cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The structure of SgrAI bound to DNA; recognition of an 8 base pair target

The three-dimensional X-ray crystal structure of the ‘rare cutting’ type II restriction endonuclease SgrAI bound to cognate DNA is presented. SgrAI forms a dimer bound to one duplex of DNA. Two Ca2+ bind in the enzyme active site, with one ion at the interface between the protein and DNA, and the second bound distal from the DNA. These sites are differentially occupied by Mn2+, with strong binding at the protein–DNA interface, but only partial occupancy of the distal site. The DNA remains uncleaved in the structures from crystals grown in the presence of either divalent cation. The structure of the dimer of SgrAI is similar to those of Cfr10I, Bse634I and NgoMIV, however no tetrameric structure of SgrAI is observed. DNA contacts to the central CCGG base pairs of the SgrAI canonical target sequence (CR|CCGGYG, | marks the site of cleavage) are found to be very similar to those in the NgoMIV/DNA structure (target sequence G|CCGGC). Specificity at the degenerate YR base pairs of the SgrAI sequence may occur via indirect readout using DNA distortion. Recognition of the outer GC base pairs occurs through a single contact to the G from an arginine side chain located in a region unique to SgrAI.
Glial specification in the vertebrate neural tube.

Vertebrate macroglial cells have diverse roles in the maintenance of neurological function. This review highlights progress in our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the specification of precursors for two key macroglial subtypes — oligodendrocytes and astrocytes — in the embryo. These mechanisms are strikingly similar to those that underlie the development of neuronal subtypes, including emergence from localized regions of the neural tube, and involvement of common signalling pathways and downstream transcription factors. The switch from neuronal to glial precursor production can be modelled as a complex interplay between regionally-restricted components and generalized temporal regulators.
Right v. Privilege: Contesting Public Sector Labor Rights in the United States

The drama unfolding in various state legislatures since early 2011 has reopened debates about the status of public sector collective bargaining rights in the United States. This article critically examines the rhetorical strategies used by opponents of public sector collective bargaining rights. There are two types of political claims justifying these limitations: instrumental and normative. The instrumental argument claims that collective bargaining must be curtailed because of the necessity of economic crisis. The normative argument claims that collective bargaining for public servants is not a right, but rather a “privilege.” I argue that the politics surrounding the passage of the Ohio and Wisconsin laws, including the strategies of proponents and public’s response, reaffirms the residual legitimacy of collective bargaining as a right. However, it is important to note that this conception of right is limited and differs in various US communities. While human rights scholars have theoretically and strategically argued that the indivisible body of human rights represents a broad and overlapping “consensus,” the recent fights inWisconsin and Ohio demonstrate how internationally recognized human rights remain deeply contested in the domestic sphere. Yet there is evidence that collective bargaining maintains significant legitimacy as a human right. This paper argues that the controversy of the 2011 legal changes suggests that collective bargaining rights are still considered human rights by many communities in the US.
An alternative to trimming dies

The technique described allows tooth structure apical to the finish line contained in the impression to remain on the die. This reproduction of the tooth surface provides valuable information for the dental laboratory technician when the restoration is waxed.
The common will

Abstract This paper discusses the formation of a common will among a group of people from two separate points of view: that of social choice theory and that of discourse ethics. The paper evaluates the formation of a common will by “silent” mechanisms for aggregating individual wishes and preferences, traditionally the domain of social choice theory, from a procedural perspective. I will consider—and answer in the negative—the question of whether or not there exists a mechanism for aggregating individual preferences that is perfectly reflective—in the sense that it can be applied recursively in order to justify or legitimate its own application. I will then consider discourse ethics from a consequentialist standpoint—rather than the traditional, process-oriented perspective from which it usually advanced and defended—and show that its insistence on dialogue as a means for the formation of a common will is based on underlying assumptions about the nature of preferences—such as the discussability of tastes and the malleability of time scales—which run counter to the view of preferences normally associated with standard economic theory. I conclude that, although neither approach to the formation of a common will fares well by the standards normally used to justify the other, proponents of either approach have much to learn from a dialogue with proponents of the other.
Molecular, phenotypic, and expression analysis of vein, a gene required for growth of the Drosophila wing disc.

Abstract vein 1 ( vn 1 ) mutants lack portions of longitudinal wing vein 4 and the anterior crossvein. Stronger alleles, originally called defective dorsal discs, show vn is also required for the growth of the wing and haltere discs, as mutants for these alleles have tiny dorsal discs. vn functions nonautonomously and encodes a secreted EGF-like protein. Here we characterize the role of vn in the imaginal wing disc by describing the expression pattern and correlating this pattern with vn mutant phenotypes and the requirement for vn. vn is expressed in wing discs in a complex and dynamic pattern. In larval wing discs vn is first expressed in the presumptive notum and later in the wing-pouch and hinge regions. There is a striking localization of vn transcripts to intervein regions which begins with a stripe of expression straddling the AP boundary in late larval discs and develops in all intervein regions after puparium formation. We isolated new vn mutations including nulls and hypomorphs. Hypomorphic vn alleles revealed region-specific requirements for vn within the wing disc. We mapped lesions caused by 10 vn mutations and defined a minimum size of 48 kb for the gene. The phenotype and expression analyses show vn has an early role in global proliferation of the wing disc and specific roles in the development of the notum, hinge, longitudinal vein 4, and all intervein regions. The role of vn in the EGF receptor signaling pathway is discussed.
New Down syndrome screening algorithm: Ultrasonographic biometry and multiple serum markers combined with maternal age

Abstract Objective: We compared the Down syndrome screening efficiency of a new algorithm that combines humerus length measurement and serum analytes versus that of the traditional triple-analyte serum screen. Study Design: Humerus length measurements were obtained prospectively in 1743 midtrimester (14 to 24 weeks) singleton fetuses before genetic amniocentesis. All patients had triple-marker serum screening before amniocentesis. Data on humerus length were expressed as multiples of the median, and were normalized by log transformation. Backward multiple stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to determine which combination of biometry and serum markers best predicted fetal Down syndrome. The screening efficiency of the traditional triple-analyte algorithm was compared with that of a new multivariate gaussian algorithm that combined biometry and serum markers. Results: There were 31 (1.8%) fetuses with Down syndrome in the study population. In the regression analysis humerus length, human chorionic gonadotropin, α-fetoprotein, and maternal age were significant predictors of Down syndrome, but unconjugated estriol was not. The combined algorithm (humerus length, human chorionic gonadotropin, and α-fetoprotein and age) was superior to the traditional triple screen for Down syndrome detection. The sensitivities at fixed false-positive rates were consistently higher in the combination than in the triple-screen protocol. For example, at a 10% false-positive rate the sensitivities were 65.0% and 52.3%, respectively. Similarly, at a 15% false-positive rate the sensitivities were 73.5% and 55.0%, respectively. Conclusion: A new screening algorithm combining humerus length and serum analytes was superior to the traditional triple screen. Although we used a high-risk population in this study, it is expected that the observed superiority of the combination screen would persist in a population of younger women. The development of a combined biometric and serum analyte screening algorithm for estimating individual odds could represent an advance in prenatal Down syndrome screening. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1998;179:1627-31.)
Identification and orbit determination of a tethered satellite system

Orbital motion of a tethered satellite system, composed of two satellites and an inextensible tether, is considered by using a perturbed two-body model. This approach is adopted so that the determination of the orbit of one of the satellites can be attempted without using observations of the motion of the other satellite in the system. The identification of the tethered condition of the system using observations of only one of the satellites in the tethered satellite system is considered. The characteristics of the `tether perturbed' motion of the observed satellite are investigated. Estimation of the state of the system using near perfect data is also illustrated. Observations of one satellite provide the entire state of the system and a parameter involving the ratio of the masses of satellites and the tether length.
The New River, Virginia, muskellunge fishery: population dynamics, harvest regulation modeling, and angler attitudes

Although muskellunge, Esox masquinongy, fisheries in northern US states and Canadian provinces are increasingly being managed by introduction of restrictive harvest regulations (e.g. 1370-mm (54′′) minimum length limits), many southern US muskellunge fisheries continue to be managed with comparatively liberal regulations (e.g. 762-mm (30′′) minimum length limits) that are implemented statewide. We studied the population dynamics of the New River, Virginia, muskellunge fishery and used predictive modeling to determine whether restrictive harvest regulations also might prove beneficial for this southern latitude fishery. A creel survey was also conducted to learn more about angler attitudes to the New River muskellunge fishery. Muskellunge grew quickly, with fish reaching harvestable lengths (762 mm, 30′′) in 2–3 years. Muskellunge fishing pressure, harvest rates, and voluntary release rates were low compared with reports for more northern areas. Most anglers, irrespective of how often they fished for muskellunge, defined “trophy” muskellunge to be approximately 1050–1100 mm (41–43′′) in length. Although angler support for restrictive harvest regulations was low, abundance of memorable-length (≥1070 mm, 42′′) muskellunge was predicted to increase under all evaluated length limits. Muskellunge yield would remain static at 914-mm (36′′) and 1016-mm (40′′) length limits, because of the rapid growth of fish, but yield would decline dramatically with a 1143-mm (45′′) length limit, because male muskellunge rarely exceeded 1100 mm (43′′). Because of rapid growth and low release rates, implementation of higher length limits (e.g. 965–1067 mm, 38–42′′) may indeed prove beneficial for augmenting “trophy” muskellunge production on the New River. Angler support for higher minimum length limits might be increased by educating anglers about the rapid growth rates of muskellunge and the expected size structure changes that will result from a length-limit increase. Size structure changes resulting from an increase in the minimum length limit may be difficult to detect because of potential increases in fishing pressure or reduced fish growth as a result of competition for food resources. Long-term monitoring of muskellunge growth and angling pressure may therefore be needed to ensure that new regulations are indeed benefitting the fishery.
Nodular mucinosis of the breast in a supernumerary nipple: case report and review of the literature

Nodular mucinosis is an extraordinary stromal lesion of the breast. The usual clinical presentation is that of an oozing, slow-growing, soft, non-tender, lobulated mass in the subareolar region. Histologically, it is a non-encapsulated myxoid/mucinous lesion with a sparse infiltrate of spindle cells within a collagenized stroma. The histogenesis of nodular mucinosis is undetermined but the pattern of staining of the spindle cells suggests it might be of myofibroblastic origin. We herein report for the first time in the English literature a case of nodular mucinosis occurring in a supernumerary nipple. We also discuss the main differential diagnoses and review the literature of previously published cases of this entity.
Handedness may be more important than sex as a variable underlying individual differences in visual performance

Evidence is presented that there are individual differences in the early stages of information processing which are due, in part, to the criteria adopted by the left and right hemispheres in perceptual organization. Sex differences were found in organization criteria and in the extent that both hemispheres participate in ordering perceptual experience. Of perhaps greater importance in terms of practical implications, significant and dramatic differences were found in perceptual organization for "extreme right-handers" and "right-handers who tend towards mix-handedness." "Mixed-handers" of both sexes grouped states into perceptual units to a significantly greater extent than their very right-handed counterparts. A method is described for determining the relative location of grouping criteria on the decision axis. Language: en
Macromolecular Crystals in the Service of Biotechnology and Medicine

The application of genetic and molecular biological methods to the engineering of proteins, the engine of the biotechnology revolution, has become increasingly dependent on knowledge of protein, nucleic acid and virus molecular structure. Structural information of high precision, essential to this enterprise, can only be obtained through X-ray crystallographic techniques. The quality of this information is directly a function of the properties and degree of perfection of the crucial intermediates, the macromolecular crystals. As a consequence, there is now broad and intense interest in developing new methods, procedures and reagents for the nucleation and growth of such crystals. There is, in addition, an expanded interest in the properties of biological crystals and the use of physical measurements in improving approaches to growing better and larger crystals. Here some of the fundamentals of macromolecular crystal growth will be reviewed, and some current trends in the field remarked upon, including the new initiative to develop a national structural genomics program.
The development and magnitude of thermotolerance during chronic hyperthermia in murine bone marrow granulocyte-macrophage progenitors: I

Murine bone marrow granulocyte-macrophage progenitors (CFU-GM) are capable of developing thermotolerance during exposure to temperatures < 42.5 degrees C. Bone marrow from the tibia and femora was heated to 40-42 degrees C (i.e. chronic hyperthermia), and challenged immediately with 15 min at 44 degrees C at regular intervals during treatment (step-up heating). CFU-GM were heated and cultured in McCoy's 5A medium + 15% FBS (fetal bovine serum) and lung-conditioned medium (source of colony stimulating factor) in semisolid agar. The kinetics of thermotolerance development and decay, and the magnitude of the thermotolerance during chronic heating with temperatures of 40-41.5 degrees C were similar. Survival increased rapidly to a maxima by approximately 120 min of hyperthermia (temperatures of 40-41.5 degrees C) and thereafter decreased with a slope similar to the controls. Normalization for cell killing by chronic hyperthermia that occurred during "step-up' heating permitted analysis of thermotolerance in the surviving cells. The surviving fraction after 15 min at 44 degrees C, during incubation at 40, 41 and 41.5 degrees C increased from 0.13 to maxima of 0.56 +/- 0.04, 0.71 +/- 0.03 and 0.82 +/- 0.03 respectively, by 150 min and did not decrease for up to 480 min during chronic hyperthermia. The surviving fraction after 15 min at 44 degrees C during incubation at 42 degrees C increased more slowly than during incubations at 40-41.5 degrees C. The survival of thermotolerant cells after exposure to 15 min at 44 degrees C during 42 degrees C chronic hyperthermia was maximal at 0.87 +/- 0.08 by 120 min and then decreased after approximately 150 min of exposure to 42 degrees C. The thermotolerance ratios (TTR's) were 4.0, 5.4, 6.7 and 6.9 for temperatures of 40, 41, 41.5 and 42 degrees C respectively. The results suggest that chronic hyperthermia temperatures (i.e. 40-42 degrees C) induce rapid thermotolerance development in CFU-GM during the thermal exposure and protect this normal marrow progenitor during whole body hyperthermia or ex vivo purging of leukaemic cells.
Hyperthermic modulation of macrophage-tumor cell interactions

Hyperthermia in the febrile (≤41° C) or tumor therapeutic (≥42° C) ranges is known to alter tumor-host interactions: there are reports of either inhibitory or enhancing effects on tumor metastasis and various host defense mechanisms. Historically, this has been an area of conflicting and often anecdotal reports, and there are still significant gaps in our knowledge of the effects of temperature on tumor-host interactions. However, we believe that the tools are now available to further our understanding of the complex relationships between febrile episodes or therapeutically applied heat and various tumor-host cytotoxic mechanisms, and that potentially important and exploitable relationships can be defined. In this review we give an overview of the current status of this field and the factors that have shaped it. We also describe our recent experimental work with macrophages and their monokines, primarily tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which we feel offers new scientific and clinical opportunities for future studies.
Accurate Localization of a Rigid Body Using Multiple Sensors and Landmarks

This paper develops estimators for locating a rigid body using the time measurements, and the Doppler as well if it is moving, between the sensors in the rigid body and a few landmarks outside. The challenge of rigid body localization is that in addition to the position, we are also interested in obtaining the rotation parameters of the rigid body that must belong to the special orthogonal group. The proposed estimators are non-iterative and have two steps: preliminary and refinement. The preliminary step provides a coarse estimate and the refinement step improves the first step estimate to yield an accurate solution. When the rigid body is stationary, we are able to locate the body with accuracy higher than the solutions of comparable complexity found in the literature. When the rigid body is moving, we develop an estimator that contains the additional unknowns of angular and translational velocities. Simulations show that the proposed estimators, in both stationary and moving cases, can approach the Cramer-Rao Lower Bound performance under Gaussian noise over the small error region.
Acute Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics of Oral Amrinone

Amrinone was administered orally as a single 100-mg dose to six male patients with moderate-severe congestive heart failure to determine the acute pharmacodynamic effects and pharmacokinetics of the drug. Following right heart catherization and amrinone administration, measurements of hemodynamic parameters including cardiac index (Cl), right atrial pressure (RA), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCW), and serum amrinone concentrations (SAC) were made at hourly intervals for up to 8 hours. Cl increased (29.0 per cent) significantly (P less than 0.05) at 3 hours after dose. PCW declined quickly after dose and was significantly (P less than 0.05) lower (-31.3 per cent) than control at 3 hours. RA declined gradually, and a significant (P less than 0.05) reduction (-25.2 per cent) was achieved 5 hours after the dose. Amrinone was absorbed quickly (tmax = 1.4 hour), and the disappearance of amrinone from serum was log-linear (t1/2 = 5.1 hours). The time courses of per cent change in Cl and SAC were similar, and the correlation between the average per cent change in Cl and average SAC was linear and significant (r = 0.80; P less than 0.05).
Integrable Unsteady Motion With an Application to Ocean Eddies

Application of the Brown-Samelson theorem, which shows that particle motion is integrable in a class of vorticity-conserving, two-dimensional incompressible flows, is extended here to a class of explicit time dependent dynamically balanced flows in multilayered systems. Particle motion for nonsteady two-dimensional flows with discontinuities in the vorticity or potential vorticity fields (modon solutions) is shown to be integrable. An example of a two-layer modon solution constrained by observations of a Gulf Stream ring system is discussed.
Photochromism of 2H-Naphtho(1,2-b)pyrans: A Spectroscopic Investigation

The photophysical and photochromic properties of 2,2-diphenyl-2H-naphtho[1,2-b]pyran and substituted derivatives were investigated by steady state and time-resolved optical absorption and emission spectroscopy in solution at room temperature and in a frozen matrix at 77 K. Fluorescence quantum yields, fluorescence lifetimes, and singlet energies depend strongly on the substitution patterns. Photoexcitation of the naphthopyrans (A) leads to efficient ring opening to produce the merocyanines (B) and (C). The optical absorption of the merocyanines can be tuned by the substituents and can cover most of the visible spectrum (400−700 nm). The decoloration kinetics of the open forms (merocyanines) B and C to produce naphthopyrans (A) depends strongly on the substituents. The ring closure rate constants (kB→A) range from 0.0009 to 0.04 s-1.
Synergism between gonadotrophins and vinblastine relative to the frequencies of metaphase I, diploid and aneuploid mouse oocytes

Ovulated oocytes are used to obtain estimates of germ cell aneuploidy following in vivo treatment with various chemicals. Such studies commonly use exogenous gonadotrophins to increase the number of ovulated oocytes and to induce ovulation during specific time periods. However, the gonadotrophin dosages have not been evaluated relative to the possibility that synergistic and antagonistic interactions may exist between the hormones and the chemical being studied. We, therefore, studied the interactions of different hormone dosages (5 IU pregnant mare's serum (PMS) and 2.5 IU human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), 7.5 IU PMS and 5 IU HCG, and 10 IU PMS and 7.5 IU HCG) alone (controls) and in combination with 0.2 mg/kg of the aneugen vinblastine sulfate (VBS) relative to the number of oocytes ovulated, the frequencies of metaphase I (MI), diploid and aneuploid oocytes. The results indicated that the proportions of oocytes ovulated were not significantly (P > 0.05) different among the various control and VBS groups. VBS, however, resulted in significantly (P 0.05) within the control of VBS groups; whereas, when comparisons were made between each control and VBS group, only the difference between the 5 IU PMS and 2.5 IU HCG groups was significant (P < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Estimating average precision when judgments are incomplete

We consider the problem of evaluating retrieval systems with incomplete relevance judgments. Recently, Buckley and Voorhees showed that standard measures of retrieval performance are not robust to incomplete judgments, and they proposed a new measure, bpref, that is much more robust to incomplete judgments. Although bpref is highly correlated with average precision when the judgments are effectively complete, the value of bpref deviates from average precision and from its own value as the judgment set degrades, especially at very low levels of assessment. In this work, we propose three new evaluation measures induced AP, subcollection AP, and inferred AP that are equivalent to average precision when the relevance judgments are complete and that are statistical estimates of average precision when relevance judgments are a random subset of complete judgments. We consider natural scenarios which yield highly incomplete judgments such as random judgment sets or very shallow depth pools. We compare and contrast the robustness of the three measures proposed in this work with bpref for both of these scenarios. Through the use of TREC data, we demonstrate that these measures are more robust to incomplete relevance judgments than bpref, both in terms of how well the measures estimate average precision (as measured with complete relevance judgments) and how well they estimate themselves (as measured with complete relevance judgments). Finally, since inferred AP is the most accurate approximation to average precision and the most robust measure in the presence of incomplete judgments, we provide a detailed analysis of this measure, both in terms of its behavior in theory and its implementation in practice.
Teaching the Fourth Gospel

Jesus written down by the disciple John, its contents have been taken as a literal, factual picture supplementing the other three gospels. Yet there is such discrepancy historically between them that for some time a "Harmony of the Gospels" has omitted this one and critical study has revealed an entirely different setting and purpose. Undoubtedly written at the end of the first century A.D. after the churches had spread throughout the Roman world its style reflects that of the Alexandrian school of writers and its occasion was to confute a mixture of
Modification and integration of JSW cyclotron GAS targets at the national institutes of health cyclotron facility

The Cyclotron staff at the National Institutes of Health is involved in a comprehensive radionuclide preparation program which culminates with the formulation of numerous requested short-lived radiopharmaceutical agents for clinical evaluation. The existence of two cyclotrons and the requests for cyclotron-produced radionuclides, principally short-lived positron-emitting ones, necessitates an efficient and cost-effective program. The clinical need for 15O labelled water exemplifies the modification and effective coupling of two supplied gas target systems without detriment to either individual product. 15O labeled oxygen, produced from the 14N(d,n)15O nuclear reaction, is combined with the target gas for 11C labelled cyanide production through standard fittings to achieve the chemical oxidation. The system allows an “on-line” product of extremely high yield and excellent radionuclidic purity. The operational characteristics of the redesigned commercial cyclotron targetry system and the radiochemical considerations are presented.
A PROPOSED FRAMEWORK FOR THE ANALYSIS OF STRESS IN THE HUMAN ORGANISM.

Stress, the bugaboo of modern life, comes from many different sources and affects us all in one way or another. Viewing human functioning as a problem-solving phenomenon, stress is here explained in terms of tension that results from the organism's inability to master presenting problems and its consequent need to devote excess energy and resources to maintenance activities. This encompassing theoretical scheme proposes to reduce the conceptual barriers between various biochemical, physical, psychological, and sociocultural models of stress.
Strain-tunable two-dimensional plasmonic crystals

Resonance tuning characteristics of a plasmonic photonic crystal nanostructure under uniaxial compressive and tensile strains were investigated. The plasmonic device consists of a periodic array of metal-coated polymer nanoposts fabricated using a replica molding process.Applied strains regulate the period of the array, leading to flexible and repeatable resonance tuning of localized plasmons.
METHIONINE STABILITY IN METHIONINE‐FORTIFIED MODEL FOOD SYSTEMS AS INFLUENCED BY METHOD OF METHIONINE INCORPORATION AND BY LIPID OXIDATION

Model systems were used to evaluate the influences of method of methionine incorporation and lipid oxidation on the stability of added methionine during heating or storage. High pressure liquid chromatography was used to separate and quantify the dansyl derivatives of methionine, methionine sulfoxide and methionine sulfone. In a system undergoing nonenzymatic browning, the loss of added methionine was greater when the methionine was added in water solution than when it was incorporated by dry blending. In systems undergoing lipid oxidation, the initial peroxide value was directly related to the loss of free methionine and the formation of methionine sulfoxide. The conversion of methionine to methionine sulfoxide due to oxidizing lipid was reduced by the presence of protein.
Jointly detecting infants' multiple facial action units expressed during spontaneous face-to-face communication

Automatic detection of spontaneous facial Action Units (AUs) in video has many applications including understanding infants' emotion-mediated interactions and development. The target AUs for detection are those essential to positive and negative emotion (i.e., AU 6, AU 12, and AU 20). Tracking and extraction of facial features is especially challenging in infants. Face shape and texture markedly differ from that in adults, jaw contour often is occult, sudden changes in pose and expression are common, and AU often occur in complex combinations. We investigate the association among AUs central to positive and negative emotion and propose a methodology for jointly detecting positively correlated facial AUs of infants during spontaneous interactions with their parents. We apply a subject-independent structural output model to (1) recognize combinations of AUs simultaneously, and (2) model the dependencies between AUs. Using this approach, we improved the reliability of automatic detection of AU 12 and AU 20 in a total 90-minute video of infant-parent interaction of 12 infants.
SU-E-T-170: A Viable Approach to Patient Specific QA for Spine VMAT SRS Using EPID-Based Dosimetry.

Purpose: VMAT involves multi‐parameter modulations, thus presenting multi‐dimensional challenges. Here, we present a viable approach to VMAT patient specific QA using EPID‐based dosimetry for spine VMAT SRS casesMethods: Our spine VMAT SRS plans consisted of two full arcs and were optimized with 6 MV photons for a Varian Trilogy LINAC. The QA plans were computed by resetting all control points to 0° gantry angle while keeping the MLC apertures and corresponding MU weights intact. The dose distribution at the depth of clinical significance was calculated in a solid water phantom. EPIDose (Sun Nuclear Corp) was used to convert MV EPIDimages into absolute dose in a plane of interest in a homogeneous medium. During measurements, the source‐to‐detector distance (SDD) was set to 105 cm and the VMAT QA plan was delivered with 600 MU/min. For each QA plan, three measurements were made. The average pass rate (thresholds: 2%/2 mm) was then calculated. In addition, the dose at the isocenter or other points of clinical significance was also measured and the mean was calculated. Results: Our current institutional QA acceptance criteria for VMAT plans are: pass rate 90% for 2%/2mm with a dose threshold of 10% and the discrepancy between the measured and planned doses at the isocenter or other points of clinical significance 2%. Our preliminary investigation indicated that the pass rate was normally greater than 95.0% with a total number of valid detection points of ∼30000. The dose difference at the point of interest was, in general, around ±1.0 %. Sharp dose gradients were accurately detected at the PTV‐cord interface. Conclusions: EPID‐ based dosimetry is real‐time and financially viable. It can achieve sub‐ millimeter dosimetry accuracy without extensive inter‐diode interpolations. We believe that EPID‐based VMAT dosimetry offers a competitive alternative to other competing dosimetry technologies.
Thermodynamic model for composite-particle emission in relativistic heavy-ion collisions

A thermodynamic model, constructed in the framework of the big-bang equilibrium model, is proposed and used to study the spectra of high-energy composite particles that can be seen in relativistic heavy-ion collisions. Properties of the spectra are related to properties of the thermodynamic equilibrium region.
Zooming in on disordered systems: neutron reflection studies of proteins associated with fluid membranes.

Abstract Neutron reflectometry (NR) is an emerging experimental technique for the structural characterization of proteins interacting with fluid bilayer membranes under conditions that mimic closely the cellular environment. Thus, cellular processes can be emulated in artificial systems and their molecular basis studied by adding cellular components one at a time in a well-controlled environment while the resulting structures, or structural changes in response to external cues, are monitored with neutron reflection. In recent years, sample environments, data collection strategies and data analysis were continuously refined. The combination of these improvements increases the information which can be obtained from NR to an extent that enables structural characterization of protein–membrane complexes at a length scale that exceeds the resolution of the measurement by far. Ultimately, the combination of NR with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can be used to cross-validate the results of the two techniques and provide atomic-scale structural models. This review discusses these developments in detail and demonstrates how they provide new windows into relevant biomedical problems. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Interfacially Active Peptides and Proteins. Guest Editors: William C. Wimley and Kalina Hristova.
Tactile tomographic fluid-flow imaging with a robotic whisker array

Current sensory array systems do not fully exploit tactile sensing strategies widely used by vibrissal sensing animals to explore their surroundings. We develop a new tactile fluidflow imaging technique, which relates rat’s whisker movements to tomographic imaging to extract fluid-flow characteristics with a robotic whisker array. At high Reynolds numbers, the drag force on a whisker segment is proportional to the relative velocity squared, and acts as a distributed load along the whisker length. Therefore, we propose that it is possible to map out the 2-D cross-sectional mean fluid-flow velocity field with a robotic whisker array by measuring the moment sensed at each whisker base from different directions for tomographic reconstruction. The associated inverse problem for the tomographic image formation is formulated as a MAP estimation problem and solved computationally. The experimental results demonstrate that this new approach offers a fundamentally novel sensor technology for flow-field measurements.
Rheological behavior of rat mesangial cells during swelling in vitro.

The response of cells to mechanical forces depends on the rheological properties of their membranes and cytoplasm. To characterize those properties, mechanical and electrical responses to swelling were measured in rat mesangial cells (MC) using electrophysiologic and video microscopic techniques. Ion transport rates during hyposmotic exposures were measured with whole-cell recording electrodes. Results showed that cell swelling varied nonlinearly with positive internal pressure, consistent with a viscoelastic cytoplasm. The extrapolated area expansivity modulus for small deformations was estimated to be 450 dyne/cm. Cell swelling, caused either by positive pipet pressure or hyposmotic exposure (40–60 mOsm Kg−1), rapidly induced an outwardly rectifying membrane conductance with an outward magnitude 4–5 times the baseline conductance of 0.9±0.5 nS (p<.01). Swelling-induced (SI) current was weakly selective for K+ over Na+, partially reversed upon return to iso tonicity, and was antagonized by 0.5 mM GdCl3 (p < 0.02; n = 6). Isolated cells treated with GdCl3 rapidly lysed after hypotonic exposure, in contrast to untreated cells that exhibited regulatory volume decrease (RVD). Our results indicate that volume regulation by MC depends upon a large swelling-induced K+ efflux, and suggest that swelling in MC is a viscoelastic process, with a viscosity dependent on the degree of swelling.
A finite element mesh optimization method incorporating geologic features for stress analysis of underground excavations

Abstract Application of numerical modeling in civil and mining engineering projects not only increases the effectiveness of analysis but also improves the results of the analysis. However, due to complexity of model generation and analysis, it is still a time consuming process. The finite element method requires a discretization, or a mesh, to solve the partial differential equations representing a problem with essential boundary conditions. The finer and denser the mesh is, the more time and computer memory consuming is the analysis. Therefore, one of possible ways is to simplify the analysis by reducing the mesh density while maintaining the quality of solution. In the previous work carried out by Zsaki and Curran. (Int J Numer Anal Met 2005; 29(4): 369–393) a mesh optimization strategy was developed using a cost function by considering only the geometries of excavations. In this current work, the optimization strategy developed previously is improved by including the mechanical properties representing the geological features. Among different rock properties, Young’s modulus (E) and Poisson’s ratio (μ) were considered. The effect of each of these properties on the mesh optimization was investigated and it was concluded that E has the most significant effect on the results of stress analysis of dissimilar rocks. Subsequently, an expanded cost function incorporating E was formulated. Finally, an application of expanded cost function was demonstrated using a few representative case studies.
Wear behaviour of TiNi shape memory alloys

TiNi alloy is a well-known shape memory alloy, which has demonstrated its great potential for a large variety of applications; this alloy is being actively applied to the development of new energy conversion systems, to the design for new robots and smart material systems, and to the development of medical implants and instruments. In addition to its shape memory effect, it has been observed that TiNi alloy also exhibits great resistance to wear. It is expected that the TiNi alloy, with its shape memory effect, vibration-damping feature, and high corrosion resistance, may become a new type of tribo-material and find new engineering applications. The high wear resistance of TiNi alloy may be attributed to its pseudoelastic behavior. This paper presents experimental results on wear behavior of TiNi alloy and its variation with microstructure. The pseudoelasticity of TiNi alloy was also studied, and its possible effect on wear resistance has been discussed in this paper.
Determination of furan-based amines in reaction mixtures by gas chromatography

Abstract A protocol which employs a methyl silicone gum capillary column for gas chromatographic analysis of the products of the acid- catalyzed reaction of furfurylamine with aldehydes is presented, and its efficacy is demonstrated.
Use of Weather Radar for Flood Forecasting in the Sieve River Basin: A Sensitivity Analysis

Abstract Weather radar, in combination with a distributed rainfall-runoff model, promises to significantly improve real-time flood forecasting. This paper investigates the value of radar-derived precipitation in forecasting streamflow in the Sieve River basin, near Florence, Italy. The basin is modeled with a distributed rainfall-runoff model that exploits topographic information available from digital elevation maps. The sensitivity of the flood forecast to various properties of the radar-derived rainfall is studied. It is found that use of the proper radar reflectivity-rainfall intensity (Z-R) relationship is the most crucial factor in obtaining correct food hydrographs. Errors resulting from spatially averaging radar rainfall are acceptable, but the use of discrete point information (i.e., raingage) can lead to serious problems. Reducing the resolution of the 5-min radar signal by temporally averaging over 15 and 30 min does not lead to major errors. Using 3-bit radar data (rather than the usual 8-bit ...
Reconstruction of the appearance and structural system of Trajan's Bridge

Abstract Trajan's Bridge, built by Romans over the Danube River in the first years of the II century, was the first kilometer-long bridge ever built. It was a marvel of Roman engineering, especially taking into account challenging site conditions, available resources and record time for construction. The bridge's still-standing columns are witnesses to its masterful construction. The bridge was later intentionally destroyed by Romans, and several researchers in the past studied the bridge and attempted to reconstruct its appearance and structural system. However, the dearth of information generally associated with destroyed ancient structures makes their reconstruction extremely challenging. In the case of Trajan's Bridge, the only confirmed representation of the structure is on Trajan's Column, found just north of the Roman Forum. Nevertheless, several studies performed in the past proposed a structure different from the one shown in the Column. Most of these studies are not based on detailed structural analysis, and thus some of them do not seem to be credible from the engineering point of view. The aim of this paper was to reconstruct the structural system and appearance of Trajan's Bridge using structural analysis, and to determine to what extent the representation of the structure on Trajan's Column could be accurate. This is successfully performed by determining the number of degrees of freedom associated with the structure and by analyzing the materials, stresses, and the bridge construction technique.
Additions and revisions to the levels of magnesiumlike Cu xviii and Zn xix

Energy-level values are given for the 3p2 1S0 and 3p3d1F3 and 1P1 states of Cu xviii and Zn xix. Corrections to the published wavelengths for these spectra found from new observations are reported.
Time to decision: the drivers of innovation adoption decisions

Organisations desire timeliness. Timeliness facilitates a better responsiveness to changes in an organisation's external environment to either attain or maintain competitiveness. Despite its importance, decision timeliness has not been explicitly examined. Decision timeliness is measured in this study as the time taken to commit to a decision. The research objective is to identify the drivers of decision timeliness in the context of adopting service-oriented architecture SOA, an innovation for enterprise computing. A research model rooted in the technology–organisation–environment TOE framework is proposed and tested with data collected in a large-scale study. The research variables have been examined before in the context of adoption, but their applicability to the timeliness of innovation decision-making has not received much attention and their salience is unclear. The results support multiple hypothesised relationships, including the finding that a risk-oriented organisational culture as well as normative and coercive pressures accelerates decision timeliness. Top management support as well as the traditional innovation attributes compatibility, relative advantage and complexity/ease-of-use were not found to be significant when examining their influence on decision timeliness, which appears inconsistent with generally accepted knowledge and deserves further examination.
Utility of follow-up skeletal surveys in suspected child physical abuse evaluations

Abstract Objective To evaluate the utility of a follow-up skeletal survey in suspected child physical abuse evaluations. Methods In this prospective study, follow-up skeletal surveys were recommended for 74 children who, after an initial skeletal survey and evaluation by the Child Abuse Team, were suspected victims of physical abuse. The number and location of the fractures were recorded for the initial skeletal survey and for the follow-up skeletal survey in each case. Results Forty-eight of the 74 (65%) children returned for a follow-up skeletal survey. The follow-up skeletal survey yielded additional information in 22 of 48 patients (46%). In three patients (6%) the additional information changed the outcome of cases; child abuse was ruled out in one of these patients and abuse was confirmed in two cases. In three other patients, the follow-up skeletal survey refuted tentative skeletal findings, but did not change the outcome because of other physical findings. Conclusion A follow-up skeletal survey identified additional fractures or clarified tentative findings in children who were suspected victims of physical child abuse. The follow-up skeletal survey should be completed on all patients who have an initial skeletal survey performed for suspected physical child abuse and for whom child abuse is still a concern.
A new species of Acalypha (Euphorbiaceae: Acalyphoideae: Acalypheae) from Belize and adjacent Mexico and Guatemala

Acalypha gentlei is described, illustrated and mapped. The species is endemic to Belize and adjacent areas of Mexico and Guatemala and restricted to semi-deciduous moist forests on limestone. The species is referred to Acalypha subgenus Linostachys.
Utilization of l-Ascorbate by Escherichia coli K-12: Assignments of Functions to Products of the yjf-sga and yia-sgb Operons

Escherichia coli K-12 can ferment L-ascorbate. The operon encoding catabolic enzymes in the utilization of L-ascorbate (ula) has been identified; this operon of previously unknown function had been designated the yif-sga operon. Three enzymes in the pathway that produce D-xylulose 5-phosphate have been functionally characterized: 3-keto-L-gulonate 6-phosphate decarboxylase (UlaD), L-xylulose 5-phosphate 3-epimerase (UlaE), and L-ribulose 5-phosphate 4-epimerase (UlaF). Several products of the yia-sgb operon were also functionally characterized, although the substrate and physiological function of the operon remain unknown: 2,3-diketo-L-gulonate reductase (YiaK), 3-keto-L-gulonate kinase (LyxK), 3-keto-L-gulonate 6-phosphate decarboxylase (SgbH), and L-ribulose 5-phosphate 4-epimerase (SgbE).
Sex differences in uses and perceptions of profanity

This study examined sex differences in perceptions and uses of profanity. Profanity is considered in terms of the strength it may impart to language and as a tool of group cohesion and nonmember alienation. Implications of these characteristics are explored in terms of observed sex differences on profanity measures. Females reported less profanity usage than males reported, and females further provided more conservative assessments of the appropriateness of profanity usage in various settings. Males more than females reported that profanity provides a demonstration of social power and serves to make the user socially acceptable.
The Development by Commissions of the Principles of Public Utility Valuation

Theories of valuation in process of development by Commissions, 269. — Plant and equipment. "Reproductive" value or original cost? 271. — Treatment of land value; peculiar position of St. Louis and New York Commissions, 274. — Pavements, 279. — Overhead charges; two methods of computing, 281. — Development expense and going values; Wisconsin method and New York method, 284. — Peculiar method in New Jersey, 287. — Conclusion, 291.