cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolution of Systemic Therapy in Metastatic Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is characterized by early systemic dissemination, a complex tumor microenvironment, as well as significant intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity. Treatment options and survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma have improved steadily over the last 3 decades. Although cytotoxic chemotherapy is currently the mainstay of treatment for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, evolving therapeutic strategies are aimed at targeting the tumor microenvironment, metabolism, and the tumor-host immune balance.
FIB-SEM tomography reveals the nanoscale 3D morphology of virus removal filters

Abstract Virus removal filters are designed to ensure very high levels of removal of viruses and virus-like particles during bioprocessing, but the performance of some virus removal filters can be compromised at high-throughputs, after process disruptions, or during operation at low pressures. Several studies have hypothesized that the different behavior is due to differences in underlying pore morphology, but current techniques are limited to examining the 2D pore structure. Here, we use the combination of a focused ion beam and scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) to obtain 3D reconstructions of the pore structure of the asymmetric Viresolve® Pro virus removal filter. Images were obtained through a 3 μm section into the membrane starting at the size-selective skin. The membrane porosity decreases from 41 to 17% as one approaches the filter exit. Model simulations based on flow through the full 3D pore reconstruction show 100% virus retention, with all virus particles captured at least 400 nm from the filter exit. A pore-network model was developed from the reconstructions and used to evaluate the body and throat size distribution and pore interconnectivity. The number of throats is approximately twice the number of bodies, with an average throat size of 21 nm within the selective skin. The pore interconnectivity remains relatively constant at a value of 4 throats per body. These results provide insights into the underlying pore structure of the Viresolve® Pro virus removal filter as well as a general framework for characterizing the 3D pore space in nanoporous membranes.
Physician specialties involved in thyroid cancer diagnosis and treatment: Implications for improving healthcare disparities.

Context Little is known about provider specialties involved in thyroid cancer diagnosis and management. Objective Characterize providers involved in diagnosing and treating thyroid cancer. Design/setting/participants We surveyed patients with differentiated thyroid cancer from the Georgia and Los Angeles County SEER registries (N=2632, 63% response rate). Patients identified their primary care physicians (PCP), who were also surveyed (N=162, 56% response rate). Main outcome measures 1) patient-reported provider involvement (endocrinologist, surgeon, PCP) at diagnosis and treatment; 2) PCP-reported involvement (more vs. less) and comfort (more vs. less) with discussing diagnosis and treatment. Results Among thyroid cancer patients, 40.6% reported being informed of their diagnosis by their surgeon, 37.9% by their endocrinologist, and 13.5% by their PCP. Patients reported discussing their treatment with their surgeon (71.7%), endocrinologist (69.6%), and PCP (33.3%). Physician specialty involvement in diagnosis and treatment varied by patient race/ethnicity and age. For example, Hispanic patients (vs. non-Hispanic White) were more likely to report their PCP informed them of their diagnosis (OR: 1.68, 95%CI: 1.24-2.27). Patients ≥65years (vs. Conclusions PCPs were involved in thyroid cancer diagnosis and treatment and their involvement was greater among older patients and patients of minority race/ethnicity . This suggests an opportunity to leverage PCP involvement in thyroid cancer management to improve health and quality of care outcomes for vulnerable patients.
Guidelines for Initiating a Research Agenda: Research Design and Dissemination of Results

Successful research outcomes require selection and implementation of the appropriate research design. A realistic sampling plan appropriate for the design is essential. Qualitative or quantitative methodology may be utilized, depending on the research question and goals. Quantitative research may be experimental where there is an intervention, or nonexperimental, if no intervention is included in the design. Causation can only be established with experimental research. Popular types of nonexperimental research include descriptive and survey research. Research findings may be disseminated via presentations, posters, and publications, such as abstracts and manuscripts.
RFDMon: A Real-time and Fault-tolerant Distributed System Monitoring Approach

One of the main requirements for building an autonomic system is to have a robust monitoring frame- work. In this paper, a systematic distributed event based (DEB) system monitoring framework "RFDMon" is presented for measuring system variables (CPU utilization, memory utilization, disk utilization, network utilization, etc.), system health (temperature and voltage of Motherboard and CPU) application performance variables (application response time, queue size, and throughput), and scientific application data structures (PBS information and MPI variables) accurately with minimum latency at a specified rate and with controllable resource utilization. This framework is designed to be tolerant to faults in monitoring framework, self-configuring (can start and stop monitoring the nodes and configure monitors for threshold values/changes for publishing the measurements), aware of execution of the framework on multiple nodes through HEARTBEAT messages, extensive (monitors multiple parameters through periodic and aperiodic sensors), resource constrainable (computational resources can be limited for monitors), and expandable for adding extra monitors on the fly. Since RFDMon uses a Data Distribution Services (DDS) middleware, it can be used for deploying in systems with heterogeneous nodes. Additionally, it provides a functionality to limit the maximum cap on resources consumed by monitoring processes such that it reduces the effect on the availability of resources for the applications.
Hybrid molecular beam epitaxy for the growth of complex oxide materials

Abstract Hybrid molecular beam epitaxy (HMBE) uses both solid and metal-organic sources, and has been highly successful in the growth of complex oxides that have poorly volatile constituents. The high volatility of the metal-organic precursor allows for high growth rates, improved flux stability, and adsorption-controlled growth, which lead to unprecedented stoichiometry control. This chapter discusses the principles of HMBE of complex oxide materials, the importance of the MBE growth window, and the requirements for the metal-organic precursors. We present examples of the excellent electrical quality of complex oxide films grown by HMBE.
Iterative Solution of Systems of Equations

Let D be a set of n-tuples of scalare. Often it’s convenient to gather n scalar-valued functions g 1, ..., g n on D into a single vector-valued function $$ \begin{array}{*{20}{c}} {\gamma \left( \xi \right) = \left[ {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} {{{\text{g}}_1}\left( \xi \right)} \\ \vdots \\ {{{\text{g}}_n}\left( \xi \right)} \end{array}} \right],}&{\xi = \left[ {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} {{x_1}} \\ \vdots \\ {{x_n}} \end{array}} \right]} \end{array} $$ defined for all vectors ξ in D. A vector α in D is called e fixpoint of γ if γ(α) = α.
Diamond Reinforced Ceramic Oxide Matrix Composites

Reinforced cordierite and alumina ceramic composites have been fabricated by the addition of diamond particles. The diamond particles are shown to retain the diamond structure without significant graphitization or oxidation. These composites are produced without the aid of the extremely high pressure previously required to retain the diamond structure. The physical properties of these composites are presented as a function of the volume fraction of diamond. 21 refs.
Braille Document Parameters Estimation for Optical Character Recognition

There is a significant need for a system to recognize Braille documents in order to preserve them and make them available to a larger group of visually impaired people. We introduce a high-adaptive Braille documents parameters estimation method to automatically determine the skewness, indentations, and spacing in both vertical and horizontal directions. The key element in determining the skewness of the images is based on Radon transform, which is generated from the integral of a function over straight lines, and is nicely applied in this case since Braille documents are highly directional. We demonstrate the effectiveness of skewness correction as well as the accuracy of indentation and spacing in both orientations. The proposed algorithm is an essential component of character recognition of Braille document discussed in this paper.
Genetics of Adult Antisocial Behaviour

A large body of empirical research has estimated the extent to which genetic factors account for variance in antisocial behaviours, such as adulthood criminal involvement. The results of these studies have consistently revealed that approximately 50% of the variance is the result of genetic influences, with most of the remaining variance being attributable to nonshared environmental influences. Moreover, there is emerging evidence that has identified specific genetic polymorphisms as contributing to criminal involvement across the life course. More recently, researchers have examined the various ways that genetic and environmental influences interact to predict variation in crime and delinquency. Using these bodies of research as a springboard, this article will review the current state of knowledge on the genetic underpinnings to adult criminal behaviour. Key Concepts: Genetic influences account for approximately 50% of the variance in adulthood criminal behaviour. Gene–environment interactions appear to be integral to the aetiology of criminal behaviour across the life course. Specific genetic polymorphisms have been identified as the predisposing factors for criminal behaviour. The effectiveness of treatment and prevention programmes can likely be enhanced through research examining gene–environment interactions. Nonshared environmental influences account for about 50–60% of the variance in adulthood criminal behaviour, while shared environmental influences typically account for about 0–10% of the variance. Keywords: adulthood; antisocial; crime; delinquency; genetics; interactions
Thin Layer Electrochemical Studies of ZnS, ZnSe, and ZnTe Formation by Electrochemical Atomic Layer Epitaxy (ECALE)

Thin-layer electrochemical studies of the underpotential deposition (UPD) of Zn, Te, Se, and S on polycrystalline Au substrates have been performed. These studies were initiated to investigate the electrodeposition of ZnTe, ZnSe, and ZnS by electrochemical ALE (ECALE). Zn UPD on Au begins at -0.5 V and results in a coverage of 0.47 monolayer (ML). Te and Se atomic layers were formed using a two step process where bulk chalcogenide was removed by reduction, leaving the atomic layer. The reduction of the last atomic layer of Te or Se was not observed, regardless of how negative the potential was scanned. Sulfur atomic layers were spontaneously deposited below -0.6 V from a sulfide solution. Thermodynamic effects are clearly evident during the first monolayer of deposition. Zinc deposition onto Te, Se, and S coated electrodes occurs at progressively more positive potentials as the stability of the zinc compounds increase. This initial information was used to develop ECALE cycles for the compounds, and thin-films were formed by repeated application of the cycles. The dependence of the deposit coverage on the deposition potentials was examined and found to display the characteristic “S” curve of a surface limited process. In addition, the dependence of the coverage on the number of ECALE cycles performed was found to be near the ideal 0.5 ML per cycle for ZnSe and ZnS. The ZnTe coverage per cycle was less than expected indicating that further optimization of deposition conditions is needed.
Conditions for Competence in the Bacillus licheniformis Transformation System

Some variables in the Bacillus licheniformis transformation system, such as inoculum size, initial cell density in transformation medium, and time of optimal competence, have been explored, and a methodology has been developed to obtain greater reproducibility and maximal competence for transformation. The transformation system in B. licheniformis has been shown to be similar to that of B. subtilis in a number of respects, including "dormancy" of transformed cells and the concentration of transforming deoxyribonucleic acid required for saturation.
Quantitative localization of AMPA/kainate and kainate glutamate receptor subunit immunoreactivity in neurochemically identified subpopulations of neurons in the prefrontal cortex of the macaque monkey

Excitatory amino acid transmission has been proposed as the principal synaptic mechanism for distribution of information through corticocortical and thalamocortical pathways. The following study utilized a double labeling paradigm, using antibodies that recognize non-NMDA ionotropic glutamate receptor subunits and other neuronal markers, to further define, quantitatively, the subclasses of neurons that contain immunoreactivity for the AMPA/kainate and kainate receptor subunits in the monkey prefrontal cortex. Double labeling with an antibody that recognizes common epitopes in AMPA/kainate subunits GluR2 and GluR3 (GluR2/3) in combination with an antibody that recognizes the kainate receptor subunits GluR5, GluR6, and GluR7 (GluR5/6/7) demonstrated that immunoreactivity for these two receptor classes was highly colocalized in a great majority of the pyramidal neurons in this region but present in only a minority of neurochemically identified subclasses of GABAergic interneurons. Furthermore, GluR2/3 immunoreactivity had principally a somatic distribution whereas GluR5/6/7 labeling was predominately found in the perikarya and/or particular dendritic domains. In contrast, intense GluR1 labeling was observed in a small subpopulation of interneurons and low GluR1 immunoreactivity was present in many other cortical neurons. These results demonstrate that there is a high degree of specificity in the distribution of AMPA/kainate and kainate receptor-class proteins to subclasses of neurons within the neocortex. A neuron's combination of excitatory amino acid receptor subunits may regulate its response to excitatory inputs and further defines the role of identified subclasses of neurons in the complex circuitry of the cerebral cortex and may also indicate the basis for the apparent cellular selectivity of excitotoxic degenerative processes.
Reinventing the Museum: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on the Paradigm Shift

Reinventing the Museum: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on the Paradigm Shift. GAILANDERSON, Editors. Walnut Creek, CA: AltaMira Press. 2004. Pp. xii, 402.
Effect of patient navigation on satisfaction with cancer-related care

Despite growing popularity of patient navigation (PN) as a means to improve cancer care quality and reduce cancer-related disparities, there are few well-designed controlled trials assessing the impact of PN on patient outcomes like satisfaction with care. The present controlled study examined effect of PN on satisfaction with cancer-related care. Patients who presented with a symptom or abnormal screening test (n = 1788) or definitive diagnosis (n = 445) of breast, cervical, colorectal, or prostate cancer from eight Patient Navigator Research Program sites were included in one of two groups: intervention (PN) or comparison (usual care or usual care plus cancer educational materials). Trained patient navigators met with intervention group participants to help them assess and identify resources to address barriers to cancer diagnostic or treatment care. Using a validated instrument, we assessed participants’ satisfaction with their cancer diagnostic or treatment care up to 3 months after diagnostic resolution of a cancer-related abnormality or within 3 months of initiation of cancer treatment. Overall, patients reported high satisfaction with diagnostic care and cancer treatment. There were no statistically significant differences between PN and control groups in satisfaction with cancer-related care (p > 0.05). Hispanic and African American participants were less likely to report high satisfaction with cancer care when compared to White patients. Middle-aged participants with higher education, higher household income, private insurance, owning their own home, working full-time, and those whose primary language is English had higher satisfaction with cancer-related diagnostic care. PN had no statistically significant effect on patients’ satisfaction with cancer-related care. Further research is needed to define the patient populations who might benefit from PN, content of PN that is most useful, and services that might enhance PN. clinicaltrials.gov identifiers: NCT00613275 , NCT00496678 , NCT00375024 , NCT01569672
Arctic Oscillation–induced variability in satellite‐derived tropospheric ozone

[1] The Arctic Oscillation (AO) has been identified as the dominant mode of near-surface climate variability in the Northern Hemisphere. In this study, we examine the interaction between the AO and the distribution of tropospheric ozone derived from satellite observations. Our analysis shows that there is a statistically significant correlation between the AO and the springtime tropospheric ozone distribution over the northeastern Atlantic, but not over the Pacific. This finding is consistent with our understanding of the differing effect that the AO has on the Atlantic versus Pacific basins and the strong influence that the El Nino phenomenon has in the Pacific. The insight gained from this study will contribute to the growing use of teleconnections as a forecast tool, providing insight into the interaction between prevailing meteorological conditions and the formation of significant pollution events.
Imaging techniques for the evaluation of glenohumeral instability.

The ability to image lesions associated with glenohumeral instability has evolved significantly over the past 2 decades. In the past, several imaging techniques ranging from conventional radiography to computerized axial arthrography and, most recently, to magnetic resonance imaging have been used to depict various labral abnormalities. In most instances, conventional radiography remains the initial imaging study for evaluating the patient with persistent shoulder pain and instability. Recently, however, magnetic resonance arthrography has been firmly established as the imaging modality of choice for demonstrating specific soft tissue abnormalities associated with glenohumeral instability. This article will review the role of various imaging modalities including conventional radiography, conventional arthrography, computerized axial arthrography, magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance arthrography. Emphasis will be placed on the role of magnetic resonance arthrography as it pertains to the les...
Status of Sentinel Lymph Node for Breast Cancer

Long-awaited results from randomized clinical trials designed to test the validity of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) as replacement of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in management of early breast cancer have recently been published. All the trials conclude SLNB has survival rates comparable to those of ALND (up to 10 years in one study) and conclude SLNB has less morbidity than ALND. All the trials support replacing ALND with SLNB for staging in early breast cancer; all support SLNB as the standard of care for such cancer. The SLNB protocols used in the trials varied, and no consensus that would suggest a standard protocol exists. The results of the trials and of other peer-reviewed research do, however, suggest a framework for including some specific methodologies in accepted practice. This article highlights the overall survival and disease-free survival data as reported from the clinical trials. This article also reviews the status of SLN procedures and the following: male breast cancer, the roles of various imaging modalities (single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography, positron emission tomography/computed tomography, and ultrasound), ductal carcinoma in situ, extra-axillary SLNs, SLNB after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, radiation exposure to patients and medical personnel, and a new radiotracer that is the first to label SLNs not by particle trapping but by specific macrophage receptor binding. The proper Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code for lymphoscintigraphy and SLN localization prior to surgery is 78195.
Imperfection Analysis of a Bistable Shell

Bistable compliant flexures serve as mechanical memory and threshold devices for switches and sensors. One class of bistable compliant flexures is the annular, spherical shell, termed a bistable snap disc. These structures offer flexibility for mechanical memory and threshold devices because large changes in buckling loads can be achieved without significantly modifying the geometry. The sensitivity of these bistable snap discs to imperfections, however, prevents them from withstanding pre-buckling loads predicted by idealized models. A method to incorporate geometric imperfections into an existing finite element mesh of the idealized geometry using a set of orthonormal polynomials, specifically the annular Zernike polynomials, is proposed in this paper. A sensitivity analysis of five terms from the Zernike polynomial expansion is performed with a geometrically nonlinear finite element model to identify their effect on buckling, snap-through, and quasi-static stability. The effects of the perturbations are established by identifying key points on a force-deflection curve and potential energy curve. Results show that the geometric perturbations may account for the discrepancy in buckling between the idealized model and experiments. Error between the experiments and the model with geometric perturbations persist because the actual imperfections of the discs used in the experiments have not yet been characterized, and the finite element model does not account for non-homogeneous material properties and residual stresses.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Technique for the Measurement of Surgical Screw Deflection

Cyclical loading of surgical plating constructs can lead to screw failure through bending loads. In this research, an analytical beam mechanics model was developed to describe the elastic deflection of a cortical screw under a statically applied load. To test the predictive ability of the analytical model, a synthetic bone substitute was used for experiments. The bone substitute was a composite sandwich, consisting of two 6 mm cortical walls separated by a cancellous region. A novel instrument was developed to measure the bending deflection of screws under a radial load applied by a surgical plate at the screw head. A dial indicator and dowel pin arrangement was utilized to measure screw deflection at the screw head and along the length of the screw in order to determine a deflection curve for the screw axis. The analytical model accurately predicted deflection of the screw head at the location of the applied force, but overestimated deflection of the screw body in the cancellous region of the composite bone. Analytical predictions of location of the maximum bending moment matched the location of observed screw fracture in a clinical setting.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Effect of dsRNA associated with isolates of Cryphonectria parasitica from the Central Appalachians and their relatedness to other dsRNAs from North America and Europe

A 12-kb segment of double-stranded (ds) RNA was associated with 25% of the isolates of Cryphonectria parasitica recovered from actively growing cankers in the central Appalachians. The relative virulence of these dsRNA-containing isolates ranged from a level comparable to that of the dsRNA-containing hypovirulent control isolate GH-2 to a level significantly greater than that of the dsRNA-free virulent control isolate Ep-155. When dsRNA-containing isolates and their dsRNA-free progeny were inoculated into Golden Delicious apples, excised dormant chestnut stems, or American chestnut sprouts, none of the lesions produced by the dsRNA-free progeny was significantly larger than those produced by the dsRNA-containing isolate from which they were derived [...]
Probabilistic Analysis of a Composite Crew Module

An approach for conducting reliability-based analysis (RBA) of a Composite Crew Module (CCM) is presented. The goal is to identify and quantify the benefits of probabilistic design methods for the CCM and future space vehicles. The coarse finite element model from a previous NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) project is used as the baseline deterministic analysis model to evaluate the performance of the CCM using a strength-based failure index. The first step in the probabilistic analysis process is the determination of the uncertainty distributions for key parameters in the model. Analytical data from water landing simulations are used to develop an uncertainty distribution, but such data were unavailable for other load cases. The uncertainty distributions for the other load scale factors and the strength allowables are generated based on assumed coefficients of variation. Probability of first-ply failure is estimated using three methods: the first order reliability method (FORM), Monte Carlo simulation, and conditional sampling. Results for the three methods were consistent. The reliability is shown to be driven by first ply failure in one region of the CCM at the high altitude abort load set. The final predicted probability of failure is on the order of 10-11 due to the conservative nature of the factors of safety on the deterministic loads.
Plant diversity in riparian forests in northwest Colorado: Effects of time and river regulation

Abstract During the 20th Century the flow of most rivers in the United States was regulated by diversions and dams, with major impacts on riparian forests. Few unregulated rivers remain to provide baseline information for assessing these impacts. We characterized patterns in riparian plant communities along chronosequences on the unregulated Yampa River and the regulated Green River in northwestern Colorado, examining patterns in plant species diversity in relation to the ages of floodplain terraces. On both rivers, mean plant species richness in cottonwood ( Populus deltoides Marshall subsp. wislizenzii (Watson) Eckenwalder) dominated riparian forests declined by more than 50% from young sites ( 250 years). Mean species richness (number of plant species/1000 m 2 ) was 40% higher on the unregulated Yampa River than on the regulated Green River, and 84% of the variance in total species richness related to age class, river, and tree cover. One-third of the plant species in all plots were exotic and 63% of the variance in exotic species richness was explained by a positive correlation with the richness of native species. On the Yampa and Green Rivers, ecosystem development and river regulation both reduce species richness, and these effects appear to be additive. The methods and insights from this study can be applied to other river systems to investigate the processes that change species diversity over time, and vegetation responses to the major changes in environmental conditions that follow river regulation.
External Beam Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer: Urinary Outcomes for Men With High International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS)

Purpose To report the urinary outcome of men treated for prostate cancer with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) who have pretreatment obstructive urinary symptoms (International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS] ≥15). Methods and Materials We treated 368 patients with EBRT for localized prostate cancer, and pre- and post-radiotherapy (RT) IPSSs were recorded. In total, 80 men had an IPSS ≥15, 48% of whom were taking genitourinary (GU) medications before RT. The IPSS was followed over time and analyzed as a pretreatment factor against Radiation Therapy Oncology Group acute and late GU toxicity. Results The median follow-up was 44 months. Among men with a pre-RT IPSS ≥15, the median IPSS at baseline, first follow-up, and last follow-up was 18 (range, 15 to 34), 17 (range, 0 to 32), and 13 (range, 0 to 34), respectively. The mean patient declines in IPSS from baseline to first and last follow-up were −3.6 points ( p p p = 0.0005), and 4-year freedom from Grade ≥2 late GU toxicity was 38% vs. 64% ( p p = 0.0964). Conclusions Although the improvement is not immediate, men with moderate to severe obstructive GU symptoms can have improvement in urinary function after EBRT, without significant risk for severe morbidity.
Does It Matter Where You Live? Nondiscrimination Laws and the Experiences of LGB Residents

Nondiscrimination policies are intended to prohibit discrimination on the basis of specified characteristics. It is also argued that they send a message to minority groups that they are protected and welcomed within that jurisdiction. This study tested the latter supposition by exploring whether lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) residents of states and cities with nondiscrimination policies that included sexual orientation perceived a more positive and less negative environment and experienced less minority stress. An online survey of 2,511 LGB individuals confirmed that inclusive nondiscrimination policies are positively associated with perceptions of fewer negative messages and more positive messages in the environment, higher levels of disclosure of sexual identity and social support, and lower levels of internalized homophobia. The authors discuss the implications of these findings for policy, as well as the limitations of the data.
Differentiation of Human T Lymphocytes: II. Phenotypic Difference in Skin and Blood Malignant T-Cells in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

The cell surface antigen phenotype of circulating and skin malignant T-cells in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma were studied. The mature T-cell antigen phenotype of the malignant T-cells was identical for circulating and skin malignant T-cells. In contrast, skin malignant T-cells expressed the immature human T-cell antigen Thy-1, surface membrane transferrin receptors, and Ia-like determinants while circulating malignant T- cells did not express these antigens. Skin infiltrating T-cells in benign dermatoses also expressed Thy-1 and Ia- like determinants. These observations support the notion that the skin is a major site of extrathymic T-cell differentiation and may promote phenotypic changes in circulating T-cells that home to skin.
Chinua Achebe. Morning yet on creation day: Essays. Garden city, New York: Doubleday, 1975; and Wole Soyinka. Myth, literature and the African world. Cambridge: Cambridge university press, 1976

(1978). Chinua Achebe. Morning yet on creation day: Essays. Garden city, New York: Doubleday, 1975; and Wole Soyinka. Myth, literature and the African world. Cambridge: Cambridge university press, 1976. World Literature Written in English: Vol. 17, No. 2, pp. 453-460.
Asymptomatic Calcified Thrombus in a Coronary Aneurysm

: A rare case is presented of a patient who survived asymptomatically with an undiagnosed large calcified thrombus in a coronary aneurysm.
Activated dynamic scaling in spin glasses above the freezing temperature.

Dynamic-susceptibility data on ${\mathrm{Eu}}_{0.4}$${\mathrm{Sr}}_{0.6}$S spin glass above its transition temperature are found to obey an activated (logarithmic) dynamic scaling form, implying a generalized Vogel-Fulcher relation $\ensuremath{\tau}\ensuremath{\propto}\mathrm{exp}[\frac{c}{{(T\ensuremath{-}{T}_{g})}^{\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\theta}}}]$ with $\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\theta}\ensuremath{\sim}0.65$. With use of a fractal-cluster model, a novel scaling relation for another of the exponents is derived and tested experimentally. The "$\frac{\ensuremath{\pi}}{2}$ rule" relating real and imaginary susceptibilities is derived for systems obeying activated scaling.
Electrokinetic Remediation of Metal‐Contaminated Field Soil

Abstract This study evaluates the electrokinetic remediation of a low permeability field soil contaminated with heavy metals. The soil was contaminated with a wide range of heavy metals; but, in order to simulate the actual source zone contamination, the soil was also spiked with lead and mercury at 1000 mg/Kg each. Four bench‐scale electrokinetic experiments were conducted at a voltage gradient of 2.0 VDC/cm and a hydraulic gradient of 1.4 using four different extracting solutions, namely 0.2 M ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA), 0.2 M diethylene triamine penta acetic acid (DTPA), 0.2 M potassium iodide (KI), and 10% hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HPCD). EDTA and KI were found to be efficient in the removal of lead and mercury, respectively. On the mass‐efficiency basis, the EDTA‐enhanced system is found to be more effective for the simultaneous removal of a variety of metals, while KI was found to be effective for the selective removal of mercury from the field soil.
Assessing resident competency in laboratory medicine.

Validation of the competence of laboratory medicine (LM) residents for independent practice and to sit for the examination in clinical pathology rests with the program director. Assessing knowledge and basic skills were the primary measure of residents until 2000. The Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education and the ABMS launched the Outcome Project in 2000 as a response to the public. A shift in emphasis from "process" to a more "utcomes driven" assessment came with the Outcome Project. As of July 2006, the training of LM residents must incorporate the six competencies of the Outcome Project within each resident experience (rotation). In this article, comparison of historic and current methods of assessing residents is noted. Current and future outcomes and the pivotal role of consultation in LM are noted.
“Perfect Comb” ADMET Graft Copolymers

“Perfect comb” graft copolymers are synthesized via acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization using well-defined ruthenium catalyst systems to yield precisely spaced polyethers along an unsaturated polyolefin backbone. The graft is placed in a symmetrical α,ω-diene prior to ADMET polymerization to ensure exact graft placement at each functional site along the polymer backboneno mistakes are made. The polyether grafts are essentially monodisperse as shown by MALDI analysis, while the polyolefin backbone exhibits a dispersity of 2.0. Such well-defined poly(ethylene-graft-ethylene oxide) copolymers will be interesting in several applications.
Osteoblasts and osteoclasts express PEDF, VEGF-A isoforms, and VEGF receptors: possible mediators of angiogenesis and matrix remodeling in the bone

Pigment epithelial derived factor (PEDF) is one of the most effective inhibitors of angiogenesis described so far, especially in controlling the growth of blood vessels in the eye. We now describe the localization of PEDF in regions of active bone formation in the mid-gestation mouse embryo and its specific and high levels of secretion by osteoblasts. PEDF is detected to a lesser extent in osteoclasts as well. The proangiogenic factors, VEGF and its receptors VEGF-R1 and VEGF-R2, are also expressed by both osteoblasts and osteoclasts. These findings suggest that bone angiogenesis and matrix remodeling may be mediated both by PEDF and by VEGF.
Superbroadening of single 1.06 μm picosecond pulses in H2O and D2O: On the concurrence of dielectric breakdown and superbroadening

Abstract The superbroadening of single 1.06 μm picosecond pulses extracted from a passively mode-locked Nd:glass laser in H 2 O and D 2 O has been studied. Data on ninety degree scattering of the laser pump and visible superbroadened (SB) light, the dependence of the SB light intensity on cell length, and the polarization ratio of the SB light are reported. The results show that filament formation and breakdown is not required to produce SB light, although these catastrophic effects may occur after the formation of SB light and occur concurrently with superbroadening at high laser pump intensities. The previous conclusion that four-wave parametric interaction is solely responsible for superbroadening in water is sustained by the present results. The present results show that to minimize self-focusing and to produce a highly polarized ps continuum beam for time-resolved spectroscopic study, low pump intensities and short cells should be used.
FKBP12-Rapamycin-associated Protein or Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (FRAP/mTOR) Localization in the Endoplasmic Reticulum and the Golgi Apparatus

FKBP12-rapamycin-associated protein (FRAP) or mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and its effector proteins form a critical signaling pathway that regulates eukaryotic cell growth and proliferation. Although the protein components in this pathway have begun to be identified, little is known about their subcellular localization or the physiological significance of their localization. By immunofluorescence, we find that both endogenous and recombinant FRAP/mTOR proteins show localization predominantly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the Golgi apparatus. Consistent with this finding, FRAP/mTOR is cofractionated with calnexin, an ER marker protein. Biochemical characterization suggests that FRAP/mTOR is a peripheral ER/Golgi protein with tight membrane association. Finally, we have identified domains of FRAP/mTOR which may mediate its association with the ER and the Golgi apparatus.
Financial liberalization and money demand in the ASEAN countries

We estimate long-run money demand equations for the ASEAN-4 countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand) and evaluate whether the equations are cointegrated. Despite the substantial financial liberalization that has taken place in these countries, we find that the money demand equations are cointegrated. In sum, our results show that provided that the monetary authorities know the shape of these money demand equations, a policy framework aimed around monetary targets can be implemented. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deuterium exchange in alkylpyridines

In experiments designed to elucidate the stereochemical course of reduction occurring during the solvolysis of an alkylquinoline compound in formic acid, it was observed that all benzylic hydrogen atoms were completely exchanged by deuterium when the compound was heated in formic acid-d/sub 2/. While it is well known that benzylic hydrogen atoms in the 2- and/or 4-position of the pyridine (and related) ring systems undergo deuterium exchange readily in alkaline medium, there have been no previous reports of such exchange in organic acids. In initial studies it was observed that alkylpyridines do not undergo deuterium exchange in D/sub 2/O containing excess DC1. It was found, however, that exchange occurred readily at the 2- and 4-benzylic positions in alkylpyridines in deuterioacetic acid. Hydrogen chloride in acetic acid, in contrast to hydrogen chloride in water, did not prevent exchange. Exchange also took place, though quite slowly, in 2-alkylpyridines in boiling deuterium oxide. Experimental details are presented and results are discussed. (UK)
Cuticle sclerotization by the American cockroach: Differential incorporation of leucine and tyrosine during post-ecdysis

Abstract The incorporation of U-14C-leucine into the cuticle occurs within the first 2 hr after ecdysis whereas U-14C-tyrosine is incorporated at a steady rate for approximately 8 hr. These data suggest that most of the cuticle protein is synthesized and laid down within a short time after ecdysis. On the other hand, tyrosine and/or metabolites (such as N-acetyl-dopamine) are translocated into the cuticle for several hours. This indicates that the sclerotization process may take place over an extended period. The movement of label suggests that the fat body may be storing tyrosine and both the fat body and midgut could be synthesizing protein. The rapid turnover of radioactivity in the haemolymph and epidermis makes an analysis of their function impossible, although they certainly act as a transporting media.
Multilayer composites in Al2O3/MoSi2 system

Abstract A new multilayer composite with a super-plastic layer, a hard layer and a weak interface was proposed. The hard layer can provide the strength of the multilayer composites at high temperature, the plastic layer can deform plastically at high temperature and disperse the applied stress and stop the advance of the crack, and the weak interface can deflect the propagating crack at room temperature. Such multilayer composites were prepared by tape casting in the Al 2 O 3 /TiC/MoSi 2 –Mo 2 B 5 system. It was found that such design is effective on the increase of fracture energy both at room temperature and at high temperature, and the strength at high temperature could be remained in a relatively high revel.
Biomechanical factors in diabetic foot disease

Although the risk of vascular disease is markedly increasedin diabetes [1], it is the combination of altered vascularstatus and nerve damage that often leads to ulceration andamputation [2]. Important early studies by Brand and col-leagues [3] focused on elevated stress in a deformed, neu-ropathic limb as a causative factor in tissue breakdownand this has been a constant theme of experimental andanalytical studies to the present day.The stress component normal to the foot (usually calledplantar pressure) has typically been available for study [4]and this quantity is associated with the risk of future ulcer-ation [5]. We have shown it to be useful, together withfoot shape, in the design of pressure relieving footwear [6]and others have derived quantities such as pressure gradi-ent to indicate risk [7]. Recent studies of plantar shearstress [8] have reported higher neuropathic/control ratiosthan for plantar pressure, suggesting that shear stress mayhave an important role in tissue damage.The measurement of pressure between the foot and thefootwear is potentially very useful clinically [9]. If thepatient is compliant with footwear use, the stresses meas-ured using in-shoe techniques reflect the influence of ana-tomical structure, lower extremity function, lifestyle, andfootwear construction.Finite element modelling of the foot, and in some casesfootwear, has been explored by a number of groups [10-12] to provide estimates of quantities that cannot bedirectly measured or to perform simulations that wouldbe onerous or dangerous for human subjects. Our ownrecent work has been directed towards the development ofmore realistic soft tissue models utilizing detailed defor-mation measurements of foot structures [13] and anattempt to reduce the burden of mesh development by theuse of morphing techniques to modify stock meshes.
The high lying thyroid: a cause of pseudogoiter.

A normal thyroid which lies unusually high in the neck is more easily visible and palpable and may be mistaken for a goiter. This form of “pseudogoiter” is not mentioned in the medical literature, although in our experience the problem presents in approximately 8% of the patients referred to the Endocrine Service with a presumptive diagnosis of thyroid enlargement. In order to define the degree of variability in the position of the thyroid in the neck, an analysis of 50 thyroid scintiscans was performed. The mean distance between the mid-point of the thyroid isthmus and the superior notch of the thyroid cartilage was almost exactly equal to the mean distance between the isthmus and the suprasternal notch, although considerable variation was found. Two representative cases of “pseudogoiter” in which there was amarked variation in this relationship are presented and criteria to help substantiate the diagnosis ofhigh lying thyroid are suggested.
The Inside Story: DNA to RNA to Protein. Jan Witkowski, editor. Cold Spring Harbor, NY: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 2005, 382 pp., $29.00, paperback. ISBN 0-87969-750-4.

This series of forty retrospective articles, reprinted from Trends in Biochemical Science , harkens back to molecular biology in the pre-PCR (polymerase chain reaction) era—practically ancient history in molecular biology terms. Therefore, it is not a “how to” book that describes useful techniques or information for current applications, unless you are looking for information about how to perform two-dimensional paper chromatography. Rather, it offers historical accounts, often first-person descriptions, of many of the key discoveries relating to the central dogma of molecular biology as initially expounded by Francis Crick in 1958: “DNA makes RNA makes protein.” This book is …
On a dynamic response model of W. F. Kempf

Abstract Kempf's model was used by W. F. Kempf and P. Hampapa (1977 , “Conditional inference for the dynamic test model,” in Mathematical Models for Social Psychology (W. F. Kempf and B. H. Repp, Eds.), Chap. 3, pp. 81–100, Wiley, New York) to analyze the cross-classification of responses to four items on sex typing of children's household chores from the 1971 Detroit Area Study. The model alters the simple Rasch measurement model for dichotomous items to include transfer effects, so that responses are allowed to be serially dependent ( G. Rasch, 1966 , “An individualistic approach to item analysis,” in Readings in Mathematical Social Science (P. F. Lazarsfeld and N. W. Henry, Eds.), pp. 89–107, MIT Press, Cambridge, 1980; Probabilistic Models for Some Intelligence and Attainment Tests, expanded ed., Univ. of Chicago Press, Chicago). Although Kempf and Hampapa did not find strong reason to reject the dynamic model, the present analysis indicates that it should be rejected in favor of a two-dimensional Rasch model.
ULTRACOMPACT EMBEDDED CLUSTERS IN THE GALACTIC PLANE

We have identified a previously unrecognized population of very compact, embedded low-mass Galactic stellar clusters. These tight (r ≈ 0.14 pc) groupings appear as bright singular objects at the few arcsecond resolution of the Spitzer Space Telescope at 8 and 24 μm but become resolved in the sub-arcsecond UKIDSS images. They average six stars per cluster surrounded by diffuse infrared emission and coincide with 100-300 M ☉ clumps of molecular material within a larger molecular cloud. The magnitudes of the brightest stars are consistent with mid- to early-B stars anchoring ~80 M ☉ star clusters. Their evolutionary descendants are likely to be Herbig Ae/Be pre-main-sequence clusters. These ultracompact embedded clusters (UCECs) may fill part of the low-mass void in the embedded cluster mass function. We provide an initial catalog of 18 UCECs drawn from infrared Galactic plane surveys.
A Bio-Bibliographic Account of Two Rare Zenger Imprints and the Published Sermons of Theodorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen, Minister of the Raritan Churches

The purpose of this study is to describe technically a very rare collection of two sermons in Dutch printed at New York by John Peter Zenger in 1729, and also by him in 1731 in an English translation, extended to five sermons, both of which are possessed by the University's Library. In further elucidation biographical sketches are presented of the three persons concerned â€”author, translator, and printer; also a check-list of Domine Frelinghuysen's sermons that are known to have been printed.
Synthesis of carbon-11-labeled tricyclic necroptosis inhibitors as new potential PET agents for imaging of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)

Abstract Carbon-11-labeled tricyclic necroptosis inhibitors were first designed and synthesized as new potential PET agents for imaging of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). The target tracers were prepared by O-[11C]methylation of their corresponding precursors using [11C]CH3OTf under basic conditions and isolated by a simplified SPE method in 50–60% radiochemical yields based on [11C]CO2 and decay corrected to end of bombardment (EOB). The overall synthesis time from EOB was 15–20 min, the radiochemical purity was >99%, and the specific activity at end of synthesis (EOS) was 111–185 GBq/μmol.