cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fast and accurate risk evaluation for scheduling large-scale construction projects

This paper presents the development of a novel probabilistic scheduling model that enables fast and accurate risk evaluation for large-scale construction projects. The model is designed to overcome the limitations of existing probabilistic scheduling methods, including the inaccuracy of the program evaluation and review technique (PERT) and the long computational time of the Monte Carlo simulation method. The model consists of three main modules: PERT model; fast and accurate multivariate normal integral method; and a newly developed approximation method. The new approximation method is designed to focus the risk analysis on the most significant paths in the project network by identifying and removing insignificant paths that are either highly correlated or have high probability of completion time. The performance of the new model is analyzed using an application example. The results of this analysis illustrate that the new model was able to reduce the computational time for a large-scale construction pro...
Temperature Regulation of Germination in Crimson Clover Seeds

Seeds of Dixie crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum cv. Dixie) completed germination in 36 hours at 20 C. At 10 C germination was delayed by 24 hours. At 30 C only 20% germinated and the rest remained viable for a long time but not germinable. Different patterns of adenylate energy state and zymograms of acid phosphatase and esterase were observed from seeds grown under the three temperatures for 24 hours. Varied specific activities of protease, α-amylase, ATPase, RNase, acid phosphatase, glutamine synthetase, and fumarase were also found. Protein-synthesizing ability was proportional to temperature. These data indicate that temperature regulates seed germination at multiple sites.
Differential time courses and specificity of amygdala activity in posttraumatic stress disorder subjects and normal control subjects

Background Previous neuroimaging studies have demonstrated exaggerated amygdala responses to negative stimuli in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The time course of this amygdala response is largely unstudied and is relevant to questions of habituation and sensitization in PTSD exposure therapy. Methods We applied blood oxygen level dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging and statistical parametric mapping to study amygdala responses to trauma-related and nontrauma-related emotional words in sexual/physical abuse PTSD and normal control subjects. We examined the time course of this response by separate analysis of early and late epochs. Results PTSD versus normal control subjects have a relatively increased initial amygdala response to trauma-related negative, but not nontrauma-related negative, versus neutral stimuli. Patients also fail to show the normal patterns of sensitization and habituation to different categories of negative stimuli. These findings correlate with measured PTSD symptom severity. Conclusions Our results demonstrate differential time courses and specificity of amygdala response to emotional and control stimuli in PTSD and normal control subjects. This has implications for pathophysiologic models of PTSD and treatment response. The results also extend previous neuroimaging studies demonstrating relatively increased amygdala response in PTSD and expand these results to a largely female patient population probed with emotionally valenced words.
Effect of Concentration of Zr4+ and Ni2+ Dopants on Electrical, Magnetic and Y–K Angle of Mg–Cu Complex Spinel Nanoferrites

The complex Mg–Cu nanoferrites with composition Mg0.5Cu0.5Fe2−2xNixZrxO4 (0.00≤x≤0.80) were synthesized by incorporating dopants Zr4+ and Ni2+ with the help of chemical co-precipitation method. The synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dc electrical and magnetic properties through laboratory-made two-probe resistivity apparatus and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). XRD confirmed the formation of single phase spinel nanoferrites having crystalline size in range 16–29 nm. The particle size (t) and lattice parameter (a) increase with the increase in concentration of dopants. The XRD results are in good agreement with SEM results. FTIR give valuable information about the presence of tetrahedral (A) and octahedral (B) sites by considering higher and lower frequency bands, respectively. The electrical properties, e.g. dc electrical resistivity (ρd), drift mobility (μd) and activation energy (E), were calculated. Resistivity data confirm semiconducting behavior of material. And it is observed that an abrupt increase in resistivity occurs up to x=0.40. While further increase in dopants concentration leads to decrease in resistivity. Magnetic hysteresis loops confirmed soft nature of synthesized material. Interesting magnetic behavior is observed that up to x=0.40 the value of saturation magnetization (Ms), remanence (Mr) and Bohr magneton (nB) increase and after that decrease in trend occurs. For x=0.40, minimum coercive force (Hc) is observed. Y–K angle increases with increase in dopant concentration. So it is confirmed that the incorporation of dopant in small amount (x≤0.40) enhances magnetic properties and further increase of Zr4+ can weaken magnetic properties.
LEED and AES studies of the initial growth of Ge epilayers on GaAs(100)

Abstract The initial stages of growth of epitaxial Ge overlayers on the GaAs(100) surface have been studied by LEED and AES on overlayers from 0.1 monolayers (ML) to 10 ML in thickness. It is found that a coverage of about 0.2 ML converts the initial clean surface reconstruction into a single domain (1 × 2) reconstruction with a surface atomic geometry very similar to that of clean Ge. Further growth does not significantly change the arrangement of atoms at the surface. Growth from 1 to 4 ML proceeds by a double layer growth mechanism which maintains the single (1 × 2) domain. Auger measurements indicate that the growing surface has a 1 2 ML As enrichment, and that the interface is not abrupt, but has a mixed GeGa or GeAs transition layer.
Grijzestofpathologie bij multiple sclerose: histopathologische, moleculair biologische en MRI-studies

Background: MS is considered to be a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the human central nervous system, characterised by focal regions of demyelination and axonal loss throughout the brain and spinal cord. MS has classically been considered to be a white matter (WM) disease, however, recent evidence clearly indicates that the grey matter (GM) is also heavily affected. Moreover, GM pathology seems to increase substantially with disease progression and contributes importantly to clinical disability, especially cognitive deficits. In contrast to WM pathology (especially WM demyelination), GM pathologic changes (especially GM demyelination) are not associated with significant inflammation, therefore its pathogenesis remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this thesis was to gain insight into GM pathology in MS.
Screening for Aortic Root Dilation in Marfan Syndrome Using the Ratio of the Aortic Root to Descending Aortic Diameters in Children

Background The aim of this study was to develop a simpler echocardiographic screening tool for aortic root dilation in pediatric patients with Marfan syndrome. Aortic root dilation represents the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with Marfan syndrome. It is traditionally defined by nomograms, relating aortic root dimensions to height or body surface area. In this study, the descending aorta (DAo) was used as an internal reference, thereby eliminating the need for nomograms when screening for aortic root dilation. Methods The diameters of the aortic root at the sinus of Valsalva and the DAo were measured in 35 patients with Marfan syndrome and 52 normal controls in the parasternal long-axis echocardiographic view. The root/DAo ratio was calculated. Results A root/DAo ratio ≥ 2 provided optimal sensitivity for root dilation (100%), whereas a root/DAo ratio ≥ 2.3 provided optimal specificity (100%). Conclusion The root/DAo ratio provides a simple, rapid, and valuable screening test for aortic root dilation, independent of nomograms and body size.
Multipole polarizabilities for hydrogenic bound states

The bound-state wave function of a single nonrelativistic particle is written as $F\mathrm{exp}(\ensuremath{-}G)$, where $F$ contains the nodal information and is restricted to be polynomial and $G$ is the negative of the logarithm of the wave-function envelope which contains the spectral information. As a perturbation is turned on, both $F$ and $G$ respond, but the response in $G$ can be absorbed in $F$. A perturbative expansion on $F$ and the energy leads to a hierarchy of inhomogeneous differential equations which resemble Gauss's law with a variable dielectric constant. If the perturbation is of polynomial form, one reasonably expects polynomial solutions for the perturbative corrections to $F$ in this hierarchy. This method is used to obtain the first-order wave-function correction for the hydrogenic $2S$ and $2{P}_{0}$ states in a multipole field and their corresponding multipole polarizabilities. In the dipole case, the method is modified to treat degenerate mixing. Then the first-order correction to the wave function for an arbitrary hydrogenic bound state with azimuthal quantum number $m=0$ in a large-order multipole field where neither degeneracy mixing nor first-order energy shift occurs and its corresponding multipole polarizabilities are calculated in closed forms.
Primary bilateral cleft lip/nose repair using a modified Millard technique.

The complexity of a bilateral cleft lip repair must be well understood by any surgeon performing this procedure. Multiple factors play a role in the difficulty that one must overcome to correct the obvious facial deformity. These include a widely displaced lateral lip segment, lack of developed lip tissue in the anterior segment, and a displaced premaxillary segment. All three need to be taken into consideration to obtain an optimal result. Historically, techniques used for repair of a bilateral cleft lip were based on the repair of a unilateral cleft lip. The procedure was done as a staged process, first repairing the more severe side and correcting the contralateral side at a later date. Following this idea, most procedures were based on the proposal that the prolabium had limited growth potential. This led to multiple designs and geometric shapes to correct for this growth potential. The triangle and rectangle flaps were examples of this idea, creating an abnormally long lip with irregular scars. Soon after, the straight line closure and variants were developed to decrease the unnatural length of the lip; unfortunately, these techniques created problems with aberrant scaring. Not much thought went into the relevance of the orbicularis oris until the latter part of the twentieth century. Others reported on the reconstruction of the muscle, creating continuity between the two lateral lip elements. That procedure was referred to as the functional cleft lip repair. It did have its opponents, however, who thought it would lead to growth restriction of the premaxilla. Additions stemming from the work of Millard, Mulliken, McComb, Trott, Mohan, and Cutting discuss the correction of the cleft nasal deformity in addition to the repair of the lip. Although extensively described and used by surgeons, the authors believe that the results of the cleft nasal deformity are easier to predict and more stable if the correction is undertaken once most of the child’s growth has taken place. Although not all clefts are similar, the application of basic principles with slight dimensional modifications to the technique generally produces an aesthetically pleasing result (Figs. 1 and 2). The authors’ preferred timing for repair is between the ages of 3 and 6 months.
Vitamin K-dependent γ-carboxyglutamic acid formation by kidney microsomes in vitro

Abstract γ-Carboxyglutamic acid has been identified as a constituent of renal tissue in chicken, rat, and rabbit and is depressed by vitamin K-deficiency or dicoumarol diets. Thorough perfusion of rat and rabbit kidneys to remove blood contamination does not remove the γ-carboxyglutamate containing protein(s), which appear to be localized in the cortex. Incubation of kidney microsomes with [14C]NaHCO3in vitro results in the post-translational formation of protein bound [ 14 C]-γ-carboxyglutamic acid. Incorporation is stimulated 1.6- to 34-fold by addition of the active vitamin K 2-methyl, 3-farnesyl, 1,4-naphthoquinone. About 80% of incorporated, non-dialyzable 14C is situated in the γ-carboxyl group of γ-carboxyglutamic acid.
Invasive Gastrointestinal Zygomycosis in a Liver Transplant Recipient: Case Report and Review of Zygomycosis in Solid-Organ Transplant Recipients

Zygomycosis is a rare but highly invasive fungal infection that occurs in transplant recipients. We report a case of invasive gastrointestinal zygomycosis that occurred in a heavily immunosuppressed liver transplant recipient 5 days after retransplantation and that presented as gastric perforation. Despite aggressive surgical and antifungal therapy, the patient died. We review 46 cases of invasive zygomycosis in solid-organ transplant recipients. The rhinocerebral form of zygomycosis occurred in 57% of cases; the pulmonary, cutaneous, and disseminated forms each occurred in 13%; the renal form occurred in 2%; and the gastrointestinal form occurred in 2%. The infection ensued a median of 2 months after transplantation (range, 5 days to 8 years). Seventy-six percent of the patients had diabetes or had received antirejection therapy, mainly in the form of corticosteroids, before the onset of zygomycotic infection. The mortality for patients who received antifungal therapy and/or who underwent surgery was 50% for those who had rhinocerebral zygomycosis, none for those who had pulmonary and cutaneous zygomycosis, and 100% for those who had disseminated zygomycosis. Knowledge of the diverse clinical manifestations (including gastrointestinal involvement, as is illustrated by our case) and predisposing factors in transplant recipients with zygomycosis can aid in early recognition of this disease in this patient population.
Model-based estimation with boundary side information or boundary regularization [cardiac emission CT]

The authors have previously developed a model-based strategy for joint estimation of myocardial perfusion and boundaries using ECT (emission computed tomography). They have also reported difficulties with boundary estimation in low contrast and low count rate situations. Here they propose using boundary side information (obtainable from high resolution MRI and CT images) or boundary regularization to improve both perfusion and boundary estimation in these situations. To fuse boundary side information into the emission measurements, the authors formulate a joint log-likelihood function to include auxiliary boundary measurements as well as ECT projection measurements. In addition, they introduce registration parameters to align auxiliary boundary measurements with ECT measurements and jointly estimate these parameters with other parameters of interest from the composite measurements. In simulated PET O-15 water myocardial perfusion studies using a simplified model, the authors show that the joint estimation improves perfusion estimation performance and gives boundary alignment accuracy of >
Prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 from Cull Dairy Cows in New York State and Comparison of Culture Methods Used during Preharvest Food Safety Investigations

A number of protocols for the cultural detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in clinical fecal specimens have been proposed. In the present study direct plating of cattle feces was compared to three different broth enrichment protocols, i.e., a protocol with modified E. coli broth with novobiocin, a protocol with Trypticase soy broth with cefixime and vancomycin, and a protocol with Gram-Negative Broth with novobiocin, for their relative abilities to detect E. coli O157:H7 in feces. In all enrichment protocols, dilutions of the enrichment broths onto 150-mm sorbitol-MacConkey agar plates to which cefixime and tellurite were added were used along with reading of agar plates at both 24 and 48 h. Fecal samples came from a preharvest food safety project in which feces from New York cull dairy cattle from a northeastern packing plant along with experimentally inoculated adult dairy cow feces were tested. The performances of the broth enrichments were comparable to each other, but the broth enrichments were superior to direct plating in their ability to detect E. coli O157:H7. Regardless of the culture protocol used, recovery of E. coli O157:H7 is more likely from fresh fecal specimens than from frozen samples. An overall prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 fecal shedding by New York cull dairy cattle of 1.3% was found in specimens just before processing at the packing plant.
Differences in bone mineral in young Asian and Caucasian Americans may reflect differences in bone size

Bone mineral content (BMC) and areal bone mineral density (BMD) have been reported to be lower in Asian than in Caucasian adults. To determine if racial differences in bone mass are present in younger subjects and whether they reflect differences in estimated volumetric bone density or in bone size, we compared measurements of bone mineral in healthy young Asian- and Caucasian-American males and females. Bone mineral was measured at the lumbar spine (L2-L4), femoral neck (FN), and whole body (WB) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 99 Asians (49 females, 50 males) and 103 Caucasians (54 females, 49 males) ages 9-26 years. Results were expressed as BMC, BMD, and apparent density (BMAD), an estimate of volumetric bone density that reduces the effect of bone size. Subjects were compared on the basis of chronological age as well as by Tanner stage to correct for potential differences in the timing of puberty. Habitual dietary intake and physical activity were also assessed and correlated with bone mineral. The Asian and Caucasian cohorts differed in body size, diet, and physical activity. Asian females were shorter than the Caucasian females at all stages of puberty and weighed less at pre-/early puberty (p < 0.05). Asian males were older than Caucasians at midpuberty (p < 0.01) and weighed less than the Caucasian males at pubertal maturity (p = 0.001). Asian youths also consumed less calcium and reported less weight-bearing activity. Racial differences were most apparent when comparing BMC data. Asian males had greater spine BMC at midpuberty and lower WB BMC at maturity (p < 0.05). Asian females had lower FN BMC through midpuberty and lower WB BMC in pre-/early puberty (p < 0.05). WB BMD and WB BMC/height values were significantly lower in mature Asian versus Caucasian males. No significant racial differences in BMAD were observed. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that the differences in BMD and BMAD between Asian and Caucasian subjects were largely attributable to differences in weight and pubertal stage, and, at the FN, in weight-bearing activity. Further, the explanatory variables were less strongly associated with BMAD than with BMD. In summary, no significant differences in BMD were found between Asian and Caucasian youths through midpuberty; however, WB BMD and WB BMC/height values were lower in Asian males at sexual maturity. We conclude that observed differences in bone mineral between Asians and Caucasians may be partially attributed to the smaller bone size of Asians.
Gatekeeping Ourselves: Counselor Educators' Knowledge of Colleagues' Problematic Behaviors

Counselor educators in programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (N = 335) were surveyed about their knowledge of colleagues' problems of professional competency (PPC). Findings suggest most participants are aware of colleagues with PPC. Professional behavior standards must be developed for those entrusted with counselor preparation.
Online shopping behaviour: moderating role of gender and product category

Various studies have investigated the effect of risk perception of consumers on their intention to purchase products online. However, it remains to be shown how the effect of risk perception on intention to purchase online differs across gender or across categories of products being purchased. More importantly, it is important to understand whether gender and product category, together, have a moderating role in influencing the relationship between perceived risk and intention to purchase. In this paper, the role of gender and product category, in moderating the impact of perceived risk on intention to purchase, is examined. Analysis from a survey of 183 respondents, based on their interaction with two specific websites, reveals that gender, by itself, does not directly impact the relationship between perceived risk and intention to purchase, indicating the levelling off of the online gender gap. However, the gender effect manifests itself when analysed in association with product category, indicating that males and females do differ in their risk perception based on the category of product being purchased. We provide the implications of this finding for theory and research on internet.
Protein Identification from Tandem Mass Spectra with Probabilistic Language Modeling

This paper presents an interdisciplinary investigation of statistical information retrieval (IR) techniques for protein identification from tandem mass spectra, a challenging problem in proteomic data analysis. We formulate the task as an IR problem, by constructing a "query vector" whose elements are system-predicted peptides with confidence scores based on spectrum analysis of the input sample, and by defining the vector space of "documents" with protein profiles, each of which is constructed based on the theoretical spectrum of a protein. This formulation establishes a new connection from the protein identification problem to a probabilistic language modeling approach as well as the vector space models in IR, and enables us to compare fundamental differences in the IR models and common approaches in protein identification. Our experiments on benchmark spectrometry query sets and large protein databases demonstrate that the IR models significantly outperform well-established methods in protein identification, by enhancing precision in high-recall regions in particular, where the conventional approaches are weak.
An alternate formulation of mean value for random geometric figures

SUMMARY In contrast to the traditional technique of averaging functionals of a random geometric figure, it is possible to consider an averaging process which treats the figure as a whole. The result in probabilistic terminology is an expectation, which is itself a figure. Theoretical foundations and various instances are presented in an informal survey.
The effects of asymmetry among advisors on the aggregation of their opinions

Abstract We investigate the case of a Decision Maker (DM) who obtains probabilistic forecasts regarding the occurrence of a target event from J distinct, asymmetric advisors. In this context, asymmetry is induced by manipulating: (1) amount of information (number of diagnostic cues) available to each advisor and (2) quality (accuracy) of advisors’ previous forecasts. Empirical results from two experiments indicate that the DM’s final estimate can be described as a weighted average of advisor forecasts, where the weights are sensitive to both sources of asymmetry. This work extends the model derived by Budescu and Rantilla (2000) for the DMs confidence in the aggregate to accommodate advisor asymmetry. As in the symmetric case, the DM’s confidence in the weighted average of the forecasts is a function of the number of judges, the total number of cues, the (inferred) inter-judge correlation, and the level of inter-judge overlap in information. The extended model predicts that confidence increases as a function of asymmetry among judges. Empirical results support the main (ordinal) predictions of the model, including the predicted effect of inter-judge asymmetry.
Remissions of Mammary Adenocarcinoma in Hypothyroid Mice Given 5-Fluorouracil and Chloroquine Phosphate

In two separate experiments, treatment of C3H/He mice bearing transplantable mammary adenocarcinomas (C3HBA) with a regimen of 6-propylthiouracil (PTUra) and 5-fluorouracil (FUra) plus chloroquine phosphate (CP) resulted in complete remissions of 77 and 65%, respectively. Treatment with PTUra alone resulted in 41% remissions in experiment 1 and 35% remissions in experiment 2. None of the nontreated control mice in either experiment had spontaneous remissions, and all controls died in each experiment. The principal effect was apparently due to the treatment with PTUra, inasmuch as most of the tumors disappeared during the 21-day treatment period. This observation indicated that the proper timing of the thyroid treatment with PTUra was crucial to achieve the best results. The combined FUra+CP regimen augmented the effects of the thyroid treatment and resulted in an increase in remissions.
Effects of variable amplitude loading on lead-free solder joint propoerties and damage accumulation

Current extrapolations of accelerated test results to life in long term service may be greatly misleading when it comes to lead free solder joints. Notably, realistic service conditions are almost never well approximated by cycling with a fixed amplitude. However, recent results have demonstrated the consistent breakdown of common damage accumulation rules. In isothermal cycling tests the remaining life, after a step-down in amplitude, was invariably shorter than predicted by such a rule, while a step-up tended to have the opposite effect. The present work offers a mechanistic explanation for this and a basis for the development of a practical approach to the assessment of life under realistic service conditions. Realistic BGA joints were cycled individually in a micromechanical tester, monitoring the solder stiffness and the inelastic energy deposition. Cycling was seen to first cause rapid hardening, followed by leveling off in a “cyclic saturation” stage and eventually the initiation and growth of a crack until failure. A temporary increase in amplitude during cycling caused a lasting reduction in hardness, and thus enhanced inelastic energy deposition and damage evolution, afterwards as well. This would dominate during repeated increases and decreases, eventually shortening the remaining life dramatically.
A theoretical model of social influence for increasing the utility of collaborative virtual environments

In this paper, a theoretical model is proposed to account for the incorporation of critical social influence effects appropriate to the design and implementation of collaborative virtual environments. The proposed social influence threshold model provides a framework for both substantive basic and applied research, as well as a way of determining functional specifications for implementing behavioral realism within collaborative virtual environments and testing the social interactive functionality of them.
Rigorous automated network security management

Achieving a security goal in a networked system requires the cooperation of a variety of devices, each device potentially requiring a different configuration. Many information security problems may be solved with appropriate models of these devices and their interactions, giving a systematic way to handle the complexity of real situations. We present an approach, rigorous automated network security management, that front-loads formal modeling and analysis before problem solving, thereby providing easy-to-run tools with rigorously justified results. With this approach, we model the network and a class of practically important security goals. The models derived suggest algorithms that, given system configuration information, determine the security goals satisfied by the system. The modeling provides rigorous justification for the algorithms, which may then be implemented as ordinary computer programs requiring no formal methods training to operate. We have applied this approach to several problems. In this paper we describe two: distributed packet filtering and the use of IP security (IPsec) gateways. We also describe how to piece together the two separate solutions to these problems, jointly enforcing packet filtering as well as IPsec authentication and confidentiality on a single network.
Amino Acid-DNA Contacts by RhaS: an AraC Family Transcription Activator

RhaS, an AraC family protein, activates rhaBAD transcription by binding to rhaI, a site consisting of two 17-bp inverted repeat half-sites. In this work, amino acids in RhaS that make base-specific contacts with rhaI were identified. Sequence similarity with AraC suggested that the first contacting motif of RhaS was a helix-turn-helix. Assays of rhaB-lacZ activation by alanine mutants within this potential motif indicated that residues 201, 202, 205, and 206 might contact rhaI. The second motif was identified based on the hypothesis that a region of especially high amino acid similarity between RhaS and RhaR (another AraC family member) might contact the nearly identical DNA sequences in one major groove of their half-sites. We first made targeted, random mutations and then made alanine substitutions within this region of RhaS. Our analysis identified residues 247, 248, 250, 252, 253, and 254 as potentially important for DNA binding. A genetic loss-of-contact approach was used to identify whether any of the RhaS amino acids in the first or second contacting motif make base-specific DNA contacts. In motif 1, we found that Arg202 and Arg206 both make specific contacts with bp -65 and -67 in rhaI1, and that Arg202 contacts -46 and Arg206 contacts -48 in rhaI2. In motif 2, we found that Asp250 and Asn252 both contact the bp -79 in rhaI1. Alignment with the recently crystallized MarA protein suggest that both RhaS motifs are likely helix-turn-helix DNA-binding motifs.
Nonpalpable stage T1c prostate cancer: prediction of insignificant disease using free/total prostate specific antigen levels and needle biopsy findings.

AbstractPurpose: Approximately 25% of radical prostatectomies performed for stage T1c disease show potentially insignificant prostate cancer. We previously reported the use of serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) density and needle biopsy findings to predict predict potentially insignificant cancer. We now evaluate whether using free/total serum PSA levels along with needle biopsy findings can better predict tumor significance.Materials and Methods: We studied 163 radical prostatectomy specimens of stage T1c prostate cancer in which free/total serum PSA levels were determined. Free/total serum PSA levels were measured with Tandem-MP [dagger] PSA assays. Insignificant prostate cancers were organ confined with tumor volumes less than 0.5 cc and Gleason score less than 7. Advanced tumors were either Gleason score 7 or greater, established extraprostatic extension with positive margins, or positive seminal vesicles or lymph nodes. Other cases were considered as moderate tumor. Moderate and advanced tumors we...
Sulfur Reduction by the Extremely Thermophilic Archaebacterium Pyrodictium occultum.

The relationship between growth and biological sulfur reduction for the extremely thermophilic archaebacterium Pyrodictium occultum was studied over a temperature range of 98 to 105°C. The addition of yeast extract (0.2 g/liter) to the medium was found to increase hydrogen sulfide production significantly, especially at higher temperatures. Sulfide production in uninoculated controls with and without yeast extract was noticeable but substantially below the levels observed in samples containing the microorganism.
Study Skills and Academic Performance among Second-Year Medical Students in Problem-Based Learning

Purpose: This research study highlights the relationship between study aid use and exam per­formance of second year medical students. It also discusses how students used study aids in preparing for PBL exams and whether students who used others’ study aids performed as well as students who created their own. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to second-year medical students after completion of their exam. The data from the questionnaire were linked to students’ examination scores and other academic indicators. Results: The study habits were more similar than different when compared by exam performance. A majority of students used study aids as a memory aid or for review, but students who performed in the top third of the class were less likely to use them at all. Pre-existing differences related to academic achievement and study strategies were found when students at the top, middle and bot­tom of exam performance were compared. Conclusions: A better understanding of the differences in study habits and study aid use in rela­tion to examination performance can help in providing future students with appropriate academic support and advising.
The quest for the simplest possible organogelators and some properties of their organogels

The search for the simplest structural class of organic molecules capable of gelling large amounts of organic liquids is reviewed with an emphasis on the approach taken by the authors. The properties of several of the gelators, as well as their gels with various organic liquids, are presented. Some challenges to future developments in the field are mentioned.
Leveraging a Compound Graph-Based DHT for Multi-Attribute Range Queries with Performance Analysis

Resource discovery is critical to the usability and accessibility of grid computing systems. Distributed Hash Table (DHT) has been applied to grid systems as a distributed mechanism for providing scalable range-query and multi-attribute resource discovery. Multi-DHT-based approaches depend on multiple DHT networks with each network responsible for a single attribute. Single-DHT-based approaches keep the resource information of all attributes in a single node. Both classes of approaches lead to high overhead. In this paper, we propose a Low-Overhead Range-query Multi-attribute (LORM) DHT-based resource discovery approach. Unlike other DHT-based approaches, LORM relies on a single compound graph-based DHT network and distributes resource information among nodes in balance by taking advantage of the compound graph structure. Moreover, it has high capability to handle the large-scale and dynamic characteristics of resources in grids. Experimental results demonstrate the efficiency of LORM in comparison with other resource discovery approaches. LORM dramatically reduces maintenance and resource discovery overhead. In addition, it yields significant improvements in resource location efficiency. We also analyze the performance of the LORM approach rigorously by comparing it with other multi-DHT-based and single-DHT-based approaches with respect to their overhead and efficiency. The analytical results are consistent with experimental results, and prove the superiority of the LORM approach in theory.
One Large, Well-Designed, Multicenter Study as an Alternative to the Usual Fda Paradigm

This article considers when a single study presents both: 1. The same strength of evidence for a drug or biologic effects as the usual Food and Drug Administration (FDA) two-study paradigm, and 2. Also gives sufficient evidence of replicability as in two studies done at disjoint sets of institutions. It is argued that 1. holds if the two-sided significance level is 0.00125 and 2. holds if the clinical sites are divided into two subsets that maximize the smaller sample size that each is statistically significant at the 0.05 significance level. Other approaches to satisfying 2. are also addressed. The approach is illustrated with data from the Condylox® Gel 0.5% (podofilox gel) versus vehicle control.
Enhancing effect of interferon pretreatment on interferon production.

Pretreatment of mouse L cells with interferon (IF) preparations enhanced IF production in response to stimulation with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I·poly C). The enhancement of IF production by the pretreatment was maximal with 5 to 10 units/ml of IF. Pretreatment with approximately 1 unit/ml of IF caused no significant enhancement. The enhancement was observed with all IF preparations tested, crude or partially purified, prepared by induction with either poly I·poly C, Escherichia coli endotoxin or Newcastle disease virus. IFs harvested at different times after induction with high and low concentrations of poly I·poly C were equally effective. The enhancing (“priming”) activity exhibited “species specificity.” However, pretreatment with a high dose of human or rabbit IF, which showed an activity of about 10 units/ml even in the heterologous L cells, enhanced mouse IF production. Studies on physicochemical properties of the active factor indicated that the “priming” activity may be ascribable to IF molecules and not to any other factor in the IF preparations.
Integrin-mediated signaling regulates AP-1 transcription factors and proliferation in osteoblasts.

Since osteoblast proliferation is critical for bone development, the effect of bone extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins on osteoblast signaling and proliferation in serum-free medium was investigated. Proliferation was highest in primary rat calvarial osteoblasts cells grown on fibronectin but less on type I collagen; osteonectin and poly-L-lysine did not support early proliferation. Fibronectin and type I collagen binding requires integrins, whereas cell adhesion to osteonectin or poly-L-lysine does not involve integrins. Therefore, the role of integrins in osteoblast signaling, leading to the induction of AP-1 transcription factors (c-fos and c-jun) which are important in cell proliferation, was studied. c-fos and c-jun message levels were increased at 60 min in osteoblasts plated onto fibronectin or collagen, but not in cells on osteonectin or poly-L-lysine. Protein synthesis was not required for c-fos mRNA expression; however, kinase activity was necessary for c-fos induction. In cells plated onto fibronectin, c-fos mRNA levels were controlled by protein kinase C and phosphotyrosine kinase signaling pathways. In contrast, c-fos levels in collagen-adhering cells may involve protein kinase A. The signaling pathway involving the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase and mitogen-activated kinases was also shown to be transiently increased in osteoblasts on fibronectin and type I collagen, but not in cells on poly-L-lysine. These results demonstrate that osteoblast binding to the extracellular matrix through integrins induces c-fos and c-jun, and that both fibronectin and collagen affect these AP-1 transcription factors through protein kinase-sensitive pathways. Thus, osteoblast proliferation is modulated differentially by specific ECM components.
A Gene Regulatory Program in Human Breast Cancer

Molecular heterogeneity in human breast cancer has challenged diagnosis, prognosis, and clinical treatment. It is well known that molecular subtypes of breast tumors are associated with significant differences in prognosis and survival. Assuming that the differences are attributed to subtype-specific pathways, we then suspect that there might be gene regulatory mechanisms that modulate the behavior of the pathways and their interactions. In this study, we proposed an integrated methodology, including machine learning and information theory, to explore the mechanisms. Using existing data from three large cohorts of human breast cancer populations, we have identified an ensemble of 16 master regulator genes (or MR16) that can discriminate breast tumor samples into four major subtypes. Evidence from gene expression across the three cohorts has consistently indicated that the MR16 can be divided into two groups that demonstrate subtype-specific gene expression patterns. For example, group 1 MRs, including ESR1, FOXA1, and GATA3, are overexpressed in luminal A and luminal B subtypes, but lowly expressed in HER2-enriched and basal-like subtypes. In contrast, group 2 MRs, including FOXM1, EZH2, MYBL2, and ZNF695, display an opposite pattern. Furthermore, evidence from mutual information modeling has congruently indicated that the two groups of MRs either up- or down-regulate cancer driver-related genes in opposite directions. Furthermore, integration of somatic mutations with pathway changes leads to identification of canonical genomic alternations in a subtype-specific fashion. Taken together, these studies have implicated a gene regulatory program for breast tumor progression.
Coherent diffractive imaging: towards achieving atomic resolution

The next generation of X-ray sources will feature highly brilliant X-ray beams that will enable the imaging of local nanoscale structures with unprecedented resolution. A general formalism to predict the achievable spatial resolution in coherent diffractive imaging, based solely on diffracted intensities, is provided. The coherent dose necessary to reach atomic resolution depends significantly on the atomic scale structure, where disordered or amorphous materials require roughly three orders of magnitude lower dose compared with the expected scaling of uniform density materials. Additionally, dose reduction for crystalline materials are predicted at certain resolutions based only on their unit-cell dimensions and structure factors.
Urinary Retention Caused by a Large Bladder Diverticulum: A Simple Method of Diverticulectomy

AbstractWe report on a 63-year-old man with persistent urinary retention owing to a large bladder diverticulum. To our knowledge this is the second case reported in the literature. A simple technique for excision of large vesical diverticula is described.
Regional economic forecasting models: Suitability for use in the National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program

In preparation for the Phase 1 test runs of the National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program Task Group B (TG-B) emissions model set, the need arose to provide regional economic data directly to the sector models in the model set and to the Argonne Regionalization Activity Module (ARAM). Candidate regional economic models were reviewed, and the Data Resources, Inc. (DRI), model was selected. This review of models, conducted during 1984--1985, is documented in this report. Even though considerable time has elapsed since then, the model descriptions and critique contained in this report are still fairly accurate and the recommendations should still be valid. There have been, however, some significant changes: (1) two of the economic consulting firms whose models were reviewed, Chase Econometrics and Wharton Econometric Forecasting Associates, have merged, (2) the DRI Regional Information System (DRI/RIS) now constructs a regional measure of industrial value of shipments, which will be used as the industrial activity variable (instead of employment) in the Phase 2 scenario analyses, and (3) based on recommendations from the third-party review of the TG-B model set, price-sensitive regional equations were developed to provide inputs, not already produced by the DRI/RIS model, directly to the sector models, thus eliminatingmore » the function served by ARAM. 44 refs., 12 figs., 44 tabs.« less
The inhibitory effect of theophylline on the incorporation of 3H-deoxycytidine and 3H-thymidine into thymocyte DNA.

SummaryIn short term cultures of rat thymic lymphocytes, theophylline caused an early inhibition of incorporation of 3H-de-oxycytidine into DNA without influencing the incorporation of 3H-thymidine. Over a 4-hr incubation period, the inhibitory effect of theophylline on 3Received H-deoxycytidine uptake into DNA remained at approximately 40%, while the suppression of 3H-thymidine uptake increased to 20%. The results indicate that since there is a difference in the effect of theophylline on the incorporation of 3H-deoxy-cytidine and 3H-thymidine into the DNA of thymus lymphocytes, inhibition of uptake of these deoxynucleosides by theophylline does not necessarily reflect inhibition of DNA synthesis or cell turnover.This investigation was supported in part by PHS Grants No. CA 10291 and T12CA8021-03 from the National Cancer Institute. We are grateful to Mrs. Mary Alyce Vornholt for technical assistance.
Effects of elliptic co-flow on the structure of a turbulent diffusion flame

The effects of elliptic co-flow on the structure of a turbulent propane diffusion flame have been presented. The interaction of the fuel jet and coflow shear layer enhances the mixing behavior of the flow-field, which tends to improve the combustion characteristics of diffusion flames. Non-axisymmetric exit jet geometries are characterized by better mixing and increased fluid entrainment. Better mixing results in higher fluid entrainment in the jet core, which is desirable for the low pollution from a diffusionally controlled combustion environment. In the present study, the interaction of an elliptic jet co-flow with a propane jet flame issued from a circular tube burner has been studied. Pollutant emission, flame radiation, flame structure, and soot concentration have been measured. The exit Reynolds number of the fuel jet is 5670 and the exit Reynolds number for the coflow is 2700 based on the minor diameter. The results are compared with the measurements from the experiments in a circular co-flow which is the base line condition for the present study. The pollution characteristics and the flame structure of the flame in the elliptic co-flow are significantly different from those in the circular coflow. The NO emission is higher and the CO emission is lower in the elliptic co-flow. Elliptic co-flow flame produces less soot than circular co-flow flame. The elliptic co-flow jet grows quicker than that of circular co-flow and the center line velocity decay is more rapid in elliptic co-flow flame C dcfc E El r Ucf Uj w X NOMENCLATURE Circular co-flow Circular co-flow jet diameter Elliptic co-flow Emission Index (g/kg of fuel) Radial distance Co-flow jet exit velocity Fuel jet exit velocity Soot concentration (g/cc) Axial distance
Mechanical Evaluation of Unobstructing Magnetic Microactuators for Implantable Ventricular Catheters

Here, we report on the development and evaluation of novel unobstructing magnetic microactuators for maintaining the patency of implantable ventricular catheters used in hydrocephalus application. The treatment of hydrocephalus requires chronic implantation of a shunt system to divert excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain. These shunt systems suffer from a high failure rate (>40%) within the first year of implantation, often due to biological accumulation. Previously, we have shown that magnetic microactuators can be used to remove biological blockage. The new cantilever-based magnetic microactuator presented in this paper improves upon the previous torsional design using a bimorph to induce a postrelease out-of-plane deflection that will prevent the device from occluding the pore at rest. The mechanical evaluations (i.e., postrelease deflection, static and dynamic responses) of fabricated devices are reported and compared with theoretical values.
Effects of Storage at 1.1°C on the Mortality of Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) (Diptera: Agromyzidae) Life Stages in Celery

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of the recommended storage temperature for celery (1.1°C) for various lengths of time on the mortality of the egg, larval, prepupal, and pupal stages of Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess). Mortality increased significantly ( P 97% leafminer mortality in heavily infested field-grown celery. I conclude that storage at 1.1°C for at least 16 days could be effective in controlling L. trifolii in shipped celery if no pupae are present between the petioles.