cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epilogue: The Imperial Endgame after Eden

On February 3, 1960, Harold Macmillan stood before the South African parliament as the first ever serving British prime minister to visit Africa. His six-week tour of the continent had already taken him to Ghana and Nigeria, the first of which achieved independence only weeks after he had moved to No. 10 Downing Street. Now he faced a skeptical audience of parliamentarians who were committed to an apartheid system of white rule. Holding nothing back, Macmillan praised the South Africans for the “immense material progress” they had achieved in sixty years of union but warned them that in the past fifteen years, the processes of nationalism that had given birth to the nation-states of Europe were spreading throughout the rest of the world and had finally come to Africa. Uttering what would become his most famous phrase, he stated: “The wind of change is blowing through this continent, and, whether we like it or not, this growth of national consciousness is a political fact. We must all accept it as a fact, and our national policies must take account of it.”1
Preliminary Evidence Supports Modification of Retraction Technique to Prevent Needlestick Injuries

A modified retraction technique was introduced into the DDS degree preclinical anesthesia course in 2011 with the goal of reducing needlestick exposure incidents. In numerous studies of dental exposures, injuries from dental anesthetic needles account for the highest proportion of all exposures. The purpose of this study was to assess the preliminary impact of a modified retraction technique on the incidence of blood and body fluids (BBF) exposure incidents associated with needles during injection. Data from evaluations of students from 2014 and 2015 were obtained and tracked to determine whether the modified retraction technique was "excellent," "clinically acceptable," or "clinically unacceptable." Data were collected to determine if the patient perceived the modified retraction technique as "comfortable" or "correctable when addressed" to help improve student technique for future injections. Likewise, data from the blood-borne exposure database where all information related to BBF exposures is recorded were reviewed and the information separated by year and class. This study presents preliminary data only and because of the small sample size does not lend itself to validation by statistical analysis. However, the technique effectively removes the operator's hand from the field during injection, reducing the risk of accidental intraoral needlestick to the nondominant hand of the operator.
Think Tanks in America

Think tanks have become familiar actors in American politics, with their operatives supplying advice to policy-makers and analysis to the news media. On occasion some think tanks effectively serve ...
Lag-free terminal voltage sensing in low-pass filtered PWM converters

Several high-performance control algorithms for ac machine drives and other applications require accurate knowledge of the instantaneous converter output voltages. The use of a simple low-pass filter to remove the PWM switching frequency harmonics from the AC voltage measurements introduces undesirable amplitude and phase lag errors into the voltage measurements. This work presents compensation functions that make it possible to compensate these measured filter output voltages for both amplitude and phase lag errors introduced by zero-order-hold samplers and two different types of PWM algorithms. The impact of the selected filter time constant and the required accuracy of the compensating equations relative to the ADC accuracy are also addressed, leading to identification of the optimal filter break frequency for maximum accuracy.
Post-traumatic stress disorder in the perinatal period: A concept analysis

Aims and objectives To report an analysis of the concept of perinatal post-traumatic stress disorder. Background Prevalence of perinatal post-traumatic stress disorder is rising in the USA, with 9% of the U.S. perinatal population diagnosed with the disorder and an additional 18% being at risk for the condition. Left untreated, adverse maternal–child outcomes result in increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Design Concept analysis via Walker and Avant's approach. Methods The databases Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Medline, Academic Search Premier and PsychINFO were searched for articles, written in English, published between 2006–2015, containing the terms perinatal and post-traumatic stress disorder. Results Perinatal post-traumatic stress disorder owns unique attributes, antecedents and outcomes when compared to post-traumatic stress disorder in other contexts, and may be defined as a disorder arising after a traumatic experience, diagnosed any time from conception to 6 months postpartum, lasting longer than 1 month, leading to specific negative maternal symptoms and poor maternal–infant outcomes. Attributes include a diagnostic time frame (conception to 6 months postpartum), harmful prior or current trauma and specific diagnostic symptomatology defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition. Antecedents were identified as trauma (perinatal complications and abuse), postpartum depression and previous psychiatric history. Consequences comprised adverse maternal–infant outcomes. Conclusions Further research on perinatal post-traumatic stress disorder antecedents, attributes and outcomes in ethnically diverse populations may provide clinicians a more comprehensive framework for identifying and treating perinatal post-traumatic stress disorder. Relevance to clinical practice Nurses are encouraged to increase their awareness of perinatal post-traumatic stress disorder for early assessment and intervention, and prevention of adverse maternal–infant outcomes.
Nonlinear evolution of a thin anodic film

The formation of pores in anodic aluminium oxide films is treated with a model equation. The model treats the oxide layer as a thin viscous liquid in two dimensions. Surface tension on the top boun...
$$\delta $$-MAPS: From fMRI Data to Functional Brain Networks

We propose \(\delta \)-MAPS, a spatio-temporal data analysis method that identifies functionally distinct, possibly overlapping, spatially contiguous regions in the brain, referred to as “domains”, and infers the functional (i.e., correlation-based) connections between them. The proposed network inference method examines the statistical significance of each lagged cross-correlation between two domains, infers a range of lag values for each edge, and assigns a weight to each edge based on the covariance of the signal of the two domains. We illustrate the application of \(\delta \)-MAPS on cortical resting-state fMRI data.
Linear Viscoelasticity of Concentrated Emulsions

The linear viscoelastic response of an ordered dense emulsion is explored by numerical simulation. At concentrations below maximum packing, the stress relaxation is dominated by a single time scale associated with lubrication, which diverges at maximum packing. For concentrations above maximum packing, the stress relaxation is dominated by fast time scales of the order of the drop relaxation time. A slow time scale appears but does not dominate.
Effects of Cooperative Learning on the Performance of Sixth-Grade Physical Education Students

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the effects of a cooperative learning strategy in physical education on academic learning time, the percentage of correct trials, the total number of trials, and correct trials. A cooperative learning strategy, Performer and Coach Earn Rewards (PACER), was implemented in a sixth-grade physical education class. Four children (two boys and two girls) participated. An ABAB withdrawal design was used to assess the effects of PACER during an 18-day unit of instruction. Functional relationships were demonstrated for the percentage of correct trials for all participants. Interestingly, low-skilled students performed as well as their average- and highly skilled counterparts.
Review of the Visions for the Global Engineering Education Workshops

The Third Global Engineering Education Workshop begins with a review of the previous two workshops. The partner engineering schools for these workshops are: Virginia Tech, USA; Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Switzerland; Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble, France, and RWTH Aachen, Germany. The partners invited engineering educators and professionals around the world to discuss the changes needed in engineering education to produce successful engineers for the 21st century. This review places the third workshop in perspective relative to the conclusions of the previous two workshops.
Attacking Graph Convolutional Networks via Rewiring

Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) have boosted the performance of many graph related tasks such as node classification and graph classification. Recent researches show that graph neural networks are vulnerable to adversarial attacks, which deliberately add carefully created unnoticeable perturbation to the graph structure. The perturbation is usually created by adding/deleting a few edges, which might be noticeable even when the number of edges modified is small. In this paper, we propose a graph rewiring operation which affects the graph in a less noticeable way compared to adding/deleting edges. We then use reinforcement learning to learn the attack strategy based on the proposed rewiring operation. Experiments on real world graphs demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework. To understand the proposed framework, we further analyze how its generated perturbation to the graph structure affects the output of the target model.
Parent Health Literacy and Communication With Diabetes Educators in a Pediatric Diabetes Clinic: A Mixed Methods Approach

Low health literacy is associated with poor communication between adults and providers, but little is known about how parents' health literacy influences communication in pediatric encounters. We examined how parent health literacy affected communication between parents and diabetes educators in a pediatric diabetes clinic. A mixed methods study was conducted including a cross-sectional survey of 162 parents and semi-structured interviews with a subsample of 24 parents of a child with Type 1 diabetes. Parent and child characteristics, parents' report of quality of communication, and parent health literacy were assessed. Logistic regression was performed to determine associations between health literacy and 4 subscales of the Interpersonal Processes of Care (IPC) survey; directed content analyses of interview data were completed. Although health literacy was not significantly associated with the IPC subscales, results from directed content analyses revealed different communication experiences for parents by health literacy classification. Low health literate parents were confused by diabetes jargon, preferred hands-on teaching, and wished for information to be communicated in simple language, broken down into key points, and repeated. Parents with adequate health literacy wanted comprehensive information communicated through ongoing dialogue. Findings indicate that learner-driven curricula may be most appropriate for diabetes education.
An End-to-End Deep Learning Pipeline for Emphysema Quantification Using Multi-label Learning

We propose and validate an end-to-end deep learning pipeline employing multi-label learning as a tool for creating differential diagnoses of lung pathology as well as quantifying the extent and distribution of emphysema in chest CT images. The proposed pipeline first employs deep learning based volumetric lung segmentation using a 3D CNN to extract the entire lung out of CT images. Then, a multi-label learning model is exploited for the classification creation differential diagnoses for emphysema and then used to correlate with the emphysema diagnosed by radiologists. The five lung tissue patterns which are involved in most lung disease differential diagnoses were classified as: ground glass, fibrosis, micronodules (random, perilymphatic and centrilobular lung nodules), normal appearing lung, and emphysematous lung tissue. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first end-to-end deep learning pipeline for the creation of differential diagnoses for lung disease and the quantification of emphysema. A comparative analysis shows the performance of the proposed pipeline on two publicly available datasets.
Racial/ethnicity differences in endorsing influential factors for prostate cancer treatment choice: An analysis of data from the personal patient profile-prostate (P3P) I and II trials.

Abstract Objective Rates and choice of treatment for localized prostate cancer vary according to race/ethnicity in American men. We hypothesized that there were group differences in influential values and preferences related to treatment decisions. Methods We analyzed samples from 2 multicenter, randomized trials of the Patient Profile-Prostate (P3P) I and II decision aid, first comparing the groups on other demographic and decisional variables using Chi-square tests. Stratified (P3P I vs. II) logistic regression was then used to assess the univariate association between race/ethnicity and endorsement of moderate-or-strong influence of 14 lifestyle factors, current or future symptoms, or important others on the decision. A multivariable stratified logistic regression with backward variable selection was used to further estimate the association between influential factors and race/ethnicity. Results There were 494 and 392 participants in P3P I and P3P II, respectively, with 40 Hispanic, 168 non-Hispanic black, 637 non-Hispanic white, 19 others and 6 missing. Age (P = 0.0001), education (P Conclusion Our results suggest racial/ethnic differences for influences underlying treatment choice. Better understanding these influences may help us present salient information about treatment options to patients and address disparities.
Dynamic Leveraging–Deleveraging Games

We endogenize the dynamics of a large borrower’s leverage based on a new type of game among the lender, the leveraging/deleveraging game. Leverage is mean reverting around a long-run level and expl...
The relationship among BSN students' employment, educational, and health-related characteristics and semester grades: A multi-site study.

Abstract Background While many nursing students work during clinical semesters, little is known about employment characteristics and relationships among employment, academic success and other variables. Purpose To describe the demographic, educational, and health-related characteristics of clinical nursing students and the relationships among employment, semester grades and other characteristics. Method Descriptive, correlational. Results Participants were BSN students (N = 1014) from four southern US universities who were 22.6 years old (SD = 4.6) and most likely to be Caucasian (N = 832, 82%) never married (N = 852, 84%) females (N = 886, 87%) with mean GPA of 2.97 (SD = 0.61). Most students (N = 670, 66%) reported semester employment averaging 16.7 (SD = 8.3) hours/week. Although no relationship was found between hours worked and semester GPA (r = −0.017, p = .588), race/ethnicity (F [2, 1003] = 19.87, p Conclusion While employment status did not influence GPA, race/ethnicity and amount of reported sleep did. Additional research is needed to provide evidence-based advisement recommendations for employed students.
The Cryo-EM structure of pannexin 1 reveals unique motifs for ion selection and inhibition.

Pannexins are large-pore forming channels responsible for ATP release under a variety of physiological and pathological conditions. Although predicted to share similar membrane topology with other large-pore forming proteins such as connexins, innexins, and LRRC8, pannexins have minimal sequence similarity to these protein families. Here, we present the cryo-EM structure of a frog pannexin 1 (Panx1) channel at 3.0 A. We find that Panx1 protomers harbor four transmembrane helices similar in arrangement to other large-pore forming proteins but assemble as a heptameric channel with a unique constriction formed by Trp74 in the first extracellular loop. Mutating Trp74 or the nearby Arg75 disrupt ion selectivity, whereas altering residues in the hydrophobic groove formed by the two extracellular loops abrogates channel inhibition by carbenoxolone. Our structural and functional study establishes the extracellular loops as important structural motifs for ion selectivity and channel inhibition in Panx1.
The socially parasitic ant Polyergus mexicanus has host‐associated genetic population structure and related neighbouring colonies

The genetic structure of populations can be both a cause and a consequence of ecological interactions. For parasites, genetic structure may be a consequence of preferences for host species or of mating behaviour. Conversely, genetic structure can influence where conspecific interactions among parasites lay on a spectrum from cooperation to conflict. We used microsatellite loci to characterize the genetic structure of a population of the socially parasitic dulotic (aka "slave-making") ant (Polyergus mexicanus), which is known for its host-specificity and conspecific aggression. First, we assessed whether the pattern of host species use by the parasite has influenced parasite population structure. We found that host species use was correlated with subpopulation structure, but this correlation was imperfect: some subpopulations used one host species nearly exclusively, while others used several. Second, we examined the viscosity of the parasite population by measuring the relatedness of pairs of neighbouring parasitic ant colonies at varying distances from each other. Although natural history observations of local dispersal by queens suggested the potential for viscosity, there was no strong correlation between relatedness and distance between colonies. However, 35% of colonies had a closely related neighbouring colony, indicating that kinship could potentially affect the nature of some interactions between colonies of this social parasite. Our findings confirm that ecological forces like host species selection can shape the genetic structure of parasite populations, and that such genetic structure has the potential to influence parasite-parasite interactions in social parasites via inclusive fitness.
Occupational Lung Disease

Occupational lung disease (OLD) refers to a variety of disorders that affect the lungs following inhalation of dusts or chemical antigens in the work setting. OLD is an important public health issue and responsible for approximately 70% of all deaths from occupational diseases (Weston, IARC Sci Publ 163:387–405, 2011). Pneumoconioses comprise a subset of OLD that is defined as an interstitial lung disease caused by the inhalation of inorganic mineral dust. Other common work-related lung diseases include occupational asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis secondary to the exposure to dusts or antigens from a growing list of inciting agents.
Employee-Generated Intellectual Property Ownership and Rewards: A Comparison of the UK’s and China’s Approach

This article investigates the optimality of laws in the United Kingdom (UK) and China governing employees’ rights to intellectual property (IP) and the rewards employers provide to employees for IP they create. A basic three-part analytical framework is developed regarding how an inappropriately designed IP law can undermine its original intentions of improving economic efficiency and innovation: It can undermine natural rights, it can be overly burdensome, and it can be overly ambiguous. This framework is applied through an analysis of the text of key laws and court decisions, as well as a review of secondary sources. It is argued that the laws governing employees’ rights to patents and inventor rewards schemes in China and the UK are less than optimal for innovation and economic efficiency, and therefore could be improved.
A universal etching method for synthesizing high-performance single crystal cathode materials

Abstract LiNixMnyCo1-x-yO2 (NMC) is considered the most appealing cathode material due to its high energy density and low cost. However, the stability and safety concerns, caused by the degradation of polycrystalline cathode materials during cycling, have restricted their practical applications. To overcome this shortcoming, converting polycrystalline cathode to high-performance single-crystal cathode materials becomes an appealing solution. Here, a universal etching approach is firstly developed to synthesize single-crystal cathode materials. The rate performance of the obtained single-crystal NMC111 is 10–15% more than that of polycrystalline NMC111 whereas the capacity retention of single-crystal NMC111 is enhanced by ~12% after 300 cycles at 0.5C. The obtained single-crystal NMC622 exhibits a pronounced improvement in rate performance, especially at high rates (~28.6% better at 5C and ~129% better at 10C) and has a comparable cycle performance compared to polycrystalline NMC622. Altogether, the findings propose an alternative approach to generate single-crystal particles with high energy density and cycle stability for the next generation lithium-ion batteries.
The labour-market consequences of generational crowding.

This paper attempts to distinguish between two alternative views of the labour-market problems faced by young workers in a number of industrialized countries in the 1970s and early 1980s. The first view is that the low relative earnings and high unemployment rates experienced by these cohorts were largely age-related; the second is that they are a consequence of large cohort size. A multi-country empirical analysis indicates that large cohort size tends to have a negative effect on the expected earnings (product of earnings and the employment-to-labour-force ratio) of a cohort; there is, moreover, a marked trade-off between the relative-earnings effect and the relative-employment effect, with large cohort sizes reducing relative earnings in some countries and relative employment in others. More detailed data for the USA show that the relatively low wages and high unemployment of the ‘unlucky’ cohorts have tended to converge to the patterns that would have resulted had the cohorts been more ‘normal’ in size, but that their lifetime income has been permanently reduced. Finally, baby-boom cohorts in several countries are shown to have been absorbed in a wide range of industries rather than through expansion of the traditionally youth-intensive industries.
Discreet mutations from c-Rel to v-Rel alter kappaB DNA recognition, IkappaBalpha binding, and dimerization: implications for v-Rel oncogenicity.

The avian Rev-T retrovirus encodes the oncoprotein v-Rel, a member of the Rel/nuclear factor (NF)-κB transcription factor family. The aggressive oncogenic potential of v-Rel has arisen from multiple mutations within the coding sequence of the avian cellular protein c-Rel. In this study, using quantitative biochemical experiments, we have tested the role of a limited set of alterations between v-Rel and c-Rel located within the Rel homology region (RHR) of the family that might confer functional differences. Our results show that only a set of six mutations within the RHR of v-Rel are responsible for its ability to bind to a broad spectrum of κB-DNA that are normally regulated by distinct NF-κB dimers. We also observe that both v-Rel homodimer and p50/v-Rel heterodimer bind IκBα weakly compared to other cellular Rel/NF-κB dimers with transcription activation potential. We suggest that the ability of v-Rel homodimer to deregulate subunit-specific gene expression and its ability to evade IκB inhibition are crucial to its strong oncogenic potential.
Development of small molecule mitochondria-targeted antioxidants for radioprotection

4410 We have previously demonstrated that overexpression of MnSOD protects cells from irradiation damage by reduction of superoxide and inhibition of subsequent production of peroxynitrite resulting in stabilization of the mitochondria. To develop new compounds for radioprotection we have attached a gramicidin (GS)-peptide isotere linker that facilitates transportation of proteins into the mitochondria to the antioxidant 4-amino-Tempo (4-AT) and the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor 2-amino-5,6-dihydro-6-methyl-4H-1,3-thiazine (AMT) to concentrate the inhibitions in the mitochondria. Initial experiments were performed with two GS-Tempo derivatives (XJB-5-125 or XJB-5-131) or two AMT derivatives (XJB-5-127 or XJB-5-133). To demonstrate concentration of the compounds into the mitochondria, 32D cl 3 cells were incubated in the presence of 100 μM of XJB-5-125, XJB-5-127, XJB-5-131, XJB-5-133, tempol or AMT for 1 hour at which time the mitochondria were isolated and analyzed by mass spectrometry. There was no detectable uptake of 4-AT or AMT into the mitochondria but there was significant uptake of XJB-5-125, 127, 131 or 133 in the mitochondria. Localization of 4-AT to the mitochondria using the mitochondrial leader sequence resulted in increased radiation resistance. Irradiation survival curves were performed on 32D cl 3 cells incubated in 100 μM XJB-5-125, 10 μM XJB-5-131 or 100 μM 4-AT for 1 hour and irradiated to doses ranging from 0 to 800 cGy. The cells were plated in methylcellulose and colonies of greater than 50 cells were counted 7 days later. Cells incubated in XJB-5-125 or XJB-5-131 had increased radiation resistance as shown by an increased shoulder on the survival curve (n=18.24) compared to 32D cl 3 cells only or cells incubated in 4-AT (n=7.47 or 5.82, respectively). The mitochondrial localized AMT (XJB-5-127 or XJB-5-133) also exhibited increased radiation resistance. Irradiation survival curves were performed by incubating 32D cl 3 cells for 1 hour in 10 or 100 μM AMT, XJB-5-127 or XJB-5-133 and irradiating the cells at doses ranging from 0 to 800 cGy. Radiation survival curves at 10 μM revealed no significant change in the D0 between AMT and the mitochondrial linked XJB-5-125 or XJB-5-133. At 100 μM there was a significant increase in the D0 of 1.925 Gy for AMT compared to 1.281 for control 32D cl 3. The two AMT conjugates with the mitochondria linker had a higher D0 of 2.771 or 3.317 Gy compared to the AMT of 1.925 and the 32D cl 3 at 1.281. Using probes specific for peroxynitrite, 32D cl 3 cells incubated in 10 μM or 100 μM of XJB-5-127 or XJB-5-133 produced no peroxynitrite following irradiation while control cells or cells incubated in AMT produced peroxynitrite. The mitochondrial localization was necessary in preventing production of peroxynitrite. These results demonstrate the importance of localization of antioxidants or NOS inhibitors to the mitochondria in protecting cells from irradiation.
Accurate Fast Capacitance Measurements for Reliable Device Characterization

The performance and reliability of highly scaled devices are becoming increasingly dominated by transient phenomena. Recently, fast capacitances versus voltage (CV) measurements have been gaining attention as a promising measurement tool to characterize the transient phenomena. However, fast CV has mainly been limited to monitoring stress-induced deviations in accumulation capacitance due, at least in part, to the inability to accurately measure the full CV. In this paper, we identify and mitigate the measurement considerations required to obtain a remarkably accurate correspondence between a complete fast CV measurement, from accumulation to inversion, and a conventional CV measurement on the same device. The results indicate that fast CV can be a potentially powerful tool for device characterization and reliability measurements.
Purification of T Cell Subpopulations

This unit describes a procedure for isolating T cell populations or subpopulations using the method of indirect panning. In this method, cells are selected by their capacity to bind to antibody-coated plates on the basis of particular cell-surface markers. It is superior to the antibody/complement lysis method (also presented) because the nonselected cell population can be retrieved.
Expert opinion on extinction risk and climate change adaptation for biodiversity

Despite projections of biodiversity loss and proposed adaptations to climate change, few data exist on the feasibility and effectiveness of adaptation strategies in minimizing biodiversity loss. Given the urgent need for action, scientific experts can fill critical information gaps by providing rapid and discerning risk assessment. A survey of 2,329 biodiversity experts projects, on average, that 9.5% of species will become extinct due to climate change within the next 100 years. This average projection is low relative to previously published values but substantial in absolute terms, because it amounts to a loss of hundreds of thousands of species over the next century. The average projection increases to 21% when experts are asked to estimate the percentage of species that will become extinct within the next 100 years due to climate change in combination with other causes. More than three-quarters of respondents reported being uncertain about their extinction estimates. A majority of experts preferred protected areas or corridors to reduce extinction risk but identified ex situ conservation and no intervention as the most feasible strategies. Experts also suggest that managed relocation of species, a particular adaptation strategy, is justifiable and effective in some situations but not others. Justifiable circumstances include the prevention of species extinction and overcoming human-made barriers to dispersal, and while experts are divided on the potential effectiveness of managed relocation for most taxonomic groups, higher percentages predict it effective for woody plants, terrestrial insects, and mammals. Most experts are open to the potential benefits of managed relocation but are concerned about unintended harmful consequences, particularly putting non-target species at risk of extinction. On balance, published biodiversity scientists feel that managed relocation, despite controversy about it, can be part of the conservation adaptation portfolio.
B → X s μ + μ − in technicolor with scalars model

We compute the flavor-changing neutral current process B{r_arrow}X{sub s}{mu}{sup +}{mu}{sup {minus}} in technicolor with scalars model. We find that the branching ratio can be enhanced relative to that of the standard model by as much as 60{percent}. The full parameter space of the model is consistent with the present CLEO and CDF exclusive limits. However, the viability of the model could soon be tested since the decay signals are expected to be observed in the next few years with the upgraded CLEO detector and in CDF run II. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Choline-related supplements improve abnormal plasma methionine-homocysteine metabolites and glutathione status in children with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND: Liver triacylglycerol accumulation and oxidative stress are common in cystic fibrosis (CF) and also occur in choline deficiency. Previously, we showed an association between elevated plasma homocysteine, reduced ratios of S-adenosylmethionine to S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAM:SAH) and of phosphatidylcholine to phosphatidylethanolamine, and phospholipid malabsorption in children with CF. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to address a possible relation between altered methionine-homocysteine metabolism and choline metabolism in children with CF. DESIGN: Children with CF were assigned without bias to supplementation with 2 g lecithin/d (n = 13), 2 g choline/d (n = 12), or 3 g betaine/d (n = 10) for 14 d. Plasma concentrations of methionine, adenosine, cysteine, cysteinyl-glycine, glutathione, glutathione disulfide (GSSG), and fatty acids; SAM:SAH; and red blood cell phospholipids were measured within each group of children with CF before and after supplementation. Plasma from healthy children without CF (n = 15) was analyzed to obtain reference data. RESULTS: Children with CF had higher plasma homocysteine, SAH, and adenosine and lower methionine, SAM:SAH, and glutathione:GSSG than did children without CF. Supplementation with lecithin, choline, or betaine resulted in a significant increase in plasma methionine, SAM, SAM:SAH, and glutathione:GSSG and a decrease in SAH (n = 35). Supplementation with choline or betaine was associated with a significant decrease in plasma SAH and an increase in SAM:SAH, methionine, and glutathione:GSSG. Supplementation with lecithin or choline also increased plasma methionine and SAM. CONCLUSION: We showed that dietary supplementation with choline-related compounds improves the low SAM:SAH and glutathione redox balance in children with CF.
SU-E-J-160: Motion Analysis and 3D Plane Fit Through the Tumor Center of Mass Positions in the 4DCT Data Set

Purpose: To model GTV’s center of mass (COM) motion planes based on 4DCT lung data sets and establish possible correlation with the GTV’s size and/or location as an aid in defining adequate GTV margins based on the most prominent motion amplitude in the 3D space. Methods: For the modeling of the COM motion throughout the respiratory phases, eleven lung cancer patients were used and the least square fitting was applied. The least square fitting generally involves either data smoothening or apparent trend identification. Quadratic minimization, singular value decomposition, orthogonal projections (orthogonal regression), are ways to find a least square solution. The linear least squares method was initially used for the planar fitting of the 3D point data. Evaluation of the goodness of fit was performed through the root mean square deviations (root mean square error, RMSE) and normalized RMSE (NRMSE) values. Results: The summed square of residuals of the fit method varied from 0.02 to 0.26 cm and the coefficient of determination from 0.04 to 0.89, while RMSE ranged from 0.05 to 0.13 and NRMSE from 0.11 to 0.29. The most prominent motion was in the transverse and sagittal planes. A correlation was found between the best fit motion plane and the GTV size and/or location. In the lower GTVs, when maximum SI was 1.5, AP and RL motions were 0.87 and 1.0 cm, respectively. This Result confirms the need for margins larger than 0.5 cm for these GTVs. Conclusion: The lower RMSE and NRMSE values showed that for each patient a good planar fit can be achieved for the COM motion path. Knowing the GTV size and location, a good estimate of the motion plane in the 3D space can be made. The required dosimetric margins can be easily calculated knowing only one motion extent and motion plane angle.
Functional Cerebral Systems Theory: An Integrated Brain

The challenge now is to appreciate the concerted interactions of multiple brain regions in performing one or another functional activity. The Wernicke–Geschwind model is intimate to this discussion as the model provides a fundamental framework for the flow of information interactively across specialized brain areas. Carl Wernicke proposed an early model of language, which was elaborated upon and expressed again by Norman Geschwind, with the two now sharing credit for its inception. This language-based system might be used to understand the underlying processes in reading and, therefore, a reading disability of one or of another form.
Noncontrast dynamic 3D intracranial MR angiography using pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (PCASL) and accelerated 3D radial acquisition.

Purpose To develop a novel dynamic 3D noncontrast magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) technique that combines dynamic pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (dynamic PCASL), accelerated 3D radial sampling (VIPR), and time-of-arrival (TOA) mapping to provide quantitative assessment of arterial flow. Materials and Methods Digital simulations were performed to investigate the effects of acquisition scheme and sequence parameters on image quality and TOA mapping fidelity. Five patients with vascular malformations (arteriovenous malformation [AVM] = 3, dural arteriovenous fistula [DAVF] = 2) were scanned and the images were compared to digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for the ability to identify the arterial supply, AVM location, nidus size, and venous drainage. Results Digital simulations demonstrated reduced image artifacts and improved TOA accuracy using radial acquisition over Cartesian. TOA mapping accuracy is more sensitive to sampling window length than time spacing. Dynamic PCASL MRA depicted seven of eight arterial pedicles, and accurately measured the AVM nidus size when the nidus was compact. The venous drainage in the AVM patients was not consistently visualized. Conclusion Dynamic 3D PCASL-VIPR with TOA mapping is able to acquire both high temporal and spatial resolution inflow dynamics that could improve diagnosis of high-flow intracranial vascular diseases. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;39:1320–1326. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structural changes in glassy polycarbonate induced by cyclic stresses

Abstract Glassy polycarbonate was subjected to cyclic stresses and the changes in its structure were studied by DSC, positronium annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS), and SAXS. On increased exposure to cyclic loading, the enthalpy overshoot near T g increased in a manner similar to increasing physical aging. However, the ‘hole’ size as revealed by PALS increased, unlike physical aging. SAXS reveals an increase in the short range order and the amplitude of density fluctuation. These results are consistent with both the DSC and the PALS results. We conclude that mechanical loading does cause changes in the glassy structure.
Self-rated moods and hunger in relation to spontaneous eating behavior in bulimics, recovered bulimics, and normals

In order to examine whether emotionality and/or insensitivity to internal state may be associated with bulimia, self-rated moods and hunger in association with eating were compared in 19 bulimics, 12 recovered bulimics, and 21 normal controls spontaneously eating in their natural environments. Subjects reported in a diary everything they either ate or drank and their moods and hunger both before and after eating for seven consecutive days. No differences between groups were found for emotionality or hunger perception in association with meals. In contrast, when binging occurred, bulimic hunger and fullness ratings were relatively low and anxiety was relatively high. The binge resulted in reduced anxiety but increased depression and a normal reduction in hunger/fullness. Prebout anxiety was correlated with the reported amount eaten in the binge and was in turn significantly correlated with the reduction in anxiety following the binge. Correlations between prebout hunger and fullness ratings and the food energy consumed in bulimic meals and binges suggest that bulimics are aware of, and can respond appropriately and normally to, their internal state of hunger and fullness. Binging occurs when anxiety is relatively high, resulting in a lowering of anxiety but an increase in depression, suggesting that binging may serve as a way to relieve anxiety but result in an associated increase in guilt and depression.
Influence of potato cultivars on the effectiveness of fungicide control of early blight

Three potato cultivars differing in degree of susceptibility to early blight were grown under crop management practices typical for Pennsylvania in 1987 and 1988. There were three experimental treatments: no fungicides, mancozeb with weekly applications initiated at 7 or 8 weeks after planting (early treatment), and weekly applications initiated at first symptoms of disease (late treatment). The no-fungicide control treatment had significantly higher AUDPC values than either treatment with fungicides and the no-fungicide treatment had significantly lower yield in 1987 but not in 1988. Tubers from the no-fungicide control had lower specific gravity. Norchip, the cultivar most susceptible to early blight examined in this study, responded the most in yield increases by the increased fungicide applications.
Synthesis and biological activity of the tea catechin metabolites, M4 and M6 and their methoxy-derivatives.

Abstract Syntheses are reported for metabolites M4 ( 1 ) and M6 ( 2 ) of the green tea polyphenols epicatechin (EC) and epigallocatechin (EGC) and their gallate derivatives. Several methoxy-derivatives of 1 and 2 were also prepared. Compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated for growth inhibitory activity against a panel of immortalized and malignant human cell lines with 1 being the more active compound. The possible antiinflammatory activity of 1 and its trimethoxy derivative was also evaluated. Neither compound inhibited the release of arachidonic acid, although 1 inhibited NO production by 50% at 20 μM.
Cannabinoids provoke alcoholic steatosis through a conspiracy of neighbors.

Cannabinoid signaling by CB 1 receptors drives fibrogenesis and fat accumulation in liver. A report in this issue of Cell Metabolism (Jeong et al., 2008) now links hepatic stellate cells, a resident liver fibrogenic cell type, to the generation of steatosis through production of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) after ethanol feeding, leading to paracrine stimulation of hepatocyte CB 1 receptors.
An Inland Port Location-Allocation Model for a Regional Intermodal Goods Movement System

This research identified and analysed a number of inland port sites in the five counties surrounding Los Angeles, using a location-allocation methodology. It also considered the inland ports' potential for integration into a more efficient regional intermodal goods movement system served by the southern California ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. GIS was used to map the sites where international cargo is processed in the five counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura. One hundred transportation zones were determined from a truck travel survey conducted by the ports. These zones represent density points for distribution/processing centres. First, a single facility location model was used to define the proximal location of an inland port that minimises the total truck-miles travelled. Then, we extended this model to a series of location-allocation models with up to six inland port locations included. With no inland port (current system), the total daily vehicle-miles travelled (VMT) is 220,100 miles, and the average trip length is 11.6 miles. As more inland ports are added to the location-allocation model, the total truck-miles travelled is reduced significantly. The new system follows the concept of a ‘satellite inland port’, which is based on a hub-and-spoke configuration. Also, with significant reductions in VMT, a proportional amount of congestion relief and air pollution reduction is expected from this new goods movement framework. The results show that the mathematical approach is a useful platform for initial investigations into inland port site selection.
Epithelial cyst in the cerebellopontine angle

A 63-year-old male presented with a rare epithelial cyst in the left cerebellopontine angle manifesting as left facial nerve paresis and left cerebellar signs. Computed tomography revealed a well-defined cystic mass of homogeneous low density with no enhancement. Magnetic resonance imaging also demonstrated a cystic mass appearing as low intensity on T1-weighted images and high intensity on T2-weighted images. The cyst content was clear fluid. The cyst wall consisted of nonciliated, columnar epithelial cells, showing a pseudostratified arrangement in focal areas. Positive staining by periodic acid-Schiff, Alcian blue, and carcinoembryonic antigen suggested that the cyst was an enterogenous cyst of endodermal origin. Cysts in this location often cause cranial nerve impairment, but the symptoms are usually resolved by surgical treatment.
Stereo-specific Substrate Recognition by Phosphatidylinositol Phosphate Kinases Is Swapped by Changing a Single Amino Acid Residue

Type I and type II phosphatidylinositol phosphate (PIP) kinases generate the lipid second messenger phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) 4,5-bisphosphate and thus play fundamental roles in the regulation of many cellular processes. Although the two kinase families are highly homologous, they phosphorylate distinct substrates and are functionally non-redundant. Type I PIP kinases phosphorylate PtdIns 4-phosphate at the D-5 hydroxyl group and are consequently PtdIns 4-phosphate 5-kinases. By contrast, type II PIP kinases are PtdIns 5-phosphate 4-kinases that phosphorylate PtdIns 5-phosphate at the D-4 position. Type I PIP kinases, in addition, also phosphorylate other phosphoinositides in vitro and in vivo and thus have the potential to generate multiple lipid second messengers. To understand how these enzymes differentiate between stereoisomeric substrates, we used a site-directed mutagenesis approach. We show that a single amino acid substitution in the activation loop, A381E in IIβ and the corresponding mutation E362A in Iβ, is sufficient to swap substrate specificity between these PIP kinases. In addition to its role in substrate specificity, the type I activation loop is also key in subcellular targeting. The Iβ(E362A) mutant and other mutants with reduced PtdIns 4-phosphate binding affinity were largely cytosolic when expressed in mammalian cells in contrast to wild-type Iβ which targets to the plasma membrane. These results clearly establish the role of the activation loop in determining both signaling specificity and plasma membrane targeting of type I PIP kinases.
PET scan–CT correlation: what the chest radiologist needs to know

Abstract The purpose of this article is to familiarize the chest radiologist with the basics of PET scanning in the chest and to correlate PET findings with thoracic CT findings. After completing this article, the reader should know the following: (a) how PET scanning is performed; (b) the indications for PET scanning in the chest; (c) the significance of SUV and a positive test; (c) the causes of false-positive and false-negative PET scans; and (d) the importance of correlating PET findings with Chest CT findings. The authors conclude that PET and chest CT studies should be read in conjunction to optimize diagnostic accuracy. Interpreting either study alone is fraught with errors, while combined interpretations yield information on both functional activity and anatomic localization. PET–CT hybrid devices that fuse PET and CT data simplify this task and fusion imaging is rapidly becoming the test of choice for evaluating thoracic malignancies.
The US Nuclear Posture Review and the NATO allies

The 2001 US Nuclear Posture Review called for reducing operationally deployed US strategic nuclear warheads by almost two-thirds over the decade ending in 2012; emphasizing the development and/or improvement of capabilities other than nuclear forces, including missile defences, non-nuclear strike forces, and a responsive infrastructure; and placing nuclear and other capabilities within the framework of new concepts such as dissuasion and capabilities-based planning. The reductions foreseen in the NPR furnished the basis for the May 2002 Moscow Treaty. Allied observers have welcomed this treaty as a political substitute for the ABM Treaty and START negotiations, but have found it disappointing as an arms control measure. While allied observers have expressed reservations about combining nuclear and non-nuclear strike forces in a single notional leg of the ‘New Triad’ and about increasing readiness for possible nuclear testing, they have endorsed unprecedented steps in the defensive area, notably with respect to ballistic missile defence. Some new US concepts have been relatively uncontroversial because they represent continuity, but others (such as dissuasion and deterrence by denial) have evoked scepticism.
Groups of banded matrices with banded inverses

AproductADF1 : : : FN of invertible block-diagonalmatrices will be bandedwith a banded inverse. We establish this factorization with the numberN controlled by the bandwidthsw and not by the matrix size n:When A is an orthogonal matrix, or a permutation, or banded plus finite rank, the factors Fi have w D 1 and generate that corresponding group. In the case of infinite matrices, conjectures remain open.