cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative Genomics and Proteomic Analysis of Assimilatory Sulfate Reduction Pathways in Anaerobic Methanotrophic Archaea

Sulfate is the predominant electron acceptor for anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) in marine sediments. This process is carried out by a syntrophic consortium of anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (ANME) and sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) through an energy conservation mechanism that is still poorly understood. It was previously hypothesized that ANME alone could couple methane oxidation to dissimilatory sulfate reduction, but a genetic and biochemical basis for this proposal has not been identified. Using comparative genomic and phylogenetic analyses, we found the genetic capacity in ANME and related methanogenic archaea for sulfate reduction, including sulfate adenylyltransferase, APS kinase, APS/PAPS reductase and two different sulfite reductases. Based on characterized homologs and the lack of associated energy conserving complexes, the sulfate reduction pathways in ANME are likely used for assimilation but not dissimilation of sulfate. Environmental metaproteomic analysis confirmed the expression of 6 proteins in the sulfate assimilation pathway of ANME. The highest expressed proteins related to sulfate assimilation were two sulfite reductases, namely assimilatory-type low-molecular-weight sulfite reductase (alSir) and a divergent group of coenzyme F_(420)-dependent sulfite reductase (Group II Fsr). In methane seep sediment microcosm experiments, however, sulfite and zero-valent sulfur amendments were inhibitory to ANME-2a/2c while growth in their syntrophic SRB partner was not observed. Combined with our genomic and metaproteomic results, the passage of sulfur species by ANME as metabolic intermediates for their SRB partners is unlikely. Instead, our findings point to a possible niche for ANME to assimilate inorganic sulfur compounds more oxidized than sulfide in anoxic marine environments.
Modelling problems in large electric - power systems: Applications of integral manifolds to power system studies

This paper gives an introduction to integral manifold theory as applied to reduced order modeling of power systems. A multimachine example of the elimination of a fast voltage control system is given.
The effects of varying the interval from follicular wave emergence to progestin withdrawal on follicular dynamics and the synchrony of estrus in beef cattle.

The objective of this experiment was to examine the effects of varying the interval from follicular wave emergence to progestin (controlled internal drug-releasing insert, CIDR) withdrawal on follicular dynamics and the synchrony of estrus. A secondary objective was to assess the effects of causing the dominant follicle (DF) to develop in the presence or absence of a corpus luteum (CL) on follicular dynamics and the synchrony of estrus and ovulation. The experiment was designed as a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with injection of GnRH or estradiol-17β and progesterone (E 2 + P 4 ) at treatment initiation, duration of CIDR treatment, and injection of PG (prostaglandin F 2 α) or saline at the time of CIDR insertion as main effects. Estrous cycles (n = 49) in Angus cows were synchronized, and treatments commenced on d 6 to 8 of the estrous cycle. Cows were randomly assigned to receive a CIDR containing 1.9 g of P 4 for 7 or 9 d. Approximately half the cows from each CIDR group received either GnRH (100 μg) or E 2 + P 4 (1 mg of E 2 + 100 mg of P 4 ) at CIDR insertion. Cows in GnRH or E 2 + P 4 groups were divided into those that received PG (37.5 mg) or saline at CIDR insertion. All cows received PG (25 mg) 1 d before CIDR removal. Daily ovarian events were monitored via ultrasound. The intervals from GnRH or E 2 + P 4 treatment to follicular wave emergence were 1.4 and 3.3 d, respectively (P 0.05). Altering the interval from follicular wave emergence to progestin removal or creating different luteal environments in which the DF developed caused differences in the size of the DF at CIDR removal and the timing of the onset of estrus, but it did not affect the synchrony of estrus or ovulation.
In Situ High-Cycle Fatigue Reveals Importance of Grain Boundary Structure in Nanocrystalline Cu-Zr

Nanocrystalline metals typically have high fatigue strengths but low resistance to crack propagation. Amorphous intergranular films are disordered grain boundary complexions that have been shown to delay crack nucleation and slow crack propagation during monotonic loading by diffusing grain boundary strain concentrations, which suggests they may also be beneficial for fatigue properties. To probe this hypothesis, in situ transmission electron microscopy fatigue cycling is performed on Cu-1 at.% Zr thin films thermally treated to have either only ordered grain boundaries or amorphous intergranular films. The sample with only ordered grain boundaries experienced grain coarsening at crack initiation followed by unsteady crack propagation and extensive nanocracking, whereas the sample containing amorphous intergranular films had no grain coarsening at crack initiation followed by steady crack propagation and distributed plastic activity. Microstructural design for control of these behaviors through simple thermal treatments can allow for the improvement of nanocrystalline metal fatigue toughness.
Relationships Among Acid Milk Gel Sensory, Rheological, and Tribological Behaviors

Sensory evaluation is a useful technique to optimize the textural properties of semisolid foods. However, this method may not be time- and cost effective for all food products, particularly those needing rapid, low-cost development or troubleshooting. Rheometry can determine food mechanical behaviors that have been correlated to sensory attributes. Tribometry is a complementary measurement for rheometry since some textural attributes, e.g. smoothness and astringency, may be related to friction behaviors rather than viscosity or viscoelastic behaviors. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to determine the relationships among acid milk gel rheological, tribological, and sensory behaviors, as well as how addition of human whole saliva (HWS) during instrumental testing impacted these relationships. Textural attributes of 24 formulations of acid milk gels were evaluated using descriptive sensory analysis. Rheological and tribological behaviors of the acid milk gels were evaluated with and without the addition of HWS. Overall, several sensory attributes showed correlations with rheological and tribological behaviors, including critical strain, tanδ, complex modulus, zero shear viscosity, and flow behavior index, and friction coefficients at different sliding speeds. Viscosity parameters were correlated with mouthcoat, mouth viscosity, low-melting, smoothness, firmness, astringency, grittiness in mouth, and graininess. Friction coefficient at a sliding speed of 30 mm s−1 provided the best correlation to sensory attributes. However, chalkiness, graininess, and grittiness in mouth were correlated with friction coefficients at sliding speeds of 10–30 mm s−1. Changes in rheological and tribological behavior due to addition of HWS during instrumental testing impacted correlation strength and what parameters were correlated. The results of this study provide a better understanding of the relationships among acid milk gel rheological, tribological, and sensory relationships. This understanding can be helpful to develop textures of reduced- or non-fat semisolid foods that are similar to their full-fat counterparts.
Institutional Collective Action During Covid-19: Lessons in local economic development.

At this point, little is known about local government responses to the economic crisis caused by COVID-19. This crisis is happening on Main Streets around the nation. This article examines how some local governments are taking collective action in partnership with others as well as organizations at the local and regional levels. What is unique is that collective action is rare as it relates to traditional economic development practices, yet it is occurring and leading to the offerings of multi-institutional grants and low interest loans. However, some newer supply- and demand-side actions are the result of a lack of resources and need for expediency. Practitioners can learn about these collaborative economic development actions other governments are taking, and how these partnerships can stabilize their local economies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Taking Multimedia to the Extreme

Abstract The role and function of the Multimedia Resources Department has evolved as collections and services have moved online. This article outlines Sprague Library's creative use of space, technology, and programming to reimagine Multimedia Services. Montclair State University's Media Department has expanded the scope of its services and utilized technology to enhance group study spaces to encourage collaborative efforts on group and media projects. This involved working closely with the Library Technical Support Specialist and Information Technology Division in planning and designing the collaborative spaces. In addition, the author will discuss the library's use of exhibits, workshops and programming to highlight media collections and services as well as the use of Zoom in facilitating community and campus engagement through programming. New services such as lending musical instruments and presentation printing will also be discussed.
A Feminist Voyage through International Relations

Introduction PART I: SEEING WOMEN AND GENDER IN THE DISCIPLINE OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Chapter 1: Hans Morgenthau's Principles of Political Realism: A Feminist Reformulation, 1988 Chapter 2: Gendering Security Studies and Peace Studies, 1994 and 2004 Chapter 3: On the Fringes of the World Economy: A Feminist Perspective, 1991 Chapter 4: States and Markets: An Ecofeminist Perspective on International Political Economy, 1993 Chapter 5: The Gendered Frontiers of Globalization, 2004 PART II: METHODOLOGICAL ENGAGEMENTS Chapter 6: You Just Don't Understand: Troubled Engagements Between Feminists and IR Theorists, 1997 Chapter 7: What Is Your Research Program? Some Feminist Answers to IR's Methodological Questions, 2005 Chapter 8: Dealing with Difference: Problems and Possibilities for Dialogue in International Relations, 2011 PART III: EXPLORING SOME CONTEMPORARY THEMES AND NEW DIRECTIONS Chapter 9: Feminist Perspectives on 9/11, 2002 Chapter 10: On Taking Religious Worldviews Seriously, 2009 Chapter 11: Retelling IR's Foundational Stories: Some Feminist and Postcolonialist Perspectives, 2011 PART IV: CONCLUSIONS Chapter 12: You May Never Understand: Prospects for Feminist Futures in International Relations, June 2010 Notes Bibliography Index
The Capital Commons: A Plan for Building Back Better and Beyond

To build our Republic back better we must build our banks better. The overwhelmingly greater part of our investment capital is now publicly generated yet privately managed. But pervasive and still underappreciated recursive collective action predicaments endemic to all exchange economies, combined with the decoupling of profits from production made possible by stratified capital ‘markets’ in such economies, render this unsustainable. The only way to get public capital allocation right, and thus to get credit modulation and long-term productive investment right, is to manage public capital publicly and private capital privately. This paper shows how to do that through the simple organizing framework of a public balance sheet conceived as a central bank balance sheet. Restoring our Regional Federal Reserve Banks to their original status as a network of regional development banks – ‘Spreading the Fed’ – will ensure that all assets financed with public capital are productive assets. This it will do both by discounting production-associated business paper, as in the past, and by strictly conditioning Fed lending to private sector banks upon promised local and regional production. The liability side counterpart to this asset side supplementation of the Fed balance sheet will be the provision to all citizens, businesses, and legal residents of digital P2P Citizen and Business wallets through which an upgraded ‘People’s Fed’ issues ‘Democratic Digital Dollars.’ This will end commercial and financial exclusion, leaky monetary policy, and consumer financial data ‘harvesting,’ while enabling the equitable sharing of public wealth growth through ‘Commonwealth Growth Dividends.’ A macro-prudential Price Stabilization Fund – or ‘People’s Portfolio’ – and FSOC-inspired National Reconstruction & Development Council, comprising the heads of all cabinet-level executive agencies with jurisdiction over infrastructure and industry, completes the picture, enabling perpetual democratic determination of what nationally ‘counts’ as ‘development’ and, therefore, ‘productive.’
Factors related to parenting confidence among pregnant women experiencing intimate partner violence.

OBJECTIVE Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy is associated with perinatal health problems and postpartum psychopathology. Prenatal IPV is also detrimental to a mother's perceptions of her unborn child, which may impact early parenting skills and contribute to negative effects on infant development. This study explored factors associated with parenting confidence among IPV-exposed pregnant women. METHOD Participants included 137 women who experienced IPV during pregnancy (Mage = 27.3 years; 66.9% African American/Black). Hierarchical linear regression modeling was used to examine factors that may be related to parenting confidence, with number of children and number of pregnancy complications entered in Model 1, adverse childhood experiences and IPV severity added in Model 2, and depressive symptoms and resilience added in Model 3. RESULTS All models were significant, with the final model accounting for 23.2% of the variance in parenting confidence, F(6, 130) = 6.53, p < .001, R² = .23. In this model, having other children (β = .18, p = .023), fewer pregnancy complications (β = -.19, p = .019), and higher resilience (β = .33, p < .001) were associated with higher parenting confidence. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that intervention strategies that promote resilience and address pregnant women's health concerns may facilitate greater parenting confidence among IPV-exposed pregnant women. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Footprinting SHAPE-eCLIP Reveals Transcriptome-wide Hydrogen Bonds at RNA-Protein Interfaces.

Summary Discovering the interaction mechanism and location of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) on RNA is critical for understanding gene expression regulation. Here, we apply selective 2′-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension (SHAPE) on in vivo transcripts compared to protein-absent transcripts in four human cell lines to identify transcriptome-wide footprints (fSHAPE) on RNA. Structural analyses indicate that fSHAPE precisely detects nucleobases that hydrogen bond with protein. We demonstrate that fSHAPE patterns predict binding sites of known RBPs, such as iron response elements in both known loci and previously unknown loci in CDC34, SLC2A4RG, COASY, and H19. Furthermore, by integrating SHAPE and fSHAPE with crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (eCLIP) of desired RBPs, we interrogate specific RNA-protein complexes, such as histone stem-loop elements and their nucleotides that hydrogen bond with stem-loop-binding proteins. Together, these technologies greatly expand our ability to study and understand specific cellular RNA interactions in RNA-protein complexes.
Camera-based Water Stage and Discharge Prediction with MachineLearning

Abstract. Time-lapse imagery of streams and rivers provide new qualitative insights into hydrologic conditions at stream gauges, especially when site visits are biased toward baseflow or fair-weather conditions. Imagery from fixed, ground-based cameras is also rich in quantitative information that can improve streamflow monitoring. For instance, time-lapse imagery may be valuable for filling data gaps when sensors fail and/or during lapses in funding for monitoring programs. In this study, we automated the analysis of time-lapse imagery from a single camera at a single location, then built and tested machine learning models using programmatically calculable scalar image features to fill data gaps in stream gauge records. Time-lapse images were taken with a fixed, ground-based camera that is part of a documentary watershed imaging project ( https://plattebasintimelapse.com/ ). Features were extracted from 40,000+ daylight images taken at one-hour intervals from 2012 to 2019. The algorithms removed dawn and dusk images that were too dark for feature extraction. The image features were merged with United States Geological Survey (USGS) stage and discharge data (i.e., response variables) from the site based on image capture times and USGS timestamps. We then developed a workflow to identify a suitable feature set to build machine learning models with a randomly selected training set of 30 % of the images with the remaining 70 % for a test set. Predictions were generated from Multi-layer Perceptron (MLP), Random Forest Regression (RFR), and Support Vector Regression (SVR) models. A Kalman filter was applied to the predictions to remove noise. Error metrics were calculated, including Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE), Prediction Bias (PBIAS), RMSE-Standard Deviation Ratio (RSR), and an alternative metric that accounted for seasonal runoff. After suitable features were identified, the dataset was divided into test sets of simulated data gaps for 2015, 2016, and 2017. The training sets for each gap were features from contiguous images and sensor readings before and after the gaps. NSE for the year-long gap predictions ranged from 0.63 to 0.90 for discharge and 0.47 to 0.90 for stage. The predictions for 2015 and 2017 displayed lower prediction errors than for 2016. The 2016 discharge was significantly higher than training data, which could explain the poorer performance. First and second half-year test sets were created for 2016 along with MLP models from before/after training sets for each of the gaps that held discharge measurements similar to those in the gaps. The half-year gap models' predictions improved NSE, PBIAS and RSR. The results show it is possible to extract features from images taken with the downstream facing camera to build machine learning models that produce accurate stage and discharge predictions. The methods employed should be transferrable to other sites with ground-based cameras.
Deep Learning Prediction of Cancer Prevalence from Satellite Imagery.

The worldwide growth of cancer incidence can be explained in part by changes in the prevalence and distribution of risk factors. There are geographical gaps in the estimates of cancer prevalence, which could be filled with innovative methods. We used deep learning (DL) features extracted from satellite images to predict cancer prevalence at the census tract level in seven cities in the United States. We trained the model using detailed cancer prevalence estimates from 2018 available in the CDC (Center for Disease Control) 500 Cities project. Data from 3500 census tracts covering 14,483,366 inhabitants were included. Features were extracted from 170,210 satellite images with deep learning. This method explained up to 64.37% (median = 43.53%) of the variation of cancer prevalence. Satellite features are highly correlated with individual socioeconomic and health measures that are linked to cancer prevalence (age, smoking and drinking status, and obesity). A higher similarity between two environments is associated with better generalization of the model (p = 1.10-6). This method can be used to accurately estimate cancer prevalence at a high spatial resolution without using surveys at a fraction of the cost.
Changes in pediatric trauma during COVID-19 stay-at-home epoch at a tertiary pediatric hospital.

Abstract Background Trauma is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. However, during the societal disruptions secondary to the coronavirus (COVID-19) stay-at-home regulations, there have been reported changes to the pattern and severity of pediatric trauma. We review our two-institution experience. Methods Pediatric trauma emergency department (ED) encounters from the National Trauma Registry for a large, tertiary, metropolitan level 1 pediatric trauma center and pediatric burn admission at the regional burn center were extracted for children less than 19 years from March 15th thru May 15th during the years 2015–2020. The primary outcome was the difference in encounters during the COVID-19 (2020) epoch versus the pre-COVID-19 epoch (2015–2019). Results There were 392 pediatric trauma encounters during the COVID-19 epoch as compared to 451, 475, 520, 460, 432 (mean 467.6) during the pre-COVID-19 epoch. Overall trauma admissions and ED trauma encounters were significantly lower (p Conclusions Stay-at-home regulations alter societal patterns, leading to decreased overall and blunt traumas. However, the proportion of penetrating and burn injuries increased. Owing to increased stressors and time spent at home, healthcare professionals should keep a high suspicion for abuse and neglect.
Analysis and Redesign of Battery Handling using Jack™ and HUMOSIM Motions

The evaluation of maintenance tasks is increasingly important in the design and redesign of many industrial operations including vehicles. The weight of subsystems can be extreme and often tools are developed to abate the ergonomic risks commonly associated with such tasks, while others are unfortunately overlooked. We evaluated a member of the family of medium-sized tactical vehicles (FMTV) and chose the battery handling from a list of previously addressed concerns regarding the vehicle. Particularly in larger vehicles, similar to those analyzed in this paper, batteries may exceed 35 kg (77 lbs). The motions required to remove these batteries were simulated using motion prediction modules from the Human Motion Simulation (HUMOSIM) laboratory at the University of Michigan. These motions were visualized in UGS PLM Solutions' Jack and analyzed with the embedded 3-D Static Strength Prediction program. Critical design issues were immediately apparent, such as location, orientation, contact stress, and clearance; all directly related to the difficulty and increased risk of injury associated with replacing the batteries. Simple ergonomic interventions were evaluated for the modification of existing vehicles.
Smoothing of power spectral densities

Power spectral estimates are smoothed using a Kalman filtering approach. The filter is used to segment the power spectral density by separating signal-dominated regions from noise-dominated regions. In doing so, it tends to preserve the fidelity for signal-related spectral peaks while smoothing the segments dominated by the noise. Relative to standard windowing, noise contributions are reduced, while the resolution of an unwindowed spectral estimate is essentially preserved. >
HIV interactions with herpes viruses in human lyphoid tissues

Critical events in HIV disease occur in lymphoid tissues that are often coinfected with other pathogens, in particular with herpesviruses, which may affect HIV. Here, we investigated infection by and evolution of R5 and X4 HIV-1 variants in human lymphoid tissues coinfected ex vivo with human herpesviruses (HHV) including HHV-6, HHV-7 and HCMV. We found that both HHV-6 and HHV-7 selectively suppress R5 replication, favoring X4 emergence as the dominant phenotype, and investigated the mechanisms of these phenomena. The selective pressure of HHV-7 on HIV-1 is mediated by down-modulation of CD4 in coinfected tissues, whereas HHV-6 mediates its effect on HIV-1 by dramatic upregulation of RANTES. In macaques coinfected with HHV-6 and SIV, HHV-6-resistant escape mutants are selected. These mutants are resistant to RANTES, or even dependent on this chemokine. HIV-1 infection does not affect the replication of HHV-6 but significantly changes the replication of CMV and HHV-7 depending on HIV-1 phenotype. Thus, human herpesviruses interact with HIV-1 in coinfected human lymphoid tissue via mechanisms that include modulation of HIV receptors and coreceptors, changing the cytokine/chemokine network, and competing for the same cell targets. Interactions between herpesviruses and HIV might affect the course of HIV disease by selecting for HIV-1 of a particular phenotype as well as for escape mutants. These findings support our hypothesis that interaction of HIV with other microbes in coinfected tissues can determine the pattern of HIV infection. Decipherment of the mechanisms of this phenomenon may significantly contribute to the development of efficient anti-HIV therapies.
Dynamic simulation of community crime and crime-reporting behavior

An agent-based model was developed to explore the effectiveness of possible interventions to reduce neighborhood crime and violence. Both offenders and non-offenders (or citizens) were modeled as agents living in neighborhoods, with a set of rules controlling changes in behavior based on individual experience. Offenders may become more or less inclined to actively commit criminal offenses, depending on the behavior of the neighborhood residents and other nearby offenders, and on their arrest experience. In turn, citizens may become more or less inclined to report crimes, based on the observed prevalence of criminal activity within their neighborhood. This paper describes the basic design and dynamics of the model, and how such models might be used to investigate practical crime intervention programs.
Axonal Regeneration through Regions of Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan Deposition after Spinal Cord Injury: A Balance of Permissiveness and Inhibition

Increased expression of certain extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules after CNS injury is believed to restrict axonal regeneration. The chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) are one such class of ECM molecules that inhibit neurite outgrowth in vitro and are upregulated after CNS injury. We examined growth responses of several classes of axons to this inhibitory environment in the presence of a cellular fibroblast bridge in a spinal cord lesion site and after a growth factor stimulus at the lesion site (fibroblasts genetically modified to secrete NGF). Immunohistochemical analysis showed dense labeling of the CSPGs NG2, brevican, neurocan, versican, and phosphacan at the host-lesion interface after spinal cord injury (SCI). Furthermore, robust expression of NG2, and to a lesser extent versican, was also observed throughout grafts of control and NGF-secreting fibroblasts. Despite this inhibitory milieu, several axonal classes penetrated control fibroblast grafts, including dorsal column sensory, rubrospinal, and nociceptive axons. Axon growth was amplified more in the presence of NGF-secreting grafts. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that axon growth was, paradoxically, preferentially associated with NG2-rich substrates in both graft types. NG2 expression also increased after sciatic nerve injury, wherein axons successfully regenerate. Cellular sources of NG2 in SCI and peripheral nerve lesion sites included Schwann cells and endothelial cells. Notably, these same cellular sources in lesion sites produced the cell adhesion molecules L1 and laminin, and these molecules all colocalized. Thus, axons grow along substrates coexpressing both inhibitory and permissive molecules, suggesting that regeneration is successful when local permissive signals balance and exceed inhibitory signals.
Robotically Assisted Interventions: Clinical Trial for Spinal Blocks

Percutaneous interventions are performed by freehand passages of instruments, such as needles, from the skin surface to the anatomy of interest. The main problem with this approach is that the physician can be inaccurate in aligning the instrument and staying on course. A joystick-controlled robotic needle driver may allow the physician to more precisely target the anatomy. This paper describes our experience with a robotic needle driver in a 20-patient clinical trial of nerve and facet blocks. Our next stage of research in robotically assisted lung biopsy is also mentioned.
SU‐GG‐T‐134: Knowledge‐Based IMRT Treatment Planning for Prostate Cancer

Purpose: To investigate the potential of utilizing a knowledge‐base of clinically approved plans to develop semi‐automated IMRT treatment plans for prostate cancer.Method and Materials: We assembled a database of 100 prostate IMRT treatment plans and developed an information‐theoretic system using mutual information to identify the similar cases by matching 2D beam's eye view (BEV) projections of contours. Ten randomly selected query cases were each matched with the most similar case from the database. Treatment parameters from the matched case, including beam geometry, fluences, and optimization criteria were used to develop ten new treatment plans. A comparison of the differences in dose‐volume histograms (DVH) between the new and the original treatment plans were analyzed. Specifically, we consider PTV coverage and dose to 20%, 30%, and 50% of the critical structure volumes (D20, D30, D50). Results: PTV coverage for the ten cases are clinically acceptable; the average volume receiving 98% of the dose, V98, for the original plans is 99.8% versus 99.4% for the new plans. For the bladder, the percentage differences between the original and new plans (mean ± standard deviation) for D20, D30 and D50 are −3.4% ± 14.0%, −8.6% ± 19.1% and −16.7%± 34.3%. For the rectum, these values are 4.5% ± 13.7%, 1.7% ± 20.3% and −5.4% ± 36.6%. Negative value indicates an improvement (i.e. a dose reduction to critical structures). For most cases, the rectum and bladder doses are lower with the semi‐automated plan. Conclusion: We demonstrate a knowledge‐based approach of using prior clinically approved treatment plans to generate clinically acceptable treatment plans of high quality. This semi‐automated approach has the potential to improve the efficiency of the treatment planning process while ensuring that high quality plans are developed.
Spectrum of Multidetector Computed Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Intrahepatic Vascular Shunts: Classification, Characterization, and Management

With the increasing use of multidetector computed tomography and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in evaluation of liver pathologies, a variety of vascular shunts are detected in the liver. These shunts can be related to tumors or they can be nonneoplastic. Identification of these shunts can help in diagnosing an underlying condition. We classify and describe a wide spectrum of intrahepatic vascular shunts with their key imaging features. After reviewing this article, the reader should have improved ability to detect and characterize intrahepatic vascular shunts, which will help in diagnosing an underlying condition and facilitate optimal patient care.
Industrial support of university research in biotechnology

A 1984 study of biotechnology companies reveals that nearly one-half of all such firms fund research in universities. Industry may support as much as one-quarter of all biotechnology research in institutions of higher education. These investments seem to be yielding substantial benefits to involved firms. Per dollar invested, university research is generating more patent applications than is other company research. Research relationships do pose some risks to traditional university values such as openness of communication among scholars. These risks may be greater in relationships involving small firms. The data also reveal that government is now, and seems likely to remain, the principal source of support for university research in biotechnology.
Synthesis and study of multiple cationic salts of hexamethoxytriphenylene (HMTP)

2,3,6,7,10,11-Hexamethoxytriphenylene (HMTP) is known to exhibit multiple reversible oxidation states. We report on the synthesis and the physical properties of stable monocation, dication, and alloy salts between HMTP and ClO4−. The monocation salt, HMTP-ClO4, is a half-filled band, quasi one-dimensional semiconductor with a possible spin-Peierls transition at 240K. The dication is also found to be a semiconductor.
Study of damping capacities of nitinol shape-memory alloys in martensite, austenite, and martensite-austenite co-existence phases

It is well known that both martensite and austenite (superelastic) Nitinol Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) have damping capacities, benefiting from their hysteretic stress-strain relationships. In general, for SMA devices for passive vibration control, martensite SMA has a larger damping capacity; however, it requires external heat to cause a phase transformation to restore its original shape. On the other hand, superelastic SMA has less damping capacity, but it has a strong re-centering force to restore its initial shape and there is little residual strain of the superelastic SMAs. This paper researches the damping capacity of Nitinol in martensite and austenite co-existence phase. Nitinol with the co-existence of both martensite and austenite phases combines advantages of martensite SMAs and superelastic SMAs and has a large damping capacity with self-shape restoring ability. To quantitatively study the damping effect of Nitinol in martensite and austenite co-existence phase, a setup is designed and fabricated. This setup involves a cantilevered steel beam with pre-stressed SMA wires attached to each surface at the remote end of the beam. The SMA wires function as a damper to the cantilevered beam. A piezoceramic patch sensor attached to the beam near its cantilevered end is used to record the data of the vibration of beam and the data is then used to estimate the damping ratio of the system. The percentage of the martensite phase in the Nitinol SMA wires is controlled by electrically heating the wires via a closed-loop control system. Experimental results verify that the Nitinol wires with the co-existence of the both martensite and austenite have the best damping property for vibration suppression. For practical implementation, the transformation temperate of the SMA wire damper can be chosen as the room temperature so that both martensite and austenite co-exist.
Large sample inference from single server queues

Problems of large sample estimation and tests for the parameters in a single server queue are discussed. The service time and the interarrivai time densities are assumed to belong to (positive) exponential families. The queueing system is observed over a continuous time interval (0,T] whereT is determined by a suitable stopping rule. The limit distributions of the estimates are obtained in a unified setting, and without imposing the ergodicity condition on the queue length process. Generalized linear models, in particular, log-linear models are considered when several independent queues are observed. The mean service times and the mean interarrival times after appropriate transformations are assumed to satisfy a linear model involving unknown parameters of interest, and known covariates. These models enhance the scope and the usefulness of the standard queueing systems.
Thoracic kyphoscoliosis resembling neurofibromatosis: a case report focusing on subfascial instrumentation.

Abstract Background context: The management of early-onset progressive scoliosis is controversial. Purpose: To describe the unusual surgical management of a young female with an early-onset progressive, short, angular kyphoscoliosis resembling neurofibromatosis. Study design: A case report reviewing the treatment of an unusual occurrence of kyphoscoliosis. Methods: After compliant Milwaukee brace wear had failed to stop deformity progression, surgical management including segmental anterior and posterior T5–T10 arthrodesis, and posterior T3–L4 subfascial rod instrumentation was performed at age 4 years and 6 months. After 10 rod lengthenings, segmental anterior T10 to L3 arthrodesis and posterior T3–L4 instrumentation and arthrodesis were done at age 11 years and 5 months. Results: From preoperative to 3-year postoperative definitive surgery, her T3 to L4 instrumented spine length increased by 9.5 cm; 4 cm after the initial surgery, 3 cm between the initial surgery and the definitive surgery and 2.5 cm after the definitive surgery. From preoperative to latest follow-up, her thoracic scoliosis was reduced from 89 to 31 degrees, her thoracolumbar compensatory scoliosis from 59 to 37 degrees and her kyphosis from 70 to 17 degrees. Conclusions: The combination of early definitive anterior and posterior major curve arthrodesis with a subfascial rod lengthening program to control the remainder of the thoracolumbar spine was a satisfactory solution for this unusual case of early-onset, progressive, short, angular kyphoscoliosis.
Drosophila melanogaster Zelda and Single-minded collaborate to regulate an evolutionarily dynamic CNS midline cell enhancer.

The Drosophila Zelda transcription factor plays an important role in regulating transcription at the embryonic maternal-to-zygotic transition. However, expression of zelda continues throughout embryogenesis in cells including the developing CNS and trachea, but little is known about its post-blastoderm functions. In this paper, it is shown that zelda directly controls CNS midline and tracheal expression of the link (CG13333) gene, as well as link blastoderm expression. The link gene contains a 5′ enhancer with multiple Zelda TAGteam binding sites that in vivo mutational studies show are required for link transcription. The link enhancer also has a binding site for the Single-minded:Tango and Trachealess:Tango bHLH-PAS proteins that also influences link midline and tracheal expression. These results provide an example of how a transcription factor (Single-minded or Trachealess) can interact with distinct co-regulatory proteins (Zelda or Sox/POU-homeodomain proteins) to control a similar pattern of expression of different target genes in a mechanistically different manner. While zelda and single-minded midline expression is well-conserved in Drosophila, midline expression of link is not well-conserved. Phylogenetic analysis of link expression suggests that ∼60 million years ago, midline expression was nearly or completely absent, and first appeared in the melanogaster group (including D. melanogaster, D. yakuba, and D. erecta) >13 million years ago. The differences in expression are due, in part, to sequence polymorphisms in the link enhancer and likely due to altered binding of multiple transcription factors. Less than 6 million years ago, a second change occurred that resulted in high levels of expression in D. melanogaster. This change may be due to alterations in a putative Zelda binding site. Within the CNS, the zelda gene is alternatively spliced beginning at mid-embryogenesis into transcripts that encode a Zelda isoform missing three zinc fingers from the DNA binding domain. This may result in a protein with altered, possibly non-functional, DNA-binding properties. In summary, Zelda collaborates with bHLH-PAS proteins to directly regulate midline and tracheal expression of an evolutionary dynamic enhancer in the post-blastoderm embryo.
NUTRITIONAL RELATIONSHIPS IN A NEW SPECIES OF BLASTOCLADIELLA

AMONG THE saprophytic Blastocladiales, the nutritional requirements of Blastocladia (Cantino, 1948, 1949) and Allomyces (Quantz, 1943; Ingraham, 1950, 1951) are now fairly well established, but there remains some doubt concerning the exact requirements of Blastocladiella. Although the first report (Stiiben, 1939) of cultural studies of the genus contributed few precise data, it was followed by Quantz's (1943) discovery that B. variabilis could be grown on a simple medium which was chemically defined except for the presence of an unidentified "cofactor," and that, like Allomyces and Blastocladia, it was heterotrophic for thiamine. The new but as yet undescribed2 Blastocladiella discussed herein had also been shown to be deficient for thiamine (Cantino, 1951), but further elucidation of its nutritional requirements was handicapped by the lack of a completely synthetic medium which would support vigorous growth. It was desirable and, in fact, necessary to obtain more complete knowledge of these requirements. The following investigation was initiated, therefore, in order to (1) provide the completely synthetic medium needed for subsequent studies, and (2) determine whether or not this new species of Blastocladiella possessed the general nutritional requirements predicted for it according to a recent phylogenetic scheme for the aquatic fungi, based upon synthetic capacities (Cantino, 1950). MATERIALS AND METHODS. The strain of Blastocladiella was derived from the same single-spore isolate used in a recent study of metabolism and morphogenesis (Cantino, 1951). The inorganic compounds used were either Baker's Analyzed (C.P.) or Merck Reagent grade chemicals. Other reagents were Merck U.S.P. dextrose, Nutritional Biochemicals DL aspartic acid and DL methionine, and Difco yeast extract and vitaminfree Casamino Acids. The pyrimidine and thiazole components of thiamine were kindly supplied by Dr. E. L. Dulaney through the courtesy of Merck and Company. Dextrorotatory glutamic acid was obtained from both Pfanstiehl Chemical Company and General Biochemicals, Inc.; DL glutamic acid monohydrate from Nutritional Biochemicals was used in a few experiments. Unless otherwise stated, 100 ml. of medium were autoclaved in 250 ml. Erlenmeyer flasks, and subsequently inoculated with 0.2 ml. of a spore suspension prepared as follows. Resistant sporangia were scraped from the surface of clusters (Cantino,
MO-D-141-07: X-Ray Activated Gold Nanoparticles for Tumor-Specific Molecular Imaging

Purpose: X‐ray radiography and computed tomography are commonly used anatomical imaging modalities still have significant shortcomings in sensitivity and specificity. Molecular imaging based on tumor‐specific nanoparticles that can probe biochemical processes in vivo can provide characterization and identification of benign and malignant lesions on the cellular level. In particular, radioluminescent nanoparticles (RLNPs) are the ideal platform for X‐ray‐mediated imaging and synergistic therapy during radiation treatment. These unique particles can emit visible light under X‐ray irradiation. However, existing RLNPs based on lanthanides may cause toxicity in vivo. Here we report new intriguing radioluminescent properties of a new type of nanoparticles made by arranging a small number of gold atoms. The objective of this work is to examine practical aspects of a new imaging modality: light emission and spectral emission characteristics. Methods: Bare gold nanoparticles (4 and 1.8 nm) and conjugated gold nanoparticles with size less than 2 nm (25 atoms size) were synthesized. Imaging was performed by irradiating the samples with X‐ray (30–80 kVp, 10–30 mA) while acquiring 10 s frames with an EMCCD camera (Princeton Instruments, 300–900 nm). The samples were further characterized by using a custom PMT‐based system. The spectral properties of the emission were measured under both optical and X‐ray excitation using a sensitive spectrometer. Results: It was found that tested gold nanoparticles had different responses to x‐ray excitation. Au25‐BSA is the most promising candidate for x‐ray luminescence imaging, with up to 4‐6‐fold increase in the optical signal compared to the controls. Conclusion: In this work, it was first time demonstrated the optical detection of small atom number gold nanoparticles excited by x‐ray source. Development of a new optical imaging probes will allow us to take advantage of the desirable features of optical molecular imaging and achieve substantially improved spatiotemporal resolution, sensitivity and specificity for tumor detection.
Holography of Ge ( 111 ) − c ( 2 × 8 ) by Surface Core-Level Photoemission

Energy-extended photoelectron holography has been applied for the first time to image surface structure using intrinsic surface core-level shifts. The $\mathrm{Ge}(111)\ensuremath{-}c(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}8)$ $3d$ core level exhibits a surface component shifted by 0.8 eV relative to the bulk. Angle-resolved photoemission from this so-called $S2$ component shows intensity oscillations as a function of photon energy. Inversion of the data collected at many emission angles yields a three-dimensional image of the nearby atoms, showing conclusively that the $S2$ emission is due to adatoms bonded in ${T}_{4}$ sites.
Outcomes after rollerball endometrial ablation for menorrhagia.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of women undergoing rollerball endometrial ablation for menorrhagia and to identify factors associated with those outcomes. Methods: Data on the clinical history, operative technique, and follow-up status as of August 1998 were obtained by retrospective medical record review for 240 women undergoing rollerball endometrial ablation with or without resection of polyps or myomas from January 1991 through December 1996. The incidence of subsequent hysterectomy was calculated by survival analysis, and Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify the predictors of success or failure of the procedure. Results: The mean follow-up time was 31.2 months. Twenty-nine women (31% of the available subjects) who had not undergone hysterectomy were still being monitored 5 years after the rollerball endometrial ablation. Overall, the probability of no hysterectomy in the first 5 years was 71%. Ablation was repeated in 10 patients, six of whom eventually underwent hysterectomy. Multivariate analysis identified previous tubal ligation as a statistically significant positive predictor of the risk of hysterectomy (hazard ratio 2.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18, 4.09). Women at least 45 years old had a lower risk of subsequent hysterectomy than those younger than 35 years of age (hazard ratio 0.28, 95% CI = 0.10, 0.75). Conclusion: The results of this study confirm the effectiveness of rollerball endometrial ablation for the treatment of menorrhagia for a longer duration of follow-up than in most previous reports. Repeated ablation and a younger age at the time of ablation increase the risk of requiring a subsequent hysterectomy.
The value of serum iron studies as a test for iron-deficiency anemia in a county hospital.

To evaluate the performance of serum iron studies as a diagnostic test for iron-deficiency anemia in a county hospital, the authors identified retrospectively all general medicine patients who had had bone-marrow aspirates for the work-up of non-macrocytic anemias from 1978 through 1983. Re-reading a sample of aspirates from the 254 study patients (42 with iron deficiency) verified the presence of absence of iron. Analysis with logistic regression, likelihood ratios, and receiver operating characteristic curves demonstrated that the total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) performed markedly better as a diagnostic test than did the transferrin saturation test. While no single TIBC level was diagnostic, the TIBC provided a good estimate of the probability of iron-deficiency anemia.
The chemistry of the carbon-transition metal double and triple bond: Annual survey covering the Year 2007 ☆

This is a review of papers published in the year 2007 that focus on the synthesis, reactivity, or properties of compounds containing a carbon-transition metal double or triple bond.
Separation of Aflatoxins from Filter Cake

Size-exclusion chromatography using silianized porous silica microspheres is used to clean up an environmental sample prior to aflatoxin analysis. B/sub 1/ and B/sub 2/ aflatoxins were found in an anaerobic digestor filter cake sample at concentrations of 1 ppb.