cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Urinary pseudouridine and uric acid excretion in surgical patients.

Abstract Urinary pseudouridine and uric acid excretion has been studied in a group of surgical patients before, during and after surgery. A clear pattern of urinary pseudouridine excretion prior to and after stress, can be seen, while that of urinary uric acid is more complex. The increased urinary pseudouridine excretion observed during injury may be related to RNA, particularly tRNA metabolism.
Nonlinear elasticity of amorphous solids.

Structural phase transitions in amorphous solids associated with vanishing bulk modulus K or shear modulus \ensuremath{\mu} are considered. We find that the transition (realized in gels) at K=0, though of second order, does not exhibit true scaling behavior of density fluctuations. An isotropic state with vanishing \ensuremath{\mu} is unstable to the formation of an anisotropic glassy phase that has a phonon spectrum exhibiting soft directions in momentum space similar to those in liquid crystals. The effects of internal random stresses are studied.
Proposed criteria for recognizing intrastratal deformation features in marine high resolution seismic reflection profiles

Intrastratal deformation of marine strata is ordinarily recorded in high-resolution seismic reflection profiles as acoustically transparent or “chaotic” intervals marked by hyperbolic echoes. Intrastratal deformation is easily confused with buried slump or slide deposits formed initially at the sea floor. Correct identification of intrastratal deformation depends on the presence of a warped continuously reflective layer overlying a chaotic/transparent layer. Decollement is the key criterion for identification in seismic reflection profiles. Other criteria include intrusive structures or faults rooted in a chaotic/transparent layer and thickening and thinning of a chaotic/transparent layer with transitions to reflective intervals.
Mechanisms of radiation-induced brain toxicity and implications for future clinical trials

Radiation therapy is widely used in the treatment of primary malignant brain tumors and metastatic tumors of the brain with either curative or palliative intent. The limitation of cancer radiation therapy does not derive from the inability to ablate tumor, but rather to do so without excessively damaging the patient. Among the varieties of radiation-induced brain toxicities, it is the late delayed effects that lead to severe and irreversible neurological consequences. Following radiation exposure, late delayed effects within the CNS have been attributable to both parenchymal and vascular damage involving oligodendrocytes, neural progenitors, and endothelial cells. These reflect a dynamic process involving radiation-induced death of target cells and subsequent secondary reactive neuroinflammatory processes that are believed to lead to selective cell loss, tissue damage, and functional deficits. The progressive, late delayed damage to the brain after high-dose radiation is thought to be caused by radiation-induced long-lived free radicals, reactive oxygen species, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Experimental studies suggest that radiation-induced brain injury can be successfully mitigated and treated with several well established drugs in wide clinical use which exert their effects by blocking pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species. This review highlights preclinical and early clinical data that are translatable for future clinical trials.
The benefits of using electronic document software

A survey was conducted to evaluate the benefits of using three electronic document delivery software tools: Adobe Acrobat Exchange, Acrobat Distiller and Acrobat Reader. The results of the survey, while seemingly specific to these Adobe products, nevertheless give insight into how any company might benefit from such tools.
Sensor calibration using density estimation-based error model

We propose a sensor calibration approach that is based on constructing statistical error models that capture the characteristics of the measurement errors. The approach is generic in the sense that it can be utilized in any arbitrary sensor modalities. The error models can be constructed either off-line or on-line and is derived using the nonparametric kernel density estimation techniques. Models constructed using various forms of the kernel smoothing functions are compared and contrasted using statistical evaluation methods. Based on the selected error model, we propose four alternatives to make the transition from the error model to the calibration model, which is represented by piece-wise polynomials. In addition, statistical validation and evaluation methods such as resubstitution, is used in order to establish the interval of confidence for both the error model and the calibration model. Traces of the acoustic signal-based distance measurements recorded by in-field deployed sensors are used as our demonstrative example. Furthermore, we discuss the broad range of applications of the error models and provide a tangible example on how adopting statistical error model as the optimization objective impacts the accuracy of the location discovery task for wireless ad-hoc sensor networks.
Effects of activator characteristics on the reaction product formation in slag binders activated using alkali silicate powder and NaOH

The influence of different levels of alkalinity, expressed using the Na2O-to-source material ratio (n) and activator SiO2-to-Na2O ratio (Ms), on the compressive strength development of, and reaction product formation in sodium silicate and NaOH powder activated slag binder systems is discussed. Higher n value mixtures are found to exhibit higher early and later age compressive strengths. An increase in Ms results in reduced early age and slightly increased later age strengths. Compositional coefficients, which are functions of n and Ms are proposed, that relate to the early and later age strengths of the activated slag binders as well as to the shift in the FTIR spectra. The reaction product formation in these systems as a function of the total alkalinity is explained using the shifts of the dominant peak in the FTIR spectra. Fundamental changes in reaction products of powder activated binders as a function of alkalinity is observed. The deductions from the peak shifts are substantiated using the FTIR spectra of the pastes before and after salicylic acid–methanol (SAM) attack.
Quararibea pumila (Bombacaceae), a new endemic from Costa Rica

A new species ofQuararibea, remarkable in its diminutive size, “palmoid” growth form, very large oblanceolate-obovate leaves, and cauliflory, is described and illustrated. (Se describe e ilustra una nueva especie deQuararibea, muy notable por su tamano, diminuto, su forma de crecimiento palmoide, sus hojas oblanceoladas-obovadas y muy grandes, y su estado caulifloro.)
Color Video Coding For Packet Switched Network: Replenishment Adaptive VQ

Prior work has shown that vector quantization method is a powerful tool in image coding. In order to get further compress ratio, and good quality coded image; by combing an adaptive vector quantization technique with decimation and directional non-linear interpolation; we can get high quality coded image. Since local information content of an image varies widely from one region to another, we use an adaptive method that varies the coding resolution according to local estimate of informatiOn content. This implies a variable-rate coding technique; we use only one stage coding to deal with this high and low detail region. This process is 1. decimation of image vector 2. use adaptive vector quantization technique to get high quality reconstructed image(subsampled) 3. do nonlinear interpolation. See figure 1. It describes a new adaptive vector quantization scheme suitable for color packet video. In the proposed technique, a large codebook is divided into two parts, called higher and lower priority section, representing common and specific characteristics of images. Entries in the two section are reorganized and exchanged as a function of usage of the codevectors. The rate and the extent of adoption is dictated by the update interval and the desired level of quality, respectively, without requiring any transmission of the vectors themselves. This method increases coding efficiency and provides a perceptually more consistent image quality throughout all area of the restructured image. Simulation result shows that for color image bpp is about 0.15-0.25; SNR ratio is 27-30 db.
Long-term effects and persistence of Steinernema scarabaei applied for suppression of Anomala orientalis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Abstract The entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema scarabaei , is adapted to scarab larvae as hosts and has already shown exceptional potential for inundative control of these pests. To determine the long-term effects of S. scarabaei application on scarab populations and the nematode’s persistence, S. scarabaei was applied in mid-September at rates from 0.06 to 2.5 × 10 9 infective juveniles (IJs)/ha to turfgrass plots seeded with oriental beetle, Anomala orientalis , larvae. Scarab and nematode populations were monitored for 3–4 years thereafter. S. scarabaei provided excellent A. orientalis control (77–100%) within 1 month of application at rates of 0.25–2.5 × 10 9 (IJs)/ha and particularly in the following spring at rates of 0.1–2.5 × 10 9 (IJs)/ha (86–100%). S. scarabaei provided significant control in the next A. orientalis generation in two out of 10 treatments in fall (i.e., 13 months after application) and six out of 10 treatments in the following spring. Thereafter, significant control was only observed occasionally. S. scarabaei numbers were highly variable, and few significant differences among treatments were observed. S. scarabaei recovery from the treated plots was generally more consistent through the first spring after application and became more variable thereafter, but S. scarabaei was recovered for up to 4 years in the experimental plots. Endemic populations of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Steinernema carpocapsae , regularly recovered from the experimental plots and often in higher numbers than S. scarabaei , had no significant effect on A. orientalis densities but were able to coexist with S. scarabaei . Our observations suggest that, once current problems with its mass production can be overcome, S. scarabaei could be augmented periodically in areas with recurrent scarab infestations to provide long-term suppression.
Qualitative Chemical Composition of the Calcifying Organic Matrix obtained from Cell-free Coccoliths

BIOLOGICAL mineral deposition has been defined as a biphasic process comprised of an organic matrix on which specific minerals are deposited1. Investigations with the euryhaline supralittoral coccolithophorid Hymenomonas Mary Parks 156 have shown that this primitive and ancient protist fulfils all the requirements of biological calcification in its production of calcitic coccoliths2–4. The fact that Hymenomonas extrudes a large number of its coccoliths as it ages and that simple manipulation of the cultures3 permits collection of the extra- and intracellular calcareous bodies makes these organisms exceptional test objects for an investigation of the physiology and intimate chemistry of biological mineral deposition.
Enthalpy of formation of monocesium acetylide

Calorimetric measurements of the enthalpy of reaction of monocesium acetylide, CsHC2, with water were combined with auxiliary thermochemical data to derive the standard enthalpy of formation δHro(CsHC2,c,298.15 K) = (18.84 ± 0.27) kcalth mol−1. Estimations indicate considerable instability of Cs2C2 with respect to its elements.
Association between obesity and therapeutic goal attainment in patients with concomitant hypertension and dyslipidemia.

AbstractBackground: Obesity is associated with cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Objectives: To evaluate demographic, diagnostic, and treatment characteristics of patients with concomitant hypertension and dyslipidemia, stratified by body mass index and the attainment of blood pressure (BP) and lipid targets in obese versus nonobese patients. Methods: This retrospective study used data from GE Centricity Electronic Medical Records database (2004–2011) of a primary care physician group. Patients aged ≥ 18 years and having concomitant hypertension and dyslipidemia were categorized based on their body mass index: normal weight (≤ 24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥ 30.0 kg/m2). Blood pressure and lipid goal attainments were based on Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure and National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III gu...
Viscosity Studies of System Cao-Mgo-Al2o3-Sio2: 1, 40% Sio2

The measurement of glass viscosities at elevated temperatures with an oscillating cylinder-type viscometer is described. Viscosity data are presented covering those compositions in the CaO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 system which contain 40% SiO2 and which are liquid at 1500°C. The pattern of the system of isokoms presented indicates that viscosity is closely related to the ratio of basic to acidic components. Theoretical aspects of the variation of viscosity with composition in silicate-aluminate systems are discussed in terms of silica-alumina polymers.
A perturbative treatment of classical vibrational–translational energy transfer in collinear collisions of an atom and a diatomic molecule

Abstract An analytical expression is derived for average vibrational energy lost or gained 〈Δ E v 〉 per collinear collision of an atom and a diatom. The derivation, based on classical mechanics, uses the perturbative method of the variation of constants and is valid in the weak coupling limit. Second-order results for 〈Δ E v 〉 are obtained in terms of power spectra of the uncoupled vibrational and translational degrees of freedom. The classical results are compared to perturbative quantum calculations, and differences between the two are described.
Regulation of Chemosensory Receptor Expression and Sensory Signaling by the KIN-29 Ser/Thr Kinase

Sensory signals regulate multiple developmental and behavioral circuits in C. elegans, providing a genetically tractable system in which to investigate the mechanisms underlying the acquisition and integration of sensory information. kin-29 mutants are defective in the expression of a set of chemoreceptor genes, and exhibit characteristics associated with altered sensory signaling, including increased lifespan, decreased body size, and deregulated entry into the dauer developmental stage. kin-29 encodes a Ser/Thr kinase with similarity to the MARK and AMPK/SNF1 family of kinases. We show that KIN-29 acts cell-autonomously and non-cell-autonomously in sensory neurons to regulate chemoreceptor expression, body size, and the dauer decision, suggesting that kin-29 function is essential for the correct acquisition and transduction of sensory information.
Abdominal injury patterns in motor vehicle accidents: a survey of the NASS database from 1993 to 1997

The purpose of this study was to determine patterns of abdominal injuries using the publicly available National Automotive Sampling System (NASS) database. Data from the NASS database for the years between 1993 and 1997 were extracted in order to gain an enhanced understanding of abdominal injury patterns resulting from vehicular collisions. The liver was most frequently injured due to contact with components in the front of the passenger compartment, such as the steering assembly and the instrument panel. Injuries to the spleen frequently resulted from contact with components on the left side of the passenger compartment. When considering only contact with components on the sides of the passenger compartment, the liver was injured more frequently due to contact with components on the right side of the passenger compartment while contact with components on the left side of the passenger compartment were more likely to result in injuries of the spleen. A more in-depth survey of the NASS database will be ne...
Postconsummatory delay and goal box confinement

Four groups of rats were run in a factorial design varying goal box size (large vs small) with a 0 or 30 sec postconsummatory delay. Ss receiving postconsummatory delay during acquisition were more resistant to extinction than nondelayed Ss. As predicted, Ss delayed in the larger goal box were more resistant to extinction than those delayed in the smaller goal box.
Efficient breadth-first manipulation of binary decision diagrams

We propose new techniques for efficient breadth-first iterative manipulation of ROBDDs. Breadth-first iterative ROBDD manipulation can potentially reduce the total elapsed time by multiple orders of magnitude compared to the conventional depth-first recursive algorithms when the memory requirement exceeds the available physical memory. However, the breadth-first manipulation algorithms proposed so far have had a large enough overhead associated with them to make them impractical. Our techniques are geared towards minimizing the overhead without sacrificing the speed up potential. Experimental results indicate considerable success in that regard.
Do Solo Arrangements Lead to Attributions of Tokenism? Perceptions of Selection Criteria and Task Assignments to Race and Gender Solos1

In 2 studies, African American and White participants judged the likelihood that solos in work groups were selected for membership in a work group on the basis of either affirmative action or ability. Following this, they were asked to imagine themselves as managers of the group and to assign tasks to each of the employees. Judgments of the overall work groups were also obtained. As expected, the extent to which observers attributed the presence of the solo to affirmative action and assigned tasks was dependent on the gender and race of the solo and, importantly, the gender and race of the majority of group members. These findings have practical utility in that they point to the continuing importance of context effects in impression formation and task assignments.
Stereochemistry and the mechanism of catalytic hydrogenation of cycloalkenes: VI. The isomerization of 1,2-dimethylcycloalkenes as a route to both cis- and trans-1,2-dimethylcycloalkanes

Abstract The reduced-platinum-oxide-catalyzed hydrogenation of 1,2-dimethylcyclohexene or 1,2-dimethylcyclopentene is accompanied by isomerization to the corresponding 2,3-dimethylcycloalkene. These isomers are reduced more rapidly than their precursors and the products are mixtures of cis - and trans -1,2-dimethylcycloalkanes whose ratio is apparently independent of the fraction of the original cycloalkene which has reacted. Clearly, the majority of the trans isomers arise from the reduction of the 2,3-dimethylcycloalkenes but some appear to be formed directly from the 1,2-dimethylcycloalkene. Several alternative explanations for this result are considered.
In vitro conversion of phytol to phytanic acid in rat liver: subcellular distribution of activity and chemical characterization of intermediates using a new bromination technique.

Abstract The enzymatic conversion of phytol to phytanic acid has been demonstrated in vitro in rat liver. Subcellular fractionation indicated that the mitochondrial fraction possessed the highest activity. Substantial activity was also present in the microsomal fraction. A new bromination-thin-layer chromatography procedure was developed to separate the phytol-diphydrophytol mixture and this procedure was applied to identify, characterize and quantitate the metabolites of phytol-phytanate conversion, i.e., phytanic acid, phytenic acid and dihydrophytol. Phytanic and phytenic acids were formed in the ratio 100:7.4. The conversion of phytol to phytenic acid was in the range 2–3%. No dihydrophytol was detected over boiled, acidified, or no-enzyme controls. The presence of phytenic acid and the absence of dihydrophytol in the incubation mixture confirm the previous in vivo studies and suggest that phytenic acid may be an intermediate in phytol-phytanate conversion.
A theory of melting in liquid crystals

Abstract A dislocation theory of melting is proposed to explain the smectic B to smectic A phase transition observed in liquid crystals. Besides providing a good description of the quasi-two-dimensional smectic phases, it establishes a new theoretical connection between the transition temperature and the elastic constants, as well as predicting the latent heat. We suggest that the finite shear viscosity of the smectic A phase may be understood in terms of the existence of thermodynamically stable isolated dislocations in the layer periodicity.
Ethnic differences in symptom presentation of sexually abused girls

Although researchers have begun to examine the issue of ethnic and cultural factors in childhood sexual abuse (CSA), relatively little has been done to look at possible ethnic and cultural differences in psychological symptoms related to CSA. This study investigated the relationship between ethnicity and symptom presentation among Hispanic, African American, and Caucasian sexually abused girls. The study examined the relationship between ethnicity and depression, ethnicity and post-trauma intrusive symptoms, and ethnicity and post-trauma avoidance symptoms. Results indicated that African American girls had significantly higher levels of post-trauma avoidance symptoms than Hispanic girls, but not Caucasian girls. No significant differences were found between ethnic groups for depression or intrusive symptoms.
How to estimate capacity dimension

Abstract We describe a class of robust, computationally efficient algorithms for estimating capacity dimension and related quantities for compact subsets of R n . Our algorithms are based on Monte Carlo quadrature, data compression, and generalized distance functions.
Preparation and characterization of porous polyester fibres by salt leaching method

Porous polyester fibres with cotton-like dull characteristics were produced by salt leaching method. Polyester was synthesized in the presence of common salt. Fibres containing submicron size salt particles (0.5–1%) were prepared by melt spinning. The fibres were washed in hot water to remove the salt particles creating small craters of size 50–1000 nm. Partially oriented yarn (POY) and fully drawn yarn (FDY) were produced. POY samples were textured to produce polyester textured yarn containing salt particles. The influence of salt particles on polymer crystallization was investigated and found that the presence of salt significantly influences the rate of crystallization. The gloss values of porous FDYs were compared with standard semi-dull polyester yarns of same denier. The light scattering behaviour of the yarn has been enhanced due to porosity. This resulted in a fibre with better dullness characteristics. The light reflectance of porous yarn is lower in the 400–700 nm region compared to control FDY ...
Parameter-perturbation adaptive control systems with imposed constraints

The general problem of continuously adjusting the parameters of a control system, in order to minimize a performance index, is briefly discussed. Some features of systems which achieve parameter adjustment by measuring the derivatives of the performance index are mentioned, and a system is proposed for the particular problem of seeking optimal parameter values along a line of constraint. Stability of the proposed system is discussed for the case of two adjustable parameters. The realization of a minimum-seeking parameter loop employing deliberate perturbation of one parameter is discussed, and it is shown that the bandwidth of such parameter loops is limited by inherent noise. In the constraint loop, which monitors a second parameter, perturbation of the same frequency is induced by means of a tuned filter, which is of such an amplitude that the derivative measured is effectively that of the performance index along the constraint line.
The B-Z transition in supercoiled DNA depends on sequence beyond nearest-neighbors

In order to examine sequence-dependent structural effects in DNA, the ability of alternating purine-pyrimidine fragments to undergo a B-Z transition when cloned in a supercoiled plasmid was determined solely as a function of sequence, with base and nearest-neighbor composition held constant. Sequences of 22 GC and 2 AT base pairs were synthesized such that the AT base pairs varied between contiguous placement and separation by eight GC base pairs. Results show, surprisingly, that the ease of the B-Z transition varies with the position of the two AT base pairs, occurring at lower superhelical densities when AT base pairs are contiguous, and at higher torsional strain when the AT base pairs are moved further apart.
Nitrotriazole- and Imidazole-Based Amides and Sulfonamides as Antitubercular Agents

Twenty-three 3-nitrotriazole-based and 2-nitroimidazole-based amides and sulfonamides were screened for antitubercular (anti-TB) activity in aerobic Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv by using the BacTiter-Glo (BTG) microbial cell viability assay. In general, 3-nitrotriazole-based sulfonamides demonstrated anti-TB activity, whereas 3-nitrotriazole-based amides and 2-nitroimidazole-based amides and sulfonamides were inactive. Three 3-nitrotriazole-based sulfonamides (compounds 4, 2, and 7) demonstrated 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50), IC90, and MIC values of 0.38, 0.43, and 1.56 μM (compound 4), 0.57, 0.98, and 3.13 μM (compound 2), and 0.79, 0.87, and 3.13 μM (compound 7), respectively. For 3-nitrotriazole-based sulfonamides, anti-TB activity increased with lipophilicity, whereas the one-electron reduction potential (E1/2) did not play a role. 2-Nitroimidazole-based analogs, which were inactive in the BTG assay, were significantly more active in the low-oxygen assay and more active than the 3-nitrotriazoles. All active nitrotriazoles in the BTG assay were similarly active or more potent (lower MIC values) against resistant strains, with the exception of compounds 2, 3, 4, and 8, which demonstrated greater MIC values against isoniazid-resistant strains. Five 3-nitrotriazole-based sulfonamides demonstrated activity in infected murine J774 macrophages, causing log reductions similar to those seen with rifampin. However, some compounds caused toxicity in uninfected macrophages. In conclusion, the classes of 3-nitrotriazole-based amides and sulfonamides merit further investigation as potential antitubercular agents.
Combined therapy for malignant tumors of the chest W all in children

Abstract Of 1168 children with malignant solid tumors who were admitted to St. Jude Hospital between 1962 and 1976, 22 (1.8%) had primary malignancies of the chest wall, excluding the mediastinum. The treatment plan for these patients varied with the resectability of the tumor, but always included chemotherapy with or without irradiation. Six children had totally resectable tumors and another two had initially unresectable tumors converted to a resectable state with preoperative therapy. All 8 patients have been disease-free for 3–90 mo (median 18.5). Of 11 children with unresectable disease, 4 remain disease-free for 7–175 mo following chemotherapy and irradiation only (3 of 9) or both modalities plus partial resection (1 of 2). The 3 remaining children received en bloc resections for recurrent rhabdomyosarcoma following chemotherapy and irradiation: 2 died at 15 and 18 mo after diagnosis and 1 remains disease-free for 13 mo. The availability of effective combined therapy methods for local control of primary tumors and prevention of metastases made possible a more conservative surgical approach for 4 of 8 patients with resectable disease and permitted conversion of initially unresectable tumors to a resectable state in 2 patients. Moreover, these measures resulted in decreased morbidity without apparent compromise of tumor-free survival. Overall, 13 of 22 patients survive without evidence of disease: 3 of 3 patients with neuroblastoma, 4 of 6 with rhabdomyosarcoma, 4 of 10 with Ewing's sarcoma, 1 of 2 with osteosarcoma, and 1 patient with malignant histiocytoma.
Voltage-induced conductance in human erythrocyte membranes

Abstract Isotonic suspensions of erythrocytes were exposed to intense electric fields for a duration in microseconds. Time-dependent increase in the conductivity of the suspension was observed under fields greater than a threshold of about 1.5 kV/cm. The threshold was independent of the ionic strength of the medium, and changed little with temperature or with the rise time of the applied field. Under fields greater than 3 kV/cm, the time course of the conductivity increase consisted of a rapid (approx. 1 μs) and a slow (approx. 100 μs) phases. The increase is attributed primarily to large membrane conductance induced by the applied field. The membrane conductance is in the order of 10 Ω −1 / cm 2 in the rapid phase and 10 2 Ω −1 / cm 2 in the slow phase. Comparison with previous results indicates that this induced membrane conductance corresponds to the formation of aqueous pores in the cell membrane. After the applied field was removed, the conductivity of the suspension returned nearly to its initial value, indicating that the induced membrane conductance is strongly dependent on the membrane potential. The conductivity then increased again in the time range of 10 s. This is attributed to the diffusional efflux of intracellular ions through the voltage-induced pores. From the rate of the efflux, number of the pores/cell is estimated to be in the order of 102. Final stage of the conductivity change was a slow decrease, corresponding to the colloid osmotic swelling of the perforated cells.
Glutathione metabolism in long-living Ames dwarf mice

Abstract Ames dwarf mice live significantly longer than their wild type siblings and exhibit elevated antioxidative defenses and reduced oxidative damage. This study was conducted to determine the levels of components of glutathione (GSH) synthesis, degradation and utilization in dwarf and wild type mice. Glutamate-cysteine ligase protein levels were significantly elevated in dwarf liver at 3 and 24 months of age and muscle tissue at all ages examined. In kidney, activity of γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) was decreased 42, 30 and 33% in 3, 12 and 24-month-old dwarf mice compared to wild type mice (P
Simplified nonlinear equalizers

Nonlinear equalization was previously shown to be beneficial for recording channels with nonlinearities and signal-dependent noise. In this work, we study two types of simplified nonlinear filter architectures that are suitable for VLSI implementation. The performance loss due to the simplifications are not significant in most cases, compared to the signal-to-noise ratio gain achieved by nonlinear equalization. In one form of simplification the need for full multiplications is eliminated and in the other the number of multiplications in the original nonlinear filter architecture is reduced significantly. Work on experimental and simulated data are presented.
Kennebec: A new potato variety resistant to late blight, mild mosaic, and net necrosis

The Kennebec is a new variety of potato that combines high yield and good cooking quality with a high degree of resistance to late blight in both vines and tubers. In field-exposure tests it has not yet shown the symptoms of mild mosaic or net necrosis. It is late in maturing as grown in Maine, but has been considered medium-late in tests in other States. It is widely adapted. It produces smooth, well-shaped tubers with shallow eyes. Like all other varieties of potatoes, it varies in quality according to the environment in which it is grown and the cultural practices of the growers. As produced in the test plots on Aroostook Farm, Presque Isle, Maine, it has shown excellent market and cooking quality. The keeping qualities in storage appear to be excellent. Kennebec should replace Katahdin in some sections because of its higher yielding ability, its superior cooking quality, and its high degree of resistance to late blight. It should replace Sebago to a large extent because of a higher degree of resistance to late blight and because the tubers of Kennebec are more easily detached from the vines at harvest time than are those of Sebago.
Pattern-line effects and units of visual processing in infants☆

Abstract In two experiments, we used the familiarization-novelty preference procedure to investigate the mechanism producing the pattern-line effect previously observed in 3- and 4-month-old infants. In the first experiment, we demonstrated the pattern-line effect as evidenced by the significantly higher novelty preference when infants were both familiarized and tested with mirror-image line elements embedded in a right-angle framework than when the infants were familiarized and tested with the same-line elements in isolation. We also observed a significant novelty preference when infants were familiarized with an isolated-line element, but tested with the elements embedded in context and a marginally significant preference when infants were familiarized with an element in context and then tested with the isolated elements. These results cast doubt on a strict emergent feature explanation of the pattern-line effect. In a second experiment, infants were shown to generalize habituation on the basis of configural information. The overall pattern of results is consistent with both the global-to-local ( Navon, 1977 ) and levels of information ( Enns & Prinzmetal, 1984 ) accounts of the pattern-line effect.
Synthesis and Characterization of Two Intensely Colored Tris(benzoylcyanoxime)iron(II) Anionic Complexes

Two intensely blue-colored complexes, P(C6H5)4[Fe(BCO)3] (1) and Na[Fe(BCO)3] (2), where BCO− is the benzoylcyanoxime anion, have been prepared and characterized in solution and in the solid state. The crystal structure of 1 has been determined at several temperatures (100, 155, 225, and 293 K) and consists of layers of P(C6H5)4+ cations and [Fe(BCO)3]− anions. The latter exist as a pair of fac-Δ and Λ enantiomers in a monoclinic unit cell in the P2(1)/n space group. Iron(II) has a trigonal-prismatic N3O3 coordination environment with average Fe−N and Fe−O bond distances of 1.866 and 1.956 A, respectively, bonds that are unusually short and indicate a 1A1g low-spin ground state for iron(II). A sample of 1 prepared with iron-57 has been studied by Mossbauer spectroscopy between 4.2 and 430 K and found to be low-spin iron(II) in studied temperature range. The stepwise formation constants for 1 in aqueous solution at 296 K and pH of 7 are log β1 = 0.85 ± 0.1, log β2 = 3.55 ± 0.15, and log β3 = 6.36 ± 0.15. B...
Vibrations in helicopters ‐ reduction and monitoring

Describes the Westland active control of structural response (ACSR) technique for reducing and alleviating vibration. Examines a refined coupled rotor/flexible fuselage model based on the ACSR approach. Reports on vibration health monitoring (VHM) which has been developed by Westland and details further work which is continuing in this field.
Solitosynthesis: Cosmological evolution of nontopological solitons.

The thermal creation, fusion, evaporation, and destruction of non-topological solitons (NTS) after a phase transition in the early universe is considered. By defining and following NTS statistical equilibrium and departures from it, and depending on particle physics parameters, one of three possible scenarios occurs. If reaction rates are high enough, a period of equilibrium occurs and relic abundances are determined by the freeze-out temperature. Equilibrium first drives most NTS's into their constituents (free phi particles) and then causes rapid fusion into large NTS's. If freeze-out occurs during the first phase, the NTS's are almost entirely destroyed, while if it occurs during the second phase, solitosynthesis occurs and NTS's may be cosmically relevant. For slow reaction rates the NTS's are born frozen out and have the abundance determined by the phase transition. Analytic approximations for determining the abundances are developed, and tested by numerically integrating a reaction network in an expanding universe. Unfortunately, for most of the parameter space considered, solito-destruction/evaporation occurs.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance-Guided Management Decreases Steroids Use in Patients with Recurrent Pericarditis

Introduction: Recurrent pericarditis (RP) is a common complication of acute pericarditis, affecting 10-50% of patients after first attack. Steroids have been associated with increased recurrence of pericarditis along with known major side effects. Cardiac MR (CMR) has been more frequently used to assess pericardial inflammation and guide medical therapy. The aim of our study is to assess whether CMR-guided therapy in RP offers any clinical benefit over standard therapy. Method and Results: We evaluated 570 consecutive patients who developed recurrence following the first attack of pericarditis who were all treated with colchicine and NSAIDs as first line treatment. There were 250 patients treated with medications without CMR (group 1), and 257 patients who had CMR-guided therapy (group 2). Both groups had similar baseline characteristics including etiology of pericarditis (table 1), and with similar follow-up period (16.3616.2 vs. 17617.9 months, respectively, p50.97). There was no significant difference in incidence of constrictive pericarditis, pericardial windows or pericardiectomy among groups (Table 1). Patients in group 1 however, had higher number of steroid pulse therapy (p5 0.003) (defined as prednisone 50 mg orally daily for 10 days then tapered over 4 weeks), and higher overall total milligram of steroid administered as compared to those in group 2 (p5 0.001). Recurrence rate and pericaridocentesis were lower in group 2 as well (p!0.0001). Conclusion: CMR-guided therapy modulates the management of recurrent pericarditis, which can decrease recurrence rate and the exposure to steroids. Larger prospective randomized multicenter study is necessary to validate these findings.
SU-GG-T-70: Three-Field IMRT for Large Breasts

Purpose:IMRT planning of tangential beams for large breasts is challenging because significant hotspots occur near dmax due to rapid fall off of low energy PDD curves. In clinical practice, we have realized that adding a near‐AP beam to tangential IMRT plan can significantly reduce hotspots while delivering satisfactory dose to breast and keeping increase in dose to left lung and ventricle clinically insignificant. This study investigates three‐field IMRT technique and its clinical merit for large breasts. Method and Materials:IMRT plans with tangential 6MV beams were generated using DAO inverse planning with fixed weights for open segments. The three‐field IMRT plan was generated by adding a third beam at a gantry angle ranging from 335 to 355 degrees. To prevent too much dose delivered to left lung and ventricle, a region of interest is drawn to define the boundary of the near‐AP beam. Six segments per beam are set for all plans. DVH curves of all two‐field plans are normalized to have same mean dose to breast and three‐field IMRT plans were normalized to 95% prescribed‐dose of their counterpart's breast DVH. Comparison of plans focuses on hotspots. Results: Eight cases were examined and the breast volume ranges from 408.1 to 1247.4 cc and the dimensions along the tangential central beam line vary from 17.2 to 24.1 cm. The studied cases show that by using the three‐field technique reduction of 107% hotspots volume is case dependent and ranges from 21.1% to 93.3% while the increase in dose to left lung and ventricle is kept clinically insignificant. Conclusions. Three‐field IMRT planning is a clinical proven efficient technique for large left breasts. It significantly reduces hotspots over the traditional tangential IMRT and reduction of the 107% hotspots volume ranges from 21.1% to 93.3% while maintaining satisfactory dose to breast and critical organs.
Psychophysiological processes of stress in chronic physical illness: a theoretical perspective.

This paper proposes a theoretical framework and conceptual model for clinicians and investigators working with people who have a chronic physical illness The framework is based upon nursing theory and classical propositions from psychology and physiology The major premise of the model is that individuals with limited psychosocial attributes and a preponderance of unmet basic needs are more likely to perceive events as threatening and experience a maladaptive stress response, such as heightened symptoms and acute exacerbations of their illness Conversely, those with strong attributes and a perception of need satisfaction are more likely to view events as challenging, thus avoiding symptomatic discomfort and enhancing personal growth Implications for nursing practice and research are addressed
Managing the Disappointment of Job Termination: Outplacement as a Cooling-Out Device

As termination has become common among high-status workers, an industry has evolved that purports to assist in their reemployment. Advocates of outplacement have emphasized to employers, however, t...
Energy use by migrants and residents in North American breeding bird communities

Aim Of the order of 5 billion birds comprising more than 700,000 tonnes of biomass migrate across North America every year to exploit seasonal resource pulses at high latitudes during breeding. Despite this impressive scale, little is known about the metabolic role of these migrants in their breeding grounds across temperate ecosystems. I estimate the energy use of short- and long-distance migrant passerines as well as residents in over 2000 breeding bird communities covering the geographic scope of North America. My aim was to characterize the geographic patterns of energy use by each migratory group and test the hypothesis that seasonal patterns of resource availability structure temperate breeding bird communities. Location North America from 25 to 69° N. Methods I estimated the energy use of migrant and resident passerines using abundance data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey and scaling relationships for field metabolic rate as a function of body size. Linear regression was used to test the relationship between energy use by each migratory group and latitude as well as indirect measures of environmental productivity during different seasons. Results Energy use by all groups showed a strong relationship with latitude except for long-distance migrants, which were surprisingly invariant across geography. Energy use by migrants was highest in environments with low winter productivity and high seasonality, while resident energy use was highest where annual productivity was the highest. Main conclusions Migrant passerines contribute significantly to temperate breeding bird communities, especially in high latitudes. They account for 78% of consumption in habitats north of 50° N compared with 1.7% in the subtropics south of 35° N. Short-distance migrants are especially important to community energy use in the habitats where migrants consume the most. Future shifts in breeding bird community composition are likely to occur as climate change alters seasonal cycles of resource availability.
Ensembles of a small number of conformations with relative populations

In our previous work, we proposed a new way to represent protein native states, using ensembles of a small number of conformations with relative Populations, or ESP in short. Using Ubiquitin as an example, we showed that using a small number of conformations could greatly reduce the potential of overfitting and assigning relative populations to protein ensembles could significantly improve their quality. To demonstrate that ESP indeed is an excellent alternative to represent protein native states, in this work we compare the quality of two ESP ensembles of Ubiquitin with several well-known regular ensembles or average structure representations. Extensive amount of significant experimental data are employed to achieve a thorough assessment. Our results demonstrate that ESP ensembles, though much smaller in size comparing to regular ensembles, perform equally or even better sometimes in all four different types of experimental data used in the assessment, namely, the residual dipolar couplings, residual chemical shift anisotropy, hydrogen exchange rates, and solution scattering profiles. This work further underlines the significance of having relative populations in describing the native states.
What did the Soviet Rulers Maximise

Abstract The predominant view in the literature holds that the main objective of the Soviet rulers was growth of the official measure of aggregate output, irrespective of its use structure, that is, growth for its own sake. We show that the pursuit of this objective would have been irrational, and argue instead that the main objective was the pursuit of military might. This formulation returns the Soviet rulers to the company of rational economic actors, helps explain the main characteristics of the Soviet economic development better than the majority view, and provides a different perspective on the system's final decades.
Most pregnant women in California do not receive dental care: findings from a population-based study.

Objectives.We examined the prevalence of dental care during pregnancy and reasons for lack of care.Methods.Using a population-based survey of 21,732 postpartum women in California during 2002–2007,...
Follicular adenoacanthoma of the thyroid gland

A 67-year-old euthyroid black woman presented with a painful palpable thyroid nodule. Microscopic examination revealed an extensively infarcted follicular carcinoma with minimal capsular and vascular invasion and advanced squamous metaplasia. From the regions of squamous metaplasia, ultrastructural analysis demonstrated both squamous and adenomatous features within the same individual cells. We stress the prognostic importance of histologic distinction between adenoacanthomas and adenosquamous or squamous cell carcinomas. The literature is reviewed and the aetiology, pathology, classification and prognosis of primary thyroid cancers with squamous epithelium are discussed.
Elemental and biochemical composition of salps (Tunicata: Thaliacea)

Carbon and nitrogen content have been measured in the solitary and aggregate generations of 11 species of salps. Regression equations for each species and generation permit estimation of carbon or nitrogen content as a function of length of live individuals. Different species of the same length may have nearly tenfold differences in carbon content. Fractionation and biochemical analysis of some samples revealed that the organic content of salps is approximately 80% protein. Ash-free dry weights average 27% of dry weights; mean carbon content is 29% of ash-free dry weight. Excess ash-free dry weight not accountable as organic material is thought to be water of hydration.
Tax Sensitivity in Electronic Commerce

Empirical research into the impact of taxation on e-commerce has concluded that there is a significant positive relationship between local sales tax rates and the likelihood that a person will shop online. This paper finds that the tax sensitivity for online purchases at the local level is much lower than previously estimated and is not significant under previous general models. However, by using a splined tax-rate function, this paper finds that consumers living in counties with high sales tax rates are still sensitive to tax rates when deciding whether to shop online, while those in counties with low tax rates exhibit no significant sensitivity.