cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Utilizing Virtual Microscopy to Enhance MLS Curriculum

Problem: Laboratory science students need the opportunity to complete real life labs outside of the classroom. The main goal is to improve competency levels among students in the areas of identifying microbiology, hematology, body fluid, and cytology disorders. By creating an interactive learning environment through virtual slide assignments, students are able to practice microscopy skills continuously without access to lab equipment. Methods: To address this need, the faculty developed virtual slide exercises through the Leica Biosystems website using Aperio Slidehosting software. A preliminary study was implemented in the microbiology course by incorporating digitally scanned gram stains into the lab curriculum. To determine the general attitude toward learning through virtual microscopy, a five level Likert scale questionnaire was issued to the microbiology students. Results: There was a 50% response rate from the students. 100% felt the virtual exercises provided the needed additional practice, 100% felt the exercises reinforced the lecture and lab content, 89% felt the exercises helped them acquire useful microscope skills, and 75% felt the online software was easy to use. The supplementary training provided students ownership of their learning and increased laboratory performance. Conclusion: The preliminary results of the questionnaire indicate the lessons improved the students9 overall ability to correctly identify cells, perform cell counts, and identify bacteria in patient samples. The Department of Laboratory Sciences has also developed virtual slide exercises for hematology, body fluids, and cytology courses. Additional survey results will be determined at the end of the fall 2017 semester.
Ternary Composite Nanofibers Containing Chondroitin Sulfate Scavenge Inflammatory Chemokines from Solution and Prohibit Squamous Cell Carcinoma Migration

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), an inherited disease featuring blistering wounds, causes constant inflammation that leads to the eventual development of an aggressive form of squamous cell carcinoma (RDEB SCC). The persistence of inflammatory chemokines such as MCP-1 and Il-8 in RDEB wounds may foster RDEB SCC carcinogenesis. We report the production of ternary composite nanofibers containing pullulan, chondroitin sulfate, and tannic acid as RDEB wound dressings. The swellable fibers are stable to hydration and absorb ∼500% their weight in water. The fibers remove ∼99% of MCP-1 from solution in <2 h. Scavenged media did not promote RDEB SCC migration.
Resolving estimation uncertainties of chemical shift encoded fat‐water imaging using magnetization transfer effect

PURPOSE B0 field inhomogeneity may cause significant errors in chemical shift encoding-based fat-water (F/W) separation. We describe a new approach to improve its robustness using novel B0 field map pre-estimation. METHODS Our method exploits insensitivity of fat to magnetization transfer effect, which allows generating fat-insensitive B0 field priors with full or partial spatial support using a low-resolution magnetization transfer-weighted scan. The full prior can be employed by most F/W separation methods for initialization or data demodulation. We also propose a modified region-growing algorithm in which the partial prior is utilized for its initial seeding. RESULTS The magnetization transfer-based B0 priors significantly reduced F/W errors of three representative F/W separation methods in all cases. In cases with moderate B0 inhomogeneity, the full prior allowed error-free separation even with basic, voxel-independent processing. When coupled with methods exploiting B0 field smoothness, it significantly improved separation accuracy even in the presence of strong inhomogeneities. Seeding the region-growing with the partial prior significantly improved performance of F/W separation, including cases with spatially disconnected tissues. CONCLUSION Magnetization transfer-based B0 field pre-estimation provides valuable prior information for F/W separation, which may significantly improve its robustness at the expense of nominal (< 5%-10%) scan time increase.
Systemic sclerosis is associated with knee arthroplasty outcomes: a National US study.

To assess whether systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) outcomes. We used the 1998–2014 US National Inpatient Sample. We conducted multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analyses to examine the association of a diagnosis of SSc with post-TKA in-hospital complications (implant infection, revision, transfusion, mortality) and healthcare utilization (hospital charges, hospital stay, non-home vs. home discharge). Odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Our cohort included 8,123,388 people without SSc and 3894 people with SSc. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, compared to people without SSc, people with SSc had higher odds of transfusion, hospital stay > 3 days and non-home discharge with higher OR of 1.42 (95 % CI, 1.20, 1.69), 1.29 (95 % CI, 1.11, 1.49), and 1.29 (95 % CI, 1.11, 1.49), respectively. No differences were seen in revision, 0.68 (95 % CI, 0.10, 4.69) or hospital charges above the median, 1.01 (95 % CI, 0.70, 1.46). Differences in implant infection or mortality were not estimable, since none of the patients with SSc had implant infection or died. Sensitivity analyses that adjusted the main analysis additionally for hospital-level variables confirmed study findings with minimal or no attenuation of OR. SSc was associated with higher risk of transfusion and increased healthcare utilization after TKA. Future studies should examine if interventions can address modifiable factors to further optimize these outcomes.
How and why to build a mathematical model: A case study using prion aggregation

Biological systems are inherently complex, and the increasing level of detail with which we are able to experimentally probe such systems continually reveals new complexity. Fortunately, mathematical models are uniquely positioned to provide a tool suitable for rigorous analysis, hypothesis generation, and connecting results from isolated in vitro experiments with results from in vivo and whole-organism studies. However, developing useful mathematical models is challenging because of the often different domains of knowledge required in both math and biology. In this work, we endeavor to provide a useful guide for researchers interested in incorporating mathematical modeling into their scientific process. We advocate for the use of conceptual diagrams as a starting place to anchor researchers from both domains. These diagrams are useful for simplifying the biological process in question and distinguishing the essential components. Not only do they serve as the basis for developing a variety of mathematical models, but they ensure that any mathematical formulation of the biological system is led primarily by scientific questions. We provide a specific example of this process from our own work in studying prion aggregation to show the power of mathematical models to synergistically interact with experiments and push forward biological understanding. Choosing the most suitable model also depends on many different factors, and we consider how to make these choices based on different scales of biological organization and available data. We close by discussing the many opportunities that abound for both experimentalists and modelers to take advantage of collaborative work in this field.
Analysis of Serum Anti-Zika Virus Antibodies by Focus Reduction Neutralization Test

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a newly emerged mosquito-borne flavivirus that has been associated with birth defects of babies born to ZIKV-infected mothers. Neutralization activity of serum derived from ZIKV infected and vaccinated individuals is a critical component for characterizing immune response to infection and vaccine efficacy. This protocol describes a modified plaque reduction neutralization 50 (PRNT50) assay that includes an immunostaining step to improve reproducibility and throughput of the assay.
Chapter 7 – Launch Mechanics

The general equations for launching spacecraft into orbit are developed and the influence of thrust, lift, and drag is assessed. Equations for the practical preliminary design case of constant thrust and negligible lift and drag are solved and permit determination of boost trajectories, burn-out velocities, and post-burn-out booster trajectories. The selection of a launch system for a spacecraft of a given mass involves evaluating the use of one, two, or three stages and each are subjected to detailed analysis. The design choices are shown to be dependent upon the assumptions made concerning structure and engine weights, even in a preliminary design process. Because launch systems are large structures it is important to consider them at least as rigid bodies; the effects of elastic deformations are generally deferred to advanced stages of design. Moments of inertia, force and moment estimation procedures, and static longitudinal stability requirements are incorporated in developing the configuration and size of launch systems and thrust vector control requirements are assessed. Liquid and solid propellant rockets are discussed and the determination of tank size and weight is evaluated.
Surrender and Contemporary Social Work Theory

Surrender is an important and foundational spiritual/religious belief and practice found within many faith traditions. However, despite this important practice, valued by many clients who see social workers, little has been done to integrate this concept into social work theory and practice. This paper examines the fundamental beliefs of psychodynamic theory and practice, as well as several recent social work practice models, as they relate to spiritual surrender. It is suggested that areas of cooperation and conflict exist between the fundamental tenets of these models and the practice of surrender. These areas of difference and commonality have important practice implications for religious/spiritual clients. A danger exists within social work theory and practice to overemphasize time limits and control for some religious/spiritual clients.
Lose Your Self: Gianni Celati and the Art of Being One with the World

In this chapter, Vettore blends Zen Buddhism and ecopsychology to explore the intertwined topics of identity and the environment in Gianni Celati’s 1980 fiction. Ecopsychology blurs the boundaries between the human subject and the environment and illuminates the innate emotional bonds between person and planet; Zen Buddhism claims that the self and the world are coextensive, impermanent and non-substantial. Through a close reading of Celati’s narratives Vettore shows that many of Celati’s characters exhibit a posthuman, impermanent “identity” inextricably interlaced with that of the environment. Celati seems to posit that humans and the environment are not only interdependent but essentially one. His texts may be taken as a suggestion that healing humans means healing the environment, and vice versa.
Changes in Depression and Physical Activity Among College Students on a Diverse Campus After a COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Order.

The numerous negative health impacts of COVID-19, which include expected changes to psychiatric illness and physical activity (PA), are disproportionately distributed in the United States. Mental illnesses and physical inactivity are prevalent among U.S. college students. This study examined whether there was a change in minutes of PA and depression scores after a stay-at-home order and examined predictors of these changes. An online survey was sent to all undergraduate and graduate students attending a large, diverse university via an electronic newsletter. The survey requested information about demographic and academic data, cardiorespiratory fitness, and depression symptoms. Paired t-tests and logistic regression were employed. Our sample (n = 194) was predominantly female (73%), young (mean age of 25), not a sexual minority (82%), and had a mean 3.4 GPA. Students reported worse depression scores (p < 0.01) and fewer minutes of PA (p = 0.01) after the stay-at-home order. There was a small but significant (p = 0.04) correlation between changes in total minutes of PA and depression scores. Senior (p = 0.05) and Hispanic (p = 0.03) students were less likely to report worsening depression scores than freshmen and white students, respectively. Asian students were significantly more likely than white students to report decreased PA. This study suggests that COVID-19 and its consequences may be contributing to reduced PA and greater depression symptoms in college students and that sub-groups have been affected differently. Targeted interventions to promote PA and support mental health may bolster the ability for resilience of college students.
Tracking Cloned Electronic Components using a Consortium-based Blockchain Infrastructure

The globalized electronics supply chain relies on many untrusted entities to move components across the world. This, in turn, increases the threat of counterfeit integrated circuits (ICs) being inserted into the supply chain then installed into mission critical systems. A number of methods for detecting counterfeit ICs exist; however, applications of models to rapidly and non-destructively detect cloned ICs are lacking. Moreover, no trustworthy data storage and verification mechanism exists in the current supply chain that can provide identification and tracking of authentic and cloned ICs. In this work, we propose a novel framework to address these detection and tracking problems at each stage of the electronics supply chain. We leverage a consortium-style blockchain infrastructure to offer tamper-proof data enrollment and verification. We propose the algorithm and model for confidently identifying authentic and cloned ICs, and offer next stage tracking by verifying general and restricted datasets in the blockchain. The experimental result demonstrates how entities can verify and track the cloned chips with a given level of confidence in the presence of noise.
Coping with Pet Food Insecurity in Low-Income Communities

To what extent, if at all, do low-income owners of dogs and/or cats worry about running out of pet food before being able to buy more? If this insecurity exists among these pet owners, what contrib...
Data Mining Techniques for Associations, Clustering and Classification

This paper provides a survey of various data mining techniques for advanced database applications. These include association rule generation, clustering and classification. With the recent increase in large online repositories of information, such techniques have great importance. The focus is on high dimensional data spaces with large volumes of data. The paper discusses past research on the topic and also studies the corresponding algorithms and applications.
Closing the access gap for health innovations: an open licensing proposal for universities.

This article centers around a proposal outlining how research universities could leverage their intellectual property to help close the access gap for health innovations in poor countries. A recent deal between Emory University, Gilead Sciences, and Royalty Pharma is used as an example to illustrate how 'equitable access licensing' could be put into practice. While the crisis of access to medicines in poor countries has multiple determinants, intellectual property protection leading to high prices is well-established as one critical element of the access gap. Given the current international political climate, systemic, government-driven reform of intellectual property protection seems unlikely in the near term. Therefore, we propose that public sector institutions, universities chief among them, adopt a modest intervention – an Equitable Access License (EAL) – that works within existing trade-law and drug-development paradigms in order to proactively circumvent both national and international obstacles to generic medicine production. Our proposal has three key features: (1) it is prospective in scope, (2) it facilitates unfettered generic competition in poor countries, and (3) it centers around universities and their role in the biomedical research enterprise. Two characteristics make universities ideal agents of the type of open licensing proposal described. First, universities, because they are upstream in the development pipeline, are likely to hold rights to the key components of a wide variety of end products. Second, universities acting collectively have a strong negotiating position with respect to other players in the biomedical research arena. Finally, counterarguments are anticipated and addressed and conclusions are drawn based on how application of the Equitable Access License would have changed the effects of the licensing deal between Emory and Gilead.
Critical Mentoring Practices to Support Diverse Students in Higher Education: Chicana/Latina Faculty Perspectives

This chapter outlines critical practices that emerged from utilizing social justice frameworks to mentor first-generation, underrepresented minority students at the undergraduate to doctoral levels. The mentoring strategies include helping students to reframe instances when faculty and peers unconsciously conflate academic rigor with color-blind scholarship.
Expression and characterization of recombinant alpha-galactosidase in baculovirus-infected insect cells.

A cDNA encoding coffee bean α-galactosidase was subcloned into baculovirus expression vectors, pVL-1393 and pAc-GP67B, for intracellular and extracellular expression in Spodopteru frugiperda (Sf9) insect cells, respectively. The expressed protein (recombinant α-galactosidase) was immunologically reactive with antisera raised against its native counterpart isolated from coffee beans and was biologically active towards the substrate p -nitrophenyl α-galactopyranoside. The subcellular distribution of recombinant α-galactosidase expressed from different vectors was analyzed by Western blotting, immunofluorescent labeling, and electron microscopy. In addition, recombinant α-galactosidase was compared to the native enzyme with respect to glycosylation, thermostability, and pH profile. Furthermore, a recombinant α-galactosidase molecule with a His, tag at its C-terminus was constructed by an overlap PCR method so that the enzyme expressed in Sf9 cells can be purified by a simple affinity chromatography procedure.
Quantification of stormwater runoff using a combined GIS and curve number approach: a case study for an urban watershed in the Ozark Highlands, USA

Managing stormwater runoff is crucial to preserving water quality in rapidly developing urban watersheds. The objective of this study was to develop a methodology to test existing stormwater draina...
Preparation of monoatomic and diatomic rhodium sites on carbon surface

Abstract The methods for preparation of two new types of rhodium-on-carbon catalysts, A and B , A from four different mononuclear organorhodium precursors and B from six different binuclear organorhodiums, are described. At metal loadings less than 0.02 wt% on 300 m 2 /g carbon surface ( 2 ), these catalysts show behaviors distinctly different from one another and from those of the corresponding higher loading catalysts. At temperatures above 200°C, sintering occurs, altering A properties to those characteristic of high loading. Poisoning experiments with trimethylphosphine indicate that A and B catalysts are free of aggregated sites and that high-loading catalysts are free of A - and B -type sites. These low-loading catalysts are postulated to have the following active sites: monoatomic rhodium for A and diatomic Rh 2 for B . Catalyst A is strikingly unique in the hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene, making cis -2-butene uncontaminated by trans . Generalization to other metals is anticipated.
The “Revolving Door” between Regulatory Agencies and Industry: A Problem That Requires Reconceptualizing Objectivity

There is a “revolving door” between federal agencies and the industries regulated by them. Often, at the end of their industry tenure, key industry personnel seek employment in government regulatory entities and vice versa. The flow of workers between the two sectors could bring about good. Industry veterans might have specialized knowledge that could be useful to regulatory bodies and former government employees could help businesses become and remain compliant with regulations. But the “revolving door” also poses at least three ethical and policy challenges that have to do with public trust and fair representation. First, the presence of former key industry personnel on review boards could adversely impact the public’s confidence in regulatory decisions about new technology products, including agrifood biotechnologies. Second, the ‘‘revolving door’’ may result in policy decisions about technologies that are biased in favor of industry interests. And third, the ‘‘revolving door’’ virtually guarantees industry a voice in the policy-making process, even though other stakeholders have no assurance that their concerns will be addressed by regulatory agencies. We believe these three problems indicate a failure of regulatory review for new technologies. The review process lacks credibility because, at the very least, it is procedurally biased in favor of industry interests. We argue that prohibiting the flow of personnel between regulatory agencies and industry would not be a satisfactory solution to the three problems of public trust and just representation. To address them, regulatory entities must reject the traditional notion of objectivity. Instead they should adopt the conception of objectivity developed by Sandra Harding and re-configure their regulatory review on the basis of it. That will ensure that a heterogeneous group of stakeholders is at the decision-making table. The fair representation of interests of different constituencies in the review process could do much to inspire warranted public confidence in regulatory protocols and decisions.
Vertical bipolar transistors in laser-recrystallized polysilicon

Vertical bipolar n-p-n transistors with a base width of 0.2 µm have been fabricated in laser-recrystallized polysilicon films on thermally oxidized silicon substrates. With proper hydrogen annealing steps, common-emitter current gains on the order of 100 were possible. Recombination in the base-emitter space-charge region was found to be the dominant source of base current.
Scotland as a place: An analysis of the SNP's 1992 party political broadcasts

Abstract The study explores Scotland's place image as presented by the Scottish National Party in their 1992 general election broadcasts. I explore the SNP's contemporary image of Scotland using qualitative techniques, and an interview with the producer of the later broadcasts, Pete Martin. These are compared to the stereotypical image of Scotland which has evolved over centuries. The conclusions suggest Scottish consciousness of place is still structured around the discourses of Tartanry, Kailyard and Clydesidism, a trio the SNP struggled to overcome.
Divergent roles for estrogens and androgens in the expression of female goat sexual behavior

We tested the hypothesis that the activation of the androgen receptor (AR) is required for full expression of female goat sexual behavior. Once a week for 6 weeks, ovariectomized (OVX) females were given priming doses of progesterone 72 and 48 h before behavioral observation. Estradiol (E(2); 100 microg), testosterone (T; 100 mg), or sesame oil was supplied 14 h before behavioral testing. Six goats received the AR antagonist flutamide (9 mg/kg sc) 8 h before and 4 h after steroid injection. Six goats received the carrier only. After 3 weeks, flutamide and carrier treatments were switched so that all females received all treatments. Treatments with E(2) and T were equally effective in eliciting estrus-typical behaviors (sniffing, courting, leg kicks, mount attempts by males, bouts of thrusting by males, ejaculations, and flehman responses) compared to treatment with oil. Flutamide treatment enhanced proceptive behaviors in E(2)-treated females compared to other treatment groups; this was most likely via enhanced tail wagging. Moreover, compared to goats given T + carrier, T + flutamide significantly reduced receptivity in females. The results of this experiment implicate the AR as an important facilitator of some aspects of the female goat sexual behavior. However, the results of this experiment do not show whether androgens influence estrous behaviors alone or in some combination with estrogen.
An Experimental Investigation of Three-Dimensional Flat-Plate Oscillating Heat Pipe

An experimental investigation on the effects of condenser temperatures, heating modes and heat inputs on a miniature, three dimensional flat-plate oscillating heat pipe (3D FP-OHP) was conducted visually and thermally. The 3D FP-OHP was charged with acetone at a filling ratio of 0.80, had dimensions of 101.60 × 63.50 × 2.54 mm3 , possessed 30 total turns, and had square channels on both sides of the device with a hydraulic diameter of 0.762 mm. Unlike traditional flat-plate designs, this new three-dimensional, compact design allows for multiple heating arrangements and higher heat fluxes. Transient and steady-state temperature measurements were collected at various heat inputs and the activation/start-up was clearly observed for both bottom and side heating modes during reception of its excitation power for this miniature 3D FP-OHP. The neutron imaging technology was simultaneously employed to observe the internal working fluid flow for all tests directly through the heat pipe’s copper wall. The activation was accompanied with a pronounced temperature field relaxation and the onset of chaotic thermal oscillations — all occurring with the same general oscillatory pattern at locations all around the 3D FP-OHP. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of these thermal oscillations, along with the presentation of the average temperature difference and thermal resistance, for all experimental conditions are provided. The novelty of the three-dimensional OHP design is its ability to still produce the oscillating motions of liquid plugs and vapor bubbles and, more importantly, its ability to remove higher heat fluxes.© 2009 ASME
Patient Beliefs About Colon Cancer Screening

Only about half of eligible individuals undergo colon cancer screening. We have limited knowledge about the patient beliefs that adversely affect screening decisions and about which beliefs might be amenable to change through education. As part of a clinical trial, 641 rural Iowans, aged 52 to 79 years, reported their beliefs about colon cancer screening in response to a mailed questionnaire. Consenting subjects were randomized into four groups, which were distinguished by four levels of increasingly intensive efforts to promote screening. Two of the groups received mailed educational materials and completed a follow-up questionnaire, which allowed us to determine whether their beliefs about screening changed following the education. We also completed a factor analysis to identify underlying (latent) factors that might explain the responses to 33 questions about readiness, attitudes, and perceived barriers related to colon cancer screening. The strongest predictors of a patient's stated readiness to be screened were a physician's recommendation to be screened (1 point difference on 10-point Likert scale, 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.5 to 1.6 point difference), a family history of colon cancer (0.85-point Likert scale difference, 95 % CI, 0.1 to 1.6), and a belief that health-care decisions should be mostly left to physicians rather than patients (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.21, P < .001). Of the 33 questionnaire items about screening beliefs, 11 (33 %) changed favorably following the educational intervention. In the factor analysis, the 33 items were reduced to 8 underlying factors, such as being too busy to undergo screening and worries about screening procedures. We found a limited number of underlying factors that may help explain patient resistance to colon cancer screening.
Transfer of the MSH2.MSH6 complex from proliferating cell nuclear antigen to mispaired bases in DNA.

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is thought to play a role in DNA mismatch repair at the DNA synthesis step as well as in an earlier step. Studies showing that PCNA interacts with mispair-binding protein complexes, MSH2·MSH3 and MSH2·MSH6, and that PCNA enhances MSH2·MSH6 mispair binding specificity suggest PCNA may be involved in mispair recognition. Here we show that PCNA and MSH2·MSH6 form a stable ternary complex with a homoduplex (G/C) DNA, but MSH2·MSH6 binding to a heteroduplex (G/T) DNA disrupts MSH2·MSH6 binding to PCNA. We also found that the addition of ATP or adenosine 5′-O-(thiotriphosphate) restores MSH2·MSH6 binding to PCNA, presumably by disrupting MSH2·MSH6 binding to the heteroduplex (G/T) DNA. These results support a model in which MSH2·MSH6 binds to PCNA loaded on newly replicated DNA and is transferred from PCNA to mispaired bases in DNA.
Infected Feather Follicles in Cage Reared Broilers

Abstract A high incidence of feather follicle infection was observed in broilers reared in cages with wood slat floors. The incidence of feather follicle infection was significantly higher for males than for females within cage-reared broilers at 59 days of age. Male broilers at 50 days of age had a significantly lower incidence of the feather follicle condition than hatch mates at 59 days of age. Intact feather follicles were removed from freshly killed cage-reared birds and prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Examination of infected follicles revealed surface detail about the lesions. Removal of the encrustations covering the infected follicles revealed numerous cocci type bacteria at the base of the follicle. Infected and non-infected follicles were also examined by conventional histological techniques. Gram positive cocci were observed at the base of the infected follicles.
Validation of a New Method for Finding the Rotational Axes of the Knee Using Both Marker-Based Roentgen Stereophotogrammetric Analysis and 3D Video-Based Motion Analysis for Kinematic Measurements

Abstract In a previous paper, we reported the virtual axis finder, which is a new method for finding the rotational axes of the knee. The virtual axis finder was validated through simulations that were subject to limitations. Hence, the objective of the present study was to perform a mechanical validation with two measurement modalities: 3D video-based motion analysis and marker-based roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis (RSA). A two rotational axis mechanism was developed, which simulated internal-external (or longitudinal) and flexion-extension (FE) rotations. The actual axes of rotation were known with respect to motion analysis and RSA markers within ± 0.0006 deg and ± 0.036 mm and ± 0.0001 deg and ± 0.016 mm, respectively. The orientation and position root mean squared errors for identifying the longitudinal rotation (LR) and FE axes with video-based motion analysis (0.26 deg, 0.28 m, 0.36 deg, and 0.25 mm, respectively) were smaller than with RSA (1.04 deg, 0.84 mm, 0.82 deg, and 0.32 mm, respectively). The random error or precision in the orientation and position was significantly better (p=0.01 and p=0.02, respectively) in identifying the LR axis with video-based motion analysis (0.23 deg and 0.24 mm) than with RSA (0.95 deg and 0.76 mm). There was no significant difference in the bias errors between measurement modalities. In comparing the mechanical validations to virtual validations, the virtual validations produced comparable errors to those of the mechanical validation. The only significant difference between the errors of the mechanical and virtual validations was the precision in the position of the LR axis while simulating video-based motion analysis (0.24 mm and 0.78 mm, p=0.019). These results indicate that video-based motion analysis with the equipment used in this study is the superior measurement modality for use with the virtual axis finder but both measurement modalities produce satisfactory results. The lack of significant differences between validation techniques suggests that the virtual sensitivity analysis previously performed was appropriately modeled. Thus, the virtual axis finder can be applied with a thorough understanding of its errors in a variety of test conditions.
Photoluminescence of single semiconductor nanocrystallites by two-photon excitation microscopy

Abstract Precise knowledge of the properties of semiconductor nanocrystallites (NCs) may determine their use in future optical devices. However, since synthesis methods are not able to yield perfectly homogeneous NCs, spectral and dynamic responses are usually averaged properties. We examine single NCs using two-photon microscopy and obtain narrow luminescence linewidths (15 meV in 55 A CdS). This technique should be broadly applicable to single molecule spectroscopy and local probing of buried interfaces, such as quantum wells.
Investigations of the Orgueil Carbonaceous Meteorite

Orgueil carbonaceous meteorite composition and mineral texture including petrogenesis and origin of organic content and mineralized microstructures
Questionnaire-Based Outcomes Study of Nononcological Post-Vasectomy Complications

AbstractPurpose: We conducted an outcomes analysis to determine the incidence of post-vasectomy complications.Materials and Methods: A questionnaire (154 questions) addressing post-vasectomy complications, incidence of post-vasectomy scrotal pain and quality of life issues was sent to 470 patients. Followup telephone surveys were made.Results: A total of 182 patients (42.3 percent) responded. Mean followup was 4.8 years. The most common complication was post-vasectomy scrotal pain in 34 men (18.7 percent), which adversely affected quality of life in 4 (2.2 percent). In retrospect, 71.4 percent of the men were satisfied with the decision for vasectomy, 19.3 percent had equivocal feelings and 9.3 percent were dissatisfied.Conclusions: Chronic scrotal pain is the most common post-vasectomy complication that may adversely affect quality of life in men undergoing vasectomy.
Mechanism of microcrystalline silicon growth from silicon tetrafluoride and hydrogen

Abstract We studied the growth of amorphous (a-Si:H,F) and of microcrystalline (μc-Si) silicon over trench patterns in crystalline silicon substrates. All deposited films show elbows at the trench mouth and are uniformly thick on the trench walls. Therefore, surface diffusion is not important. The results of a Monte-Carlo simulation suggest that film growth is controlled by a single growth species with a low sticking coefficient plus a highly reactive etching species.
Unshielded spin valve heads exchange biased by synthetic antiferromagnets

This paper discusses the advantage of utilizing a Co/Ru/Co synthetic antiferromagnet in the fabrication of spin valve heads suitable for high density magnetic recording. Benefits of using the synthetic antiferromagnet are: (1) the pinning field is over 6000 Oe; (2) magnetic stability is achieved over a wide temperature range with the sensor well biased at temperatures as high as 250/spl deg/C, because the pinning field is still higher than 3000 Oe at this temperature; (3) the pinned layer biasing mechanism is enhanced as the sensor height is reduced, and a 7.2% change in the resistivity is observed in a sensor with a 0.5 /spl mu/m height and a 0.7 /spl mu/m trackwidth; (4) the free layer bias state is easily attainable in sensors with small height (<1 /spl mu/m), as a consequence of the particular magnetic configuration of the synthetic antiferromagnet, which promotes an almost vanishing magnetostatic field; and (5) the sensor is only 17 nm thick.
The Earliest Motets: Music and Words

THE birth of a genre surely is one of the most fascinating occurrences in the history of music, and no genre of medieval music had a more interesting birth than the motet. Study of the motet in modern times found special impetus and direction in 1898 when Wilhelm Meyer announced his discovery of the origin of the motet in the discant clausulae of the Notre Dame organa. Demonstrating the musical identity of certain Latin motets and discant clausulae, he concluded that the motet arose through the addition of Latin texts to the melismatic upper voices of the two-voice clausulae and was thereby able to explain for the first time the previously baffling and unprecedented verse structures of many motet texts. In doing so, he at the same time made it clear that he understood the French motet to be of later origin than the Latin and brushed aside special questions concerning the French type, such as, for example, its most provocative feature: its characteristic use of refrains. How was one to understand the
In vivo formation of DNA-adducts in mouse skin DNA by tamoxifen

Abstract Tamoxifen (TAM)-induced DNA adduct formation in mouse skin was determined by a nuclease P1-enhanced 32 P-postlabelling technique. Topical application of TAM significantly induced a number of DNA-adducts in mouse skin in a dose- and time-dependent manner. When SENCAR mice were topically treated with different doses of TAM for 6 h, total DNA adduct levels in skin were increased by 2.5- (1 μmol TAM), 4.5- (5 μmol TAM) and 4.8-fold (10 μmol TAM), respectively. In addition, at least four novel DNA adducts were observed. Time-course studies showed that TAM-induced DNA adducts reach a peak at 6 h post-treatment. However, the pattern of TAM-induced DNA adducts was different from that induced by DMBA (a potent skin carcinogen). TAM has been found to form DNA-adducts in the liver and kidney of rodents. Our work confirms the genotoxic effects observed by other investigators by showing that TAM also causes DNA-adducts formation in mouse skin. Since TAM is widely used for the treatment of breast cancer and currently for chemo-prevention trials, further studies should be conducted to assess the potential risk of long-term use of TAM in humans.
Microarray vs. RNA-Seq: a comparison for active subnetwork discovery

While microarrays have been successfully used by the researchers to analyze gene expression levels, cutting edge high throughput sequencing technologies now made it possible to go one step further. Recent studies show that absolute expression levels are not accurately estimated by microarray data. In this work, we elaborate various experiments to compare highly-active subnetworks in protein-protein interaction networks found by the state-of-the-art tools used with microarray or RNA-Seq data. Our experiments show that RNA-Seq data can be important to detect active networks which are overlooked by the microarray data. Furthermore, these networks can contain genes which are biologically proved to be significant. However, we also observed that when the RNA-Seq data is used, the subnetworks found by the tools may not be effective as biomarkers due to their large sizes. Hence, some changes in the algorithms incorporated in current tools may be necessary while working with RNA-Seq data.
Lipid biomarkers in suspended particles from a subtropical estuary: assessment of seasonal changes in sources and transport of organic matter.

Abstract Temporal and spatial variations in the composition of particulate organic matter (POM) from Florida Bay, USA were examined. The predominance of short-chain homologues for n -alkanes, n -alcohols and n -fatty acids as well as relatively high abundance of C 27 and C 28 sterols suggested that an autochthonous/marine source of OM was dominant bay-wide. Several biomarker proxies such as P aq [(C 23 + C 25 )/(C 23 + C 25 + C 29 + C 31 ) n -alkanes], short/long chain n -alkanes, (C 29 + C 31 ) n -alkanes and taraxerol indicated a spatial shift in OM sources, where terrestrial OM rapidly decreased while seagrass and microbial OM markedly increased along a northeastern to southwestern transect. Regarding seasonal variations, POM collected during the dry season was enriched in terrestrial constituents relative to the wet season, likely as a result of reduced primary productivity of planktonic species and seagrasses during the dry season. Principal component analysis (PCA) classified the sample set into sub-groups based on PC1 which seemed to be spatially controlled by OM origin (terrestrial-mangrove vs. marine-planktonic/seagrass). The PC2 seemed to be more seasonally controlled suggesting that hydrological fluctuations and seasonal primary productivity are the drivers controlling the POM composition in Florida Bay.
And and or, or the comprehension of pseudoimperatives

It was proposed that the or in pseudoimperatives such as Sit down or I'll scream is represented in comprehension as equivalent to an and plus a negative element. Subjects were timed as they drew deductions from pseudoimperatives containing either and or or in such problems as: If the sign says “Don't flip the switch or the fan goes on” and the fan did not go on, then did you flip the switch? The latencies supported the proposal. They suggested that the pseudoimperative p and q is represented as the biconditional (p ↔ q) and that p or q is represented as ∼(∼p↔q), not as (∼p↔q) or as (p↔∼q), which are its logical equivalents. The results also showed that so-called “invited inferences” take no longer to draw than inferences that constitute the literal meaning of these pseudoimperatives.
Evidence-based trust: A mathematical model geared for multiagent systems

An evidence-based account of trust is essential for an appropriate treatment of application-level interactions among autonomous and adaptive parties. Key examples include social networks and service-oriented computing. Existing approaches either ignore evidence or only partially address the twin challenges of mapping evidence to trustworthiness and combining trust reports from imperfectly trusted sources. This article develops a mathematically well-formulated approach that naturally supports discounting and combining evidence-based trust reports.This article understands an agent Alice's trust in an agent Bob in terms of Alice's certainty in her belief that Bob is trustworthy. Unlike previous approaches, this article formulates certainty in terms of evidence based on a statistical measure defined over a probability distribution of the probability of positive outcomes. This definition supports important mathematical properties ensuring correct results despite conflicting evidence: (1) for a fixed amount of evidence, certainty increases as conflict in the evidence decreases and (2) for a fixed level of conflict, certainty increases as the amount of evidence increases. Moreover, despite a subtle definition of certainty, this work (3) establishes a bijection between evidence and trust spaces, enabling robust combination of trust reports and (4) provides an efficient algorithm for computing this bijection.
TH-D-M100E-08: Aperture Eccentricity Minimization Concept for Beam Angle Optimization

Purpose: A technique for beam angle optimization based on minimization of field aperture eccentricity is introduced. A proof of concept of this new technique is presented. Methods and Materials: By selecting beam angles with minimal aperture eccentricities one can improve the likelihood of achieving a well optimized dosimetry plan. A test of our hypothesis requires a method for quantifying beam aperture eccentricity. We introduce a new concept based on the major and minor axes of the beam's eye view (BEV) projections of the field apertures. A coefficient of variance defined as the ratio of standard deviation and mean of the major and minor axes of apertures for any set of fields utilized for dose optimization is defined as a way to quantify field aperture eccentricity. To prove our concept we rank 21 stereotactic radiosurgery treatment plans utilizing a unified dosimetry index (UDI) presented in a separate paper. We then correlate the dosimetry scores to the coefficient of variance that quantifies aperture eccentricity for the selected set of beam angles utilized for dose optimization of the respective treatment plans. Results: The UDI scores of 21 radiosurgery treatment plans are plotted as a function of corresponding coefficient of variance (of aperture eccentricities of field sets utilized for dose optimization in each case). The computed linear correlation coefficient value of 0.377, is high enough to indicate that the UDI scores are somewhat correlated to CV. There is not a complete positive correlation (R2 value of 1.0) between the UDI scores and the beam aperture eccentricity. Conclusion: There is not a complete positive correlation (R2 value of 1.0) between the UDI scores and the beam aperture eccentricity. However, because other factors such as the number of beams utilized and planning technique also impact the quality of the dosimetry plan, a perfect correlation is not expected.
A database on electron‐solid interactions

Monte Carlo modeling of electron-solid interactions requires a detailed and accurate supply of experimental data on which to base its physics and against which to test its predictions. To meet this need, a collection of data—comprising measurements of secondary and backscattered electron yields, electron stopping powers, and x-ray ionization cross sections, as a function of energy—has been assembled from published sources. The quality and quantity of the compilation varies widely, with little or no data being available for the majority of elements in the periodic table, while results for complex materials of current technologic interest are also almost nonexistent. To meet the needs of Monte Carlo simulation in areas such as dimensional metrology or microanalysis, a program of systematic measurements is required.
Role of prostatic basal cells in the regulation and suppression of human prostate cancer cells

Cytokeratin expression in normal and malignant prostatic tissue indicates a loss of basal epithelial cells in cancer. We investigated the ability of basal-like prostatic epithelial cells to inhibit the growth of prostatic cancer cells. Human prostate LNCaP cells were grown in medium with or without 10 nM dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on plastic culture dishes or on extracellular matrix derived from basal-like epithelial cells (primary cultures derived from normal peripheral zone of the prostate) that were grown with or without 10 nM DHT. Colorimetric 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays were used to assess the growth of LNCaP cells. On plastic dishes, growth of LNCaP cells was increased 5–10% by the presence of DHT in the medium. On matrix derived from basal-like cells that were grown in the absence of DHT, growth of LNCaP cells with or without DHT was similar to that on plastic. However, on matrix derived from basal-like cells that were grown with DHT, growth of LNCaP cells was suppressed when compared to all other culture conditions (P < 0.01). To determine whether basal-like cells could alter the function of LNCaP cells, we measured prostate-specific antigen (PSA) mRNA expression with the use of comparative RT-PCR. We found a significant decrease in the mature PSA transcript in cells grown on matrix derived from basal-like cells that were grown with DHT. The expression of PSA transcript was not altered in LNCaP cells that were grown on matrix derived from basal-like cells that were grown in the absence of DHT. Furthermore, using differential display of mRNA, we demonstrated that there were induction and suppression of multiple unique transcripts in the LNCaP cells when grown on the various culture conditions. To determine a possible mechanism for these observations, we used a dot blot immunoassay for several known inhibitory factors. We determined that DHT can induce the basal-like cells to secrete transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β1), and that TGF-β1 can inhibit the proliferation of LNCaP cells in a dose dependent manner. We conclude that basal-like epithelial cells, in the presence of DHT, secrete an extracellular matrix or matrix associated factor(s), e.g. TGF-β1, that suppresses proliferation and function of prostate cancer cells. Our data suggest that the disappearance of the basal cell layer may be a prerequisite for the progression of prostatic neoplasia.