cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Context Effects in Performance Evaluation: The Impact of Ratee Sex and Performance Level on Performance Ratings and Behavioral Recall

Abstract We extend the research on context effects in performance evaluation by examining the impact of ratee sex and context performance level as moderators of context effects in performance ratings and in the recall of performance information. Subjects (N= 269) rated the performance of an average performer (male or female) alone or following a low or high performing context (male or female). We found significant differences in the magnitude of contrast effects for an average target ratee as a function of both target ratee sex and performance level. These differences were found for both performance ratings and the evaluative content of performance information recalled.
Association of Prerandomization Anticoagulant Switching With Bleeding in the Setting of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (A REPLACE-2 Analysis)

The REPLACE-2 trial of patients who underwent urgent or elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) demonstrated a significantly lower bleeding risk with bivalirudin plus provisional glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor compared with unfractionated heparin with planned glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor. The goal of this analysis was to evaluate whether a hazard existed when unfractionated heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin was administered before study medication in the REPLACE-2 trial. The REPLACE-2 trial randomized 6,010 patients undergoing PCI to receive bivalirudin plus provisional glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor or unfractionated heparin plus planned glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor. The present study compared bleeding among patients treated with or without antithrombin therapy in the 48 hours before study treatment. Among patients treated with bivalirudin, there was no difference in protocol-defined major or minor bleeding, bleeding according to Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction criteria, or noncoronary artery bypass graft blood transfusions between the patients treated with versus without antithrombin therapy (p=NS). However, in patients treated with unfractionated heparin plus planned glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor, there was a significant increase in the composite of protocol-defined major or minor bleeding and in noncoronary artery bypass graft blood transfusions (p<0.05 for 3-way comparison vs no unfractionated heparin and for 2-way comparisons of no unfractionated heparin vs unfractionated heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin). In conclusion, in patients treated with bivalirudin, pretreatment with antithrombin therapy was not associated with increased bleeding. In contrast, among patients randomized to receive unfractionated heparin and planned glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, pretreatment with antithrombin therapy was associated with increased protocol-defined composite major or minor bleeding and increased need for transfusion.
Spectroelectrochemical studies of plasmon coupled silver nanoparticles

The effect of the applied potential on the cooperative plasmon mode in 2D coupled arrays of silver nanoparticles was studied using a spectroelectrochemical approach in different electrolytes. The particles had an average diameter of 80 nm and were adsorbed on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates modified with poly-4-vinyl pyridine (PVP). Spectral changes were observed and presented as difference spectra measured between applied potentials and the potential of zero charge (pzc) for silver. The changes were interpreted as potential-induced changes of the local dielectric environment around the nanoparticles due to reorganization of the electric double layer.
A viscoelastic fracture mechanics assessment of slow crack growth in polyethylene gas distribution pipe materials

Abstract A substantial amount of the plastic gas distribution pipe currently in service, as well as that anticipated for future use, is polyethylene (PE). While this material has an excellent record, due to a variety of abnormal loadings that can arise in long time service, some slow crack growth (SCG) related field failures have occurred. Accelerated test procedures and analysis methodologies to predict accurately the long term performance of PE gas pipes are therefore required. One such procedure is the three-point bend test conducted on a pre-cracked pipe segment that is known as the SCG test. The research reported here examines the validity of this test through the application of advanced fracture mechanics principles. Specifically, considering the viscoelastic behavior of PE materials and using the region of dominance concept, the delimitation of a linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) interpretation of the SCG test was developed. Excluding the time spent in crack initiation, the long-term performance of the category of materials for which the assumptions of LEFM are valid can therefore be effectively predicted from SCG test results. Through illustrative examples, this paper demonstrates the veracity of the approach by comparing time to failure predictions for abnormal service loadings with actual gas distribution service experiences.
The role of temporal sensing in bioelectromagnetic effects

Experiments were conducted to see whether the cellular response to electromagnetic (EM) fields occurs through a detection process involving temporal sensing. L929 cells were exposed to 60 Hz magnetic fields and the enhancement of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity was measured to determine cellular response to the field. In one set of experiments, the field was turned alternately off and on at intervals of 0.1 to 50 s. For these experiments, field coherence was maintained by eliminating the insertion of random time intervals upon switching. Intervals ≥ 1 s produced no enhancement of ODC activity, but fields switched at intervals ≥ 10 s showed ODC activities that were enhanced by a factor of approximately 1.7. These data indicate that it is the interval over which field parameters (e.g., amplitude or frequency) remain constant, rather than the interval over which the field is coherent, that is critical to cellular response to an EMF. In a second set of experiments, designed to determine how long it would take for cells to detect a change in field parameters, the field was interrupted for brief intervals (25–200 ms) once each second throughout exposure. In this situation, the extent of EMF-induced ODC activity depended upon the duration of the interruption. Interruptions ≥ 100 ms were detected by the cell as shown by elimination of field-induced enhancement of ODC. That two time constants (0.1 and 10 s) are involved in cellular EMF detection is consistent with the temporal sensing process associated with bacterial chemotaxis. By analogy with bacterial temporal sensing, cells would continuously sample and average an EM field over intervals of about 0.1 s (the “averaging” time), storing the averaged value in memory. The cell would compare the stored value with the current average, and respond to the EM field only when field parameters remain constant over intervals of approximately 10 s (the “memory” time). Bioelectromagnetics 18:388–395, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The ultrastructure of the trophic cells of the protostelidPlanoprotθstelium aurantium

The protostelidPlanoprotostelium aurantiumOlive andStoianovitch has trophic cells which are either amoebae or flagellates. The general morphology and ultrastructure are consistent with what has been reported for otherEumycetozoa (protostelids, myxomycetes, and dictyostelids). The flagellar apparatus structure has the same basic pattern as that of other flagellate eumycetozoans. It shares with all these an anteriorly directed flagellum and centriole and microtubule arrays (MTA) 2–4. Unlike more primitive species which have two centrioles per flagellar apparatus,P. aurantium has only one. Also, the flagellar apparatus is independent of the nucleus inP. aurantium, not linked to it as in the primitive species. These features are useful in explaining the differences in swimming behavior betweenP. aurantium and biflagellate species. Evidence is presented to show thatP. aurantium is closely related to the non-flagellateProtostelium mycophagaOlive andStoianovitch.
Cytoreductive Surgery and Intraoperative Administration of Paclitaxel-loaded Expansile Nanoparticles Delay Tumor Recurrence in Ovarian Carcinoma

Locoregional recurrence significantly impacts survival and quality of life in patients with ovarian carcinoma. We hypothesize that local administration of paclitaxel-loaded expansile nanoparticles (pax-eNP) at the time of cytoreductive surgery decreases local tumor recurrence. In vitro cytotoxicity of pax-eNP was assessed against both the OVCAR-3 human ovarian cancer cell line and tumor cells isolated from a malignant pleural effusion from a patient with multidrug-resistant ovarian cancer. A murine xenogenic model involving surgical cytoreduction of established OVCAR-3 intra-abdominal tumor was used to evaluate in vivo efficacy of intraoperative intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 10 mg/kg of paclitaxel either as pax-eNP or paclitaxel in Cremophor EL/ethanol solution (pax-C/E) versus empty eNP controls. Cytoreductive surgery and intraoperative treatment were performed 4 weeks after established tumor. All animals were sacrificed when empty eNP controls displayed extensive evidence of disease progression. Labeled-eNP entered tumor cells in vitro within 4 h and specifically accumulated at sites of tumor in vivo. Pax-eNP exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity in both OVCAR-3 and patient tumor cells isolated from a malignant pleural effusion and effectively prevented tumor recurrence following debulking (p = 0.003 vs. empty eNP). Furthermore, pax-eNP-treated animals did not develop severe recurrent carcinomatosis compared with 43 % of the pax-C/E-treated cohort, suggesting that single-dose intracavitary pax-eNP is more effective than an equivalent dose of pax-C/E. Expansile nanoparticles readily enter human ovarian tumor cells and localize to sites of tumor in vivo with pax-eNP cytotoxicity resulting in superior inhibition of locoregional tumor recurrence following cytoreductive surgery.
Sintering of bi-porous titanium dioxide scaffolds: Experimentation, modeling and simulation

Highly bimodal pore size distributions are found in ceramic scaffolds prepared by freeze casting (ice templating). The scaffolds, with preferred orientation in the ice crystal growth direction, have large interlamellar pores between the scaffold walls and small intergranular pores within the walls. The constitutive equations based on a continuum theory of sintering are used in a finite element analysis of the sintered scaffolds. The calculations employed a model of large isolated pores surrounded by a shell containing small pores. During sintering at 1173 to 1773 K the scaffold walls densified first, followed by wall closure at higher temperatures. Excellent agreement is found between the predicted and measured porosity. The compressive strength and elastic modulus depend on the fraction of interlamellar porosity, not the total porosity, indicating that the scaffold wall strength does not affect these properties.
Investigating the effect of country image and subjective knowledge on attitudes and behaviors: U.S. Upper Midwesterners’ intentions to consume Korean Food and visit Korea

Abstract Korean food (Hansik) is one of the fastest growing cuisines globally. This trend is evident with the number of Korean restaurants scattered around world. An increasing number of Korean restaurants have been observed in the United States, especially in more culturally diverse areas such as major cities on the east and west coasts. However, noticeably less Korean restaurants are seen in the Midwest region. This study investigated the Midwesterners’ intention to try Hansik and further to visit South Korea (henceforth referred to as Korea) based on the country image of Korea and knowledge they have of Korean cuisine, which together influence their attitude toward the new cuisine. The results showed that cognitive image influences the attitude through affective image, and subjective knowledge also influences the respondents’ attitude toward Hansik. As proposed, these constructs have positive influences on both intentions to try Hansik and to visit Korea in the near future. Study implications and suggestions for future research are also discussed.
External and internal supplier influences: Buyer perceptions of channel outcomes

External and internal influences on channel outcomes are examined. Research hypotheses are presented on main and interaction effects of supplier relative market position and internal influence measures with respect to buyer perceptions of channel outcomes. Data from dealers (N=324) in the office systems and furniture industry were used to test the proposed relationships. Among the findings is that the effects of power generated from conditions outside the channel dyad and the use of coercive influence strategies account for a significant share of the variance in dealers’ perceptions of control. Implications and suggestions for future research are provided.
Antigenicity and recombination of VlsE, the antigenic variation protein of Borrelia burgdorferi, in rabbits, a host putatively resistant to long‐term infection with this spirochete

Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease pathogen, employs several immune-evasive strategies to survive in mammals. Unlike mice, major reservoir hosts for B. burgdorferi, rabbits are considered to be nonpermissive hosts for persistent infection. Antigenic variation of the VlsE molecule is a probable evasion strategy known to function in mice. The invariable region 6 (IR6) and carboxyl-terminal domain (Ct) of VlsE elicit dominant antibody responses that are not protective, perhaps to function as decoy epitopes that protect the spirochete. We sought to determine if either of these characteristics of VlsE differed in rabbit infection, contributing to its reputed nonpermissiveness. VlsE recombination was observed in rabbits that were given inoculations with either cultured or host-adapted spirochetes. Early observations showed a lack of anti-C6 (a peptide encompassing the IR6 region) response in most rabbits, so the anti-Ct and anti-C6 responses were monitored for 98 weeks. Anti-C6 antibody appeared as late as 20 weeks postinoculation, and the anti-Ct response, evident within the first 2 weeks, oscillated for prolonged periods of time. These observations, together with the recovery of cultivable spirochetes from tissue of one animal at 98 weeks postinoculation, challenge the notion that the rabbit cannot harbour a long-term B. burgdorferi infection.
Reflectometric Mapping of Microregional Blood Flow and Blood Volume in the Brain Cortex

Summary: A reflectometric indicator-diluti on method has been developed for mapping the parenchymal minute volume flow and blood content over tiny superficial areas of the brain cortex at 625 or 2500 locations, respectively. About 0.4 ml dextran-saline solution was used as nondiffusible indicator and injected into the feline cerebral circulation for each measurement. The subse­ quent cerebrocortical transit of the hemodiluted bolus was detected as a tem­ porary change in the tissue optical density [OD(t)] and interpreted as indicator dilution, C(t). This gave the data necessary to calculate the microregional blood volume (mrCBV), mean transit time of the bolus (mrMTT), and the microre­ gional blood flow (mrCBF = mrCBVlmrMTT). A two-dimensional record of the OD(t) function was made on Kodak SO 115 film by 16-mm cinematography, as a reflectometric tool, over an exposed area of the brain cortex during the bolus perfusion. Later, the microregional OD(t) functions were retrieved for analysis in a square array from the developed film by computer-control led, frame-by­ frame scanning densitometry. Maps of mrCBF, mrCBV, and mrMTT were presented as square arrays of gray-scaled pixels. The maximal spatial and temporal resolution of the method was 0.015 mm2 (mrCBF), 0.004 mm2 (mrCBV), 6 maps/min (mrCBF), and 600 maps/min (mrCBV). Key Words: Cerebrocortical hemodynamics-Par enchymal circulation-Minu te volume flow-Blood content-Reflectom etric graphy-Micro­ heterogeneity-Sc anning densitometry.
Identification of behaviours displayed by children experiencing prolonged hospitalization.

Resume Cette etude a ete entreprise pour essayer d'identifier des comportements manifestes par des enfants qui font l'experience d'une hospitalisation prolongee. Un objectif secondaire etait de determiner comment l'enfant se percoit lui-meme en relation avec son hospitalisation. On a observe un garcon de huit ans quinze minutes par jour et pendant dix jours consecutifs. A la fin de la periode d'observation, l'analyste a cote l'enfant a l'aide de l'echelle de Devereux pour l'appreciation du comportement des enfants. L'enfant a ete invite en meme temps a completer le questionnaire intitule "Comment je me vois moi-meme". Les resultats de la cotation selon l'echelle de Devereux ont suggere que l'enfant etait en butte a des problemes significatifs pour onze des dix-sept facteurs de comportement etudies. Ces conclusions ont eteetayees par les observations des infirmieres. L'analyste n'a pas pu etablir avec certitude comment l'enfant se percevait lui-meme dans le milieu hospitalier, les cotes de l'echelle "Comment je me vois moi-meme" pouvant etre sujettes a caution. Quoique limitees a un seul sujet, les donnees semblent impliquer que les enfants qui font l'experience d'une hospitalisation de longue duree manifestent des comportements qui pourraient reveler des zones a problemes. La maniere dont l'enfant se percoit lui-meme pourrait aussi etre revelatrice de zones ou de facteurs de comportement a problemes. Les constatations vont dans ce sens, qu'il faudrait entreprendre encore d'autres etudes pour aider a identifier des comportements chez des enfants longtemps hospitalises. L'analyste suggere aussi que cette etude soit repetee pour une periode plus longue afin de procurer un echantillon plus important. Toute etude future de ce type devrait aussi envisager le probleme des "differences significatives entre les comportements identifies et la maniere dont l'analyste percoit le comportement de l'enfant". Ce probleme figurait ici en donnee additionnelle, mais une analyse statistique serait tres utile au cours des etudes futures.
The uniaxial brickwork model, exact results, and CVM approximation

A complete phase diagram of the uniaxial brickwork lattice is determined first by using exact results, and then by using the cluster variation method. Both results are in very good agreement, which demonstrates the reliability of the CVM for two-dimensional systems. A well-defined maximum in the exact specific heat and a divergence of the CVM susceptibility provide strong indication for the occurrence of a floating phase.
Frontiers in fetal cardiovascular disease

This article reviews the state of the art in prenatal cardiovascular imaging, the elucidation of regional vascular flow patterns in the developing fetus and what can be learned from these flow patterns, the new clinical practice systems being that are being implemented to deal with the fetal patient and its family, and the prospects for fetal surgery.
Conjugated Polymer Network Films from Precursor Polymers: Electrocopolymerization of a Binary Electroactive Monomer Composition

We report the synthesis and electropolymerization of a precursor polymer with a binary molecular composition of thiophene and carbazole electroactive groups to form ultrathin films of conjugated polymer networks (CPN) on flat indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates. In the past we have demonstrated the precursor polymer approach based on a single pendant electroactive group. In this work, we describe the interesting electrocopolymerization mechanism and properties of precursor polymers prepared with two different types of pendant electroactive groups (statistical copolymer) and compared behavior to their respective homopolymers. The presence of a smaller amount of carbazole induces the electropolymerization of the higher oxidation potential thiophene units via the reaction of a radical cation and a neutral molecule pathway. These electrochemically generated thin films gave unique optical, electrochemical, and morphological properties as a function of composition. The film properties were investigated by cyclic ...
Registered nurse incentives to return to practice in the United States

This US study uniquely listened to registered nurses with current licenses who do not work as nurses or are unemployed. An electronic survey was advertised in 13 Boards of Nursing newsletters. Investigated was why nurses left nursing, what would entice them to return to nursing, and what skill review is essential to competent and confident return to nursing practice. Herzberg's theory was used to study factors affecting registered nurses' decision to practise nursing. Data were analysed using SPSS and manifest content analysis. Nurses (n = 127) identified various work conditions as the primary reasons for leaving nursing. Work condition improvement, recognition of one's work, opportunities for professional growth and family needs consideration were identified as key enticing factors for returning to nursing. Many respondents identified needing review of medicines, intravenous skills, new technologies and a refresher course. Acting on their voiced concerns will enhance nurse recruitment and retention.
Organochromium Complexes Bearing Noninnocent Diimine Ligands

We have prepared several anionic and neutral organochromium complexes featuring noninnocent α-diimine ligands. All neutral and anionic complexes refrain from insertion of the C=N bonds of the diimine ligand into the chromium–carbon bonds, presumably due to the reduced nature of the diimine ligand. However, insertion can be facilitated by one-electron oxidation. Thus, oxidation of [(HLiPr)CrR(THF)] [HLiPr = Ar–N=C(H)–(H)C=N–Ar in which Ar = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl and R = CH2SiMe3 or CH3] with [(C5H5)2Fe]+ presumably forms [(HLiPr)CrR(THF)]+, which contains a neutral diimine ligand coordinated to CrII. This cationic complex apparently undergoes immediate insertion of the C=N bond of the diimine ligand into the Cr–alkyl bond, followed by C–H activation of the isopropyl substituent of an N–aryl group on the diimine ligand. DFT calculations confirm that [(HLiPr)CrR(THF)]+ contains a neutral innocent diimine ligand that undergoes C=N bond insertion into the Cr–R bond.
Coefficients of Restitution

The dependence of these ratios on parameters that characterize various collisions is examined here, using simplifying assumptions about the contact mechanism and with a finite element code.
ENZYMATIC AND NONENZYMATIC DEGRADATION OF MYELIN BASIC PROTEIN

A procedure for large scale isolation of myelin basic protein (BP) has been modified to insure BP preparations free of neutral proteinase activity. Fractions were monitored by electrophoretic analysis of BP solutions incubated under various conditions of temperature and pH. Maximum degradation of human BP prepared by the old batch procedure occurs at pH 7, ∼47°C. BP preparations obtained by the new procedure, as well as BP preparations purified by CM-cellulose chromatography, are stable under these conditions. The latter, however, do undergo significant breakdown at pH 9, 100°C. The results suggest that the degradation observed under these conditions is non-enzymatic in nature.
The effect of light on the activity of enzymes of the aromatic pathway in peas and mung beans.

Abstract Red-light has no effect on the activity of 5-dehydroquinase dehydrate or shikimate: NADP oxidoreductase in dark-grown seedlings of mung beans, but both enzymes double in pea seedlings 20 hr after irradiation. Total phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity also doubles in both species after light treatment, but in mung bean exists in two forms, only one of which is photoinducible. 5-Dehydroquinate synthetase, 3-enolpyruvylshikimate-5-phosphate synthetase and shikimic acid kinase have been demonstrated in extracts from both species, the latter for the first time in higher plants.
Properties of Cirrus Generating Cells

Abstract Particle size spectra were measured during 20 hr of sampling in cirrus generating cells (uncinus, stratus, spissatus, thunderstorm anvil) and the particle concentration, mean crystal length, ice water content, reflectivity factor, and precipitation rate were calculated from these spectra. Average values of the physical properties in the generating cells were: Ice crystal concentration: 10,000–25,000m−3 Mean crystal length: 0.6–1.0 mm Particle habit: bullet, rosette, column (75%)-plate (25%) Ice crystal density. 0.6–0.9 gm m−3 Ice water content. 0.15–0.25 gm −3 Reflectivity factor: 5.0–20.0 mm6−3 Precipitation rate. 0.5–0.7 mm hr−1 Growth was found to be downward, reaching a maximum ice water content just below the base of the generating cell. The maximum ice water contents (not including the thunderstorm anvil) were found in cirrus uncinus. Liquid water was not found throughout the cirrus sampling by measurement with the Johnson-Williams hot wire liquid water meter; however, we believe that liqui...
Feasibility of searches for a Higgs boson using H → W + W − → l + l − + missing p T and high p T jets at the Fermilab Tevatron

The sensitivity of standard model Higgs boson searches at the Tevatron experiments with a mass $135l{M}_{H}l190\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}/{c}^{2}$ using the channel $H\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{W}^{+}{W}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{l}^{+}{l}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\mathrm{p\ensuremath{\llap{\not\;}}}}_{T}(l=e,\ensuremath{\mu})$ is discussed. Three new event selections involving Higgs in association with one or two high ${P}_{T}$ hadronic jets are discussed. Using leading order matrix elements and a conservative cut-based analysis a 95% confidence level exclusion on $\ensuremath{\sigma}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathcal{B}(H\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{W}^{+}{W}^{\ensuremath{-}})$, 1.6 times larger than that predicted by the standard model for ${M}_{H}=165\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}/{c}^{2}$, may be achieved with $5\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{fb}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ of integrated luminosity. By combining these three event selections with the existing analysis, the sensitivity of CDF and D0 could improve significantly.
Steroid metabolism by purified adult rat leydig cells in primary culture

Abstract To characterize Leydig cell steroidogensis, we examined the metabolism of (3H)pregnenolone (3β-hydroxy-5-pregnen-20-one) to androgens in the presence and absence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) as a function of culture duration. Approximately 20–30% of the (3H)pregnenolone was converted to testosterone (17β-hydroxy-4-androsten-3-one) by purified Leydig cells at 0, 3 and 5 days (d) of culture. Androstenedione (4-androstene-3,17-dione) and dihydrotestosterone (17β-hydroxy-5α-androstan-3-one) were also produced while on day 5 of culture, significant amounts of progesterone (4-pregnene-3, 20-dione) were isolated. The Δ5 intermediates, 17-hydroxypregnenolone (3β, 17-dihydroxy-5-pregnen-20-one) and dehydroepiandrosterone (3β-hydroxy-5-androsten-17-one), accounted for less than 1% of substrate conversion, indicating a clear preference for Leydig cells to metabolize (3H)pregnenolone via the Δ4 pathway. On day 0 of culture, unidentified metabolites consisted of predominately polar steroids while on day 5 of culture, the unidentified metabolites consisted of predominately nonpolar steroids. In the presence of hCG, (3H)pregnenolone metabolism did not differ from basal on day 0 or 3 of culture. HCG increased the conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-hydroxy-4-pregnene-3, 20-dione) on 5d. This suggests that Leydig cells cultured for 5d have decreased C17–20 desmolase activity or that hCG acutely stimulates 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and Δ4-Δ5 isomerase activities.
Determinants of vagina by computed tomography in Korean women

Introduction and hypothesis The purpose of this study was to determine the interrelations of the total vaginal length (TVL), total vaginal thickness (TVT), and total vaginal width (TVW), as measured by CT, and age, height, weight, and mode of delivery in Korean women.
TH‐A‐220‐09: A Study of Prostate Edema Resolution Pattern by Principle Component Analysis

Purpose: To investigate and characterize the spatial resolutionpatterns of prostate edema in permanent prostate brachytherapy for accurate post‐implant dosimetry. Methods: Three patients with prostate cancer received 103Pd seed implant (day‐0) and consented to participate in an IRB approved post‐implant serial CTimaging study. Patient 1 was scanned on days: −1,1, 7, 10, 17, 30, 42; Patient 2: −1, 0, 1, 7, 16, 40; and patient 3: −1, 0, 1, 6, 11, 15, 30, 42. The image of patient 1 on day‐0 was contoured by a radiation oncologist and set as the template image for registration using a validated deformable image registration algorithm. For all voxel points inside the prostate in the template image, their corresponding coordinates in the subsequent images were obtained by the resulting deformation fields. These point sets were further aligned by rigid shape registration so as to reflect the intrinsic edema resolution. Principle component analysis (PCA) was used to compute the variation pattern among the point sets of each patient, and also among the point sets averaged from all patients on days −1, 1, 6/7, 15/16/17, and 40/42. Results: The percentages of the greatest four components of variation over the total variation are 92.0%, 2.9%, 2.1%, 1.2% for patient 1, 43.8%, 32.0%, 10.4%, 8.2% for patient 2, 45.6%, 15.1%, 12.3%, 10.5% for patient 3, and 63.0%, 18.4%, 11.3%, 7.2% for the averaged one. The greatest four components of variation plotted on the surfaces of prostate and of a sphere of similar size provided an easy visualization of major edema resolution patterns. Conclusions: Strong anisotropic edema resolution patterns were observed in patients receiving permanent prostate brachytherapy. PCA analysis and visual inspections indicated that different patients have significantly different edema resolution patterns. It suggests that spatialanisotropy of edema resolution should be considered for accurate dosimetry. This research project is currently funded by the NIH grant R01CA134627‐01
Effects of initiator structure on activation rate constants in ATRP

Activation rate constants (kact) for a variety of initiators for Cu-mediated ATRP have been determined under the same conditions. The ratio of the activation rate constants for the studied alkyl (pseudo)halides exceeds 1 million times. The activation rate constants increase with initiator substitution (e.g., for primary, secondary, and tertiary α-bromoesters the ratios are ∼1:10:80), with the radical stabilizing α-substituent (e.g., alkyl bromides with −C(O)NEt2, −Ph, −C(O)OMe, and −CN groups the ratios are ∼1:4:8:600 but with both α-Ph and α-C(O)OEt ∼ 140 000), and with the leaving atom/group (e.g., for methyl 2-halopropionates: chloro:bromo:iodo ∼1:20:35, but benzyl bromide is ∼10 000 more reactive than the corresponding isothiocyanate/thiocyanate).
Probing the Will of God: Bonhoeffer and Discernment

Like the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, the spiritual discernment of Dietrich Bonhoeffer seeks to bring one’s life into conformity (Gleichgestaltung) with Christ. Such conformation makes discipleship costly, but it also overflows with the fullness of life.
Chronic ascorbate potentiates the effects of chronic haloperidol on behavioral supersensitivity but not D2 dopamine receptor binding.

Abstract Ample behavioral evidence suggests that ascorbate parallels the action of haloperidol, a widely used neuroleptic. To determine the extent to which this parallel extends to chronic treatment, 21 days of exposure to ascorbate (100 or 500 mg/kg) alone or combined with haloperidol (0.5 mg/kg) were assessed on stereotyped behavior and neostriatal D 2 dopamine receptor binding in rats. Our results indicate that when challenged with the dopamine agonist, apomorphine (0.5 mg/kg), animals chronically treated with haloperidol or high-dose ascorbate alone display a supersensitive sniffing response relative to controls, while animals chronically treated with the combination of haloperidol and high-dose ascorbate display a further potentiation of sniffing relative to the haloperidol groups. In addition, [ 3 H]spiperone saturation studies showed, as expected, an up-regulation of striatal D 2 dopamine receptors in rats treated with haloperidol as reflected by a change in receptor density ( B max but not affinity ( K D ). Ascorbate treatment, however, had no effect on D 2 receptor density or the distribution of [ 3 H]apomorphine in whole brain. Even though chronic treatment with the haloperidol-high-dose-ascorbate combination produced an up-regulation of striatal D 2 dopamine receptors, this treatment did not cause a further up-regulation relative to haloperidol alone nor did it have any effect on [ 3 H]apomorphine distribution. Taken together, these findings indicate that although chronic ascorbate produces behavioral supersensitivity to apomorphine through central mechanisms, they appear to differ from those induced by chronic haloperidol.
The Centrality of Meaning-Making in Transformational Learning: How HIV-Positive Adults Make Sense of their Lives

At the heart of transformational learning is meaning-making—the act of "making sense" of an experience. A review of the literature on adult and transformational learning, adult development, and cou...
An enhanced least-squares approach for reinforcement learning

This paper presents an enhanced least-squares approach for solving reinforcement learning control problems. Model-free least-squares policy iteration (LSPI) method has been successfully used for this learning domain. Although LSPI is a promising algorithm that uses linear approximator architecture to achieve policy optimization in the spirit of Q-learning, it faces challenging issues in terms of the selection of basis functions and training samples. Inspired by orthogonal least-squares regression (OLSR) method for selecting the centers of RBF neural network, we propose a new hybrid learning method. The suggested approach combines LSPI algorithm with OLSR strategy and uses simulation as a tool to guide the "feature processing" procedure. The results on the learning control of cart-pole system illustrate the effectiveness of the presented scheme.
Isolation and molecular analysis of the gene cluster for the arginine deiminase system from Streptococcus gordonii DL1.

The arginine deiminase (AD) system (ADS) is one of two major ammonia-generating pathways in the oral cavity that play important roles in oral biofilm pH homeostasis and oral biofilm ecology. To initiate a study of the Streptococcus gordonii ADS, the ADS gene cluster was isolated from subgenomic DNA libraries of S. gordonii DL1 by using an arcB-specific probe. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed six open reading frames (ORFs) that were arranged contiguously; the first five ORFs were transcribed in the same direction, as an apparent operon, and the sixth was transcribed in the opposite direction. The ORFs were found to share significant homologies and to correspond closely in molecular mass to previously characterized arc genes; thus, they were designated arcA (AD), arcB (ornithine carbamyltransferase), arcC (carbamate kinase), arcD (arginine-ornithine antiporter), arcT (dipeptidase), and arcR (regulator). A putative σ70 promoter (ParcA [TTGTGT-N19-TAGAAT]) was mapped 5′ to arcA by primer extension, and the expression of ParcA was shown to be inducible by arginine and repressible by glucose, in agreement with AD specific activities measured in the wild-type strain. To investigate the function of ArcR in the differential expression of the arc operon, arcR was insertionally inactivated by a KM resistance marker flanked by T4 transcription/translation termination signals, and the expression of ParcA was monitored by primer extension in the wild-type and ArcR-deficient strains. Lower levels of arcA expression, as well as lower levels of AD activity, were consistently observed in the ArcR-deficient strain compared to wild-type cells, regardless of the growth conditions. Thus, ArcR is a transcriptional activator that is required for induction and optimal expression of the S. gordonii ADS gene cluster.
Serum modulates the intracellular calcium response of primary cultured bone cells to shear flow.

Abstract We investigated the effect of newborn bovine serum on the intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i response of primary cultured bone cells stimulated by fluid flow. As it has been previously established that these cells exhibit [Ca2+]i responses to fluid flow shear stress in saline media without growth factors or other chemically stimulatory factors, we hypothesized that the addition of serum to the flow medium would enhance the mechanosensitivity of the cells. We examined the effect of a short-term (10–15 min) exposure of the cells to 2 and 10% serum prior to flow stimulation (pretreated) compared to not exposing the cells prior to flow stimulation (unpretreated). The cells were subjected to a well-defined, 90-s flow stimulus with shear stress levels ranging from 0.02 to 3.5 Pa in a laminar flow chamber using a saline medium supplemented with 2 or 10% serum. For pretreatment, the serum concentration was the same from pre-flow to flow exposure. We observed a differential effect in the magnitude of the peak [Ca2+]i response modulated by the concentration of serum in the pre-flow medium. Additionally, ATP-supplemented flow was examined as a comparison to the serum-supplemented flow and exhibited a similar trend in the peak [Ca2+]i flow response that was dependent on ATP concentration and pre-flow exposure conditions. These findings demonstrate that under the conditions of this study, chemical agonist exposure can modulate the [Ca2+]i response in bone cells subjected to fluid flow-induced shear stress.
Recurrent polymorphisms in small chromosomes of Leishmania tarentolae after nutrient stress or subcloning

Abstract Molecular karyotypes of the UC, LEM87 and LEM115 Leishmania tarentolae strains were obtained. All strains had 24–28 chromosomal bands which varied in size between 300 kb and 2.9 Mb. Several recurrent chromosomal polymorphisms occurred in LEM115 after nutrient shock or subcloning. One type of polymorphism involves the truncation of a 365-kb chromosome which contains the miniexon genes. This specific chromosome breakage appears to be induced by the nutrient shock or subcloning process and also occurs spontaneously during routine passage. Another polymorphism is the appearance of a 90-kb minichromosome (115-SNA1) after severe nutrient shock. This appears to be selection of a pre-existing cell type from a mosaic population. The 115-SNA1 minichromosome has sequence homology with a minichromosome in LEM87 cells but shows no homology with any chromosomes in 115wt or other strains. The copy number of 115-SNA1 varies with culture conditions, suggesting a relaxed centromeric control. The nature and origin of this minichromosome is not known.
The Erk2 MAPK regulates CD8 T cell proliferation and survival.

The magnitude of T cell responses is determined by proliferation and survival decisions made by the responding cells. We now demonstrate that the Erk MAPK pathway plays a critical role in these cell fate decisions within CD8 T cells. While Erk1 is dispensable for all aspects of CD8 T cell activation, Erk2 is required for the proliferation of CD8 T cells activated in the absence of costimulation. Surprisingly, Erk2 is not required for proliferation following the addition of a costimulatory signal in vitro, or upon viral infection in vivo, but regulates the size of the responding population by enhancing cell survival. An important component of this Erk2-derived signal is the transcriptional regulation of Bcl-2 family members Bcl-xL and Bim, and impaired Erk2-deficient CD8 T cell survival can be rescued by genetic ablation of Bim. These studies ascribe multifaceted functions specific to Erk2 in CD8 T cell activation, proliferation, and survival.
SURVNET: a survivable network implementation

A description is given of SURVNET, a survivable fiber-optic local area network (LAN). The network supports data communications with a fault-tolerant, distributed architecture capable of continued communication despite media failure and node outages. SURVNET is configured as a modified fiber-optic broadcast bus. The physical and data link layers are implemented with a combination of IEEE standard 802.3 (Ethernet) and an augmented version of IEEE standard 802.4 token passing bus protocols. A performance analysis of prototype network is given. >
Embedded sphere method for measuring dielectric breakdown in polymers and polymer composites

This work describes a new approach, the embedded sphere method, for measuring the dielectric breakdown field strength of pure polymers and polymer composites. In this method, a polished metal sphere is pressed into a polymer film heated above its glass transition temperature, resulting in partial embedment of the sphere. The degree of embedment can be varied by controlling the initial film thickness and the heating time and temperature. After cooling, we measure pre-breakdown leakage current and the breakdown voltage. Then we remove the sphere, confirm that breakdown occurred at the center of the indentation left by the sphere, and measure the minimum thickness at the center of the indentation. The embedded sphere method minimizes incidence of premature breakdown due to air near the point of contact. Scatter in breakdown field strength data is reduced when the indentation depth is greater than the average surface roughness of the film. We show breakdown field strength results for spin cast polystyrene films and composites.
Information processing for live photo mosaic with a group of wireless image sensors

Photo tourism [11] is a platform that allows users to transform unstructured online digital photos into a 3D experience. Nowadays, image sensors are being extensively used to allow images to be taken automatically and remotely, which facilitates the opportunity for live update of photo mosaics. In this paper, we present a novel framework for live photo mosaic with a group of wireless image sensor nodes, where the image data aggregation is accomplished in an efficient and distributed way. Essentially, we propose to conduct clustering and data compression at wireless image sensor network level while conserving the completeness of the feature point information [9] for reconstruction. Toward the realization of the whole system, we have built image sensor prototypes with commodity cameras and we validated our approach by indepth analysis, extensive simulations and field experiments.
Growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Bruised Apple (Malus domestica) Tissue as Influenced by Cultivar, Date of Harvest, and Source

Four of five apple cultivars (Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, McIntosh, Macoun, and Melrose) inoculated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 promoted growth of the bacterium in bruised tissue independent of the date of harvest (i.e., degree of apple ripening) or the source of the apple (i.e., tree-picked or dropped fruit). Apple harvest for this study began 4 September 1998 and ended 9 October, with weekly sampling. Throughout this study, freshly picked (<2 days after harvest) McIntosh apples usually prevented the growth of E. coli O157:H7 for 2 days. Growth of E. coli O157:H7 did occur following 6 days of incubation in bruised McIntosh apple tissue. However, the maximum total cell number was approximately 80-fold less than the maximum total cell number recovered from Red Delicious apples. When fruit was stored for 1 month at 4°C prior to inoculation with E. coli O157:H7, all five cultivars supported growth of the bacterium. For each apple cultivar, the pH of bruised tissue was significantly higher and °Brix was significantly lower than the pH and °Brix of undamaged tissue regardless of the source. In freshly picked apples, changes in the pH did not occur over the harvest season. Bruised Golden Delicious, McIntosh, and Melrose apple tissue pHs were not significantly different (tree-picked or dropped), and the °Brix values of McIntosh, Macoun, and Melrose apple tissue were not significantly different. Single-cultivar preparations of cider did not support growth of E. coli, and the cell concentration of inoculated cider declined over an 11-day test period. The rate of decline in E. coli cell concentration in the McIntosh cider was greater than those in the other ciders tested. The findings of this study suggested that the presence of some factor besides, or in addition to, pH inhibited E. coli growth in McIntosh apples.
Estimating Time-Varying Sparse Signals Under Communication Constraints

In this correspondence, we consider reconstruction of time-varying sparse signals in a sensor network with communication constraints. In each time interval, the fusion center transmits the predicted signal estimate and its corresponding error covariance to a selected subset of sensors. The selected sensors compute quantized innovations and transmit them to the fusion center. We present algorithms for sparse signal estimation in the described scenario, analyze their complexity, and demonstrate their near-optimal performance even in the case where sensors transmit a single bit (i.e., the sign of innovation) to the fusion center.
Entropic Analysis of Color Homogeneity

We propose an entropic measure to assess color homogeneity as well as deviations from a standard/ideal color. We illustrate the concept by analyzing samples obtained in a single screw extruder by mixing blue and yellow polymer pellets. Alternatively the proposed technique can be employed to assess the efficiency and degree of distributive mixing attained in polymer processing equipment. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 45:1031–1038, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of a 17 day spaceflight on contractile properties of human soleus muscle fibres

1. Soleus biopsies were obtained from four male astronauts 45 days before and within 2 h after a 17 day spaceflight. 2. For all astronauts, single chemically skinned post-flight fibres expressing only type I myosin heavy chain (MHC) developed less average peak Ca2+ activated force (Po) during fixed-end contractions (0.78 +/- 0. 02 vs. 0.99 +/- 0.03 mN) and shortened at a greater mean velocity during unloaded contractions (Vo) (0.83 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.64 +/- 0.02 fibre lengths s-1) than pre-flight type I fibres. 3. The flight-induced decline in absolute Po was attributed to reductions in fibre diameter and/or Po per fibre cross-sectional area. Fibres from the astronaut who experienced the greatest relative loss of peak force also displayed a reduction in Ca2+ sensitivity. 4. The elevated Vo of the post-flight slow type I fibres could not be explained by alterations in myosin heavy or light chain composition. One alternative possibility is that the elevated Vo resulted from an increased myofilament lattice spacing. This hypothesis was supported by electron micrographic analysis demonstrating a reduction in thin filament density post-flight. 5. Post-flight fibres shortened at 30 % higher velocities than pre-flight fibres at external loads associated with peak power output. This increase in shortening velocity either reduced (2 astronauts) or prevented (2 astronauts) a post-flight loss in fibre absolute peak power (microN (fibre length) s-1). 6. The changes in soleus fibre diameter and function following spaceflight were similar to those observed after 17 days of bed rest. Although in-flight exercise countermeasures probably reduced the effects of microgravity, the results support the idea that ground-based bed rest can serve as a model of human spaceflight. 7. In conclusion, 17 days of spaceflight decreased force and increased shortening velocity of single Ca2+-activated muscle cells expressing type I MHC. The increase in shortening velocity greatly reduced the impact that impaired force production had on absolute peak power.