cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Finite element modeling of a laminar flexure bending mechanism for elliptically bent hard x-ray mirror

Using a compact laminar overconstrained flexure bending mechanism and a capacitive sensor array, a precision compact mirror bending mechanism for 300-mm long hard x-ray mirror has been designed and constructed to perform initial test for x-ray zoom optics as a part of an Argonne Laboratory-Directed Research and Development project at the Advanced Photon Source. A Finite Element Model (FEM) of the mirror bender was created with commercial simulation software. An iterative process of simulations were run to predict accurate bending parameters for the flexure bending mechanism.The FEM simulation demonstrated a result of an elliptically bent trapezoid mirror surface that fit with desired elliptical mirror profile within ±20 nanometers over 86% of the mirror’s measured length. The iteration process of model refinement, results of the finite element simulations, and preliminary test of the capacitive sensor array are discussed in this paper.
Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment masquerading as exudative panuveitis with intense anterior chamber inflammatory reaction.

Abstract Purpose This is a retrospective case report illustrating the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with a chronic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment masquerading as a severe panuveitis with intense anterior chamber inflammation. We have included clinical features, anterior segment and fundus photography, B-scan ultrasonography, fluorescein angiography, and intraoperative findings. Observations A 26-year-old male presented with features of unilateral panuveitis: hypotony, anterior segment inflammation (posterior synechiae and anterior chamber cell with fibrin clumping), diffuse choroidal thickening, and retinal detachment. Laboratory investigations for infectious or rheumatologic processes were negative, and empiric systemic corticosteroid therapy was unsuccessful. This prompted suspicion for an alternate primary etiology, and pars plana vitrectomy revealed small retinal breaks as the underlying cause of the retinal detachment and inflammation. Conclusions Rhegmatogenous retinal detachments are a known cause of intraocular inflammation. Nevertheless, it remains a challenge to recognize retinal breaks in this setting, particularly with robust anterior segment inflammation and posterior findings resembling severe exudative uveitis. Being aware of this unique presentation may prevent delays in diagnosis and have important prognostic implications.
6 – Central Asia

This chapter surveys the state of e-government in seven Central Asia states, including Afghanistan and Mongolia. It notes the widespread poverty and endemic corruption that hamper internet use there. Nonetheless, several success stories appear, notably concerning distance education and telemedicine.
Optimizing Radiation Therapy to Boost Systemic Immune Responses in Breast Cancer: A Critical Review for Breast Radiation Oncologists.

Immunotherapy using immune checkpoint blockade has revolutionized the treatment of many types of cancer. Radiation therapy (RT)—particularly when delivered at high doses using newer techniques—may be capable of generating systemic antitumor effects when combined with immunotherapy in breast cancer. These systemic effects might be due to the local immune-priming effects of RT resulting in the expansion and circulation of effector immune cells to distant sites. Although this concept merits further exploration, several challenges need to be overcome. One is an understanding of how the heterogeneity of breast cancers may relate to tumor immunogenicity. Another concerns the need to develop knowledge and expertise in delivery, sequencing, and timing of RT with immunotherapy. Clinical trials addressing these issues are under way. We here review and discuss the particular opportunities and issues regarding this topic, including the design of informative clinical and translational studies.
Management of bronchopulmonary carcinoid: NCDB database analysis.

e21007Background: There is a lack of data to guide the management of resectable bronchopulmonary carcinoid tumors (BCTs). Methods: The NCDB database was retrospectively reviewed to analyze the role...
Dissemination of research during the first year of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

The rapid and effective dissemination of research during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is critical if healthcare providers and public health officials are to remain aware of new developments. Several organizations have collected relevant COVID-19 articles to facilitate data sharing, including the World Health Organization1 and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).2 Yet, in this time of remarkable research productivity and social media influence, how peer-reviewed research disseminates to the global community remains poorly understood. In order to ascertain how published research disseminated during the COVID-19 pandemic, we examined the world’s peer-reviewed literature on COVID-19 through the application of alternative metrics (altmetrics) based on social media engagement and evaluative bibliometrics using citation rates. We utilized almetrics and citation rates to analyze COVID-19 articles indexed in the NIH’s iSearch COVID-19 portfolio2 and the Almetric Explorer3 (study flow chart, figure 1). The iSearch COVID-19 Portfolio contains peer-reviewed COVID-19 articles from PubMed and preprints from several sources. We restricted our analysis to articles and used this dataset to ascertain citation rates. These data were merged by articles’ unique PubMed identification numbers with altmetrics from the Altmetric Explorer, where we ascertained articles’ Almetric Attention Scores (AAS; composite score of social interest that includes mentions in newsfeeds, Twitter, Facebook, and Google, among other sources).4 Figure 1 Study flow chart. WoS, ISI Web of Science. We analyzed COVID-19 articles in the ISI Web of Science (WoS) …
Paraneoplastic IgA Vasculitis in an Older Adult With Metastatic Lung Adenocarcinoma.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis is a rare disease in the older adult patient population. It is often triggered by an underlying etiology such as infection or malignancy. Paraneoplastic cases have been reported in the geriatric population in literature but the exact prevalence is unknown. Diagnosis requires satisfaction of both clinical and laboratory criteria, with additional emphasis on finding an underlying etiology. Treatment is focused on supportive care and may include immunosuppressive therapy. However, targeting the primary cause is also important for improving outcomes. Our patient in this report presented with a novel case of paraneoplastic IgA vasculitis that likely occurred secondary to lung adenocarcinoma.
Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy Study of Barnett Shale Core

Abstract Measurements are reported of positron annihilation lifetime and Doppler broadening parameters on 14 samples of Barnett shale core selected from 196 samples ranging from depths of 6107 to 6402 feet. The Barnett shale core was taken from EOG well Two-O-Five 2H located in Johnson county TX. The selected samples are dark clay-rich mudstone consisting of fine-grained clay minerals. The samples are varied in shape, typically a few inches long and about 1/2 inch in width and thickness, and are representative of the predominant facies in the core. X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), petrographic analysis and geochemical analysis of total organic carbon (TOC) were already available for each of the selected samples. The lifetime data are analyzed in terms of three lifetime components with the shortest lifetime fixed at 125 ps. The second lifetime is attributed to positron annihilation in the bulk and positron trapping; and the third lifetime is due to positronium. Correlations of the lifetimes, intensities, the average lifetime and S and W parameters with TOC, XRF and XRD parameters are discussed. The observed correlations suggest that positron spectroscopy may be a useful tool in characterizing shale.
Human Oral Bacterial Biofilms

This chapter focuses on microbial colonization of enamel and cementum, the exposed hard surfaces of the oral cavity. A study demonstrated that about 50% of the oral microbiota remains to be characterized, a small percentage relative to that in other natural environments (99% to 99.9%). Furthermore, previously undescribed phylotypes revealed in this study using molecular methods were to a large extent closely related to other commonly isolated and cultured oral bacteria, and the molecular analysis of isolates from the relatively simple culture-based approach in this study resulted in a roughly 20% yield of previously undescribed phylotypes. It was estimated that the total number of phylotypes in the oral cavity would lie between 500 and 600 and that, when all phylotypes recognized in this study are taken into account, 85% of these are now known. Determining precisely how these mutations in participant species fit into the developmental processes of forming the larger multispecies communities remains a challenge to all researchers. The chapter also focuses on the progress made in identifying genes that may be important to the genetically regulated developmental pathway that defines oral biofilms. Studies of multiple-species communities present a particular problem of identifying the individual species, many of which are morphologically similar, after they are mixed within the community.
A Reconsideration of the Bioeconomics of Marine Sanctuaries: Commentary on Jon Conrad's Paper

Conrad (1999) examined the bioeconomics of marine sanctuaries and found: (1) a sanctuary that takes up a large share of the potential grounds can make fishing uneconomic, (2) a sanctuary of roughly the same size as the grounds can significantly reduce the standard deviation of the stock on the grounds when both stocks are growing randomly. It is argued that when one divides a fishery into grounds and a sanctuary the firm cost parameter should be adjusted in value as well as the capacity parameters. With this modification one finds that fishing grounds of smaller sizes are more profitable relative to their size than larger grounds and that the reduction in variability of stocks on the fishing ground is relatively smaller.
A Unified Hierarchical Appearance Model for People Re-identification Using Multi-view Vision Sensors

Surveillance of wide areas requires a system of multiple cameras to keep observing people. In such a multiple view system, the people appearance obtained in one camera is usually different from the ones obtained in other cameras. In order to correctly identify people, the unique appearance model of each specific object should be invariant to such changes. In this paper, our appearance model is represented by a hierarchical structure where each node maintains a color Gaussian mixture model (GMM). The re-identification is performed with Bayesian decision. Experimental results show our unified appearance model is robust to rotation and scaling variations. Furthermore, it achieves high accuracy rate (92.7% in average) and high processing performance (above 30 FPS) without tracking mechanism.
The Application of a Plasmid DNA Encoding IFN-α1 Postinfection Enhances Cumulative Survival of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Vaginally Infected Mice

Using a hormonally induced susceptibility mouse model to investigate vaginal HSV type 2 (HSV-2) infection, a study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of a plasmid DNA encoding IFN-alpha1 introduced into the vaginal lumen postinfection (PI). Mice infected with HSV-2 intravaginally and treated intravaginally 24 h later with 100 microg DNA encoding IFN-alpha1 showed enhanced survival (10/15) in comparison to mice treated with 100 microg plasmid DNA vector alone (3/10) or vehicle (4/27). In contrast, mice receiving recombinant IFN-alphaA (5-500 U/vagina) 24 h PI showed no significant survival in comparison to the vehicle (saline)-treated group. The protective effect was time dependent in that mice receiving the IFN-alpha1 transgene 48 h PI succumbed at a rate similar to the plasmid DNA vector-treated group. The increase in cumulative survival elicited by the transgene corresponded with a reduction in viral replication and Ag expressed in the vaginal epithelium early (i.e., 3 days PI) during acute infection and replicating virus recovered in the spinal cord day 7 PI. By day 7 PI, HSV-2 glycoprotein B transcript expression was no longer detectable in vaginal tissue from the IFN-alpha1 transgene-treated group (0/8) compared with levels expressed in plasmid vector-treated controls (4/6 mice surveyed were positive). Collectively, these results suggest the application of DNA encoding type I IFN is an effective and alternative approach to currently prescribed therapies in controlling vaginal HSV-2 infection by antagonizing viral replication.
CANCER GENE THERAPY CLINICAL TRIALS: FROM THE BENCH TO THE CLINIC

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on some of the most important considerations in the design of gene therapy trials. Gene therapy is a medical intervention based on the introduction of genetic material in human cells in vivo or in vitro. Preclinical studies in support of use of gene transfer vector in clinical studies should be conducted in compliance with the regulations for good laboratory practice. It is suggested that when determining a phase II dose during a phase I gene therapy study, the aim should be to identify the dose that can achieve the maximum biologic effect, which can occasionally reach a plateau at doses below the maximum tolerated dose. In gene transfer trials, it is essential that meaningful correlative endpoints are employed in order to correlate the employed doses with biological effect and select the most appropriate dose for phase II setting. This usually requires repeat tumor biopsies, a task not always easy when performed in a multicenter setting or for deep-seated tumors. It is found that despite systematic efforts in most gene therapy trials to assess the distribution of viral vectors/transgenes by performing repeat tissue biopsies, the results are often suboptimal. It is suggested to characterize the immune response against the vector and/or transgene if applicable, which certainly can affect the effectiveness of treatment, especially after systemic administration of the viral agent.
Dependent Variables in Entrepreneurship Research

Phenomena relevant to the emergence of new economic activity or interruptions and changes to current economic activities, rather than contexts, are what constitute entrepreneurship. A re-emphasis on phenomenon-driven research will widen the context of entrepreneurship research, help delineate entrepreneurship as a domain and provide greater emphasis on the selection and operationalisation of dependent variables. Entrepreneurship is a multi-level discipline, which provides some benefits as well as challenges. One benefit is the contribution to other fields within social science that results from research at various levels. A resulting challenge is dealing with heterogeneity that occurs at various levels. This article discusses and offers illustrative examples of each of these implications of phenomenon-driven entrepreneurship research.
Sol–Gel Modified Electrode Films

The sections in this article are Introduction Synthesis of Sol–gel Films Sol–gel Chemistry Film Formation Heat Treatment of Films Typical Heat Treatments Further Modification of the Sol–gel Electrodes Silica Transition Metal Oxides Type I Composites Impregnation with Biomolecules Type II Composites Summary
Solvent effects on the electronic and electron spin resonance spectra of vanadyl(IV) β-diketonates

Abstract Solvent effects on the isotropic electron spin resonance (ESR) and electronic spectra of oxobis(2,4-pentanedionato)vanadium(IV), oxobisbenzoylacetonato)vanadium(IV) and oxobis(dibenzoylmethanato)-vanadium(IV) have been described. Linewidths and intensities of solution ESR spectra, intensities of electronic absorption bands and solid state ESR spectra of a variety of oxovanadium(IV) complexes doped into 4-phenylpyridine are also reported. An explicit crystal field treatment of oxovanadium(IV) chelates possessing effective C2ν symmetry is also given. Various spectra-solvent parameter and spectra-structure correlations are discussed. The ESR spectra of oxovanadium(IV) chelates doped into 4-phenylpyridine give no indication of cis-addition of 4-phenylpyridine as found for the pure 1:1 adduct of 4-phenylpyridine with oxobis(2,4-pentanedionato)vanadium(IV).
CoPD: a conjugate prior based detection scheme to countermeasure spectrum sensing data falsification attacks in cognitive radio networks

Cognitive radio networks are a promising solution to the spectrum scarcity issue. In cognitive radio networks, cooperative spectrum sensing is critical to accurately detect the existence of a primary user (PU) signal, because the local spectrum sensing by a single secondary user (SU) has low reliability. Unfortunately, cooperative spectrum sensing is vulnerable to the spectrum sensing data falsification (SSDF) attack. Specifically, a malicious user can send a falsified sensing report to mislead other (benign) SUs to make an incorrect decision on the PU activity, to cause either denial of service to benign SUs or harmful interference to PUs. Therefore, detecting the SSDF attack is extremely important for robust cooperative spectrum sensing. This paper proposes a distributed defense scheme, termed conjugate prior based SSDF detection (CoPD), to countermeasure the SSDF attack. CoPD can effectively exclude the malicious sensing reports from SSDF attackers, so that benign SUs can effectively detect the PU activity. Furthermore, CoPD can also exclude abnormal sensing reports from ill-functioned SUs. Simulation results indicate that CoPD achieves very good performance to accomplish robust cooperative spectrum sensing.
Pushbroom imaging spectrometer with high spectroscopic data fidelity: experimental demonstration

Pantazis Mouroulis, MEMBER SPIE Michael M. McKerns* Jet Propulsion Laboratory California Institute of Technology Pasadena, CA 91109 Abstract. Experimental results are described from a pushbroom imaging spectrometer module demonstrating very low spectral and spatial distortion (a few percent of a pixel) and similarly small variation in spectral response function with field position. These spectrometer properties significantly facilitate the extraction of accurate spectroscopic information. The spectrometer can achieve high performance despite relaxed tolerances in fabrication and alignment. A quick and effective alignment method is described that permits the spectrometer to approximate its design performance. The implications of the results for the calibration techniques of pushbroom imaging spectrometers are also discussed. © 2000 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. [S0091-3286(00)03103-2]
Behavioral Antagonism in the Moth Helicoverpa zea in Response to Pheromone Blends of Three Sympatric Heliothine Moth Species Is Explained by One Type of Antennal Neurona

We have discovered a type of sensillum on the antennae of male corn earworm moths, Helicoverpa zea, that houses two types of receptor neuron (RN) that explains both the upwind flight attraction of males to their own species' pheromone blend and arrestment to the quite similar blends emitted by females of three other sympatric North American heliothine species. The first RN type is a large-spiking neuron that is most sensitive to (Z)-9-hexadecenal (Z9-16:Ald), the secondary H. zea pheromone component that along with the major component, (Z)-11-hexadecenal, causes attraction to the female. This RN is also responsive to (Z)-9-tetradecenal (Z9-14:Ald; not a H. zea pheromone component) at higher dosages. The sensitivity of this RN thus explains the attraction that has been observed in other studies when small proportions of Z9-14:Ald are added to Z11-16:Ald to mimic the conspecific blend. The second type of RN in this sensillum is a small-spiking neuron that is again responsive to Z9-14:Ald (which in larger proportions acts as a strong antagonist to upwind flight), but this RN is actually more sensitive to two other strong behavioral antagonists, (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate and (Z)-11-hexadecenol. Thus, activation of this single broadly tuned 'antagonist' RN could explain why H. zea males will orient only to their conspecific females. These three compounds are emitted by females of three other North American species, H. subflexa, H. phloxiphaga, and H. virescens, as agonists in their blends, which also contain the H. zea components Z11-16:Ald and Z9-16:Ald. This antagonist RN may also explain why a blend of Z11-16:Ald and a small amount of Z9-14:Ald is never as attractive to H. zea males as the conspecific blend. Enhanced specificity for the conspecific blend arises because the antagonist RN is never stimulated to fire, even when large proportions of the pheromone component, Z9-16:Ald, are added to Z11-16:Ald. When Z9-14:Ald is used instead of Z9-16:Ald, however, and the proportion of Z9-14:Ald becomes too great, the threshold of the antagonist neuron as well as that of the agonist neuron is exceeded, and the upwind flight response begins to be suppressed.
Affective Distress Among Adolescents Who Endorse Same-Sex Sexual Attraction: Urban versus Rural Differences and the Role of Protective Factors

The present study examined whether sexual minority adolescents in rural areas were significantly more distressed than their rural sexual majority peers. Additionally, the study examined the impact of level of school belonging, family belonging, and the presence of a mentoring relationship on affective distress for rural sexual minority adolescents and youth (N = 469). Findings indicated that rural adolescents who were sexual minorities reported higher levels of affective distress than their rural heterosexual counterparts. In examining rural sexual minorities alone, higher levels of school and family belonging were associated with lower levels of distress. A relationship was not found between level of distress and mentoring relationships. The importance of building networks of support for sexual minorities in rural areas is addressed.
Molecular distributions in polycondensations involving unlike reactants. V. Particularly narrow distributions

Several methods for the preparation of narrowly dispersed polymers by condensation polymerization are discussed in this paper. A general characteristic of narrowly dispersed condensation polymerizations is that they are built up by many stages of polymerization. Theoretical calculations of the polymeric distributions of the first two stages of polymerization for two different systems are given. These distributions are shown to be distributions for special types of coupled polymers, and become quite complex with increasing stages of reaction. The method of Kern for the production of narrowly dispersed polymers is discussed in detail. Also discussed in detail is a new method which shows promise of yielding essentially monodisperse polycondensates with a minimum of effort.
ENHANCEMENT OF INTERNAL CYCLING OF PHOSPHORUS BY AQUATIC MACROPHYTES, WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR LAKE MANAGEMENT

ABSTRACT Observations over a 14-year period at Liberty Lake, Wash., have indicated a close relationship between the seasonal decline of aquatic macrophyte populations and the onset of planktonic Cyanobacteria blooms. Tracer methods, using radiophosphorus, have been employed in laboratory and in in situ experiments to investigate the ability of Elodea canadensis, an important component of the Liberty Lake macrophyte community, to translocate phosphorus from sediments to the open water. Results of these experiments showed good agreement between release rates determined in the laboratory and in situ for senescing macrophytes. Experiments with actively growing Elodea plants indicate some release or leakage of phosphorus from healthy plants. Nutrient budgets and a phosphorus model for Liberty Lake indicate that internal cycling of sediment phosphorus by aquatic macrophytes is an important source of phosphorus to planktonic primary production as well as direct sediment/water exchange. Indeed, in Liberty Lake, i...
CD8+ T Cells Require Perforin To Clear West Nile Virus from Infected Neurons

Injury to neurons after West Nile virus (WNV) infection is believed to occur because of viral and host immune-mediated effects. Previously, we demonstrated that CD8+ T cells are required for the resolution of WNV infection in the central nervous system (CNS). CD8+ T cells can control infection by producing antiviral cytokines (e.g., gamma interferon or tumor necrosis factor alpha) or by triggering death of infected cells through perforin- or Fas ligand-dependent pathways. Here, we directly evaluated the role of perforin in controlling infection of a lineage I New York isolate of WNV in mice. A genetic deficiency of perforin molecules resulted in higher viral burden in the CNS and increased mortality after WNV infection. In the few perforin-deficient mice that survived initial challenge, viral persistence was observed in the CNS for several weeks. CD8+ T cells required perforin to control WNV infection as adoptive transfer of WNV-primed wild-type but not perforin-deficient CD8+ T cells greatly reduced infection in the brain and spinal cord and enhanced survival of CD8-deficient mice. Analogous results were obtained when wild-type or perforin-deficient CD8+ T cells were added to congenic primary cortical neuron cultures. Taken together, our data suggest that despite the risk of immunopathogenesis, CD8+ T cells use a perforin-dependent mechanism to clear WNV from infected neurons.
Intrapulmonary receptors in the bullfrog: Sensitivity to CO 2

Single-unit vagal afferent recordings were made on 55 intrapulmonary receptors in 15 anesthetized or decerebrate bullfrogs. Intrapulmonary CO2 concentration and intrapulmonary pressure were controlled independently by unidirectionally ventilating the lungs. No CO2 receptors (insensitive to stretch of the lung) of the kind reported in birds and reptiles were found; all 55 receptors were mechano-sensitive. Of these mechanoreceptors, 39 adapted slowly to inflation of the lung and 16 adapted rapidly. Thirtythree of the slowly-adapting receptors and 15 of the rapidly adapting receptors decreased their discharge frequency as intrapulmonary CO2 concentration was increased. Inflating the lung enhanced CO2 sensitivity. The results indicate that the frog possesses CO2-sensitive pulmonary mechanoreceptors similar to those of mammals and reptiles.
Effects of fusion zone size and failure mode on peak load and energy absorption of advanced high strength steel spot welds under lap shear loading conditions

Abstract This paper examines the effects of fusion zone size on failure modes, static strength and energy absorption of resistance spot welds (RSW) of advanced high strength steels (AHSS) under lap shear loading condition. DP800 and TRIP800 spot welds are considered. The main failure modes for spot welds are nugget pullout and interfacial fracture. Partial interfacial fracture is also observed. Static weld strength tests using lap shear samples were performed on the joint populations with various fusion zone sizes. The resulted peak load and energy absorption levels associated with each failure mode were studied for all the weld populations using statistical data analysis tools. The results in this study show that AHSS spot welds with conventionally required fusion zone size of 4 t cannot produce nugget pullout mode for both the DP800 and TRIP800 welds under lap shear loading. Moreover, failure mode has strong influence on weld peak load and energy absorption for all the DP800 welds and the TRIP800 small welds: welds failed in pullout mode have statistically higher strength and energy absorption than those failed in interfacial fracture mode. For TRIP800 welds above the critical fusion zone level, the influence of weld failure modes on peak load and energy absorption diminishes. Scatter plots of peak load and energy absorption versus weld fusion zone size were then constructed, and the results indicate that fusion zone size is the most critical factor in weld quality in terms of peak load and energy absorption for both DP800 and TRIP800 spot welds.
Histories and Stories from Chiapas: Border Identities in Southern Mexico

Histories and Stories from Chiapas: Border Identities in Southern Mexico. R. Aida Hernandez Castillo. Austin: University of Texas Press, 2001. xix. 295 pp., photographs, notes, glossary, bibliography, index.
A New Method for Isolation of Salivary Neutrophils and Determination of Their Functional Activity

The purposes of this study were to develop a new method for isolating salivary neutrophils (SPMNs), and to determine their functional activity. Studies of neutrophils in the oral cavity have been largely limited to crevicular PMNs, because of difficulties in obtaining viable SPMNs free of epithelial cells. A method to obtain SPMNs is presented. Donors performed rapid sequential rinsings by placing in their mouths 15 mL of Hanks' balanced salt solution [free of calcium or magnesium ions (HBSS-CMF)], which contained 0.1% gelatin, then swishing the solution for 30 s, and expectorating into a polypropylene receptacle containing 400 mL 4 degrees C HBSS-CMF. This sequence was repeated for 20 min. The collected solution was stirred for 10 min, the cells were washed, and the re-suspended pellet was passed sequentially through a 20-microns and a 10-microns nylon mesh. The cells consisted of 97.7 +/- 1.7% SPMNs, only 2.3% epithelial cells, and were almost free of oral debris. The SPMNs were studied for CD11b expression, H2O2 production, and F-actin polymerization. SPMNs had significantly higher resting values for CD11b, H2O2 production, and F-actin polymerization compared with blood neutrophils (BPMNs). SPMNs responded to stimulation by chemotactic peptide or phorbol ester in a dose-dependent fashion, with levels of CD11b, H2O2, and F-actin comparable with BPMNs at optimal stimulant concentrations. The elevated resting levels of CD11b, H2O2, and F-actin for SPMNs were probably caused by exposure to gingival and oral bacteria.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Nickel aluminum superalloys created by the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis of nanoparticle reactants

Advancements in nanotechnology for material processing via combustion synthesis have spurred the development of superalloys that provide improved protective properties. Nanoscale reactant particles offer unique thermal properties and increased homogeneity that improve the microstructural features and macroscopic properties of the synthesized product. In this study nanoscale molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) particles were added to micron scale nickel (Ni) and aluminum (Al). The goal was to incorporate a nanoscale additive within the reactant matrix that would produce a superalloy by generating excessively high heating rates and creating controlled quantities of Al2O3 (a strengthening agent) within the microstructure of the alloy. Ignition and flame propagation were examined using a CO2 laser and imaging diagnostics that include a copper-vapor laser coupled with a high-speed camera. Product microstructure was examined using micro-x-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Abrasion testing was performed to evaluate the wear resistance properties of the superalloy. Results show that adding MoO3 increases the flame temperature, results in greater ignition sensitivity, produces a more homogeneous microstructure, and increases the overall wear resistance of the product.
SU-E-J-90: MRI-Based Treatment Simulation and Patient Setup for Radiation Therapy of Brain Cancer

Purpose: Traditional radiation therapy of cancer is heavily dependent on CT. CT provides excellent depiction of the bones but lacks good soft tissue contrast, which makes contouring difficult. Often, MRIs are fused with CT to take advantage of its superior soft tissue contrast. Such an approach has drawbacks. It is desirable to perform treatment simulation entirely based on MRI. To achieve MR-based simulation for radiation therapy, bone imaging is an important challenge because of the low MR signal intensity from bone due to its ultra-short T2 and T1, which presents difficulty for both dose calculation and patient setup in terms of digitally reconstructed radiograph (DRR) generation. Current solutions will either require manual bone contouring or multiple MR scans. We present a technique to generate DRR using MRI with an Ultra Short Echo Time (UTE) sequence which is applicable to both OBI and ExacTrac 2D patient setup. Methods: Seven brain cancer patients were scanned at 1.5 Tesla using a radial UTE sequence. The sequence acquires two images at two different echo times. The two images were processed using in-house software. The resultant bone images were subsequently loaded into commercial systems to generate DRRs. Simulation and patient clinical on-board images were used to evaluate 2D patient setup with MRI-DRRs. Results: The majority bones are well visualized in all patients. The fused image of patient CT with the MR bone image demonstrates the accuracy of automatic bone identification using our technique. The generated DRR is of good quality. Accuracy of 2D patient setup by using MRI-DRR is comparable to CT-based 2D patient setup. Conclusion: This study shows the potential of DRR generation with single MR sequence. Further work will be needed on MR sequence development and post-processing procedure to achieve robust MR bone imaging for other human sites in addition to brain.
Subacute hypoglossal nerve paresis with internal carotid artery dissection.

Objectives To describe a case of an isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy in a patient with a spontaneous internal carotid artery dissection (ICAD). This condition is a well-recognized cause of cerebral ischemic stroke in patients younger than 45 years of age. Isolated cranial nerve neuropathy is a rare presentation. More common manifestations include incomplete hemiparesis, hemicrania, Horner syndrome, cervical bruit, pulsatile tinnitus, and multiple cranial nerve palsies. Methods A comprehensive literature search (Ovid, MEDLINE) for the presentation, diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and outcome of patients with internal carotid artery dissection was performed. Results A 43-year-old man presented with a 3-week history of mild dysarthria. There was no history of craniocervical trauma. The physical examination revealed an isolated left hypoglossal nerve paresis. Magnetic resonance imaging and angiography findings were consistent with a left skull base ICAD. The patient was successfully treated with anticoagulation therapy. The current rate of cranial nerve involvement is estimated at 10% of all ICADs. This is the second report of isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy without hemicrania in a case of atraumatic ICAD. Conclusions Patients with an ICAD infrequently present to the otolaryngologist because of its head and neck manifestations. It is crucial to recognize atypical findings and to perform an accurate and prompt diagnostic evaluation. The foundation of treatment is aggressive anticoagulation, with surgical or radiologic intervention reserved for cases demonstrating life-threatening progression.
In situ Mössbauer spectroscopy studies of the electrochemical reaction of lithium with KFeS2

Abstract In situ Mossbauer spectroscopy has been used to study the electrochemical reaction of lithium with KFeS2. Compositions KLixFeS2 with Δx = 0.25 were obtained by coulometric titration for one complete discharge and recharge. Mossbauer spectra were obtained at each composition. Three new iron sites are identified in addition to Fe3+ in KFeS2. A mechanism to account for the electrochemical and Mossbauer data is proposed. The end product KLiFeS2 has been synthesized and found to be body-centered tetragonal with a = 3.938(2) A and c = 13.135(5) A.
Concurrent Validity of the Online Version of the Keirsey Temperament Sorter II

The Keirsey Temperament Sorter II (KTS-II) is a popular online assessment instrument available to those engaging in career exploration on the Internet. The KTS-II yields measures of psychological t...
Dye-coupling between glial cells in the guinea pig neocortical slice

Physiologically identified glial cells in guinea pig neocortical slices were injected with the low molecular weight, fluorescent dye Lucifer yellow CH. The stained aggregates which resulted consisted of one brightly stained, central cell surrounded by numerous lightly stained cells. The central cell had well defined feathery processes and resembled a protoplasmic astrocyte. The surrounding cells appeared also to be glial cells but lacked sufficient detail to be further categorized. This first demonstration of dye-coupling between neocortical glial cells strongly suggests that these cells are connected together via low resistance junctions capable of passing ionic current as well as dye.
DENATURATION OF PLANT PROTEINS RELATED TO FUNCTIONALITY AND FOOD APPLICATIONS. A Review

Proteins can be denatured by heat, changes in pH, organic solvents, detergents, urea, guanidine hydrochloride or other methods that modify the secondary, tertiary or quaternary structure, without breaking any covalent bonds. Physical-chemical measurements or functionality related to denaturation include solubility, viscosity, dissociation into subunits, sedimentation constant, optical rotation, association and ultraviolet spectra. The relationship between pH, temperature and rate of denaturation of wheat and soy proteins is complex. Optimum heat treatment of soy flakes, for example, inactivates nearly all biologically active components, but the protein retains most of its functionality. Knowledge about protein denaturation helps to produce food products with desirable functional properties.
A new isoelectric focusing gel for two-dimensional electrophoresis constructed in microporous hollow fiber membranes.

We describe the preparation of IEF tube gels inside a nonwetting microporous plastic tubing. The gel in the tube need not be extruded after the first dimension separation. Instead, the porous structure of the tubes is made wettable, and the proteins are electrophoresed “through-the-wall” into the second dimension PAGE gel. Commercial ampholytes and reagents are suitable for the procedure. A useful pI range of 4.5−9.5 can be obtained when pI 3−10 ampholyte mixtures are used. Because of the high surface area of the porous material, precautions must be exercised to reduce oxygen inhibition during polymerization and dehydration of the gel during storage and use. A sheath device is described that satisfies these requirements. The plastic tubes can be disposed of by incineration and pose no biohazard. Keywords: microporous tube • IEF • 2-D PAGE
How Child's Play Impacts Executive Function–Related Behaviors

Executive functions refer to an array of organizing and self-regulating behaviors often associated with maturation of the prefrontal cortex. In fact, young children with rudimentary neurodevelopment of the prefrontal cortex develop ways to inhibit impulses and regulate behavior from a very early age. Can executive functioning be impacted by intervention, practice, or training? What interventions impact development of executive function in childhood, and how can these be studied? Several programs are reviewed that propose to positively impact executive/self-regulation skills. Evidence-based programs are contrasted with popular programs that have little empirical basis but have apparent wide acceptance by educators and families. As self-regulation has critical implications for later school and life success, interventions may well attenuate the negative consequences of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, brain injury, and social stressors. Programs with active play components may be more successful in eliciting improved executive function (defined here as self-regulation) because of the importance of motor learning early on and because of the social motivation aspects of learning. Caution is advised in the recommendation of programs where there is little empirical basis to support program claims. Carefully planned outcome studies can help bring the most effective components of programs to the mainstream.
SU‐E‐T‐639: Convex Imputing for Automatic Treatment Planning

Purpose: To improve plan quality and consistency and to automate the treatment planning process by developing a novel data‐mining method that learns a task‐specific objective formulation from previously optimized cases using a convex imputing approach. Methods: General clinical planning objectives are hard to quantify and DVH conditions are challenging to optimize directly, often requiring numerous iterations of human intervention that incurs manpower cost and risk of practice inconsistency. In this work, we address treatment planning using a new data‐mining perspective that learns the weighting factors of user‐defined convex penalties from previously optimized cases. The imputed weighting factors and corresponding penalties are then used to optimize future cases. To test our method, we imputed weighting factors from clinically‐derived prostate cases. The imputed weighting factors were then inserted into an optimization engine to drive generation of new plans. DVHs were then calculated from the imputed plans and compared to DVHs of the clinical plans. Results: Dose‐volume metrics calculated from the imputed plans showed excellent correlation with the original plans for each structure of interest: 1) PTV coverage R^2 = 0.782, 2) V_R_70Gy R^2 = 0.968, 3) V_R_65Gy R^2 = 0.983, 4) V_R_60Gy R^2 = 0.989, 5) V_R_50Gy R^2 = 0.9952, 6) V_Bl_75Gy R^2 = 0.857, 7) V_Bl_70Gy R^2 = 0.9989, 8) V_Bl_65Gy R^2 = 0.9993, and 9) bulb mean dose R^2 = 0.9776. Furthermore, the inter‐case averages of these metrics deviated by at most 3 units and on average by 0.84 units. All imputed plans were clinically acceptable. Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility and great potential of utilizing the developed convex imputing approach to achieve dose plans that match the true planning goals of a dose planner and/or an institution. This work is supported in part by an AACR career development award and a TRDRP exploratory grant.
Solvation effects on stereochemistry of reduction of 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexanone with lithium aluminum tri-t-butoxyhydride

Abstract Specific solvation effects on stereoselectivity in the reduction of a cyclohexanone by lithium aluminum tri- t -butoxyhydride have been studied by adding measured quantities of diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran (THF) and methyl-substituted tetrahydrofurans to benzene solvent, and various amounts of THF to diethyl ether solvent. A steric hindrance effect in the case of bulky addends was observed, and a significant increase in stereoselectivity for less bulky addends was found. The results have been explained in terms of complexing, or steric hindrance to complexing, of the lithium cation.
Role of stents and laser therapy in biliary strictures

The most frequent primary cancers causing malignant obstructive jaundice were pancreatic cancer (57%), hilar biliary cancer (19% including metastatic disease), nonhilar biliary cancer (14%) and papillary cancer (10%). Endoscopic stenting has widely replaced palliative surgery for malignant biliary obstruction because of its lower risk and cost. Self-expandable metal stents are the preferred mode of palliation for hilar malignancies. Plastic stents have a major role in benign biliary strictures. Major complications and disadvantages associated with metallic stents include high cost, cholangitis. malposition, migration, unextractability, and breakage of the stents, pancreatitis and stent dysfunction. Dysfunction due to tumor ingrowth can be relieved by thermal methods (argon plasma coagulator therapy). We present a concise review of the efficacy of metallic stents for palliation of malignant strictures.
Subchronic toxicity of photodieldrin, a photodecomposition product of dieldrin

Abstract The subchronic toxicity of photodieldrin, a photodecomposition product of dieldrin which is found as a residue on certain agricultural commodities treated with dieldrin, was investigated in a 90-day feeding study in the rat. Comparison of the toxic potential of photodieldrin and dieldrin showed that, although photodieldrin was more acutely toxic, there were essentially no differences between the compounds in terms of the other parameters investigated. A slight, insignificant increase in liver weight at the lowest dose fed was the most notable effect produced by photodieldrin. Photodieldrin concentrated in fat to a lesser extent than dieldrin. At the same dietary intake the concentrations of dieldrin in fat of males were 4 times and in females from 5 to 10 times greater than the concentrations of photodieldrin. Increased cytochrome P-450 content and aniline hydroxylase activity were evident after 90-day feeding of either compound at levels of 5 ppm and above. Because of similar subchronic effects, negligible quantities in food, decreased fat storage potential, and rapid mobilization, it may be assumed that photodieldrin does not increase the toxicologic significance of dieldrin residues.
2-Aminoethylphosphonic acid metabolism in the rat.

Time course studies of the incorporation of radioactive 2-aminoethylphosphonic acid (AEP) into the tissues of rats demonstrated that maximum incorporation into the liver lipids occurred within 12 to 30 hr after injection, compared to 2 to 3 hr for the incorporation of phosphorylethanolamine. Little incorporation of AEP was observed in the other tissues investigated (heart, lung, spleen, adipose, kidney). The AEP was incorporated to the greatest extent into 1,2-diacylglyceryl-aminoethylphosphonate (diacylglyceryl-AEP), the phosphonate analogue of phosphatidylethanolamine, with some incorporation into the lyso derivative. Diacylglycerol-AEP apparently was not further metabolized by the rat; no methylation of diacylglyceryl-AEP to phosphonolecithin was observed. Subcellular fractionation was performed on the livers of rats who received3H-AEP 12, 30, 36, and 48 hr prior to sacrifice. The greatest amount of radioactivity was recovered in the soluble fractions. Lipid extraction was performed on the subcellular fractions, and most of the radioactivity present in the lipids was found in the microsomal fraction, with the next highest recovery in the mitochondrial and nuclear fractions.
Quantitative Fourier-Domain Analysis. Part I: Analysis of Raw FT-IR Interferograms

A new procedure for performing quantitative analysis in the Fourier domain has been developed. The procedure involves the use of a linear, recursive digital filter for the analysis of raw interferogram data from a Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer. It was discovered that the analysis of raw interferograms permitted the use of spectral information that is generally neglected when conventional quantitative Fourier-domain procedures are used. Furthermore, a significant reduction in the computation requirements for Fourier-domain quantitative analysis procedures is seen. It was also discovered during the analysis of the raw interferograms that instrument stability was one factor which affected the accuracy of the concentration estimates. Tests were performed to demonstrate the required stability of the instrumentation, and a procedure is described for maintaining the required instrument stability throughout the analysis. Once instrument stability was achieved, the quantitative results which were obtained were similar to results obtained from the conventional Fourier-domain analysis algorithms.