cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TH‐A‐19A‐03: Impact of Proton Dose Calculation Method On Delivered Dose to Lung Tumors: Experiments in Thorax Phantom and Planning Study in Patient Cohort

Purpose: Evaluate Monte Carlo (MC) dose calculation and the prediction of the treatment planning system (TPS) in a lung phantom and compare them in a cohort of 20 lung patients treated with protons. Methods: A 2-dimensional array of ionization chambers was used to evaluate the dose across the target in a lung phantom. 20 lung cancer patients on clinical trials were re-simulated using a validated Monte Carlo toolkit (TOPAS) and compared to the TPS. Results: MC increases dose calculation accuracy in lung compared to the clinical TPS significantly and predicts the dose to the target in the phantom within ±2%: the average difference between measured and predicted dose in a plane through the center of the target is 5.6% for the TPS and 1.6% for MC. MC recalculations in patients show a mean dose to the clinical target volume on average 3.4% lower than the TPS, exceeding 5% for small fields. The lower dose correlates significantly with aperture size and the distance of the tumor to the chest wall (Spearman's p=0.0002/0.004). For large tumors MC also predicts consistently higher V{sub 5} and V{sub 10} to the normal lung, due to a wider lateral penumbra, which was also observed experimentally. Criticalmore » structures located distal to the target can show large deviations, though this effect is very patient-specific. Conclusion: Advanced dose calculation techniques, such as MC, would improve treatment quality in proton therapy for lung cancer by avoiding systematic overestimation of target dose and underestimation of dose to normal lung. This would increase the accuracy of the relationships between dose and effect, concerning tumor control as well as normal tissue toxicity. As the role of proton therapy in the treatment of lung cancer continues to be evaluated in clinical trials, this is of ever-increasing importance. This work was supported by National Cancer Institute Grant R01CA111590.« less
Development of the wedding planner—extensions to reach a young audience

Abstract To reach engaged couples with Extension information, an interactive computer wedding planner was created and is now being marketed to Extension in other states. The completed program prints out a personalized task time table for both the bride and groom, makes a guest and gift record keeping database, and gives important information about weddings. The project consisted of these steps: (1) searching to see if a similar wedding project was available elsewhere; (2) gathering information; (3) critiquing spread sheets and database systems; (4) choosing one or the other; (5) explaining the project to a programmer; (6) editing; (7) packaging; (8) printing; (9) testing with brides and their mothers, and (10) marketing the package to Extension clientele both in and out of state. The wedding planner has been successful in reaching young people who had not previously known about the Extension Service.
Neurodegeneration in Drop-Dead Mutant Drosophila melanogaster Is Associated with the Respiratory System but Not with Hypoxia

Mutations in the gene drop-dead (drd) cause diverse phenotypes in adult Drosophila melanogaster including early lethality, neurodegeneration, tracheal defects, gut dysfunction, reduced body mass, and female sterility. Despite the identification of the drd gene itself, the causes of early lethality and neurodegeneration in the mutant flies remain unknown. To determine the pattern of drd expression associated with the neurodegenerative phenotype, knockdown of drd with various Gal4 drivers was performed. Early adult lethality and neurodegeneration were observed upon knockdown of drd in the tracheal system with two independent insertions of the breathless-Gal4 driver and upon knockdown in the tracheal system and elsewhere with the DJ717-Gal4 driver. Surprisingly, rescue of drd expression exclusively in the tracheae in otherwise mutant flies rescued the neurodegenerative phenotype but not adult lethality. Gut dysfunction, as measured by defecation rate, was not rescued in these flies, and gut function appeared normal upon tracheal-specific knockdown of drd. Finally, the hypothesis that tracheal dysfunction in drd mutants results in hypoxia was tested. Hypoxia-sensitive reporter transgenes (LDH-Gal4 and LDH-LacZ) were placed on a drd mutant background, but enhanced expression of these reporters was not observed. In addition, manipulation of drd expression in the tracheae did not affect expression of the hypoxia-induced genes LDH, tango, and similar. Overall, these results indicate that there are at least two causes of adult lethality in drd mutants, that gut dysfunction and neurodegeneration are independent phenotypes, and that neurodegeneration is associated with tracheal expression of drd but not with hypoxia.
Thermographic nondestructive evaluation of steel-polypropylene laminates

The efficacy of passive thermography as a nondestructive evaluation technique for detection of voids and interlaminar flaws in steel-polypropylene laminates was investigated. Both analytical and experimental studies were conducted to assess the flaw resolution characteristics of the technique and to determine the effects of pertinent geometric and thermal parameters on resolution. The implications of the analytical and experimental results from the parametric studies are discussed in terms of their effects on flaw resolution and test technique optimization for development of on-line NDE for quality control monitoring.
WE-E-17A-08: Prediction of Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Using a Mechanically Coupled Reaction-Diffusion Model

Purpose: To develop a clinically-relevant patient-specific modeling framework for oncology that is amenable to readily available clinical imaging data and yet retains the most salient features of response prediction. We use a mechanically coupled mathematical model of tumor growth that is initialized and constrained by MRI data early in the course of therapy, to guide the determination of model parameters and predict the response of breast cancers to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Methods: We adopt a patient-scale spatiotemporal tumor growth modeling framework and apply patient-specific predictive modeling, constrained by quantitative imaging data, to a group of 26 patients exhibiting a varying degree of response to NAC. Dynamic contrast enhanced MRI, diffusion weighted MRI, and anatomical T1-weighted MRI volumes were acquired prior to beginning NAC, after one cycle of NAC, and at the conclusion of NAC. Tumor response is parameterized using data from before and after the first cycle of therapy, and the model is driven forward in time to predict tumor burden at the conclusion of therapy. Model reconstructed parameters and predictions are retrospectively assessed for prognostic value in predicting patients that eventually respond or do not respond to NAC. Results: Using our mechanics-coupled modeling approach, we are able to discriminate, after the first cycle of therapy, breast cancer patients that would eventually achieve a complete pathological response and those who would not, with an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.81, sensitivity of 90%, and specificity of 56%. Conclusion: We show the potential for model-predictions at the conclusion of therapy for use as a prognostic indicator of response to therapy. This work provides considerable promise for predictive modeling centered on integrating quantitative in vivo imaging data with biomechanical models of tumor growth. National Institutes of Health NCI 1U01CA142565, NCI U01CA174706, NCI R25CA092043, NCI 1P50 098131, NCI P30CA68485, NCI R01CA138599, NINDS R01NS049251. The Vanderbilt initiative in Surgery and Engineering Pilot Award Program and the Whitaker Foundation.
Impact of nesiritide infusion on acute decompensated heart failure in an urban hospital emergency department

Study objectives: Decompensated congestive heart failure (CHF) is a major cause of emergency department (ED) visits and resource utilization. It has previously been demonstrated that patients treated in an urban ED for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) have a 60% rate of recidivism to the ED, with admission to the hospital. Recent data suggest that treatment with natriuretic peptides may decrease admission rates by 50% in a general hospital population. We determine whether intravenous natriuretic peptides for ADHF will affect ED disposition at the index visit and decrease the rate of recidivism for a high-risk urban population. Methods: This is an institutional review board–approved, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of nesiritide versus placebo in addition to a standard treatment algorithm for ADHF. Adult patients (≥18 years) presenting to the ED with a history of CHF, symptoms of dyspnea at rest or minimal exertion, and physical and laboratory evidence of volume overload are eligible. Patients are randomized to receive intravenous nesiritide or placebo for 8 hours, in addition to standard therapy, which includes intravenous furosemide, as well as oxygen and antihypertensive medication, if necessary. Physician assessment occurs at 0, 3, and 8 hours for symptoms, adequate diuresis, and readiness for discharge. All patients have echocardiograms completed within 72 hours of presentation. Significant adverse events are noted, and endpoints are followed up by telephone or in person at 1 week. Hospital records will be reviewed at 30 days and 90 days for return visits to the ED, readmissions, or death. Results: The initial 21 patients included 15 men (71%) and 6 women (29%). Black patients composed the majority at 12 patients (57%). Six patients were white (29%) and 3 Hispanic (14%). The average age of patients currently enrolled is 56 years, with a range of 25 to 93 years. Primary outcome measures are hospitalization or discharge from the ED after treatment, level of care to which the patient is transferred from the ED, and return visits to the ED within 30 days. Secondary outcome measures are return visit to the ED, hospitalization, or death within 90 days. As a separate focus, we will track the occurrence of systolic (left ventricular ejection fraction 0.40) dysfunction in patients with decompensated heart failure within an urban population. This study is powered to determine a 20% treatment effect at 85% power with an α of 0.05 for a sample size of 150 patients. Conclusion: If the results are positive, the treatment of ADHF in an urban population at high risk for repeated ED visits for heart failure will be greatly improved, with a reduction in morbidity and a decrease in resource utilization.
Turbulence measurements in pipe flow using a nano-scale thermal anemometry probe

A new nano-scale thermal anemometry probe (NSTAP) has been developed using a novel procedure based on deep reactive ion etching. The performance of the new probe is shown to be superior to that of the previous design by Bailey (J Fluid Mech 663:160–179, 2010). It is then used to measure the streamwise velocity component of fully developed turbulent pipe flow, and the results are compared with data obtained using conventional hot-wire probes. The NSTAP agrees well with the hot-wire at low Reynolds numbers, but it is shown that it has better spatial resolution and frequency response. The data demonstrate that significant spatial filtering effects can be seen in the hot-wire data for probes as small as 7 viscous units in length.
Theorizing Religious Effects Among American Adolescents

A large body of empirical studies shows that religion often serves as a factor promoting positive, healthy outcomes in the lives of American adolescents. Yet existing theoretical explanations for these religious effects remain largely disjointed and fragmented. This article attempts to formulate a more systematic, integrated, and coherent account of religion’s constructive influence in the lives of American youth, suggesting nine key factors (moral directives, spiritual experiences, role models, community and leadership skills, coping skills, cultural capital, social capital, network closure, and extra-community links) that cluster around three key dimensions of influence (moral order, learned competencies, and social and organizational ties). Several decades of social scientific studies have shown that religion is often a factor in the lives of American adolescents, influencing their attitudes and behaviors in ways that are commonly viewed as positive and constructive. Across a number of areas of concern, various measures of religiosity are typically associated with a variety of healthy, desirable outcomes. This article is an attempt to theorize systematically why religion might have such an influence in the lives of American adolescents. Within the relevant bodies of literature, individual publications normally suggest causal mechanisms explaining their particular findings. Altogether, these many studies are very helpful, but as a whole they present the contemporary researcher with a disjointed and fragmented account for religious influences in the lives of American teenagers. In the following pages, I attempt to synthesize some of what we know from these and other informative studies into a more coherent, systematic account of how and why religion exerts significant positive effects on American youth.
On the Magnetic Behavior and Steady-state Performance Estimation of a Bipolar Excited Switched Reluctance Machine

Switched reluctance machines (SRM) are gaining more attention in automotive industry by the virtue of their robust structure, high speed performance and fault tolerant nature. Bipolar excitation of SRM maintains short flux paths and achieves higher torque density and lower iron loss. This novel excitation scheme makes SRM more attractive to the vehicular applications which demand higher instantaneous torque and efficiency. The present paper provides a detailed and thorough investigation into a bipolar excited SRM in terms of its magnetic behavior and estimation of its steady-state performance. Using a microscopic level of analysis in electromagnetic response of the SRM, this paper will give a clear and insightful explanation on how bipolar excitation would affect the magnetic field and force generation in a conventional 8/6 SRM. Finite element analysis (FEA) is adopted as the tool to investigate and validate the findings.
Considerations for the maximum production rates of triacylglycerol from microalgae

Abstract In recent years, a wide variety of photobioreactors have emerged for producing triacylglycerol (TAG) from microalgae as a feedstock for biodiesel with wildly varying forecasts of TAG and biomass production rates. This research describes the general photobioreactor concept and the dominating factors that determine microalgal production and the maximum attainable production rate of TAG. The information necessary for such an assessment is obtained from published articles and the results are compared to published photobioreactor production rates. Results indicate that at most 9% conversion of available solar energy to TAG is thermodynamically possible, resulting in an annual areal production rate of no more than 23 l m −2 a −1 . Given photosynthetic efficiencies and TAG contents of microalgae currently reported, production rates of no more than 15.8 l m −2 a −1 should be anticipated.
Natural Occurrences of Ochratoxicosis in Poultry

Five independent episodes of ochratoxicosis in about 970,000 turkeys, two episodes in about 70,000 laying hens, and two episodes in about 12,000,000 broiler chickens were investigated. Ochratoxin A concentrations in suspect feed and ingredients ranged from less than .2 to 16 ppm. Feed samples tested for T-2 toxin, F-2 toxin, heavy metals, and polychlorinated biphenyls were negative. Minor amounts of aflatoxin (less than 60 ppb) were found in suspect feed from two episodes. The main symptoms in turkeys were mortality (up to 59%), nephrotoxicity (pale, swollen kidneys that became tan colored in the sequel to acute toxicity), decreased feed consumption (as little as 20% of the normal feed intake) prior to death, and secondary air sacculitis. Histopathology revealed edema and necrosis of the proximal tubules of the kidneys and no changes in the liver or other organs. Suspect feed containing 2 ppm ochratoxin A increased uric acid levels in serum when fed to poults in the laboratory. The episodes in laying hens were characterized by reduced egg production, poor egg shell quality, and nephropathy. The episodes in broiler chickens were characterized by poor growth rate, poor feed conversion efficiency, poor pigmentation, nephropathy, and increased incidence of air sacculitis. Obtaining feed and ingredients free of ochratoxin, cleaning the feed and ingredient handling equipment, and adding antifungal agents to the feed proved beneficial. Eight of the 9 episodes were traced to the corn supply and the ninth episode was traced to corn gluten meal that became contaminated during storage after manufacture. Evidence was obtained that the ochratoxin was unstable and declined in concentration during storage. Aqueous acetone was a better solvent for extracting ochratoxin than was the recommended phosphoric acid: chloroform. The ochratoxin extracted from high potency samples consisted of ochratoxins A, B, and C in ratios of about 90:8:2.
Systemic effects of allergen exposure on blood basophil IL-13 secretion and FcεRIβ

Background Airway allergen challenge studies have shown the upregulation of cytokines in local airway tissues and distal effects on bone marrow precursors for eosinophils and basophils. Objective We investigated whether local intranasal allergen challenge alters the phenotype of circulating basophils to a primed state. Methods Ten subjects with allergic rhinitis were challenged with allergen by means of intranasal spray on 3 sequential days. Basophils were isolated from subjects before challenge and 3, 24, and 96 hours after the third allergen challenge. Basophils were compared before challenge and after the last allergen challenge for levels of FceRIβ protein by means of Western blotting and for FceRIβ mRNA expression by means of real-time PCR. Basophils were also compared with regard to spontaneous secretion of IL-4 and IL-13. Results Basophil FceRIβ protein levels increased in 5 of 6 subjects after allergen challenge relative to before challenge. Likewise, basophil FceRIβ mRNA levels increased a median of 2-fold after the last challenge relative to before challenge ( P =.007, n=9). IL-13 protein was detected in supernatants of 7 of 9 subjects' basophil-enriched cultures after the last challenge compared with 3 of 9 basophil-enriched cultures before challenge (median, 6.2 vs 0 pg/mL; P =.058). IL-4 was not detected in any culture supernatant. Conclusion Intranasal allergen challenge transiently activates circulating basophils by increasing expression of the FceRIβ subunit and spontaneous IL-13 secretion. Because FceRIβ is an amplifier of FceRI-mediated responses and IL-13 is proinflammatory, these findings support a primed basophil functional state and demonstrate a systemic effect of local allergen challenge that could contribute in exacerbating allergic reactions.
Treatment of Hypertensive Diabetic Patients

This article briefly reviews the literature on the incidence of hypertension in the diabetic population, the risks associated with this combination of conditions, and the nonpharmacologic and other therapies available to lower blood pressure in these patients. Although several studies of nonpharmacologic therapies and diuretics are considered, the emphasis is on the reported advantages and disadvantages of β-blockers, centrally acting agents, α-adrenergic-blocking agents, calcium-channel blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.
The Use of Symmetry in the TEM Analysts of Precipitate Morphologies

This study points out how symmetry properties inherent in precipitation reactions can be exploitet to facilitate and improve the accuracy of a morphological analysis by TEM. A method is given for the simple determination of the direction and distribution of needle precipitates and the habit plane of plate precipitates based on the use of symmetry properties of the matrix crystal. The bicrystal symmetry of different orientation relationships between cubic crystals and its connection with observed and equilibrium shapes is illustrated with examples of high resolution micrographs of Ge precipitates in an Al matrix.
An intrinsically disordered photosystem II subunit, PsbO, provides a structural template and a sensor of the hydrogen-bonding network in photosynthetic water oxidation.

Background: PsbO is an intrinsically disordered subunit of photosystem II. Results: Temperature-sensitive PsbO dynamics are identified by reaction-induced Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the removal and reconstitution of PsbO. Conclusion: PsbO serves as an organizational template and undergoes flash-induced hydrogen-bonding changes, coupled with the catalytic cycle of water oxidation. Significance: PsbO samples a rough conformational landscape when bound to its target, the photosystem II reaction center. Photosystem II (PSII) is a membrane-bound enzyme that utilizes solar energy to catalyze the photooxidation of water. Molecular oxygen is evolved after four sequential light-driven oxidation reactions at the Mn4CaO5 oxygen-evolving complex, producing five sequentially oxidized states, Sn. PSII is composed of 17 membrane-spanning subunits and three extrinsic subunits, PsbP, PsbQ, and PsbO. PsbO is intrinsically disordered and plays a role in facilitation of the water oxidizing cycle. Native PsbO can be removed and substituted with recombinant PsbO, thereby restoring steady-state activity. In this report, we used reaction-induced Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to obtain information concerning the role of PsbP, PsbQ, and PsbO during the S state cycle. Light-minus-dark difference spectra were acquired, monitoring structural changes associated with each accessible flash-induced S state transition in a highly purified plant PSII preparation (Triton X-100, octylthioglucoside). A comparison of S2 minus S1 spectra revealed that removal of PsbP and PsbQ had no significant effect on the data, whereas amide frequency and intensity changes were associated with PsbO removal. These data suggest that PsbO acts as an organizational template for the PSII reaction center. To identify any coupled conformational changes arising directly from PsbO, global 13C-PsbO isotope editing was employed. The reaction-induced Fourier transform infrared spectra of accessible S states provide evidence that PsbO spectral contributions are temperature (263 and 277 K) and S state dependent. These experiments show that PsbO undergoes catalytically relevant structural dynamics, which are coupled over long distance to hydrogen-bonding changes at the Mn4CaO5 cluster.
Religion and Abortion Attitudes Among U.S. Hispanics: Findings from the 1990 Latino National Political Survey*

Objective. The goal of this article is to examine the relationship between religious involvement, gauged mainly in terms of affiliation and frequency of attendance at services, and abortion attitudes among three major Hispanic subgroups: Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Cuban Americans. Method. The study analyzes data from the Latino National Political Survey, a sample of over 2,700 U.S. Hispanics completed in 1990. Results. Committed (i.e., regularly attending) Hispanic Protestants, most of whom belong to conservative groups, are more strongly pro-life than any other segment of the Latino population, and are much more likely than others to support a total abortion ban. Committed Catholics also tend to hold prolife views, but they are relatively more likely to endorse an abortion ban that includes exceptions for rape, incest, and threats to the mother’s life. Less devoted Catholics and Protestants generally do not differ from religiously unaffiliated Hispanics in their abortion views. There are also modest variations in the links between religious involvement and abortion attitudes across the three Latino subgroups. Conclusion. Religious factors are highly important predictors of Hispanics’ preferences regarding abortion policies. Contrary to some previous discussions, it is committed Protestants, more so than Catholics, who are the staunchest opponents of abortion in the Latino population. Numerous researchers have explored religious differences in public opinion regarding ‘‘pro-family’’ issues, especially attitudes toward abortion, during the past two decades (McIntosh, Alston, and Alston, 1979; Jelen, 1984; Hertel and Hughes, 1987; Tamney, Johnson, and Burton, 1992;
Community Assets Mapping: Community Health Assessment with a Different Twist

Abstract “When you write these grants for our community, you make us look so bad that if I was a funder, I would think that there7's nothing here worth funding. Although we have our problems, there are lots of good and positive things about our community.” —Mrs. Lucille Webb, Retired School Teacher and Administrator, Board Member, Strengthening the Black Family, Inc.
The Semantics of Singular Terms

There is a distinction within the natural language between those singular terms which designate and those which do not. On the basis of this distinction there arise irregularities both in the assignment to expressions of semantical properties and relations and in the presumed attribution of existence to individuals. Although such irregularities are characteristic of the employment of singular terms, they are not reproduced either for or within the usual formalized languages. Accordingly, we construct a formalized language for which the mentioned irregularities are reproduced — hence, a language which in this respect mirrors more faithfully than is customary the structure of the natural language.
Race May Not Effect Outcomes in Operatively Treated Tibia Fractures

Background A recent review of the literature found worse outcomes and longer length of stay for minorities undergoing TKAs and THAs when compared with whites. It is unclear if this association exists for the operative treatment of tibia fractures.
The contribution of visual persistence to the perceived duration of brief targets

Two experiments were conducted to examine the role of sensory persistence on tasks of perceived duration employing very brief visual stimuli. Using a standard temporal judgment task, the first experiment replicated both the “size effect” and “empty-filled” illusion reported by previous investigators. However, entirely comparable results were also found with a probematching task, which theoretically assesses the degree of persistence exhibited by a stimulus. The second experiment examined the effect of target luminance on perceived duration. Consistent with a sensory persistence interpretation, judgments of duration increased with increasing luminance. The results from the two experiments were discussed in terms of varying degrees of retinal persistence produced by different stimuli. This view was contrasted with currently dominant interpretations that postulate changes in perceived duration to reflect different information-processing requirements across stimulus conditions.
Effects of solvent, temperature, time, solvent-to-sample ratio, sample size, and defatting on the extraction of soluble sugars in soybean

Extraction solvent, temperature, time, and solvent-to-sample ratio were studied to identify the optimal conditions for extracting sugars from nondefatted soybean. Water and 10%, 50%, and 80% (v/v) ethanol were used as the solvents. Extraction temperatures of 25 °C, 50 °C, and 80 °C, for 15, 30, and 60 min and solvent-to-sample ratios of 5:1, 10:1, and 15:1 (v/w) were combined with different solvents. The sugar composition in the soybean extracts was analyzed by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection. The sugar appropriate to be used as the standard in the phenol-sulfuric acid method in sugar quantification, and effects of sample size and defatting on sugar extraction were also evaluated. The optimum extraction protocol concluded from this study includes the use of water as the solvent at a solvent-to-sample ratio of 5:1 at 25 °C or 50 °C for 15 min. Sucrose was shown to be the best sugar as the standard to quantify the total soluble sugars in soybean. Extractions from sample size of 1 g and 0.1 g yielded similar soluble sugars. A greater amount of sugars was extracted with the defatted soybean meal than with the nondefatted sample.
Extrapolation of tracking data

Errors in the measurement of a trajectory produce errors in the model of the trajectory and its extrapolation. This correspondence presents the extrapolation accuracy of four trajectory models as a function of the extrapolation, the number of independent measurements, and the accuracy of the measurements.
Orthogonal locally ancillary estimating functions for matched pair studies and errors in covariates

Summary. We propose an estimating function method for two related applications, matched pair studies and studies with errors in covariates under a functional model, where a mismeasured unknown scalar covariate is treated as a fixed nuisance parameter. Our method addresses the severe inferential problem that is posed by an abundance of nuisance parameters in these two applications. We propose orthogonal locally ancillary estimating functions for these two applications that depend on merely the mean model and partial modelling of the variances of the observations (and observed mismeasured covariate, if applicable), and we achieve first-order bias correction of inferences under a ‘small dispersion and large sample size’ asymptotic. Simulation results confirm that the estimator proposed is largely improved over that using a regular profile estimating function. We apply the approach proposed to a length of hospital stay study with a mismeasured covariate.
Development of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus

The ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) is important in the regulation of female sexual behavior, feeding, energy balance, and cardiovascular function. It is a highly conserved nucleus across species and a good model for studying neuronal organization into nuclei. Expression of various transcription factors, receptors, and neurotransmitters are important for the development of this nucleus and for mapping the position of identified cells within the nucleus. The VMH is subdivided into regions, all of which may project to specific locations to carry out various functions. For example, the ventrolateral quadrant contains a subset of neurons that highly express estrogen receptors. These neurons specifically are involved in the lordosis response pathway through projections to other estrogen receptor containing regions. In development, neurons that form the VMH generate from the proliferative zone surrounding the third ventricle. Neurons then migrate along radial glial fibers to final positions within the nucleus. Migration and positioning of neurons is an important step in setting up connections to and from the VMH and hence in its function. As compared to other developing brain regions, cell death may play a minor role in sculpting the VMH. We review the processes involved in forming a functional nuclear group and some of the factors known to be involved particularly focusing on the positioning of identified neurons within the VMH.
A Paradigm for Robust Geometric Algorithms

This paper explores a paradigm for producing geometrical algorithms in which logical decisions that depend on finite-precision numerical calculation cannot lead to failure. It applies this paradigm to the task of intersecting two convex polyhedral objects. A key tool in this work is a method of perturbing embedding polyhedra in ways consistent with their topology.
Mechanical Properties of Several Products From a Single Heat of Type 304 Stainless Steel

From winter meeting of American Society of Mechanical Engineers; Detroit, Michigan, USA (11 Nov 1973). Tensile and stress-rupture tests were run on several products from a 90-ton heat of type 304 stainless steel. The yield stress of the products in the as-received condition varied from 26,500 to 57,200 psi at 75 deg F. There were significant differences between the strengths of various products and considerable variation for a single product due to nonuniform residual cold work. Reannealing 0.5 h at 2000 deg F resulted in yield stresses in the 25,000 to 27,000 psi range; only the properties of the hot- reduced tubing fell below this range. At a test temperature of 1100 deg F, the as-received products had yield stresses from 14,800 to 35,500 psi. Reannealing caused the yield stresses of all but three products to fall in the range 10,200 to 11,700 psi. Stress-rupture tests at 1100 deg F on the reannealed products did not reveal significant variation in properties. (auth)
Mixing Crowded Biological Solutions in Milliseconds

In vitro studies of biological reactions are rarely performed in conditions that reflect their native intracellular environments where macromolecular crowding can drastically change reaction rates. Kinetics experiments require reactants to be mixed on a time scale faster than that of the reaction. Unfortunately, highly concentrated solutions of crowding agents such as bovine serum albumin and hemoglobin that are viscous and sticky are extremely difficult to mix rapidly. We demonstrate a new droplet-based microfluidic mixer that induces chaotic mixing of crowded solutions in milliseconds due to protrusions of the microchannel walls that generate oscillating interfacial shear within the droplets. Mixing in the microfluidic mixer is characterized, mechanisms underlying mixing are discussed, and evidence of biocompatibility is presented. This microfluidic platform will allow for the first kinetic studies of biological reactions with millisecond time resolution under conditions of macromolecular crowding similar to those within cells.
Detecting the emergence of novel, zoonotic viruses pathogenic to humans

RNA viruses, with their high potential for mutation and epidemic spread, are the most common class of pathogens found as new causes of human illness. Despite great advances made in diagnostic technology since the 1950s, the annual rate at which novel virulent viruses have been found has remained at 2–3. Most emerging viruses are zoonoses; they have jumped from mammal or bird hosts to humans. An analysis of virus discovery indicates that the small number of novel viruses discovered annually is an artifact of inadequate surveillance in tropical and subtropical countries, where even established endemic pathogens are often misdiagnosed. Many of the emerging viruses of the future are already infecting humans but remain to be uncovered by a strategy of disease surveillance in selected populations.
Thermal studies on the high-temperature phase transition in V3O5

Abstract A heat capacity anomaly near 425 K has been observed in polycrystalline V 3 O 5 with an enthalpy change of 650 cal/mole V 3 O 5 . This may be associated with changes in crystallographic and physical properties reported recently.
TEACHING EFFECTIVENESS IN CULTURALLY DEPRIVED JUNIOR HIGH MATHEMATICS CLASSES

This study was designed to investigate the extent to which a policy existed regarding the evaluation by a team of evaluators from the Center for Study of Evaluation of Instructional Programs of thirteen teachers par ticipating in an experimental mathematics program at three Demonstration Math Centers in three junior high schools located in culturally disadvantaged areas of a large Southern California district. The investigators used a modified form of the Judgment Analysis (JAN) technique to capture the policy. Results of the study indicate that the subset of predictor variables identified as teacher characteristics contributed significantly to the group policy while another subset of predictor variables which were essentially pupil characteristics failed to make a significant contribution to the policy expressed by the evaluators.
Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein Decreases Macrophage Expression of Scavenger Receptor B-I

Scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) has recently been identified as a high density lipoprotein (HDL) receptor that mediates bidirectional flux of cholesterol across the plasma membrane. We have previously demonstrated that oxidized low density lipoprotein (OxLDL) will increase expression of another class B scavenger receptor, CD36 (Han, J., Hajjar, D. P., Febbraio, M., and Nicholson, A. C. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 21654–21659). In studies reported herein, we evaluated the effects of OxLDL on expression of SR-BI in macrophages to determine how exposure to this modified lipoprotein could alter SR-BI expression and cellular lipid flux. OxLDL decreased SR-BI expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Incubation with OxLDL had no effect on the membrane distribution of SB-BI, and it decreased expression of both cytosolic and membrane protein. Consistent with its effect on SR-BI protein expression, OxLDL decreased SR-BI mRNA in a dose-dependent manner. The ability of OxLDL to decrease SR-BI expression was dependent on the degree of LDL oxidation. OxLDL decreased both [14C]cholesteryl oleate/HDL uptake and efflux of [14C]cholesterol to HDL in a time-dependent manner. Incubation of macrophages with 7-ketocholesterol, but not free cholesterol, also inhibited expression of SR-BI. Finally, we demonstrate that the effect of OxLDL on SR-BI is dependent on the differentiation state of the monocyte/macrophage. These results imply that in addition to its effect in inducing foam cell formation in macrophages through increased uptake of oxidized lipids, OxLDL may also enhance foam cell formation by altering SR-BI-mediated lipid flux across the cell membrane.
Fishburn diagrams, Fishburn numbers and their refined generating functions

The Fishburn numbers can be defined as the coefficients of the generating [email protected][email protected]?i=1m(1-(1-t)^i). Combinatorially, the Fishburn numbers enumerate certain supersets of sets enumerated by the Catalan numbers. We add to this work by giving an involution-based proof of the conjecture of Claesson and Linusson that the Fishburn numbers enumerate non-2-neighbor-nesting matchings. We begin by proving that a map originally defined by Claesson and Linusson gives a bijection between non-2-neighbor-nesting matchings and (2-1)-avoiding inversion tables. We then define a set of diagrams, which we call Fishburn diagrams, that give a natural interpretation to the generating function of the Fishburn numbers. Using an involution on Fishburn diagrams, we then prove that the Fishburn numbers enumerate (2-1)-avoiding inversion tables. By using two variations of this involution on two subsets of Fishburn diagrams, we then give a visual proof of the conjecture of Remmel and Kitaev that two bivariate refinements of the generating function of the Fishburn numbers are equivalent. In Appendix A, we give an inductive proof of the conjecture of Claesson and Linusson that the distribution of left-nestings over the set of all matchings is given by the second-order Eulerian triangle. The conjecture of Remmel and Kitaev was independently proved by Jelinek and by Yan with a matrix interpretation defined by Dukes and Parviainen. Bijections surveyed by Callan can lead to a similar proof of the conjecture of Claesson and Linusson giving the distribution of left-nestings over matchings, using a result on the Stirling permutations due to Gessel and Stanley. This work was done independently.
Bone Material Elasticity in a Murine Model of Osteogenesis Imperfecta

To investigate the source of bone brittleness in the disease osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), biomechanical properties have been measured in the femurs from a homozygous (oim/oim) mutant mouse model of OI, its heterozygous littermates, and wild-type animals. The novel technique of ultrasound critical-angle reflectometry (UCR) was used to determine bone material elasticity matrix from measurements of the pressure and shear wave velocity at different orientations about selected points of the bone specimens. This nondestructive method is the only available means for obtaining measurements of this nature from a single surface. The ultrasound pressure wave velocity showed an increased isotropy in the homozygous compared to the wild-type specimens. This was reflected in a significant decrease in the principal elastic modulus measured along the length of the oim/oim bones (E33) while the modulus along the width (E11) did not change significantly, compared to wild-type specimens. The Poisson's ratio, µ2, also had a ...
Response of Cows Consuming Adequate Selenium to Vitamin E and Selenium Supplementation Prepartum

A 2-yr study of 195 parturitions was to evaluate the prepartum need for supplemental vitamin E and selenium by cows consuming diets that contained ample amounts of selenium (.1 to 2.0 ppm selenium). One-half of the cows were injected with 68 IU vitamin E and 5 mg selenium per 45.4 kg body weight approximately 21 days prepartum. Incidences of retained placenta and calving difficulty were similar for treated and control cows. There was a lower incidence of retained placenta (7.5%) for cows that calved during fall, whereas incidence was greater than 20% in cows that calved during the rest of the year. Serum vitamin E and selenium concentrations in treated cows doubled within a day after injection, then declined to concentrations typical of untreated cows within 8 and 3 days postinjection, respectively. Serum carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E concentrations were similar for treated and control cows and were elevated in cows that calved during the summer and fall, possibly because cows dry during the grazing season were pastured. However, discriminant analysis of 21-day prepartum serum data indicated that serum concentrations of carotene, vitamins A or E, or selenium would not predict accurately the retention of the placenta. Colostrum and 4-day milk from treated and control cows contained similar amounts of vitamin E and selenium.
Ogilvie' s Syndrome Successful Management without Colonoscopy

We reviewed the clinical presentation, management, and outcome of 25 patients with Ogilvie's syndrome (acute colonic pseudoobstruction) at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center from 1982 through 1985. All patients had cancer and severe associated medical problems. Abdominal x-rays uniformly showed cecal distension ranging between 9 and 18 cm. Twenty-four of the 25 patients were treated with conservative nonendoscopic management. One patient had an exploratory laparotomy for prophylactic cecostomy after only one day of conservative therapy. Of the 24 patients treated conservatively, 23 (96%) improved by both clinical and radiologic criteria in a mean of 3.0 days. The remaining patient died of multisystem failure not related to the acute colonic pseudoobstruction. Colonoscopic decompression was not attempted in any of the 25 patients. There were no colonic perforations, and there were no pseudoobstruction-related deaths. This study questions the need for early endoscopic or surgical treatment in cancer patients with acute colonic pseudoobstruction.
On Headed, Headless, and Light-Headed Relatives

This paper re-examines a syntactic typology of relative clauses in the light of new data from Polish. While the distinction between headed and headless relatives seems to be syntactically well motivated, Polish (and possibly other languages as well) allow relatives that cannot easily be assimilated to either of these two types. Such relatives, which I will refer to as light-headed relatives, are the topic of this paper. They are headed by morphologically `light elements', and tend to differ from their headed counterparts with respect to relative pronoun or relative complementizer selection.
A Model of Interrelationships Among Individual Level Knowledge Management Success Measures

Extant literature has mostly focused on defining knowledge management success at an organizational or project level. The literature lacks a framework for measuring knowledge management success at the individual level. Individual knowledge innovation and performance make organizations more productive. This research proposes a model of the interrelationships among individual level knowledge management success measures (outcomes) including conceptual, contextual and operational knowledge, innovation, and performance. The model is tested using a sample of 252 individuals engaged in managerial and professional knowledge work. The results suggest that conceptual knowledge enhances operational and contextual knowledge. Contextual knowledge also improves operational knowledge. Contextual knowledge is the key predictor of innovations that, along with operational knowledge, enhance work performance. The results provide a model for defining and measuring knowledge management success at the individual level.
Commissura In Tacitus, Histories 1

It is not enough, says Quintilian (7.10.16), to assemble the various parts of a speech. The orator must arrange his points in the natural and logical order for his purposes, and he must unify the different sections so skilfully that no join will show (‘ne commissura perluceat’), producing a single body instead of assorted limbs. If we define as commissura (or transitus) the rhetorical device which welds together different themes or chapters with an associative link in word or thought (sometimes matching like with like, more frequently depending on antithesis), Tacitus already had this lesson by heart when he wrote the Germania . That he exploited the same technique in his major works, concentrating on his transitions as hard as would Macaulay on his, appears not to have been noticed, and certainly has not received systematic study.
New model of reperfused stroke by occlusion of the anterior cerebral artery in baboons

Background The understanding of stroke has been greatly enhanced by studies employing nonhuman primate models of focal ischemia. However, devastating neurological disability in previously described stroke models has led to ethical concerns and difficulty achieving prolonged survival for the evaluation of long-term outcome. We determined if reversible occlusion of the anterior cerebral artery in baboons would produce a small infarct with minimal neurological impairment.
Problems of Social History and Patterns of Inheritance in Pre-Revolutionary New Jersey, 1751-1770

Mrozek uses data from wills to understand patterns of inheritance and land distribution in pre-Revolutionary New Jersey.
Influence of marginal and complete protein deficiency for varying periods during reproduction on growth, third-molar eruption, and dental caries in rats.

Marginal protein deficiency in female rats during pregnancy and lactation resulted in reduced weaning weights, delayed eruption and abnormal cuspal patterns of the third molars, and increased dental caries incidence in offspring. Complete protein deficiency during five-day intervals in lactation caused reduced weaning weights and delayed third-molar eruption, which increased when the protein deficiency was late in lactation.