cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TH-A-201C-02: Registration Methods in Multi-modality Imaging

The value of image processing and fusion of different imaging modalities has been analyzed for both diagnostic and prognostic purposes ‐ less so for interventions. There are numerous technical approaches for registration and imagefusion of radiological images to consolidate imaging data from different modalities. Registration is defined as aligning the two data sets spatially to each other where as fusion refers to overlaying and visualizing these merged sets. In the case of imagingdata sets of fixed or rigid organs such as the spine or brain these algorithms are well studied and the results generally more robust and computationally fast. But the problem is more difficult in organs with physiologic motion and non‐rigid organs. Furthermore image‐to‐image registration from different modalities increases the complexity of the problem. Issues related to strengths and disadvantages of different techniques and how different imaging modalities impact these algorithms will be discussed. The details and implementation of translating these techniques from the research bench to clinical application will be presented. This lecture will provide an overview of the different algorithms that have been studied for registration of imaging datasets challenges and limitations of practical implementation and use cases in clinical scenarios. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the concept of registration and imagefusion. 2. Understand the issues and trade‐offs between different registration algorithms in relation to various imaging modalities. 3. Understand the issues in translating these to clinical application.
Magnetospheric Scattering of Pulsar Surface Radiation

We consider the effect of resonant scattering of ≤keV surface emission in the closed zone of pulsar magnetospheres. For magnetospheric charge densities comparable to the corotation value, subtle effects are expected in the soft X-ray and visible/UV regimes. Radiation support of a dense closed-zone plasma may, however, give rise to large scattering-induced pulse modulation; we discuss limits to such plasma population. If closed-zone scattering can be detected, the resulting pulse profiles are sensitive to details of the neutron star gravity field. For millisecond pulsars, in particular, scattering pulse features can provide an interesting probe of relativistic gravity.
A study of CrNx thin films by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy has been employed to study the electronic structure of CrNx thin films. The films have been deposited with varying concentration of nitrogen on a stainless steel substrate by a d. c. magnetron sputtering technique. The Cr 2p, Cr LMM Auger, N 1s, and N KLL Auger regions were investigated using Mg Kα radiation. Results indicate changes in the electronic structure of Cr and N in these films. The Auger parameter shows an increasing trend for Cr and a decreasing trend for N. This has been interpreted as increasing charge transfer from Cr to N with increasing content of nitrogen. The full width at half maximum observed for Cr 2p3/2 peak shows an increasing trend with the nitrogen concentration. The density of states at the Fermi level estimated from the asymmetry index of the Cr 2p3/2 peak is larger than that for elemental chromium. However, in the films a decreasing trend is observed for the density of states with increasing nitrogen content. The chemical shift for the Cr 2p3/2 peak shows a decreasing trend while that for the N 1s peak shows an increasing trend. Using the Auger parameter as an approximation for the relaxation shift, the trend in the contribution due to configuration changes in these films has been estimated. The configuration change (hybridization effects) is observed to increase with the increase in the nitrogen content. These changes are interpreted as increasing hybridization of the Cr 3d and 4sp orbitals, with N 2p orbitals as the concentration of nitrogen increases. The observations are corroborated by results on the stoichiometric compound CrN by other studies.
Limits on the Accuracy of Linking

Sampling errors limit the accuracy with which forms can be linked. Limitations on accuracy are especially important in testing programs in which a very large number of forms are employed. Standard inequalities in mathematical statistics may be used to establish lower bounds on the achievable inking accuracy. To illustrate results, a variety of equating problems are considered.
The comparative analysis of species occurrence patterns on archipelagos

We present a technique based on recent developments in contingency table analysis to analyze species occurrence patterns on archipelagos. This technique, through a "logistic" transformation, fits a sigmoidal-shaped surface on the species presence-absence matrix using only three parameters. This technique does not follow from any a priori or theoretical motivation, but is simply a descriptive statistical procedure. It accounts for roughly half the variation of the empirical contingency matrices for 14 different island systems. The taxa studied included plants, birds, herps and mammals. The matrix technique for a set of species in an archipelago provides three biologically relevant summary statistics. The first statistic indicates the overall colonizing success of the species in the archipelago. The second statistic describes the orderedness of the matrix (species occurrences). The third indicates the distribution of colonizing success between species. The technique is useful in computing the range of these statistics across taxa and over archipelagos.
EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WORD PROCESSING AND VERBAL SHORT-TERM MEMORY: EVIDENCE FROM ASSOCIATIONS AND DISSOCIATIONS

A theory of the cognitive organisation of lexical processing, verbal short-term memory, and verbal learning is presented along with a summary of data that bear on this issue. We conceive of verbal STM as the outcome of processing that invokes both a specialised short-term memory and the lexical system. On this model, performance of verbal STM tasks depends on the integrity of lexical knowledge, access to that knowledge, and processes that encode serial order information.
Benefits to host sea anemones from ammonia contributions of resident anemonefish

Abstract Large ectosymbionts (especially fishes and crustaceans) may have major impacts on the physiology of host cnidarians (sea anemones and corals), but these effects have not been well quantified. Here we describe impacts on giant sea anemone hosts (Entacmaea quadricolor) and their endosymbiotic zooxanthellae (Symbiodinium spp.) from the excretion products of anemonefish guests (Amphiprion bicinctus) under laboratory conditions. Starved host anemones were maintained with anemonefish, ammonia supplements (= NH3 gas and NH4+ ion), or neither for 2 mo. In the presence of external ammonia supplements or resident anemonefish, the zooxanthellae within host anemones increased in abundance (173% and 139% respectively), and provided the hosts with energy that minimized host body size loss. In contrast, anemones cultured with neither ammonia nor anemonefish harbored significantly lower abundances of zooxanthellae (84% of initial abundance) and decreased > 60% in body size. Although they maintained higher zooxanthella abundances, anemones cultured with either ammonia supplements or resident anemonefish exhibited significantly lower ammonia uptake rates (0.065 ± 0.005 µmol g- 1 h- 1, and 0.052 ± 0.018 µmol g- 1 h- 1 respectively) than did control anemones (0.119 ± 0.009 µmol g- 1 h- 1), indicating that their zooxanthellae were more nitrogen sufficient. We conclude that, in this multi-level mutualism, ammonia supplements provide essentially the same level of physiological contribution to host anemones and zooxanthellae as do live resident fish. This nutrient supplement reduces the dependence of the zooxanthellae on host feeding, and allows them to provide abundant photosynthetically-produced energy to the host.
Formation and deformation of patterns through diffusion

Simulating various patterns exhibited on biological forms with mathematical models has become an important supplement to theoretical biology. Models based on a certain mechanism are intended to provide explanations to the formation of a basic pattern. However, in real phenomena, among a basic pattern there always exist some difference between any two individuals. Such differences are consequences of environmental factors posed during the developmental processes. These factors, such as temperature, affect the diffusion rates of corresponding morphogenes which, in turn, alter a basic pattern to certain extent. We provide, in this paper, a quantitative characterization of this effect for a class of reaction-diffusion models. Mathematically, we study the emergence of stationary patterns and their dependence on diffusion rates for this class of models (RD-equations) with no-flux boundary conditions. The results are generalized to systems with homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions when the kinetic terms are odd functions. Through an analysis of the phase dynamics, we show that the deformation of stationary patterns, as the diffusion rates change, is governed by the variation of certain plane curves in the phase space. A constructive proof is given which shows explicitly how to obtain such curves. Applications of this study are illustrated with three model examples. We use these models to explain the biological implications of the mathematical features we investigated. Results from computer simulations are presented and compared with physical patterns.
Bone marrow aspiration, biopsy, and culture in the evaluation of HIV‐infected patients for invasive mycobacteria and histoplasma infections

Bone marrow (BM) aspiration and biopsy are used commonly in clinical practice to diagnose invasive tissue infections caused by Mycobacterium avium intracellulare (MAC), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB), and Histoplasma capsulatum (HC) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV) infection. However, the value of these invasive procedures relative to other diagnostic approaches has not been clearly defined. To determine the value of BM culture and BM histology in the diagnosis of opportunistic MAC/TB and HC infections in immunosuppressed patients with HIV, we retrospectively reviewed the records of 56 adult patients with HIV who underwent a single BM aspiration, biopsy, and culture because of unexplained fever and/or other clinical features suggestive of MAC/TB or HC infection. Thirty-two patients (57%) were ultimately diagnosed with MAC/TB or HC infection by positive cultures of BM, blood, sputum, or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid or by the histologic detection of organisms in biopsies of BM or other tissues. The diagnostic sensitivity of BM cultures was equal to that of blood cultures (20/32, or 63%). Granuloma and/or histologically apparent organisms were seen in BM biopsy specimens in 11 of 32 individuals (34%) ultimately diagnosed with MAC/TB or HC infections. Among these 11 cases, both granuloma and acid-fast staining organisms were found in the BM biopsy specimens of 2 individuals for whom both BM and blood cultures were negative. Certain clinical symptoms and signs at the time of BM examination were found by logistic regression analysis to be significantly associated with a subsequent diagnosis of MAC/TB or HC infections; these included high fever, long duration of febrile days prior to BM examination, and elevated direct bilirubin. In conclusion, while the diagnostic sensitivity of BM cultures was found to be no greater than that of blood cultures in detecting MAC/TB or HC infections in immunosuppressed HIV+ patients, histopathologic examination of BM specimens resulted in the relatively rapid identification of nearly one third of infected patients who underwent BM examination, and also identified infections in some patients who were culture negative. These findings support the continued use of BM aspiration, biopsy, and culture for the diagnosis of opportunistic MAC/TB or HC infections in immunosuppressed HIV+ patients, particularly when selected clinical features are present.
Higher order continuous solution of y″ = f(x, y, y′) and y″ = f(x, y) initial value problems

Abstract Sarafyan's continuous method for approximate solution of initial value problem is applied to the case of systems of the form y″ = f(x, y, y′) and y″ = f(x, y). Three formulas are presented here, containing polynomials in c ∈(0, 1) such that y and y′ are continuously imbedded with x = x0 + ch as valid approximations of Runge-Kutta type. The first is fifth order four stage with continuous fourth order y and third order y′. The second is fifth order six stage with continuous fifth order y and fourth order y′. The third is sixth order seven stage with conntinuous fifth order y and fourth oder y′. At c = 1 the order for the continuous y improves by 1. The formulas may even be used advantageously in the extended interval c ∈[−0.5, 1.5]. Values of c greater than 1 can be used to extend the approximation for the current step and to see whether h can be increased for the next step.
Chaotic behavior in evolution strategies

Abstract Evolution strategies are heuristic optimization techniques which emulate biological systems. In this paper first it is shown that they can be formulated as one-dimensional maps and that they can be extremely sensitive to initial conditions. Then it is shown how this chaotic behavior can be exploited to efficiently conduct search operations for a globally optimal solution.
Study of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at Pt interfaced with phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazole at elevated temperature and low relative humidity

Abstract The oxygen reduction reaction on platinum interfaced with phosphoric acid doped PBI at elevated temperature and low relative humidities has been investigated by using a micro band electrode technique. Both the kinetic and the mass transport parameters in the Pt/PBI-H 3 PO 4 system are comparable to those of the Pt/H 3 PO 4 system under similar conditions. The study suggests that it is the amorphous H 3 PO 4 phase that functions as the electrolyte. The oxygen reduction reaction is first order with respect to both proton concentration and oxygen saturation concentration in the electrolyte, which indicates that the proton transfer is the rate-determining step in oxygen reduction. The H 3 PO 4 doping level and the water content of the electrolyte affect the ORR exchange current density, oxygen diffusion, and the oxygen solubility in PBI-H 3 PO 4 membranes. The dissolved O 2 molecules permeate mainly through the amorphous H 3 PO 4 . However, the oxygen solubility in PBI-H 3 PO 4 is higher than its solubility in H 3 PO 4 , which is explained by the presence of the crystalline PBI region formed during electrolyte preparation.
Oily Soil Retention by Abraded Durable Press Fabrics

A study was made of the effect of abrasion on the retention of oily soil by cotton and polyester/cotton durable press fabrics. One set of samples was abraded in the Accelerotor, and the other set was abraded by laundering. The abraded fabrics were then soiled with a radioactive labeled oily soil and laundered for a total of ten treatments. Samples abraded in the Accelerotor to a weight loss of approximately 20% had soil retention properties significantly different from the controls or samples that had received milder abrasive treatments. The severely abraded cotton samples showed a decrease, while the blend samples showed an increase in the amount of the ³H fraction of the soil retained.
Supratentorial malignant gliomas in childhood: A review of fifty cases

From 1977 to 1986, 50 children aged 15 months to 18 years were treated for supratentorial malignant gliomas at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the New York University Medical Center. Thirteen patients had glioblastoma multiforme, 29 had anaplastic astrocytomas, and 8 had malignant gliomas. In 10 patients the tumor evolved from a low-grade lesion. Seven patients, including 2 patients with neurofibromatosis, developed multiple primary malignant neoplasms. The median time to tumor progression after surgery was 31 weeks, with local recurrence representing the mode of treatment failure in nearly all patients. Notable clinical features included symptomatic leptomeningeal metastasis (13 patients) and intratumoral hemorrhage (9 patients). The estimated median survival time for all 50 patients was 98 weeks, with a 3-year survival rate of 32%. A trend toward longer survival was seen in patients 12 years of age or younger at diagnosis. There was no apparent correlation between survival and tumor histology or tumor location. Recommendations for management are presented.
Fermi Momentum of Aluminum from 0 to 100 kbar

The Fermi momentum of aluminum was studied from 0 to 100 kbar at room temperature through the utilization of positron annihilation. Over this pressure range, the Fermi momentum of aluminum is very well described by the free-electron model which predicts that the Fermi momentum of a metal is given by ${p}_{F}=\ensuremath{\hbar}{(\frac{3{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{2}Z}{V})}^{\frac{1}{3}}$, where $Z$ is the number of conduction electrons per unit cell in the lattice and $V$ is the volume of the unit cell.
ULearn more: transitioning to a learning management system for staff at American University

American University's Office of Information Technology (OIT) training unit provides classroom-based and online training to over 1,800 staff, students, and faculty attendees annually. This group develops, schedules, markets, and delivers the training. The training unit also evaluates the effectiveness of the training and provides detailed reporting for the university's staff performance management program. In 2011, the OIT training unit was invited to partner with the University's Human Resources department and other campus trainers to select a vendor and implement an online Learning Management System for full-time university staff, and faculty with supervisory responsibilities. The training partners went through a lengthy assessment process, chose a vendor, assigned system roles, attended extensive administrator training, and then the hard work began! Although some of the training partners shared similar technological tools and processes, generally each group had a distinct, and well-established, method for managing the administration, marketing, and assessment of their training program. Combining these methods, while maintaining each group's autonomy proved challenging. This presentation will discuss how the team leveraged the learning management technology to meet our shared goals, culminating in a successful system launch in February, 2012. We will explore how we selected the technical components we would utilize, and how we developed a common language and unified processes. We will also discuss the process of branding our new system as "ULearn," how we created a ULearn portal, and how we marketed the system. Lastly, we will explore how we are fostering a "ULearn More" environment by empowering our customers to navigate their own learning path.
Estimation of left ventricular cavity area with an on-line, semiautomated echocardiographic edge detection system.

BACKGROUNDAutomated edge detection of endocardial borders in echocardiograms provides objective, reproducible estimation of cavity area; however, most methods have required off-line analysis. A recently developed prototype echocardiographic imaging system permits real-time automated edge detection during imaging and thus, the potential for measurement of cyclic changes in cavity area and the assessment of left ventricular function on-line. Our purpose was to compare measurements of endocardial area manually traced from conventional echocardiograms with those obtained with the real-time automated edge detection system in normal subjects.METHODS AND RESULTSTwo training sets of images were used to establish optimal methods of gain setting; the settings were then evaluated in a test set of images. In the high-gain training group (n = 8 subjects, 119 images), gain settings were adjusted sufficiently high to display at least 90% of the endocardial border. Manually drawn and real-time area measurements correlate...
An empirical test of stable species coexistence in an amphipod species complex

The ability of phenotypically similar species to coexist at local scales is paradoxical given that species that closely resemble each other should compete strongly for resources and thus be subject to competitive exclusion. Although theory has identified the key requirements for species to stably coexist, empirical tests of coexistence have rarely been conducted. We explored a key requirement for species to stably coexist: a species can invade a community when it is initially rare. We also assessed whether primary productivity (manipulated using phosphorus availability) affected invasion success by increasing the amount of resources available. Using two mesocosm experiments and an assemblage of phenotypically similar amphipod species in the genus Hyalella, we found no evidence for invasion success among the three Hyalella species. Further, patterns of species exclusions differed among the species, which suggests that one species is an especially poor competitor. Finally, these patterns were consistent regardless of whether mesocosms were fertilized with low or high levels of phosphorus. Our results, suggest that species differences in resource competition and predator avoidance ability found in previous studies using these Hyalella species may not be sufficient to allow for coexistence. Moreover, our study demonstrates the importance of using a variety of empirical approaches to test species coexistence theory.
Toward a Consensus on Endoscopic Surveillance of Patients with Colonic Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Surveillance colonoscopy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with colonic involvement is recommended by multiple national and international gastrointestinal societies. Recommendations differ on the timing of initial screening colonoscopy, recommended surveillance intervals, optimal technique for dysplasia detection, and management of endoscopically visible and nonvisible dysplasia. This article reviews current society guidelines, highlighting similarities and differences, in an attempt to summarize areas of consensus on surveillance protocols in IBD, while drawing attention to controversial areas in need of further research.
Changes in work habits of lifeguards in relation to Florida red tide

The marine dinoflagellate, Karenia brevis, is responsible for Florida red tides. Brevetoxins, the neurotoxins produced by K. brevis blooms, can cause fish kills, contaminate shellfish, and lead to respiratory illness in humans. Although several studies have assessed different economic impacts from Florida red tide blooms, no studies to date have considered the impact on beach lifeguard work performance. Sarasota County experiences frequent Florida red tides and staffs lifeguards at its beaches 365 days a year. This study examined lifeguard attendance records during the time periods of March 1 to September 30 in 2004 (no bloom) and March 1 to September 30 in 2005 (bloom). The lifeguard attendance data demonstrated statistically significant absenteeism during a Florida red tide bloom. The potential economic costs resulting from red tide blooms were comprised of both lifeguard absenteeism and presenteeism. Our estimate of the costs of absenteeism due to the 2005 red tide in Sarasota County is about $3000. On average, the capitalized costs of lifeguard absenteeism in Sarasota County may be on the order of $100,000 at Sarasota County beaches alone. When surveyed, lifeguards reported not only that they experienced adverse health effects of exposure to Florida red tide but also that their attentiveness and abilities to take preventative actions decrease when they worked during a bloom, implying presenteeism effects. The costs of presenteeism, which imply increased risks to beachgoers, arguably could exceed those of absenteeism by an order of magnitude. Due to the lack of data, however, we are unable to provide credible estimates of the costs of presenteeism or the potential increased risks to bathers.
Assessing the impact of PHEVs on load frequency control with high penetration of wind power

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are emerging as a new form of distributed energy storage which could benefit the power system in many ways. The vehicle to grid (V2G) technology makes it possible for PHEVs to participate in ancillary services. Much research has been conducted on the possibility for PHEVs to provide frequency regulation and many algorithms have been developed to improve either economic benefits or ancillary service quality. But few studies have considered the negative effects of PHEVs on power systems while using them as ancillary services. This study proposed a new load frequency control system with PHEVs. The authors also developed a particle swarm optimization (PSO) based intelligent optimization algorithm to reduce the peak load of the system and provide frequency regulation at the same time. The PHEVs' impacts on load frequency control (LFC) are studied in detail in this paper. Finally, the proposed LFC algorithm is tested in a distribution grid, and the results are compared with other control strategies.
Detection of aerosols from satellite observations in the infrared window region

Several methods exist for determining the presence of aerosol, and its optical thickness, from satellite visible and infrared observations. This paper suggests a new approach, physically based on the spectral variation of the index of refraction in the 8 - 12 micrometers region. The tri- spectral technique makes use of observations at wavelengths of 8, 11, and 12 micrometers . Observations from the AVHRR and HIRS/2 instruments demonstrate the potential of the technique.
Real-Time Molecular Imaging throughout the Entire Cell Cycle by Targeted Plasmonic-Enhanced Rayleigh/Raman Spectroscopy

Due to their strong enhancement of scattered light, plasmonic nanoparticles have been utilized for various biological and medical applications. Here, we describe a new technique, Targeted Plasmonic-Enhanced Single-Cell Rayleigh/Raman Spectroscopy, to monitor the molecular changes of any cell-component, such as the nucleus, during the different phases of its full cell cycle by simultaneously recording its Rayleigh images and Raman vibration spectra in real-time. The analysis of the observed Raman DNA and protein peaks allowed the different phases of the cell cycle to be identified. This technique could be used for disease diagnostics and potentially improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cellular functions such as division, death, signaling, and drug action.
Conjugations of arithmetic automorphic function fields

In [1], Doi and Naganuma showed that the conjugation ofa Shimura curve is again a Shimura curve. The present paper deals with the generalization of their result. Consider in general a reductive algebraic group G defined over Q. Let G u be the semi-simple part of G. Assume that G~t modulo a maximal compact subgroup defines a bounded symmetric domain ~ , and that a system of canonical models (in the sense of Shimura [11, 2.13]) for the quotients of ~ by the arithmetic subgroups Yx of G exists. Let {Vx, (gx, Jxw(U)} be such a system. Take an arbitrary automorphism z of the complex number field C, and conjugate all the Vx's and Jxw(U)'S by z. Then one expects that {V:~, C~x, Jxw(u) ~} with suitable ~x's forms a system of canonical models for some reductive group G1. In this paper we show that this is the case if G is the type of groups investigated by Shimura in [11]. The corresponding group G1 is defined explicitly in 1.2, and the precise statement of the result is given as Theorem 1.3. In Shimura's construction, for special Yx the model Vx is first realized as a s ubvariety of a moduli-variety Vo for some PEL-type f2. Consider V~ as embedded in V~. It is known that the conjugate variety V~is isomorphic to the moduli-variety V w of another PEL-type f2'. The relations between f2 and f2' are provided by Shimura's work [6]. One of our main task then is to prove that the isomorphism of V~ to V u, induces an isomorphism ofV~to Vxl for some arithmetic subgroup Fx~ of G1. This can be achieved by studying the isolated fixed points of G o and G1 o" We carry out these considerations in Sections 2 and 3. The same functorial property also holds for the models constructed by Miyake in [3]. In Section 4 we deal with this case briefly. We shall not give the proof, because the argument is similar to, and actually simpler than, the one presented in this paper. We assume the reader is familiar with Shimura's work [10] and [11], which will be quoted respectively as [A] and [C] hereafter.
Detection of antibodies and delayed hypersensitivity with Rotofor® preparative IEF fractions of Blastomyces dermatitidis yeast phase lysate antigen

Blastomyces dermatitidis (dog isolate T-58) yeast phase lysate antigen was concentrated and separated by Rotofor preparative isoelectric focusing cell (Bio-Rad). The pH values of the fractions were determined and equilibrated to pH 7.2 and then analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using horseradish peroxidase enzyme system against serum specimens from dogs with blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, aspergillosis, and coccidioidomycosis. The results showed a peak absorbance at pH 3.89-4.31 (fractions 4 and 5) with the blastomycosis serum specimens. This was a single sharp peak while the rest of the fractions were lower. In contrast the sera from dogs with histoplasmosis showed a peak absorbance at pH 5.54-5.97 (fractions 9 and 10), while the other mycoses showed patterns that did not resemble the blastomycosis or histoplasmosis specimens. Serum specimens from dogs with blastomycosis being treated with itraconazole were also assayed (pre-treatment and 1, 2, 3, and 12 months post-treatment sera). The characteristic peak for blastomycosis was observed and a decrease in the peak was seen as the treatment progressed. Fractions 3-12 were also used to detect delayed dermal hypersensitivity in hyperimmunized hairless guinea-pigs. Fraction 5 (pH 4.31) elicited the optimal response in B. dermatitidis-immunized animals, while no cross-reactivity was observed in guinea-pigs sensitized with Histoplasma capsulatum killed cells.
The leaf sweep algorithm for an immobile and moving target as an optimal control problem in radiotherapy delivery

The variational problem of modelling the optimized dynamic delivery of intensity modulated radiation therapy is investigated. Motions of two jaws are determined that expose each point of the field for a predetermined amount of time and minimize the overall time of the radiation delivery. Variable initial and final conditions for jaw motions are admissible and constraints expressing limitations on speeds of jaw movements are included. Cases of dynamic intensity modulation for immobile as well as moving targets are investigated.
Deletion of Snai2 and Snai3 Results in Impaired Physical Development Compounded by Lymphocyte Deficiency

The Snail family of transcriptional regulators consists of three highly conserved members. These proteins regulate (repress) transcription via the recruitment of histone deacetylases to target gene promoters that possess the appropriate E-box binding sequences. Murine Snai1 is required for mouse development while Snai2 deficient animals survive with some anomalies. Less is known about the third member of the family, Snai3. To investigate the function of Snai3, we generated a conditional knockin mouse. Utilizing Cre-mediated deletion to facilitate the ablation of Snai3 in T cells or the entire animal, we found little to no effect of the loss of Snai3 in the entire animal or in T cell lineages. This finding provided the hypothesis that absence of Snai3 was mitigated, in part, by the presence of Snai2. To test this hypothesis we created Snai2/Snai3 double deficient mice. The developmental consequences of lacking both of these proteins was manifested in stunted growth, a paucity of offspring including a dramatic deficiency of female mice, and impaired immune cell development within the lymphoid lineages.
Coxsackievirus B infection in the mouse: Effects associated with the diabetes gene, db

Coxsackievirus B4 (CB4) replicated to equally high titers in the pancreas and other tissues of the C57BL/Ks (+/+) mouse and its genetic variants that were either heterozygous (db/+) or homozygous (db/db) for the autosomal recessive gene for diabetes, db. In contrast, the insulin-producing beta cells of both diabetic variants, but not the +/+ mice, completely degranulated during acute infection and resulted in hypoglycemia and hyperinsulemia. All db/db mice died within 13 days, with signs of severe endocrine pancreas involvement. Surviving +/+ mice maintained relatively normal glucose homeostasis. Surviving db/+ variants exhibited prolonged periods of diabetes-like disease with hypoinsulemia and abnormal glucose tolerance, even though the db gene is not phenotypically expressed in the heterozygous state.
Isolation and characterization of nucleic acids from Volvox carteri.

Abstract A procedure is described for the isolation of nucleic acids from the colonial green alga Volvox carteri. The molecular weights and molar base ratios of the ribosomal RNA's from both the chloroplast and the cytoplasm are reported. The heavy chloroplast ribosomal RNA in this species is extremely labile. Methods for the isolation of this RNA are described and possible reasons for its lability are discussed.
Affine theorem for the Hartley transform of an image

Many well-known theorems for the two-dimensional (2D) Hartley transform are encapsulated in the affine theorem which is presented here and illustrated by example. The mode of presentation permits ready visualization of the effect on the spectral makeup when an object is subjected to a particular distortion as specified by the six disposable parameters of the affine coordinate transformation and of the effects of progressive distortion. By contrast, 2D Fourier transform pairs for images do not lend themselves to visualization in the same way. Affine transformations possess considerable flexibility and generality of a useful kind that arises from the property that a single 2D spectral component transforms into another single component. >
Propensity-Matched Comparison of Morbidity and Costs of Open and Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomies: A Contemporary Population-Based Analysis in the United States

Abstract Background Radical cystectomy (RC) is a morbid procedure associated with high costs. Limited population-based data exist on the complication profile and costs of robot-assisted RC (RARC) compared with open RC (ORC). Objective To evaluate morbidity and cost differences between ORC and RARC. Design, setting, and participants We conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent RC at 279 hospitals across the United States between 2004 and 2010. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Multivariable logistic and median regression was performed to evaluate 90-d mortality, postoperative complications (Clavien classification), readmission rates, length of stay (LOS), and direct costs. To reduce selection bias, we used propensity weighting with survey weighting to obtain nationally representative estimates. Results and limitations The final weighted cohort included 34 672 ORC and 2101 RARC patients. RARC use increased from 0.6% in 2004 to 12.8% in 2010. Major complication rates (Clavien grade ≥3; 17.0% vs 19.8%, p =0.2) were similar between ORC and RARC (odds ratio [OR]: 1.32; p =0.42). RARC had 46% decreased odds of minor complications (Clavien grade 1–2; OR: 0.54; p =0.03). RARC had $4326 higher adjusted 90-d median direct costs ( p =0.004). Although RARC had a significantly shorter LOS (11.8 d vs 10.2 d; p =0.008), no significant differences in room and board costs existed ( p =0.20). Supply costs for RARC were significantly higher ($6041 vs $3638; p Conclusions The use of RARC has increased between 2004 and 2010. Compared with ORC, RARC was associated with decreased odds of minor but not major complications and with increased expenditures attributed primarily to higher supply costs. Centralization of ORC and RARC to high-volume providers may minimize these morbidity and cost differences. Patient summary Using a US population–based cohort, we found that robotic surgery for bladder cancer decreased minor complications, had no impact on major complications and was more costly than open surgery.
Dynamic compression-shear response of brittle materials with specimen recovery

A new configuration for compression-shear soft-recovery experiments is presented. This technique is used to investigate various failure mechanisms during dynamic multiaxial loading of an Al2O3/SiC nanocomposite and TiB2. Velocity profiles of the target surface are measured with a variable sensitivity displacement interferometer, yielding normal and transverse velocity-time histories. A dynamic shear stress of approximately 280 MPa is obtained, in the Al2O3/SiC nanocomposite, for an imposed axial stress of about 3.45 GPa on a 540 μm thick sample. This dynamic shear stress is well below the value predicted by elastic wave propagation theory. This could be the result of stress-induced damage and inelasticity in the bulk of the sample or inelasticity on the sample surface due to frictional sliding. To gain further insight into the possible failure mechanisms, an investigation of compression-shear recovery techniques, with simultaneous trapping of longitudinal and lateral release waves, is conducted.
Feature space trajectory for distorted-object classification and pose estimation in synthetic aperture radar

Classification and pose estimation of distorted input objects are considered. The feature space trajectory representation of distorted views of an object is used with a new eigenfeature space. For a distorted input object, the closest trajectory denotes the class of the input and the closest line segment on it denotes its pose. If an input point is too far from a trajectory, it is rejected as clutter. New methods for selecting Fukunaga-Koontz discriminant vectors, the number of dominant eigenvectors per class and for determining training, and test set compatibility are presented.
Preliminary Reconstruction of the November 30, 2007, Chicago, IL Rail Collision

The Volpe Center is supporting the Federal Railroad Administration in performing rail passenger equipment crashworthiness research. The overall objective of this research is to develop strategies for improving structural crashworthiness and occupant protection. A field study of passenger train accidents is being conducted to investigate the causal mechanisms of the injuries incurred by train occupants. The investigation of the November 30, 2007 collision in Chicago, IL has provided preliminary data on the structural damage as well as occupant injuries resulting from the impact. This data will be used in simulations to guide the development of crashworthiness strategies.
APOBEC-2, a cardiac- and skeletal muscle-specific member of the cytidine deaminase supergene family.

Abstract APOBEC-1, which mediates the editing of apolipoprotein (apo) B mRNA, is the only known member of the C (cytidine)→U (uridine) editing enzyme subfamily of the cytidine deaminase supergene family. Here we report the cloning of APOBEC-2, another member of the subfamily. Human and mouse APOBEC-2 both contain 224 amino acid residues, and their genes are mapped to syntenic regions of human chromosome 6 (6p21) and mouse chromosome 17. By phylogenetic analysis, APOBEC-2 is shown to be evolutionarily related to APOBEC-1, and analysis of substitution rates indicates that APOBEC-2 is a much better conserved gene than APOBEC-1. APOBEC-2 mRNA and protein are expressed exclusively in heart and skeletal muscle. APOBEC-2 does not display detectable apoB mRNA editing activity. Like other editing enzymes of the cytidine deaminase superfamily, APOBEC-2 has low, but definite, intrinsic cytidine deaminase activity. The identification of APOBEC-2 indicates that APOBEC-1 is not the only member of the C→U editing enzyme subfamily, which, like the A (adenosine)→I (inosine) subfamily of editing enzymes, must encompass at least two and possibly more different deaminase enzymes. It suggests that the C→U editing affecting apoB mRNA and other RNAs is not an isolated event mediated by a single enzyme but involves multiple related proteins that have evolved from a primordial gene closely related to the housekeeping enzyme cytidine deaminase.
Geometric level raising and lowering on the eigencurve

If πf is a cuspidal automorphic representation of \({GL_{2/\mathbb{Q}}}\) associated to a modular form f, the local and global Langlands correspondences are compatible at all finite places of \({\mathbb{Q}}\). On the p-adic Coleman–Mazur eigencurve this principle can fail (away from p) under one of two conditions: on a generically principal series component where monodromy vanishes; or on a generically special component where the ratio of the Satake parameters degenerates. We prove, under mild restrictive hypotheses, that such points are the intersection of generically principal series and special components. This is a geometric analogue of Ribet’s level raising and lowering theorems.
Integrated School Services for Children at Risk: Rationale, Models, Barriers, and Recommendations for Implementation.

Provides an overview of integrated services at school, describing the criteria for successful models and possible barriers, and offering different ideas on how to implement such services
An experimental model of system/360

The problem of predicting the performance of modern computer systems is formidable. One general technique which can ease this problem is macroscopic simulation. This paper reports on the applicability of that technique to System/360.The paper describes an experimental model of System/360—its hardware, software, and its environment. The measures of system performance produced by the model consist of statistics relating to turnaround time, throughput, hardware utilization, software utilization, and queueing processes.The model is mechanized in SIMSCRIPT and consists of some 1750 statements. An auxiliary program, the Job Generator, creates automatically the properties of System/360 jobs that get simulated.
Spectral forms and renormalization group equations of the Schwinger model

Abstract By using source methodologies in the Schwinger model, the spectral form for the photon Green's function and the renormalization group formalism are introduced to investigate the non-trivial eigenvalue of the effective coupling constant and its implications for dynamical mass generation.
The Structural Location of DNA Lesions in Nucleosome Core Particles Determines Accessibility by Base Excision Repair Enzymes

Packaging of DNA into chromatin affects accessibility of DNA regulatory factors involved in transcription, replication, and repair. Evidence suggests that even in the nucleosome core particle (NCP), accessibility to damaged DNA is hindered by the presence of the histone octamer. Base excision repair is the major pathway in mammalian cells responsible for correcting a large number of chemically modified bases. We have measured the repair of site-specific uracil and single nucleotide gaps along the surface of the NCP. Our results indicate that removal of DNA lesions is greatly dependent on their rotational and translational positioning in NCPs. Significantly, the rate of uracil removal with outwardly oriented DNA backbones is 2–10-fold higher than those with inwardly oriented backbones. In general, uracils with inwardly oriented backbones farther away from the dyad center of the NCP are more accessible than those near the dyad. The translational positioning of outwardly oriented gaps is the key factor driving gap filling activity. An outwardly oriented gap near the DNA ends exhibits a 3-fold increase in gap filling activity as compared with one near the dyad with the same rotational orientation. Near the dyad, uracil DNA glycosylase/APE1 removes an outwardly oriented uracil efficiently; however, polymerase β activity is significantly inhibited at this site. These data suggest that the hindrance presented by the location of a DNA lesion is dependent on the structural requirements for enzyme catalysis. Therefore, remodeling at DNA damage sites in NCPs is critical for preventing accumulation of aborted intermediates and ensuring completion of base excision repair.
Design of an Accumulator for a General Purpose Computer

This paper describes the logical design of an accumulator register for a general purpose digital computer. The only logic gates used are NOR gates and inverter gates and the sole storage device is a gated clocked flip-flop which takes the value on a single input line when the gate line is high. The accumulator register operates in conjunction with another register called the memory exchange register. The memory exchange register can be added to the accumulator, subtracted from the accumulator, ANDed with, and ORed with the accumulator; the result in each case being placed in the accumulator. The accumulator can also be shifted right or left. The problem of carry propagation during addition is alleviated by carry bridging. The accumulator circuitry has been made simpler by treating the operations to be performed collectively rather than individually, and by careful assignment of input-values to the storage devices.
Disentangling the effect of arthritis on earnings: a simultaneous estimate of wage rates and hours worked

Poor health affects both wage rates and hours of work. Here we develop a procedure for examining the separate impact of a specific chronic disease – arthritis – on wages and hours worked and then translate these results into earnings. Our methodology provides a consistent approach for measuring how a specific chronic disease affects total earnings as well as its component parts. We find that arthritis affects wage rates and hours worked differently and the pattern of these effects differs considerably between men and women.
Gauge-invariant approximations for scattering in a strong external field

While the exact amplitude for scattering in the presence of an external electromagnetic field is invariant under a change of gauge, the invariance property will not necessarily be preserved in approximations, and this may lead to inaccuracies and ambiguities in the results of numerical calculations. A method for removing this undesirable feature through a reformulation of the scattering problem is proposed here. The equations which determine the time evolution of the system are rewritten in a form which involves not the (gauge-dependent) vector and scalar potentials associated with the external field but rather effective potentials which are gauge independent; this allows for the introduction of gauge-invariant approximations in a systematic way. To focus on the essential features the method is described in the context of the relatively simple problem of nonrelativistic potential scattering but greater generality is possible. As an illustration of the method the problem of scattering in a slowly varying external field is considered and an approximation of the ''low-frequency'' type is obtained. The result, whose gauge invariance is verified explicitly, represents an improvement over earlier versions, having been obtained through a more accurate treatment of the interaction of the projectile with the external field in intermediate statesmore » of the scattering process.« less