cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Smoking related carcinogen-DNA adducts in biopsy samples of human urinary bladder: identification of N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-4-aminobiphenyl as a major adduct.

Abstract The prevalence of covalent modifications to DNA (carcinogen-DNA adducts) in 42 human urinary bladder biopsy samples was investigated by 32P-postlabeling methods, with enhancement by both nuclease P1 treatment and 1-butanol extraction. Total mean carcinogen-DNA adduct levels and the mean levels of several specific adducts were significantly elevated in DNA samples of 13 current smokers, as opposed to 9 never smokers or 20 ex-smokers (5 years abstinence). There was no significant difference between the latter two groups. Several DNA adducts enhanced by nuclease P1 treatment were chromatographically similar to putative hydrocarbon DNA adducts reported earlier for placenta and lung DNA samples obtained from cigarette smokers. Putative aromatic amine adducts were detected by 1-butanol extraction that were not present when the samples were treated with nuclease P1. One of these displayed chromatographic behavior identical to the predominant adduct induced by the human urinary bladder carcinogen, 4-aminobiphenyl, which is present in cigarette smoke. This adduct comigrated in several thin-layer chromatographic systems with a synthetic N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-4-amino[2,2'-3H]biphenyl-3',5'-bisphosphate marker. Moreover, when this adduct was eluted from the thin-layer chromatograms of several individuals and injected onto an HPLC system, the 32P from the human bladder DNA samples coeluted in the same fraction as the tritiated synthetic N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-4-aminobiphenyl marker. These data reinforce an association between cigarette smoking and DNA damage and suggest a molecular basis for the initiation of human urinary bladder cancer by cigarette smoke.
Profile of the Nurse Participating in a Substance Abuse Program of a Board of Registration in Nursing in a New England State

Addiction to alcohol and other drugs is a major health problem in the United States today. Although there is a growing concern over the prevalence of this problem in the nursing profession, there has been limited recent research regarding the characteristics of chemically dependent nurses. The purpose of this study was to describe the profile of the chemically dependent nurse in a New England state and to identify existing associations among characteristics. A sample of 43 nurses currently participating in a legislated rehabilitation program of a Board of Registration in Nursing was used. Results suggest that chemically dependent nurses work in hospital settings, on medical surgical units, and primarily on the day shift. Nurses were referred to the substance abuse program most often by their employers. Subjects reported a history of medical problems and had experienced past attempts at treatment for their addiction. Alcohol and drug use began at an early age and dependence was reported on a variety of dru...
Fiber/Matrix load transfer in cyanate resin carbon fiber systems

Comparative single fiber fragmentation test measurements are used to charcterize cynate and epoxy resin interface load transfer with high modulus (HMS4) and high strength (AS4) carbon fibers. The HMS4 fiber forms a weak interface with a fiber controlled failure mode, and the AS4 fiber forms a strong interface with the resin properties, apparently determining the level of load transfer. The resin properties examined are critical surface energy for wetting, cure shrinkage, thermal shrinkage, and mechanical modulus and strength. The cynate and epoxy resins display no significant difference in critical surface energy. Cure shrinkage has a negligible effect on load transfer. The compressive force from thermal shrinkage is significant, but the larger Tg to testing temperature range of the cyanate resin is offset by the larger thermal expansion coefficient of the epoxy, resulting in a near equal compressive force for the two resins. There is little difference in modulus between the two resins but a significant difference in shear strength. This difference is reflected in the larger load transfer measurement for the cyanate resin. A comparison of simple one-dimensional elastic and plastic models for the fiber fragmentation experiment resulted in better conformity with the plastic model. This would indicate that interfacial failure occurs by plastic deformation of the resin for the systems of this study.
Isolation of immature and mature T cell receptor complexes by lectin affinity chromatography

Abstract The antigen-specific T cell receptor (TCR) is a multisubunit complex composed of at least six different polypeptide (α, β, γ, δ, e, ζ), several of which are glycoproteins. Assembly of the TCR occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and involves intermediary complexes of CD3-γ, δ, e proteins and TCRα and -β molecules. Egress of TCR from the ER and transport through the Golgi apparatus is most often monitored by the sensitivity of TCR glycoproteins to endoglycosidase H (Endo H), an enzyme specific for immature oligosaccharides which have not yet been processed by Golgi glycosidases and glycosyltransferases. Because they are not glycosylated, the subcellular localization of CD3-e and TCRζ chains cannot be directly determined by Endo H treatment, and therefore must be inferred by association with glycoprotein members of the TCR complex. Thus, when both immature and mature TCR glycoproteins are present within a given sample, this becomes extremely difficult. In this report, we describe a method for the physical separation of immature and mature murine TCR complexes based on processing of N-linked carbohydrate side chains. Specifically, we report the use of wheat germ agglutinin-affinity matrices to separate TCR complexes which have reached the trans Golgi compartment of the cell from those that have not. This technique is rapid, sensitive, and does not affect the integrity of assembled TCR complexes.
Communication and the Aesthetic Appreciation of Wetlands

In this paper I discuss several wetlands in the United States that are well known and are considered beautiful. In my examples, each wetland has been placed into a special cultural context. The "story" of each wetland is communicated to the public through Internet Web sites, brochures, a visitor center, information exhibits, guided tours, etc. This is the feature that allows and encourages aesthetic appreciation: effective communication of the story of the wetland. Aesthetic appreciation of wetlands is achieved only by placing them into this kind of cultural context. Unfortunately, as wetlands are placed into the proper cultural context, their "wildness" is lost.
Statistical Analysis with Little's Law

The theory supporting Little's Law (L = λW) is now well developed, applying to both limits of averages and expected values of stationary distributions, but applications of Little's Law with actual system data involve measurements over a finite-time interval, which are neither of these. We advocate taking a statistical approach with such measurements. We investigate how estimates of L and λ can be used to estimate W when the waiting times are not observed. We advocate estimating confidence intervals. Given a single sample-path segment, we suggest estimating confidence intervals using the method of batch means, as is often done in stochastic simulation output analysis. We show how to estimate and remove bias due to interval edge effects when the system does not begin and end empty. We illustrate the methods with data from a call center and simulation experiments.
Which Pregnant Adolescents Would be Interested in Group-Based Care, and Why?

Abstract Study Objective To determine if pregnant adolescents interested in group-based prenatal care have different demographic and psychosocial characteristics than those interested in individual prenatal care. Factors that influence the preferred model of prenatal care patients were assessed. Design, Setting, and Participants Prospective comparison of demographic and psychosocial characteristics of 153 pregnant adolescents enrolled in an adolescent-oriented prenatal and pediatric program at Children's Hospital Colorado. Interventions None. Main Outcome Measures Pregnant study participants were queried and their preferred mode of prenatal care and reasons for that preference were examined. Results Younger (16 years and younger) and primiparous adolescents were more likely to be interested in group care. Those not interested in group-based care were more likely to smoke and wanted to be pregnant. Most participants were interested in group-based prenatal care to belong to a peer group, receive additional education and support, and to have fun. Reasons participants were not interested in group-based care included concerns about belonging to a group, preferring individual care, and experiencing logistical concerns such as scheduling conflicts, limited transportation, and childcare resources. Conclusions Identifying which patients are interested in group prenatal care influences development of the program model and recruiting procedures, maximizing the effectiveness of the program by offering services based on patient needs. Identifying factors that influence patients' prenatal care choices enables providers to offer support to reduce barriers to participation and structure care that is best suited to patients willing to commit to and engage in the program.
Reversed-phase ion-pair liquid chromatography method for purification of duplex DNA with single base pair resolution

Obtaining quantities of highly pure duplex DNA is a bottleneck in the biophysical analysis of protein-DNA complexes. In traditional DNA purification methods, the individual cognate DNA strands are purified separately before annealing to form DNA duplexes. This approach works well for palindromic sequences, in which top and bottom strands are identical and duplex formation is typically complete. However, in cases where the DNA is non-palindromic, excess of single-stranded DNA must be removed through additional purification steps to prevent it from interfering in further experiments. Here we describe and apply a novel reversed-phase ion-pair liquid chromatography purification method for double-stranded DNA ranging in lengths from 17 to 51 bp. Both palindromic and non-palindromic DNA can be readily purified. This method has the unique ability to separate blunt double-stranded DNA from pre-attenuated (n-1, n-2, etc) synthesis products, and from DNA duplexes with single base pair overhangs. Additionally, palindromic DNA sequences with only minor differences in the central spacer sequence of the DNA can be separated, and the purified DNA is suitable for co-crystallization of protein-DNA complexes. Thus, double-stranded ion-pair liquid chromatography is a useful approach for duplex DNA purification for many applications.
Full PMD vector measured directly from modulated data using Linear Optical Sampling

We demonstrate a new technique to monitor the polarization-mode dispersion in a fiber communication channel by analyzing the modulated data at the fiber output measured with Polarization-Sensitive Linear Optical Sampling (PS-LOS).
Automotive Engine Torque and Air-Fuel Ratio Control Using Dual Heuristic Dynamic Programming

In this paper, we present our work on self-learning engine control using "derivative" adaptive critics. In the derivative version of adaptive critic designs, the derivative of the cost function of dynamic programming with respect to the state of the process is estimated. As the goal of dynamic programming is to maximize the overall cost function, direct estimation of the cost function derivatives will naturally lead to better algorithm performance. In our previous studies of the regular version of adaptive critic techniques, a model of the process for controller training was not necessary. However, for the implementation of the "derivative" version of adaptive critic designs, a process model in the form of neural network is required. In this way, the derivative information can be propagated back to the controller in order to update the controller parameters. The objectives of the present learning control design for automotive engines are to improve performance, reduce emissions and maintain optimum performance under various operating conditions. Using data from the test vehicle equipped with a 5.3 L V8 engine, we built a neural network model of the engine. The model is then used in the development of self-learning neural network controllers based on the idea of approximate dynamic programming to achieve optimal control for both engine torque and exhaust air-fuel ratio control. The goals of the engine torque and air-fuel ratio control are to track the commanded torque and to regulate the air-fuel ratio at specified set-points, respectively. For both control problems, reasonably good neural network controller transient performance under a wide range of operating conditions have been achieved and reported.
Nonneutral Mitochondrial DNA Variation in Humans and Chimpanzees

We sequenced the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 3 (ND3) gene from a sample of 61 humans, five common chimpanzees, and one gorilla to test whether patterns of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation are consistent with a neutral model of molecular evolution. Within humans and within chimpanzees, the ratio of replacement to silent nucleotide substitutions was higher than observed in comparisons between species, contrary to neutral expectations. To test the generality of this result, we reanalyzed published human RFLP data from the entire mitochondrial genome. Gains of restriction sites relative to a known human mtDNA sequence were used to infer unambiguous nucleotide substitutions. We also compared the complete mtDNA sequences of three humans. Both the RFLP data and the sequence data reveal a higher ratio of replacement to silent nucleotide substitutions within humans than is seen between species. This pattern is observed at most or all human mitochondrial genes and is inconsistent with a strictly neutral model. These data suggest that many mitochondrial protein polymorphisms are slightly deleterious, consistent with studies of human mitochondrial diseases.
Interaction of Endophyte-Infected Fescue and Heat Stress on Ovarian Function in the Beef Heifer

Abstract The objective of the experiment was to examine the interaction of endophyte-infected tall fescue and environmental temperature on follicular and luteal development and function in beef heifers. Heifers were fed endophyte-free or endophyte-infected tall fescue seed at thermoneutral or heat stress temperatures (n = 6/treatment) 4 wk before and 3 wk after synchronized ovulation. All heifers were subjected to thermoneutral conditions (19°C, 50% relative humidity) from Days −7 to −2; temperature increased incrementally from Days −1 to 0 and cycled between 25°C and 31°C between Days 1 and 20 for heat-stressed heifers. Serum was collected and ovaries monitored every other day after induced luteolysis between Days 1 and 23 or until ovulation. Size and location of follicles >4 mm and corpora lutea were recorded. Serum concentrations of prolactin were reduced in heat-stressed heifers fed infected seed and both heat stress and infected seed decreased total cholesterol. Rectal temperature and respiration rat...
Aperture lens formula corrected for space charge in the electron stream

The aperture lens formula of Davisson and Calbick is rederived to include the effect of space charge forces. The correction is applied to a parallel flow Pierce gun, leading to the focal length reduction as a function of perveance, e.g., 30 per cent reduction at perveance 3 × 10-6.
Novel Polysomnography derived features as biomarkers for sleep dynamics

We propose a generation of Polysomnography (PSG)-derived measures that can quantify temporal patterns of sleep, and investigate the role of these measures as predictors of hypertension. We also investigate the influence of age on these measures as compared to traditional indices. We perform cross-sectional analyses of the association between hypertension status with traditional PSG and novel measures using adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression models. Our findings suggest that when adjusted for common confounders such as age, gender, race and Body Mass Index (BMI) the new features that quantify the variability of the sleep process are more strongly associated with hypertension as compared to traditional PSG indices, and are not as strongly influenced by age as are the traditional indices. The result implies that the regularity of sleep dynamics may be an important feature associated with hypertension. These measures may provide a powerful tool for discriminating individuals at risk for comorbidities, such as hypertension, associated with sleep disturbances.
High-Temperature Superconducting Undulators for Future X-ray Free Electron Laser Systems

A free electron laser (FEL) can be used to produce high intensity X-rays, or other monochromatic radiation for a number of purposes. Two primary components, in terms of size and expense, of an FEL system are an electron accelerator and undulator. Reducing undulator period without reducing its magnetic field would allow a reduction in the electron beam energy and potentially reduce the total cost and complexity of FELs. In this paper, finite-element modeling and experimental approaches were used to investigate the feasibility of using high-temperature superconducting (HTS) conductor to create tunable, liquid nitrogen cooled undulators with shorter periodicity. A prototype undulator with three periods was fabricated and tested. Hiperco 50 A structures with machined grooves were used as the magnetic cores. Commercial YBCO tapes were used to wind the magnetizing coils in the grooves of the magnetic core. The undulator was tested and measured in subcooled liquid nitrogen at 65 K. Peak magnetic fields of 0.77 T with a periodicity of 14 mm were attained. Our simulations indicate that by using optimally processed magnetic core and HTS wires, fields of 1 T or higher can be achieved.
Antibiotic treatment of gastric lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue: An uncontrolled trial

A subset of Helicobacter pylori–positive gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas, including infiltrative tumors, may respond to antibiotic treatment. The likelihood of early complete re...
Advances in Metabolic Imaging for Surgical Oncology

This review focuses on several aspects of molecular imaging. First, current positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scanner technology and several novel imaging techniques that are being developed are briefly discussed. Next, current clinical indications for 18 F FDG PET and PET/CT that are relevant to the surgical oncologist are discussed. Finally, advances in molecular imaging that may herald the next generation of PET radiotracers beyond 18 F FDG are reviewed.
The political economy approach: A critical challenge

(1992). The political economy approach: A critical challenge. Journal of Media Economics: Vol. 5, Approaches to the study of Media Economics, pp. 23-42.
Parallel-distributed processing in olfactory cortex: new insights from morphological and physiological analysis of neuronal circuitry.

A working hypothesis is proposed for piriform cortex (PC) and other olfactory cortical areas that redefines the traditional functional roles as follows: the olfactory bulb serves as the primary olfactory cortex by virtue of encoding ‘molecular features’ (structural components common to many odorant molecules) as a patchy mosaic reminiscent of the representation of simple features in primary visual cortex. The anterior olfactory cortex (that has been inappropriately termed the anterior olfactory nucleus) detects and stores correlations between olfactory features, creating representations (gestalts) for particular odorants and odorant mixtures. This function places anterior olfactory cortex at the level of secondary visual cortex. PC carries out functions that have traditionally defined association cortex—it detects and learns correlations between olfactory gestalts formed in anterior olfactory cortex and a large repertoire of behavioral, cognitive and contextual information to which it has access through reciprocal connections with prefrontal, entorhinal, perirhinal and amygdaloid areas. Using principles derived from artificial networks with biologically plausible parallel-distributed architectures and Hebbian synaptic plasticity (i.e. adjustments in synaptic strength based on locally convergent activity), functional proposals are made for PC and related cortical areas. Architectural features incorporated include extensive recurrent connectivity in anterior PC, predominantly feedforward connectivity in posterior PC and backprojections that connect distal to proximal structures in the cascade of olfactory cortical areas. Capabilities of the ‘reciprocal feedforward correlation’architecture that characterizes PC and adjoining higher-order areas are discussed in some detail. The working hypothesis is preceded by a review of relevant anatomy and physiology, and a non-quantitative account of parallel-distributed principles. To increase the accessibility of findings for PC and to advertise its substantial potential as a model for experimental and modeling analysis of associative processes, parallels are described between PC and the hippocampal formation, inferotemporal visual cortex and prefrontal cortex.
U.S. healthcare providers' knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions concerning Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating illness with particular difficulties for healthcare providers because there are no diagnostic signs or laboratory tests and because management aims to merely improve symptoms. Further complicating management, healthcare providers' awareness concerning CFS has not been rigorously assessed. The present study aimed to ascertain United States (U.S.) healthcare providers' awareness of CFS and to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs (KAB) related to diagnosis and management of the illness. This information forms the foundation for developing CFS educational strategies. We combined convenience and probability samples to measure CFS KAB among healthcare providers. In the convenience sample, 1,255 healthcare providers (81% response rate) from 13 professional conferences completed a 12-item form. Descriptive statistics were reported for 9 KAB item responses and chi-square tests were performed for examining their association with giving a diagnosis of CFS. We used principal component analysis to construct multidimensional subscales and perform a general linear model to examine factors associated with subscales. The probability sample involved data on 15 CFS-specific questions from 2006 and 2007 DocStyles web-based panel surveys collected from 2,750 physicians (average response rate 55%). We calculated descriptive and chi-square statistics. The significance was set at two-tailed with the alpha level of 0.05. Healthcare providers in both samples were aware of CFS and exhibited a high level of knowledge. Overall, 96% of respondents in the DocStyles (probability) sample had heard about CFS. Healthcare providers in the conference (convenience) sample demonstrated good KAB scores; physicians' scores were highest on KAB scales and lowest in perception. Nurses' scores were lowest in knowledge. More than 40% of physicians reported ever giving a CFS diagnosis and in the DocStyles (probability) sample more than 80% of physicians correctly identified CFS symptoms. Physicians reported professional journals, the Internet, and continuing education programs as the top 3 sources from which they obtain CFS information. Findings from these combined samples fill a gap in the evidence-base of U.S. healthcare providers' and knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs concerning CFS. Importantly, respondents in both samples expressed similar knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and perceptions. Awareness was high and negative attitudes were low. The primary areas for future education should address diagnosis and management of CFS and should be delivered through those venues providers indicated they primarily use. Data from this study provide a benchmark for evaluation the success of these future efforts.
Effects of Insect Herbivory on Physiological and Biochemical (Oxidative Enzyme) Responses of the Halophyte Atriplex subspicata (Chenopodiaceae)

Physiological responses of the halophyte,Atriplex subspicata Nutt. Rydb., to defoliation injury were evaluated through a series of experiments measuring plant gas exchange, suorometry, and enzyme activity. Leaves exposed to simulated insect herbivory exhibited reductions in photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and transpiration. Carboxylation efÞciency, maximum assimilation, and CO2 compensation were also negatively associated with mechanical leaf injury. Insect injury by a herbivore generalist, Spilosoma virginica, also reduced photosynthesis and carboxylation efÞciency within the saturated spectrum of A/Ci response curves. Initially, declines in photosynthesis occurred because of transient stomatal limitations. However, after time, mesophyll limitations impaired photosynthesis and the plantOs ability to compensate for injury. Fluorescence data and light assimilation responses indicated that defoliation did not play a role in limiting light reactions of photosynthesis. Enzyme analyses showed increased peroxidase activity with insect injury, suggesting the need for future characterization of oxidative enzymes, which have been associated with traits of resistance. Overall, we found a salt-tolerant plant to be susceptible to insect herbivory through a reduction in the efÞciency of the plant to allocate energy resources. If salt tolerance comes at the cost of susceptibility to biotic interference, natural occurring halophytes or plants with transgenic salt tolerance may be at risk for heightened deleterious response to insect herbivory.
Milia en plaque of the Nose: Report of a Case and Successful Treatment With Topical Tretinoin

Milia are benign, superficial keratinaceous cysts that present as fine, small white papules. Milia en plaque is a rare, challenging-to-treat variant most often seen in the posterior auricular region. A total of 9 cases of milia en plaque have been reported in the pediatric literature to date. We report a case of milia en plaque of the nose in a 7-year-old boy, a novel site of involvement in the pediatric population, and successful treatment with the use of topical tretinoin. Topical retinoids offer an effective treatment option for the management of milia en plaque in the pediatric population.
Chemical characterization of isolated epidermal desmosomes

Desmosomes, isolated from cow nose epidermis by a method utilizing citrate buffer pH 2.6 and density gradient centrifugation, have been analyzed and found to contain approximately 76% protein, 17% carbohydrate, and 10% lipid. Nonpolar amino acids predominate in desmosomal protein, representing 456 residues per 1,000. The sialic acid content is 5 nM/mg of protein. The lipid fraction is composed of approximately 40% cholesterol and 60% phospholipids. Desmosomes are completely solubilized by incubation with 2% sodium dodecyl sulphate and 1% s-mercaptoethanol. Gel electrophoresis of the denatured desmosomal proteins reveals 24 bands, with mobilities corresponding to a molecular weight range of 15,000–230,000 daltons. Seven of these are considered to be major bands, together constituting 81% of the desmosomal protein. Bands 1 and 2, of molecular weights 230,000 and 210,000 daltons, together comprise 28% by weight of the desmosome. It is suggested that these protein chains are located in the desmosomal plaque. Bands 3 and 4 are PAS-positive, constitute 23% of the desmosomal protein, and have apparent molecular weights of 140,000 and 120,000 daltons, respectively. At least part of this material must originate from the carbohydrate-containing layer which is demonstrated, by histochemistry, to be present in the desmosomal interspace. The possible nature and origin of the remaining major bands, of molecular weights 90,000, 75,000, and 60,000 daltons, are discussed.
Face Detection on Distorted Images Augmented by Perceptual Quality-Aware Features

Motivated by the proliferation of low-cost digital cameras in mobile devices being deployed in automated surveillance networks, we study the interaction between perceptual image quality and a classic computer vision task of face detection. We quantify the degradation in performance of a popular and effective face detector when human-perceived image quality is degraded by distortions commonly occurring in capture, storage, and transmission of facial images, including noise, blur, and compression. It is observed that, within a certain range of perceived image quality, a modest increase in image quality can drastically improve face detection performance. These results can be used to guide resource or bandwidth allocation in acquisition or communication/delivery systems that are associated with face detection tasks. A new set of features, called qualHOG, are proposed for robust face-detection that augments face-indicative Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) features with perceptual quality-aware spatial Natural Scene Statistics (NSS) features. Face detectors trained on these new features provide statistically significant improvement in tolerance to image distortions over a strong baseline. Distortion-dependent and distortion-unaware variants of the face detectors are proposed and evaluated on a large database of face images representing a wide range of distortions. A biased variant of the training algorithm is also proposed that further enhances the robustness of these face detectors. To facilitate this research, we created a new distorted face database (DFD), containing face and non-face patches from images impaired by a variety of common distortion types and levels. This new data set and relevant code are available for download and further experimentation at www.live.ece.utexas.edu/research/Quality/index.htm.
A postexposure feeding assay using the marine polychaete Neanthes arenaceodentata suitable for laboratory and in situ exposures.

This study examined the suitability for the use of the polychaetous annelid Neanthes arenaceodentata in a short-term sublethal bioassay based on postexposure feeding rate. Quantification of feeding rate was determined by an approximately 1-h feeding period to Artemia franciscana nauplii after a 48-h aqueous exposure. Both lethality and feeding rate were assessed after exposure to Cu and phenanthrene, with the Cu results being compared with those available from similar studies that used the polychaete Hediste diversicolor. Laboratory assessment on the effect of manipulating two common variables in estuarine environments (temperature and salinity) on postexposure feeding to both clean and Cu-spiked seawater samples was also conducted. The 48- and 96-h median lethal concentrations (LC50s) for Cu were 156 and 80 µg/L, respectively, whereas the 48-h median effective concentration (EC50) determined by feeding rate was 57 µg/L. The 48-h LC50 for phenanthrene was 2,224 µg/L, whereas the 48-h feeding rate EC50 was 345 µg/L (more sensitive by a factor of >6). The sensitivity of the postexposure feeding rate endpoint to two representative chemicals that are frequently elevated in contaminated sediments, in addition to rapid exposure time, ecological relevance, and relatively simple approach, suggest that this assay with N. arenaceodentata has potential for use as a tool for sublethal effects assessment, with particular promise for in situ applications. The utility of this assay in actual marine and estuarine sediments is being assessed in situ at several North American sediment sites, and will be reported in future publications. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:730–737. © 2011 SETAC
Asymptotically exact a posteriori local discontinuous Galerkin error estimates for the one‐dimensional second‐order wave equation

In this article, we analyze a residual-based a posteriori error estimates of the spatial errors for the semidiscrete local discontinuous Galerkin (LDG) method applied to the one-dimensional second-order wave equation. These error estimates are computationally simple and are obtained by solving a local steady problem with no boundary condition on each element. We apply the optimal L2 error estimates and the superconvergence results of Part I of this work [Baccouch, Numer Methods Partial Differential Equations 30 (2014), 862–901] to prove that, for smooth solutions, these a posteriori LDG error estimates for the solution and its spatial derivative, at a fixed time, converge to the true spatial errors in the L2-norm under mesh refinement. The order of convergence is proved to be p + 3 / 2 , when p-degree piecewise polynomials with p ≥ 1 are used. As a consequence, we prove that the LDG method combined with the a posteriori error estimation procedure yields both accurate error estimates and O ( h p + 3 / 2 ) superconvergent solutions. Our computational results show higher O ( h p + 2 ) convergence rate. We further prove that the global effectivity indices, for both the solution and its derivative, in the L2-norm converge to unity at O ( h 1 / 2 ) rate while numerically they exhibit O ( h 2 ) and O ( h ) rates, respectively. Numerical experiments are shown to validate the theoretical results. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 1461–1491, 2015
Perturbation theories of the thermodynamics of polar and associating liquids: A historical perspective

Abstract A historical account is given of the development of perturbation theories for polar and associating liquids. A perturbation expansion of the free energy of a polar liquid about that for a liquid of spherical, non-polar molecules was first proposed by J.A. Barker in 1951, but its further development had to await the successful development of theories for simple, non-polar molecules, which did not occur until the late 1960's. The development of such approaches was further catalyzed by the first molecular simulation results for such polar liquids in the early 1970's. Although the Barker expansion did not converge well for strong electrostatic forces, a resummation using a Pade approximant due to G. Stell and coworkers gave excellent results for the free energy and other thermodynamic properties. A further major advance was the theory proposed by M.S. Wertheim in the mid-1980's, which accounted for the effects of highly directional forces that result in molecular association (H-bonding, charge transfer, etc.). Over the past 30 years this theory has been extended and found to give very good results for a wide variety of applications, including mixtures containing strongly associating molecules such as water, polymers, proteins, and other complex molecules.
The Benefits of Volunteering as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Educator

A faculty shortage crisis exists in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) education affecting dental students, OMS residents, and OMS full-time faculty. This report was designed to help nonacademic OMS practitioners better understand the problem and appreciate the potential benefits of volunteering as a part-time faculty member. Volunteer part-time faculty can help bolster the efforts of the faculty leaders (full-time and part-time) by taking on some of the dental student and/or resident educational responsibilities. They can also help free up some of the full-time faculty members' time to allow them to complete the scholarly activities required of full-time academicians. Volunteer part-time faculty can greatly benefit from their involvement in dental education. Exposure to faculty leaders and dental students and residents can be educationally enriching and stimulating for volunteer part-time faculty. Students and residents will benefit from learning the differing approaches to patient management that volunteer part-time faculty can provide. In addition, volunteer part-time faculty can have a scope of practice or practice emphasis that differs from and complements that of the faculty leaders. Finally, residents can also benefit from exposure to private practice management strategies that volunteer part-time faculty share. The present report explores how all parties can benefit from OMS faculty volunteerism.
Mechanical Responses of Intestinal Smooth Muscle in a Calcium-Free Medium.

SummaryLongitudinal fibers from the guinea pig ileum undergo a transient increase in muscle tone when they are transferred from a physiological salt solution to a calcium-free solution, The magnitude and duration of the contractile response is enhanced if the muscle is preincubated in a high calcium medium (36 mM). The length of time that the muscle is preincubated in the high calcium medium influences the magnitude of the response as well as the amount of intracellular calcium accumulated by the fibers. The mechanical changes initiated by removing extracellular calcium ions are accompanied by a pronounced increase in the unidirectional efflux of calcium ions. The addition of acetylcholine or a high potassium medium enhances the tone of a muscle that is partially contracted in a calcium-free medium. The addition of 1.8 mM CaCl2 depresses it. However, when the same concentration of CaCl2 is added in the presence of acetylcholine or a high potassium medium it enhances muscle tone even more. We inferred from...
Decline of Resistance in Liriomyza trifolii (Diptera: Agromyzidae) in the Absence of Insecticide Selection Pressure

The decline of resistance to permethrin and chlorpyrifos in a population of Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) in the absence of selection from these materials was determined. When the test began, LC50’s(mg [AI]/g sticker) for permethrin and chlorpyrifos were 248.3 and 24.4, respectively. A susceptible population established at the same time had LC50’s of 3.5 and 2.1 to permethrin and chlorpyrifos, respectively. After 15 generations (10 mol), LC50’s for the decline population were 51.0 (permethrin) and 7.0 (chlorpyrifos). At rates recommended for field use, applications of permethrin to the decline and susceptible populations demonstrated that adults of the decline strain were still significantly more tolerant than adults in the susceptible population. No differences were found between populations with chlorpyrifos, however, this was not due to a decline in resistance, because mortality was very low for both populations when the test began. These results suggest that where L. trifolii has developed resistance to permethrin or chlorpyrifos, removal of one or both insecticides from a spray program for a period of 10 mo is insufficient to cause resistance reversion in this species.
Monte Carlo Modeling and Commissioning of a Dual-layer Micro Multileaf Collimator.

The purpose of this study was to commission a first-of-its-kind dual-layer micro multileaf collimator (mMLC) system by using Monte Carlo dose calculations. The mMLC is attached on a Varian 600C linac. Having a lower and an upper layer of MLC leaves, this mMLC allows for field shaping in two orthogonal directions. The commissioning of the system was performed in two steps: without and with the mMLC attached on the linac. The treatment head without and with the mMLC was modeled in the BEAMnrc Monte Carlo (MC) code. The scoring planes for the phase space files were specified below the linac's secondary collimators (jaws) and above and below the mMLC. With the mMLC attached to the linac the field size was defined by the jaws as 10 × 10 cm2, which is also the maximum possible field size that can be shaped by the mMLC. For the commissioning of the linac, several fields of various sizes were simulated and compared against ionization chamber measurements in a water phantom. Output factors for several field sizes,...
Restless Legs Syndrome and Depression: Effect Mediation by Disturbed Sleep and Periodic Limb Movements

Objective To investigate an association between restless legs syndrome (RLS) and depression and to what extent sleep disturbance, periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS), and antidepressant medication mediate this relationship. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was conducted of the Osteoporotic Fractures in Older Men Study data in 982 men assessed for RLS (International RLS Study Group scale [IRLSS]) and depression (Geriatric Depression Scale [GDS]), who underwent actigraphy (for sleep latency/efficiency) and polysomnography (for PLMS). Men were split into three groups: no RLS (N = 815), mild RLS (IRLSS ≤ 12, N = 85), moderate-to-severe RLS (IRLSS > 12, N = 82). Depression was defined as GDS score ≥ 6. Logistic and linear regression assessed associations of RLS and depression or number depressive symptoms, respectively. Models were adjusted for age, site, race, education, body mass index, personal habits, benzodiazepine/dopaminergic medication, physical activity, cardiovascular risk factors, and apnea-hypopnea index. Results Of 982 men, 167 (17.0%) had RLS. Depression was significantly associated with moderate-to-severe RLS after adjustment (versus no RLS: OR [95% CI] 2.85 [1.23, 6.64]). Further adjustment for potential mediators attenuated effect size modestly, most for sleep efficiency (OR: 2.85–2.55). Compared with no RLS, moderate-to-severe RLS was associated with the number of depressive symptoms after adjustment (adjusted means [95% CI]; no RLS: 1.14 [1.05, 1.24] versus IRLSS > 12: 1.69 [1.32, 2.11]). Further adjustment for potential mediators did not alter effect size. For men with PLMS index at least median, number of depressive symptoms significantly increased as RLS category became more severe. Conclusion Depression is more common as RLS severity worsens. The RLS–depression relationship is modestly explained by sleep disturbance and PLMS.
An Influence Analysis for Torque Transfer Function Based on Individual Invalidity and Non-equal Strength in an Uniform Set of Bolted Joint

Taking uniform set of bolted joints connected car engines crankshaft flange / flywheel for example this article introduces a detailed influence analysis about torque transfer function caused individual invalidity in an uniform set of bolted joint.Then it is realizable to make a quantitative assessment of reliability in this case.
Abstract ED01-02: Gene-modified T cells as biotherapeutics for cancer

Adoptive immunotherapy of T cells may have significant advantages over alternative immunotherapeutic approaches such as cancer vaccines since the phenotype, activity and specificity of expanded cells can be analyzed prior to injection. T cells can be genetically engineered prior to infusion to modify the antigens they target, increase their potency, and reduce their susceptibility to tumor-mediated immune inhibition. Genetic modification also allows T cells to be tracked in vivo to learn their fate. Adoptive transfer of T cells has been most successful after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) as prophylaxis and therapy for viral associated disease. In addition, the adoptive transfer of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in combination with lymphodepleting chemotherapy has shown promising long-term antitumor effects in patients with melanoma. Lastly, the adoptive transfer of T cells that have been genetically engineered to be tumor specific has resulted in impressive clinical responses, especially in patients with hematological malignancies. Despite these successes, clinical studies have also highlighted current limitations of adoptively transferred immune cells, including limited expansion in vivo, lack of homing to tumor sites, and toxicities due to recognition of normal tissues. In my talk I will review the current status of T-cell therapy for cancer with special focus on solid tumors and genetically modified T cells. Citation Format: Stephen Gottschalk. Gene-modified T cells as biotherapeutics for cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2015 Nov 5-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(12 Suppl 2):Abstract nr ED01-02.
Time trends in neonatal mortality among twins and singletons in New York City, 1968-1986

The objective of this study was to compute yearly neonatal mortality rates (NMRs) in twins and compare these to rates in singletons during the same time period. The focus was on time trends in birthweight-specific twin mortality in the birth population of New York City during the years 1968 to 1986. The study population was all twin livebirths greater than or equal to 500 g birthweight (N = 45,605), with a comparison group of all singleton livebirths in the same birthweight range (N = 2,191,144). Data came from the New York City Department of Health's computerized vital records on livebirths and infant deaths. Between 1968 and 1986 the crude NMR declined 39% in twins and 47% in singletons. In twins there were birthweight-specific declines of 69% to 84% between 1000 g and 2499 g. However, there was only a 19% decline in the twin NMR over 2499 g. This contrasts with a 50% decline in the singleton NMR over 2499 g. In New York City, modern medical care has been remarkably successful in lowering the NMR in low birthweight twins. However, more effort must be made to understand the etiology of perinatal problems in twins with birthweights greater than 2500 g.
Coronary Artery Disease in Diabetic Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease

Diabetes mellitus is no longer considered a contraindication for end-stage renal disease care. In fact, in some centers approximately 20% of all new patients with uremia accepted into treatment programs have diabetic nephropathy as a primary diagnosis. Although some investigators have reported excellent patient survival in diabetic patients undergoing renal transplantation,(1) other recent data have been less favorable, pointing out some selection bias in the previous results. It is uniformly accepted that both maintenance hemodialysis and renal transplantation in diabetic patients are associated with excessive mortality over that expected in nondiabetic subjects.(1–4) Much of the mortality observed in this high-risk group of patients is attributable to cardiovascular disease despite the relatively young age of many of these patients.
Multimodality imaging of dual-labeled human mitochondria for cardioprotection in the ischemic heart

451 Objectives Transplantation of mitochondria offers a unique therapeutic approach for cardioprotection in the patients suffering from myocardial infarction. In previous studies we showed that transplantation of autologously derived, respiration-competent, mitochondria significantly improved contractile function of the post-ischemic heart (Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol.2013, 304, H966-982). As part of our on-going investigation of the underlying biochemistry of this process, here we report the dynamics of dual-labeled (PET/MRI) human cardiac fibroblast derived mitochondria in ischemic and perfused isolated rabbit hearts. Methods The purified mitochondria (1x108) in the respiration media were labeled with 18F-rhodamine 6G (18F-R6G, ~ 0.2MBq/mL) and 30 nm iron oxide particles, and injected through the coronary vasculature of isolated rabbit hearts. After reperfusion and fixation, the distribution of the transplanted mitochondria in the global or regional ischemic hearts was determined by CT/PET/MRI. The localization of transplanted mitochondria in the hearts was confirmed by histology with a mitochondria-specific stain. Results The retention of the dual-labeled mitochondria in the ischemic and perfused hearts was found to be > 98%. The CT/PET/MR imaging showed the labeled mitochondria distribution of the regional and ischemic hearts. The histology showed that the transplanted mitochondria were located in the interstitial spaces and to some extent internalized by the cardiomyocytes. . Conclusions These results demonstrate that coronary artery perfusion of dual-labeled mitochondria results in a heterogenous distribution of mitochondria throughtout the heart. Additional experiments are ongoing to study the real-time kinetics of the labeled mitochondria. Research Support: NIH-5R01HL108107, Children’s Hospital Radiology Foundation, Richard A. and Susan F. Smith, Presidents Innovation Award, Boston Children’s Hospital, Michael B. Klein and Family
Ketogenic Diet Revisited in the Laboratory

The effect of a ketogenic diet (KD) on kindled seizures and behavior in adult rats was studied at the Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.