cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decreased vitellogenin inducibility and 17β-estradiol levels correlated with reduced egg production in killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) from Newark Bay, NJ.

Aquatic species inhabiting polluted estuaries are exposed to complex mixtures of xenobiotics which can alter normal reproduction. We previously reported that female Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) from the highly contaminated Newark Bay, NJ (USA) exhibited an inhibition of oocyte development due to reduced vitellogenin (egg-yolk precursor) levels. Our hypothesis was that the inhibition of oocyte development in Newark Bay killifish is due to (1) deficient levels of circulating 17β-estradiol, and (2) a decreased sensitivity of the vitellogenin pathway to physiological doses of 17β-estradiol. In the first study, adult naive killifish from Tuckerton, NJ (reference) were caged at Tuckerton and Newark Bay. After 1 month, males caged at Newark Bay exhibited inductions of hepatic vitellogenin and estrogen receptor α, which were transient and returned to basal levels after 2 months (p≤0.05). In the second study, fecundity and 17β-estradiol levels were measured in reproductively active adult females from Tuckerton and Newark Bay. Tuckerton females produced 140 eggs per female and Newark Bay females produced 11 eggs per female. Embryos from Newark Bay had 34% greater mortality and 28% less hatch, relative to Tuckerton. In addition, embryo mass and yolk-volume of Newark Bay embryos compared to Tuckerton embryos was 16% and 25% lower, respectively. Circulating 17β-estradiol levels in Newark Bay females (0.26 ng/mL) were measured to be 8-fold lower than Tuckerton females (2.25 ng/mL). In the third study, adult killifish from both sites were dosed with 17β-estradiol to assess the sensitivity of the vitellogenin pathway. At doses of 0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 ng/g body weight, induction levels of circulating vitellogenin in Newark Bay males were significantly inhibited by 97, 99, 98 and 44%, respectively, compared to Tuckerton males. At doses of 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 ng/g body weight, induction levels of circulating vitellogenin in Newark Bay females were inhibited by 89, 79, 61, 40 and 30%, respectively, compared to Tuckerton females. These differences in inducibility could not be explained by altered hepatic expression of estrogen receptors α, βa or βb. Based on the caged and dose-response studies, contaminants that down-regulate vitellogenin would interfere with its ability to be used as a biomarker for xeno-estrogen exposures. These studies demonstrate that contaminants within Newark Bay exert both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic responses which results in an overtly anti-estrogenic phenotype (reduced egg production due to inhibition of vitellogenesis).
Physician knowledge of and adherence to the revised breast cancer screening guidelines by the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

Objective We sought to assess knowledge and adherence to the revised US Preventive Services Task Force breast cancer screening guidelines among gynecologic care providers. Study Design This was a cross-sectional descriptive study based on a survey conducted among gynecologic care providers. Results Forty providers completed the survey (80%). In response to the statement “The current recommended age to initiate breast cancer screening is … .,” 48.7% of providers responded in accordance with revised guidelines. For the statement “Women between the age of 50 and 74 years old are recommended to have screening mammography,” 46.2% of respondents answered in accordance. In response to the statement “The United States Preventative Services Task Force recommends teaching breast self-examination,” 71.8% of providers responded in accordance. A total of 37 respondents (92.5%) stated that they were aware of the revised guidelines, but 17 (42.4%) stated that they were applicable to their patient population. Conclusion Knowledge of the revised guidelines appeared to be relatively low in our provider sample.
Specific interaction of conformational polypeptides derived from HIV gp120 with human T lymphocyte CD4 receptor

Abstract Specifically cross-linked peptides (peptomers) have been prepared from the repeating sequences of the C4 domains of glycoproteins 120 present in different isolates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In order to investigate if the HIV C4 peptomers could function as gp120 protein, we have used a novel protein-binding assay to examine if and which components of the peptomers could interact with CD4 receptor in vitro. Here, we demonstrate that all the polymeric components of the HIV-1 C4 peptomer could bind to recombinant soluble CD4 protein. A similar result was also obtained with HIV-2 C4 peptomer except that the binding occured only in those of constituents having molecular weights higher than that of trimer. Remarkably, the CD4-binding was demonstrated to be specific to the HIV C4 peptomers as it did not occur with control peptomers such as Poly V3 MN and Poly NINA whose peptide sequences bore no homology to those of the HIV C4 peptomers. Furthermore, consistent with previous findings, no interaction of HIV-1 C4 monomeric peptide (419–436) with CD4 was detected under the same conditions. Since it is known that the HIV C4 peptomers have much higher contents of α-helical conformation than those of their monomeric peptides, we conclude that the secondary structure is a pivotal determinant for the successful CD4-binding by the peptomers. Our finding reveals a more defined molecular nature of the gp120-CD4 interaction and may be important for designing HIV vaccines and therapeutics which target the first step in the virus infection.
Sol−Gel Synthesis and Characterization of Co−Mo/Silica Catalysts for Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Production

A series of silica-supported Co−Mo samples prepared by the sol−gel method has been compared as catalysts for the synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT). The concentration ratio of ammonium hydroxide to the silica precursor tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) has an important effect on the resulting morphology of the silica support and, consequently, on the nature of the Co−Mo catalytic species. In turn, these morphology changes have significant effects on carbon yield, quality, and type of the single-walled carbon nanotubes obtained by the disproportionation of CO at 750 °C. In addition, a catalyst with an open microscale structure has been prepared by using carbon fibers as burnable sacrificial templates. This open structure results in several-fold enhanced carbon yield, while keeping the same nanotube quality as those obtained on conventional powder catalysts.
Eccentric and concentric torque-velocity relationships during arm flexion and extension. Influence of strength level.

Forty men were tested with a computerized dynamometer for concentric and eccentric torques during arm flexion and extension at 0.52, 1.57, and 2.09 rad·s−1. Based on the summed concentric and eccentric torque scores, subjects were placed into a high strength (HS) or low strength (LS) group. The eccentric and concentric segments of the torque-velocity curves (TVCs) were generated using peak torque and constant-angle torque (CAT) at 1.57 and 2.36 rad. Angle of peak torque was also recorded. Compared to LS, HS had significantly greater estimated lean body mass (+ 10.2 kg) and approximately 25% greater average torque output. Reliability of the peak torque scores on 2 days in 20 subjects wasr≥0.85. The difference between observed torques and the mathematically computed criterion torque scores averaged 1% for three validation loads that ranged from 11.4 to 90.4 kg. Statistical analysis revealed that torque output in LS plateaued at low concentric velocities and was also flattened with increasing eccentric velocities. Conversely, torque ouptput for HS increased with decreasing concentric velocities and increased with increasing eccentric velocities. The method of plotting the TVCs for peak or CAT did not influence the pattern of TVC. Eccentric flexion peak torque occurred at a significantly shorter muscle length (1.88 rad) than concentric torque (2.12 rad). This difference was also present for extension; it was 1.88 rad for eccentric and 2.03 rad for concentric torque. These findings are discussed in terms of study design, neural inhibition, activation history, muscle-tendon elasticity, muscle fiber types, muscle architecture, and methodological considerations. The present results illustrate the importance of strength level to explain individual differences in TVC.
RELATIVISTIC HIGH-ENERGY APPROXIMATION FOR ELASTIC SCATTERING OF DIRAC PARTICLES

A high-energy approximation is described for predicting the elastic scattering of Dirac particles by a scalar potential. The formal solution is then applied to the specific problem of electron and positron scattering from nuclei. The predicted cross sections turn out to be in close agreement with those of partial-wave analysis, even for heavy nuclei and at large scattering angles, where the Born approximation is entirely inadequate.
Application of a Modified Random-Element-Isodisplacement Model to Long-Wavelength Optic Phonons of Mixed Crystals

The random-element-isodisplacement (REI) model has been modified to include the polarization field, thereby enabling it to predict the long-wavelength longitudinal optic frequencies of a mixed crystal. A criterion has been obtained to determine whether a given mixed crystal will exhibit "one-mode" or "two-mode" behavior. Under certain conditions the modified REI (MREI) model may also be made to work for mixed crystals with one-mode behavior. The so-called "virtual-crystal model" applicable to this type of crystals becomes a special case of the MREI model. Given the properties of the "pure" end-members $\mathrm{AB}$ and $\mathrm{AC}$, the MREI model then can determine whether $A{B}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{C}_{x}$ is going to display one-mode or two-mode behavior, and can predict the concentration dependence of the TO and LO modes. A large number of examples of both types of mixed crystals is given.
Unfair treatment is associated with poor sleep in African American and Caucasian adults: Pittsburgh SleepSCORE project.

Objective—To test the association between self-reported unfair treatment and objective and selfreported sleep characteristics in African American and Caucasian adults. Design—Cross-sectional study of 97 African American and 113 Caucasian middle-aged adults. Main Outcome Measures—Participants completed: a) two night in-home, polysomnography (PSG) sleep study, b) sleep diaries and actigraph assessments across nine days and nights, and c) self-report measures of sleep quality in the past month, and daytime sleepiness in the past two weeks. Results—Greater unfair treatment was associated with reports of poorer self-reported sleep quality and greater daytime sleepiness, shorter sleep duration and lower sleep efficiency as
Series limit and hydrogenlike series in Pbii

The first six members of the 6s2ng series of Pbii were fitted to a polarization formula, from which the series limit was determined to be 121 245.14 ± 0.05 cm−1. This value is in good agreement with that determined from the same series by an extended Ritz formula, as is also the case with the nf, ng, and nh series of Mgii, the nf series of Csi, and the ng series of Pbi. The polarization parameters empirically determined from the ng series of Pbii were used to predict level values for the nh series, six members of which were subsequently found.
Incidence of aneurysm formation after dacron patch aortoplasty repair for coarctation of the aorta: Long-term results and assessment utilizing magnetic resonance angiography with three-dimensional surface rendering

Objectives. Magnetic resonance angiography with three-dimensional surface rendering was performed to determine its value in assessing anatomic detail in patients with suspected aortic aneurysms. Background. Dacron patch aortoplasty repair of coaretation of the aorta carries an inherent risk of aneurysm development. Sudden death from aortic rupture prompted discontinuing this operation and evaluating 39 patients (16 girls; mean age 6.3 years, range 10 days to 14.5 years) undergoing repair between January 1976 and October 1987. The aorta ruptured in 10 patients; 6 died at a mean interval of 8.1 years (range 0.75 to 12.4) after repair. All 33 survivors were interviewed and examined. Methods. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 26 patients, magnetic resonance angiography in 18. Angiographic slices were used to reconstruct three-dimensional images. No catheterization or contrast angiography was performed. Surgical intervention was based on clinical findings and magnetic resonance images. Results. Twenty patients (11 girls) developed aneurysms, of which nine were detected in patients studied by magnetic resonance. Ruptures occurred in eight female patients, three of whom were pregnant. Surface renderings accurately defined aortic anatomy or aneurysms in all patients. On follow-up, no aneurysms have been detected in patients with negative magnetic resonance study results. Precise anatomic correlation with operative findings was reported. Conclusions. Magnetic resonance angiography with three-dimensional surface rendering provides noninvasive, radiation-free and contrast agent-free high resolution images of the thoracic aorta. These images can be reviewed and have three-dimensional form and perspective. These techniques were preferred over invasive angiography by surgeons and clinicians as definitive, risk-free procedures before surgical intervention.
Scaling of noisy fluctuations in complex networks and applications to network prediction

We study the collective dynamics of oscillator-network systems in the presence of noise. By focusing on the time-averaged fluctuation of dynamical variable of interest about the mean field, we discover a scaling law relating the average fluctuation to the node degree. The scaling law is quite robust as it holds for a variety of network topologies and node dynamics. Analyses and numerical support for different types of networks and node dynamics are provided. We also point out an immediate application of the scaling law: predicting complex networks based on time series only, and we articulate how this can be done.
Release of Arsenic from Volcanic Rocks through Interactions with Inorganic Anions and Organic Ligands

The effects of a number of inorganic anions (F−, HCO3 −, B(OH) 4 − , Cl−, I−) and of the siderophore DFO-B on the release of As from volcanic rocks were investigated in batch experiments. While previously reported field and laboratory data support a role of inorganic anions on As mobilization into aquifers, the role of siderophores on As-induced mobilization was less investigated. Fluoride, bicarbonate and DFO-B have shown a significant influence on the release of As from the rocks. Lava was mostly affected among the investigated rocks at pH 6 and 20°C by releasing 4% of its initial As content in the presence of 0.01 M F−and 10% in the presence of 500 μM DFO-B. The effect of fluoride was larger at pH 6 than at pH 8.5 for all the rocks. In the case of DFO-B, there was also a larger effect at pH 6 compared to pH 8 for the various rocks except tuff. Bicarbonate played a role under alkaline conditions while its effect was negligible at pH 6. Anion exchange processes in the presence of fluoride and bicarbonate and complexation processes in the presence of the siderophore DFO-B appear to be the major processes responsible for the release of arsenic from the rocks. The siderophore DFO-B plays mainly an indirect role on the As release by complexing Al, Fe and Mn, thus favoring the dissolution of the rocks and the consequent release of As bound to surface Al, Fe and Mn oxy-hydroxides. These findings suggest that ionic interactions with fluoride, bicarbonate and siderophore may be a further triggering factor in the mobilization of As from aquifer rocks.
Neural networks applications in manufacturing processes

Abstract Advanced manufacturing systems are becoming too complex and dynamic for traditional rule-based decision support systems. Neural network technology application is gathering momentum in all aspects of manufacturing processes. This paper overviews the technology and surveys the literature on its application in manufacturing processes.
Release of elemental mercury by intact Hawaiian Metrosideros: First in situ measurements

Abstract Intact Hawaiian Metrosideros trees in situ release mercury vapour from their branches at rates as high as 5–6 μg/kg/hr (dry wt). This compares well with the emission of mercury from detached leaves or shoots of woody perennials Aleurites, Leucaena and Pandanus. The emission rates appear to be related to soil mercury content.
Landscape graphs: Ecological modeling with graph theory to detect configurations common to diverse landscapes

In view of the bewildering diversity of landscapes and possible patterns therein, our objectives were to see if a useful modeling method for directly comparing land mosaics could be developed based on graph theory, and whether basic spatial patterns could be identified that are common to diverse landscapes. The models developed were based on the spatial configuration of and interactions between landscape elements (ecosystems, land uses or ecotopes). Nodes represented landscape elements and linkages represented common boundaries between elements. Corridors, corridor intersections, and the matrix were successfully incorporated in the models. Twenty-five landscape graphs were constructed from aerial photographs chosen solely to represent a breadth of climates, land uses and human population densities. Seven distinctive clusters of nodes and linkages were identified and common, three of which, in the forms of a ‘spider’, ‘necklace’ and ‘graph cell,’ were in >90% of the graphs. These represented respectively the following ‘configurations’ of patches, corridors and matrix: (1) a matrix area surrounding or adjoining many patches; (2) a corridor bisecting a heterogeneous area; and (3) a unit in a network of intersecting corridors. The models also indicated that the connectivity or number of linkages for several common elements, such as fields and house clearings, was relatively constant across diverse landscapes, and that linear shaped elements such as roads and rivers were the most connected. Several additional uses of this graph modeling, including compatibility with systems dynamics models, are pinpointed. Thus the method is useful in allowing simple direct comparisons of any scale and any landscape to help identify patterns and principles. A focus on the common and uncommon configurations should enhance our understanding of fluxes across landscapes, and consequently the quality of land planning and management.
A simple procedure for the separation of viable blood cells, suitable for long-term in vitro experiments

Abstract A simple procedure is presented for the isolation of erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets from single small samples of both human and rat blood. The separation of cells is based on sedimentation and low-speed centrifugation. The obteined yields for the various cells ranged from 42–85%. The cross contamination of the individual cellular fractions was less than 5%. The purity of the cellular fraction was ascertained by microscopic examination and electronic size distribution. Cellular viability, energetic state, and metabolic function was investigated by Trypan Blue exclusion, by determination of cellular contents of sodium, potassium, and ATP, as well as by measurements of oxygen consumption. The obtained data compared favorably with those reported previously and the investigated parameters remained essentially constant over a 3-hour incubation period at 37°.
Continuous and discrete adjectival scales

Abstract The hallmark of the lexical category adjective is its ability to be graded. The typical adjec- tive has continuous scale , which can be ascertained morphologically and interpretively with such operations as the English comparative and degree specifiers such as very . A number of other attributive and predicative modifiers that cannot meet these gradation tests, including numerals, are nevertheless scalar lexemes if the scale is a discrete rather than continuous one. A discrete scale may have as few distinctions as present/not present . The author uses mor- phological evidence from the Muskogean language Choctaw and English interpretive evi- dence using a number of degree specifiers to show distinctions in scale type.
Meteoritic and terrestrial abundance of tin

Abstract The following averages for tin have been obtained: chondrites 1 p.p.m., metal phase of chondrites 5 p.p.m., iron meteorites roughly 2 p.p.m. (range from
Are Theories of Learning Necessary

Certain basic assumptions, essential to any scientific activity, are sometimes called theories. That nature is orderly rather than capricious is an example. Certain statements are also theories simply to the extent that they are not yet facts. A scientist may guess at the result of an experiment before the experiment is carried out. The prediction and the later statement of result may be composed of the same terms in the same syntactic arrangement, the difference being in the degree of confidence. No empirical statement is wholly non-' theoretical in this sense, because evidence is never complete, nor is any prediction probably ever made wholly without evidence. The term "theory" will not refer here to statements of these sorts but rather to any explanation of an observed fact which appeals to events taking place somewhere else, at some other level of observation, described in different terms, and measured, if at all, in different dimensions. Three types of theory in the field of learning satisfy this definition. The most characteristic is to be found in the field of physiological psychology. We are all familiar with the changes that are supposed to take place in the nervous system when an organism learns. 1 Address of the president, Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago, Illinois, May, 1949. Synaptic connections are made or broken, electrical fields are disrupted or reorganized, concentrations of ions are built up or allowed to diffuse away, and so on. In the science of neurophysiology statements of this sort are not necessarily theories in the present sense. ' But in a science of behavior, where we are concerned with whether or not an organism secretes saliva when a bell rings, or jumps toward a gray triangle, or says bik when a cards reads tuz, or loves someone who resembles his mother, all statements about the nervous system are theories in the sense that they are not expressed in the same terms and could not be confirmed with the same methods of observation as the facts for which they are said to account. A second type of learning theory is in practice not far from the physiological, although there is less agreement about the method of direct observation, Theories of this type have always dominated the field of human behavior. They consist of references to "mental" events, as in saying that an organism, learns to behave in a certain way because it "finds something pleasant" or because it "expects something to happen." To the mentalistic psychologist these explanatory events are no more theoretical than synaptic connections to the neurophysiologist, but in a science of behavior they are theories because the methods
Time course of urinary excretion of inorganic phosphate by rats after parathyroidectomy and after injection of parathyroid extract.

Spontaneously voided urine was collected at intervals of 5 to 15 minutes from unanesthetized male rats in metabolic restraining cages during continuous intravenous infusion of physiological salt solution and anatyzed for inorganic phosphate (Pi). The rate of excretion of Pi fell within 25 to 52 minutes after parathyroidectomy and continued to decline during the next 3 to 5 hours. At the end of this interval the intravenous injection of parathyroid extract resulted, within 8 minutes, in a rise in urinary Pi. The rate continued to increase to a maximum, 18 to 48 minutes after the injection, which was within the range of the pro-operative values. The rate fell gradually toward the pre-injection level during the next one to one and a half hours. The work led to the following conclusions: the life of parathyroid hormone in the circulation is short; in the normal intact rat there is a continuous secretion of the hormone; the hormone acts directly on the renal tubule to influence the excretion of Pi
Cage-Escape of Geminate Radical Pairs Can Produce Peroxynitrate from Peroxynitrite under a Wide Variety of Experimental Conditions1

The spontaneous and CO2-catalyzed decomposition of peroxynitrite yields HO• and -CO3• radicals, respectively, together with •NO2. The geminate HO•/•NO2 and -CO3•/•NO2 pairs undergo competitive in-cage collapse to nitrate and diffusive separation. Free HO• and -CO3• radicals react with H2O2 and, in the presence of O2, suitable alcohols or formate to produce superoxide, which is trapped by the •NO2 to form peroxynitrate. The formation of peroxynitrate may influence the rate of change in optical density at 302 nm, the wavelength normally employed to monitor peroxynitrite decay, leading to misleading kinetic traces. Tetranitromethane (TNM) was used as a colorimetric probe for superoxide to quantify the yield of free HO• (27−28%) and free -CO3• (32−33%). The yields of both of these free radicals are in excellent agreement with other recent estimates. Superoxide was also detected in some oxygenated aldehyde-catalyzed peroxynitrite decompositions both by peroxynitrate formation and by its reaction with TNM. Supe...
A suggested method of reporting rainfall-records

It is now quite generally recognized among hydrologists that the reporting of precipitation in daily amounts is of rather limited value in the study of rainfall-runoff relationship. The hydrologic network of the United States Weather Bureau is reporting hourly amounts of precipitation which is quite adequate for many purposes and constitutes a great improvement over the old method of giving daily amounts and “excessive precipitation.” Rainfall-records from hydrologic studies on small watersheds and plots are often reported in the form of graphs or tabulations which are essentially the reproduction of the recorded chart, corrected for time and depth when necessary. Rates in inches per hour for each period of constant rate are usually included. The publication of records in this form is quite laborious and would be prohibitive for a large network. Furthermore, the detailed breakdown which may be necessary for special studies on small plots often makes comparisons of storms difficult. There is also a tendency to report very small amounts and time-intervals which are not justified by the instruments and procedures commonly employed.
Investigating the Influence of Relationship Education on Parental Attitudes

Economically strained couples experience a multitude of chronic stressors and are at greater risk for lower quality relationships with their children. Relationship education (RE) programs indicate positive results for economically strained couples who attend. However, most studies examine relationship satisfaction or communication patterns with few addressing the influence of RE on parental attitudes. Therefore, we examined changes in parental attitudes for couples (n = 70) and compared differences in parental attitudes as measured by the empathy and family roles subscales of the Adult-Adolescent Parenting Inventory-2 at pre- and post-assessment. Results partially supported the hypothesis becasue participants indicated no significant differences between pre- and post-scores on empathy; however, participants did indicate significant differences between pre- and post-scores on family roles. Implications of results and discussion are provided.
Oxidative activity of the type 2 isozyme of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) predominates in human sebaceous glands

Sebum production is regulated by the opposing effects of androgens and estrogens. The intracrine activity of steroid metabolizing enzymes is important in regulating sebum production because these enzymes can convert weak steroids from the serum into potent androgens and estrogens within the sebaceous gland (SG). 17Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD) interconverts weak and potent sex steroids via redox reactions. In this regard, it may function as a gatekeeping enzyme regulating the hormonal milieu of the SG. Six isozymes of 17beta-HSD have been identified that differ in their substrate preference and their preference to produce weak or potent sex steroids via oxidation or reduction, respectively. The goals of this study are: (i) to identify which isozyme (s) of 17beta-HSD is active in SG; (ii) to determine if its activity differs in facial skin compared with nonacne-prone skin that may account for the regional differences in sebum production; (iii) to compare the activity of 17beta-HSD in intact glands and in SG homogenates; and (iv) to determine if 13-cis retinoic acid inhibits 17beta-HSD activity. Human SG were assayed for 17beta-HSD activity using estrogens, androgens, and progestins as substrates. Oxidative activity of the type 2 isozyme predominated in all samples tested. Although transcripts for the types 1, 2, 3, and 4 isozymes were detected using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, only mRNA for the predominant type 2 isozyme and the type 4 isozyme were detected in northern analysis. Greater reductive activity of 17beta-HSD was noted in SG from facial areas compared with nonacne-prone areas, suggesting an increased net production of potent androgens in facial areas. Oxidation was more predominant over reduction in intact SG compared with homogenized SG, thus supporting the hypothesis that 17beta-HSD protects against the effects of potent androgens in vivo. Activity of the type 2 17beta-HSD was not inhibited by 13-cis retinoic acid. In conclusion, SG possess the cellular machinery needed to transcribe the genes for the type 1-4 isozymes of 17beta-HSD. At the protein level, however, oxidative activity of the type 2 isozyme predominates, suggesting that 17beta-HSD isozyme activity may be translationally regulated.
Breast biopsy prediction using a case-based reasoning classifier for masses versus calcifications

We investigated how the subdivision of breast biopsy cases into masses and calcifications influences breast cancer prediction for a case-based reasoning (CBR) classifier system. Mammographers' BI-RADS (TM) descriptions of mammographic lesions were used as input to predict breast biopsy outcome. The CBR classifier compared the case to be examined to a reference collection of cases and identified similar cases. The decision variable for each case was formed as the ratio of malignant similar cases to all similar cases. The reference data collection consisted of 1433 biopsy-proven mammography cases, and was divided into 3 categories: mass cases, calcification cases, and other. Performance was evaluated using ROC analysis and Round Robin sampling, and variance was estimated using a bootstrap analysis. The best ROC area for masses was 0.92+/- 0.01. At 98% sensitivity, about 209 (51%) patients with benign mass lesions might have been spared biopsy, while missing 5 (2%) malignancies. The best ROC area for calcifications was only 0.64+/- 0.02. At 98% sensitivity, 50 (12%) benign calcification cases could have been spared, while missing 5 (2%) malignancies. The CBR system performed substantially better on the masses than on the calcifications.
The collagen recognition sequence for fibroblasts depends on collagen topography

We found that the peptide Gly-Arg-Gly-Glu-Ser-Pro (GRGESP) inhibited spreading of human fibroblasts inside collagen gels and markedly decreased gel contraction, but this peptide had no effect on cell spreading on collagen-coated surfaces. On the other hand, the peptide Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro (GRGDSP), which inhibited cell spreading on collagen-coated surfaces, did not inhibit cell spreading within collagen gels and was a less effective inhibitor of collagen gel contraction than GRGESP. Based on these findings, we conclude that human fibroblasts can interact with different collagen cell recognition sequences depending upon topographical organization of the collagen.
Water Storage in Putting Greens Constructed with United States Golf Association and Airfield Systems Designs

This research was conducted to facilitate utilization of the widely accepted United States Golf Association (USGA) recommendations for physical properties of root zone mixtures when designing a putting green using geotextile atop Airfield Systems' AirDrain in place of the standard gravel drainage layer. Water storages in greens that utilized geotextile atop AirDrain as the drainage structure were compared with water storage in standard USGA-design greens constructed with gravel drainage. Three root zone mixture treatments were combined with four geotextile-atop-AirDrain drainage treatments and three gravel drainage treatments to cover a range of possible combinations of materials for construction of a putting green. Each root zone drainage treatment was replicated three times in small test greens. After irrigation that produced drainage, water tensions at the bottom of the root zones of greens constructed with geotextile atop AirDrain were, on average, 56 mm water less than those in test greens constructed with gravel. As a consequence of the differences in tensions, about 12 mm (∼1/2 inch) more water was stored in root zones of test greens constructed with geotextile atop AirD-rain compared to those constructed with gravel. If the USGA recommendations for a root zone mixture were to be used for an Airfield System's designed putting green, it would appear that the tension at which the air-filled porosity and capillary porosity were determined should be lowered by approximately 50 mm water.
Simple Regression Methods for Survival Time Studies

Abstract Given a set of grouped survival data, least squares estimates are proposed for the parameters of four survival distributions that can be fit: exponential, linear hazard, Gompertz and Weibull. Sample estimates of the hazard function are utilized in the least squares procedures and a method is given for selecting a distribution for further investigation based on the likelihood under the four survival models. A Monte Carlo study demonstrated that the least squares estimates are nearly as efficient as maximum likelihood when the sample size is 50 or more. The methods are applied to survival data for 112 patients with plasma cell myeloma.
A History of Distribution Sampling Prior to the Era of the Computer and its Relevance to Simulation

Abstract The use of simulation, as a technique for attacking difficult problems, has increased greatly with the availability of the digital computer. This is illustrated by the large number of references in Shubik's (1960) bibliography2 and in the large number of studies published since then. Simulation is essentially an extension of a technique known as empirical sampling, or distribution sampling, which has been used in the field of statistics for many years. The limitations of the technique, which are well known to statisticians, are apparently not as well known, or at least not as well recognized, by those using simulation today. The first part of this paper contains an historical survey of distribution sampling as used by statisticians. The material was originally prepared in 1953 and is reproduced here in slightly revised form to bring this history to the attention of present day simulators in order that the lessons that can be learned from this part can more readily be incorporated in the developme...
Cultures of the plant parasitic nematode genus Pratylenchus on sterile excised roots. I. Their establishment and maintenance

The plant parasitic nematode Pratylenchus penetrans was axenized and pipetted onto sterile excised corn (Zea mays) roots growing in screw-cap culture flasks. The brown lesions that resulted after 3 months were cut off with sterile microspatulas and transferred to new roots. Numbers of P. penetrans abandon severely damaged portions of roots. This fact permits one to trap nematodes in water, so that they can then be used as suspended sterile axenic inoculum. A glucose nutrient medium serves to grow corn roots that have been excised from seeds. The inorganic nutrient ratios of White's solution are revised so that the most concentrated salt is potassium chloride instead of magnesium sulfate, and traces of copper, cobalt, and molybdenum are added.
A 21.5mW 10+Gb/s mm-Wave phased-array transmitter in 65nm CMOS

This paper presents a 65nm mm-wave transmitter efficiently supporting QPSK modulation and phased array functionality with a proposed oscillator modulation technique. The design delivers an average output power of 1mW at 10Gb/s and 0.8mW at 14Gb/s while consuming 21.5mA DC current from a 1V supply. At 10Gb/s, an overall transmitter efficiency of 4.65% is achieved, representing ∼1.8X improvement over prior art [1].
Relational Benefits in Services Industries: The Customer’s Perspective:

This research examines the benefits customers receive as a result of engaging in long-term relational exchanges with service firms. Findings from two studies indicate that consumer relational benefits can be categorized into three distinct benefit types: confidence, social, and special treatment benefits. Confidence benefits are received more and rated as more important than the other relational benefits by consumers, followed by social and special treatment benefits, respectively. Responses segmented by type of service business show a consistent pattern with respect to customer rankings of benefit importance. Management implications for relational strategies and future research implications of the findings are discussed.
Controlling molecular fragmentation: Adiabatic rapid passage as a mechanism for charge transfer

Control over CF 3 +/CHBr 2 + in laser driven fragmentation of CHBr 2 COCF 3 , is observed. Pump-probe spectroscopy reveals a charge transfer mechanism. This mechanism may allow for a measurement of the wave function for a dissociating polyatomic molecule.
Dual Parallel Liquid Chromatography/Dual Mass Spectrometry (LC2/MS2) of Bovine Brain Total Lipid Extract

Abstract A commercially available bovine brain total lipid extract containing polar and non‐polar lipid fractions has been separated in one analytical run using two high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) systems in parallel, coupled to dual mass spectrometers, in parallel. The whole extract of bovine brain was separated on normal phase (NP, LC1) and reversed‐phase (Rp, LC2) columns simultaneously, with detection using an ion trap mass spectrometer (MS1) and a tandem mass spectrometer (MS2) coupled to the two HPLC systems, respectively. A single injection was loaded onto an amine column to perform separation of phospholipid components. Non‐polar components, such as triacylglycerols, were unretained on this polar column. Using the diverter valve on the front of the ion trap mass spectrometry (MS1), the bolus of neutral lipids was redirected to a RP liquid chromatography system (LC2) on which the neutral lipids were separated using a second chromatographic system at the same time that the polar lipids...
Waveguide QED: Many-body bound-state effects in coherent and Fock-state scattering from a two-level system

Strong coupling between a two-level system (TLS) and bosonic modes produces dramatic quantum optics effects. We consider a one-dimensional continuum of bosons coupled to a single localized TLS, a system which may be realized in a variety of plasmonic, photonic, or electronic contexts. We present the exact many-body scattering eigenstate obtained by imposing open boundary conditions. Multiphoton bound states appear in the scattering of two or more photons due to the coupling between the photons and the TLS. Such bound states are shown to have a large effect on scattering of both Fock- and coherent-state wave packets, especially in the intermediate coupling-strength regime. We compare the statistics of the transmitted light with a coherent state having the same mean photon number: as the interaction strength increases, the one-photon probability is suppressed rapidly, and the two- and three-photon probabilities are greatly enhanced due to the many-body bound states. This results in non-Poissonian light.
A micromachined surface acoustic wave sensor for detecting inert gases

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors must be specifically designed for each application because many variables directly affect the acoustic wave velocity. In the present work, we have designed, fabricated, and tested a SAW sensor for detection of metastable states of He. The sensor consists of two sets of micromachined interdigitated transducers (IDTs) and delay lines fabricated by photolithography on a single Y-cut LiNbO/sub 3/ substrate oriented for Z-propagation of the SAWs. One set is used as a reference and the other set employs a delay line coated with a titanium-based thin film sensitive to electrical conductivity changes when exposed to metastable states of He. The reference sensor is used to obtain a true frequency translation in relation to a voltage controlled oscillator. An operating frequency of 109 MHz has been used, and the MT finger width is 8 /spl mu/m. Variation in electrical conductivity of the thin film at the delay line due to exposure to He is detected as a frequency shift in the assembly, which is then used as a measure of the amount of metastable He exposed to the sensing film on the SAW delay line. A variation in the He pressure versus frequency shifts indicates the extent of the metastable He interaction.
Small antenna location synthesis using characteristic modes

It is shown that the efficiency of a small antenna can be substantially increased by properly locating it on its support structure. Characteristic modes are used to determine the optimum location and frequency.
Complex permittivity and permeability of carbonyl iron powders at microwave frequencies

The microwave dielectric and magnetic properties of carbonyl iron powders were investigated using the waveguide technique. The experimental results of the complex permittivity and permeability of these carbonyl iron powders are presented. The complex permeability of these carbonyl iron powders are quite similar due to their high content of iron while the complex permittivity of the carbonyl iron powders are different, classifying the various contents of the samples.
Remote sensing techniques in historical site discrimination

Abstract In 1972, the Mississippi State University Remote Sensing Program developed an aerial survey technique, based on an environmental model, for discrimination of Early Woodland/Early Mississippian settlement sites in humid forested regions. Thirteen terrain and landform hypotheses, and eleven supplementary soil and vegetative hypotheses served as the basis of the model. Utilization in a test area resulted in correct identification of 52 of 62 possible sites. Using 1/2400 and 1/4800 CIR imagery and historic panchromatic photography, a modified model was applied to location of human activity sites in three extinct towns along the Tombigbee River in Mississippi. The major traces of human activity during the period 1834 to 1856 were found to be old-growth hardwood and cedar trees arranged in geometric forms, particularly around old clearings, or in linear arrangement indicating roads or house approaches, and existence of certain ornamentals in geometric configurations.
Six Sigma implementation in the service sector: notable experiences of major firms in the USA

Six Sigma is a quality improvement methodology that has been popular among manufacturing firms for years. Given that the service sector employs most of the total workforce in developed countries, Six Sigma can be utilised to improve service quality in this sector as well. Since the application of Six Sigma to service industries is a relatively new concept, the number of studies on this topic is quite limited. In this paper, we report the Six Sigma experiences of major service firms in the USA, including Bank of America, Circuit City, Citibank, EMC Corporation, Home Depot, JPMorgan Chase and Merrill Lynch. We also highlight the significant benefits and improvements realised by these firms as a result of Six Sigma projects. Overall, our paper provides compelling evidence that the expansion of the scope of the Six Sigma methodology from the manufacturing to the service sector has been quite successful. We also provide managerial insights for service companies that plan to adopt Six Sigma as a quality improvement methodology.
Synoptic Disturbances over the Equatorial South China Sea and Western Maritime Continent during Boreal Winter

Abstract During boreal winter, the Maritime Continent is a region of deep cumulus convection and heavy precipitation systems that play a major role in several global- and regional-scale processes. Over the western part of this region, the synoptic-scale Borneo vortex, the northeast cold surge, and the intraseasonal Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) contribute to the variability in deep convection. This work studies the impact on deep convection due to interactions among these three different motion systems. Furthermore, the role of the unique topography of the region is examined with respect to the variability in the synoptic-scale cold surge and Borneo vortex. On the synoptic scale, the interaction of northeast winds with local topography and the dynamic response to the change in latitude contribute to the turning of the winds and localized patterns of deep convection. In days without a Borneo vortex, deep convection tends to be suppressed over the South China Sea and Borneo and enhanced downstream over th...
Immortalized Epithelial Cells Derived From Human Colon Biopsies Express Stem Cell Markers and Differentiate In Vitro

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Long-term propagation of human colonic epithelial cells (HCEC) of adult origin has been a challenge; currently used HCEC lines are of malignant origin and/or contain multiple cytogenetic changes. We sought to immortalize human colon biopsyderived cells expressing stem cell markers and retaining multilineage epithelial differentiation capability. METHODS: We isolated and cultured cells from biopsy samples of 2 patients undergoing routine screening colonoscopy. Cells were immortalized by expression of the nononcogenic proteins cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (Cdk4) and the catalytic component of human telomerase (hTERT) and maintained for more than 1 year in culture. RESULTS: The actively proliferating HCECs expressed the mesenchymal markers vimentin and -smooth muscle actin. Upon growth arrest, cells assumed a cuboidal shape, decreased their mesenchymal features, and expressed markers of colonic epithelial cells such as cytokeratin 18, zonula occludens-1, mucins-1 and -2, antigen A33, and dipeptidyl peptidase 4. Immortalized cells expressed stem cell markers that included LGR5, BMI1, CD29, and CD44. When placed in Matrigel in the absence of a mesenchymal feeder layer, individual cells divided and formed self-organizing, cyst-like structures; a subset of cells exhibited mucin-2 or polarized villin staining. CONCLUSIONS: We established immortalized HCECs that are capable of self-renewal and multilineage differentiation. These cells should serve as valuable reagents for studying colon stem cell biology, differentiation, and pathogenesis.
Radiation Particle Flux Assessment: ACE / CRIS Data

*† Space radiation data from the Cosmic Ray Isotope Spectrometer (CRIS) instrument onboard the ACE (Advanced Composition Explorer) spacecraft have been analyzed through fro 1998 thru 2004. We present the assessment of radiation particle flux variation in the current solar cycle. Our continued research efforts include the collection of all the particle spectrum data from 1998 through 2004 and generate the model calculated particle spectrum and their transport through the conceptual space vehicles. Measurements of the particle flux data from the CRIS instrument are within 5% to 15% of the model calculated predictions with the anticipated observations of decreased particle flux during the solar maximum time (~ 2001) and current trend of increasing particle flux as we approach the solar minimum time of the solar cycle phase.