic treatments (AET) in MAE. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics, treatment, and outcome of a contemporary MAE cohort exposed to the new generation AET. Methods: Charts of subjects with MAE treated between 1998 and 2005 were reviewed. Results: Twenty-three subjects (19 boys), with a median (range) follow-up of 38 (2‐ 86) months were identified. Thirtynine percent had a family history of epilepsy, and 39% had family history of febrile seizures. Age at seizure onset was a median of 36 (12‐24) months. Initial EEG was normal in 30%. When seizures ceased, EEG background and epileptiform abnormalities persisted in 17 and 58%, respectively. On average, each subject was exposed to five AET. The most frequently used AET was valproate (83%). Seizure freedom occurred spontaneously in three subjects, with ethosuximide and levetiracetam in one each, valproate and lamotrigine in two each, topiramate in three and the ketogenic diet (KD) in five subjects. By 36 months after seizure onset, 67% achieved seizure freedom. At the last visit, 43% were developmentally normal, 52% had mild, and 5% had moderate cognitive disabilities. Time to seizure freedom did not correlate with cognitive outcome. Conclusions: The new generation of AET may offer significant benefit to children with MAE. The KD was the most effective AET in this series, and perhaps should be considered earlier in treatment. Key Words: Myoclonic astatic epilepsy—Idiopathic generalized epilepsy— Antiepileptic drugs—Ketogenic diet. Myoclonic astatic epilepsy (MAE) of Doose is a generalized epilepsy syndrome of young children characterized by multiple seizure types—predominantly myoclonic seizures (MS), astatic seizures (AS), and myoclonic astatic seizures (MAS), as well as with generalized tonic‐clonic (GTC), absence, myoclonic absence, and tonic seizures (Doose, 1992). In general, children are developmentally normal before the onset of epilepsy and organic brain abnormalities are absent. The seizures are often difficult to treat, but may remit spontaneously. EEG tracings may be normal initially, but later develop a characteristic biparietal theta background rhythm, and irregularly generalized spike wave, and polyspike wave discharges. Long-term prognosis varies from cessation of seizures with normal developmental outcome to intractable epilepsy with mental retardation. Favorable outcomes were reported in half to two-thirds of cases (Doose, 1992; Kaminska et al., 1999; Oguni et al., 2002 ). A relationship between poor control of seizures and cognitive
Somewhere Between: Social Embeddedness and the Spectrum of Wild Edible Huckleberry Harvest and Use

This case study is centered in northeast Washington State and northern Idaho and focuses on the social ecology of the wild edible huckleberry. The theoretical notion of social embeddedness is the lens through which the harvest and use of this much-prized resource is viewed and analyzed. Using grounded theory as an over-arching method, qualitative data were collected over two harvesting seasons regarding who har- vests huckleberries in the study area and why. Four categories of use/users were identi- fied. The results suggest a rich tapestry of social relations surrounding this resource that belies the simplistic notion of "commercial" vs. "recreational" use. These relations in- clude temporal, geographic, economic, and cultural dimensions. Policy implications in- clude the need to move beyond the commercial/recreational dichotomy in regulating the harvest of berries as well as the need to link the notions of community forestry and subsistence to the harvest of non-timber forest products more generally.
Two studies of subjects' ability to specify sample computations for a program synthesis system

A system which has been previously developed for synthesizing programs from traces of example calculations is briefly described. With this system a person uses a light-pen interactive display for communication of his algorithm. He would first declare variables and data structures which would appear on the screen and then work through the steps for a calculation using the screen and light-pen in a scratch-pad fashion. A program is then produced by the system from the observed trace of the calculation.After such a system was created, it had to be tested to see how effective it is for human use. Two basic questions needed answering, first the ease with which the system would be learned and secondly how it compares for experienced users to other means for communicating algorithms such as programming. The results of experiments carried out to answer these questions are then given and discussed.