cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectroelectrochemical Raman Study of Two End-Capped Sexithiophenes with Applications as Electroactive Molecular Materials

In this paper, the vibrational Fourier transform Raman spectra of two sexithiophenes with the end α-positions substituted with n-hexyl or n-thiohexyl groups are studied. We investigate the effects of the different side chains on the intramolecular π-electron delocalization in neutral state and the charged defects generated upon p-doping. Density functional theory and ab initio quantum-chemical calculations are performed on various oligothiophene model compounds as an aid in the interpretation of the experimental data. The analysis of the peculiar Raman features of these π-conjugated systems has been guided by formalism of the effective conjugation coordinate theory. The Raman study of this class of materials is a powerful tool to derive information about the delocalization of π-electrons in the pristine state and the charged species upon doping.
Life span in captive nocturnal prosimians (Perodicticus potto) with reproductive and mortality records

Three pottos survived captivity 4 to 19 years. The female that died recently was probably 21 years old at the time of her death since she was at least primiparous at the time of her capture in December 1959. During her captive lifetime she had given birth to three single individuals and one set of twins. Her mate is still alive and is believed to be at least 20 years old, having survived 19 years of captivity. Regular copulatory behavior was noted within one month of her death. These data suggest a somewhat longer life span for this species than had been previous recorded in the scientific literature.
Relative Contributions of Sympathetic, Cholinergic, and Myogenic Mechanisms to Cerebral Autoregulation

Background and Purpose—Prior work aimed at improving our understanding of human cerebral autoregulation has explored individual physiological mechanisms of autoregulation in isolation, but none has attempted to consolidate the individual roles of these mechanisms into a comprehensive model of the overall cerebral pressure–flow relationship. Methods—We retrospectively analyzed this relationship before and after pharmacological blockade of α-adrenergic–, muscarinic-, and calcium channel–mediated mechanisms in 43 healthy volunteers to determine the relative contributions of the sympathetic, cholinergic, and myogenic controllers to cerebral autoregulation. Projection pursuit regression was used to assess the effect of pharmacological blockade on the cerebral pressure–flow relationship. Subsequently, ANCOVA decomposition was used to determine the cumulative effect of these 3 mechanisms on cerebral autoregulation and whether they can fully explain it. Results—Sympathetic, cholinergic, and myogenic mechanisms to...
Understanding and Improving the Burden and Unmet Needs of Informal Caregivers of Homebound Patients Enrolled in a Home-Based Primary Care Program.

The growing homebound population is heavily reliant on informal caregivers, who are increasingly burdened by their roles. This study describes informal caregivers of the homebound who remain caregivers at a 9-month follow-up and examines the impact of a home-based primary care (HBPC) program on caregiver burden and unmet needs using a prospective design with a pre—post intervention assessment. Informal caregivers of the urban homebound are similar to caregivers of other populations and have a broad range of unmet needs. The intervention described is the regular provision of multidisciplinary HBPC. Hundred fourteen caregivers of newly admitted patients complete a baseline interview. For the 56 caregivers who complete a 9-month follow-up interview, participation in HBPC is associated with a statistically significant decrease in overall caregiver burden. At 9 months, caregivers demonstrate an overall decrease in unmet needs, with a statistically significant decrease across two measured domains. These results...
A tabular simplex-type algorithm as a teaching aid for general LP models

The presentation of the simplex method, which solves linear programming (LP) problems, is not universal. In the U.S.A. instructors on the West coast enjoy solving the minimization problems, while in the East the maximization version is preferred. Even within each of these groups you will find differences in presenting the simplex rules. Consider an LP problem in which some constraints are in ( = ) or ( 2 ) forms with the right- hand side (R.H.S.) non-negative. For this type of problem the usual simplex algorithm (big M-method) requires additional variables (artificial variables) and introducing penalty terms in the objective function. Enough experience has been gained showing that some students, particularly non-mathematical majors, have difficulty in understanding the intuitive notion of this algorithm. This is the reason and the key factor in motivating some authors in trying to develop algorithms which do not involve any artificial variables and penalty terms. Recently, several new algorithms which generally avoid the use of artificial variables, for the sake of simplicity, appeared in some textbooks (see, for example, Refs 1, p. 302; 2, p. 2531 for such algorithms). Unfortunately, these algorithms are not for the general purpose of solving all types of LP problems and somehow mislead students. For example, in following all the steps given in these types of algorithms for the following problem: one never gets to the final tableau, in other words the algorithm never terminates. In Section 2 a new algorithm is presented which efficiently incorporates the regular and dual simplex algorithms. The strategy adapted for the new algorithm is summarized by the following two phases: Phase I. Phase II. Push toward a neighboring vertex of the optimal solution while trying to maintain feasibility. If pushed too far in Phase I, pull back toward the optimal vertex (if any).
Methods to Improve the Accuracy of Registration for Multimodal Inspection of Mechanical Parts

Registration refers to the process of aligning corresponding features in images or point data sets in the same coordinate system. Multimodal inspection is a growing trend wherein an accurate measurement of the part is made by fusing data from different modalities. Registration is a key task in multimodal data fusion. The main problem with high-accuracy registration comes from noise inherent in the measurement data and the lack of the one-to-one correspondence in the data from different modalities. We present methods to deal with outliers and noise in the measurement data to improve registration accuracy. The proposed algorithms operate on point sets. Our method distinguishes between noise and accurate measurements using a new metric based on the intrinsic geometric characteristics of the point set, including distance, surface normal and curvature. Our method is unique in that it does not require a-priori knowledge of the noise in the measurement data, therefore fully automatic registration is enabled. The proposed methods can be incorporated into any point-based registration method. It was tested with the traditional ICP (Iterative Closest Point) algorithm with application to the data registration among point, image, and mesh data. The proposed method can be applied to both rigid and non-rigid registration.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Chemoselection of Allogeneic HSC After Murine Neonatal Transplantation Without Myeloablation or Post-transplant Immunosuppression

The feasibility of allogeneic transplantation, without myeloablation or post-transplant immunosuppression, was tested using in vivo chemoselection of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) after transduction with a novel tricistronic lentiviral vector (MGMTP140K-2A-GFP-IRES-TK (MAGIT)). This vector contains P140K-O6-methylguanine-methyltransferase (MGMTP140K), HSV-thymidine kinase (TKHSV), and enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) enabling (i) in vivo chemoselection of HSC by conferring resistance to benzylguanine (BG), an inhibitor of endogenous MGMT, and to chloroethylating agents such as 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)nitrosourea (BCNU) and, (ii) depletion of proliferating cells such as malignant clones or transduced donor T cells mediating graft versus host disease (GVHD), by expression of the suicide gene TKHSV and Ganciclovir (GCV) administration. Non-myeloablative transplantation of transduced, syngeneic, lineage-depleted (Lin−) BM in neonates resulted in 0.67% GFP+ mononuclear cells in peripheral blood. BG/BCNU chemoselection, 4 and 8 weeks post-transplant, produced 50-fold donor cell enrichment. Transplantation and chemoselection of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-mismatched MAGIT-transduced Lin− BM also produced similar expansion for >40 weeks. The efficacy of this allotransplant approach was validated in Hbbth3 heterozygous mice by correction of β-thalassemia intermedia, without toxicity or GVHD. Negative selection, by administration of GCV resulted in donor cell depletion without graft ablation, as re-expansion of donor cells was achieved with BG/BCNU treatment. These studies show promise for developing non-ablative allotransplant approaches using in vivo positive/negative selection.
Tamoxifen Inhibits Arterial Accumulation of LDL Degradation Products and Progression of Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis in Monkeys

Estrogen replacement therapy reduces the risk of coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women and inhibits progression of coronary artery atherosclerosis in monkeys. Tamoxifen is a nonsteroidal compound with mixed estrogen agonist and antagonist properties. Its antagonist activity is useful in chemotherapy of breast cancer and may have protective effects on plasma lipid concentrations, but its effects on atherogenesis have not been defined. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of tamoxifen on plasma lipids, arterial and hepatic LDL metabolism, and progression of coronary artery atherosclerosis in surgically postmenopausal female monkeys. Thirty-five monkeys were fed an atherogenic diet containing 1.3 mg·kg−1·d−1 tamoxifen (equivalent to the usual dose of 20 mg/d given to women). Thirty-one monkeys were fed the same atherogenic diet with no tamoxifen. Ten monkeys from each treatment group were fed the test diets for 12 weeks to examine the short-term effects of tamoxifen on arterial LDL metab...
Limits on J ψ and Υ{hooked} production in e+e- interactions at s = 29 GeV

A search has been made for the inclusive production of J ψ (3.1) and Υ{hooked} (9.4) mesons in e+e- interactions at 29 GeV, via their decay into two leptons. No signal is observed in the J ψ region, nor in the Υ{hooked} region. The limits on the cross sections are σ(e+e- → ψX) < 4.4 × 10-36cm2, and σ(e+e- → Υ{hooked}X) < 4.7 × 10-36 cm2. The same data yield limits on the branching ratios for the b quark BR (b → ψX) < 4.9% and BR (b → l+l-X) < 0.8%. © 1983.
REPRESENTATION OF A GROUP IN RELATIVISTIC QUANTUM MECHANICS

ESSENTIALLY all infinite unitary representations of semi-simple Lie groups are known1, they are of Murray–von Neumann2 type I. Further, while it has been known for a long time that non-relativistic quantum mechanics is such a representation for the rotation group of space3, the same does not carry over to relativistic quantum mechanics. Infinite representations of the Lorentz group4 do not correspond to anything physically identifiable. This, among other things, suggests that the underlying group of relativistic quantum theory is not the Lorentz group but rather one for which non-unitary representations have a special significance.
Consequence of β16 and β112 Replacements on the Kinetics of Hemoglobin Assembly

Abstract The rates of α/β monomer combination of four β A variants (β112C → S, β112C → D, β112C → T, and β112C → V) in the presence and absence of β16G → D (β J ) were measured in an attempt to assess the consequences of amino acid substitution at both a surface (β16) and an α 1 β 1 interface (β112) residue on oxyhemoglobin assembly. Rates of α/β monomer combination determined spectrally in 0.1 M Tris–HCl, 0.1 M NaCl, 1 mM EDTA, pH 7.4, at 21.5°C differed by over 40-fold (22 ± 2.0 to 0.49 ± 0.1 × 10 5 M −1 s −1 ), and were in the order: HbA β112S = HbJ β16D, β112S > HbA β112D = HbJ β16D, β112D > HbA > Hb J > HbA β112T = HbJ β16D, β112T > HbJ β16D, β112V > HbA β112V. This extensive kinetic investigation of single/double amino acid-substituted recombinant hemoglobin molecules, in conjunction with molecular modeling studies, has allowed examination of an array of unique α/β subunit interactions and assembly processes.
SGK regulation of renal sodium transport

Purpose of reviewThe serum and glucocorticoid regulated kinase (SGK) family of protein kinases shares similar biochemical and hormonal signaling properties; however, the SGK kinases also exhibit distinct differences in regulating renal sodium (Na+) transport. This review will highlight recent advanc
Photochemical probes of biomembrane structure and function. Cyclohexanone photochemistry in a model system.

— The photochemical reactions of cyclohexanone have been studied in the system sodium octanoate/1-decanol/water which is known to form bilayers under the conditions used. Cyclohexanone photochemistry was also studied in aqueous media, 1-decanol, and decane. The photoproducts from the bilayer system result predominantly from reaction of the carbonyl group of cyclohexanone at the hydroxy methylene group of 1-decanol. These products include cyclohexanol, decanal, and n-decyl hexanoate. It is concluded that cyclohexanone in the bilayer system is largely concentrated near the hydroxy methylene group of 1-decanol.
Adventures in Symbiosis

Modelisation de la symbiose entre H. et C. Ce modele simule l'equilibre des populations d'hydres et d'algues et est utilise pour detecter les parametres qui regulent la stabilite de la symbiose et de sa rupture causee par l'eutrophisation
Real Exchange Rate Targeting, Macroeconomic Performance and Sectoral Income Distribution in Developing Countries

This paper uses a two-sector general equilibrium model to analyse both steady-state and stochastic dynamic effects of two real exchange rate targeting policies: a constant-target, and a band-target rule. In the model, targeting is implemented by imposing a stochastic fully-rebatable tax on the consumption of non-traded goods. The first result is that when comparing only steady states, a real exchange rate appreciation favours labour and capital in the non-traded sector, while factors in the traded sector are favoured by depreciations. A second result is that both rules reduce the volatility of investment and the trade balance. The third key result is that in the stochastic economy sectoral income distribution outcomes depend on the design of the constant and band-target rules. In particular, a variety of outcomes may be generated depending on the magnitude of the constant target, or the amplitude of the band, relative to the volatility of productivity shocks.
Frederick C. McLellan and Clinical Cystometrics

Precise analysis of lower urinary tract function was an unfulfilled dream only a century ago. By the late 19th century, water manometers and plethysmographs were utilized to measure bladder pressures. In the early 1900s, Rose developed a cystometer that was later improved by Munro. In 1938 Frederick C. McLellan, active in clinical research under Reed Nesbit at the University of Michigan, was the first to apply the earlier principles and cystometric tools to a large group of patients and created the first modern paradigm of bladder dysfunction. McLellan's work brought clinical relevance to the cystometer and thus precision to the analysis of lower urinary tract function.
From isolation to war, 1931-1941

In search of peace Manchuria dictators and neutrality toward war in Europe toward war in the Pacific day of infamy.
Acute retinal necrosis caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 in children: reactivation of an undiagnosed latent neonatal herpes infection.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is known to cause acute retinal necrosis (ARN). The availability of HSV-2–specific polymerase chain reaction tests for diagnostic analysis has greatly increased our ability to discriminate ARN caused by HSV-2 from ARN caused by either herpes simplex virus type 1 or varicella zoster virus (VZV). Of great interest, HSV-2 appears to be the most common cause of viral ARN in children and adolescents. Although a few children with ARN are known to have had neonatally acquired herpes infection, most children lack a history of known herpes disease. Thus, the origin of the HSV-2 infection is a mystery. The hypothesis of this review is that HSV-2 ARN in children and adolescents may be the first sign of a previously undiagnosed and asymptomatic neonatal HSV-2 infection, which has reactivated several years later from latency in a cranial nerve and entered the retina. The review brings together 7 previously published ARN cases, plus one new case is added. Thus, this review also expands the spectrum of complications from neonatal HSV-2 infection.
Prolapse Recurrence after Transvaginal Mesh Removal

Purpose: We determined the rate of pelvic organ prolapse recurrence after transvaginal mesh removal.Materials and Methods: Following institutional review board approval a longitudinally collected database of women undergoing transvaginal mesh removal for complications after transvaginal mesh placement with at least 1 year minimum followup was queried for pelvic organ prolapse recurrence. Recurrent prolapse was defined as greater than stage 1 on examination or the need for reoperation at the site of transvaginal mesh removal. Outcome measures were based on POP-Q (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System) at the last visit. Patients were grouped into 3 groups, including group 1—recurrent prolapse in the same compartment as transvaginal mesh removal, 2—persistent prolapse and 3—prolapse in a compartment different than transvaginal mesh removal.Results: Of 73 women 52 met study inclusion criteria from 2007 to 2013, including 73% who presented with multiple indications for transvaginal mesh removal. The mea...
Estimation of degree of anisotropy in transversely isotropic (TI) elastic materials from Acoustic Radiation Force (ARF)-induced peak displacements

In this work, we evaluate if directional differences in the mechanical properties of transversely anisotropic (TI) materials may be interrogated using Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) imaging. We hypothesize that ARFI-induced peak displacements (PDs) will vary depending on the orientation of the ARFI excitation to the TI material's axis of symmetry (AoS) when an asymmetrical ARFI excitation is employed, but not when a symmetrical ARFI excitation is used. We further hypothesize that the ratio of the PDs induced with the long axis of an asymmetrical ARFI excitation oriented along versus across the material AoS will be related to the degree of anisotropy of the material. These hypothesizes were tested in silico using finite element method (FEM) models and Field II. ARFI excitations had F/1.5, 3, 4, or 5 focal configurations, with the F/1.5 case having the most asymmetrical and the F/5 case having the most symmetrical point spread function (2D PSF) at the focal depth. These excitations were implemented for ARFI imaging in 18 different TI materials with varying degrees of anisotropy. The ratio of PDs at the focal depth when the AoS was oriented along versus across the long axis of the ARFI-2D PSF was calculated. The degree of anisotropy in the materials was represented by the ratio of the longitudinal and transverse shear modulus and by the ratio of the longitudinal and transverse Young's modulus. To describe the relationship between the ratio of PDs and material anisotropy, piecewise linear regression of the ratio of PDs versus the ratio of shear moduli and of the ratio of PDs versus the ratio of Young's moduli were calculated. The slopes were highest for the F/1.5 ARFI excitation, indicating that the ratio of PDs was most strongly impacted by the material orientation when the ARFI impulse was most asymmetrical. On the contrary, the slope was roughly zero for the F/5 ARFI excitation, which indicates that PD did not depend on the orientation of the material when the ARFI excitation was symmetrical. These results suggest that symmetrical ARFI focal configurations are desirable when the orientation of the ARFI excitation to the AoS is not specifically known and standardization of measurement is important, such as for longitudinal or cross-sectional studies of anisotropic organs. However, asymmetrical focal configurations are useful for exploiting anisotropy. Finally, the ratio of PDs reflects degree of anisotropy in TI materials.
Lower Cretaceous Strata in the Lhasa Terrane, Tibet, with Implications for Understanding the Early Tectonic History of the Tibetan Plateau

Abstract Sedimentary strata in southern Tibet indicate that upper crustal deformation occurred throughout the region during Early Cretaceous time, suggesting that construction of the Tibetan plateau commenced tens of millions of years before the Late Cretaceous–early Tertiary Indo-Asian collision. Lower Cretaceous strata in the northern portion of the Lhasa terrane are characterized by lithic-rich conglomerate beds deposited in shallow marine and meandering-river fluvial environments. Sediments in these units were derived from two primary sources: volcanic rocks associated with Early Cretaceous intrusions, and sedimentary strata eroded from the northern Lhasa and southern Qiangtang terranes. The majority of detrital zircons from Lower Cretaceous fluvial conglomerate beds in northern Lhasa have U–Pb ages between 125 and 140 Ma and provide a maximum depositional age for these units of 125 ± 2 Ma. Lower Cretaceous strata in the southern portion of the Lhasa terrane consist of mudstone, quartzose sandstone, and subordinate quartzite-pebble conglomerate beds that were deposited in shallow marine and fluvial environments. Populations of detrital zircons in Lower Cretaceous conglomerate beds in southern Lhasa have U–Pb ages between 140 and 150 Ma, 500 and 600 Ma, and 850 and 950 Ma, and provide a maximum depositional age for these units of 143 ± 2 Ma. Both the modal composition and detrital-zircon U–Pb ages of the Lower Cretaceous conglomerate exposed in northern and southern Lhasa suggest different source areas, diachronous deposition, and possibly distinct genetic histories. Throughout most of the Lhasa terrane, the Lower Cretaceous clastic strata are overlain by a widespread limestone of Aptian–Albian age that was deposited in a shallow carbonate sea containing rudist patch reefs and muddy inter-reef zones. With respect to the tectono-sedimentary setting of the Lhasa terrane during Early Cretaceous time, the sedimentological and stratigraphic data are most consistent with a peripheral foreland basin model, which is interpreted to have resulted from the collision between the northern margin of the Lhasa terrane and the southern margin of Asia (the Qiangtang terrane). Several characteristics of the Aptian–Albian succession can be attributed to a peripheral foreland basin setting, although deposition within the region may have been influenced by a combination of mechanisms. Sedimentary characteristics of Lower Cretaceous rocks in the Lhasa terrane are consistent with recent ideas suggesting that portions of southern and central Tibet were deformed and above sea level before the Indo-Asian collision.
On a slow inhibitory effect of free fatty acids on the respiratory chain of non-phosphorylating submitochondrial particles from beef heart

Free fatty acids (FFA) exert a variety of inhibitory effects on the energy metabolism of mitochondria. They uncouple the oxidative phosphorylation [l-4], inhibit the ATP-Pi exchange [2,3], stimulate the Mg-dependent ATPase [ 1,2] and act as endogenous ionophores for potassium ions [ 51. Moreover, the CoA-esters of fatty acids are strong inhibitors of the adenine nucleotide translocase [6] and the pyridine nucleotide transhydrogenase system [7]. FFA exhibit an instantaneous multi-site inhibition of the electron transport system of non-phosphorylating submitochondrial particles (ETP) which is relieved or prevented by serum albumin [8,9]. In this report a new inhibitory effect of FFA is described which appears slowly.
A Particle-Receptor Model for the Insulin-Induced Closure of Connexin43 Channels

Connexin43(Cx43) channels can be regulated by a variety of factors, including low pH i. Structure/function studies from this laboratory have demonstrated that pH gating follows a particle-receptor mechanism, similar to the "ball-and-chain" model of voltage-dependent inactivation of ion channels. The question whether the particle-receptor model is applicable only to pH gating or to other forms of Cx43 regulation as well remains. To address this question, we looked at the uncoupling effects of insulin and of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF) on Cx43 channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. These agonists do not induce changes in pHi. Junctional conductance (Gj) was measured by the dual 2-electrode voltage-clamp technique. Control studies showed that relative Gj did not change spontaneously as a function of time. Continuous exposure of Cx43-expressing oocytes to insulin (10 m/L) led to a decrease in Gj. After 80 minutes, Gj was 5465% from control (n512). Exposure of oocytes to IGF (10 nmol/L) caused an even more pronounced change in Gj (3764% of control, n56). The time course of the IGF-induced uncoupling was similar to that observed after insulin exposure. The effect of insulin was abolished by truncation of the carboxyl-terminal domain of Cx43 at amino acid 257 (M257). Interestingly, as in the case of pH gating, coexpression of the carboxyl-terminal domain (amino acids 258 to 282) together with M257 rescued the ability of insulin to reduce coupling (Gj, 39612% from control; n56). Structure/function experiments using various deletion mutants of the carboxyl-terminal domain showed that insulin treatment does not modify Gj if amino acids 261 to 280 are missing from the Cx43 sequence. Our results suggest that a particle-receptor (or ball-and-chain) mechanism, similar to that described for pH gating, also applies to chemical regulation of Cx43 by other factors. (Circ Res. 1998;83:27-32.)
Supportive Parenting as a Moderator of Perceived Ethnic/Racial Discrimination’s Associations With Psychological and Academic Adjustment A Comparison Between Mexican-Origin Females in Early and Middle Adolescence

With the academic risk and resilience perspective, this study examined whether global, authority, and teacher discrimination were indirectly related to academic motivation through self-esteem and depressive symptoms (H1), determined whether supportive maternal and paternal parenting moderated such associations (H2), and considered developmental differences (H3 & RQ1). Using self-reported data from 338 Mexican-origin female adolescents, the results partially supported the hypotheses. Indirect association and moderation were found among middle adolescent females of Mexican descent, but not for early adolescent females. Among middle adolescent females of Mexican descent, global discrimination was indirectly related to academic motivation through self-esteem but not through depressive symptoms. Supportive maternal parenting and supportive paternal parenting were moderators for Mexican-origin middle adolescent females but in unexpected ways.
Characterization of a two-dimensional liquid-filled ion chamber detector array used for verification of the treatments in radiotherapy

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to investigate the characteristics of a two-dimensional (2D) liquid-filled ion chamber detector array, which is used for the verification of radiotherapy treatment plans that use small field sizes of up to 10 × 10 cm. Methods: The device used in this study was Octavius 1000 SRS model (PTW, Freiburg, Germany). Its 2D array of detectors consists of 977 liquid-filled ion chambers arranged over an area of 11 × 11 cm. The size of the detectors is 2.3 × 2.3 × 0.5 mm (volume of 0.003 cm{sup 3}) and their spacing in the inner area of 5.5 × 5.5 cm is 2.5 mm center-to-center, whereas in the outer area it is 5 mm center-to-center. The detector reproducibility, dose linearity, and sensitivity to positional changes of the collimator were tested. Also, the output factors of field sizes ranging from 0.5 × 0.5 to 10 × 10 cm{sup 2} both for open and wedged fields have been measured and compared against those measured by a pin-point ionization chamber, liquid filled microchamber, SRS diode, and EDR2 film. Results: Its short-term reproducibility was within 0.2% and its medium and long-term reproducibility was within 0.5% (verified with air ionizationmore » chamber absolute dose measurements), which is an excellent result taking into account the daily fluctuation of the linear accelerator and the errors in the device setup reproducibility. The dose linearity and dose rate dependence were measured in the range of 0.5–85 Gy and 0.5–10 Gy min{sup −1}, respectively, and were verified with air ionization chamber absolute dose measurements was within 3%. The measurements of the sensitivity showed that the 2D Array could detect millimetric collimator positional changes. The measured output factors showed an agreement of better than 0.3% with the pinpoint chamber and microliquid filled chamber for the field sizes between 3 × 3 and 10 × 10 cm{sup 2}. For field sizes down to 1 × 1 cm{sup 2}, the agreement with SRS diode and microliquid filled chamber is better than 2%. The measurements of open and wedge-modulated field profiles were compared to the film and ionization chamber in water measurements. Conclusions: The Octavius Detector 1000 SRS is an accurate, precise, and reliable detector, very useful for the daily performance of the patient specific quality assurance of radiotherapy treatment plans.« less
The continuous countercurrent moving‐bed separator

An investigation of the continuous chromatographic separation of an equimolar mixture of 1,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene with a 2.4 m × 1.37 cm ID vertical countercurrent moving bed is reported. The solid adsorbent was 30 mesh Al2O3, and the separation was carried out at 200°C. Steady-state axial concentration profiles of each species were determined by withdrawing vapor samples for analysis by gas chromatography. The binary mixture was continuously fed through a port located at approximately the midpoint of the column. The relative solids and carrier gas flow rates could be adjusted so that the more strongly adsorbed trimethylbenzene was transported downward, and less strongly adsorbed trimethylcyclohexane moved upward. For low feed rates, high-purity product streams of each were obtained at the bottom and top of the separator. For sufficiently high feed rates, trimethylbenzene was transported upward as well as downward, and top product purity deteriorated. This behavior is in qualitative accord with the predictions of a dispersionless, one-dimensional flow, adsorption equilibrium model incorporating a Langmuir isotherm.
Combined Treatment of γ-Tocotrienol with Statins Induce Mammary Tumor Cell Cycle Arrest in G1

Statins and γ-tocotrienol (a rare isoform of vitamin E) both inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMGCoA) reductase activity and display anticancer activity. However, clinical application of statins has been limited by high dose toxicity. Previous studies showed that combined statin and γ-tocotrienol treatment synergistically inhibits growth of highly malignant +SA mammary epithelial cells in culture. To investigate the mechanism mediating this growth inhibition, studies were conducted to determine the effect of combination low dose γ-tocotrienol and statin treatment on +SA mammary tumor cell cycle progression. Treatment with 0.25 μM simvastatin, lovastatin, mevastatin, 10 μM pravastatin or 2.0 μM γ-tocotrienol alone had no effect, while combined treatment of individual statins with γ-tocotrienol significantly inhibited +SA cell proliferation during the 4-day culture period. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that combined treatment induced cell cycle arrest in G1. Additional studies showed t...
Transfer of dye among salivary gland cells is not affected by genetic variations of the period clock gene in Drosophila melanogaster

Larval salivary gland cells of Drosophila melanogaster were injected with a fluorescent dye to assess strengths of intercellular communication among such cells, as influenced by mutations at the period locus and by a per transgene. This clock gene had been reported to increase the extent of dye trans- fer when mutated such that it shortens the period of biological rhythms; the previous study also showed that a per-null mutant decreased the strength of transfer among salivary gland cells. Our re-examina- tion of this feature of larval physiology--in observ- er-blind analyses, using the per s and per ~ mutants as well as two per-normal strains--revealed no ap- preciable differences in extents of dye transfer among these four genotypes. These results are dis- cussed in the context of emerging findings which suggest that the period gene' s product controls pace- maker functioning as an intracellularly acting entity.
Integration of Science and Mathematics: A Theoretical Model.

Interest in interdisciplinary, integrated curriculum development continues to increase. However, teachers, who have been given primary responsibility for developing these materials, are often working with little guidance. At present there exists no clear definition of the meaning of integration of mathematics and science. A continuum model of integration is proposed as a useful tool for curriculum developers as they create new integrated mathematics and science curricula or adapt commercially prepared materials. On the continuum, activities range from mathematics or science involving no integration to those activities including balanced mathematics and science concepts. Several examples are given to illustrate the utility of the continuum model for analyzing integrated curricula. The continuum model is intended to be used by curriculum developers to clarify the relationship between the mathematics and science activities and concepts and to guide the modification of lessons.
Direct numerical simulations of roughness-induced transition in supersonic boundary layers

Direct numerical simulations are used to study the laminar to turbulent transition of a Mach 2.9 supersonic flat plate boundary layer flow due to distributed surface roughness. Roughness causes the near-wall fluid to slow down and generates a strong shear layer over the roughness elements. Examination of the mean wall pressure indicates that the roughness surface exerts an upward impulse on the fluid, generating counter-rotating pairs of streamwise vortices underneath the shear layer. These vortices transport near-wall low-momentum fluid away from the wall. Along the roughness region, the vortices grow stronger, longer and closer to each other, and result in periodic shedding. The vortices rise towards the shear layer as they advect downstream, and the resulting interaction causes the shear layer to break up, followed quickly by a transition to turbulence. The mean flow in the turbulent region shows a good agreement with available data for fully developed turbulent boundary layers. Simulations under varying conditions show that, where the shear is not as strong and the streamwise vortices are not as coherent, the flow remains laminar.
Effect of a group perceptual-motor training program on kindergarten children.

For 21 boys and 24 girls in a middle-class kindergarten no differences in Identification of Body Parts, Copy Forms, or Motor Skills Test of the Rosner-Richman Perceptual Survey were noted. Scores increased from September to May testing on copying and motor skills, e.g., walking a rail, balancing, handling balls, as expected.
A study of the distribution of aluminium in human placental tissues based on alkaline solubilization with determination by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry.

Aluminium (Al) is a nonessential element known to induce neurotoxic effects, such as dialysis dementia, in patients on hemodialysis, with compromised kidney function. The role of Al in the progression of some neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), is controversial, and remains unclear. The effects of Al on other vulnerable populations, such as fetuses and infants, have been infrequently studied. In the present study, Al has been measured in human placenta samples, comprising ∼160 each of placenta bodies, placenta membranes, and umbilical cords, using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) after atmospheric pressure digestion with tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) and ethylenediaminetetraacidic acid (EDTA). The sensitivity, or characteristic mass (m0), for Al at the 309.3-nm line was found to be 30 ± 4 pg. The instrumental detection limit (IDL) (3s) for Al in solution was calculated as 0.72 μg L−1 while the method detection limit (MDL) (3s) was 0.25 μg g−1. Accuracy was assessed through analysis of quality control (QC) materials, including certified reference materials (CRMs), in-house reference materials (RMs), and spike recovery experiments, of varying matrices. Placental tissue analyses revealed geometric mean concentrations of approximately 0.5 μg g−1 Al in placenta bodies (n = 165) and membranes (n = 155), while Al concentrations in umbilical cords (n = 154) were about 0.3 μg g−1. Al was detected in 95% of placenta bodies, and 81% of placenta membranes, but only in 46% of umbilical cords.
The Bacterial Communities of Full-Scale Biologically Active, Granular Activated Carbon Filters Are Stable and Diverse and Potentially Contain Novel Ammonia-Oxidizing Microorganisms

The bacterial community composition of the full-scale biologically active, granular activated carbon (BAC) filters operated at the St. Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) was investigated using Illumina MiSeq analysis of PCR-amplified 16S rRNA gene fragments. These bacterial communities were consistently diverse (Shannon index, >4.4; richness estimates, >1,500 unique operational taxonomic units [OTUs]) throughout the duration of the 12-month study period. In addition, only modest shifts in the quantities of individual bacterial populations were observed; of the 15 most prominent OTUs, the most highly variable population (a Variovorax sp.) modulated less than 13-fold over time and less than 8-fold from filter to filter. The most prominent population in the profiles was a Nitrospira sp., representing 13 to 21% of the community. Interestingly, very few of the known ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB; <0.07%) and no ammonia-oxidizing Archaea were detected in the profiles. Quantitative PCR of amoA genes, however, suggested that AOB were prominent in the bacterial communities (amoA/16S rRNA gene ratio, 1 to 10%). We conclude, therefore, that the BAC filters at the SPRWS potentially contained significant numbers of unidentified and novel ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms that possess amoA genes similar to those of previously described AOB.
Cortical development and neuroplasticity in Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder.

Cortical development is dependent to a large extent on stimulus-driven input. Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD) is a recently described form of hearing impairment where neural dys-synchrony is the predominant characteristic. Children with ANSD provide a unique platform to examine the effects of asynchronous and degraded afferent stimulation on cortical auditory neuroplasticity and behavioral processing of sound. In this review, we describe patterns of auditory cortical maturation in children with ANSD. The disruption of cortical maturation that leads to these various patterns includes high levels of intra-individual cortical variability and deficits in cortical phase synchronization of oscillatory neural responses. These neurodevelopmental changes, which are constrained by sensitive periods for central auditory maturation, are correlated with behavioral outcomes for children with ANSD. Overall, we hypothesize that patterns of cortical development in children with ANSD appear to be markers of the severity of the underlying neural dys-synchrony, providing prognostic indicators of success of clinical intervention with amplification and/or electrical stimulation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled .
Psychosocial Issues in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The evaluation and treatment of psychosocial problems in patients diagnosed with HCC is critical as unmet psychosocial needs or distress can increase morbidity and mortality in patients diagnosed with HCC. This chapter will provide clinicians with (1) information regarding modifiable risk factors in the development of HCC; (2) tools to facilitate the evaluation of psychosocial distress and cancer-related symptoms in HCC; (3) a brief introduction of the emotional responses commonly expressed in patients with HCC; (4) frequently presenting psychological disorders in patients diagnosed with HCC; (5) common cancer-related symptoms in which behavioral treatments that can be employed to complement conventional pharmacological treatment; and (6) information regarding issues related to caregiving, cultural and religious factors in the treatment of HCC, end of life issues, and alternative and complementary medicine in the treatment.
The Bisretinoids of RPE Lipofuscin: A Complex Mixture

Vitamin A aldehyde-derived compounds accumulate in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells as bisretinoid lipofuscin pigments and have been linked to some retinal disorders, including recessive ABCA4-related disease, dominant ELOVL-4-related maculopathy, retinal degeneration caused by mutations in the Best-1 gene, and age-related macular degeneration. These bisretinoid compounds are likely unique to RPE cells. A2E is the best known but is not the only bisretinoid constituent of RPE lipofuscin; the others include all-trans-retinal dimer, all-trans-retinal dimer-PE, all-trans-retinal dimer-E, and A2-dihydropyridine-phosphatidylethanolamine (A2-DHP-PE). Isomers and photooxidized forms of these compounds are further additions to this mixture and all are constituents of human RPE lipofuscin.
A comparison of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, air displacement plethysmography and A-mode ultrasound to assess body composition in college-age adults.

Summary Background There is currently a dearth of scientific literature exploring the agreement of A-mode ultrasound (US) body composition analysis with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and air displacement plethysmography (ADP). Objective: To investigate the agreement of US with DXA and ADP for estimating fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM). Methods College-age men (n = 33) and women (n = 41) volunteered to participate in this study. Participants were instructed to adhere to the following pretest protocol: refrain from food and drink 12 h prior to testing and wear tight fitting clothing. Body composition (BCA) was assessed using US, DXA and ADP in accordance with the respective manufacturer's guidelines. Two-way mixed-model AVOVA and Bland and Altman techniques were applied to explore agreement for FM and FFM among the three methods: US, ADP and DXA and by sex. Results There was no statistically significant effect by sex for either FM or FFM across all BCA comparisons (P = 0·504 and 0·510, respectively). US was not statistically different from ADP for FM and FFM (P ≈ 1·00). However, for FM and FFM, there were significant differences between DXA and both US and ADP (P≤0·001). The Bland and Altman analyses revealed large individual differences for all BCA. Conclusion There was statistical agreement between US and ADP for FM and FFM but lack of agreement for US and ADP when compared to DXA. However, the large limits of agreement between methods warrant caution in generalizing these findings.
Explaining the ambiguous impact of mother's autonomy on daughters' welfare in patriarchal societies

AbstractThis article attempts to dispel some of the confusion in the literature regarding the impact of mother's autonomy on daughters. Here we hypothesise that the impact of mother's autonomy varies by the extent of her autonomy. We test this hypothesis with respect to girls' education in Nepal. The results indicate that when the mother alone is making the decision it benefits her daughters, but this is not the case when the decision is made jointly with her spouse. The exception is families that have no sons, where mother's autonomy benefits daughters regardless of the extent of autonomy.
Stick It in L.A.! Community Control and Nuclear Power in California's Central Valley

"It was a civil war," farmerJim Neufeld recalled of the revolt he helped lead against a proposed nuclear power plant near the tiny town of Wasco in California's Central Valley just northwest of Bakersfield. "The scars between the two opposing sides are the same or worse than Vietnam .... I couldn't possibly talk to some of [the plant's supporters about the issue] today ... They thought of us as conniving. Yeah, we were conniving. We wanted that thing out of here."' When construction plans were announced in 1973, the SanJoaquin Nuclear Project (SJNP) split Wasco into two factions. Some so feared that the project would steal farmers' irrigation water and destroy agriculture that they put aside their farming for a season to campaign against it and boycott supporters' businesses. Eventually, much of the community united in opposition to the project and its sponsor, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). Toward the end of the conflict, in 1978, there were reports of vandalism of LADWP equipment. Farmers harassed construction workers building the plant so much they could not enter local restaurants without a confrontation or feel safe leaving their vehicles unattended. If the Department of Water and Power had not canceled the plant's construction, Neufeld is convinced his allies would have used violence. The farmers' political campaign succeeded in shifting public opinion. In March 1978, the citizens of Kern County voted by 70 percent to reject the SJNP. It was the first time that American citizens canceled a nuclear power plant.2 The successful campaign against the SJNP tells a great deal about how anti-
Familial myeloid leukemia associated with loss of the long arm of chromosome 5

A 24-member kindred is described in which four cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and one case of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) occurred over three generations. The proband was diagnosed with AML at age 47; within 6 months, her sister, age 41, was diagnosed with MDS. The proband's father, grandfather and a paternal uncle all died of AML, preceded by a pre-leukemic phase. The five cases had several clinical features in common. In the two sisters and their paternal uncle, cytogenetic analyses of bone marrow cells revealed a common abnormality characterized by loss of the long arm of chromosome 5, del(5q). No constitutional cytogenetic abnormality was detected in mitogen-stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes from the proband. In addition, there was no history of common environmental or occupational exposure in the family. The occurrence of AML and MDS in three generations of this family most likely resulted from a single gene defect with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. The association with the somatic loss of 5q material in the leukemia cells of affected members suggests that a germline mutation of a leukemia suppressor gene located on 5q might be the primary event responsible for hereditary susceptibility to leukemia in this family.