cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changes in cognitive function associated with syndrome changes on two five-factor models of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale

Objective This study aims to examine the association between neuropsychological function and symptom changes over time on two five-factor models, pentagonal (PM) and Van der Gaag (VDG), of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and to determine the added value of these syndrome models for interpreting neuropsychological changes. Methods Data were collected in a randomized controlled trial comparing second-generation and conventional antipsychotic medications for 108 adult patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and monitored prospectively for 12months using standard neuropsychological instruments and the PANSS. Random-effects regression was used to estimate the change over time in neuropsychological function and the association of PANSS covariates. Results Improvements in positive, negative, and cognitive syndromes were significant predictors of change on nine neuropsychological measures. The neuropsychological function was worsening on five of these measures. The PM model represented the best set of predictors examining positive and negative syndrome covariates, whereas the VDG model consistently represented the best predictors examining cognitive syndrome covariates. Conclusions The PM positive and negative syndrome factors and the VDG disorganized thoughts syndrome factor are differentially associated with changes in neuropsychological function over time. Clinical investigators may want to target their use of these factors from the PANSS according to the outcome variables being measured. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. key words—schizophrenia; neuropsychological changes; symptom changes
Grain Boundaries in Nanocrystalline Materials

The rapidly developing ability to manipulate matter at the atomic level is making considerable impact in materials-science related technologies because it permits novel microstructures and metastable phases to be atomically designed, often resulting in unusual materials properties. The importance of metastable phases with novel microstructures, such as nanocrystalline materials, metallic glasses, multilayers and epitaxially-stabilized thin-film phases, is based primarily on their intrinsic inhomogeneity. This inhomogeneity originates from the atomic-level disorder generated by manipulating the microstructure, for example, via introduction of grain or phase boundaries or, in the case of amorphous materials, by creation of a frozen-liquid like structure. By design, these materials systematically exploit the altered, yet to-date usually unknown local physical behavior in the heavily defected, inhomogeneous structural environments experienced by a large fraction of the atoms. Atomiclevel computer simulations are uniquely suited to provide insight into what constitutes “typically inhomogeneous” behavior in heavily disordered materials because they provide information on local structures and properties.
Repeated detection of conjunctive predicates in distributed executions

Given a conjunctive predicate @f over a distributed execution, this paper gives an algorithm to detect all interval sets, each interval set containing one interval per process, in which the local values satisfy the Definitely(@f) modality. The time complexity of the algorithm is O(n^3p), where n is the number of processes and p is the bound on the number of times a local predicate becomes true at any process. The paper also proves that unlike the Possibly(@f) modality which admits O(p^n) solution interval sets, the Definitely(@f) modality admits O(np) solution interval sets. The paper also gives an on-line test to determine whether all solution interval sets can be detected in polynomial time under arbitrary fine-grained causality-based modality specifications.
Neutrophil Chemokines Secreted by Tumor Cells Mount a Lung Antimetastatic Response during Renal Cell Carcinoma Progression

The mechanism by which renal cell carcinoma (RCC) colonizes the lung microenvironment during metastasis remains largely unknown. To investigate this process, we grafted human RCC cells with varying lung metastatic potential in mice. Gene expression profiling of the mouse lung stromal compartment revealed a signature enriched for neutrophil-specific functions that was induced preferentially by poorly metastatic cells. Analysis of the gene expression signatures of tumor cell lines showed an inverse correlation between metastatic activity and the levels of a number of chemokines, including CXCL5 and IL8. Enforced depletion of CXCL5 and IL8 in these cell lines enabled us to establish a functional link between lung neutrophil infiltration, secretion of chemokines by cancer cells and metastatic activity. We further show that human neutrophils display a higher cytotoxic activity against poorly metastatic cells compared with highly metastatic cells. Together, these results support a model in which neutrophils recruited to the lung by tumor-secreted chemokines build an antimetastatic barrier with loss of neutrophil chemokines in tumor cells acting as a critical rate-limiting step during lung metastatic seeding.
Effect of intrathecally administered local anesthetics on protein phosphorylation in the spinal cord

To elucidate the biochemical mechanisms of spinal anesthesia, we studied the effects of procaine and tetracaine on protein phosphorylation in the mouse spinal cord. Mice were injected intrathecally with either procaine, tetracaine (67 mM/approximately 2%, 10 microL, N = 5/drug), or saline (N = 4/group). Five minutes after injection, animals were killed with a guillotine, and the spinal cord was removed. The caudal 3-cm cord segment was homogenized and centrifuged, and an aliquot of the supernatant was used for phosphorylation assays. Calcium-dependent phosphorylation was initiated by incubating the samples in buffer containing [gamma-32P]ATP at 37 degrees for 30 min. The proteins were electrophoresed using slab gel and two-dimensional electrophoresis, and phosphorylated proteins were visualized by autoradiography. The data demonstrated that spinal anesthesia changes the phosphorylation state of five endogenous substrate proteins with apparent molecular masses of 130 (protein-a), 105 (protein-b), 55 (protein-c), 47 (protein-d), and 33 (protein-e) kDa. In two-dimensional electrophoresis, protein-a resolved into two proteins (a1 and a2). Analysis of variance of the densitometric data suggested a significant effect for the treatment (F(2,16) 735, P < 0.00005). Post hoc comparisons with the saline-treated controls, using the Newman-Keuls test, indicated that local anesthetics significantly affected phosphoproteins (P < 0.05) except for protein-al in the tetracaine-treated group. Further characterization of these phosphoproteins should aid in determining their role in the signal transduction cascade affected by spinal anesthesia.
Mediating Time Delayed Teleoperation with User Suggested Models: Implications and Comparative Study

Model mediation allows telerobotic users to manipulate remote environments across several seconds of delay. As the slave robot interacts with its surroundings an approximate model of the environment is continually estimated and sent to the master, where it is visually and haptically displayed to the user. By interacting with this local rendition the user is able to produce appropriate force and motion commands, which are transmitted to the slave. This paper improves upon the scheme by allowing users to provide their own model estimates as suggestions to the system, in effect predicting an environment the slave has yet to detect. A user study is conducted involving master-slave teleoperation under two seconds of round-trip delay, with two goals: to test the utility of the new feature, and to test the utility of model mediation against existing teleoperation methods. Three comparison methods are chosen which can handle large delays: video-only feedback, video with visual slave predictor overlay, and wave variables. Experimental results are presented which effectively demonstrate both the benefits of user suggested models to model mediation as well as the benefits of model mediation over previous methods.
Acute hemolytic anemia in the newborn infant due to naphthalene poisoning: report of two cases, with investigations into the mechanism of the disease.

1. Two cases of naphthalene hemolytic anemia in the newborn period are reported. 2. Both exhibited glutathione instability upon incubation with acetyl phenylhydrazine and naphthol months to years later. Several members of their families exhibited a similar defect with evidence that it is inherited as a simple dominant. 3. In those individuals with glutathione instability there was deficient TPNH 2 generation by their hemolysates in the presence of glucose-6-phosphate and TPN, indicating a deficiency in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. Glutathione reductase activity was normal or decreased. 4. TPNH 2 -linked reduction of methemoglobin by erythrocyte suspensions in the presence of glucose and methylene blue was also decreased in those subjects tested, a finding consistent with the deficiency in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.
Note on R&D expenditures and fixed capital formation

In this paper we deal with the fixed capital nature of the means of production and labour employed in research and development which generate scientific and technological knowledge. We argue that these R&D current expenditures typically have the nature of fixed investments. We then present an empirical analysis which shows that expenditures on industrial R&D are more strongly linked to the formation of fixed capital than to the formation of capital in general. Applying this conclusion to the economics of research and innovation would make it possible to analyse investments in the production of scientific and technological knowledge with a higher degree of clarity and precision.
Accounting for preservice teachers’ constructivist learning environment experiences

The article reports the findings of a study conducted to inform a teacher preparation program of the extent to which they were providing students with experiences consistent with the program goals. The Constructivist Learning Environment Survey (CLES) was administered three times to participants in a 1-year program for graduate students seeking licensure in mathematics and science. These data were compared to program course syllabi and participant reflections to generate an account of institutional practice. From this account, observations about the program and a subsequent hypothetical learning trajectory were generated. It is recommended that the program find additional ways to explicitly integrate constructivist learning environment components into coursework and field experiences, specifically in the area of Critical Voice. Furthermore, the program should continue to structure programs components differently for mathematics and science and continue to offer a year-round field experience.
Quality of Freeze Concentrated Orange Juice

Pasteurized Valencia and Temple orange juices concentrated to 45°Brix by freeze concentration retained their fresh juice flavor. Direct steam infusion heating to inactivate enzymes allowed more rapid heating than indirect heating and successfully lowered juice peel oil during vacuum cooling. Except for considerable pulp reduction of feedstream juices, there were few differences from normal citrus juice recovery procedures for freeze concentration. Since the product retained most of the aroma constituents of fresh juice, careful handling and high quality feed juice prior to freeze concentration was much more important than for evaporation. Fresh juice freeze concentrated to 45°B, then pasteurized at temperatures of 80°, 97° and 111°C had reduced sucrose (up to 25%) as the temperature increased to 111°C.
Solid rocket motor temperature sensitivity

The temperature sensitivity of the propellant and the solid rocket motor are described by several different temperature sensitivity coefficients. This enabled the derivation of three different relationships for the temperature sensitivity coefficient pi(sub K). To demonstrate this, two different propellants were used wherein the values of pi(sub K) were generated and compared. It was observed that the expressions are of equal complexity and offer ease of use. All involve only the burning rate data and the use of the parameters in St. Roberts burning rate low. It is also suggested that the most general expression for the sensitivity coefficient should be used since it is a true pi(sub K) relationship having the partial derivatives taken with the motor geometry held constant. 11 refs.
Technologically Enhanced Total Knee Replacement: Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to outline the limb alignment goals for knee replacement, current surgical technologies, and evidence-based medicine principles regarding technologically advanced total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Radiologists need an understanding of the pros and cons of technologically advanced TKA. CONCLUSION. At this time, the appropriate role for TKA has not been determined.
Concentration of Stearidonic Acid in Free Fatty Acids Form from Modified Soybean Oil by Selective Esterification with Dodecanol

The concentration of stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4 n-3) in free fatty acids (FFA) formed by selective esterification with dodecanol (lauryl alcohol) was studied. For this purpose, modified soybean oil (initial SDA content, ~23 %) was converted into its corresponding FFA by chemical hydrolysis. In a second step, the resulting FFA were esterified with dodecanol. Process variables such as the type of biocatalyst (lipase), substrate molar ratio and amount of lipase were evaluated. The best SDA concentration (58 %) and recovery (94 %) were attained by performing the esterification reaction for 4 h, with 1:1 molar ratio (dodecanol:FFA), and 5 % (w/w) Candida rugosa lipase as biocatalyst. It was observed that SDA was concentrated in the unesterified fraction.
Solution conformation of cytochrome c-551 from Pseudomonas stutzeri ZoBell determined by NMR

1H NMR spectroscopy and solution structure computations have been used to examine ferrocytochrome c-551 from Pseudomonas stutzeri ZoBell (ATCC 14405). Resonance assignments are proposed for all main-chain and most side-chain protons. Stereospecific assignments were also made for some of the beta-methylene protons and valine methyl protons. Distance constraints were determined based upon nuclear Overhauser enhancements between pairs of protons. Dihedral angle constraints were determined from estimates of scalar coupling constants and intra-residue NOEs. Twenty structures were calculated by distance geometry and refined by energy minimization and simulated annealing on the basis of 1012 interproton distance and 74 torsion angle constraints. Both the main-chain and side-chain atoms are well defined except for two terminal residues, and some side-chain atoms located on the molecular surface. The average root mean squared deviation in the position for equivalent atoms between the 20 individual structures and the mean structure obtained by averaging their coordinates is 0.56 +/- 0.10 A for the main-chain atoms, and 0.95 +/- 0.09 A for all nonhydrogen atoms of residue 3 to 80 plus the heme group. The average structure was compared with an analogous protein, cytochrome c-551 from pseudomonas stutzeri. The main-chain folding patterns are very consistent, but there are some differences, some of which can be attributed to the loss of normally conserved aromatic residues in the ZoBell c-551.
Characterization of Two Human β1-Adrenergic Receptor Transcripts: Cloning and Alterations in the Failing Heart

Abstract Two human β 1 -adrenergic receptor cDNAs, ∼2.75 kb and ∼3 kb in length, were isolated from a placenta phage library. Both transcripts are collinear with the previously isolated genomic sequence. Additionally, all clones begin between −274 and −236 bp relative to the translational start site, which is consistent with the previously identified transcriptional start site at −263. Furthermore, the 2.75 and 3 kb transcripts utilize conserved polyadenylation consensus sites at +2469 and +2751, respectively. Thus, this is the first report of the identification of full-length human β 1 -AR cDNA clones. Both transcripts are expressed in placenta, heart, cerebral cortex, and lung with the 3 kb transcript more highly expressed than the 2.75 kb transcript in all tissues. RNase protection analysis utilizing left ventricular heart RNA isolated from patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy demonstrates 2.1-fold and 2.7-fold decreases of the 2.75 and 3 kb transcripts, respectively, as compared with nonfailing controls. Thus, in heart failure patients the 3 kb transcript decreases to a significantly greater extent than the 2.75 kb transcript. This preferential reduction may be the result of differences in mRNA stability mediated by putative AU-rich elements specific to the 3′-untranslated region of the larger transcript.
LP-based solution methods for the asymmetric TSP

We consider an LP relaxation for ATSP. We introduce concepts of high-value and high-flow cycles in LP basic solutions and show that the existence of this kind of cycles would lead to constant-factor approximation algorithms for ATSP. The existence of high-flow cycles is motivated by computational results and theoretical observations.
New directions in oxidant by-product research: identification and significance

Abstract Exciting new research in the field of oxidant by-products in drinking water and wastewater is progressing along three main lines: 1) investigation into the mechanism of the aquatic humic/aqueous chlorine reaction, 2) correlation of by-product identity and yield with mutagenic activity, and 3) analysis of previously intractable organic by-products such as high molecular weight polar substances and N-chloroorganic compounds. Just as earlier research was stimulated by the development of the combined gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer, these new investigations have been fostered by the development of new analytical methods such as solid state C-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, extended mass range mass spectrometry, new ionization techniques such as fast atom bombardment and combined liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Application of these new techniques is allowing these and many other important public health questions to be addressed.
A variational principle for bound states in quantum field theory

Abstract We develop a Rayleigh-Ritz variational method for estimating relativistic, multi-particle bound state energies in any (weak-coupling) quantum field theory. A comparison is made with bound state energies derived from the Bethe-Salpeter equation in the Wick-Cutkosky model. Possible applications to QCD are discussed.
Absence of Vasoactive and Cardiotropic Substances in Coronary Sinus Blood of Dogs

Elucidation of the mechanism by which coronary flow is regulated has been attempted. Substances with coronary vasodilator or vasoconstrictor properties as well as those with inotropic or chronotropic effects on isolated frog hearts were sought in the coronary sinus blood of dogs. Blood draining normal, hypoxic or "overperfused" hearts was oxygenated in a dog lung or on a screen and perfused at a controlled pressure through a rotameter into a test coronary artery of the same or second dog; unoxygenated sinus blood was also perfused into an isolated beating frog heart connected to record heart rate and amplitude of contraction. No significant differences in flow rates were observed when the test artery was perfused with oxygenated coronary sinus blood as compared to flows metered during perfusion of the artery with arterial blood. Similarly, perfusion of unoxygenated coronary sinus blood into the isolated frog heart did not affect the rate or amplitude of contraction recorded during perfusion of the heart with arterial blood. These experiments, therefore, failed to demonstrate substances having vasoactive, inotropic, or chronotropic properties in the blood draining normal, hypoxic or "overperfused" dog hearts.
Investigations of cycle processes in a pulsed detonation engine operating on fuel–air mixtures

Abstract Experimental and computational investigations of a pulsed detonation engine (PDE) under cyclic operation, using hydrogen–air and hydrocarbon–air mixtures, are reported. Experimental measurements from a single-tube PDE in cyclic operation include visualizations of deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) and blowdown processes, and dynamic pressure measurements. Simulations were performed for two geometry configurations: an ideal tube PDE with a smooth-wall, initially filled with premixed fuel–air mixtures; and a benchmark tube PDE with internal geometry, a valveless air supply, and in situ fuel injection. Comparisons of experimental and computational visualizations in the benchmark tube PDE show good agreement in cycle process time scales. Realistic simulations of all processes of the PDE cycle (fill, DDT, detonation propagation, blowdown, and purge) of a benchmark tube PDE yield important insights into factors influencing performance. Performance metrics of thrust and impulse were estimated by application of a two-step reduced mechanism for fuel–air mixtures (H2, C2H2, C2H4, and C3H8) and were validated using data from an ideal tube PDE in the literature.
Interferon: a candidate as the endogenous substance preventing tolerance and dependence to brain opioids

Abstract o 1. It has been suggested that protein synthesis and immunological factors play a role in the development of tolerance and dependence to opiates. 2. Interferon (IFN) is known to influence protein synthesis and the immune system. 3. Our and other data suggest that IFN may be an agent that prevents the development of tolerance and the physical dependence to endogenous opioids.
What is new in intrauterine devices? Best articles from the past year.

This month we focus on current research about intrauterine devices. Dr. Hurd discusses four recent publications and each is concluded with a "bottom line" that is the take-home message. The complete reference for each can be found in on this page along with direct links to the abstracts.
Polyhedral Sets Having a Least Element.

For a fixedm × n matrixA, we consider the family of polyhedral setsX b ={x|Ax ≥ b}, b ∈ R m , and prove a theorem characterizing, in terms ofA, the circumstances under which every nonemptyX b has a least element. In the special case whereA contains all the rows of ann × n identity matrix, the conditions are equivalent toA T being Leontief. Among the corollaries of our theorem, we show the linear complementarity problem always has a unique solution which is at the same time a least element of the corresponding polyhedron if and only if its matrix is square, Leontief, and has positive diagonals.
Structural Investigations of LiFePO4 Electrodes by Fe X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy

Fe K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) have been performed on LiFePO4, and on electrodes containing this material to determine the local atomic and electronic structure and their stability with electrochemical cycling (repeated charging and discharging). Comparison of the XANES data for the powder sample, uncycled electrode, and cycled electrodes 7SG and 9SG reveals that the Fe ions are octahedrally coordinated and in the Fe2+ state. Even after repeated charging and discharging, the structure of the LiFePO4 cycled electrodes (7SG, cycled 64 times, and 9SG, cycled 21 times) did not change and hence the material possesses very desirable characteristics for an electrode. This makes it an excellent choice for long cycle life Li-ion battery applications.
Intermediate-temperature superfluidity in an atomic fermi gas with population imbalance.

We derive the underlying finite temperature theory which describes Fermi gas superfluidity with population imbalance in a homogeneous system. We compute the pair formation temperature, superfluid transition temperature ${T}_{c}$, and superfluid density in a manner consistent with the standard ground state equations and, thereby, present a complete phase diagram. Finite temperature stabilizes superfluidity, as manifested by two solutions for ${T}_{c}$ or by low $T$ instabilities. At unitarity, the polarized state is an ``intermediate-temperature superfluid.''
Micromechanical Modeling and Design Optimization of 2-D Triaxial Braided Composites

A micromechanical model for 2-D triaxial braided composites is presented. The tow arrangement in the representative unit cell is modeled by solving the packing problem using analytical optimization, avoiding the need to measure the geometric properties experimentally. These results are used in the development of a closed-form micromechanical model predicting the full 3-D stiness matrix of the homogenized representative unit cell. The results show good agreement with experimental data; however, the true signicance of this work is that it enables design optimization using 2-D triaxial braided composites because the need for experimental calibration for each set of design variables is eliminated.
1H, 13C, and 15N NMR assignments of a Drosophila Hedgehog autoprocessing domain

The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays important roles in embryonic growth and patterning in different organisms. Abnormal activity of the Hh signaling pathway has been associated to cancers, holoprosencephaly and autism spectrum disorders. The backbone and side chain resonance assignments of a Drosophila Hh autoprocessing domain have been determined based on triple-resonance experiments with the [13C, 15N]-labeled and [2H, 13C, 15N])-labeled proteins.
A Framework for Collocation Error Correction in Web Pages and Text Documents

Much of the English in text documents today comes from nonnative speakers. Web searches are also conducted very often by non-native speakers. Though highly qualified in their respective fields, these speakers could potentially make errors in collocation, e.g., "dark money" and "stock agora" (instead of the more appropriate English expressions "black money" and "stock market" respectively). These may arise due to literal translation from the respective speaker's native language or other factors. Such errors could cause problems in contexts such as querying over Web pages, correct understanding of text documents and more. This paper proposes a framework called CollOrder to detect such collocation errors and suggest correctly ordered collocated responses for improving the semantics. This framework integrates machine learning approaches with natural language processing techniques, proposing suitable heuristics to provide responses to collocation errors, ranked in the order of correctness. We discuss the proposed framework with algorithms and experimental evaluation in this paper. We claim that it would be useful in semantically enhancing Web querying e.g., financial news, online shopping etc. It would also help in providing automated error correction in machine translated documents and offering assistance to people using ESL tools.
Material Properties of Structurally Viable Alkali-Activated Fly Ash Concrete

AbstractAs the concern for the environment and need for sustainable construction practices continues to grow, development of portland cement–free binders is gaining wide interest in the concrete research and engineering community responsible for design and construction of civil infrastructure. In this work, microstructural (as determined by quantitative X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy techniques) and material properties of alkali-activated fly ash concrete were evaluated to verify the material’s performance and structural viability. Results show that the heat-cured products of reaction of fly ash in an aqueous alkaline solution form a concrete binder with adequate design properties and promising durability aspects.
The transient growth of ammonium chloride dendrites

Abstract We report measurements of the initial growth and subsequent transient response of dendritic crystals of ammonium chloride grown from supersaturated aqueous solution. Starting from a small, nearly spherical seed held in unstable equilibrium, we lower the temperature to initiate growth. The growth speed and tip radius approach the same steady state values independent of initial seed size. We then explore the response of the growing dendrite to changes in temperature. The crystal adjusts quickly and smoothly to the new growth conditions, maintaining an approximately constant value of v ρ 2 throughout. Dissolving dendrites, on the other hand, are not characterized by the same value of v ρ 2 .
Facial action myoclonus in patients with olivopontocerebellar atrophy

We studied four patients with familial olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA) who had abnormal twitching of the cheeks and perioral muscles induced by facial movements. With the muscles at rest, electromyographic (EMG) recordings of the orbicularis oris and risorius muscles revealed myokymic discharges in the absence of visible movements. With voluntary contraction, the EMG showed synchronous discharges in the orbicularis oris and risorius muscles ipsilaterally associated with visible twitching. The duration of the EMG bursts was 10 to 75 ms with a frequency of 8 to 25 Hz, which suggested that the abnormal twitching was most consistent with a myoclonic disorder. Because it was induced by activation of the facial muscles, this movement disorder represents a form of action myoclonus.
PEG-grafted chitosan as an injectable thermosensitive hydrogel for sustained protein release.

Abstract Thermosensitive polymer hydrogels that undergo a sol-to-gel transition in response to temperature changes are of great interest in therapeutic delivery and tissue engineering as injectable depot systems. A chitosan-based, injectable thermogel was prepared by grafting an appropriate amount of PEG onto the chitosan backbone and studied for drug release in vitro using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein. When more than ∼40 wt.% of PEG was grafted to chitosan chains via covalent bonding, the aqueous solution of the resultant copolymer was an injectable liquid at low temperature and transformed to a semisolid hydrogel at body temperature. After an initial burst release in the first 5 h, a steady linear release of protein from the hydrogel was achieved for a period of ∼70 h. Prolonged quasi-linear release of protein up to 40 days was achieved by crosslinking the hydrogel with genipin in situ, in a fashion suitable for protein encapsulation while maintaining the injectability of the hydrogel. The crosslinkage transformed the copolymer from a physical gel to an insoluble chemical gel and substantially reduced the initial burst release of protein. Both high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gel electrophoresis indicated that the primary structure of BSA released from the hydrogels with or without genipin-crosslinking was generally conserved. The hydrogel can be prepared in solutions with a physiological pH, allowing the safe incorporation of bioactive molecules for a broad range of medical applications, particularly for sustained in vivo drug release and tissue engineering.
A three-field breast treatment technique with precise geometric matching using multileaf collimator–equipped linear accelerators

Abstract Purpose Many authors have studied the problems associated with the three-field breast treatment, yet the proposed solutions present their own difficulties. This study presents a technique that overcomes these difficulties, reduces scatter to the contralateral breast, and improves setup reproducibility. Methods and materials Patients are set up with both arms raised superiorly on a breast board. A precise field-match is achieved by rotating the couch and collimator of the tangents, while the supraclavicular field is half-beam blocked using an independent jaw. The posterior borders of the tangents are conformally defined by multileaf collimation. Measurements were performed to verify the field matching and evaluate scatter doses. Results A smooth dose transition was found at the match line at all depths. Corner blocks and lower wedges were not used, which reduced the scatter to the contralateral breast compared with our prior technique. Conclusion The technique achieves a precise match while removing constraints on the tangents’ length and decreasing scatter dose. Procedures for simulation, planning, and treatment have been devised, along with a new patient setup routine incorporating orthogonal setup films and tattoos. This technique has been successfully implemented in routine treatment since September 2001. A program calculating the setup parameters is available at our website.
Dielectric relaxation study of pyridine-alcohol mixtures using time domain reflectometry

Time domain reflectometry is applied to dielectric relaxation measurements on pyridine-alcohol (methanol, ethanol, propan- 1-o1 and butan-1 -o1) mixtures over the entire concentration range and over the frequency range 10MHz-10GHz at 5, 15, 25 and 35°C. From the data, static permittivity and the dielectric relaxation time are extracted using a bilinear calibration method and a nonlinear least-squares fit method. These mixtures exhibit a principal dispersion of the Debye type at microwave frequencies. The Kirkwood correlation factor, which contains information regarding solute-solvent interaction and corresponding structural information, was obtained for these systems, and the excess inverse relaxation time and molar energy of activation for all these systems were determined. The values of the static permittivity, the relaxation time and the Kirkwood correlation factor decrease with increased pyridine concentration in alcohol. The static permittivity of the mixtures fits the modified Brugemann model well.
Syndrome of accelerated skeletal maturation and relative failure to thrive: a newly recognized clinical growth disorder.

Two unrelated male infants are described with a syndrome characterized by unusual facial features, relative failure to thrive, and the most marked early acceleration of osseous maturation of any condition described to date. The facial abnormalities include coarse eyebrows, shallow orbits, and an underdeveloped upturned nose. An additional feature of this syndrome is significant motor and mental retardation.
Duan's fixed point theorem: Proof and generalization

Let be an H-space of the homotopy type of a connected, finite CW-complex, any map and the th power map. Duan proved that has a fixed point if . We give a new, short and elementary proof of this. We then use rational homotopy to generalize to spaces whose rational cohomology is the tensor product of an exterior algebra on odd dimensional generators with the tensor product of truncated polynomial algebras on even dimensional generators. The role of the power map is played by a -structure as defined by Hemmi-Morisugi-Ooshima. The conclusion is that and each has a fixed point.
Description of two new species of Agromyzidae (Diptera : Cyclorrhapha) from India

Abstract Melanagromyza campanularia, sp. nov. and Cerodontha (Poemyza) siwalikensis, sp. nov. are described as new from India. Descriptions of external genitalia of the male flies are also included.
Dosimetric study using different leaf-width MLCs for treatment planning of dynamic conformal arcs and intensity-modulated radiosurgery.

This paper systematically studied the dosimetric difference between a 3 mm micro multileaf collimator (MLC), a 5 mm MLC, and a 10 mm MLC for stereotactic radiosurgery using the Brainscan treatment planning system. Thirty-four cases treated with the dynamic conformal arcs technique and 20 cases treated with the intensity modulated radiosurgery/fractionated radiotherapy (IMRS/ IMRT) technique were retrospectively studied. The conformity index, the percentage target coverage, and the dose-volume histogram (DVH) for organs-at-risk (OARs) were used for dosimetric analysis and comparison for different treatment techniques, target volumes, and treatment sites. For the dynamic conformal arcs technique, there were statistically significant differences in the conformity indices between different leaf-width MLCs. The ratio of the conformity indices between different MLCs depended on the target volume. The average conformity index ratios between the 5 mm MLC and the 3 mm MLC were 1.37+/-0.09, 1.12+/-0.04, 1.08+/-0.02 and 1.04+/-0.01, respectively, for patients with the target volume (V) in groups: (1) V 27 CC. The average conformity index ratios between the 10 and 3 mm MLCs were 2.00+/-0.33, 1.45+/-0.09, 1.28+/-0.09, and 1.18+/-0.05 for patients in these four volume groups, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found for the target coverage among different MLCs. For the IMRS/IMRT technique, the average conformity index and target coverage ratios were 1.01+/-0.05 and 1.00+/-0.02, respectively, between the 5 and 3 mm MLCs, and were 1.04+/-0.07 and 0.97+/-0.02, respectively, between the 10 and 3 mm MLCs. The 3 mm MLC showed slightly better overall OAR DVHs than the 5 and 10 mm MLCs, especially for the cranial site with small-volume OARs defined. The results suggest that for the dynamic conformal arcs technique, the narrower leaf-width MLC provides better dose conformity than the wider leaf-width MLCs. This advantage decreases when the target volume increases. For the IMRS/IMRT technique, the narrower leaf-width MLC could have better sparing of small OARs than the wider leaf-width MLC.
Thrombospondin 1 activates the macrophage Toll-like receptor 4 pathway

Previously, we demonstrated that macrophages from thrombospondin 1 (TSP1)-deficient mice have a reduced inflammatory phenotype, suggesting that TSP1 plays a role in macrophage activation. In this study, we determined how TSP1 regulates macrophage function. We found that recombinant or purified platelet human TSP1 treatment stimulated tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression in bone marrow-derived macrophages in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression (at the mRNA and protein levels) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) activity were also stimulated by TSP1 treatment. The TSP1-mediated increase in TNF-α production was abolished in TLR4-deficient macrophages, suggesting that TSP1 activates macrophages through a TLR4-dependent pathway. TSP1 also stimulated TLR4 activation in macrophages in vivo. Furthermore, TSP1-mediated macrophage activation was attenuated by using a peptide or an antibody to block the association between TSP1 and CD36. Taken together, these data suggest that the stimulation of the macrophage TLR4 pathway by TSP1 is partially mediated by the interaction of TSP1 with its receptor, CD36.
Selective separation procedure for determination of ribosomal proteins L7 and L12.

Abstract An electrophoretic procedure for the selective separation and determination of the closely similar ribosomal proteins L7 and L12 (which are specifically involved in the GTPase reactions of the ribosome) from the total protein mixture extracted from unwashed ribosomes is described. In this procedure, which takes advantage of their unusually low isoelectric points. L7 and L12 (and a few other acidic proteins) migrate into gel as anions , while the bulk of ribosomal proteins which are basic remain behind. The positions of L7 and L12 were determined with authentic, pure proteins. It was further determined by means of 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis that no other protein components present in unwashed ribosomes comigrate with the bands of L7 and L12.
Further studies on the synthesis of a fine neurological electrode by chemical vapor deposition processing

Abstract The objective of this research was to develop a coaxial depth electrode with a diameter of less than 200 μ (8 mil). This fine electrode will cause less tissue damage than conventional large electrodes do when used for basic research and diagnostic studies of neurological diseases. For a new recording depth electrode to be a significant improvement over present technology, it must meet the following specifications. 1. (1) The total diameter should be less than 200 μ. 2. (2) The strength and resistance to buckling should be adequate to guarantee reliable self-forced penetration of brain tissue to a depth of 6 cm. 3. (3) The materials must be biocompatible. 4. (4) The electrode must not fracture in a brittle manner. Chemical vapor deposition techniques were used to fabricate electrodes meeting the above requirements. The starting material was W-26 at.% Re wire, nominally 125 μ in diameter. Tetraethylsilicate Si(OC2H5)4 was used to deposit an insulating oxide layer on the wire. Then molybdenum chloride and hydrogen were used to deposit an outer conductor of molybdenum. Electrodes with diameters of 175 μ were fabricated with lengths of up to 9 cm. Metallographic examinations and resistivity measurements showed that the molybdenum layer is continuous and that the oxide coating is insulating. The paper describes (1) the factors influencing the choice of materials, (2) the deposition techniques and (3) the properties of the electrodes, including a comparison of theoretica; and experimental flexural rigidities.
Volatile Constituents of Black Peppera

SUMMARY Black pepper oil, separated by gas chromatographic techniques, had at least 23 volatile components. On the basis of relative retention volumes and infrared spectroscopy, these include α-pinene, β-pinene, D-limonene, and β-caryophyllene. α-phellandrene, reported by others, was not detected. Four samples of pepper oil differed in the relative amounts of various constituents. The methods described permit rapid screening of samples, and selection for greater flavor uniformity from batch to batch.
Effect of coal dust inhalation on pulmonary immunologic responses.

Guinea pigs exposed to a coal dust aerosol (200 mg/m3) for 1 hour per day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks were evaluated for hypersensitivity to coal dust. No evidence of immediate pulmonary sensitivity was obtained from analyses of respiratory rates. To assess the possible activity of coal dust as an adjuvant, the effect of pulmonary coal dust accumulation on the induction of subsequent respiratory hypersensitivity to an unrelated antigen was investigated. Coal-exposed and control guinea pigs were sensitized to the antigen p-azobenzene arsonate ovalbumin (A-OA) by inhalation of protein aerosol. Both groups of guinea pigs developed severe respiratory hypersensitivity to the A-OA antigen. There was no difference between the groups with regard to either the severity of the hypersensitivity responses, the frequency of such responses or the amounts of antibodies to A-OA produced by both groups of animals. In contrast, pulmonary alveolar macro-phages isolated from coal-exposed guinea pigs had only one-third the p...
Properties of hydrophobic free energy found by gas–liquid transfer

The hydrophobic free energy in current use is based on transfer of alkane solutes from liquid alkanes to water, and it has been argued recently that these values are incorrect and should be based instead on gas–liquid transfer data. Hydrophobic free energy is measured here by gas–liquid transfer of hydrocarbon gases from vapor to water. The new definition reduces more than twofold the values of the apparent hydrophobic free energy. Nevertheless, the newly defined hydrophobic free energy is still the dominant factor that drives protein folding as judged by ΔCp, the change in heat capacity, found from the free energy change for heat-induced protein unfolding. The ΔCp for protein unfolding agrees with ΔCp values for solvating hydrocarbon gases and disagrees with ΔCp for breaking peptide hydrogen bonds, which has the opposite sign. The ΔCp values for the enthalpy of liquid–liquid and gas–liquid transfer are similar. The plot of free energy against the apparent solvent-exposed surface area is given for linear alkanes, but only for a single conformation, the extended conformation, of these flexible-chain molecules. The ability of the gas–liquid hydrophobic factor to predict protein stability is tested and reasonable agreement is found, using published data for the dependences on temperature of the unfolding enthalpy of ribonuclease T1 and the solvation enthalpies of the nonpolar and polar groups.
Dry-or-buy decision support for dry kiln scheduling in furniture production

In this paper, a dry-or-buy cost model for a dry kiln scheduling problem in the furniture manufacturing industry is considered. Factory-specified due-dates for jobs, kiln availability, kiln capacity, and drying and buying costs are incorporated into an Integer-Programming (IP) model. As it may be difficult (i.e., because of due-dates, kiln availability, processing times, etc.) to meet all the due-dates, certain jobs may have to be out-sourced. The objective of the model is to minimize the total drying and buying costs while satisfying all due-dates. Because of the computational complexity of the problem, a heuristic approach is developed. Computational experience indicates that the heuristic gives high quality solutions with significant savings in time over standard IP algorithms.
Parallel algebraic multigrid based on subdomain blocking

Abstract The algebraic multigrid (AMG) approach provides a purely algebraic means to tackle the efficient solution of systems of equations posed on large unstructured grids, in 2D and 3D. While sequential AMG has been used for increasingly large problems (with several million unknowns), its application to even larger applications requires a parallel version. Since, in contrast to geometric multigrid, the hierarchy of coarser levels and the related operators develop dynamically during the setup phase of AMG, a direct parallelization is very complicated. Moreover, a “naive” parallelization would, in general, require unpredictable and highly complex communication patterns which seriously limit the achievable scalability, in particular of the costly setup phase. In this paper, we consider a classical AMG variant which has turned out be highly robust and efficient in solving large systems of equations corresponding to elliptic PDEs, discretized by finite differences or finite volumes. Based on a straightforward partitioning of variables (using one of the available algebraic partitioning tools such as Metis), a parallelization approach is proposed which minimizes the communication without sacrificing convergence in complex situations. Results will be presented for industrial CFD and oil-reservoir simulation applications on distributed memory machines, including PC-clusters.
Prediction of nozzle material performance for NASA's 260 SL-3 motor.

Nozzle erosion profile, char penetration and temperature response predicted for nozzle material for 260 SL-3 motor
Antiguiding index profiles in broad strip semiconductor lasers for high-power, single-mode operation

Solutions to the wave equations for a one-dimensional quadratic variation in the complex refractive index profile are used to calculate gain and field distributions for the lateral modes of broad-stripe semiconductor lasers. It is found that a large difference in gain between the fundamental mode and higher-order modes is obtained in profiles with strong real-index antiguiding and weak imaginary-index guiding. The effect of truncating the quadratic profile is explored. A criterion for comparing the tendency for single-mode operation in different index profiles is introduced and applied to quadratic, step, and array profiles. Based on the analysis, device structures for achieving high-power, single-mode operation are proposed. >