cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU‐FF‐J‐168: Evaluation of a Commercial Software Package for Incorporating Biological MRI Into Treatment Planning of Gliomas

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of incorporating biological imaginginformation into the treatment planning of gliomas using Prism View™, a commercially available medical imaging application for processing anatomical and functional/physiologic brainimaging data. Method and Materials: The patient first underwent whole brain axial fluid‐attenuated‐inversion‐recovery (FLAIR) MRI, followed by three‐dimensional magnetic resonant spectroscopy imaging(MRSI) measurements and perfusion MRI. All three MRimage sets were loaded into the Prism View™ software and the MRSI and perfusion MRI overlaid on the FLARI MRI. Contrast of MRSI was adjusted so that only two levels (high and low) of Cho/Cr ratios were shown. The fused images were then converted to a grayscale image set, exported in DICOM format and imported into the Eclipse treatment planning system. Two planning target volume (PTVs) were contoured on the FLAIR images: PTV1 corresponded to the FLAIR enhancement and the low Cho/Cr region plus 15mm margin, and PTV2 represented the high Cho/Cr area plus 5mm margin. The fused MRimage set were then co‐registered with the simulation CT images, and an IMRT dose‐painting plan was generated that simultaneously delivers two different dose levels (59.4 Gy and 66 Gy) to PTV1 and PTV2, respectively. Results: The above treatment planning process was performed for one patient. Fusion of FLAIR, MRSI and perfusion MRI was successfully performed with the Prism View™ software. Import of the fused DICOM MRimages into the Eclipse treatment system was smooth and didn't encounter any problems. Dose‐painting IMRT plans were also generated with good coverage (at least 95% volume received 95% prescription dose) for both PTVs. Conclusion: It is feasible to incorporate biological imaging data into the treatment planning of gliomas with Prism View™ software. However, this software lacks the ability to display absolute metabolite ratios, making it difficult to determine tumor severity from MRSI.
Children at risk for depression: Memory biases, self-schemas, and genotypic variation

Background Daughters of depressed mothers are at increased risk for developing a depressive disorder. We know relatively little, however, about the specific factors that contribute to this elevated risk. The present study investigated the effects of familial risk for depression and the 5-HTTLPR and COMT Val158Met polymorphisms, which have been associated with risk for depression, on biases in endorsement of and memory for positive and negative adjectives.
Increasing physical activity and exercise in lung cancer: reviewing safety, benefits, and application.

Lung cancer continues to be a difficult disease frequently diagnosed in late stages with a high mortality and symptom burden. In part because of frequent lung comorbidity, even lung cancer survivors often remain symptomatic and functionally limited. Though targeted therapy continues to increase treatment options for advanced-stage disease, symptom burden remains high with few therapeutic options. In the last several decades, exercise and physical activity have arisen as therapeutic options for obstructive lung disease and lung cancer. To date, exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms, increase exercise tolerance, improve quality of life, and potentially reduce length of stay and postoperative complications. Multiple small trials have been performed in perioperative non–small-cell lung cancer patients, although fewer studies are available for patients with advanced-stage disease. Despite the increased interest in this subject over the last few years, a validated exercise regimen has not been established for perioperative or advanced-stage disease. Clinicians underutilize exercise and pulmonary rehabilitation as a therapy, in part because of the lack of evidence-based consensus as to how and when to implement increasing physical activity. This review summarizes the existing evidence on exercise in lung cancer patients.
Nuclear data sheets for A = 187

Abstract Evaluated spectroscopic data for all nuclei with mass number A=187, and corresponding level schemes from radioactive decay and reaction studies are presented. This evaluation for A=187 supersedes one by Y.A. Ellis (82El10), published in Nuclear Data Sheets 36, 559 (1982). The data have been reevaluated using the improved techniques for decay scheme analysis described below, and new data have been added. The justifications for multipolarity assignments have been included in this evaluation.
Effect of laser on MOMBE of ZnSe using gaseous and solid sources

Abstract The effect of laser irradiation on the growth rate of ZnSe grown by metalorganic molecular beam epitaxy (MOMBE) using diethylzinc (DEZn) and diethylselenium (DESe), and by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), has been studied. An argon ion laser and a Ti:sapphire laser were used. It was observed that laser irradiation significantly enhanced the growth rate for MOMBE using uncracked DEZn and either cracked DESe or solid Se. A suppression of the growth rate was found for MBE or “MBE-like” MOMBE growth. The enhancement or suppression was only observed when the photon energy of the selected laser emission line was sufficient to generate electron-hole pairs, implying that photo-generated carriers were responsible for both phenomena. Electron beam-induced growth rate enhancement was also observed under the same conditions which produced growth rate enhancement with laser irradiation. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) revealed that carbon incorporation was very low in the ZnSe films grown with these metalorganic sources.
Environmental data from the Engineering Test Stand

The EUV Engineering Test Stand (ETS) has demonstrated the printing of 100 nm resolution scanned images. This milestone was achieved with the ETS operating in an initial low-power configuration using a 40 W laser combined with a Xe cluster jet. The third condenser component is referred to as C3, of which there are six individual optics. The first set of C3 Illuminator optics was removed after this low-power operation, and extensively characterized for EUV-induced contamination. EUV reflectivity data indicate a decrease in reflectivity from an initial 66% to ∼48-56% (depending on location), with the more intensely illuminated areas of the C3 having the smaller final reflectivity. Auger electron spectroscopy indicated the observed reflectivity decrease can be largely attributed to carbon contamination, ∼ 150-300 A thick depending on location. No evidence was found for optic oxidation, indicating EtOH successfully prevented EUV/H 2 O oxidation of the outermost Si layer during exposure to both EUV and out-of-band radiation. Measurements of the reflectivity centroid wavelength showed a negligible change, suggesting the observed variations were due to surface contamination and not bulk multilayer radiation damage. The carbon contamination could be removed by RF-O 2 cleaning.
Predicted shortfall in open aneurysm experience for vascular surgery trainees

Objective Since the introduction of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), the volume of open aneurysm repair (OAR) has steadily declined since 2000. The introduction of next-generation devices and branched and fenestrated endograft technology continues to increase the anatomic applicability of EVAR, further decreasing the need for OAR. This study models the decline in OAR and uses historical trends to forecast future decline in volume and its potential effect on vascular surgery training. Methods An S-curve modified logistic function was used to model the effect of introducing a new technology (EVAR) on the standard management of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with OAR starting in the year 2000, when an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, code was first introduced for EVAR. Patients who underwent EVAR and OAR for AAA were determined using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 1998 to 2011. Weighted samples and data from the United States Census Bureau were used to extrapolate these numbers to estimate population statistics. The number of cases completed at teaching hospitals was calculated using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education case logs were used to forecast the number of cases completed by vascular surgery trainees. Results The highest number of OAR cases in this study was 42,872 in 2000 compared with just 10,039 in 2011. This was mirrored by a rise in EVAR from 2358 cases in 2000 (5.2%) to 35,028 in 2011 (76.5% by volume). Of the OAR volume in 2011, 6055 cases (60.3%) were completed at teaching institutions. An S-curve model with a correlation coefficient of R 2 = 0.982 predicted 3809 open AAA cases at teaching hospitals by 2015, 2162 by 2020, and 1231 by 2025. When compared with the 2011 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education National Resident Report, vascular surgery residents had 44.4% utilization with regard to OAR (2690 cases covered of 6055 total). When combined with the increase in vascular surgery trainees and lower number of open repairs, vascular fellows will complete about 10 OAR cases in 2015 and five OAR cases in 2020. Conclusions The decreasing number of OAR cases will limit exposure for vascular trainees, who may be ill equipped to treat patients who require open repair beyond 2015. Additional methods for providing OAR training should be explored.
The Visual Dimensions of Future Neurosurgical Education

In the book by the acclaimed writer and neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks, entitled The Mind’s Eye, he has written a chapter devoted to the henomenon of stereopsis and notes that perhaps 5% to 10% of he population has little or no stereoscopic vision (5). Dr. Sacks iscusses the case of Susan Barry, a woman who was born with trabismus and lacked binocular vision. Because she had very poor epth perception, her visual world was two-dimensional, as if she ere looking at a photograph. In her 50s, she trained herself to evelop stereopsis by forcing her eyes to align through repeated xercises. Barry described her experience of acquiring binocular ision like it was an epiphany:
Nanocluster Epitaxy by Annealing: Ag on H-terminated Si (111) Surfaces

We report an experimental investigation on the morphology and orientation of Ag nanoclusters by RT deposition and subsequent annealing. We show that epitaxial Ag clusters of 2 ∼ 6 nm in diameter can be synthesized in this way. The RT self-assembled Ag clusters grow as mostly single-crystal crystallites with Ag(111)//Si(111), but the in-plane orientation has a dispersion of ∼ 9° centering at Si[110] direction. Upon annealing, the Ag clusters drastically rotated to the epitaxial configuration with the in-plane orientation aligned to the Ag[110] //Si[110] direction. The rotation and epitaxy of the Ag nanoclusters are explained based on a coincident site lattice model and interface energy minimization.
Protrusion-features handling in design and manufacturing planning

Abstract In a feature-based design system, a designer should be able to design with both protrusion and depression features. Since depression features loosely correspond to machining processes, they are easy to handle during process planning and NC cutter-path generation. However, the same cannot be said for protrusion features. Not only do the removal volumes surrounding the feature need to be extracted into depression features, but the original workpiece needs to increase in size so that there is enough material for the protruding features. A backward-growing methodology for handling protrusion features for process planning is discussed. Its implementation in an integrated design/ manufacturing system called QTC II is described.
Fiber Types, Asbestos Potency, and Environmental Causation: A Peer Review of Published Work and Legal and Regulatory Scientific Testimony

Scientific evidence and analysis offered in litigation and public policy testimony have an important role in occupational and environmental health, but are not subject to peer review. Critique and commentary, attempts at reproduction of results, and review of data offered in such testimony is essential. Peer review of such testimony should become part of the domain of medical and scientific journals. This paper is an effort to peer review the use of certain scientific methods in tort litigation and in testimony before regulatory agencies. In this issue of IJOEH, Azuma et al. show that background asbestos exposures can be considered to have caused mesothelioma. In contrast, epidemiologic studies and testimony by Teta et al. and Price and Ware, and pathologic studies and testimony by Roggli and others, claim that background exposures are benign. These are fatally flawed because of methodological and analytic errors.
Gap Metric Concept and Implications for Multilinear Model-Based Controller Design

The gap metric concept is used within the context of multilinear model-based control. The concept of distance between dynamic systems is used as a criterion for selecting a set of models that can explain the nonlinear plant behavior in a given operating range. The case studies presented include a CSTR and a pH neutralization reactor. The gap metric is used to analyze the relationships among candidate models, resulting in a reduced model set that provides enough information to design multilinear controllers. The simulation and experimental results indicate good performance and stability features.
Human pancreatic carboxypeptidase B. I. Isolation, purification, and characterization of fraction II

Abstract Human carboxypeptidase B fraction II has been purified from pancreatic juice by DEAE-‘Sephadex’ chromatography, isoelectric focusing, and ‘Sephadex’ G-100 gel filtration. The enzyme has been characterized by analytical polyacrylamide disc-gel electrophoresis, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, amino acid analysis, K m determination, molecular weight determination on ‘Sephadex’ G-100, zinc analysis, and inhibition by metal chelating agents. Human carboxypeptidase B fraction II appeared homogeneous in analytical polyacrylamide disc-gel electrophoresis, but showed two components of 23,500 and 9,200 daltons in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Zinc analysis revealed 0.96 gram atoms of zinc per mole of enzyme, and a K m of 65 ± 3 μ M was determined for hydrolysis of hippuryl- l -arginine.
High and low emotion events influence emotional stress perceptions and are associated with salivary cortisol response changes in a consecutive stress paradigm

Numerous studies over the last few decades have successfully utilized “psychological” stressors to examine stress-induced cortisol release as a function of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) cascade. In contrast, research examining the effect emotionally-laden stressors may have on cortisol release is scarce. Moreover, the results from the few studies that have examined subjective perceptions of emotional stress and their relationship to cortisol release are mixed. Thus, little is known about the impact an emotionally-charged stressor may have on cortisol responsivity and even less is understood about the relationship between cortisol release and perceived emotional stress. The primary goal of the present research was to investigate the effect of consecutive, emotionally stressful events on cortisol release. The secondary goal was to examine the influence perceptions about emotionally stressful events might have on cortisol responsivity. This is the first study to identify two distinct patterns of cortisol release that were significantly reversed (P=0.006) in response to high and low emotion events presented in a consecutive stress paradigm that were associated with perceptions of emotional stress.
An investigation into lowest acceptable combustion temperatures for hydrocarbon fuels in HCCI engines

Abstract The combustion temperatures required for complete combustion in homogeneous charge compression ignition engines have been investigated computationally and experimentally. Fuels from several different hydrocarbon classes are covered including: iso-octane, n-heptane, toluene, and methylcyclohexane. Over a wide range of conditions, it was found that the temperature requirements are well described by the peak cycle temperature. For operation with a compression ratio of 18 at an engine speed of 1200 rpm, 1500 K is needed for the CO-to-CO2 reactions to go to completion before the combustion is quenched by piston expansion. CO oxidation does not go to completion for operation with peak temperature below 1500 K since the OH level becomes too low. The required peak combustion temperature was found to be independent of fuel-type and autoignition characteristics. This occurs because the final CO oxidation process is independent of the original fuel molecule structure. Additionally, the combustion phasing relative to top-dead-center surprisingly has no influence on the required peak combustion temperature. This happens because the time spent close to the peak temperature does not change much with combustion phasing for operation that has slow, but complete, CO oxidation. The onset of CO emissions is more gradual for the experiment compared to the single-zone model. This can be attributed to an in-cylinder thermal distribution caused by crevices and a thermal boundary layer.
Control of selected physical properties of MX solids: an experimental and theoretical investigation

Received 17 January 1995; accepted in final form 2 May 1995 Abstract A series of eight materials of stoichiometry [Pt(L-L)2X2][Pt(L-L)2]Y 4 (X is Cl, Br; L-L is 1,2-diaminoethane (en) or 1,2- diaminocyclohexane (chxn); Y is CIO4, X-) were synthesized. Crystal structures were determined for the compounds [Pt(chxn)zC12][Pt(chxn)2](C104) 4 1, [Pt(chxn)2Brz][Pt(chxn)2](CIO4)4 2, and [Pt(chxn)zBrz][Pt(chxn)z]Br 4 4. All three of these compounds crystallize in the orthorhombic space group I222. Compound 1 has a = 5.711(1) ,~, b = 7.804(1) A, c = 24.101(7) A,, Z = 1, dx = 2.033 g cm 3. Compound 2 has a = 5.781(1) A, b = 7.720(1) ,~, c = 24.036(5) ,~, Z = 1, d× = 2.174 g cm -3. Compound 4 has a = 5.379(1) ,~, b = 7.028(1) A, c = 23.884(4) ,~, Z = 1, dx = 2.440 g cm 3. These solids contain pseudo one-dimensional chains with a charge-density-wave (CDW) ground state structure: X-Pt(IV)- X...Pt(II)...X. Single crystal resonance Raman experiments were performed on all compounds to measure the sym- metric X Pt X stretching frequency u~ and the band edge. It is shown that the optical and electronic properties and, therefore, the CDW strength of these one-dimensional materials may be systematically varied over a wide range by employing different combinations of L-L and Y; templates composed of hydrogen bonded networks of L-L and Y were found to control the metal-metal separation, thereby controlling the X-Pt(IV)-X...Pt(II)...X chain geometry. Rela- tionships between the CDW strength, measured as the ratio of the short M(IV) X distance to the long M(II) X distance, the band gap energy ul and the Pt-Pt separation are developed. The reaction coordinate is found to be dominated by changes in the M-M and Pt(II)-X separations over most of the range studied, with contributions from changes in the ptlV-x bonds becoming important only at the smallest M-M separations. Direct evidence demonstrating that MX systems are true Peierls distorted systems is also presented. These results are consistent with modeling based on Peierls- Hubbard hamiltonians. This work explains the unusual pressure and temperature dependences that have been observed for the structures and optical properties of this class of materials and also provides a wealth of information to benchmark many-body theoretical calculations modeling electron electron and electron-phonon interactions in one-dimensional materials. 1. Introduction There has been recent interest in halogen bridged * Corresponding authors.
Experimentally induced transitions in the dynamic behaviour of insect populations

SIMPLE nonlinear models can generate fixed points, periodic cycles and aperiodic oscillations in population abundance without any external environmental variation. Another familiar theoretical result is that shifts in demographic parameters (such as survival or fecundity) can move a population from one of these behaviours to another1–4. Unfortunately, empirical evidence to support these theoretical possibilities is scarce5–15. We report here a joint theoretical and experimental study to test the hypothesis that changes in demographic parameters cause predictable changes in the nature of population fluctuations. Specifically, we developed a simple model describing population growth in the flour beetle Tribolium16. We then predicted, using standard mathematical techniques to analyse the model, that changes in adult mortality would produce substantial shifts in population dynamic behaviour. Finally, by experimentally manipulating the adult mortality rate we observed changes in the dynamics from stable fixed points to periodic cycles to aperiodic oscillations that corresponded to the transitions forecast by the mathematical model.
Endosperm dosage relationships among Lycopersicon species

Accessions of eight Lycopersicon species and five yellow-flowered Solanum species were used as males in crosses with 2x and 4x L. esculentum to observe seed set and progeny ploidy. Species which failed in crosses to L. esculentum were crossed as males to 2x and 4x L. peruvianum. In cases of low seed set, chromosome counts were undertaken to establish the nature of the progeny. Endosperm Balance Number (EBN) relationships were determined for the crossability groups. Results support the basic concept of an L. esculentum crossability complex and an L. peruvianum crossability complex. Within the L. esculentum complex, all EBNs appear identical with a value of 2. Within the L. peruvianum complex, more variability appears to exist. The EBN values of this group are higher, and may be approximately double those of the L. esculentum complex. The EBN of L. peruvianum var ‘humifusum’ appears to be somewhat lower than other L. peruvianum types. The EBN values of S. lycopersicoides, S. rickii, S. ochranthum and S. juglandtfolium could not be determined experimentally. Differential aspects of Lycopersicon and tuber-bearing Solanum evolution may be interpreted on the basis of endosperm compatibility.
Phylogeny and assemblage composition of Frankia in Alnus tenuifolia nodules across a primary successional sere in interior Alaska

In nitrogen (N) fixing symbioses, host-symbiont specificity, genetic variation in bacterial symbionts and environmental variation represent fundamental constraints on the ecology, evolution and practical uses of these interactions, but detailed information is lacking for many naturally occurring N-fixers. This study examined phylogenetic host specificity of Frankia in field-collected nodules of two Alnus species (A. tenuifolia and A. viridis) in interior Alaska and, for A. tenuifolia, distribution, diversity, spatial autocorrelation and correlation with specific soil factors of Frankia genotypes in nodules collected from replicated habitats representing endpoints of a primary sere. Frankia genotypes most commonly associated with each host belonged to different clades within the Alnus-infective Frankia clade, and for A. tenuifolia, were divergent from previously described Frankia. A. tenuifolia nodules from early and late succession habitats harboured distinct Frankia assemblages. In early succession, a single genotype inhabited 71% of nodules with no discernable autocorrelation at any scale, while late succession Frankia were more diverse, differed widely among plants within a site and were significantly autocorrelated within and among plants. Early succession Frankia genotype occurrence was strongly correlated with carbon/nitrogen ratio in the mineral soil fraction, while in late succession, the most common genotypes were correlated with different soil variables. Our results suggest that phylogenetic specificity is a significant factor in the A. tenuifolia-Frankia interaction and that significant habitat-based differentiation may exist among A. tenuifolia-infective genotypes. This is consistent with our hypothesis that A. tenuifolia selects specific Frankia genotypes from early succession soils and that this choice is attenuated in late succession.
Metabolic rates of stygobiontic invertebrates from the Túnel de la Atlántida, Lanzarote

Numerous studies have shown that hypogean organisms have a reduced metabolism when compared with their epigean counterparts. Although the cause of this metabolic cave adaptation is still uncertain, a current theory holds that it results from a reduced oxygen environment. This study examines the metabolism of specimens collected from the Tunel de la Atlantida, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, the completely submerged, seaward-most segment of a 7-km-long lava tube. Unlike many cave systems, the Tunel de la Atlantida is an oxic environment. Invertebrate metabolism was examined directly by measuring oxygen consumed by the organisms. When compared to two suboxic to anoxic anchialine limestone cave systems in the Bahamas, the Lanzarote invertebrate oxygen consumption rates were significantly greater. Amphipods of the genus Spelaeonicippe (family Pardaliscidae) found in the Tunel de la Atlantida and in anchialine caves in the Bahamas were compared based upon mass, with Spelaeonicippe buchi from Lanzarote being significantly larger than S. provo from the Bahamas. The selective pressures of living in a reduced oxygen environment that have forced the Bahamian amphipods to be smaller are released in the oxic environment of the Lanzarote lava tube, allowing for greater body mass and potentially increased clutch sizes.
A model of excitation and adaptation in bacterial chemotaxis

We present a model of the chemotactic mechanism of Escherichia coli that exhibits both initial excitation and eventual complete adaptation to any and all levels of stimulus ("exact" adaptation). In setting up the reaction network, we use only known interactions and experimentally determined cytosolic concentrations. Whenever possible, rate coefficients are first assigned experimentally measured values; second, we permit some variation in these rate coefficients by using a multiple-well optimization technique and incremental adjustment to obtain values that are sufficient to engender initial response to stimuli (excitation) and an eventual return of behavior to baseline (adaptation). The predictions of the model are similar to the observed behavior of wild-type bacteria in regard to the time scale of excitation in the presence of both attractant and repellent. The model predicts a weaker response to attractant than that observed experimentally, and the time scale of adaptation does not depend as strongly upon stimulant concentration as does that for wild-type bacteria. The mechanism responsible for long-term adaptation is local rather than global: on addition of a repellent or attractant, the receptor types not sensitive to that attractant or repellent do not change their average methylation level in the long term, although transient changes do occur. By carrying out a phenomenological simulation of bacterial chemotaxis, we find that the model is insufficiently sensitive to effect taxis in a gradient of attractant. However, by arbitrarily increasing the sensitivity of the motor to the tumble effector (phosphorylated CheY), we can obtain chemotactic behavior.
Cohesion An Odyssey in Empirical Understanding

This article is third in a series of four describing and integrating a multidimensional approach for measuring and understanding small group process. The construct of cohesion is reviewed and the multidimensional approach is applied to evidence, both conceptual and empirical, resulting from studies of cohesion. Observations and conclusions are discussed regarding cohesion and its current state.
A comparison of estimated mixing height by multiple remote sensing instruments and its influence on air quality in urban regions

Urban areas suffer from high pollutant loadings due to their proximity to emission sources as well as transported aerosols. Therefore it is essential to have an accurate technique for measuring the pollutants and evaluate their effect. Since the atmosphere mixing height (MH) defines the total volume available for the pollutant transport and dispersion, it is important that air-quality models can provide realistic estimates. This paper studies multiple instruments for MH determination and their potential for validating air-quality model forecasts such as WRF. In addition, use of automated PBL height retrieval using wavelet analysis is briefly described and long term statistical comparisons of MH and WRF mixing height are obtained.
Hydroclimatic flood trends in the northeastern United States and linkages with large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns

AbstractWe evaluate flood magnitude and frequency trends across the Mid-Atlantic USA at stream gauges selected for long record lengths and climate sensitivity, and find field significant increases. Fifty-three of 75 study gauges show upward trends in annual flood magnitude, with 12 showing increases at p < 0.05. We investigate trends in flood frequency using partial duration series data and document upward trends at 75% of gauges, with 27% increasing at p < 0.05. Many study gauges show evidence for step increases in flood magnitude and/or frequency around 1970. Expanding our study area to include New England, we find evidence for lagged positive relationships between the winter North Atlantic Oscillation phase and flood magnitude and frequency. Our results suggest hydroclimatic changes in regional flood response that are related to a combination of factors, including cyclic atmospheric variability and secular trends related to climate warming affecting both antecedent conditions and event-scale processes....
Fuel on the fire

17 O’Shaughnessy KM, Wellings R, Gillies B, Fuller RW. Differential effects of fluticasone propionate on allergen-evoked bronchoconstriction and increased urinary leukotriene E4 excretion. Am Rev Respir Dis 1993; 147: 1472–76. 18 Israel E, Fischer AR, Rosenberg MA, et al. The pivotal role of 5-lipoxygenase products in the reaction of aspirin sensitive asthmatics to aspirin. Am Rev Respir Dis 1993; 148: 1447–51. 19 Dahlen B, Nizankowska E, Szczeklik A, et al. Benefits from adding the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor zileuton to conventional therapy in aspirinintolerant asthmatics. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1998; 157: 1187–94. 20 Drazen JM, Yandava CN, Dube L, et al. Pharmacogenetic association between ALOX5 promoter genotype and the response to anti-asthma treatment. Nat Genet 1999; 22: 168-70. 21 Ind PW. Inhaled corticosteroids versus anti-leukotrienes: a literature review on the clinical effects. Allergy 1999; 54 (suppl 50): 43-46. ARTICLES
New features of plant-fructan structure revealed by methylation analysis and carbon-13 n.m.r. spectroscopy

Abstract The chemical structures of inulins, levans, highly branched fructans, and fructan oligomers from plants were determined by gas-liquid chromatography of partially methylated alditol acetates and 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the native polymers. Results obtained by these sensitive techniques revealed that these polymers contained small proportions of linkages atypical of the expected structures; inulins were composed of primarily (2 → 1)-linked β- d -fructofuranosyl units, but contained measurable amounts of (2 → 1, 2 → 6)-linked branch point residues and (2 → 6)-linked fructosyl units, and the levans possessed atypical (2 → 1)-linked fructofuranosyl and branch-point residues. The highly branched wheat fructans were particularly dynamic, exhibiting enrichment of (2 → 1)-linkages during early induction of synthesis but enrichment of (2 → 6) linkages upon extended periods of fructan accumulation. The techniques used here should prove valuable in determining the biological significance of these variations in structure.
Enantioselective total synthesis of (+)-ibophyllidine via an asymmetric phosphine-catalyzed [3 + 2] annulation

In this study we performed the total synthesis of the terpene indole alkaloid (+)-ibophyllidine through a pathway involving asymmetric phosphine catalysis, with our novel L-4-hydroxyproline-derived chiral phosphine mediating the key [3 + 2] annulation. Hydrogenation of the [3 + 2] adduct allowed the rapid formation of the stereochemically dense pyrrolidine ring of (+)-ibophyllidine in excellent yield with exceptionally high levels of both diastereo- and enantioselectivity. We constructed the remainder of the pentacyclic skeleton through an intramolecular alkylation and an intramolecular aza-Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction.
The Growth of Index Funds and the Pricing of Equity Securities

The authors examine the hypothesis that the popularity of indexing to the SP nor can they substantiate that indexing has any permanent effect on the pricing of securities.
Combined free-forced convection heat transfer between vertical slender cylinders and power-law fluids

Abstract The transfer processes of steady, laminar mixed convection of non-Newtonian fluids along vertical cylinders are largely determined by the curvature effects of the slender cylinder, the type of thermal boundary conditions, the index of the power-law viscosity model, the buoyancy parameter and the leading edge effect. The validated computer simulation model can be used to investigate basic transport phenomena of the present system and its special cases. The model may also serve as a predictive tool for solving industrial problems related to processing of polymeric liquids.
Familial multiple sclerosis: volumetric assessment in clinically symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals.

A genetic basis for clustering of multiple sclerosis (MS) cases, based on studies of MS families, has been proposed for decades. Few reports provide detailed neurological as well as neuroradiological findings on these patients. We report total T2-weighted intracranial lesion volumes on members of three familial MS cohorts: a mother and father with conjugal MS with one affected son and a neurologically normal son and daughter, one pair of monozygotic twin sisters with MS, and a female sibling pair with MS. We hypothesized that asymptomatic siblings in a family with two affected parents and another affected child might demonstrate clinically silent T2-weighted lesions; and that monozygotic twins with MS are more likely to express similar T2-weighted lesion volumes than non-twin sibling pairs. We found clinically silent lesions in unaffected children of the symptomatic parent couple, with a significant difference in total T2 lesion volume between these unaffected siblings and their parents, as well as their ...
Tetraploid Origin of the Karyotype of Catostomid Fishes

Catostomid fishes appear to have 2n(-->4n?) approximately 100 chromosomes. The Cyprinidae, from which catostomids probably diverged before the Eocene, usually have 2n = 48 or 50 chromosomes. Preliminary cytophotometric measurements indicate an approximate doubling of DNA content of cells among catostomids.
Tie-line power and frequency control

THIS ARTICLE extends a previous study1 to include hydroelectric power generating areas. As before, the object is to determine theoretically the best values of controller gains; that is, to find those controller settings that will result in best over-all system performance.
Effects of selected chemotherapeutic agents on PCNA expression in prostate carcinoma cell lines.

Bivariate flow cytometric analysis of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was performed on prostate carcinoma cell lines (PC-3, DU-145). For both cell lines 100% methanol fixation provided optimal fluorescence intensity of PCNA. The ratio of PCNA/DNA increased in late G1 through early S/phase, followed by a decrease in mid- and late S and enhancement in G2/M phase. PCNA expression was increased in G2/M phase cells treated for 48 h with vinblastine. A slight decrease in PCNA expression was observed with cyclohexamide treatment. Hydroxyurea induced an increase in S-phase fraction along with enhanced PCNA expression. Methotrexate and Adriamycin had little effect on the cell cycle compartments of PC-3 or DU-145; however, methotrexate decreased PCNA expression, while Adriamycin enhanced it. Cisplatin increased S-phase in both cell lines, increasing PCNA expression in PC-3 and decreasing it in DU-145 cells. The data on the effects of drug treatment point to a dissociation between PCNA expression and S-phase fraction as calculated from the DNA distribution. In some cases, e.g., the cisplatin studies, different effects were obtained in the two different cell lines treated with the same drugs. Whether changes in PCNA expression will provide more useful information than S-phase fraction for evaluation of potential antitumor drugs is not known.
Do you see what I see? The future of virtual shopping

New technologies captivate our imaginations. We have seen a breathtaking stream of innovations--solar cells, nuclear fusion, biotechnology, genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, robotics, space travel, virtual reality, and many others--all promising to transform our lives. For better or worse, the actual impact of these innovations is often much less (and takes much longer) than what we expected. In some cases, unforeseen technical problems have stalled the development process, blocking an innovation's move from the laboratory into the marketplace. In others, consumers have resisted change, instead choosing to maintain the status quo. Existing technologies have also continued to evolve, making it unnecessary to switch to something new. In recent years, the Internet has generated a tremendous level of excitement. Business magazines are filled with articles describing how life will be different in a digital age. High-technology stocks have soared on investors' expectations of the creation of new wealth and the transformation of existing businesses. Some of the most sensational predictions have been made with regard to electronic commerce. Maurice Saatchi, a prominent figure in the advertising industry, forecast that in 40 years, electronic retailing will eliminate the need for physical stores (Cope 1996:18). Andersen Consulting predicted that in the next decade, 20 percent of supermarket shopping will be conducted through nonstore electronic channels (McGrath 1994). Negroponte (1995) argued that, as a consequence of electronic distribution, "videocassette-rental stores will go out of business in less than ten years" (p. 173). And Jupiter Communications, a New York market research firm, estimated that interactive home shopping would expand to $82.35 billion by the year 2003 (Conway 1994:26).
Murine Models of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multifactorial autoimmune disorder. The study of diverse mouse models of lupus has provided clues to the etiology of SLE. Spontaneous mouse models of lupus have led to identification of numerous susceptibility loci from which several candidate genes have emerged. Meanwhile, induced models of lupus have provided insight into the role of environmental factors in lupus pathogenesis as well as provided a better understanding of cellular mechanisms involved in the onset and progression of disease. The SLE-like phenotypes present in these models have also served to screen numerous potential SLE therapies. Due to the complex nature of SLE, it is necessary to understand the effect specific targeted therapies have on immune homeostasis. Furthermore, knowledge gained from mouse models will provide novel therapy targets for the treatment of SLE.
The 5' and 3' ends of alphavirus RNAs – non-coding is not non-functional

The non-coding regions found at the 5' and 3' ends of alphavirus genomes regulate viral gene expression, replication, translation and virus-host interactions, which have significant implications for viral evolution, host range, and pathogenesis. The functions of these non-coding regions are mediated by a combination of linear sequence and structural elements. The capped 5' untranslated region (UTR) contains promoter elements, translational regulatory sequences that modulate dependence on cellular translation factors, and structures that help to avoid innate immune defenses. The polyadenylated 3' UTR contains highly conserved sequence elements for viral replication, binding sites for cellular miRNAs that determine cell tropism, host range, and pathogenesis, and conserved binding regions for a cellular protein that influences viral RNA stability. Nonetheless, there are additional conserved elements in non-coding regions of the virus (e.g., the repeated sequence elements in the 3' UTR) whose function remains obscure. Thus, key questions remain as to the function of these short yet influential untranslated segments of alphavirus RNAs.
Salivary IgA in periodontal disease

The IgA content in whole and parotid saliva was determined in normal human subjects and in individuals afflicted with periodontal disease. The immunological measurements were made by means of a diffusion-in-gel method previously described. Elevated IgA-levels were found in the whole saliva of patients with periodontal disease, while normal levels of IgA were noted in sera and parotid saliva of all subjects studied regardless of their periodontal status. It was concluded that the elevated levels of IgA in the whole saliva was due to increased leakage of IgA via the gingival fluid.
Registration of Alzheimer patients in an autopsy program: Who does it and why?

Registration of Alzheimer patients with an autopsy program is essential for research, for post-mortem validation of clinical diagnosis, and for genetic counseling of relatives. Although the number of Alzheimer patients is increasing, those undergoing autopsy constitute a minority because their relatives may be unaware of the benefits of autopsy or may be uncomfortable with autopsy as a sensitive issue. To learn about what motivates the families of Alzheimer patients to register them in an autopsy program, we surveyed the demographic characteristics and attitudes toward brain autopsy of next of kin to 250 consecutive registrants of the St. Louis University Medical Center I Alzheimer', Association Brain Bank. Mean age of respondents at registration of the patient was 56.9 ± 12.06. One-third of the respondents were registrants' spouses -and three out of five respondents had a parent with Alzheimer's disease. All respondents but three were white, and two-thirds of them were women. Forty percent of the respond...
The modified polyconic projection for the IMW.

The modified Polyconic map projection designed by Lallemand and adopted for the International Map of the World between 1909 and 1962 has two meridians and two parallels which are true to scale. Constructed geometrically in the past, forward and inverse coordinate transformations may be calculated analytically in order to transfer data from existing quadrangles to other maps. The equations for these transformations are derived and used to calculate representative tables of coordinates and scale factors. Although the projection is neither equal-area nor conformai, scale does not vary more than 0.06% throughout the quadrangle. Dans la projection polyconique modifiee de Lallemand utilisee pour la carte internationale du monde de 1909 a 1962, seuls deux meridiens et deux paralleles sont en vraie grandeur. Projection d'une conception geometrique, on peut calculer analytiquement la conversion des coordonnees du plan en coordonnees geographiques, et inversement, de facon a reporter les donnees d'une carte a une a...
The regulation of isoprene emission responses to rapid leaf temperature fluctuations

Isoprene emission from leaves is temperature dependent and may protect leaves from damage at high temperatures. We measured the temperature of white oak (Quercus alba L.) leaves at the top of the canopy. The largest short-term changes in leaf temperature were associated with changes in solar radiation. During these episodes, leaf temperature changed with a 1 min time constant, a measure of the rate of temperature change. We imposed rapid temperature fluctuations on leaves to study the effect of temperature change rate on isoprene emission. Leaf temperature changed with a 16 s time constant; isoprene responded more slowly with a 37 s time constant. This time constant was slow enough to cause a lag in isoprene emission when leaf temperature fluctuated rapidly but isoprene emission changed quickly enough to follow the large temperature changes observed in the oak canopy. This is consistent with the theory that isoprene functions to protect leaves from short periods of high temperature. Time constant analysis also revealed that there are two processes that cause isoprene emission to increase with leaf temperature. The fastest process likely reflects the influence of temperature on reaction kinetics, while the slower process may reflect the activation of an enzyme.
Enzyme-catalyzed acylation of homoserine: mechanistic characterization of the Escherichia coli metA-encoded homoserine transsuccinylase.

The first unique step in bacterial and plant methionine biosynthesis involves the activation of the γ-hydroxyl of homoserine. In Escherichia coli, this activation is accomplished via a succinylatio...
Very low frequency noise power from the lightning discharge

Abstract Following a summary of present knowledge of the lightning-discharge mechanism, the expression of Bruce and Golde for the destruction of the cloud-image dipole by the discharge has been derived phenomenologically. The radiation power spectrum of a lightning discharge has been calculated for two cases, considering the radiation to arise from (a) the destruction of the cloud-image dipole and (b) the channel as a linear antenna. The power spectrum of the waveform of a distant daytime atmospheric (daytime “tweek”) characterized by a decrease in both amplitude and instantaneous frequency with time, has been obtained, assuming exponential decay of a sinusoidal waveform whose frequency is that of the power-weighted mean frequency. This waveform power spectrum, the transformed results of the (b) analysis above (using available experimentally determined propagation data for very low frequencies), and one of Bowe's spectra of distant daytime atmospherics have been compared. There is reasonable agreement of the transformed discharge spectrum with the observed “tweek” spectra, despite the approximations of the calculations, the variations among individual discharges, and the interpolation and extrapolation of the propagation data. These results indicate a peak in the power spectra of distant daytime atmospherics at about 10 kc., in agreement with other “tweek” workers. While the Bruce and Golde expression seems adequate for radiation analysis, a question has been raised concerning its use, except in special cases, for the near field analysis.
Lymphangiomatosis with Extensive Skeletal Involvement

Aim : To review a case presentation of systemic lymphangiomatosis- an uncommon medical condition that can be easily misdiagnosed in the clinical setting Abstract : Generalized lymphangiomatosis is a rare condition with characteristic multi-centric angiomatous malformations of the skeletal system, with involvement of surrounding soft tissues and skin. It results from a congenital anomaly and presents predominantly in the paediatric age group. Systemic involvement includes not only the skeletal system, but also the pulmonary and gastrointestinal systems. Its diagnosis can be difficult to ascertain but is hinged on clinical presentation, imaging and histological confirmation. The condition carries a variable prognosis as treatment options are very limited. Pulmonary involvement is usually terminal, however. A case is presented to highlight the difficulties in diagnosing and managing this condition. Conclusion : The diagnosis of lymphangiomatosis involving the skeletal system is highly reliant on imaging studies; that depict well defined osteolytic changes of the bone. Management is supportive and no cure currently exists. Keywords : lymphangiomatosis, systemic, skeletal involvement