cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Real Time Large Window Binary Filter Design

ABSTRACT Optimal translation-invariant binary windowed ¯lters are determined by probabilities of the form P (Y =1jx ), wherex is a vector (template) of observed values in the observation window and Y is the value in the image to be estimatedby the ¯lter. The optimal window ¯lter is de¯ned by y (x )=1ifP (Y =1jx ) > 0:5andy(x )=0ifP (Y =1jx ) · 0:5,which is the binary conditional expectation. The fundamental problem of ¯lter design is to estimate P (Y =1jx )fromdata (image realizations), where x ranges over all possible observation vectors in the window. A challenging aspectof optimal translation-invariant binary windowed ¯lters is the implementation for large windows. In the context ofBayesian multiresolution ¯lter design recently published by the authors, the training requirements for an accurateprior are more stringent. As such the practical feasibility of the ¯lter design becomes an issue. This paper discussesthe real time issues for large window ¯lter designs and how the bottlenecks were overcome to design practical largewindow multiresolution ¯lters. The most crucial bottlenecks are the real memory required for training and the timerequired for training to obtain a satisfactory estimation of P (Y =1jx ) or its prior (in the context of Bayesian ¯lterdesign) for large windows. Among other improvements a method for data representation is developed that greatlyreduces storage space for the large number of templates that occur for larger windows during the training of the¯lter. Parallel algorithms are designed that reduces hardware related time loss during training. In addition we takeadvantage of Bayesian ¯lter methodology to train for large windows. While the algorithm works for larger windows,we demonstrate the feasibility of Bayesian multiresolution ¯lter design for window sizes of up to 31 £ 31.
Direct measurement of LDL-C in children: performance of two surfactant-based methods in a general pediatric population.

Abstract Objectives: Several pediatric advisory groups have recommended selective screening for dyslipidemia in children. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is measured clinically with the Friedewald calculation in fasting samples. Nonfasting measurement of LDL-C would be clinically useful in children. Design and methods: In the present study, we examine the performance of two surfactant-based direct LDL-C assays in paired samples, fasting and nonfasting, from 100 children. Results: LDL-C in the fasting state was significantly lower with the Friedewald estimation: 2.43 ± 0.61 mmol/L, N-geneous (Genzyme Corp.) direct LDL-C: 2.30 ± 0.59 mmol/L, and Roche (Roche Diagnostics) direct LDL-C: 2.32 ± 0.57 mmol/L than with ultracentrifugation-dextran-sulfate-Mg 2+ precipitation (UC-DS): 2.47 ± 0.64 mmol/L. Moreover, there was increased negative bias using nonfasting samples with N-geneous: 2.25 ± 0.56 mmol/L and Roche: 2.26 ± 0.56 mmol/L compared with fasting UC-DS. Correlation with US-DS was highest for Friedewald (r = 0.974) and fasting N-geneous ( r = 0.973), and lowest with nonfasting N-geneous ( r = 0.849) and Roche in fasting ( r = 0.891) and nonfasting samples ( r = 0.747). The sensitivity at LDL-C concentration of 2.85 mmol/L for the two direct methods when either fasting or nonfasting samples were used, was lower than that obtained with Friedewald. Conclusion: Overall, these direct LDL-C assays demonstrated limited utility in screening children but may be useful in the management of lipid disorders.
Provider self-efficacy and the screening of adolescents for risky health behaviors.

Abstract Purpose To examine the extent to which providers' perceived self-efficacy to deliver adolescent preventive services relates to their screening practices. Methods Screening rates were determined by both provider self-reported screening practices and the independent report of the adolescent patient. First, 66 pediatric providers (pediatricians and nurse-practitioners), working in three pediatric clinics within a managed care organization, completed surveys assessing: (a) self-efficacy for screening adolescent patients in the areas of tobacco use, alcohol use, sexual behavior, seat belt use, and helmet use; and (b) self-reported screening of adolescents during well-visits over the past month. Second, a sample of patients, aged 14 years to 16 years, reported on whether their clinicians screened them for these behaviors during a well-visit. Adolescents completed reports (N = 323) immediately following the well visit. Data were analyzed using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients. Results Provider self-efficacy to deliver preventive services was correlated with self-reported screening in each of the five content areas, ranging from r=.24 ( p p p p = .06) for alcohol use. Conclusions Providers' self-efficacy to screen adolescents for risky behaviors was significantly related to both clinician self-report and independent adolescent reports of screening during well-visits. These findings point to the importance of enhancing clinicians' sense of competence to deliver adolescent preventive services.
Additive Partial Linear Models with Measurement Errors

We consider statistical inference for additive partial linear models when the linear covariate is measured with error. We propose attenuation-to-correction and SIMEX estimators of the parameter of interest. It is shown that the first resulting estimator is asymptotically normal and requires no undersmoothing. This is an advantage of our estimator over existing backfitting-based estimators for semiparametric additive models which require undersmoothing of the nonparametric component in order for the estimator of the parametric component be root-n consistent. This feature stems from a decrease of the bias of the resulting estimator which is appropriately derived using a profile procedure. A similar characteristic in semiparametric partially linear models was obtained by Wang et al. (2005). We also discuss the asymptotics of the proposed SIMEX approach. Finite-sample performance of the proposed estimators is assessed by simulation experiments. The proposed methods are applied to a dataset from a semen study.
Factors Associated with Delays to Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer in Women in a Louisiana Urban Safety Net Hospital

Only lung cancer surpasses breast cancer as a cause of death from cancer. However, the burden of cancer is not borne equally across racial and ethnic groups. In the United States, African American women have significantly higher mortality rates from breast cancer than white women. Delayed follow-up of breast abnormalities and delays from diagnosis to treatment may contribute to higher mortality. This study examined factors associated with delays to diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in a group of white and African American women. Identified from tumor registry records were 247 women with pathology-confirmed first primary in situ and invasive breast carcinomas with no known previous cancer diagnosis. Factors associated with delays from provider recognition of abnormality to breast cancer diagnosis (diagnostic delays) and from diagnosis to treatment (treatment delays) were determined using chi-square tests and logistic regression. Factors that were considered included age, race, stage of disease at diagnosis, tumor size, type of abnormality, type of medical service at presentation, and prior mammogram within the past two years. The proportion of women experiencing diagnostic delays was high, with more African American women experiencing delays than white women (34% versus 17%, respectively). African American and white women did not differ in distribution of stage of cancer at diagnosis. Significantly smaller tumor sizes were found in women experiencing diagnostic delays compared to those not experiencing delays. Conversely, women experiencing treatment delays were significantly older and had larger tumor sizes compared to those not experiencing delays. More African American women experienced delays in diagnosis; however these delays did not appear to affect outcomes. Older age as a significant factor in treatment delays suggests that comorbidities as well as other possible barriers to treatment warrant further investigation in older women. The reasons for racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes remain and call for further study.
Product Architecture Definition Based Upon Customer Demands

The product portfolio architecture developed by a design team will have a tremendous impact upon customer satisfaction and market acceptance of the set of products offered by the firm. Yet most work in architecture centers around cost savings, manufacturability, and other production-driven concerns. Here, we propose a customer need basis for defining the architecture of a portfolio of products. Customer needs analysis provides a list of requirements for a product to sell. At any moment in time, one can assess a market population to establish target values for product features and represent those targets as probability distributions. Similarly, one can also trace the product through its use over time, and establish a separate set of desired target values, also as a set of distributions. Comparing these two distribution sets for every important customer need can point to the type of architecture a market population desires. When population and time distributions match, feature adjustability is required. When these distributions are different but constant in time, a family of product variants is more appropriate. When the population distribution changes over time, the feature must be isolated so it can be upgraded over time. If the distributions across both time and population are narrow, a single offering will supply the needs of the market. An instant film camera product is used as an example of the relationship between customer need distributions and appropriate product architecture.
Experimental evidence for the influence of "scars" in hydrogen atoms driven by strong microwave fields.

A preliminary analysis is reported of new experimental data for the microwave ionization of excited hydrogen atoms with each of the principal quantum numbers n0 between 50 and 79. Data are shown for a linearly polarized field at each of the frequencies 26.43, 30.36, and 36.02 GHz produced in a resonant cavity. For each frequency certain n0 values are more stable against ionization; this is called ‘‘local stability.’’ The data demonstrate classical scaling of these cases of local stability including certain cases that have been explained classically and others that are nonclassical. The data strongly support a theoretical explanation for nonclassical local stability being due to the influence of ‘‘scarred’’ wave functions.
Dose-related effect of statins in venous thrombosis risk reduction.

Abstract Background Atherosclerosis and venous thromboembolism share similar pathophysiology based on common inflammatory mediators. The dose-related effect of statin therapy in venous thromboembolism remains controversial. This study investigated whether the use of antiplatelet therapy and statins decrease the occurrence of venous thromboembolism in patients with atherosclerosis. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study reviewing 1795 consecutive patients with atherosclerosis admitted to a teaching hospital between 2005 and 2010. Patients who had been treated with anticoagulation therapy were excluded. Patients who either used statins for Results The final analysis included 1100 patients. The overall incidence of venous thromboembolism was 9.7%. Among statin users, 6.3% (54/861) developed venous thromboembolism, compared with 22.2% (53/239) in the nonuser group (hazard ratio [HR] 0.24; P P P P P P Conclusions The use of statins and antiplatelet therapy is associated with a significant reduction in the occurrence of venous thromboembolism with a dose-related response of statins.
Investigation of turbulators for fire tube boilers

Etude experimentale des coefficients de transfert de chaleur dans 4 regions d'un tube d'acier parcouru par un courant d'air chaud muni de 3 promoteurs de turbulence de types differents. Comparaison avec un tube lisse
The Role of the Prothoracic Gland in Determining Critical Weight for Metamorphosis in Drosophila melanogaster

Summary Background: The timely onset of metamorphosis in holometabolous insects depends on their reaching the appropriate size known as critical weight. Once critical weight is reached, juvenile hormone (JH) titers decline, resulting in the release of prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) at the next photoperiod gate and thereby inducing metamorphosis. How individuals determine when they have reached critical weight is unknown. We present evidence that in Drosophila , a component of the ring gland, the prothoracic gland (PG), assesses growth to determine when critical weight has been achieved. Results: We used the GAL4/UAS system to suppress or enhance growth by overexpressing PTEN or Dp110, respectively, in various components of the ring gland. Suppression of the growth of the PG and CA, but not of the CA alone, produced larger-than-normal larvae and adults. Suppression of only PG growth resulted in nonviable larvae, but larvae with enlarged PGs produced significantly smaller larvae and adults. Rearing larvae with enlarged PGs under constant light enhanced these effects, suggesting a role for photoperiod-gated PTTH secretion. These larvae are smaller, in part as a result of their repressed growth rates, a phenotype that could be rescued through nutritional supplementation (yeast paste). Most importantly, larvae with enlarged PGs overestimated size so that they initiated metamorphosis before surpassing the minimal viable weight necessary to survive pupation. Conclusions: The PG acts as a size-assessing tissue by using insulin-dependent PG cell growth to determine when critical weight has been reached.
A servo compensator design approach for variable structure systems

This paper presents an approach for designing a variable structure servo-mechanism for the case of constant disturbance inputs. The design makes use of servo compensators to achieve asymptotic regulation. The effect that disturbances within and outside the range space of the control action have on the design structure are separately discussed. The main result relies on a stability condition which guarantees reaching and existence of the sliding mode.
Accurate Measurement of Extrudate Temperature and Heat Loss On A Twin‐Screw Extruder

Infrared (IR), extended melt and flush thermocouple probes were used to measure bulk temperatures of extrudates. Good agreement was obtained between IR and extended probes. However, substantial differences were observed between IR and flush mounted probes and between extended and flush mounted probes. A response surface methodology was used to study effects of moisture screw speed, and barrel temperature on measured temperature differences between IR and flush probes. The standard flush probe may not accurately measure bulk temperature of the extrudate. The heat flux from the surfaces (top, bottom, and side) of a twin-screw extruder barrel was also measured. Total heat loss from the surface varied between 2-19% of the total heat input.
The embryonic and adult mouse U1 snRNA genes map to different chromosomal loci

The linkage relationships of mouse adult (mU1a) and embryonic (mU1b) U1 snRNA genes were determined by analysis of the strain distribution patterns of two polymorphic variant RNAs, mU1a2 and mU1b3, in several recombinant inbred strain systems. The locus for mU1b3 RNA maps to the U1 gene cluster,Rnu1b, located near the center of chromosome 3, whereas the locus for mU1a2 RNA,Rnula2, is located in the proximal region of chromosome 12, tightly linked toD12-1. Moreover, the lack of linkage betweenRnu1a2 and the locus for mU1a1 genes on chromosome 11 demonstrates that the mouse genome contains at least three clusters of U1 snRNA genes.
Visual discriminations of a subject with acquired unilateral tritanopia.

Abstract Binocular hue matches, luminosity functions, color naming and neutral point determinations are reported in a case of acquired unilateral tritanopia. Comparisons are made with the normal vision in the patient's non-affected eye, and with predictions from data on congenital tritanopia. The affected eye shows a loss in luminosity in the region centering on the neutral point at 569 mμ. In all functions but luminosity the results are similar to those found in the congenital tritanope. The various implications of these findings are discussed.
The fibronectin type III domain as a scaffold for novel binding proteins

Abstract The fibronectin type III domain (FN3) is a small autonomous folding unit which occurs in many animal proteins involving in ligand binding. The β-sandwich structure of FN3 closely resembles that of immunoglobulin domains. We have prepared a phage display library of FN3 in which residues in two surface loops were randomized. We have selected mutant FN3s which bind to a test ligand, ubiquitin, with significant affinities, while the wild-type FN3 shows no measurable affinity. A dominant clone was expressed as a soluble protein and its properties were investigated in detail. Heteronuclear NMR characterization revealed that the selected mutant protein retains the global fold of FN3. It also has a modest conformational stability despite mutations at 12 out of 94 residues. These results clearly show the potential of FN3 as a scaffold for engineering novel binding proteins.
Phosphatidylethanolamine methylation in intestinal brush border membranes from rats resistant to Trichinella spiralis.

Methylation of phospholipids is proposed as a mechanism to explain changes in properties of intestinal brush border membrane that coincide with development of immunity to the intraepithelial parasite, Trichinella spiralis. Methylation was measured by the incorporation of the [3H]methyl group from S-adenosyl-l-[3H]methyl methionine into phospholipids. At least two enzymatic components were detected that converted phosphatidylethanolamine to phosphatidylcholine. The first, designated methyltransferase I, catalyzed the formation of phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine from phosphatidylethanolamine and had a low Km for S-adenosyl-l-methyl-methionine (5 μM). The second, designated methyltransferase II, which catalyzed the methylation of phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine to phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine and phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine to phosphatidylcholine, had a high Km for S-adenosyl-l-methyl methionine (167 μM). Both enzymes had two pH optima, were most active at 37°C and were Mg2+ dependent. A decrease in methylation activity was present in brush border membranes from rats immunized against T. spiralis. Although the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine was not significantly altered there was a substantial decrease in the formation of phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine and phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine as compared with nonimmunized rats. Since phospholipid composition influences membrane fluidity and cell function, it is proposed that altered methylation activity may influence the characteristics of brush border membrane in the immune host.
Video Monitoring And Analysis Subsystem: A CCD-Based Monitoring System For The Protein Crystal Growth Apparatus

Of significant importance to the field of protein crystallography is the preparation of single crystals suitable for x-ray diffraction studies. Recent experiments have been conducted on the Space Shuttle to study in detail the effects of microgravity on protein crystallization. The device used on these Shuttle missions, the Protein Crystal Growth Apparatus (PCGA), utilizes the vapor diffusion crystallization method and has yielded extremely favorable results. We describe here our efforts to modify the PCGA in order to incorporate an automated CCD-based video system, the Video Monitoring and Analysis Subsystem (VMAS) for direct monitoring of crystallization experiments. The video system discussed allows frequent monitoring and observation of crystal growth. In addition, images of crystallization experiments obtained with the VMAS will be processed and analyzed on-board with a dedicated microcomputer to automatically determine the presence and rate of crystal growth.
Mutations in yeast Rad51 that partially bypass the requirement for Rad55 and Rad57 in DNA repair by increasing the stability of Rad51–DNA complexes

Yeast Rad51 promotes homologous pairing and strand exchange in vitro, but this activity is inefficient in the absence of the accessory proteins, RPA, Rad52, Rad54 and the Rad55-Rad57 heterodimer. A class of rad51 alleles was isolated that suppresses the requirement for RAD55 and RAD57 in DNA repair, but not the other accessory factors. Five of the six mutations isolated map to the region of Rad51 that by modeling with RecA corresponds to one of the DNA-binding sites. The other mutation is in the N-terminus of Rad51 in a domain implicated in protein-protein interactions and DNA binding. The Rad51-I345T mutant protein shows increased binding to single- and double-stranded DNA, and is proficient in displacement of replication protein A (RPA) from single-stranded DNA, suggesting that the normal function of Rad55-Rad57 is promotion and stabilization of Rad51-ssDNA complexes.
Neuropilin-2 promotes branching morphogenesis in the mouse mammary gland.

Although the neuropilins were characterized as semaphorin receptors that regulate axon guidance, they also function as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors and contribute to the development of other tissues. Here, we assessed the role of NRP2 in mouse mammary gland development based on our observation that NRP2 is expressed preferentially in the terminal end buds of developing glands. A floxed NRP2 mouse was bred with an MMTV-Cre strain to generate a mammary gland-specific knockout of NRP2. MMTV-Cre;NRP2loxP/loxP mice exhibited significant defects in branching morphogenesis and ductal outgrowth compared with either littermate MMTV-Cre;NRP2+/loxP or MMTV-Cre mice. Mechanistic insight into this morphological defect was obtained from a mouse mammary cell line in which we observed that VEGF165, an NRP2 ligand, induces branching morphogenesis in 3D cultures and that branching is dependent upon NRP2 as shown using shRNAs and a function-blocking antibody. Epithelial cells in the mouse mammary gland express VEGF, supporting the hypothesis that this NRP2 ligand contributes to mammary gland morphogenesis. Importantly, we demonstrate that VEGF and NRP2 activate focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and promote FAK-dependent branching morphogenesis in vitro. The significance of this mechanism is substantiated by our finding that FAK activation is diminished significantly in developing MMTV-Cre;NRP2loxP/loxP mammary glands compared with control glands. Together, our data reveal a VEGF/NRP2/FAK signaling axis that is important for branching morphogenesis and mammary gland development. In a broader context, our data support an emerging hypothesis that directional outgrowth and branching morphogenesis in a variety of tissues are influenced by signals that were identified initially for their role in axon guidance.
Experimental and theoretical studies of the laws governing condensate deposition from combustion gases

A description is presented of the results of a research program directed at an improved understanding of condensate deposition rate phenomena in combustion systems. The conducted experiments make use of real-time optical laser reflectance-interference-polarization techniques in flame environments. The obtained new data and the results of previous gravimetric experiments are employed as a basis for the development of a comprehensive convective diffusion deposition theory, taking into account the assumption of a multicomponent vapor or multisize class particles 'source-free' boundary layer. The theory makes it possible to provide self-consistent salt/ash/soot deposition rate predictions over a wide variety of environmental conditions.
Flood-Related Channel Change in an Arid-Region River

A review of 112 years of change in the channel of the Salt River, central Arizona, U.S.A., shows that this arid-region river has a main-flow channel that has migrated laterally up to 1.6 km (1 mi) in response to floor events. Maps showing locational probabilities indicate that along the channel zones of relative locational stability alternate with zones of relative instability at a 3.2 km (2 mi) interval. Construction of upstream reservoirs has reduced sediment input into the main river but has not controlled floods. The channel width has not changed except for moderate fluctuations around mean values; the main-flow channel has incised approximately 6 m (20 ft) over most of the 48 km (30 mi) study reach during six recent floods. Gradient has remained unchanged. During floods bed material was mobilized to a depth below the original bed level that was greater than the height of the water surface above the original bed. Calculations based on tractive force indicate a threshold discharge of instability that is equal to the flow with a five-year return interval. The river exhibits remarkable stability with respect to gradient and sinuosity, irrespective of water and sediment discharges, but horizontal channel location exhibited selective instability. Over the record period of more than a century, the channel appears not to have been in equilibrium considering geometry, discharge, and sediment.
Attitudes towards wine-service training and its influence on restaurant wine sales

Abstract The success of wine sales in restaurants partly depends on the knowledge level of employees and managers. In order to effectively purchase and market wine, the restaurant employees and the managers need to possess the necessary knowledge about their products. For this reason, wine-service training is an important part of the entire process of purchasing and marketing wine at restaurants. This study investigated the influence of wine-service training on wine sales, and restaurateurs’ attitudes toward wine-service training. A number of attributes were found to influence attitude towards wine training. In addition, the amount of wine training offered by restaurants was related to the quantity of wine sold in the restaurant.
Exploring Cellular Tensegrity: Physical Modeling and Computational Simulation

The term tensegrity was first coined by Buckminster Fuller to describe a structure in which continuous tension in its members forms the basis for structural integrity. Fuller most famously demonstrated the concept of tensegrity in architecture through the design of geodesic domes while his student, artist Kenneth Snelson, applied the concept of tensegrity to create sculptures that appear to defy gravity (Figure 1). Snelson’s tensegrity sculptures have minimal components and achieve their stability through dynamic distribution of tensile and compressive forces amongst their members to create internal balance [1]. It was upon viewing Snelson’s sculptures that Donald Ingber became inspired by their structural efficiency and dynamic force balance to adopt tensegrity as a paradigm upon which to analyze cell structure and mechanics. It has been 30 years since the premier appearance of the cellular tensegrity model and although the model is still much under debate, empirical evidence suggests that the model may explain a wide variety of phenomena ranging from tumor growth to cell motility [1–4].Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Fine-needle aspiration for the diagnosis of orbital hematolymphoid lesions.

Ocular and periocular hematolymphoid diseases are a diverse group of lesions affecting various soft tissue structures within the orbital cavity. Lymphoid proliferations in particular are among the most commonly diagnosed entities in orbital pathology. When noninvasive techniques fail to confirm or rule out the suspicion of orbital neoplasia, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) may be of use in establishing a diagnosis in a reliable, timely, cost-effective and safe manner. From 1986 to 1999, 79 orbital/ocular needle aspiration biopsies were conducted by staff ophthalmologists at Allegheny General Hospital. Slides from these cases and corresponding reports were pulled from the cytology files and grouped into the two broad categories of hematolymphoid and other. Specimens came from patients ranging in age from 14 to 88 years (mean, 64 years) with eight patients having known histories of hematolymphoid disorders. Immunocytochemical (ICC) studies were performed in 33% of the cases (14/43). Review of the diagnoses for the 79 aspiration specimens revealed 30 cases diagnosed as lymphoma/atypical lymphocytic infiltrate, cases diagnosed as inflammation or abscess, three cases diagnosed as plasmacytoma, three cases called suboptimal with scant inflammatory cells, and one case of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis. Hematolymphoid diagnoses accounted for 54% (43/79) of all diagnoses. Histologic correlation was available in 33% (14/43) of the cases (nine cases diagnosed as cytologically atypical/malignant and five cases called cytologically benign/suboptimal) with 100% correlation. Hematolymphoid lesions of the orbit are readily diagnosed by FNA. Because many hematolymphoid malignancies are treated as systemic or multiorgan system diseases and because ocular lymphomas may also involve the central nervous system, nonsurgical attempts at diagnosis have the potential to spare the patient procedural morbidity which may be associated with open biopsy. Our experience indicates that the combination of FNA, judicious use of immunocytochemical studies, and correlation with pertinent clinical information and imaging studies allows for reliable and effective classification and diagnosis of orbital hematolymphoid lesions.
Predicting dedifferentiation in liposarcoma: a proteomic approach

There are no known morphologic characteristics, cytogenetic aberrations, or molecular alterations predictive of dedifferentiation in liposarcomas. Identification of such a prognostic marker could potentially affect surgical and adjuvant therapy and/or follow-up surveillance for these patients. Two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis was utilized to characterize protein expression patterns in lipoma, atypical lipomatous tumor (ALT), and the well-differentiated components of dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDL). Protein spots were identified by peptide mapping/fingerprinting using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. No significant differences in protein expression were identified between lipoma and ALT or DDL. Proteins that were significantly down-regulated in the well-differentiated component of DDL compared to ALT included mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2, >3-fold reduction) and selenium-binding protein-1 (SELENBP1, >4-fold reduction). Subsequent validation studies were performed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) on a separate series of ALT (n = 30) and the well-differentiated components of DDL (n = 28). IHC stains were evaluated in a semi-quantitative manner, and the results were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney test and receiver–operator curve analysis. Decreased IHC staining for SELENBP1 in the well-differentiated component of DDL was confirmed. Cytoplasmic ALDH2 levels determined by IHC were not significantly different in ALT and DDL; no nuclear staining for ALDH2 was observed. Expression of SELENBP1 is decreased in the well-differentiated component of DDL compared to ALT. However, variability in the staining patterns in liposarcoma precludes its use as a predictive marker for dedifferentiation.
Bound-state contributions to the triple-collision operator

Abstract The kinetic theory for a quantum gas with Boltzmann statistics is analyzed for the case when bound pairs occur. The method used is the binary-collision expansion, applied to the triple-collision operator which occurs in the density-expansion of a Green-Kubo formula. The bound-state contributions are extracted with the aid of the Faddeev analysis of the three-body problem. The results take the form of a binary atom-molecule collision operator, in which the processes of molecular formation and breakup, rearrangement collisions, and elastic and inelastic atom-molecule scattering each contribute a non-negative reaction rate. Reducible diagrams contribute the leading part to rearrangement collisions, and also a correlation correction to the Boltzmann collision operator. The fluxes in the Green-Kubo formula are assumed to be sums of single-particle functions; the atom-molecule collision operator then acts on fluxes which are a sum of an atom term plus a two-particle term obtained by averaging over the molecular state.
Three-dimensional features of void morphology in resin transfer molded composites

Abstract Detailed analyses of shape, size, and spatial variations of void morphology are presented for a disk-shaped, resin transfer molded (RTM), E-glass/epoxy composite. The disk is molded at constant injection rate and contains 17.5% E-glass random fiber mats. Voids throughout the composite are evaluated by microscopic image analysis of through-the-thickness and planar surfaces obtained from adjacent radial samples. The void content of 2.15% is obtained from the analysis of through-the-thickness images and believed to be representative of the actual void content in the studied part. Relatively large cylindrical voids are observed in cigar shapes in the planar surfaces, whereas these voids only appear as small irregular or elliptical voids on through-the-thickness surfaces. Along the radial direction, combined effects of void formation by mechanical entrapment and void mobility are shown to yield a complex radial void distribution. It is shown that fewer voids are trapped mechanically with increasing distance from the inlet and most of the medium and small voids that are mobile migrate towards the exit during resin injection. These findings are believed to be applicable not only to RTM, but generally to liquid composite molding processes with varying fluid front velocities.
Metabolomic and Mass Isotopomer Analysis of Liver Gluconeogenesis and Citric Acid Cycle I. INTERRELATION BETWEEN GLUCONEOGENESIS AND CATAPLEROSIS; FORMATION OF METHOXAMATES FROM AMINOOXYACETATE AND KETOACIDS

We conducted a study coupling metabolomics and mass isotopomer analysis of liver gluconeogenesis and citric acid cycle. Rat livers were perfused with lactate or pyruvate +/- aminooxyacetate or mercaptopicolinate in the presence of 40% enriched NaH(13)CO(3). Other livers were perfused with dimethyl [1,4-(13)C(2)]succinate +/- mercaptopicolinate. In this first of two companion articles, we show that a substantial fraction of gluconeogenic carbon leaves the liver as citric acid cycle intermediates, mostly alpha-ketoglutarate. The efflux of gluconeogenic carbon ranges from 10 to 200% of the rate of liver gluconeogenesis. This cataplerotic efflux of gluconeogenic carbon may contribute to renal gluconeogenesis in vivo. Multiple crossover analyses of concentrations of gluconeogenic intermediates and redox measurements expand previous reports on the regulation of gluconeogenesis and the effects of inhibitors. We also demonstrate the formation of adducts from the condensation, in the liver, of (i) aminooxyacetate with pyruvate, alpha-ketoglutarate, and oxaloacetate and (ii) mercaptopicolinate and pyruvate. These adducts may exert metabolic effects unrelated to their effect on gluconeogenesis.
Representations of homosexuality in health science textbooks.

Discussions of homosexual behavior in 35 publications (text-books, trade books, pamphlets) in the field of health science and sex education were reviewed. Ten books referred to the subject. Major findings of the study were; (a) homosexual behavior revives significant attention in only 1 of the 10 publications; (b) discussions of homosexuality contain a number of hidden biases; (c) a large number of factual errors can be identified in most publications; and (d) most authors seem to believe that homosexual behaviors may be tolerated during adolescence but, at the same time, should be a source of concern to teenagers.
Enabling and controlling slow reaction velocities in low-density compacts of multilayer reactive particles

Uniformly-shaped, micron-scale particles with nanoscale layers of Al and Ni and a volume fill of 20% ± 1% were fabricated by depositing Al/Ni multilayer films onto mesh substrates with a square weave. The films break into individual particles at the weave intersections during removal and the resulting particles have lengths equal to three times their widths. Exothermic formation reactions in loose compacts of these particles were shown to self-propagate up to 200 times slower than reactions in continuous multilayer foils with similar chemistries, layer thicknesses and ignition thresholds. The difference is attributed to the time delay associated with heating each subsequent particle to the point of ignition as the reaction propagates. The results presented here demonstrate an ability to separately control the rate of mass diffusion and the rate of thermal diffusion in particle compacts and thereby produce slow and stable self-propagating formation reactions. Such reactions are desirable for both industrial and military applications such as chemical time delays.
A Heterotopic Autoinnervated Urinary Neosphincter

AbstractTwenty-six female adult New Zealand white rabbits underwent surgical denervation of a gracilis muscle to study the possibility of developing an autologous neosphincter innervated by the pudendal nerve. The study was conducted in 2 phases. In both Phase I and Phase II, the study group had the motor nerve to the gracilis, a branch of the obturator nerve and the pudendal nerve coapted in the perineum. The control group was left denervated. In Phase I, all muscle flaps were wrapped around the urogenital sinus. In Phase II, the muscle flaps were returned to their anatomic location.With bulbocavernosus reflex testing, 89 percent of the reinnervated group and 60 percent of the denervated group from Phase I and 86 percent of the reinnervated group and none of the denervated group from Phase II had a contractile response in the muscle flap. In Phase II, histologic examination of the gracilis muscle was suggestive of an early change in muscle myofiber physiology from fast twitch to slow twitch in the reinne...
Elevated thrombopoietin levels in patients with myelofibrosis may not be due to enhanced production of thrombopoietin by bone marrow

Thrombopoietin (TPO) is recognized as the primary regulator of megakaryocyte and platelet production. Two alternative hypotheses for the mechanism of regulation have been proposed: (1) platelet and/or megakaryocyte mass regulate circulating TPO levels by binding to TPO through TPO receptors (c-MPL), with subsequent internalization and degradation of the protein; (2) TPO mRNA produced by bone marrow (BM) stromal cells or BM cells modulates blood TPO levels or platelet counts. In myeloproliferative disorders (MPD), including primary myelofibrosis (MF) and essential thrombocythemia (ET), elevated blood TPO levels occur despite increased platelet and megakaryocyte mass. Therefore, in these diseases, elevated blood TPO levels cannot be explained by the first mechanism. The present study, was designed to measure TPO mRNA production by BM mononuclear cells and BM stromal cells using a relative RT-PCR technique, to verify the second mechanism. We found no increase of TPO mRNA production in either BM cells or in BM stromal cells in patients with MF and ET. Furthermore, in those patients with MF who had elevated plasma TPO levels, TPO mRNA levels in bone marrow fibroblasts (BMFs) or BM cells were not elevated as compared with controls. Therefore, we concluded that in patients with MF, the elevated plasma TPO levels are not due to enhanced production of TPO mRNA either by BMF, or BM cells. The TPO receptor (c-MPL) abnormalities including reduced MPL protein levels or defective TPO induced signal transduction pathways are the likely mechanisms.
Pattern Matching as a Correlation on the Discrete Motion Group

In this paper we develop a correlation method for the template matching problem in pattern recognition which includes translations, rotations, and dilations in a natural way. The correlation method is implemented using Fourier analysis on the “discrete motion group” and fast Fourier transform methods. A brief introduction to Fourier methods on the discrete motion group is given and the efficiency of these methods is discussed. Results of the numerical implementation are given for particular examples.
Grain and grain boundary activities observed in alumina–zirconia–magnesia spinel nanocomposites by in situ nanoindentation using transmission electron microscopy

Abstract At room temperature, in situ nanoindentation experiments in a transmission electron microscope reveal the grain and grain boundary activities in fully dense ceramic nanocomposites composed of Al 2 O 3 :ZrO 2 :MgAl 2 O 4 (AZM) processed by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The composites have a bi-modal grain size distribution, where the larger grains (500 nm−1 μm in diameter) consist of Al 2 O 3 and MgAl 2 O 4 grains, and the smaller grains (100–300 nm in diameter) are primarily ZrO 2 . In situ dynamic deformation studies show that the AZM nanocomposites undergo the deformation mainly through the grain-boundary sliding and rotation of small grains, i.e. ZrO 2 grains, and some of the large grains, i.e. MgAl 2 O 4 grains. We observed both plastic and elastic deformations in different sample regions in these multi-phase ceramic nanocomposites at room temperature.
Radiopharmaceuticals as orphan drugs.

Rare diseases and conditions are defined as diseases or conditions that affect less than 200,000 individuals in the United States. Because of the limited population suffering from any given rare disorder, there is little economic motivation for the development of drug products for its diagnosis or treatment. Also, frequently these rare diseases are misdiagnosed or undiagnosed due to a lack of familiarity with their symptoms and course. Thus, these rare disorders are commonly referred to as orphan diseases or conditions. To address this problem, legislation has been enacted that provides for incentives for the development of drug products for rare diseases or conditions (i.e., orphan drug products). Nuclear medicine scientists can take advantage of these incentives in the development of orphan radiopharmaceuticals for the treatment or diagnosis of rare diseases or conditions. Nuclear medicine physicians should know where information on orphan diseases and orphan radiopharmaceuticals can be obtained to maximize the care of their patients.
Persistent high on-treatment platelet reactivity in acute coronary syndrome

Persistent high on-treatment platelet reactivity in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients managed with appropriate antiplatelet therapy has been correlated with increased risk of cardiovascular events; however, the evolution of this phenomenon overtime is not well known. We investigated platelet activity at a three month follow-up after initial presentation with an ACS. We enrolled a total of 124 patients in the study, 65 were diagnosed with ACS and 59 controls who presented with non-cardiac chest pain for baseline comparisons. Of the enrolled patients, we had 25 ACS patients return, in stable condition, three months after their initial presentation for repeat platelet functional testing. Epinephrine (EPI), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and arachidonic acid induced platelet aggregation were monitored at baseline with repeat measurement of EPI- and ADP-stimulated aggregation at follow-up. In addition, P-selectin and PAC-1 expression were monitored at presentation and at a three month follow-up period. ACS patients were maintained on aspirin therapy during the intervening period. At the three month follow-up visit, ACS patients initiated on aspirin had no significant percentage change in aggregation to submaximal concentrations of EPI and ADP. They also had no significant percentage change in PAC-1 or P-selectin expression. This study demonstrates persistent high on-treatment platelet reactivity in ACS patients at a three month follow-up, which may place these patients at increased risk of recurrent cardiovascular events.
An algorithm for computing derivatives of any order of a complex or real function

Abstract Numerical differentiation schemes for higher order derivatives based on finite differences often lead to numerical instability. A method based on the Cauchy integral theorem is presented in this paper. The method can be used to find derivatives of any order of both complex or real functions expressed in analytic form. The method is shown to be both simple and accurate. A computer program and examples to illustrate the method are included.
Reproductive traits of pioneer gastropod species colonizing deep-sea hydrothermal vents after an eruption

The colonization dynamics and life histories of pioneer species determine early succession at nascent hydrothermal vents, and their reproductive ecology may provide insight into their dispersal and population connectivity. Studies on the reproductive traits of two pioneer gastropod species, Ctenopelta porifera and Lepetodrilus tevnianus, began within a year after an eruption on the East Pacific Rise (EPR) that eliminated vent communities near 9°50′N from late 2005/early 2006. Standard histology was used to examine gamete release, instantaneous female fecundity, and time to maturation. Both species exhibited two-component oocyte size–frequency distributions indicating quasi-continuous reproduction with high fecundity. In samples collected in December 2006, both C. porifera and L. tevnianus individuals were reproductively mature. The smallest reproducing C. porifera were 4.2 mm (males) and 5.4 mm (females) in shell length, whereas reproductive L. tevnianus were smaller (2.3 and 2.4 mm in males and females, respectively). Most C. porifera were large (>6.0 mm) compared to their size at metamorphosis and reproductively mature. In contrast, most L. tevnianus were small (<1.0 mm) and immature. Reproductive traits of the two species are consistent with opportunistic colonization, but are also similar to those of other Lepetodrilus species and peltospirids at vents and do not fully explain why these particular species were the dominant pioneers. Their larvae were probably in high supply immediately after the eruption, due to oceanographic transport processes from remote source populations.
Controversial Role of Bevacizumab in the Development of Venous Thromboembolic Events

First, the overall conclusion of bevacizumab's effect on VTEs depends on the studies included for the meta-analysis. This study included 10 randomized controlled clinical trials, which may be a smallfractionoftotalbevacizumabtrials.Thearticledidnotmention how many studies the authors had screened before the final selection ofthesetrials.Thedifferenceinthenumberofincludedtrialsbetween thisstudyandourpreviousmeta-analysis 2 issubstantial;althoughthe two meta-analyses shared the same eight studies, they differed in a total of nine trials; the current study had added two new studies by Milesetal 3 andVanCutsemetal 4 withacalculatedsummaryriskratio of 0.82 (95% CI, 0.60 to 1.11) and did not have seven other trials with asummaryrelativeriskof1.27(95%CI,0.94to1.73)whichwereincluded in our study. 2 Thus, the determination of overall RR by this study will be