cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimates of nutrient removal, displacement and loss resulting from harvest and site preparation of a Pinus taeda plantation in the piedmont of north Carolina

Abstract Biomass and nutrient removal and redistribution were estimated for combinations of two levels of harvest utilization (stem-only vs. complete tree) and two methods of site preparation (chop/broadcast burn vs. shear-pile/disk) in the Piedmont of North Carolina. Stem-only harvest removed 57 kg ha −1 N, 5 kg ha −1 P, 35 kg ha −1 K, 52 kg ha −1 Ca and 14 kg ha −1 Mg. Complete-tree harvest increased N, P, K, Ca and Mg removal over stem-only harvest by 216, 304, 152, 254 and 151%, respectively, although biomass removal was increased by only 65%. Estimated displacement of N and P into windrows during site preparation depended on harvest utilization, but generally exceeded harvest removals by at least 200%. Nutrient losses resulting from broadcast burning were small, primarily due to ineffectual burns. Removals, displacements and/or losses of nutrients during harvest and intensive site preparation were equal for both harvest utilization levels. These amounted to 714 kg ha −1 of total N in biomass and soil, and 46, 154, 481 and 88 kg ha −1 of P, K, Ca and Mg, respectively, in biomass and Mehlich III soil extractions.
Effect of flow fields on the performance of micro-direct methanol fuel cells

Abstract This study evaluated the performance of micro-direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) with four kinds of flow fields fabricated on silicon wafers by microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology. The flow fields and membrane electrolyte assembly (MEA) of 2.25 cm 2 active area were assembled to micro-DMFCs. These micro-DMFCs yielded the maximum power densities ranged from 11 to 23 mW cm −2 for the methanol solution concentrations of 1 M, 2 M, 3 M, 4 M and 5 M at the temperature of 20 ± 1 °C. The maximum power densities implied that under the ambient temperature and low flow rate of methanol solution, performance of micro-DMFCs with different flow fields was sorted as: double-channel serpentine (DSFF) > single-channel serpentine (SSFF) > mixed multichannel serpentine with wide channels (MMFW) > mixed multichannel serpentine with narrow channels (MMFN) flow field. Increasing the flow rate of methanol solution from 0.0503 to 0.1128 ml min −1 , performance of all micro-DMFCs was improved. Further increasing the rate to 0.3479 from 0.1128 ml min −1 , the maximum power densities of micro-DMFCs with MMFW and MMFN increased, however, those of micro-DMFCs with SSFF and DSFF decreased. When the electric load was changed, the micro-DMFC with SSFF took a longer time to reach a stable power output than other micro-DMFCs.
Hidden Russian Treasures: Mineral Carvings at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science

10.1080/00357529.2011.600681-F0001 Figure 1. Master craftsman Vasily Konovalenko. Photos by Rick Wicker, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, unless otherwise noted. 10.1080/00357529.2011.600681-F000...
Measurements of the transverse sound phase velocity in superfluid3He-B

Abstract We have observed an evolving standing wave pattern with 60.8 MHz transverse sound in superfluid3He-B at pressures between 1 and 3 bar. We have used this data to measure the change in the inverse of the phase velocity as a function of temperature, and have made comparisons with the existing theory at 2.49 bar.
Modification of mean wake flow behind a very slender axisymmetric body of revolution by imposed nonlinear unstable helical modes

For a sufficiently slender axially symmetric body placed in a uniform stream, only convectively unstable modes are found in previous experiments. This work imposes theoretically and computationally a pair of most unstable helical modes, symmetrically and asymmetrically. The Reynolds stress modification of the developing laminar mean wake flow is modified into an elliptic-like cross section for symmetrical forcing; the consequences of unequal upstream amplitudes are also explored. Energy-transfer mechanisms between the mean flow and the relevant dominant modes and between the modes through ‘triad interactions’ are studied. The results from dynamical considerations provide the physical understanding of the generation of a standing wave mode at twice the azimuthal wavenumber; it is necessary that the wave envelopes of participating modes, including that of the mean flow, overlap in their spatial development, which is a necessary supplement to kinematical conditions for such interactions to take place effectively. Standing wave motions, which are otherwise only found naturally in wakes behind blunt-trailing-edge axisymmetric bodies, can be rendered present through appropriate forcing and nonlinear interactions behind very slender axisymmetric bodies.
Unilateral left prefrontal transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) produces intensity-dependent bilateral effects as measured by interleaved BOLD fMRI

Abstract Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) administered over the prefrontal cortex has been shown to subtly influence neuropsychological tasks, and has antidepressant effects when applied daily for several weeks. Prefrontal TMS does not, however, produce an immediate easily observable effect, making it hard to determine if one has stimulated the cortex. Most prefrontal TMS studies have stimulated using intensity relative to the more easily determined motor threshold (MT) over motor cortex. Five healthy adults were studied in a 1.5 T MRI scanner during short trains of 1 Hz TMS delivered with a figure eight MR compatible TMS coil followed by rest epochs. In a randomized manner, left prefrontal TMS was delivered at 80%, 100% and 120% of MT interleaved with BOLD fMRI acquisition. Compared to rest, all TMS epochs activated auditory cortex, with 80% MT having no other areas of significant activation. 100% MT showed contralateral activation and 120% MT showed bilateral prefrontal activation. Higher intensity TMS, compared to lower, in general produced more activity both under the coil and contralaterally. Higher prefrontal TMS stimulation intensity produces greater local and contralateral activation. Importantly, unilateral prefrontal TMS produces bilateral effects, and TMS at 80% MT produces only minimal prefrontal cortex activation.
Dimensions of modelling: Generality and integrativeness

Webb has articulated a clear, multi-dimensional framework for discussing simulation models and modelling strategies. This framework will likely co-evolve with modelling. As such, it will be important to continue to clarify these dimensions and perhaps add to them. I discuss the dimension of generality and suggest that a dimension of integrativeness may also be needed.
JAK2V617F-Mediated Phosphorylation of PRMT5 Downregulates Its Methyltransferase Activity and Promotes Myeloproliferation

The JAK2V617F constitutively activated tyrosine kinase is found in most patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms. While examining the interaction between JAK2 and PRMT5, an arginine methyltransferase originally identified as JAK-binding protein 1, we found that JAK2V617F (and JAK2K539L) bound PRMT5 more strongly than did wild-type JAK2. These oncogenic kinases also acquired the ability to phosphorylate PRMT5, greatly impairing its ability to methylate its histone substrates, and representing a specific gain-of-function that allows them to regulate chromatin modifications. We readily detected PRMT5 phosphorylation in JAK2V617F-positive patient samples, and when we knocked down PRMT5 in human CD34+ cells using shRNA, we observed increased colony formation and erythroid differentiation. These results indicate that phosphorylation of PRMT5 contributes to the mutant JAK2-induced myeloproliferative phenotype.
Constrictive pleuritis and pericarditis

Abstract This patient had tuberculous pericarditis with cardiac constriction, plus bilateral tuberculous pleurisy. Pericardiectomy served to relieve the cardiac tamponade. He then developed an extreme limitation of his respiratory excursion, which apparently led to his death. Autopsy revealed an actively tuberculous constrictive thickening of the pericardium covering the heart, and a similar limiting structure completely encompassing the lungs. There was an interesting parallelism between the effect of the pericardial lesion on the heart and that of the pleural lesion on the lung. Each interfered with the expansion and filling of an organ which must expand and fill to carry out its essential function. Because of this functional similarity, it appears reasonable to apply to the pleural affection the term that is accepted as descriptive of the pericardial one. Hence, it is referred to as constrictive pleuritis .
Effect of absorption on the diffusion coefficient of classical waves in random media with microstructure resonances

The effect of absorption on the diffusion constant of classical waves propagating in media with randomly positioned Mie scatterers is studied. Profound changes including a significant increase in the diffusion constant are found and attributed to the growth of the transport mean free path in the vicinity of Mie resonances.
Gravitational effects on plant growth hormone concentration

Numerous studies, particularly those of H. Dolk in the 1930's, established by means of bio-assay, that more growth hormone diffused from the lower, than from the upper side of a gravity-stimulated plant shoot. Now, using an isotope dilution assay, with 4,5,6,7 tetradeutero indole-3-acetic acid as internal standard, and selected ion monitoring-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry as the method of determination, we have confirmed Dolk's finding and established that the asymmetrically distributed hormone is, in fact, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). This is the first physico-chemical demonstration that there is more free IAA on the lower sides of a geo-stimulated plant shoot. We have also shown that free IAA occurs primarily in the conductive vascular tissues of the shoot, whereas IAA esters predominate in the growing cortical cells. Now, using an especially sensitive gas chromatographic isotope dilution assay we have found that the hormone asymmetry also occurs in the non-vascular tissue. Currently, efforts are directed to developing isotope dilution assays, with picogram sensitivity, to determine how this asymmetry of IAA distribution is attained so as to better understand how the plant perceives the geo-stimulus.
Are the motility abnormalities of achalasia reversible? An experimental outflow obstruction in the feline model.

Abstract Background: Experimental and clinical evidence suggests that the loss of esophageal body function in achalasia may be a result of the outflow obstruction of a nonrelaxing, hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter. The reversibility of such abnormalities has implications to the timing of therapeutic interventions. This study was designed to evaluate the evolution and reversibility of motility abnormalities resulting from esophageal outflow obstruction in cats. Methods: Twenty adult cats were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 4 cats that underwent laparotomy as a sham procedure. Group 2 consisted of 16 cats that underwent surgical placement of a loose Gore-tex expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (W. L. Gore, Elkton, Md) band calibrated to 110% of the circumference of the gastroesophageal junction. The band was removed from 4 randomly selected cats each at 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks after placement. Esophageal manometry was performed before placement of the band, at weekly intervals after placement of the band, and after removal of the band. The resting pressure and percent relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), in addition to amplitude, duration, and propagation of esophageal body contractions, were measured at each interval. Data are expressed as median and interquartile range and compared with use of the Mann-Whitney U test for independent samples. Results: The LES resting pressure remained unchanged after placement of the band, but sphincter compliance was reduced, as manifested by a significant reduction in the percent of sphincter relaxation (98% prebanding, 65% postbanding, P
GnuStream: a P2P media streaming system prototype

We present the design and prototype of GnuStream, a peer- to-peer (P2P) and receiver-driven media streaming system. GnuStream is built on top of Gnutella, and it integrates dynamic peer location and streaming capacity aggregation. Each GnuStream streaming session is controlled by the receiver peer and involves a dynamic set of peer senders instead of one fixed sender. The receiver aggregates streaming bandwidth from the multiple senders, achieving load distribution and fast reaction to sender capacity and on/off-line status changes. The effectiveness of GnuStream is demonstrated by our experiments with its prototype, which serves as the basis for real-world development and evaluation of resilient P2P media streaming services.
Toward a real-time positioning system for a portable EMI sensor

The Portable Decoupled Electromagnetic Induction Sensor (Pedemis) is a new instrument designed to provide diverse, high-quality data for detection and discrimination of unexploded ordnance in rocky, treed, or otherwise forbidding terrain. It consists of a square array of nine transmitters and a similar arrangement of receivers that measure all three vector components of the time-dependent magnetic field at nine different locations. The receiver assembly can be fixed to the transmitters or detached from them for enhanced flexibility and convenience. The latter mode requires a positioning system that finds the location of the receivers with respect to the transmitters at any time without hampering portability or requiring communication with outside agents (which may be precluded by field conditions). The current system examines the primary field during the transmitters’ on-time phase and optimizes to find the location at which it is most likely to obtain the combination of measured values. We have developed an algorithm that computes mutual inductances analytically and exploits their geometric information to predict location. The method does full justice to Faraday’s Law from the start and incorporates the fine structure of both transmitters and receivers; it is exact and involves only elementary functions, making it unnecessary to set up and monitor approximations and guaranteeing robustness and stability everywhere; it uses a fraction of the memory and is orders-of-magnitude faster than methods based on numerical quadrature. We have tested the algorithm on the current Pedemis prototype and have obtained encouraging results which we summarize in this paper.
Real-Time Control of the Hand by Intracortically Controlled Functional Neuromuscular Stimulation

The purpose of this study was to develop an animal model to evaluate the efficacy of a brain machine interface (BMI) to control a neuroprosthesis intended to restore hand function via functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS). We have implemented the system in a single primate, whose limb could be temporarily paralyzed by a reversible peripheral nerve block Recordings from the primary motor cortex were obtained from a 100-electrode array in the intact monkey, and used to predict the activity of a variety of wrist and hand muscles. These predictions were calculated in real-time, and used as inputs to a 4 channel neuromuscular stimulator for electrically activating the paralyzed muscles. Here we demonstrate that the BMI can be used to restore voluntary control of wrist flexion following muscle paralysis.
Current-mode readout cicuits with pixel-level logarithmic ADC for IR FPA applications

This paper presents a novel current-mode readout circuits based on logarithmic analog-to-digital converter (LADC) for high speed and high background current infrared focal-plane-array (IR FPA) imaging. With the implementation of LADC, the photocurrent can be directly converted to digital value in pixel level. Zero reset noise is achieved with continuous operation of photodetectors to further reduce the fixed-pattern-noise (FPN) across the FPA. An experimental 64times64 pixel array, each consisting of an n-well/p-substrate photodiode and LADC, has been designed and simulated in standard 0.18 mum CMOS technology. The pixel unit occupies an area of 55 mumtimes55 mum with a fill factor of 25%. The LADC has a logarithmic linearity of 98% over 80 dB input dynamic range. The proposed IR FPA readout circuits can operate at a frame rate of 5000 fps with a power consumption of 9.7 muW per pixel.
Coastal Boundary Layer Characteristics during Summer Stratification in Lake Ontario

Abstract Simultaneous measurements of Eulerian and Lagrangian currents along the north shore of Lake Ontario are analyzed to provide the mean flow properties and horizontal turbulent exchange characteristics in the coastal boundary layer (CBL). The summer coastal boundary layer is characterized by a frictional boundary layer (FBL) of a width of ∼3 km, in which shore and bottom friction affects the flow. In this regime the currents are predominantly shore parallel and persistent. The outer boundary layer also called an inertial boundary layer (IBL), typically of the order of 5–6 km wide, is a consequence of the adjustment of inertial oscillations to the lateral boundary. During the summer season within the CBL, the current motions are associated with thermocline displacements. The eastward (westward) wind stress causes thermocline elevation (depression) causing upwelling (downwelling). The mean subsurface westward currents associated with downwelling events are typically stronger in comparison to weak east...
Dissecting Arabidopsis Pollen-Stigma Interactions Reveals Novel Mechanisms that Confer Mating Specificity

We are dissecting the mechanisms that govern the initial cell cell interactions during reproduction in the flowering plant, Arabidopsis thaliana. Unlike most animal cell-cell contacts, plant cells interact through elaborate cell walls and extracellular matrices. The initial contacts between the male pollen and female stigma cells include specific and selective binding of appropriate pollen by the stigma, rapid pollen-recognition, pollen hydration, and pollen tube formation. We have measured the first step in Arabidopsis reproduction, the adhesion of pollen to the stigma, at the single cell level a binding that is surprisingly strong and specific. The pollen coat, a lipid- and protein-rich matrix that enshrouds pollen, does not mediate this specific adhesion, but instead enables pollen stigma signalling and pollen hydration. Mutants that abolish this matrix have proven fruitful in elucidating the pollen coat's roles at the pollen-stigma interface. Pollen from such mutants adheres to the stigma at levels indistinguishable from wild type, indicating that binding molecules reside in the exine, but do not hydrate. Interestingly, a genetic screen for pollen adhesion mutants has defined one individual that exhibits aberrant exine. A reverse-genetic approach will further our understanding of the function of pollen coat proteins in coat integrity, signalling and hydration. Biochemical analyses will unravel the functions of the coat lipids. Experiments involving the application of exogenous purified lipids can bypass pollen hydration specificity, inducing heterologous grains to hydrate and germinate pollen tubes. These many approaches promise to enhance our understanding of the myriad of unique interactions that occur at the pollenstigma interface. ©D 2000 Annals of Botany Company
Minimally invasive esophagectomy

Over the past decade, minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has become an accepted surgical approach for esophageal malignancy as well as certain benign conditions. When performed at high-volume centers, MIE results in morbidity, mortality, and oncological outcomes similar to those of open esophagectomy while offering the advantages inherent to minimally invasive surgery. MIE techniques have evolved from the intial hybrid approaches of thoracoscopy combined with laparotomy to the present combination of laparoscopy and thoracoscopy for a totally minimally invasive esophagectomy. Whereas the totally minimally invasive approach is technically demanding and associated with a significant operator learning curve, it is an excellent option for esophageal resection. In our experience, MIE is associated with a reduction in blood loss, decreased respiratory complications, improved pain cotrol, and a decrease in hospital length of stay.
GDI-1 Phosphorylation Switch at Serine 96 Induces RhoA Activation and Increased Endothelial Permeability

We identified the GDI-1-regulated mechanism of RhoA activation from the Rho-GDI-1 complex and its role in mediating increased endothelial permeability. Thrombin stimulation failed to induce RhoA activation and actin stress fiber formation in human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells transduced with full-length GDI-1. Expression of a GDI-1 mutant form (C-GDI) containing the C terminus (aa 69 to 204) also prevented RhoA activation, whereas further deletions failed to alter RhoA activation. We observed that protein kinase Calpha-mediated phosphorylation of the C terminus of GDI-1 at Ser96 reduced the affinity of GDI-1 for RhoA and thereby enabled RhoA activation. Rendering GDI-1 phosphodefective with a Ser96 --> Ala substitution rescued the inhibitory activity of GDI-1 toward RhoA but did not alter the thrombin-induced activation of other Rho GTPases, i.e., Rac1 and Cdc42. Phosphodefective mutant GDI-1 also suppressed myosin light chain phosphorylation, actin stress fiber formation, and the increased endothelial permeability induced by thrombin. In contrast, expressing the phospho-mimicking mutant S96D-GDI-1 protein induced RhoA activity and increased endothelial permeability independently of thrombin stimulation. These results demonstrate the crucial role of the phosphorylation of the C terminus of GDI-1 at S96 in selectively activating RhoA. Inhibiting GDI-1 phosphorylation at S96 is a potential therapeutic target for modulating RhoA activity and thus preventing the increase in endothelial permeability associated with vascular inflammation.
Comparative ultrastructural analysis of two tortoise bladders, Testudo graeca and Geochelone carbonaria

Urinary bladders from the desert tortoises, Testudo graeca and Geochelone carbonaria were removed at specific times during the year and studied by electron microscopy. Three epithelial cell types were found in both species in all bladders examined: (1) granular cells, (2) mitochondria-rich cells, and (3) basal cells. Cells analogous to these three types have also been observed in amphibian bladders (from to ad Bufo marinus and bullfrog, Rana catesbiana) and reptilian bladders (from Pseudemys scripta and Clemmys caspica). Both tortoises have an incomplete layer of basal cells so that the granular and mitochondria-rich cells extend from the lumen to the basement membrane: some thing not observed in bladders from bullfrog or turtles. A flask-shaped light cell was observed in the Geochelone carbonaria bladder obtained in April. No counterpart of this cell was seen in the same species sacrificed in January, or in any of the Testudo graeca bladders, although a similar cell has been described in the turtle, Pseudemys scripta (Rosen, Expt. Molec. Path., 12: 286–296, 1970). This study was undertaken to characterize the cell types present in tortoise bladder and to compare them with cell types in the bladder of the turtle, bullfrog and toad.
Upper Bounds for Set Systems with the Identifiable Parent Property

We derive upper bounds on the size of set systems having the c-identifiable parent property (c-IPP) and the c-traceability property (c-TA).
The national survey of student engagement as a predictor of undergraduate GPA: a cross‐sectional and longitudinal examination

Data from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) collected across seven years were used to predict final, cumulative grade point averages (GPA). Cross‐product regression was used to explore the predictive abilities of the NSSE benchmark scores for freshmen (n = 2578) and seniors (n = 2293) collected in cross‐sectional cohorts. Hierarchical regression was also used with 127 longitudinal responses in students’ first and senior years of college. In the cross‐sectional analyses, Level of Academic Challenge emerged as a significant predictor of GPA for freshmen, whereas the Active and Collaborative Learning benchmark was a significant predictor for seniors; both effects were modest. The cross‐sectional data explained 22.6% of the variance with 18.2% of this variance accounted for by pre‐college control factors (American College Test score and high school GPA). For the analysis of longitudinal data, 31.3% of the variance was explained and 27.8% was attributed to the pre‐college indicators. No benchmar...
Multiple Actors and Contested Terrains Strategies of Pro-poor Action in Contemporary Urban Restructuring

Neoliberal approaches to urban restructuring may favor the wealthier and more powerful, but neoliberalism alone cannot account for the varied outcomes found among poor urban residents. Using field studies and documentary research on five cities in French-speaking West Africa and India, this study looks comparatively at how different groups use multiple forms of power to pursue individual and collective benefits. Dominant structures produced contradictory discourses that created spaces that served as terrains of struggle between the more and less powerful. Rich and poor created cross-class alliances that sometimes brought incremental benefits to the poor; the poor also used their agency to pursue individual advancement and collective resistance. These efforts have not changed the basic structures, but they have improved urban living conditions.
Comparison of Commercial Latex Agglutination and Sandwich Enzyme Immunoassays with a Competitive Binding Inhibition Enzyme Immunoassay for Detection of Antigenemia and Antigenuria in a Rabbit Model of Invasive Aspergillosis

A commercial latex agglutination assay (LA) and a sandwich enzyme immunoassay (SEIA) (Sanofi Diagnostics Pasteur, Marnes-la-Coquette, France) were compared with a competitive binding inhibition assay (enzyme immunoassay [EIA]) to determine the potential uses and limitations of these antigen detection tests for the sensitive, specific, and rapid diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA). Toward this end, well-characterized serum and urine specimens were obtained by using a rabbit model of IA. Serially collected serum or urine specimens were obtained daily from control rabbits or from rabbits immunosuppressed and infected systemically with Aspergillus fumigatus. By 4 days after infection, EIA, LA, and SEIA detected antigen in the sera of 93, 93, and 100% of A. fumigatus-infected rabbits, respectively, whereas antigen was detected in the urine of 93, 100, and 100% of the rabbits, respectively. False-positive results for non-A. fumigatus-infected rabbits for EIA, LA, and SEIA were as follows: for serum, 14, 11, and 23%, respectively; for urine, 14, 84, and 90%, respectively. Therefore, although the sensitivities of all three tests were similar, the specificity was generally greater for EIA than for LA or SEIA. Infection was also detected earlier by EIA, by which the serum of 53% of A. fumigatus-infected rabbits was positive as early as 1 day after infection, whereas the serum of only 27% of the rabbits tested by LA was positive. Although the serum of 92% of A. fumigatus-infected rabbits was positive by SEIA as early as 1 day after infection, the serum of a high percentage (50%) was false positive before infection. The urine of 21% of A. fumigatus-infected rabbits was positive by EIA as early as 1 day after infection, and the urine of none of the rabbits was false positive before infection. When EIA results for urine specimens were combined with those for serum, sensitivity was improved (i.e., 67% of rabbits were positive by 1 day after infection and only one rabbit gave a false-positive result). A total of 93% of A. fumigatus-infected rabbits were positive for antigen in urine as early as 1 day after infection and the urine of 100% of the rabbits was positive by SEIA. However, before infection, 79% of A. fumigatus-infected rabbits were false positive for antigen in urine by LA and 90% were false positive for antigen in urine by SEIA. These data indicate that the EIA has the potential to be used to diagnose IA with both serum and urine specimens and to detect a greater number of infections earlier with greater specificity than the specificities achieved with the commercial tests.
Low-Dose Consolidation Radiation Therapy for Early-Stage Unfavorable Hodgkin Lymphoma

Purpose The German Hodgkin Study Group (GHSG) trial HD11 established 4 cycles of doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) and 30 Gy of radiation therapy (RT) as a standard for early stage (I, II), unfavorable Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Additional cycles of ABVD may allow for a reduction in RT dose and improved toxicity profile. Methods and Materials Patients treated with combined modality therapy at the Duke Cancer Institute for early stage, unfavorable HL by GHSG criteria from 1994 to 2012 were included. Patients who did not undergo post-chemotherapy functional imaging (positron emission tomography or gallium imaging) or who failed to achieve a complete response were excluded. Clinical outcomes were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Late effects were also evaluated. Results A total of 90 patients met inclusion criteria for analysis. Median follow-up was 5 years. Chemotherapy consisted primarily of ABVD (88%) with a median number of 6 cycles. The median dose of consolidation RT was 23.4 Gy. Four patients had relapses, 2 of which were in-field. Ten-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 93% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82-0.97) and 98% (95% CI: 0.92-0.99), respectively. For the subset of patients (n=46) who received 5 to 6 cycles of chemotherapy and ≤24 Gy, the 10-year PFS and OS values were 88% (95% CI: 70%-96%) and 98% (95% CI: 85% - 99%), respectively. The most common late effect was hypothyroidism (20%) with no cardiac complications. Seven secondary malignancies were diagnosed, with only 1 arising within the RT field. Conclusions Lower doses of RT may be sufficient when combined with more than 4 cycles of ABVD for early stage, unfavorable HL and may result in a more favorable toxicity profile than 4 cycles of ABVD and 30 Gy of RT.
Semantic Models For Parallel Computers

past designs and experience. As a design tool for computer systems, a semantic model defines an formal interface (contract) between a user (an application program) and an implementor (the computer system designer). The semantic model must incorporate mechanisms for dealing the issues that must be addressed if the pro”&ctzve benefits of designing parallel computers on the basis of a sound and complete se computation are to be achieve view the weakchitectures for massively paralt out how these are illustrative design of multiprocessor sysmon informal semantic models that are used as the basis for programming purallel cornpqip nd the ways in which they are unsatisfactory. *y poant out the requirements to support the modular construction of software and note 2h.e implications these principles have for a satasfactory general semantic model.
Optical bonding and antibonding forces in asymmetric geometries for Casimir force detection

The optical bonding (attractive) and antibonding (repulsive) forces between a suspended, holey Silicon membrane and a Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) substrate are shown to offer a sensitive new method for plane-plane geometry Casimir force detection.
Molecular Mechanisms of Immunity in Corneal Allotransplantation and Xenotransplantation

Corneal allotransplantation is the most common and successful form of solid organ transplantation in humans. In uncomplicated cases, the two-year graft survival rate is over 90%. This extraordinary success can be attributed in part to various features of the normal cornea and anterior segment that together account for their ‘immune-privileged’ status. However, despite this success, a significant number of corneal grafts fail and immunological rejection remains by far the leading cause of graft failure. Studies on animal models of corneal transplantation have yielded a wealth of information on the molecular and cellular features of graft rejection, and have established that this process is mediated primarily by CD4+ T cells of the T helper 1 (Th1) phenotype. In addition, studies have elucidated that certain facets of allosensitisation differ between corneal and other solid organ transplants. On the basis of these findings, novel experimental strategies selectively targeting the afferent or efferent arms of corneal alloimmunity have provided promising results in preventing corneal allograft rejection in the laboratory. Finally, because of the global shortage of human donor corneas, there is currently renewed interest in the possibility of using corneas from other species for transplantation into human eyes (xenotransplantation). Preliminary studies on animal models of corneal xenotransplantation have documented both antibody-mediated and cell-mediated responses that might play important roles in the accelerated rejection observed in corneal xenotransplants. This review synthesises the principal concepts emerging from studies of the molecular mechanisms in corneal transplant immunology.
LAPAROSCOPIC MID SAGITTAL HEMICYSTECTOMY AND BLADDER RECONSTRUCTION WITH SMALL INTESTINAL SUBMUCOSA AND REIMPLANTATION OF URETER INTO SMALL INTESTINAL SUBMUCOSA: 1-YEAR FOLLOWUP

Purpose: We evaluated the long-term results of laparoscopic hemicystectomy and bladder replacement with small intestinal submucosa (SIS) with ureteral reimplantation into the SIS material. Materials and Methods: A total of 12 minipigs underwent laparoscopic hemicystectomy. Six pigs underwent bladder reconstruction with SIS and ipsilateral ureteral reimplantation. The remaining 6 control pigs underwent hemicystectomy and primary bladder closure with ipsilateral nephroureterectomy. Preoperative and followup evaluations included blood chemistry, radiography and urodynamic evaluations. The 6, 3, 6 and 9-week, and 12-month followup evaluations included biopsies. At 1 year the animals were sacrificed. Histopathological and contractility studies, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction for growth factors and basement membrane components were performed. Results: Bladder capacity and bladder compliance were similar in the 2 groups at all time points. One pig per group died, that is a control at the 9-month evaluation due to an anesthetic complication and an SIS pig 7 months after bladder reconstruction due to spontaneous bladder rupture at the anastomotic site. In the SIS group 4 of 5 surviving pigs had unobstructed reimplanted ureters without evidence of hydroureteronephrosis, while 1 had high grade obstruction at the reimplantation site. Histopathology study after 1 year revealed muscle at the graft periphery and center but it consisted of small fused bundles with significant fibrosis. Nerves were present at the graft periphery and center but they were decreased in number. Conclusions: Laparoscopic SIS bladder reconstruction and ureteral reimplantation into the SIS after hemicystectomy are technically feasible. However, compared to primary bladder closure no advantage in bladder capacity or compliance was documented.
Functional Neuroimaging and Electrophysiology Biomarkers for Clinical Trials for Cognition in Schizophrenia

"Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia" or MATRICS is a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)--sponsored research effort to drive novel drug development for the treatment of cognitive impairments in schizophrenia. On September 9-10, 2004, MATRICS convened representatives from NIMH, academia, and industry for the final of a series of consensus-oriented conferences, with this meeting entitled "New Approaches to Assessing and Improving Cognition in Schizophrenia." In this article, we present a summary of the discussions that focused on functional neuroimaging and electrophysiology biomarkers, outlining the research priorities, which included developing further consensus regarding the cognitive processes that are critical to examine in schizophrenia and the paradigms to examine them, resolving issues of test-retest reliability and discrepant findings in the literature, and additional basic research regarding the methods before fully implementing these paradigms in drug trials. Also summarized are the relative advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches and varying perspectives among the participants regarding these tools. Our hope is that this report will help guide and further stimulate coordinated efforts among researchers, industry, and funding agencies in meeting the urgent need for novel pharmacotherapeutics for cognitive impairments in schizophrenia and useful neurobiological indexes for tracking the resulting improvements in cognitive function.
Clonal Spread of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli O128:H45 Strain in the Neonate Unit.

Abstract Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) has the potential to cause nosocomial infantile diarrhea in a hospital setting. We detected 12 ETEC serotype O128:H45 isolates from diarrheal neonates in our neonatal unit from July through October 2012. These infants developed hospital-acquired and epidemiologically related diarrhea. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis and multilocus sequence typing of these 12 isolates suggested that a specific clone of ETEC serotype O128:H45-CS21-ST2332 caused nosocomial diarrhea among neonates. Of concern, this ETEC clone strain was resistant to multiple drugs, particularly third-generation cephalosporins.
An animal model to study regenerative endodontics.

Abstract Introduction A growing body of evidence is demonstrating the possibility for regeneration of tissues within the pulp space and continued root development in teeth with necrotic pulps and open apices. There are areas of research related to regenerative endodontics that need to be investigated in an animal model. The purpose of this study was to investigate ferret cuspid teeth as a model to investigate factors involved in regenerative endodontics. Methods Six young male ferrets between the ages of 36–133 days were used in this investigation. Each animal was anesthetized and perfused with 10% buffered formalin. Block sections including the mandibular and maxillary cuspid teeth and their surrounding periapical tissues were obtained, radiographed, decalcified, sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin-eosin to determine various stages of apical closure in these teeth. Results The permanent mandibular and maxillary cuspid teeth with open apices erupted approximately 50 days after birth. Initial signs of closure of the apical foramen in these teeth were observed between 90–110 days. Complete apical closure was observed in the cuspid teeth when the animals were 133 days old. Conclusions Based on the experiment, ferret cuspid teeth can be used to investigate various factors involved in regenerative endodontics that cannot be tested in human subjects. The most appropriate time to conduct the experiments would be when the ferrets are between the ages of 50 and 90 days.
Semantic modalities in content-based retrieval

This paper analyzes the assumption that the meaning of an image is an inherent property that can be derived from the image data alone, and shows that this assumption is not always adequate. The paper defines three different modalities in which images acquire meaning, and introduces the three query models deriving from them. The first query model is the standard one of databases, and is not considered. The second entails a generalized view of relevance feedback, and the third entails an analysis of the relationship between images and text. These two modalities constitute the focus of the paper.
The utility of conventional and molecular pathology in managing breast cancer

Pathology currently plays a central role in the interdisciplinary management of breast cancer by establishing the diagnosis, estimating untreated clinical outcome (prognosis), and predicting responsiveness to specific types of therapy (prediction). Establishing the diagnosis of invasive breast cancer (IBC) is the first and most critical responsibility of pathologists. It is primarily based on microscopic evaluation of tissue samples, which most often begins with evaluation of image-guided core biopsies obtained by radiologists. The diagnosis of IBC initiates prompt therapy by other members of the interdisciplinary team. Typically, this first involves surgeons, who excise the tumor (lumpectomy or mastectomy) as well as some (sentinel) or all of the lymph nodes in the ipsilateral axilla. Surgery is usually followed by various types of adjuvant therapy managed by radiation and medial oncologists, as well as social/psychological support by mental health professionals. Pathologists also evaluate the excised tumor and lymph nodes to determine other important prognostic and predictive features, and the results are essential for deciding on adjuvant therapies. These features include identification of the histologic type of IBC. Five major types are currently recognized [1,2]. Four are characterized by relatively unique/ uniform histologic features and favorable clinical outcomes, and thus they are referred to as ‘special’ histologic types [1,3,4]. Collectively, the special types account for about 25% of all IBCs, and include the so-called invasive lobular, tubular, mucinous, and medullary carcinomas (approximately 15%, 5%, 3%, and 2%, respectively). The remaining 75% of IBCs are histologically and prognostically very heterogeneous, and they are referred to as ‘no-special-type’ carcinomas or, more commonly, as ‘ductal’ carcinomas, which is a more historical term [1,2]. Although the prognosis of ductal carcinomas is generally worse than that of the special types (with the exception of lobular carcinomas), this varies across a wide continuum from very good to very poor.
THE PREDICTABILITY OF DISCREPANCY MEASURES OF ROLE CONSTRUCTS

Ratings of effectiveness of critical work behaviors of the job of patrol officer were used to study role ambiguity and role conflict. Patrol officers (n= 53), who had volunteered for the project, completed: (a) effectiveness ratings of 45 critical incidents written for the job of patrol officer; (b) a role incumbent questionnaire on ambiguity and conflict (Rizzo, House, and Lirtzman, 1970); peer ratings using behavioral expectation scales; and (c) the Job Descriptive Index (Smith, Kendall, and Hulin, 1969). Sixteen sergeants who supervised the above officers also made effectiveness ratings of the same 45 critical incidents for the job of patrol officer and completed performance evaluations of the 53 officers using a mixed- standard scale and an overall graphic scale. Sixteen additional patrol officers completed peer ratings on 16 officers who could not be rated by volunteers. An operational measure of role ambiguity was derived by taking the square of the differences in the effectiveness ratings of each of the 45 critical incidents by each officer and his/her sergeant. An operational measure of role conflict was derived by taking the square of the difference in effectiveness ratings of the 45 critical incidents between the sergeant and a partner of the focal person. Results indicated the discrepancy measure of ambiguity was significantly related (p <.05) to the sergeants' overall performance ratings, satisfaction with the work itself, and satisfaction with supervision. The discrepancy measure of conflict was not significantly related to any organizational outcomes. The Rizzo et al. (1970) ambiguity and conflict scales were significantly correlated with the sergeants' overall rating and job satisfaction with the work itself and supervision. Multiple regression analyses indicated that the Rizzo et al. measures and the discrepancy measure of ambiguity all contributed independent, significant portions of the explained variance in the sergeants' overall performance ratings and in patrol officer satisfaction with work and supervision.
Parsing Images into Regions, Curves, and Curve Groups

In this paper, we present an algorithm for parsing natural images into middle level vision representations--regions, curves, and curve groups (parallel curves and trees). This algorithm is targeted for an integrated solution to image segmentation and curve grouping through Bayesian inference. The paper makes the following contributions. (1) It adopts a layered (or 2.1D-sketch) representation integrating both region and curve models which compete to explain an input image. The curve layer occludes the region layer and curves observe a partial order occlusion relation. (2) A Markov chain search scheme Metropolized Gibbs Samplers (MGS) is studied. It consists of several pairs of reversible jumps to traverse the complex solution space. An MGS proposes the next state within the jump scope of the current state according to a conditional probability like a Gibbs sampler and then accepts the proposal with a Metropolis-Hastings step. This paper discusses systematic design strategies of devising reversible jumps for a complex inference task. (3) The proposal probability ratios in jumps are factorized into ratios of discriminative probabilities. The latter are computed in a bottom-up process, and they drive the Markov chain dynamics in a data-driven Markov chain Monte Carlo framework. We demonstrate the performance of the algorithm in experiments with a number of natural images.
Defect detection of flip chip solder bump with wavelet analysis of laser ultrasound signals

A novel laser ultrasound and interferometer inspection system has been successfully applied to detect interconnection defects including missing, misaligned, open, and cracked solder bumps in flip chips, chip scale packages and chip capacitors. In this paper, wavelet analysis of ultrasound vibration signals is presented and compared to previous methods, including error ratio and correlation coefficient. Wavelet analysis increases the sensitivity to defect detection of flip chip solder bumps. The versatility of the system for inspecting flip chips solder joints made from eutectic and lead-free materials is discussed. The results show that wavelet analysis is a strong tool for ultrasound vibration signal processing. Wavelet analysis has the capability for real-time processing and can improve the efficiency of on-line evaluation. The fully developed system can be used online and serve as a real-time inspection tool for solder bump interconnections in the manufacturing process of electronic packages. It can be concluded that the developed system is capable for quality inspection of solder bumps made from tin-lead and lead-free materials.
Longitudinal study of perceived negative impact in African American and Caucasian mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder

The purpose of this study was to examine the stability of mothers' perceptions of the negative impact of having a child with ASD in a sample of African American and Caucasian families as their children transitioned to early adolescence. Participants were mothers and children participating in an ongoing longitudinal study of children referred for diagnosis of ASD at age two. Analyses included data from two time points, when child participants were approximately 9 and 14 years old. Linear mixed model analyses were used to examine the relationship between the primary outcome variable, mothers' perceived negative impact across time, and hypothesized predictors. Negative impact increased significantly from late childhood to into adolescence. However, African American mothers with lower education reported significantly lower levels of perceived negative impact at both time points. Findings show that for some families, the transition to adolescence is a period in which mothers experience increased amounts of negative impact and highlight the importance of examining the influence of socioeconomic variables. Furthermore, data suggest that there may be cultural differences mediating the relationship between maternal education, ethnicity, and perceived negative impact. Implications for the importance of including families from varying levels of socioeconomic status in ASD research are discussed.