cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
De-efferented Motor Cortex Provides a Viable Source of Neural Activity Command Signals for Centrally-Implanted Brain Machine Interfaces (P1.254)

Objective: To characterize, for generalizability purposes, brain-machine interface (BMI) signals sourced from de-efferented motor cortex. Background: BMIs lie at the cutting edge of translational science efforts and offer the potential to improve the lives of patients with neuromotor disability. Electrocorticography (ECoG) and multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) are two high temporal resolution recording techniques that yield local field potentials (LFPs) and spike trains, respectively, from cortical regions used in BMI experiments. However, it has not been established if deefferented and deafferented cortex contralateral to an amputated limb can still serve as signal source for cortical-based BMIs. Design/Methods: An ECoG-array implanted in the ventral portions of the primary motor and premotor cortices contralateral to an amputated limb, juxtaposed with an MEA implanted in M1 of a single-amputee, female Macaque monkey (N=1), served as the signal sources. The primate was rewarded for reaching and grasping a target with a Whole-Arm-Manipulator in an iterative-reach paradigm. Binned spikes from single unit activity were decoded to generate the control velocity for the robot arm. The continuous signals recorded simultaneously with the ECoG array were subsequently low-pass filtered and spectral features extracted using Matlab signal processing routines. Results: Power spectra results demonstrate the presence of robust beta oscillatory power in the ECoG signals obtained from PM and M1. Attenuation of beta power was observed between the epochs of decoded velocity and epochs of zero-velocity. We also found evidence of propagating wave activity in the ECoG LFPs. All of which are findings characteristically exhibited by motor cortices innervating an intact limb, despite probable cortical reorganization following amputation. Conclusions: We demonstrate that motor cortex contralateral to an amputated limb remains a viable signal source of neural activity featuring characteristic beta oscillatory activity. We also observed redundancy in the movement-related signal changes detected by ECoG and MEA. These findings have important implications for neural prostheses under direct cortical control. Study Supported by: AAN Medical Student Summer Research Scholarship. Disclosure: Dr. Morales has nothing to disclose. Dr. Balasubramanian has nothing to disclose. Dr. Takahashi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hatsopoulos has nothing to disclose.
Observational Constraints of Reionization History in the JWST Era

The epoch of reionization is a crucial phase of cosmic evolution, when the UV photons from the first generation of galaxies and quasars ionized the neutral hydrogen in the IGM, ending the cosmic dark ages. In this Chapter, I will first review the techniques and current results on constraining reionization history. Measurement of CMB polarization indicates the peak of reionization activity at z∼ 10. Observations of IGM transmission in high-redshift quasar spectra show that the Universe was ionized by z∼ 6, while rapid increase of Gunn-Peterson optical depth towards high redshift suggests that reionization is ending at that epoch. Reionization is likely a prolonged and complex process, requiring detailed observations of high-redshift sources to completely unveal its history. JWST and concurrent ground-based facilities will allow dramatic progress in high-redshift observations. New high-redshift quasar surveys will provide JWST ideal luminous sources to map IGM evolution at z>7; galaxy surveys using Lyman Break galaxies and Lyα emitters as tracers will not only detect the dwarf galaxies that are likely the primary sources of reionization, but also allow detailed measurements of IGM topology during reionization era. Aided by further development in theoretical modeling and better understanding of high-redshift galaxy population, JWST will play a central goal in understanding the history of reionization.
Advantages of using relative-phase Toffoli gates with an application to multiple control Toffoli optimization

Various implementations of the Toffoli gate up to a relative phase have been known for years. The advantage over the regular Toffoli gate is its smaller circuit size. However, its use has been often limited to a demonstration of quantum control in designs such as those where the Toffoli gate is being applied last or otherwise for some specific reasons the relative phase does not matter. It was commonly believed that the relative-phase deviations would prevent the relative-phase Toffoli gates from being very helpful in practical large-scale designs. In this paper, we report three circuit identities that provide the means for replacing certain configurations of the multiple control Toffoli gates with their simpler relative-phase implementations, up to a selectable unitary on certain qubits, and without changing the overall functionality. We illustrate the advantage via applying those identities to the optimization of the known circuits implementing multiple control Toffoli gates, and report the reductions in the controlled-not count, $T$count, as well as the number of ancillae used. We suggest that a further study of the relative-phase Toffoli implementations and their use may yield other optimizations.
Lessons learned from theory and simulation of step potentials

Abstract This article provides a brief review of the model referred to as Step Potentials for Equilibria and Discontinuous Molecular Dynamics (SPEADMD) with observations that may be instructive in formulating the next generation of SAFT models. Effects of branches, fused spheres, rings, and molecular flexibility are demonstrated. The evolution of contributions of the equation of state from low to high molecular weight is shown to be sensitive to details of the molecular structure. Statistical mechanical details are shown to affect the formulation of fundamental theory and trends to be expected. Recent results for contributions beyond second order in temperature are shown to substantially improve predictions in the critical region. For mixtures, it is shown how molecular simulation of the off-lattice excess entropy and energy can be achieved, with implications for mixing rules. A heightened emphasis is placed on the confounded nature of molecular scale site–site interactions relative to macroscopic pure component and mixture data. This leads to general conclusions about how SAFT models should be articulated going forward, and how progress of the thermodynamic modeling community in general might be improved.
Flow dynamics of lateral carotid artery aneurysms and their effects on coils and balloons: an experimental study in dogs.

1 Purpose: To investigate the hemodynamic characteristics of lateral carotid artery aneurysms in a canine model and to determine their influence on coils and balloons. Materials and Methods: Forty aneurysms were created in fourteen dogs and their hemodynamic characteristics and influence on coils and balloons were evaluated with angiography and color Doppler pre- and postplacement. Twenty aneurysms were treated with coils, eight with balloons, and 12 aneurysms served as controls. Results: The aneurysms demonstrated three distinct zones of flow: 1) an inflow zone entering at the distal aspect of the aneurysm ostium, 2) an outflow zone exiting at the proximal ostium, and 3) a central slow flow vortex. The inflow zone is a determining factor in the placement and stability of coils and balloons placed within the aneurysm and in the thrombosis of an aneurysm. The force of the inflow is considerable and can alter the shape of coils and displace both coils and balloons positioned within the aneurysm. Conclusions: Coils and balloons need to be of shapes and sizes that do not conform to the inflow and outflow zones. Filling the aneurysm and blocking or displacing the inflow zone can produce thrombosis of an aneurysm with preservation of the parent artery.
Sex-specific lean body mass predictive equations are accurate in the obese paediatric population.

AbstractBackground: The clinical assessment of lean body mass (LBM) is challenging in obese children. A sex-specific predictive equation for LBM derived from anthropometric data was recently validated in children.Aim: The purpose of this study was to independently validate these predictive equations in the obese paediatric population.Subjects and methods: Obese subjects aged 4–21 were analysed retrospectively. Predicted LBM (LBMp) was calculated using equations previously developed in children. Measured LBM (LBMm) was derived from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Agreement was expressed as [(LBMm-LBMp)/LBMm] with 95% limits of agreement.Results: Of 310 enrolled patients, 195 (63%) were females. The mean age was 11.8 ± 3.4 years and mean BMI Z-score was 2.3 ± 0.4. The average difference between LBMm and LBMp was −0.6% (−17.0%, 15.8%). Pearson’s correlation revealed a strong linear relationship between LBMm and LBMp (r = 0.97, p < 0.01).Conclusion: This study validates the use of these clinically-derived s...
Construction Engineering Management Educators: History and Deteriorating Community

The history of construction engineering and management education closely follows the emergence of the construction industry as an economic force in the United States. The initial introduction of programs in the post-World War II era was followed by specialization and the introduction of graduate construction specialties in the early 1960s. However, the lack of qualified individuals was recognized as a factor in successfully developing the construction engineering management (CEM) focus as an academic discipline. Today, that concern continues as CEM programs in the United States find themselves under attack by academic colleagues for issues such as lack of qualified faculty candidates and lack of funding opportunities. This paper addresses the status of the construction academic community by examining the common history of the CEM faculty through a genealogical approach, the historical research record through an examination of the publication record, and the questions that face a community that has appeared to slip from its intellectual peak.
Theoretical Analysis of Rough‐Surface Shadowing from Point‐Source Radiation

The shadowing function, defined as the probability that a point on a rough surface will be illuminated by radiation from a source at fixed height above the surface, is considered. An exact expression for this probability is derived and evaluated approximately when the surface elevation is a normal random process. The effect of surface correlation is considered and shown to be appreciable. Several numerical computations of the shadowing function are presented.
Electromigration on oxide steps

Abstract A test vehicle has been used to investigate the influence of the oxide steps on electromigration. An automated test setup allowed precise determination of the time to failure. The experiments showed that the time-to-failure is influenced by the surface topography at high current densities. One metal strip interrupted by electromigration recovered during the SEM voltage contrast investigation.
The lens of language

"When people thought of a language, how did they think of it if there were no words to think with? After they had thought of it, how did they get other people to understand it? If they went from door to door explaining it, people would think that they had gone crazy because they wouldn't know what the words meant. After the first language was started how were others formed? These are the questions that make me say, 'I wonder how people learned to talk' " (Ruesch and Bateson 1951). These words by Janet Baker in a letter published in Look magazine (September 27, 1949) articulate with the clarity of a child the puzzle which has fascinated anthropologists, educators, philosophers, linguists, and many others for years. How did language and speech first develop? How did it happen that human beings, of all living creatures, were the ones to begin this kind of communication? What occurred that made this possible? Why did it happen? We may never be able to place together the pieces of this incredible puzzle, although the delight of hypothesizing will undoubtedly continue. Did speech develop from need, a fortuitous juxtaposition of an articulation with an object, or did a sudden change in brain structure occur which resulted in the ability to store, compare, and retrieve linguistic symbols? Or was there another reason? What is the relationship between words, whether spoken or written, thought, and the electrical charges that move mysteriously across the brain?
Nondestructive analysis of the chemical reactivity of copper/chromium/silver impregnated charcoals

Abstract A nondestructive analysis for chemical reactivity of commercial whetlerite (activated charcoal impregnated with copper, chromium and silver) is described. It is based on monitoring the disappearance of carbon monoxide in mixtures with air from known flows passing through the charcoal in a flow-through mode. Correlation of CO oxidation was found with measurements of cyanogen chloride retention using the same samples. the disappearance of carbon monoxide was also followed using a recycle procedure. However, the results using this particular method for CO oxidation may not lead to a good correlation with cyanogen chloride retention.
Effect of papain digested, univalent antibody on the morphology, cleavage and fertilizing capacity of sea urchin eggs

Abstract 1. 1. Antisera were prepared by immunizing rabbits with egg jelly and jellyless egg homogenates of the sea urchin, Lytechinus variegatus. Samples of the γ-globulin fraction of the antisera were degraded to the non-agglutinating, non-precipitating, univalent (3.5S) form by papain digestion and reduction. 2. 2. Most of the univalent (3.5S) antibody preparations failed to produce the morphological changes in eggs that characteristically result from treatment with multivalent (7S) antibody. These changes include egg jelly precipitation by anti-egg jelly antibody and egg wrinkling produced by anti-egg homogenate antibody. Univalent anti-egg jelly sera produced a hyaline surface effect in most egg batches and membrane elevation in a few others. 3. 3. Univalent antibody pretreated eggs failed to undergo the characteristic morphological changes upon subsequent addition of multivalent antibody. Such inhibition was complete in the case of egg surface wrinkling and partial for egg jelly precipitation. 4. 4. Univalent antibody pretreated dejellied eggs showed surface wrinkling following treatment with anti-rabbit γ-globulin sheep serum (antiglobulin or Coombs' test). It is concluded that the egg wrinkling produced by anti-egg homogenate sera depends upon the cross-linking of antigens by multivalent antibody. 5. 5. Univalent anti-egg jelly γ-globulin inhibited cleavage of fertilized eggs. However, this inhibiting action was reduced in titer as compared to the parent multivalent antibody. 6. 6. Univalent anti-egg homogenate antibody failed to affect the fertilizability of dejellied or demembranated (protease treated) eggs. 7. 7. Dejellied eggs failed to fertilize if first treated with univalent anti-egg homogenate antibody and subsequently exposed to anti-rabbit γ-globulin sheep serum (antiglobulin or Coombs' test). 8. 8. Dejellied eggs which have been rendered unfertilizable by treatment with normal, multivalent anti-egg homogenate serum recover considerable fertilizability following treatment with protease. 9. 9. It is concluded that in Lytechinus variegatus the fertilization inhibiting action of normal multivalent, 7S, anti-egg homogenate antibody depends upon cross-linking of neighboring antigens, not to the blocking of specific antigenic sites by complementary antibody.
Simulating carrier dynamics in quantum well lasers

Some key carrier transport models in the Minilase-II quantum well laser simulator are presented. They include the ballistic injection of bulk carriers into the quantum well, the scattering dynamics of quantum carriers, and quantum carrier temperature. The simulator is then used to investigate the nonlinear effects of certain carrier transport processes. Next the simulator is compared directly to experimental data. The comparison shows the importance of spectral hole burning and hot carrier effects at high output power, and it also introduces some new ideas involving the fast and slow pumping of the quantum lasing states. Finally, some preliminary simulations of multiple quantum well lasers are presented to show the highly nonuniform nature of multiple well active regions.
Panelists urge scientists to become involved in public policy issues

Most sessions at the recent AGU Fall Meeting in San Francisco focused on the presentation of scientific information. However, two special sessions organized by AGU's Committee on Public Affairs (COPA) delved into the role of geoscientists in the public policy arena. Panelists explored the sometimes touchy area of scientists as activists, and generally came out in favor of the need for scientists to not only conduct good science but try to see that their work and the overall importance of geoscience actually is incorporated into public policy decisions.
Skin grafting in the bisexual teiid lizard Cnemidophorus sexlineatus and in the unisexual C. tesselatus.

Satisfactory procedures for skin transplants have been worked out in Cnemidophorus using C. s. viridis as a pilot species. The homograft reaction occurs in this form, the first clear signs of rejection appearing on about the twelfth day after surgery. Homografts, however, are not rejected in transplants between individuals of the same populations of C. tesselatus; but skin from two of three populations in eastern Colorado are rejected when transplanted to C. tesselatus of north central New Mexico. The reciprocal transplants, in contrast, are accepted by the Colorado forms. This evidence supports the hypothesis that C. tesselatus is parthenogenetic; but it is suggested that the disparity in the behavior of the grafts between the two Colorado populations and the New Mexico population is correlated with the triploid condition of the former and the diploid condition of the latter.
Carex viridistellata sp. nov. (Cyperaceae), a New Cryptic Species from Prairie Fens of the Eastern United States

Divergence between evolutionary lineages is not always marked by the development of obvious species-specific characters, whether morphological, physiological, or ecological. Consequentially, extant biodiversity can easily be overlooked. These cryptic species are often not recognized until genetic data are in hand, as is the case for the novel taxon we describe here. Carex viridistellata in Carex section Ceratocystis is an endemic species restricted to calcareous wetlands of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana, where it has previously been collected as Carex cryptolepis. Crosses between Carex viridistellata and Carex cryptolepis produce sterile F1 hybrids, and the two species are differentiated by a number of subtle morphological characters, as well as aspects of their respective ecologies. Phylogenetic analyses of nrDNA strongly indicate monophyly of Carex viridistellata and its sister species relationship with the North Carolina narrow endemic Carex lutea. Both species constitute a distinct lineage within a generally poorly resolved section Ceratocystis. This work highlights the broad importance of cryptic taxa, with implications for fields ranging from population genetics to conservation and restoration.
A Gradient-Based Probabilistic Method for Image Feature Extraction

Image shape feature extraction by locating the exact shape boundaries has been applied in numerous research areas such as object tracking, content based image and video retrieval, robotics and biomedical imaging. Deformable active contour (snake) methods have been widely used. However, snake methods have limitations in requirement of manually initialized contour, slow convergence, random curve movement in case of missing energy forces and noise sensitivity. We develop a probabilistic model using gradient vector flow field for identifying contour curves and applications in brain MRI feature extraction. Our algorithm method performed better than popular snake-based algorithms on the simulated images and brain MR images.
Immune Recognition of Endometrial Tumor Antigens Induced by Multiparity

Abstract Objective. The risk of developing endometrial cancer is reduced with increasing parity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility that maternal immunization against fetal antigens might be elicited during pregnancy and, if so, to characterize antigens reactive with this immune response. Methods. Sera were obtained from nulliparous ( n = 9) and multiparous women ( n = 14). Cellular proteins were isolated from normal endometrium and cultured cells from early (HEC-1A) and late (KLE and RL95-2) stage endometrial cancers. These were separated by SDS–PAGE and those proteins reactive with each individual's serum were assessed by Western immunoblot. Reactive proteins were isolated from KLE tumor cells by immunoaffinity columns. Three commonly recognized proteins were identified, separated, and processed for internal microsequencing. Results. Sera from multiparous women, used as primary antibodies, recognized multiple bands on endometrial tumors, ranging from 10 to 120 kDa. Several antigens were commonly recognized by the sera of multiparous women. The three commonly recognized proteins, normally expressed by fetal tissues, were identified as cystatin A (10 kDa), epidermal fatty acid binding protein (18 kDa), and keratin 10 (54 kDa). Nulliparous women failed to recognize these antigens. Conclusion. These findings suggest that certain antigens expressed by the fetus and/or the placenta immunize women during pregnancy. This immune response may protect these women from developing endometrial cancer and explain epidemiologic findings. Future studies will explore the utility of these reexpressed fetal antigens as possible targets for active immunotherapy.
Global gauge fixing in lattice gauge theories.

We propose a covariant, nonperturbative gauge-fixing procedure for lattice gauge theories that avoids the problem of Gribov copies. This is closely related to a recent proposal for a gauge fixing in the continuum that we review. The lattice gauge-fixed model allows both analytical and numerical investigations: on the analytical side, explicit nonperturbative calculations of gauge-dependent quantities can be easily performed in the framework of a generalized strong-coupling expansion, while on the numerical side a stochastic gauge-fixing algorithm is very naturally associated with the scheme. In both applications one can study the gauge dependence of the results, since the model actually provides a "smooth" family of gauge-fixing conditions.
A workstation assessor for crew operations-WOSTAS

Abstract A computer aided interactive model (WOSTAS) has been developed at North Carolina A&T State University for workstation assessment in crew station design for communication, command, and control activities. The model utilizes the concepts of Assembly Line Balancing under ergonomie considerations.
Studies on galactose metabolism in heart and brain: the identification of D-galactose 6-phosphate in brains of galactose-intoxicated chicks and rat hearts perfused with galactose.

Abstract Leloir pathway enzyme activities of adult rat heart were present in amounts 8, 38, and 23% that of adult rat liver for galactokinase, galactose 1-phosphate uridyl transferase, and UDP-galactose 4′-epimerase, respectively. The corresponding values for the adult rat brain enzymes relative to liver were 27, 11, and 120%, respectively. Michaelis constants for the three enzymes were comparable in heart, brain, and liver of the adult rat. While diminished galactokinase activity correlated well with the established limited ability of brain and heart to metabolize galactose, the low uridyl transferase activity of adult rat brain could also contribute to its restricted galactose utilization. Rat heart and brain, but not liver, soluble enzyme preparations produced in addition to galactose 1-phosphate, a metabolite tentatively identified as galactose 6-phosphate when incubated with high concentrations of d -galactose (30 m m ). Galactose 6-phosphate was further identified in the brains of galactose-intoxicated chicks and rat hearts perfused with d -galactose by spectrophotometry and analysis by combined gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Tissue concentrations of galactose 6-phosphate were compared to selected glycolytic and galactose metabolites.
STARE system looks at ULF magnetics

STARE (Scandinavian Twin Auroral Radar Experiment) has analyzed magnetospheric ultralow frequency (ULF) waves in the ionosphere since 1977. STARE data analysis recently discussed by J. J. Singer of the Air Force Geophysics Laboratory, Massachusetts, includes new explanations of the oscillations that occur in the shell structure of the geomagnetic field (Nature, May 5, 1983, p. 17). The ULF pulsations (periods from tens of seconds to 10 min) were thought to be standing hydromagnetic waves that resonate on geomagnetic field lines. Singer describes these waves as having the unusual character of periods that increase as a function of latitude. This phenomenon may clarify the nature of their source and of the characteristics between individual oscillating geomagnetic shells. Singer notes the argument supporting the standing-wave theory as being the consistency of the wave periods with the time it takes Alfven waves to travel along geomagnetic field lines between ionospheric reflection boundaries.
North Atlantic Vibrio vulnificus surveillance from postharvest oysters at a US shellfish processing facility

Postharvest surveillance for Vibrio vulnificus by a commercial processing facility was conducted from May 2001 to September 2003. Harvest areas included the Delaware Bay, Long Island Sound and Prince Edward Island. Occurrence followed a seasonal distribution. Low densities were observed in June, increased through August, and became rare by September. Given the ubiquitous nature of marine Vibrios, it was not surprising to find V. vulnificus everywhere, which was investigated. Observations confirmed the importance of strict time/temperature and product handling practices by shellfish harvesters, dealers and processors. Mishandling led to a potentially dangerous and uncharacteristically high V. vulnificus observation.
Cardiovascular deconditioning produced by 20 hours of bedrest with head-down tilt (−5°) in middle-aged healthy men

Cardiovascular deconditioning after prolonged bedrest has been attributed to inactivity. To examine the role of the altered distribution of body fluids, 5 healthy men, aged 41 to 48 years, were studied before, during and after a 20-hour period of bedrest with head-down tilt (-5 degrees). This intervention produces a marked central shift of intravascular and interstitial fluid, but the short duration minimizes the effects of inactivity. Central venous pressure, cardiac output and stroke volume all increased significantly (p less than 0.05) from supine baseline mean values; central venous pressure from 8.6 to 12.6 cm H2O, cardiac output from 6.9 to 7.9 liters/min, and stroke volume from 104 to 113 ml after 15 minutes of tilt, but all values returned to baseline within 20 hours. Supine central venous pressure after tilt was 7.4 cm H2O, cardiac output 5.7 liters/min and stroke volume 84 ml. Blood volume decreased 0.51 liters. After tilt, orthostatic stress produced a higher heart rate (90 +/- 18 vs 68 +/- 12 beats/min). Maximal oxygen consumption decreased (2.36 +/- 0.41 vs 2.62 +/- 0.48 liters/min), mainly owing to reduced stroke volume (87 +/- 22 vs 107 +/- 18 ml, p less than 0.05). Thus, tilt produced a transient increase in central venous pressure, stroke volume and cardiac output, but supine mean values were below baseline levels after 20 hours. The post-tilt state was qualitatively and quantitatively similar to that seen after 2 to 3 weeks of bedrest or several days of spaceflight. These results are also similar to those from a previously studied group of ten 20- to 30-year-old normal men.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Very-low-temperature static magnetic properties of certain metals possibly useful as magnetic thermometers

The static magnetization of pure Al and Tl, and of Pt containing 70 ppm Fe, has been measured over the temperature range 10–400 mK. It is shown that the temperature-dependent magnetism of pure Al and Tl can be attributed to nuclear magnetism only, with calculated Curie constants 6.9×10−8 and 1.7×10−8 K, respectively. The magnetization of Pt containing 70 ppm Fe in a magnetic field of 10 Oe was found to obey a Curie-Weiss law over the entire temperature range studied. The adequacy of Cu, Al, Tl, and Pt as magnetic thermometers in the millidegree temperature region is discussed.
TH‐E‐214‐03: Converging Physical and Biological Strategies for Radiation Sensitization of Tumors Using Nanoparticles

Radiation therapy is a long‐established component of modern therapy for localized cancers. However, its ultimate utility is limited by the inherent resistance of some cancer cells to ionizing radiation. To circumvent this problem, radiationdose escalation, targeting resistance pathways or resistant cells with novel agents, or image‐guided tumor‐targeted therapy are currently being investigated. Emerging evidence from an explosion of knowledge and research regarding oncologic uses of nanoparticles suggests that unique solutions to each of these problems of radiationresistance can be formulated via the use of metallic nanoparticles. Molecular imaging and image‐guidance may be achieved using fluorescent metallic nanoparticles with size‐tunable narrow emission spectra, long fluorescence half‐lives, and resistance to photobleaching. Bioconjugated nanoparticles can be synthesized, characterized, validated and optimized for excellent spatio‐temporal resolution of tumor‐specific receptor targets. Furthermore, non‐invasive serial quantitative optical molecular imaging of cell surface receptors before and after radiation therapy (and/or targeted therapy) can serve as an early molecular treatment response indicator that guides management decisions. Metallic nanoparticles can be used to augment the efficacy of radiation therapy via physical dose enhancement based on an increase in photoelectric absorption due to the high atomic number (Z) of gold that accumulates preferentially within the tumor due to passive extravasation of nanoparticles through “leaky” tumor vasculature. This radiationdose enhancement can be heightened via biological targeting. Lastly, enhancement of radiation therapy efficacy can be achieved more biologically. Here, extrinsic actuation of tumor‐homing nanoparticles to generate mild temperature hyperthermia enhances vascular perfusion and reduces hypoxia initially and causes vascular disruption subsequently to improve radioresponse. The extrinsic energy source is light for colloidal goldnanoparticles with a large absorption cross section that absorb and scatter light strongly at a characteristic wavelength (their plasmon resonance) and have a high thermal conductivity to couple this heat to the surrounding tissue. Alternatively, the extrinsic energy source may be an alternating magnetic field for super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. These interfaces between nanotechnology and radiationoncology warrant continued investigation by interdisciplinary teams of physicists, chemists, biologists, clinicians, and engineers in industry and academia. This talk will illustrate some examples of such interactions.
Evidence of stress-induced tetragonal-to-monoclinic phase transformation during sputter deposition of yttria-stabilized zirconia

Partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) has been studied extensively, due to its high-temperature stability and stress-induced tetragonal (T)-to-monoclinic (M) martensitic phase transformation. This T ⇒ M phase transformation has been well-documented for bulk PSZ, but limited data exist for PSZ thin films. Data will be presented that support a stress-induced T ⇒ M transformation mechanism that occurs during sputter deposition in the presence of a substrate bias. Substrate bias (0–50 W) was originally applied to increase film density, modify microstructure, and vary film stress. The films were deposited using radio-frequency magnetron sputtering from a sintered yttria-stabilized zirconia target and were subsequently characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and wafer bow measurement (for stress analysis). With no substrate bias, the films exhibited a columnar grain structure that was consistent with sputter-deposited films, with a majority T phase as determined by XRD. Under higher substrate bias, wafer bow measurements indicated a steady increase in compressive stress as substrate bias increased (maximum, 310 MPa at 50-W bias), while XRD indicated a corresponding increase in the percentage of the M phase. Both SEM and TEM analyses revealed a shift from a defect-free columnar structure to one consisting of lateral intracolumnar or transgranular defects for films deposited under substrate-bias conditions. It is hypothesized that these defects form as a result of stress relief in the growing film via the T ⇒ M phase transformation due to bias-induced compressive stress.
Calculation of the Shape of S-State Electron Bubbles in Liquid Helium

We consider the shape of electron bubbles in liquid helium. Grinfeld and Kojima (Phys. Rev. Lett. 91, 105301, 2003) have shown that the in a certain pressure range the 2S electron bubble is unstable against small distortions with l=3 and loses its spherical symmetry. We report more detailed calculations of this effect and also study the behavior of the 3S and 2P bubbles.
Transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate: diagnosis, staging and management

Over a 5-year period, 21 patients were diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the prostate. Tumor was primary to the prostate in 3 patients, but was associated with TCC of the bladder in the remaining 18. Ten patients developed TCC of the prostate following intravesical therapy for TCC of the bladder. Patients were staged according to local tumor extent, with 2 having disease confined to the prostatic urothelium, 7 showing invasion into ducts and 12 with stromal involvement. None of the 21 patients had metastatic disease at diagnosis. A total of 14 patients underwent radical cystoprostatectomy as primary therapy, while the remaining 7 were managed without radical surgery, receiving intravesical therapy, transurethral resection, systemic chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, singly or in combination. Minimum follow-up was 22 months, with an average of 35 months. Twelve patients (57%) are alive with no evidence of disease, 3 (14%) are alive with tumor and 6 (29%) have died — 5 (24%) of progressive tumor.
Squark mixing in electron-positron reactions

Squark mixing plays a large role in the phenomenology of the minimal supersymmetric standard model, determining the mass of the lightest Higgs boson and the electroweak interactions of the squarks themselves. We examine how mixing may be investigated in high energy e + e reactions, both at LEP-II and the proposed linear collider. In particular, off-diagonal production of one lighter and one heavier squark allows one to measure the squark mixing angle, and would allow one to test the mass relations for the light Higgs boson. In some cases off-diagonal production may provide the best prospects to discover supersymmetry. In the context of the light bottom squark scenario, we show that existing data from LEP-II should show definitive evidence for the heavier �
Benefits of a physician-facing tablet presentation of patient symptom data: comparing paper and electronic formats

Providing patient information to physicians in usable form is of high importance. Electronic presentation of patient data may have benefits in efficiency and error rate reduction for these physician facing interfaces. Using a cancer symptom measurement tool (the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI)) we assessed the usability of patient data in its raw paper form and compared that to presentation on two electronic presentation formats of different sizes. In two separate experiments, undergraduates completed two identical six-part questionnaires on two twenty-patient MDASI data sets. In Experiment 1, participants completed one questionnaire using a paper packet and the other questionnaire using an in-house designed iPad application. In Experiment 2, MDASI data was evaluated using an iPad and iPod Touch. Participants assessed the usability of the devices directly after use. In a third experiment, medical professionals evaluated the paper and iPad interfaces in order to validate the findings from Experiment 1. Participants were faster and more accurate answering questions about patients when using the iPad. The results from the medical professionals were similar. No appreciable accuracy, task time, or usability differences were observed between the iPad and iPod Touch. Overall, the use of our tablet interface increased the accuracy and speed that users could extract pertinent information from a multiple patient MDASI data set compared to paper. Reducing the size of the interface did not negatively affect accuracy, speed, or usability. Generalization of the results to other physician facing interfaces is discussed.
Oral Hygiene Skill Achievement Index II

The oral hygiene Skill Achievement Index (S.A.I.) is a general method for the direct, quantitative evaluation of oral hygiene skill. The S.A.I. evaluates a person's ability to manipulate a toothbrush and floss in a given fashion. It is applicable to any brushing or flossing procedure. The Index was developed to fulfill all the postulated requirements of a perfect measuring instrument. The key feature of the Index is the evaluation of the position and the motion of the cleaning device on each tooth surface. Consequently, the Index provides a format for the instruction and evaluation of oral hygiene skill. Furthermore, if used in conjunction with other dental indices, it enables one to evaluate hygiene procedures and devices in a controlled fashion.
Technology-based state growth policies: the case of North Carolina’s Green Business Fund

US technology-based initiatives at the state level continue to emphasize regional economic development and job growth. Many are now also focused on green technologies. This paper describes one such green program, the North Carolina Green Business Fund. Based on an analysis of 24 funded R&D projects in 2008 and 2009, we find that 59 new full-time equivalent jobs were created in the short run through this program. We also find that those organizations that can attract greater additional financial support for their research generate more jobs. Lastly, we find that university involvement in these projects tempers job losses among projects discontinued early as well as job growth among those that commercialized their technologies. We cautiously offer, because of limited data, recommendations to states with similar programs to create structures to advise technology-based research organizations about sources of additional financial resources.
The use of risdon cables in pediatric maxillofacial trauma: a technique revisited

Although less common than adult fractures, fractures of the pediatric maxillofacial skeleton present unique challenges. Different considerations including variations of anatomy including tooth buds, dental variations, as well as considerations for future growth must be addressed. When traditional techniques to treat adult fractures are applied for securing intermaxillary fixation (IMF) such as arch bars, difficulty arises because the primary teeth are shorter and conventional arch bar techniques may slip off intra or postoperatively. We present a technique to achieve both IMF as well as interdental stability using a Risdon cable. Although this technique is not new, we present it as our preferred method for treating pediatric fractures of the facial skeleton where IMF must be accomplished.
A Role-Playing Exercise for Development and International Economics Courses.

A role-playing exercise is described in which students play the roles of various ministers advising the president in the resolution of the macroeconomic problems that arise with a natural resource boom. A framework for role playing is presented that has applications beyond this single issue.
Abstract 4007: Different patterns of Akt and ERK feedback activation in response to allosteric and active-site mTOR inhibitors in comparison to metformin in pancreatic cancer cells.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC The mTOR pathway is aberrantly stimulated in many cancer cells, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and thus it is a potential target for therapy. However, the mTORC1/S6K axis also mediates negative feedback loops that attenuate signaling via insulin/IGF receptor and other tyrosine kinase receptors. Suppression of these feedback loops unleashes over-activation of upstream pathways that potentially counterbalance the antiproliferative effects of mTOR inhibitors. Here, we demonstrate that treatment of PANC-1 or MiaPaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells with allosteric mTOR inhibitors (rapamycin and everolimus) or active-site mTOR inhibitors (KU63794 and PP242) suppressed p70S6K and S6 phosphorylation induced by insulin and the GPCR agonist neurotensin. Rapamycin and everolimus caused a striking increase in Akt phosphorylation at Ser473 while the active-site inhibitors of mTOR completely abrogated Akt phosphorylation at this site. Conversely, active-site inhibitors of mTOR cause a marked increase in ERK activation whereas rapamycin and everolimus did not have any stimulatory effect on ERK activation. Exposure to the compound A66, a selective inhibitor of the 110α catalytic subunit of PI3K, did not prevent enhancement of ERK activation in response to exposure to either KU63794 or PP242, implying that KU63794 and PP242 enhance ERK via a novel PI3K-independent pathway. These results suggest that active-site inhibitors, in contrast to mTORC1 allosteric inhibitors, enhanced ERK through a PI3K-independent pathway. In contrast, metformin which potently inhibited the mTORC1/S6K axis did not cause over-stimulation of Akt phosphorylation on Ser473 and inhibited mitogen-stimulated ERK activation in PDAC cells. Thus, the effects of metformin on Akt and ERK activation are strikingly different from allosteric or active-site mTOR inhibitors in PDAC cells, though all these agents potently inhibited mTORC1/S6K. Metformin is emerging as a potential novel agent in cancer chemoprevention. We propose that the favorable effects of metformin on preventing over-activation of pro-oncogenic pathways, such as Akt and ERK, may contribute to its beneficial anticancer effects. Citation Format: Heloisa P. Soares, Ni Yang, James Sinnett-Smith, Robert Kui, Enrique Rozengurt. Different patterns of Akt and ERK feedback activation in response to allosteric and active-site mTOR inhibitors in comparison to metformin in pancreatic cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4007. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4007
A Cyclic Nucleotide-dependent Chloride Conductance in Olfactory Receptor Neurons

Whole-cell membrane currents were recorded from olfactory receptor neurons from the neotenic salamander Necturus maculosus. Cyclic nucleotides, released intracellularly by flash photolysis of NPE-caged cAMP or NPE-caged cGMP, activated a transient chloride current. The chloride current could be elicited at constant voltage in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ as well as in the presence of 3 mm intracellular Ca2+, suggesting that the current did not require either voltage or Ca2+ transients for activation. The current could be elicited in the presence of the protein kinase inhibitors H-7 and H-89, and in the absence of intracellular ATP, indicating that activation was independent of protein kinase A activity. These results suggest that Necturus olfactory receptor neurons contain a novel chloride ion channel that may be directly gated by cyclic nucleotides.
A note on block variables in multiequation models

Abstract This paper seeks to further refine the efforts of Coleman (Social Science Research 5 , 1–20, 1976) and Igra (Social Science Research 8 , 253–264, 1979) to develop summary regressionlike coefficients for causal models involving blocks of conceptually related variables, using Heise's (Sociological Methods and Research 1 , 147–173, 1972) strategy of explicitly representing block concepts as unobserved intervening variables in a multiequation model. Such models can be estimated using the maximum-likelihood techniques of Joreskog and Sorbom (LISREL IV: Analysis of Linear Structural Relationships by the Method of Maximum Likelihood, International Educational Services, Chicago, 1978) . The procedure proposed leads to (a) an unambiguous definition of block variables in terms of their constituent variables; (b) a clear definition of effects of conceptual variables on one another, and on single response variables, and a reduced model formulated in terms of conceptual variables only; and (c) a clear decomposition of correlations between conceptual variables into direct effects, indirect effects, and unanalyzed components. Numerical illustration is provided.
Review of Life Satisfaction Measures for Adolescents

Over the past decade, promoting the psychological wellbeing of adolescents has been the subject of increasing interest. To this end, a number of scales have been constructed that specifically assess life satisfaction among adolescents. Using specific selection criteria, the present study reviewed the psychometric properties of five life satisfaction measures available for use with adolescent populations. These scales were the Students' Life Satisfaction Scale, the Satisfaction With Life Scale, the Perceived Life Satisfaction Scale, the Comprehensive Quality of Life Scale - School Version, and the Multidimensional Students' Life Satisfaction Scale. Suggestions for future research are also discussed.
Reduced Folic Acid Analogues as Antimetabolites

HYDROGENATION of the folic acid analogues aminopterin (4-aminopteroylglutamic acid) and amethopterin (N10-methyl-4-aminopteroylglutamic acid) is reported to result in diminished antibacterial activity1,2 against Streptococcus faecalis R (A.T.C.C. 8043) and Pediococcus cerevisiae (A.T.C.C. 8081). In view of the lability of tetrahydrofolic acid it seemed desirable to repeat these experiments taking precautions to avoid destruction of the reduced analogues ; hence they were added to the assay medium in a potassium ascorbate solution after autoclaving3. The ascorbate did not greatly affect the growth of either organism. The media employed were similar to those described4,5