cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Study the Effect of Anticancer Drugs on Human Breast Cancer Cells Using Three Dimensional Silicon Microstructures

In this paper we report development of three dimensional silicon microenvironments in order to test the morphological changes and adhesion properties of human breast cancer cells after treatment with different anticancer drugs such as Trichostatin A (TSA), suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) and Scriptaid. Our results indicate that the cancer cells reorganize their cytoskeleton structure after treatment with TSA and Scriptaid. However, SAHA does not change the behavior of the cells inside the three dimensional microstructures while TSA and Scriptaid evoked striking changes in the cells morphology. TSA and Scriptaid drugs cause the cells to stretch inside the isotropic microchambers to avoid contact with curved sidewalls in contrast to their originally rounded shape. The proposed microstructures can be used to evaluate mechanical properties and the pathological grade of various cancer cell lines after different conditions i.e. drug exposure.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Long-range transport of terrestrially derived lipids in aerosols from the south Pacific

Terrestrially produced participate organic matter can be transported relatively fast in the atmosphere, long distances over the ocean. It has been hypothesized that this atmospheric transport may be an important way of quickly introducing continentally-derived organic material to the surface waters of the open ocean1–11. After rapid transport through the water column to the sediment surface12, these terrestrial organic substances could account for an important fraction of the organic carbon found in the sedimentary record13. The atmospheric fluxes of these organic substances are large enough to have a major potential impact on the inventory of terrestrially derived lipid material, originating from vascular plant waxes, found in deep-sea sediments13. We present here the first use of organic compound biological source marker information in conjunction with long-range meteorological trajectory analysis to elucidate specific terrestrial source regions and to determine the transport pathways of organic material through the atmosphere to remote marine locations.
The effects of morphine in the consummatory contrast paradigm.

Rats shifted from 32% to 4% sucrose show a negative contrast effect, licking significantly less than animals that receive only 4% sucrose. The effects of morphine sulfate (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, and 16.0 mg/kg) on negative contrast were investigated in four experiments. Contrast was reduced on both the 1st and 2nd postshift day by the 4.0 and 8.0 mg/kg doses, but the effects were less robust than those seen with the benzodiazepines. The effects of morphine on contrast were dissociable from simple increases in sucrose consumption. Naloxone (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/kg) had no effect on contrast or sucrose intake. However, the contrast-reducing effect of morphine (4.0 mg/kg) was blocked by pretreatment with naloxone (0.50 mg/kg). The results are discussed in terms of other anxiolytic screening paradigms that have obtained “partial anxiolytic effects” using morphine.
Diagnosis and Management of Internal Hernias after Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

Internal hernia is a known complication of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP). However, no consensus exists regarding optimal diagnostic modality and management. We reviewed the literature and our own experience, and present an algorithm for the diagnosis and management of internal hernia after LRYGBP. A retrospective review of 290 retrocolic LRYGBPs was performed to identify those who developed postoperative small bowel obstruction due to internal hernia. Demographics, clinical symptoms, radiologic characteristics, and operative outcomes were analyzed to determine clinical and radiological diagnostic accuracy. Over a 43-month period, 11 out of 290 (3.79%) post-LRYGBP patients with symptoms suggestive of a small bowel obstruction underwent operative exploration. The most common clinical symptoms included intermittent abdominal pain, and/or nausea/vomiting. All patients were initially explored laparoscopically. Etiology of obstructions included internal hernias – 6 [at the transverse mesocolon (n = 1), Petersen’s space (n = 2), and at the jejunojejunostomy (n = 3)], adhesions (n = 4) and a negative laparoscopy (n = 1). The mean time for development of internal hernias was 13.7 months. Mean loss of BMI units at time of re-operation was 17 kg/m2. Of the 6 patients with internal hernia, 2 (30%) had normal preoperative radiological work-up. On review of the preoperative films by the surgeon, signs of internal herniation were seen in all the patients. Management included initial laparoscopic exploration, lysis of adhesions, reduction of internal hernia and closure of mesenteric defects in all the patients. There were 2 conversions to laparotomy. Small bowel obstruction in the post-LRYGBP patient is difficult to diagnose, especially when due to an internal hernia. Most patients present with intermittent abdominal pain and/or nausea. The most frequently used radiologic study is CT scan, which is most accurate when reviewed by the bariatric surgeon preoperatively.
Chronically inflamed livers up‐regulate expression of inhibitory B7 family members

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can induce chronic liver disease. The PD-1 inhibitory pathway assists in T cell response regulation during acute and chronic inflammation and participates in the progression of inflammatory liver disease. To examine whether PD-1 and its ligands, B7-H1 and B7-DC, are modulated during chronic necroinflammatory liver disease, we investigated expression profiles in normal patients and patients with the aforementioned conditions. Relative to liver biopsies from normal individuals, those from patients with chronic necroinflammatory liver diseases (HBV, HCV, and AIH) contain increased numbers of PD-1 expressing lymphocytes. Kupffer cells, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), and leukocytes express PD-1 ligands. We also detect PD-1 ligands on hepatocytes within biopsies and on isolated cells. All forms of chronic necroinflammatory liver disease examined correlate with increased B7-H1 and B7-DC expression on Kupffer cells, LSECs, and leukocytes. The degree of necroinflammation correlates with expression levels of PD-1 family members. These results demonstrate that expression of PD-1/PD-1 ligands links more directly with the degree of inflammation than with the underlying etiology of liver damage. The PD-1 pathway may assist the liver in protecting itself from immune-mediated destruction.
The Evolutionary Significance of Affect in Groups: Communication and Group Bonding:

Recent theorizing and research has attempted to explicate the functions of moods and emotions within small groups. In this paper, we examine these areas and suggest that affect in groups, as well as specific mechanisms to regulate and maintain certain affective states in groups, have had important roles in promoting group survival over evolutionary history. Specifically, we suggest that affect in groups serves a coordination function, which can take one of two forms. First, affect in groups quickly provides information about the environment and group structure to other group members, thus coordinating group activity via a communication function. Second, shared affect in groups coordinates group activity through fostering group bonds and group loyalty. These two functions of affect in groups are closely related and mutually reinforcing. Current research and directions for future research within an evolutionary perspective are also discussed.
The results of MATCH: light or heat?

It is possible that cryptogenic strokes would be difficult to prevent with antiplatelet therapy. Comparison of the benefit of combined therapy in the cardiac trials with that found in MATCH shows the effect of the types of vascular pathology on outcome. In CURE and CREDO, despite bleeding rates slightly higher than in MATCH, the event reductions favouring combined therapy over aspirin respectively were 20% and 27%. In MATCH, the event reduction was 6·4% for combined therapy over clopidogrel. The event reductions in the cardiac trials mostly reflect fewer coronary events and death. Thus, combination therapy can be beneficial for pathology in larger (coronary) arteries. The undermining effect of the study population on event rates and event reduction in MATCH is underscored by the results of CAPRIE. 7
Promoting Informed Consent of Women in Labor

Laboring women are increasingly being asked to participate in perinatal research. These women should be considered captive or special subjects who deserve greater protection of their rights. Essential elements of informed consent are reviewed. Specific guidelines are suggested for promoting informed consent for women in labor participating in clinical research.
Stability of the cuprite-type structure at elevated pressures and temperatures

Abstract Cu2O and Ag2O are the only two common materials which share the cubic cuprite structure, Strukturbericht type C3, h3m. We have studied the behavior of copper and silver oxides at elevated temperature and pressure, viz., by resistivity (to 6.5 GPa at 25°C), volume compressibility (< 2.6 GPa at 25°C), X-ray compressibility (to 6.3 GPa at 25°C), and by high pressure high temperature quenching experiments (to 6.0 GPa and 2000°C). Both Cu2O and Ag2O exhibit discontinuities in their resistivity at elevated pressures, suggestive of changes in crystallographic or electronic structure. Ag2O decomposes at pressures below about 3 GPa for temperatures above about 1100°C; it transforms into the layered C6 (CdI2-type) structure at pressures and temperatures higher than this. Above 5 GPa at 500°C Cu2O disproportionates into CuO and Cu. The results of this investigation are compiled with critical analyses of previous work, and are summarized in appropriate P-T phase diagrams.
Using Neural Networks for Extended Detection

Extended Detection (ED) has become required especially when protecting high valued assets. Physical Protection Systems (PPS) usually integrate Detection, Delay, and Response (DDR) elements in a manner to assess threats at well defined perimeters. Situational Awareness (SA) beyond PPS perimeters requires the use of longer range sensors systems such as Radars or Unattended Ground Sensors which cover relatively large areas. Gathering such sensor data, especially in high noise environments poses a serious challenge to building reliable ED systems. The use of Neural Networks to merge sensor data and identify potential threats can make SA systems available for broader use.
Mass spectrometry investigation of glycosylation on the NXS/T sites in recombinant glycoproteins.

We used a targeted proteomics approach to investigate whether introduction of new N-linked glycosylation sites in a chimeric protein influence the glycosylation of the existing glycosylation sites. To accomplish our goals, we over-expressed and purified a chimeric construct that contained the Fc region of the IgG fused to the exons 7 & 8 of mouse ZP3 (IgG-Fc-ZP3E7 protein). Immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgG-HC protein) was used as control. We then analyzed the IgG-HC and IgG-Fc-ZP3E7 proteins by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and by Western blotting (WB). We concluded that in control experiments, the glycosylation site was occupied as expected. However, in the IgG-Fc-ZP3E7 protein, we concluded that only one out of three NXS/T glycosylation sites is occupied by N-linked oligosaccharides. We also concluded that in the IgG-Fc-ZP3E7 protein, upon introduction of additional potential NXS/T glycosylation sites within its sequence, the original NST/S glycosylation site from the Fc region of the IgG-Fc-ZP3E7 protein is no longer glycosylated. The biomedical significance of our findings is discussed.
The utility of screening laboratory studies in pediatric patients with sickle cell pain episodes

The purpose of this study was to determine whether blood counts discriminate between sickle cell pain episodes that lead to successful discharge from the emergency department (ED) and those that result in complications. This retrospective review compared the hemoglobin, reticulocyte count, and white blood cell count with differential during complicated and uncomplicated ED visits. Complicated visits were pain episodes followed by admission, by readmission within 48 hours, by acute chest syndrome, by an aplastic crisis, or by the administration of blood or antibiotics. There were 2 statistically important differences between complicated and uncomplicated pain episodes. Children successfully discharged were younger than those experiencing a complicated visit (8.9 v 11.2, P = 0.04). At a difference of 0.4 g/dL, the change in hemoglobin from baseline among children with complicated versus uncomplicated pain crises was not clinically useful. Routinely performed blood counts do not reliably identify the course of sickle cell pain crises.
The pharmacologic management of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is characterized by physical, affective and behavioral symptoms that are linked to the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and relieved soon after the onset of menses. The disorder is chronic and exerts a major impact on personal relationships and occupational productivity for the estimated 6% of reproductive-aged women who fulfill strict PMDD criteria and the almost 20% of women who nearly meet these criteria. There are now various pharmacologic options that have demonstrated efficacy for PMDD and two of these approaches have an approved indication for treatment from the US FDA: three selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors; and for women who also desire hormonal contraception, a low dose oral contraceptive pill containing the progestin drospirenone, in a new dosing regimen. Due to the unique pathophysiology of the disorder, the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors can be effectively administered intermittently, with dosing limited to the luteal phase of the cy...
Species differences in nitrate reductase activity are unaffected by nitrogen enrichment in northeastern US forests

Abstract Forests in the northeastern United States are typically nitrogen (N) poor, but anthropogenic N deposition may begin to overcome this limitation in the coming decades. Concomitant with this change, soil nitrate may increase in systems previously dominated by ammonium, and thus the ability to reduce nitrate may become an increasingly important plant trait. Here we present results from a survey of nitrate reductase activity (NRA) in foliage and roots of four canopy dominant tree genera ( Betula spp., Fagus grandifolia , Quercus spp., Acer spp.) in two northeastern temperate forests (Harvard Forest, MA, and the Catskill Mountains, NY). We found that NRA varied by ∼9× across genera, and was consistently greatest in birch ( Betula ) and lowest in maple ( Acer ) species. Root NRA was measured at one site, and was ∼10× lower than in foliage. In both Harvard Forest and the Catskill mountains, the amount of NRA in a particular species, and the difference in NRA between species, was unaffected by long-term N fertilization. Despite the order of magnitude differences in NRA between species, NRA did not correlate with foliar %N, C:N ratio, N:P ratio or response of these variables to fertilization. We postulate that NRA may be related to ecological strategy, and that high NRA may be more common in early successional species that thrive in relatively N rich conditions. These species-level differences remain, even as forests mature and N availability diminishes. High NRA may be an important trait for some species, particularly early in ontogeny. But these results suggest that species-level differences in NRA may not be a large driver of species response to continuing N deposition in northeastern forests.
s -step iterative methods for symmetric linear systems

Abstract In this paper we introduce s -step Conjugate Gradient Method for Symmetric and Positive Definite (SPD) linear systems of equations and discuss its convergence. In the s -step Conjugate Gradient Method iteration s new directions are formed simultaneously from ≎ r i , Ar i ,…, A s −1 r i ≎ and the preceding s directions. All s directions are chosen to be A-orthogonal to the preceding s directions. The approximation to the solution is then advanced by minimizing an error functional simultaneously in all s directions. This intuitively means that the progress towards the solution in one iteration of the s -step method equals the progress made over s consecutive steps of the one-step method. This is proven to be true.
Sleep disturbances in progressive supranuclear palsy

Abstract Prolonged polygraphic sleep recordings were obtained from four patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a disease which produces degenerative changes in the pontine and mesencephalic tegmentum, globus pallidus, dentate nuclei of the cerebellum and nuclei at the mesodiencephalic junction. All patients had hyposomnia, with mean total sleep time of 243 min. REM sleep was absent or markedly reduced in all patients. Non-REM sleep patterns were abnormal, showing a decrease in number and amplitude of sleep spindles, and infrequent activity resembling rudimentary K-complexes and vertex sharp transients. Rhythms in the alpha frequency range appeared throughout non-REM sleep. EEG patterns of wakefulness persisted into behavioral sleep. EEG patterns of sleep in PSP are similar to those reported in patients with lesions of vascular origin involving the pons bilaterally. Involvement of structures relevant to sleep and common to both conditions is restricted to the pontine tegmentum. Our results strongly suggest that structures within this area are necessary for the initiation and maintenance of sleep in man. The appearance of EEG patterns characteristic of wakefulness during behavioral sleep suggests that functionally separable mechanisms account for the EEG patterns and the behavioral manifestations of sleep, and that these may become uncoupled in PSP.
PROBING AWAY SIDE JET MODIFICATION WITH THREE PARTICLE CORRELATIONS

Recent experimental investigations have focussed on the abnormal spatial distribution of away side jet fragments as signals of significant medium induced effects. A variety of theoretical models including recent string-theory based efforts have supported the notion of Mach Cone like effects in the low viscosity QGP fluid. However, the presence of significant flow fields may deflect the fragmentation direction producing a significantly differing type of jet topology from that of the Mach cone. Three particle correlation functions constitute a powerful method whereby the predominance of one or the other type of mechanism can be differentiated. In this work the use of such an approach will be demonstrated via simulations and the results of its application to RHIC data will be presented.
The impact of socio-economic factors on functional status decline among community-dwelling older adults in China

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of baseline socio-economic factors on functional status decline over a period of 3 years among a sample of Chinese older men and women, using the China Health and Nutrition Surveys of 1997 and 2000. In addition, the study tries to determine whether risk differentials by these socio-economic factors can be explained by other demographic, health-related and nutritional risk factors. The eligible study population was defined as women and men aged 55 years and over who at baseline were free from any form of disablement in activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) tasks. Among subjects with complete data at followed-up (N = 976), the overall incidence proportions of any functional status decline, IADL only and ADL declines were 25.8%, 18.9% and 6.9%, respectively. Our study found that education is strongly and inversely associated with incidence of combined functional status decline and IADL only but not with the onset of ADL disability. Similarly, household income per capita was inversely associated with functional status decline and IADL disability incidence, with a clear dose-response relationship, even after adjustment for age and gender. However, multivariate analysis demonstrated that the latter association was highly confounded by other demographic factors, especially urban-rural area of residence. Using a combined measure of socio-economic status that includes years of education and household income per capita, the age and gender-adjusted odds ratio for functional status decline and belonging to lower SES class as compared to middle, upper middle and upper classes was 3.82 (95% CI: 2.15, 6.77) and 2.77 (95% CI: 1.52, 5.03) after further adjustment for urban-rural area of residence and living arrangements. Hence, there are wide socio-economic disparities in the functional health of older adults in China, although such disparities are more seen for IADL decline and are almost exclusively attributed to differentials in educational attainment. Finally, nutritional and health-related risk factors do not seem to act as intermediate factors in this association and hence further research should try to uncover other mechanisms by which SES affects changes in functional health among older adults in China.
Enhancement of diastereoselectivity in the claisen rearrangement induced by remote stereocenters via use of sterically demanding lewis acid catalysts

Abstract Several cases of significant enhancement in the diastereoselectivity of acyclic Claisen rearrangement of cyclohexenyl allyl ethers governed principally by remote asymmetric center(s) have been observed when Lewis acid catalysts are employed rather than the usual thermal rearrangement conditions.
Formation of ice lenses and frost heave

[1] I examine the morphology of ice growth in porous media. Intermolecular forces cause premelted fluid to migrate and supply segregated ice growth (e.g., lenses) and frost heave. I account for the net effect of these microscopic interactions in a homogenized model formulated in terms of fundamental physical properties and characteristics of the porous medium that can be measured; no ad hoc parameterizations are required. Force equilibrium constraints yield the rate of fluid migration toward the ice lens boundary and predict the conditions under which new lenses are initiated. By combining this analysis with considerations of the heat flow problem in a step-freezing (Stefan) configuration, I elucidate the boundaries between different regimes of freezing behavior. At higher overburden pressures and relatively warm surface temperatures, ice lenses cannot form, and freezing of the available liquid occurs within the pore space, with no accompanying deformation. When conditions allow a lens to form, water is drawn toward it. If the fluid supply is sufficiently rapid, the lens grows faster than the latent heat of fusion can be carried away, and its boundary temperature warms until it reaches a stable steady state configuration. At lower fluid supply rates, the lens boundary temperature cools until a new lens can form at a warmer temperature beneath. With subsequent freezing this lens grows until yet another lens forms and the process repeats. An approximate treatment leads to estimates of the evolving lens thickness and spacing, as well as the accumulated total heave.
Sampling and aging effects on beef longissimus color stability measurements

The present study was conducted to determine the repeatability of color stability measurements and to evaluate relationships among color stability data collected under differing sampling and aging protocols. Beef (Bos taurus) carcasses (n = 100) were selected at grading in a commercial facility, after which a LM steak was removed from the 13th rib of each carcass and immediately placed in simulated retail display. Steaks were removed from the remainder of each loin after 14 (duplicate) and 35 d of aging and placed in display. Color attributes [L*, a*, b*, hue angle, chroma, K/S(572)/K/S(525), and overall color change (ΔE)] were determined on d 0, 1, 4, 7, and 11 of display. Duplicate 14-d aged steaks differed (P < 0.05) initially with regard to L*, b*, hue angle, chroma, K/ S(572)/K/S(525), and ΔE. However, changes in these attributes during display were equivalent in the duplicate steaks. Furthermore, repeatability estimates were high for all attributes, particularly when measured late in the display period (R = 0.55 to 0.97 on d 4, 7, and 11 of display). Differences in the trends associated with color change of steaks removed from the carcass after grading and those aged for 14 d were generally insignificant. Changes in color attributes of steaks aged for 35 d before simulated retail display generally were much more rapid than those obtained after grading or those aged for 14 d. Despite differences in the rate of discoloration during simulated retail display, color attributes were moderately to highly correlated (P < 0.05) between aging treatments, though the degree of correlation between attributes varied across days of display. In steaks collected after grading and those aged for 14 d, the greatest correlation was observed in the latter part of the display period with coefficients ranging from 0.61 to 0.94 on d 4, 7, and 11 of display. The greatest correlation between steaks aged for 14 d and those aged for 35 d were detected in the middle portion of the display period, presumably because many steaks aged for 35 d had reached an ultimate level of discoloration by d 11 of display with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.51 to 0.95 on d 4 and 7 of display. Thus, these results indicate that color stability data is highly repeatable and that, although aging impacts color-life, animal variation is consistent across aging times. Furthermore, steaks obtained from carcasses after grading can provide color stability evaluations applicable to steaks from aged subprimals.
Non-Fluent Speech in Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration

We investigated the cognitive and neural bases of impaired speech fluency, a central feature of primary progressive aphasia. Speech fluency was assessed in 35 patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) who presented with progressive non-fluent aphasia (PNFA, n=11), semantic dementia (SemD, n=12), or a social and executive disorder without aphasia (SOC/EXEC, n=12). Fluency was quantified as the number of words per minute in an extended, semi-structured speech sample. This was related to language characteristics of the speech sample and to neuropsychological measures. PNFA patients were significantly less fluent than controls and other FTLD patients. Fluency correlated with grammatical expression but not with speech errors or executive difficulty. SemD and SOC/EXEC patients were also less fluent than controls. In SemD, fluency was associated with semantically limited content. In SOC/EXEC, fluency was associated with executive limitations. Voxel-based morphometry analyses of high-resolution MRI related fluency to gray matter volume in left inferior frontal, insula, and superior temporal regions for the entire cohort of FTLD patients. This region overlapped partially distinct atrophic areas in each FTLD subgroup. It thus appears to play a crucial role in speech fluency, which can be interrupted in different ways in different FTLD subgroups.
Rapid microarray detection of DNA and proteins in microliter volumes with surface plasmon resonance imaging measurements.

A four-chamber microfluidic biochip is fabricated for the rapid detection of multiple proteins and nucleic acids from microliter volume samples with the technique of surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRI). The 18 mm × 18 mm biochip consists of four 3 μL microfluidic chambers attached to an SF10 glass substrate, each of which contains three individually addressable SPRI gold thin film microarray elements. The 12-element (4 × 3) SPRI microarray consists of gold thin film spots (1 mm2 area; 45 nm thickness), each in individually addressable 0.5 μL volume microchannels. Microarrays of single-stranded DNA and RNA (ssDNA and ssRNA, respectively) are fabricated by either chemical and/or enzymatic attachment reactions in these microchannels; the SPRI microarrays are then used to detect femtomole amounts (nanomolar concentrations) of DNA and proteins (ssDNA binding protein and thrombin via aptamer−protein bioaffinity interactions). Microarrays of ssRNA microarray elements are also used for the ultrasensitive det...
Tremor patches in Cascadia revealed by seismic array analysis

[1] Episodic tremor and slip (ETS) events in Cascadia have recently been observed, illuminating the general area that radiates seismic energy in the form of non-volcanic tremor (NVT). However, the picture of the ETS zone remains fuzzy because of difficulties in tremor detection and location. To observe the intimate details of tremor, we deployed a dense 84-element small-aperture seismic array on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington, above the tremor migration path. It recorded the main ETS event in May 2008, as well as a weaker tremor episode two months earlier. Using a beamforming technique, we are able to capture and track tremor activity with an unprecedented resolution from southern Puget Sound to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The array technique reveals up to four times more duration of tremor compared to the conventional envelope cross-correlation method. Our findings suggest that NVT is not uniformly distributed on the subduction interface, and unveils several distinct patches that release much of the tremor moment. The patches appear to be devoid of ordinary earthquakes, and may indicate the heterogeneity in fault strength that affects the modes of stress release within the ETS zone.
The Effect of Student-Instructor Interaction on Achievement in a Dyad Computer-Based Training (CBT) Environment

Most computer-based training (CBT) research has ignored variables other than the software itself. Yet there are other factors which can influence achievement. This study explored the impact of instructor-student interaction when students worked CBT in pairs. Compared to an earlier study in which instructor interaction positively influence achievement when students worked CBT individually, instructor interaction had no effect on achievement. Evidently, many if not all of the social functions served by the instructor in the traditional classroom can be provided by a CBT team partner. Implications of these results, to include the role of the instructor and the responsibility of the software developer, are discussed.
Implications of hedgehog signaling antagonists for cancer therapy

The hedgehog (Hh) pathway, initially discovered in Drosophila by two Nobel laureates, Dr. Eric Wieschaus and Dr. Christiane Nusslein-Volhard, is a major regulator for cell differentiation, tissue polarity and cell proliferation. Studies from many laboratories, including ours, reveal activation of this pathway in most basal cell carcinomas and in approximately 30% of extracutaneous human cancers, including medulloblastomas, gastrointestinal, lung, breast and prostate cancers. Thus, it is believed that targeted inhibition of Hh signaling may be effective in treating and preventing many types of human cancers. Even more exciting is the discovery and synthesis of specific signaling antagonists for the Hh pathway, which have significant clinical implications in novel cancer therapeutics. This review discusses the major advances in the current understanding of Hh signaling activation in different types of human cancers, the molecular basis of Hh signaling activation, the major antagonists for Hh signaling inhibition and their potential clinical application in human cancer therapy.
Multiscale Adaptive Marginal Analysis of Longitudinal Neuroimaging Data with Time‐Varying Covariates

Neuroimaging data collected at repeated occasions are gaining increasing attention in the neuroimaging community due to their potential in answering questions regarding brain development, aging, and neurodegeneration. These datasets are large and complicated, characterized by the intricate spatial dependence structure of each response image, multiple response images per subject, and covariates that may vary with time. We propose a multiscale adaptive generalized method of moments (MA-GMM) approach to estimate marginal regression models for imaging datasets that contain time-varying, spatially related responses and some time-varying covariates. Our method categorizes covariates into types to determine the valid moment conditions to combine during estimation. Further, instead of assuming independence of voxels (the components that make up each subject's response image at each time point) as many current neuroimaging analysis techniques do, this method "adaptively smoothes" neuroimaging response data, computing parameter estimates by iteratively building spheres around each voxel and combining observations within the spheres with weights. MA-GMM's development adds to the few available modeling approaches intended for longitudinal imaging data analysis. Simulation studies and an analysis of a real longitudinal imaging dataset from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative are used to assess the performance of MA-GMM. Martha Skup, Hongtu Zhu, and Heping Zhang for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.
Non-intensity Modulated Proton Versus Intensity Modulated Photon Planning for Complex Head-and-Neck Tumors

protocol. GTVs, CTVs and normal tissues were delineated by adjusting to the changes of targets and normal anatomy. Acute and late toxicities were scored based on the RTOG criterion. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the local-regional control rate (LRC) and overall survival rate (OS). Results: Adaptive radiation therapy for these sixty patients led to the prescription dose delivered to the gross tumor volume (GTV) being increased by 66 to 72 Gy, whereas the maximum dose to brain stem, spinal cord, optic nerve/chiasm were significantly decreased by 5.12 2.33Gy, 3.45 1.52Gy, and 8.75 3.37Gy, respectively, compared with the routine monoplanning (p < 0.05). The median follow-up interval was 34 months. The 3-year local control, distant metastasis-free survival and overall survival rate was 100%, 83.3% and 91.7%. Acute and late toxicities were mainly grade I-II, no grade III-IV was found. Conclusions: Multiple replanning for locally advanced NPC patients during IMRT helps to ensure adequate doses to the target volumes and acceptable doses to OARs, with higher LC and OS and less toxicities. Author Disclosure: X. Peng: None. L. Jinyi: None. W. Weidong: None.
Comparing Science Teaching Styles to Students' Perceptions of Scientists

Many educational researchers seem to concur with the idea that, among other factors, the teacher's teaching style has some impact on student learning and the perceptions students develop about science learning and the work of scientists. In this study, nine middle grades teachers' teaching styles were assessed using the Draw-a-Science-Teacher-Teaching Test Checklist (DASTT-C) and categorized along a continuum from didactic to inquiry/constructivist in orientation. Students' (n = 339) perceptions of scientists were determined using the Draw-a-Scientist-Test Checklist (DAST-C). Teachers' teaching styles and their students' perceptions of scientists were then compared using nonparametric correlational methods. Results showed that no significant correlation existed between the two measures for the population studied. Although the study provides no understanding about when or how relationships developed between teachers' teaching styles and students' perceptions of scientists, trends in the results give rise to some concerns regarding the preparation of future science teachers and the in-service development of practicing teachers.
Equilibrium and kinetics studies of hydrogen isotope exchange on vanadium hydride

Chromatography experiments and pressure-composition isotherm measurements were carried out on the vanadium-hydrogen system in order to obtain an understanding of the equilibrium and kinetic factors affecting hydrogen isotope exchange. Analysis of the results yielded values of the hydrogen equilibrium distribution coefficient, the tritium-protium separation factor, the rate of the gas-solid exchange reaction, and the axial dispersion coefficient. 6 figures, 1 table.
A Systematic Review of Clinical Decision Rules for the Diagnosis of Influenza

PURPOSE In this study, we assessed whether multivariate models and clinical decision rules can be used to reliably diagnose influenza. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of MEDLINE, bibliographies of relevant studies, and previous meta-analyses. We searched the literature (1962–2010) for articles evaluating the accuracy of multivariate models, clinical decision rules, or simple heuristics for the diagnosis of influenza. Each author independently reviewed and abstracted data from each article; discrepancies were resolved by consensus discussion. Where possible, we calculated sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, likelihood ratios, and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS A total of 12 studies met our inclusion criteria. No study prospectively validated a multivariate model or clinical decision rule, and no study performed a split-sample or bootstrap validation of such a model. Simple heuristics such as the so-called fever and cough rule and the fever, cough, and acute onset rule were each evaluated by several studies in populations of adults and children. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.70 and 0.79, respectively. We could not calculate a single summary estimate, however, as the diagnostic threshold varied among studies. CONCLUSIONS The fever and cough, and the fever, cough, and acute onset heuristics have modest accuracy, but summary estimates could not be calculated. Further research is needed to develop and prospectively validate clinical decision rules to identify patients requiring testing, empiric treatment, or neither.
Biodegradable polyglycolide endovascular coils promote wall thickening and drug delivery in a rat aneurysm model.

OBJECTIVE: We designed biodegradable polyglycolide coils (BPCs) and compared the histopathological response to the coils with that to platinum Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs), after insertion into ligated common carotid arteries (CCAs) of adult rats. BPCs were also tested for use in local drug delivery. METHODS: Segments (4-mm) of unmodified BPCs, unmodified GDCs, or BPCs coated with Type I bovine collagen and recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor-165 (500 g/ml) were inserted into ligated CCAs of adult rats for 14 days, and specimens were compared with contralateral CCA control specimens. RESULTS: Arterial segments with BPCs exhibited substantially increased wall thickening, compared with GDCs (0.33 mm versus 0.10 mm, P < 0.005), which reduced the luminal diameter by 40%, relative to untreated contralateral control specimens (P < 0.05, n 6). Arterial segments with BPCs also exhibited a marked reduction (P < 0.05, n 6) in luminal area (0.72 0.93 mm 2 ), with marked cellular proliferation within the coil diameter, indicating coil integration. Arterial segments with collagen/recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor-coated BPCs also exhibited a marked 2.9-fold increase (P < 0.005, n 5) in wall thickness (0.29 0.11 mm) and a 34% reduction in luminal diameter, compared with contralateral control vessels. There was marked proliferation of cells within the coil lumen of vessels treated with BPCs with collagen/recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor. CONCLUSION: In this feasibility study, BPCs enhanced the vascular response of CCA segments, compared with GDCs, and were also suitable for local protein delivery to the vessel lumen, under conditions of stasis and arterial pressurization of vascular cells. (Neurosurgery 49:1187–1195, 2001)
Studies on Activation of Intracellular Catalase of Mouse Liver

SummaryThe relative amounts of catalase associated with the mitochondrial or cell sap fractions were influenced by the sucrose concentration of the homogenizing medium. The sucrose concentration of the resuspension medium of the mitochondrial fraction was found to affect catalase activity. The different response of mitochondrial and cell sap catalase to deoxycholate, phosphate buffer at pH 2 and 1.25 m sucrose treatment was ascertained. The increase of mitochondrial catalase activity when pretreated with pH 2 phosphate, deoxycholate and 1.25 m sucrose could be explained by the influence of these agents on the permeability of the membrane enveloping this enzyme. Maximum activation of the particulate catalase is concomitant with complete leakage of the enzyme from the particle site. Partial catalase activation is probably due to a combination of leakage and increased permeability of the membrane to H2O2 substrate.
Effect of Soil Type and Momentum on Unpaved Road Particulate Matter Emissions from Wheeled and Tracked Vehicles

Excluding windblown dust, unpaved road dust PM 10 emissions in the US EPA's 2002 National Emission Inventory account for more than half of all PM 10 emissions in the arid states of the western U.S. (i.e., CA, AZ, NV, NM, and TX). Despite the large size of the source, substantial uncertainty is associated with both the vehicle activity (i.e., number of kilometers traveled at a particular speed) and the emission factors (i.e., grams of PM 10 per kilometer traveled). In this study, emission factors were measured using the flux tower method for both tracked and wheeled military vehicles at three military bases in the Western U.S. Test vehicle weights ranged from 2400 kg to 60,000 kg. Results from both previously published and unpublished field studies are combined to link emission factors to three related variables: soil type, vehicle momentum, and tred type (i.e., tire or track). Current emission factor models in US EPA's AP-42 Emission Factor Compendium do not factor both speed and weight into unpaved road ...
Double-layered monolithic silicon photonic crystals

Double-layered, self-aligned, silicon photonic crystals are fabricated using directional and isotropic etches - a potential step towards 3D PCs. One structure shows sharper resonances compared to corresponding single layer structure. Another shows high, broadband reflectivity.
Iron and Iron-Handling Proteins in the Brain After Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose— Evidence indicates that brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is due in part to the release of iron from hemoglobin. Therefore, we examined whether such iron is cleared from the brain and the effects of ICH on proteins that may alter iron release or handling: brain heme oxygenase-1, transferrin, transferrin receptor, and ferritin. Methods— Male Sprague-Dawley rats received an infusion of 100 μL autologous whole blood into the right basal ganglia and were killed 1, 3, 7, 14, or 28 days later. Enhanced Perl’s reaction was used for iron staining, and brain nonheme iron content was determined. Brain heme oxygenase-1, transferrin, transferrin receptor, and ferritin were examined by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescent double labeling was performed to identify which cell types express ferritin. Results— ICH upregulated heme oxygenase-1 levels and resulted in iron overload in the brain. A marked increase in brain nonheme iron was not cleared within...
Development of hydrogenated amorphous silicon sensors for high energy photon radiotherapy imaging

Measurements with a-Si:H n-i-p photodiodes with sensitive areas of approximately 0.6 mm/sup 2/ exposed to a 6 MV radiation therapy treatment beam have been performed. Such photodiodes can be configured into large two-dimensional arrays of addressable sensors suitable for real-time imaging of megavoltage treatment beams as well as other applications such as diagnostic X-ray imaging. Signal sizes per radiation pulse up to 3.9*10/sup 6/ and 69*10/sup 6/ electrons are observed when the sensors are used with cronex (CaWO/sub 4/) and lanex (gadolinium-oxysulfide) intensifying screens, respectively. For the cronex and lanex screens the size of the measured signals can be enhanced by reducing the thickness of the top p-layer, thereby reducing the attenuation of the incident light. However, this is a smaller effect for the lanex screen, which provides substantially more light signal. The variation in cronex signal size with p-layer thickness is consistent with calculations based on known attenuation coefficients. >
Relapse Rate in Pediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis

Relapse rates were compared during 12 months or longer follow-up between 21 pediatric onset cases of multiple sclerosis (MS) seen at the Massachusetts General and 110 patients with adult-onset MS at the Brigham and Women’s Hospitals, Boston, MA.
18F-FDG PET/CT: Therapy Response Assessment Interpretation (Hopkins Criteria) and Survival Outcomes in Lung Cancer Patients

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of an 18F-FDG PET/CT–based interpretation system (Hopkins criteria) to assess the therapy response and survival in lung cancer. Methods: This is an Institutional Review Board–approved, retrospective study. A total of 201 patients with biopsy-proven lung cancer, who underwent therapy assessment 18F-FDG PET/CT within 6 mo (mean, 7.5 wk) of completion of treatment, were included. Patients were primarily treated with surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatments. PET/CT studies were interpreted by 2 nuclear medicine physicians, and discrepancies were resolved by a third interpreter. The studies were scored using a qualitative 5-point scale for the primary tumor, mediastinum, distant metastatic site, if present, and overall assessment. Scores 1, 2, and 3 were considered negative and scores 4 and 5 were considered positive for residual disease. Patients were followed for a median of 12 mo (up to 128 mo). Kaplan–Meier plots with a Mantel–Cox log-rank test were performed considering death as the endpoint. Results: Overall, the PET/CT studies were positive in 144 (71.6%) and negative in 57 (28.4%) patients. There was substantial agreement between 2 interpreters (R1, R2), with a κ of 0.78 (P
Calcific Aortic Valve Disease: Part 1--Molecular Pathogenetic Aspects, Hemodynamics, and Adaptive Feedbacks

Aortic valvular stenosis (AVS), produced by calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) causing reduced cusp opening, afflicts mostly older persons eventually requiring valve replacement. CAVD had been considered "degenerative," but newer investigations implicate active mechanisms similar to atherogenesis--genetic predisposition and signaling pathways, lipoprotein deposits, chronic inflammation, and calcification/osteogenesis. Consequently, CAVD may eventually be controlled/reversed by lifestyle and pharmacogenomics remedies. Its management should be comprehensive, embracing not only the valve but also the left ventricle and the arterial system with their interdependent morphomechanics/hemodynamics, which underlie the ensuing diastolic and systolic LV dysfunction. Compared to even a couple of decades ago, we now have an increased appreciation of genomic and cytomolecular pathogenetic mechanisms underlying CAVD. Future pluridisciplinary studies will characterize better and more completely its pathobiology, evolution, and overall dynamics, encompassing intricate feedback processes involving specific signaling molecules and gene network cascades. They will herald more effective, personalized medicine treatments of CAVD/AVS.