cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A probabilistic generative model for GO enrichment analysis

The Gene Ontology (GO) is extensively used to analyze all types of high-throughput experiments. However, researchers still face several challenges when using GO and other functional annotation databases. One problem is the large number of multiple hypotheses that are being tested for each study. In addition, categories often overlap with both direct parents/descendents and other distant categories in the hierarchical structure. This makes it hard to determine if the identified significant categories represent different functional outcomes or rather a redundant view of the same biological processes. To overcome these problems we developed a generative probabilistic model which identifies a (small) subset of categories that, together, explain the selected gene set. Our model accommodates noise and errors in the selected gene set and GO. Using controlled GO data our method correctly recovered most of the selected categories, leading to dramatic improvements over current methods for GO analysis. When used with microarray expression data and ChIP-chip data from yeast and human our method was able to correctly identify both general and specific enriched categories which were overlooked by other methods.
Variants in the vitamin D pathway, serum levels of vitamin D, and estrogen receptor negative breast cancer among African-American women: a case-control study

American women of African ancestry (AA) are more likely than European Americans (EA) to have estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer. 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) is low in AAs, and was associated with ER-negative tumors in EAs. We hypothesized that racial differences in 25OHD levels, as well as in inherited genetic variations, may contribute, in part, to the differences in tumor characteristics. In a case (n = 928)-control (n = 843) study of breast cancer in AA and EA women, we measured serum 25OHD levels in controls and tested associations between risk and tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in VDR, CYP24A1 and CYP27B1, particularly by ER status. More AAs had severe vitamin D deficiency ( twofold increased risk of ER-negative breast cancer among AAs (OR = 2.62, 95% CI = 1.38-4.98), but had no effect in EAs. rs2209314 decreased risk among EAs (OR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.20-0.73), with no associations in AAs. The increased risk of ER-negative breast cancer in AAs compared to EAs was reduced and became non-significant (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.80-1.79) after adjusting for these two CYP24A1 SNPs. These data suggest that genetic variants in the vitamin D pathway may be related to the higher prevalence of ER-negative breast cancer in AA women.
A comparison of homogenous and separated flow assumptions for adiabatic capillary flow

Abstract Homogenous and separated flow models are investigated for use in modeling one-dimensional adiabatic capillary tube flow. While these methods have been utilized extensively within the literature, the current work provides a rigorous, quantitative comparison of their accuracy using recent experimental data. Simulations utilizing the working fluids R134a, R600a, and R744 are performed for both methods and validated against experimental data. The mean error of the homogenous flow method is 8.55%, 5.4%, and 8.13%, respectively for R134a, R600a, and R744. The mean error of the separated flow method is 5.77%, 4.57%, and 8.03%, respectively for R134a, R600a, and R744. The separated flow method was found to have a smaller mean error and to perform better than the homogenous method as determined by non-parametric statistical tests.
In-vivo NIR autofluorescence of rat mammary tumors discriminates pathological malignancy

Benign and malignant mammary tumors were induced in rats using a potent carcinogen, N-ethyl-N-nitrosurea (ENU). Induced tumors were examined under near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging (excitation wavelength 670-730 nm, detection wavelength 750-800 nm) to search for a difference in the photophysical properties of the tumors reflecting their pathologic status. Three benign and eight malignant tumors were examined optically and pathologically. The non-enhanced optical images showed a significantly lower (P<0.05) spontaneous fluorescent signal in the benign tumors than in their malignant counterparts. The precise chemical origin for the observed differences in tumor autofluorescence remains undetermined. It can be hypothesized that the reported high concentration of porphyrins, NIR-fluorescing compounds, in the malignant lesions, could account for the observed increased autofluorescence.
Prospects for Qualitative GIS at the Intersection of Youth Development and Participatory Urban Planning

In this paper I report on a participatory planning project undertaken in a community engaged in a ten-year revitalization effort. Working with several youth-serving organizations, a community planning project was conducted in which local youth collected qualitative data about their neighborhood through a variety of techniques (photography, drawings, narratives). The project took place against the backdrop of an emerging neighborhood indicators geographical information system (GIS) aimed at tracking the impact of the revitalization effort. Although techniques for collecting and using qualitative data have matured during several decades of use in the field of participatory planning and development, their effective incorporation into GIS remains elusive. Although few technical barriers remain, the absence of stakeholder participation and the lack of community capacity to implement a community-based GIS are important obstacles to a fully realized qualitative GIS. Drawing on the youth-development literature, I...
Application of Multiphase Computational Fluid Dynamics to Analyze Monocyte Adhesion

Study of the mechanisms of monocyte adhesion initiating atheroslerotic lesions has engaged investigators for decades. Single-phase computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses fail to account for particulate migration. Consequently, inconsistencies arise when correlating adhesion with wall shear stress (WSS). The purpose of this paper is to present, to our knowledge, the first computational analysis of in vitro U937 monocyte-like human cell adhesion data using a coupled multiphase CFD-population balance adhesion model. The CFD model incorporates multiphase non-Newtonian hemodynamic models to compute the spatial distributions of freely flowing monocytes and WSSs in control volumes adjacent to the wall. Measurements of monocyte adhesion onto an E-selectin-coated flow model that included an idealized stenosis and an abrupt expansion were available from the literature. In this study, we develop a new monolayer population balance adhesion model, based on the widely accepted mechanism of ligand-receptor binding, coupled to the CFD results. The monolayer population balance model accounts for the interactions of freely flowing, rolling, and adhering monocytes with surfaces via first-order reactions, transport of rolling cells in the monolayer, and the concept of a WSS detachment threshold, clearly evident in the adhesion experiments. The new paradigm of coupling the multiphase hemodynamic CFD model with the proposed adhesion model is illustrated by determining and interpreting the model parameters for experimental datasets having Reynolds numbers of 100 and 140. The coupled multiphase CFD adhesion model is able to simultaneously predict the spatial variations in freely flowing monocytes, their adherent number density, and carrier fluid WSSs adjacent to ligand-coated flow cell surfaces.
Molecular Basis of Hyperbilirubinemia and Phototherapy

Hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn results not only in visible yellow discoloration of the skin but, in high concentration, may cause bilirubin encephalopathy. Such damage to the central nervous system may be subtle and not apparent for several years, as with visual-motor perceptive defects; or it may cause severe neurologic damage (Kernicterus)—even death. Sick and immature infants are the most vulnerable to bilirubin toxicity. Although this condition affects nearly half of all new- horns to some degree, only about 10% require treatment. Two methods of treatment are really effective in correcting hyperbilirubinemia, exchange blood transfusions, and/or phototherapy with light radiation in the blue part of the visible spectrum. If the rate of production of bilirubin is excessive or an infant's capacity to conjugate and excrete the pigment is deficient, bilirubin will accumulate in plasma, and will be taken up by other lipid-containing tissues, collagen, and (unless firmly bound to albumin) brain tissue. Many factors combine to raise plasma levels of bilirubin to toxic levels; for example, acidosis, sepsis, hypoxia, hemolysis, hypoalbuminemia, and certain competitive albumin binders. Bilirubin is photolabile in vivo , and if the whole body is irradiated with visible light in the absorption band (450–490 nm) of bilirubin, the pigment will undergo photocatabolism. Under phototherapy bilirubin undergoes photoisomerization at the meso double-bond to conformations less lipophyllic. It is now known that the major photo products of bilirubin IX- α are an unresolved mixture of its E, Z and Z, E isomers, easily excreted by the liver. Thus, phototherapy will reduce the accumulation of bilirubin in skin and other tissues and in circulating plasma.
Active systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with decreased blood conventional dendritic cells

Abstract Objective The aim of the study is to determine the frequency and functionality of blood conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) in relation to disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus. Methods Blood cDCs were enumerated for 34 SLE patients, defined as “active” (SLEDAI ≥ 4) or “inactive” (SLEDAI Results The frequency of blood cDCs was significantly lower in active compared to inactive patients, however, with comparable cDC functionality. Conclusion cDC frequency in active SLE is decreased with no perturbation in cDC function, possibly due to enhanced turnover and/or tissue-specific migration.
A calcium‐ and voltage‐dependent chloride current in developing chick skeletal muscle.

1. Depolarization of embryonic chick myotubes from negative potentials elicits a rapid spike followed by a long-duration after-potential. The ionic basis of the long-duration after-potential was examined by making intracellular recordings from cultured myotubes, and by making whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from myoblasts and myoballs. 2. The peak potential of the long-duration after-potential varied with the chloride gradient, suggesting that a conductance increase to chloride is involved in generating the after-potential. However, a calcium current was also implicated, since lowering the extracellular calcium or replacing extracellular calcium with cobalt abolished the after-potential. 3. When extracellular calcium was replaced with strontium or barium, short-duration spikes similar to calcium spikes were observed, but only strontium was able to support activation of long-duration after-potentials. Intracellular injection of calcium or strontium into myotubes bathed in calcium-free extracellular solutions restored the ability of depolarization to evoke an after-potential. Intracellular injection of magnesium, barium, nickel or cobalt did not restore this ability. These experiments strongly suggested that the long-duration after-potential was due to a calcium- and voltage-activated chloride current. 4. Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings from myoballs and myoblasts showed that a large chloride conductance could be activated by depolarization when the internal free calcium concentration was buffered at levels greater than 10(-7) M. At 2.5 x 10(-7) M-calcium, the voltage dependence of activation was steepest in the range of -30 to -20 mV and the activation kinetics varied with the membrane potential. The time to half-maximal activation ranged from 0.1 s at positive potentials to greater than 1 s at more negative potentials. The time constant for deactivation was approximately 1 s at -50 mV. No inactivation was observed. 5. The selectivity of the chloride current was measured by substituting other anions for chloride. The following permeability series was found: I- greater than NO3- greater than Br- greater than Cl- greater than acetate greater than F- greater than SO4- = glucuronate. Thus anion permeability decreased as the hydration radius increased. 6. Measurements of the resting potential of developing myoblasts and myotubes under ‘physiological’ conditions (37 degrees C, bicarbonate buffer) suggest that the after-potential acts to depolarize these cells 10-20 mV above their resting potential (approximately -60 mV) for several seconds. 7. We discuss the possibility that the long-duration after-potential may be involved in triggering myoblast fusion and in the generation of bursts of spontaneous contractions in developing myotubes.
Well-Defined Hierarchical Templates for Multimodal Porous Material Fabrication

Hierarchical templates with raspberry-like and strawberry-like features were prepared by synthetically joining appropriately functionalized commercially available polystyrene (PS) latex spheres together. Two different coupling reactions were used to form the hierarchical templates: carbodiimide-assisted coupling of COOH groups with NH2 groups and base-assisted coupling of epoxy groups with NH2 groups. Since the templates are made by chemically bonding PS spheres together, both the “core” and “satellite” spheres can be different sizes. In this work, hierarchical spheres with core/satellite diameters of 1500/110 nm, 450/80 nm, 340/29 nm, and 1200/29 nm were made. The spheres were isolated and then used as hierarchical templates to prepare porous materials with well-defined architecture. Multimodal porous silica and bimodal macroporous gold electrodes were fabricated using the 1500/110 nm hierarchical template. Because the templates were constructed of only one material, polystyrene, they were easily removed...
Partial cloning and sequencing of the gene encoding the porcine T-cell receptor δ-chain constant region

Abstract The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was utilized to clone the pig T-cell receptor (TCR) δ-chain constant regionencoding gene (Cδ). A cDNA was generated from total RNA preparations of normal pig peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and a miniature pig peripheral blood cell line (PBLCL 62.G4). The cDNA was used to amplify the porcine TCR Cδ gene by PCR using primers chosen by comparing other known Cδ sequences for sequence identity. Clones were sequenced and used to determine the primary structure of the porcine TCR C8 chain. A comparison of the nucleotide and deduced amino acid (aa) sequences with the known human, mouse, sheep and cattle sequences revealed that the primary structure of the pig TCR Cδ chain has been highly conserved. The immunoglobulin (Ig) domain has two conserved Cys residues and contains a high degree of sequence identity, whereas the hinge region is marked by a high level of diversity. The transmembrane and cytoplasmic regions are also highly conserved, including the presence of the two basic aa. Arg and Lys, in the transmembrane domain. Southern blot analysis has confirmed the presence of one TCR Cδ gene in the porcine genome, consistent with similar findings in other species. Thus, the successful cloning and sequencing of the porcine TCR Cδ gene should facilitate our understanding of the role of 78 T-lymphocytes in the swine immune system.
Pediatric Cerebral Angiography: Analysis of Utilization and Findings

Pediatric neuroendovascular procedures are being performed with increasing frequency, for various indications. Reported here is the experience of interventionally trained neurologists performing pediatric cerebral diagnostic angiography between August 1, 2005, and April 30, 2008, at a single tertiary institution. Data regarding patient demographics, diagnostic indication and angiographic diagnosis, procedural complications, and procedural specifications were recorded to assess practice patterns and to track procedural morbidity. In all, 42 patients had 46 procedures during the study period. Mean age was 9.97 years (standard deviation S.D. = 5.39; range, 0.3-18 years); 22/42 were male (52%). Known or suspected vascular malformation was the diagnostic indication for 20 patients; of these, 12 had an arteriovenous malformation, 5 had venous abnormalities, and 3 exhibited no angiographic vascular malformations. In 13 total procedures there was no angiographic pathology. General anesthesia was used in 29/46 procedures (63%). A total of 190 cerebral arteries were individually selected, with a mean number of vessels catheterized of 4.1 (S.D. = 1.7) per procedure. No procedural thromboembolic complications, iatrogenic arterial dissection, or neurologic or vascular access site complications occurred. In conclusion, pediatric cerebral angiography seems to be generally safe, although there should be a strong diagnostic indication, given the inherent procedural risk.
GLC Determination of N, N-Dimethylaniline in Penicillins

A reliable GLC procedure was developed for the determination of residual N,N-dimethylaniline as a contaminant in ampicillin commerical samples from various sources. The procedure was similarly applied to other penicillins and cephalosporins. The method involves dissolution of the sample in aqueous alkali, extraction of the organic base with cyclohexane containing naphthalene as an internal standard, and injection into gas chromatograph with a phenyl methyl silicone column. Levels of 0.1 ppm of dimethylaniline were easily measured with a coefficient of variation less than 10%, and recoveries from spiked samples exceeded 99%.
Enamel remineralization as a factor in the pathogenesis of dental caries.

Abstract This paper describes an investigation of local tooth resistance acquired in response to cariogenic attacks and remineralization periods from environmental fluids. Surfaces from extracted human teeth with yellow and brown areas indicative of consolidated carious lesions were exposed to acid buffers. Subsurface lesions were developed on areas of sound enamel adjacent to, but not in areas of, consolidated lesions. The development of higher tooth resistance to acid through demineralization and remineralization was demonstrated experimentally on bovine enamel presoftened in acid, treated with fluoride, exposed to the oral environment, and finally exposed to acid buffers for development of subsurface lesions. These results are interpreted as an extension of the theory of tissue adaptation to an injurious challenge, in that the tooth surface is primed by the challenge for possible remineralization and the development of higher resistance. Thus, cariogenic challenges can result in either local adaptation of the enamel to the challenge through lesion consolidation or to open cavitation. As in any biological adaptation, the determining factors for the final outcome are: (a) the frequency and duration of the challenge, (b) the frequency and duration of remineralizing conditions, and (c) the composition of the remineralizing fluid. The implications of the theory in the pathogenesis of caries are discussed in the light of clinical and laboratory investigations.
Isopiestic determination of the osmotic and activity coefficients of {(1 − y)H2SO4 + yNa2SO4}(aq) at the temperature 298.15 K II. Results for y = (0.12471, 0.24962, and 0.37439)

Isopiestic vapor-pressure measurements were made for {(1 − y)H2SO4 + yNa2SO4}(aq) with y = (0.12471, 0.24962, and 0.37439), at molalities from 0.19262 mol·kg−1 to 0.19501 mol·kg−1 up to the crystallization molalities (12.813 mol·kg−1 to 14.960 mol·kg−1) at the temperature 298.15 K. We previously reported results for y = 0.5 to y = 0.84920. These highest molalities studied represent the highest degree of supersaturation that could be achieved by isothermal removal of solvent. Comparison of the variation of these highest molalities with published solubilities suggests that solid Na2SO4 · 10H2O precipitated for y = 0.70189 and y = 0.84920, that Na3H(SO4)2 {or Na3H(SO4)2 · H2O}) precipitated for y = 0.24962 to y = 0.55595, and that NaHSO4 · H2O precipitated for y = 0.12471. If osmotic coefficients for the solutions are calculated by using stoichiometric molalities of Na2SO4 and H2SO4 and assuming they are strong 1–2 electrolytes, then derived osmotic coefficients fall significantly below values predicted from the Scatchard neutral-electrolyte binary-solution mixing approximation. For y > 0.7 and I > 3 mol · kg−1, the osmotic coefficients generally fall significantly below those of both limiting binary solutions; but for y 0.5 mol · kg−1.
Benefits of international diversification with investment constraints: An over-time perspective

Abstract This paper investigates the benefits and asset allocation of the optimal international diversification for the U.S.A. investor while considering various portfolio constraints. Although the global financial market is becoming more integrated, the findings suggest that adding lower and upper weighting bounds reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the potential economic value of international investment. The addition of investment constraints makes asset allocation more feasible and decreases the volatility in portfolio return. The time-variation in the optimal asset allocation implies that fund managers should rebalance international portfolios dynamically. The out-of-sample test suggests that the Markowitz model with constraints realizes trivial improvement in mean-variance efficiency but still demonstrates significant reduction in risk.
Vicarious learning revisited: a contemporary behavior analytic interpretation

Beginning in the 1960s, social learning theorists argued that behavioral learning principles could not account for behavior acquired through observation. Such a viewpoint is still widely held today. This rejection of behavioral principles in explaining vicarious learning was based on three phenomena: (1) imitation that occurred without direct reinforcement of the observer's behavior; (2) imitation that occurred after a long delay following modeling; and (3) a greater probability of imitation of the model's reinforced behavior than of the model's nonreinforced or punished behavior. These observations convinced social learning theorists that cognitive variables were required to explain behavior. Such a viewpoint has progressed aggressively, as evidenced by the change in name from social learning theory to social cognitive theory, and has been accompanied by the inclusion of information-processing theory. Many criticisms of operant theory, however, have ignored the full range of behavioral concepts and principles that have been derived to account for complex behavior. This paper will discuss some problems with the social learning theory explanation of vicarious learning and provide an interpretation of vicarious learning from a contemporary behavior analytic viewpoint.
Angiomatous lymphoid hamartoma. Report of five cases with a review of the literature

Five new cases of angiomatous lymphoid hamartoma (synonym: lymph node hyperplasia, Castleman, 1954) are reported, and 57 cases from the literature are reviewed. Three of the 5 intrathoracic tumors showed clinicopathologic characteristics comparable with those described in the literature. These included: (1) a nonspecific clinical presentation; (2) microscopic features consisting of normal or abnormal lymphoid follicles and an interfollicular stroma that contained numerous blood vessels and lymphocytes; and (3) a benign course after surgical excision. The 2 cases of tumor in the retroperitoneum are the first to be reported to occur in this site and were significant in that both roentgenographically resembled malignant tumors. Morphologic studies of the tumors suggest that angiomatous lymphoid hamartoma represents a vascular hamartoma occurring in a lymph node; and that the abnormal follicles are the result of distortion by proliferating blood vessels abutting previously normal lymphatic follicles.
On GMAP: and other transformations

As an alternative to the usual Mean Average Precision, some use is currently being made of the Geometric Mean Average Precision (GMAP) as a measure of average search effectiveness across topics. GMAP is specifically used to emphasise the lower end of the average precision scale, in order to shed light on poor performance of search engines. This paper discusses the status of this measure and how it should be understood.
Object delineation within turbid media by backscattering of phase-modulated light

Abstract Backscattering of phase-modulated light is shown to reveal the presence of targets embedded in visually opaque suspensions of diffusively scattering particles. Signals at the modulation frequency I ( f ) and first harmonic I (2 f ) give nearly instantaneous measures of the difference in intensities of orthogonal states of circular and linear polarizations, respectively. Examination of different kinds of targets demonstrates the sensitivity of polarization-selective imaging to (a) edges, (b) surface texture, and (c) polarization-dependent absorption of the embedded object.
Solution of some nonclassical LQG stochastic decision problems

This paper considers stochastic problems in team theory. In particular, the linearity of the optimal control laws for the one-step delay linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) stochastic control problem is established, and explicit formulae are presented. In addition, the control sharing, nonstatic, nonclassical LQG problem is solved.
Vector packing in finite dimensional vector spaces

Abstract Let m be an integer ⩾ 2. The effect of crowding m unit vectors x1,…,xm into the real Euclidean space Rn of n dimensions is investigated. In particular, several upper bounds for the quantity mini≠j∥xi − xj∥ are obtained. These are simpler than any previously known and, at least in some cases, almost as sharp. The results have application to the so-called maximum-dispersal (or “misanthrope”) problem, an open problem recently popularized by Klee.
Process optimization for 0.35-um i-line lithography

Extending i-line lithography to 0.35 micrometers processing is a realistic possibility because of improvements in photoresists, steppers, track equipment, and reticle technology. The manufacturing of 0.35 micrometers devices can include as many as twenty lithography levels, however, most of the critical issues can be addressed in printing the gate and contact levels. The optimized process for 0.35$ mum gates and contacts is presented in this paper. Even with advanced photoresists, enhancement techniques were needed to meet the processing requirements for these two levels on actual topography. The enhancement techniques used for the gate level were a TARC and modified illumination. A TARC was required to improve linewidth uniformity, and modified illumination to improve focus budget and exposure latitude. For contacts, attenuated phase shift was required to achieve workable focus latitude. The data presented shows that an optimized i-line resist processes with enhancement techniques can meet the requirements of volume production of 0.35 micrometers devices.
The Influences of Stage of Leaving School on Vocational Maturity and Realism of Vocational Choice.

Abstract Cross-sectional data were provided by 1484 male high school pupils drawn from grades seven to twelve. All subjects completed either the Otis Intermediate Test or the Otis Higher Test, Crites' Vocational Development Inventory (VDI), and the author's Student Survey. Major findings were that: (1) subjects' anticipated stage of leaving school was significantly related to realism of vocational choice-those boys who expected to leave school prior to grade twelve showed higher levels of realism than those going on, in spite of the fact that they tended to be lower in both maturity of vocational choice attitudes (VCA) and intelligence; (2) IQ exercised a complicated mediatory effect on both VCA and realism; and (3) in general, both VCA and realism were linearly related to grade. Taken together, these findings indicated the need to distinguish carefully between VCA and realism as aspects of vocational development. Implications for further research in vocational development are discussed.
Saving energy at the workplace: The salience of behavioral antecedents and sense of community

Abstract Research on employees’ perspectives and decision making about energy conservation within organizational contexts is limited, constraining appropriate and effective policy and planning. In addition, work considering the socio-psychological influences of such organizational contexts on individual energy decisions is also limited. To help fill these gaps, this study used the Theory of Planned Behavior to develop a survey on attitudes, subjective norms and behavioral intentions toward energy conservation behavior among faculty, staff and graduate students working at a large U.S. university ( n = 2919). Results showed the influence of subjective norms (injunctive and descriptive), attitudes, and perceived behavioral control on behavioral intentions to engage in energy conservation behaviors at work. Sense of community also positively predicted behavioral intentions and self-reported behavior. Theoretically, this calls for more work on how sense of community influences energy behaviors, while practically it suggests that energy conservation interventions should consider sense of community as a potential factor in program uptake.
BETA-1 ADRENERGIC RECEPTOR GENOTYPE SER49GLY IS ASSOCIATED WITH BETA-BLOCKER SURVIVAL BENEFIT IN PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE

Although beta-blockers (BB) reduce mortality in patients (Pts) with heart failure (HF), genetic differences in neurohormonal activation may limit effectiveness. Systematic review identified 3 adrenergic receptor SNPs as primary candidates. We report on the beta-1 receptor Gly49 variant that results
Effect of Tyrosinase on Blood Pressure of Hypertensive Rats

SummaryThe injection of tyrosinase into hypertensive rats consistently and markedly lowered the blood pressure, this effect appearing 5 to 15 minutes after intravenous administration. The use of this material in normal animals gave variable results.
Teacher Testing—An Update

Can teacher tests screen out unqualified individuals, strengthen the profession, attract better qualified candidates, and restore public confidence? Although 48 states have implemented or plan to implement some form of teacher testing, it is not clear whether these goals are always served.
The importance of active learning and practice on the students' mastery of pharmacokinetic calculations for the intermittent intravenous infusion dosing of antibiotics

Estimation of pharmacokinetic parameters after intermittent intravenous infusion (III) of antibiotics, such as aminoglycosides or vancomycin, has traditionally been a difficult subject for students in clinical pharmacology or pharmacokinetic courses. Additionally, samples taken at different intervals during repeated dose therapy require manipulation of sampling times before accurate calculation of the patient-specific pharmacokinetic parameters. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of active learning tools and practice opportunities on the ability of students to estimate pharmacokinetic parameters from the plasma samples obtained at different intervals following intermittent intravenous infusion. An extensive reading note, with examples, and a problem case, based on a patient’s chart data, were created and made available to students before the class session. Students were required to work through the case before attending the class. The class session was devoted to the discussion of the case requiring active participation of the students using a random participation program. After the class, students were given additional opportunities to practice the calculations, using online modules developed by the instructor, before submitting an online assignment. The performance of students significantly (P < 0.001) improved from a baseline of 11.3% (pretest) to 60.3% (posttest) after the class discussion. The grades of students further improved (P < 0.001) to 89.3% on the take-home assignment after they had a chance to study on their own and work on the online practices. Finally, students scored 82.6% in a formal mid-term examination, suggesting significant retention of the materials. Despite being a difficult subject, students achieve mastery of pharmacokinetic calculations for the topic of intermittent intravenous infusion when appropriate active learning strategies and practice opportunities are employed.
WE-A-218-09: A Comprehensive CT Organ Dose Database for Weight-Specific Adult and Pediatric Patients

Purpose: To describe the joint effort to develop a comprehensive CTorgan dose database for weight‐specific adult and pediatric patients. Methods: Two validated CTscanner models (GE LightSpeed Pro 16 and Siemens SOMATOM sensation 16) operated at different tube voltages (80–140kVp) and beam collimations (1.25 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm and 20 mm) with both the head and body bowtie filters were adopted to calculate the organ dose. Detailed X‐ray sources and bowtie filter geometry were modeled using the MCNPX v2.6 code. The x‐ray source moved along a single axial trajectory to allow for the calculations of organ doses from a single CT slice. This simulation process was repeated to cover from the top of the head to the feet for one phantom. This approach was applied to a set of voxel phantoms covering 50th percentile of adults and children at different ages (1‐, 5‐, 10‐, and 15‐year‐old), a pregnant female at three gestational stages, and obese patients of different body weights. Results: A detailed database of slice‐by‐ slice organ doses was established for a total of 27 phantoms at RPI and the University of Florida. All the related organ doses are incorporated into a standardized database compiled using Microsoft SQL server 2008. The CTorgan doses calculated in this study for a GE and Siemens scanner can be used to estimate dose from other scanners using organ‐specific adjustment factors or CTDIvol normalization factor to account for the different organ doses from different scanner types. Conclusions: This set of new and comprehensive organ dose database is expected to improve both the accuracy and usability in CT dose reporting and tracking in the future. Combined with the additional knowledge that can be extracted from the DICOM file the software package can be a helpful tool in the management of CT dose. This project was supported by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (R42EB010404).
Interethnic conflict and policy analysis in Africa

(1986). Interethnic conflict and policy analysis in Africa. Ethnic and Racial Studies: Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 66-86.
Contamination of Human Milk by Drugs and Chemicals

Three major areas are emphasized for a study of drug excretion in breast milk: maternal drug disposition, breast milk pharmacokinetics and neonatal drug elimination. The first two impact on drug dose to infant whereas the last area is crucial to drug accumulation in the infant. Pitfalls in assessment of the drug concentration in milk to plasma (M/P) ratio are illustrated to expose errors in drug dose in milk estimates. Predictions about drug dose in milk must be confirmed by sampling of both milk and infant plasma for drug concentration. Principles for drug excretion in breast milk can be used as guidelines for excretion of a growing number of toxic agents.
The murine long-term multi-lineage renewal marrow stem cell is a cycling cell

Prevailing wisdom holds that hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are predominantly quiescent. Although HSC cycle status has long been the subject of scrutiny, virtually all marrow stem cell research has been based on studies of highly purified HSCs. Here we explored the cell cycle status of marrow stem cells in un-separated whole bone marrow (WBM). We show that a large number of long-term multi-lineage engraftable stem cells within WBM are in S/G2/M phase. Using bromodeoxyuridine, we show rapid transit through the cell cycle of a previously defined relatively dormant purified stem cell, the long-term HSC (LT-HSC; Lineage−/c-kit+/Sca-1+/Flk-2−). Actively cycling marrow stem cells have continually changing phenotype with cell cycle transit, likely rendering them difficult to purify to homogeneity. Indeed, as WBM contains actively cycling stem cells, and highly purified stem cells engraft predominantly while quiescent, it follows that the population of cycling marrow stem cells within WBM are lost during purification. Our studies indicate that both the discarded lineage-positive and lineage-negative marrow cells in a stem cell separation contain cycling stem cells. We propose that future work should encompass this larger population of cycling stem cells that is poorly represented in current studies solely focused on purified stem cell populations.
Physician reimbursement levels and adherence to American Academy of Pediatrics well-visit and immunization recommendations.

Background. There is concern that commercial health insurance reimbursement levels for immunizations and well-child visits may not be meeting the delivery and practice overhead costs within some areas of the country. There is also concern that insufficient physician reimbursement levels may negatively affect the quality of children’s health care. Objective. We examined the relationships between commercial health insurance reimbursement levels to physicians for pediatric services and rates of immunization and well visits for children and adolescents. Design. Quality of care was measured by examining state-level immunization and well-visit rates for 2002, which were obtained from the National Committee for Quality Assurance, Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set (HEDIS). Reimbursement data were obtained from the American Academy of Pediatrics Medical Cost Model. Variations in the child and adolescent HEDIS measures were examined as a function of physician reimbursement levels for pediatric services across states. HEDIS data were available for a total of 32 states. Partial correlations controlled for pediatrician concentration, as collected from the US Bureau of the Census and the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile data. Results. Compliance with HEDIS immunization rates for all recommended vaccines was 60% for children and 24% for adolescents. By excluding the varicella vaccine, these rates increased to 70% for children and 44% for adolescents. Adherence rates for well visits were also higher for infants (60%) and children (59%) than for adolescents (34%). Physician reimbursement levels for pediatric services varied from $16.88 per member per month to $32.06 per member per month across states. Statistically significant positive correlations for reimbursement levels were found for 8 of the 16 HEDIS measures examined. Correlations with reimbursement levels were found for childhood immunizations (r = 0.42), infant well visits (r = 0.44), childhood well visits (r = 0.46), and adolescent well visits (r = 0.42). Reimbursement levels were especially strongly related to the rates of adolescent varicella vaccination (r = 0.53). When partial correlations were examined to control for pediatrician concentration, the correlations were reduced by 0.09 on average, suggesting that pediatrician supply may serve as an intermediary of the reimbursement relationship. Conclusions. Immunization and well-visit rates for infants, children, and adolescents were positively linked with physician reimbursement rates for those services. Although methodologic limitations suggest caution when interpreting these findings, more attention should be given to physician reimbursement levels as a possible predictor of immunization and well-visit rates as measures of quality of care and to the importance of reimbursement levels for pediatrician recruitment.
Upgrading of Methane under Homogeneous Thermal Conditions: An Environmental and Economic Imperative

After a brief outline of current estimates of the amount of methane annually injected into the atmosphere from fossil sources, we list various techniques that have been proposed and tested for converting methane to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons and alcohol to facilitate transport to locations where these chemicals could be utilized either directly to generate power or as feed stock for further processing. We propose a thermal conversion under homogeneous conditions that appears attractive, based on an extensive computer analysis of the kinetic mechanisms that control pyrolysis of methane when mixed with selected radical generators, at relatively modest temperatures (∼900 °C), that initiate C−H bond fission during the early stages of pyrolysis. Product distributions were computed to illustrate theoretically attainable temperature and time dependent levels of conversion. Therein, two key assumptions were made: “kinetic trapping” of radical-initiated products can be achieved; no solid deposits were g...
VLSI-/370 microprocessor chip technology

Abstract A 1.0 μM CMOS technology with 3 layers of metal is used to implement a high density Master Image that contains LOGIC and RAMs. The Image allows the usage of more than 1,000,000 transistors. A hierarchical design methodology is applied. This chip offers variable sized physical partitions and RAM macros. No fixed area sizes and locations for partitions and macros are necessary. Density and performance of custom chips are approached by the described methodology with significantly lower development cost and time.
Studies on rLMP7, a β-Subunit of the Multicatalytic Proteinase

Abstract Subunit rLMP7 of the multicatalytic proteinase (MCP), which has been associated with chymotrypsin-like proteinase activity, was examined in rat liver and hepatocyte-derived cell lines. rLMP7 was detected in both nucleus and cytosol in liver by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting, using a peptide-specific anti-rLMP7 antibody. AMr30,000 precursor protein was present only in cytosol, as was a minor component ofMr25,000. Mature rLMP7 (Mr23,000) was present in MCP in both nucleus and cytosol, although it was not detectable in the nuclear scaffold. Two rLMP7 cDNAs (designated rLMP7.l and rLMP7.s) were identified by rapid amplification of 5′ ends using RT/PCR, a result which was confirmed by Northern blot analysis and RNase protection assays. rLMP7.l is 3–4× more abundant than rLMP7.s; it is 50 nt longer than the previously reported cDNA sequence and includes an upstream in-frame ATG within a consensus translation initiation sequence, which encodes theMr30,000 rLMP7 precursor protein identifiedin vivo.rLMP7.s is 100 nt shorter than rLMP7.l and does not contain the most 5′ ATG. Transient transfection analyses with rLMP7.l and rLMP7.s constructs coupled to green fluorescent protein showed that both transcripts were efficiently expressedin vivo. In vitroexpression of these two rLMP7 cDNAs showed that rLMP7.l produces theMr30,000 precursor protein, whereas rLMP7.s produces two smaller peptides ofMr25,000 and 23,000. Purified 20S MCP preparations were able to proteolytically process theMr30,000 precursor to theMr25,000 product but not to the mature rLMP7 form. However, incorporation of this processedMr25,000 product (or of eitherMrform produced from rLMP7.s) did not occurin vitro. In vitroprocessing and pulse–chase experiments suggested that the matureMr23,000 subunit is derived, at least in part, from theMr30,000 precursor. TheMr25,000 form may be a stable product produced directly from rLMP7.s.
Assembly of an Evolutionarily New Pathway for α-Pyrone Biosynthesis in Arabidopsis

Plants possess arrays of functionally diverse specialized metabolites, many of which are distributed taxonomically. Here, we describe the evolution of a class of substituted α-pyrone metabolites in Arabidopsis , which we have named arabidopyrones. The biosynthesis of arabidopyrones requires a cytochrome P450 enzyme (CYP84A4) to generate the catechol-substituted substrate for an extradiol ring-cleavage dioxygenase (AtLigB). Unlike other ring-cleavage–derived plant metabolites made from tyrosine, arabidopyrones are instead derived from phenylalanine through the early steps of phenylpropanoid metabolism. Whereas CYP84A4, an Arabidopsis -specific paralog of the lignin-biosynthetic enzyme CYP84A1, has neofunctionalized relative to its ancestor, AtLigB homologs are widespread among land plants and many bacteria. This study exemplifies the rapid evolution of a biochemical pathway formed by the addition of a new biological activity into an existing metabolic infrastructure.
Smart Wall Model for Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Nanoscale Gas Flows

Three-dimensional molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of gas flows con- fined within nano-scale channels areinvestigated by introductionof asmart wall model that drastically reduces the memory requirements of MD simulations for gas flows. The smart wall molecular dynamics (SWMD) represents three-dimensional FCC walls using only 74 wall molecules. This structure is kept in the memory and utilized for each gas molecule surface collision. Linear Couette flow of argon at Knudsen number 10 is investigated using the SWMD utilizing Lennard-Jones potential interactions. Ef- fects of the domain size on the periodicity boundary conditions are investigated using three-dimensional simulations. Domain sizes that are one mean-free-path long in the periodic dimensions are sufficient to obtain domain-size independent MD solutions of nano-scale confined gas flows. Comparisons between the two- and three-dimensional simulations show the inadequacy of two-dimensional MD results. Three-dimensional SWMD simulations have shown significant deviations of the velocity profile and gas density from the kinetic theory based predictions within the force penetration region of the walls.
A Case of Cladding Problems Highlights the Need for a Holistic Approach to the Facility Design

The building envelope design of a computer center facility requires a specialized knowledge because of the specific requirements for pressurization and humidification of the indoor space. A computer center facility, coded in this report as a CC facility, was located in a cold climate. It experienced a cladding failure related to inappropriate design of the building envelope.The indoor air coming in contact with the cladding material produced condensed moisture on the back side of the granite panels. The condensed moisture ran down and accumulated in the "trough" as well as in "gutters" installed to collect condensate. With insufficient drainage, the condensed water overflowed to the interior and caused significant damage to interior surfaces. Furthermore, repeated freeze/thaw cycles cre ated expansion forces which created outward displacement of the granite panels and a hazard of the failure of the granite cladding. The author conducted an investigation which identified specific problem areas, recommended...
AN MPI PERFORMANCE MONITORING INTERFACE FOR CELL BASED COMPUTE NODES

In this paper, we present a methodology for profiling parallel applications executing on the family of architectures commonly referred as the "Cell" processor. Specifically, we examine Cell-centric MPI programs on hybrid clusters containing multiple Opteron and IBM PowerXCell 8i processors per node such as those used in the petascale Roadrunner system. We analyze the performance of our approach on a PlayStation3 console based on Cell Broadband Engine—the CBE—as well as an IBM BladeCenter QS22 based on PowerXCell 8i. Our implementation incurs less than 0.5% overhead and 0.3 µs per profiler call for a typical molecular dynamics code on the Cell BE while efficiently utilizing the limited local store of the Cell's SPE cores. Our worst-case overhead analysis on the PowerXCell 8i costs 3.2 µs per profiler call while using only two 5 KiB buffers. We demonstrate the use of our profiler on a cluster of hybrid nodes running a suite of scientific applications. Our analyses of inter-SPE communication (across the enti...