cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-GG-T-28: Patient-Specific Rotational Tolerances and Margins Based on Prostate Shape

Purpose: To determine the impact of prostate shape and daily intra‐fraction translations and rotations on CTV coverage for PTV margins of 2, 3 and 5 mm. Materials/Methods: Twenty‐six patients with adenocarcinoma of the prostate were treated using the Calypso System on an IRB approved protocol. IMRT treatment plans meeting RTOG0126 dosimetric criteria (Dmin=79.2 Gy to 100% of CTV) were created with 2, 3, and 5 mm CTV‐to‐PTV expansions, where the CTV was the contoured prostate gland on the planning CT. Daily average translations and rotations were determined from daily real‐time electromagnetic tracking data. These rotations and translations were then applied to the planned dose distribution to obtain the daily and accumulated dose to structures for all fractions of each patient with 2, 3 and 5 mm PTV expansions. Dose volume histograms (DVHs) are computed on the planned and accumulated dose distributions to evaluate the PTV margin under real target motion. D95 and V79 were used to assess the CTV coverage of the accumulated dose distributions for each PTV margin. A parameter combining prostate average rotation and prostate elongation was deduced from patient data to assess the impact of non‐spherical geometry on target coverage. Results: When daily translations and rotations are included, V7995% was only achieved in 41%, 69% and 81% of cases with 2,3, and 5 mm margins, respectively. A strong correlation was found between elongated CTVs with large rotations, about the left‐right axis, and poor coverage. Conclusions: Rotations can cause large underdosing of the CTV depending on how elongated the prostate is along the sagittal axis. A patient‐specific geometrical parameter could be extracted from the 3D prostate structure and used to determine a PTV margin for adequate coverage within an allowed angular deviation limit. This work supported by supported by NIH R21 CA110485‐02
Overlooking Nazareth: The Ethnography of Exclusion in Galilee

Overlooking Nazareth: The Ethnography of Exclusion in Galilee. DAN RABINOWITZ. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1997. xiv. 222 pp., maps, tables, notes, references, index.
Printed organic transistors for ultra-low-cost RFID applications

Printed electronics provides a potential pathway toward the realization of ultra-low-cost radio frequency identification (RFID) tags for item-level tracking of consumer goods. Here, we report on our progress in developing materials and processes for the realization of printed transistors for low-cost RFID applications. Using inkjet printing of novel conductors, dielectrics, and organic semiconductors, we have realized printed transistors with mobilities >10/sup -1/cm/sup 2//V-s. AC performance of these devices is adequate for 135-kHz RFID, and, with further optimization, 13.56-MHz RFID appears to be within reach. We review the performance of these devices, and discuss optimization strategies for achieving the ultimate performance goals requisite for realizing ultra-low-cost printed RFID.
Computation of Infrastructure Transition Probabilities using Stochastic Duration Models

Sound infrastructure deterioration models are essential for accurately predicting future conditions that, in turn, are key inputs to effective maintenance and rehabilitation decision making. The challenge central to developing accurate deterioration models is that condition is often measured on a discrete scale, such as inspectors’ ratings. Furthermore, deterioration is a stochastic process that varies widely with several factors, many of which are generally not captured by available data. Consequently, probabilistic discrete-state models are often used to characterize deterioration. Such models are based on transition probabilities that capture the nature of the evolution of condition states from one discrete time point to the next. However, current methods for determining such probabilities suffer from several serious limitations. An alternative approach addressing these limitations is presented. A probabilistic model of the time spent in a state (referred to as duration) is developed, and the approach used for estimating its parameters is described. Furthermore, the method for determining the corresponding state transition probabilities from the estimated duration models is derived. The testing for the Markovian property is also discussed, and incorporating the effects of history dependence, if found present, directly in the developed duration model is described. Finally, the overall methodology is demonstrated using a data set of reinforced concrete bridge deck observations.
Free-edge effects in laminates under extension, bending and twisting. II - Sublaminate/layer modeling and analysis

The stress-function-based variational method of Yin (1991) is extended and modified into a combined layer/sublaminate approach applicable to a laminated strip composed of a large number of differently orientated, anisotropic elastic plies. Lekhnitskii's (1963) stress functions are introduced into two interior layers adjacent to a particular interface. The remaining layers are grouped into an upper sublaminate and a lower sublaminate. The stress functions are expanded in truncated power series of the thickness coordinate, and the differential equations governing the coefficient functions are derived by using the complementary virtual work principle. The layer/sublaminate approach limits the dimension of the eigenvalue problem to a fixed number irrespective of the number of layers in the sublaminate, so that reasonably accurate solutions of the interlaminar stresses can be computed with extreme ease. For symmetric, four-layer, angle-ply and cross-ply laminates, a comparison of the previous analysis results based on the pure layer model and new results based on two different layer/sublaminate models indicates reasonable over-all agreement in the interlaminar stresses and superior agreement in the total peeling and shearing force.
Global transformation of rotation matrices to Euler parameters

A global algorithm for transforming rotation matrices to Euler parameters is presented. Although it has no apparent computational or numerical advantage over the known algorithms, it elucidates the relationship between the rotation matrix form and the Euler parameter form. It employs the singular-value decomposition, a numerically ideal algorithm involving orthogonal transformations. Attitude parameterization is reviewed and an analytical framework is provided.
The Use of Complementary and Alternative Interventions as a Holistic Approach with Older Adults

The use of complementary and alternative interventions by health care clinicians, in particular social workers, as a method to relieve chronic conditions, such as depressive symptoms in older adults, is addressed in this paper. Psychotherapy, pharmaceuticals, and other medical interventions are often enhanced when accompanied by alternative practices like yoga. Practitioners can learn to use these methods and/or work with a clinician who has a particular alternative skill set. Bringing complementary interventions into one's practice assures that older adults are receiving “best practices.”
La leptine, l'obésité des rongeurs et le circuit neuroendocrinien contrôlant le poids corporel

De nombreuses etudes cliniques ont suggere l'hypothese que le poids corporel est regule autour d'un ≪ point de consigne ≫, et lorsqu'un individu l'atteint, des mecanismes compensatoires s'opposent au changement de poids dans les deux directions. La perte de poids chez les sujets minces ou obeses, associee a une depense energetique moindre, est en faveur de cette hypothese, de meme que le taux eleve de recidive observe chez les sujets obeses qui suivent un regime. Une base moleculaire possible des differences de poids entre les individus a ete suggeree par le clonage du gene ob et par l'identification de la leptine, hormone des adipocytes qui fonctionne en tant que signal afferent dans une boucle de regulation negative du poids corporel.
Quantifying Spatial Characteristics of Cities

Land-use initiatives represent a potentially effective tool for coping with the kinds of mobility pattern that North American cities faced in the 1990s and still face in the present century. As fin...
Role of actin filament organization in cell volume and ion channel regulation

The actin cytoskeleton is an intracellular structure, which is involved in the onset and control of cell shape and function. In order for this relevant network to control its own and thus cell volume, specific interactions between the actin cytoskeleton and ion channel regulation controlling intracellular salt and water homeostasis may be invoked. The hypotonic shock-induced, cell volume regulatory decrease (RVD) of most eukaryotic cells is a particularly useful example, as it is initiated and regulated by concerted processes involving both adaptive changes in actin filament organization and bulk fluid extrusion triggered by saline movement and the consequent decrease in cell water. The onset of RVD is linked to the selective activation of osmotically-sensitive ion channels and other relevant ion transport mechanisms involved in the net ionic movement from the cytosol. Such regulatory processes, entailing effector changes in actin filament organization which target the plasma membrane, are largely unknown. In this report, recent studies are summarized implicating dynamic changes in gel properties of the actin cytoskeleton as the effector mechanism in the regulation of ion channel activity, and thus cell volume, in human melanoma cells. Based on the characterization of the hypotonic cell volume regulatory response of human melanoma cells devoid of a functional actin-binding protein (ABP-280, a filamin homolog) and their genetically rescued counterpart transfected with a functional ABP, a hypothesis is raised which is consistent with a regulatory "sensory" mechanism based on the ability of actin networks to respond to changes in the intracellular water-salt homeostasis, which in turn effects signals controlling membrane function, including ion channel activity.
Practical limitations to indentation testing of thin films

A method that is becoming increasingly common for measuring the mechanical behavior of thin films is low-load indentation testing. However, there can be complications in interpreting the results as many factors can affect hardness and moduli measurements such as surface roughness and determination of the indentation contact area. To further the understanding, the mechanical properties of thin (50 nm) films of AlN on sapphire substrates were evaluated using a scanning force microscopy (SFM) based pico-indentation device to allow imaging of the surface and indentations. The primary emphasis was the types of problems or limitations involved in testing very thin, as deposited films in which properties are desired over indentation depths less than 50 nm.
New Public Management and District Reform Managerialism and Deflection of Local Leadership in a Texas School District

Examining work and community relations in one Texas school district, this study explores intensifying managerialism under performance accountability (PA) pressures. Reports, press releases, and media accounts are combined with ethnographic study from one elementary school to explore the enactment of school district reforms. Locating PA within a broader public sector reform approach termed New Public Management (NPM), the article looks at the influence of accountability relations informed by these logics on work and community relations. In contrast to rhetorical promises of improved responsiveness to client concerns, the findings suggest more centralized decision making and control as district administrators respond to state targets. Implications for reform logics that invoke and reinforce an antidemocratic managerialism are discussed in light managerial practice that deflect community activism and discipline teacher work.
Proportions of a Yellow Perch Population Surfacing after a Rotenone Treatment

(1977). Proportions of a Yellow Perch Population Surfacing after a Rotenone Treatment. The Progressive Fish-Culturist: Vol. 39, No. 1, pp. 27-28.
The Clinical Implications of Aspects of a Child's Degree of Psychological Mindedness in Dynamically Oriented Child Psychotherapy

The recent empirical and conceptual development of the concepts of mentalization and reflective functioning (RF) have yet to be fully linked directly to the clinical process in psychodynamically oriented psychotherapy with children and adolescents. In this paper, two categories of mentalization or psychological mindedness are briefly described. In the first example, the child is deemed agnostic toward processes of mentalization, and treatment is geared toward setting a frame to this type of experience of self and other. In the second stance, the child is overtly antagonistic toward such processes, and treatment is aimed at responding to challenges to this framework. In the last category, the child is already showing arenas of psychologically mindedness, and the therapeutic process is aimed at broadening this framework to other affects. Two detailed clinical vignettes are then provided to demonstrate how the child's relative degree of awareness of the affective and cognitive states of themselves and others...
Colovaginoplasty using the Yang-Monti modification

Abstract Objective Bowel vaginoplasty is particularly difficult in patients who are extremely obese or those with an android pelvis. This report evaluates the use of the Yang-Monti principle as a viable alternative in the reconstruction of these patients. Methods Upon retrospective chart review of patients who underwent bowel replacement vaginoplasty between 1980 and 2008, 4/60 were identified who underwent the Yang-Monti modification. The neovagina was created with an 8‒10-cm segment of descending colon which was detubularized and then retubularized using the Yang-Monti principle. This was sewn in place in the perineum. Outcome was evaluated by physical examination data and clinical information on postoperative sexual function. Results Three of the four patients had an XY karyotype and an android pelvis, and of these two were failures of previous ileovaginoplasties and one was a failed colovaginoplasty. The fourth was a case of primary mullerian failure (XX) in a morbidly obese individual. All four were discharged without complication following surgery. With a median follow-up of 6 years (range 4–9), none showed evidence of introital stenosis or required dilation. Two were engaged in vaginal intercourse at last consultation, and they reported vaginal length was adequate. No further procedures were required in any of the patients at the end of the follow-up period. Conclusion The Yang-Monti modification, when used as an adjunct to colovaginoplasty, can be an effective reconstructive technique in this subset of patients. It allows for lengthening of the neovagina, without perpetuating tension on the vascular pedicle.
Concurrent Validity of the PPVT-R for College Students

The relationship of the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test Revised and the McGraw-Hill Basic Skills System was examined for 50 predominately black college freshmen and sophomores. Both Forms L and M of the PPVT-R correlated significantly (.34 to .58) with the Reading, Writing, and Vocabulary subtests of the McGraw-Hill system. Students scored about one standard deviation below the mean on both measures. Skills measured by the instruments appear different enough to preclude use of the PPVT-R as the first screening test.
Peroxidase activity of hemoglobin and its subunits: effects thereupon of haptoglobin.

Abstract Studies of the peroxidase activity of human hemoglobin A and its separated α and β subunits have shown that native hemoglobin possesses greater peroxidase activity than isolated subunits containing an equivalent amount of heme. Upon recombination of unlike subunits, peroxidase activity approaches that of an equivalent quantity of native hemoglobin. Similar results were obtained when hemoglobin H ( β 4 A ) replaced β subunits prepared from hemoglobin A. It is concluded that the peroxidase activity of the heme moiety, like its binding behavior with gaseous ligands, is affected by interactions between unlike polypeptide chains. Experiments are presented which suggest that haptoglobin enhances the peroxidase activity of the heme moiety through conformational effects on the globin moiety.
Plaque Formation by Mixed Cultures of Nonprimary Plaque-Forming Microorganisms:

Some oral organisms that do not form artificial plaque in pure culture interacted to form adherent plaque when combined in mixed culture. The presence of a nonprimary plaque-forming strain of Streptococcus salivarius in combinations with one of several other nonprimary plaque formers, resulted in depositions of large quantities of plaque containing significant amounts of a fructose-positive polysaccharide.
Characteristics of Successful and Unsuccessful Insanity Pleas

Thirty men acquitted “not guilty by reason of insanity” (NGRI) were matched on type of violent crime and compared to 30 men who unsuccessfully raised the insanity defense. Demographic, legal process, and psychological variables were compared. Eighty percent of successful acquittees previously had been found incompetent to stand trial, compared to only 33% of those found guilty and sentenced to prison. Ninety-six percent of NGRI acquittees opted for trial before a judge rather than a jury; 76% of cases raising an unsuccessful defense were heard in front of a jury. Unsuccessful attemptees also had significantly higher IQ scores and personality profiles characterized by acting-out potential and intact reality testing compared to profiles of NGRIs. The ability of the legal system to identify those meeting criteria for the insanity defense is discussed.
Problems of kin recognition.

Behavioural ecologists have long assumed that animals discriminate between their kin and non-kin, but paid little attention to how animals recognize their relatives. Although the first papers on kin recognition mechanisms appeared barely 10 years ago, studies now appear frequently in journals of animal behaviour. Initial findings reveal that kin recognition abilities are surprisingly well-distributed throughout the animal kingdom. Yet an understanding of the evolutionary and ecological significance of these abilities demands further analyses of the components of kin recognition mechanisms and the social contexts in which they are expressed. Many controversies and unresolved issues remain, and experimental approaches to these problems promise to continue making kin recognition an important, rapidly moving discipline within behavioural ecology.
The use of cyclodialysis to limit exposure to elevated intraocular pressure in rat glaucoma models.

Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most common risk factor for glaucoma and pressure control is the goal of current clinical glaucoma therapy. Yet, recent clinical studies have documented that, even after therapeutic lowering of IOP, glaucomatous visual field loss can progress in many patients. Experimental elevation of IOP in the rat is commonly used to model human glaucomatous injury. However, there currently is no rodent model for the clinical situation of glaucomatous progression in eyes with apparently controlled IOP. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of surgical cyclodialysis to produce both prolonged, non-injurious reduction of IOP in rat eyes and to stably normalize IOP in eyes with experimental pressure elevation. To perform cyclodialysis, a blunted spatula was fashioned from a hypodermic needle and used to separate a portion of the ciliary body from the sclera, opening a channel into the suprachoroidal space to allow aqueous outflow. Experimental IOP elevation was produced in rats by unilateral injection of hypertonic saline. Cyclodialysis in normal eyes resulted in an average 40 ± 4% reduction in IOP, without marked hypotony. IOP lowering could be sustained for at least 6 months. The risk of retinal or optic nerve injury following a single cyclodialysis procedure was minimal as evidenced by unaltered levels of four injury-responsive retinal mRNAs and by normal optic nerve morphology. Cyclodialysis in eyes with experimental IOP elevation resulted in IOP normalization that was sustained for durations of 7 and 21 days in 88% and 53% of eyes, respectively. In addition, in eyes with the same cumulative dose of elevated IOP prior to the procedure, successful IOP normalization by cyclodialysis resulted in significantly less optic nerve injury than that seen in eyes in which IOP control was ineffective (p = 0.03). These studies show that cyclodialysis provides a simple, non-injurious method to reduce experimentally elevated IOP in rats that can be used to model the clinical situation of eyes previously damaged by pressure. This tool offers new opportunities for identifying and studying the molecular processes associated with glaucomatous progression and for testing potential neuroprotective therapies in a clinically relevant situation.
A randomized clinical trial of mifepristone (RU486) for induction of delayed menses: efficacy and acceptability.

Abstract Mifepristone (RU486) should be useful for inducing menstrual bleeding in women with menses delayed up to 10 days. We evaluated this potential use for “menstrual regulation” in a randomized clinical trial with 16 women, half of whom received a single 600 mg dose and half of whom received a placebo. Four of eight women in each treatment group proved to be pregnant. Seven of eight who received mifepristone were not pregnant at two-week follow-up, in contrast to four of eight who received the placebo (p = 0.15). Mifepristone may hold promise for “menstrual regulation” for women who do not have access to medical confirmation of pregnancy or who choose not to have this determination made.
Geographic Information Technologies and the History of a Shoreline: The Case of Chapter 91 in New Bedford, Massachusetts

Abstract This article discusses the use of geographic information technologies to assist researchers in the exploration of historical databases. The case study is a pilot project in which we used geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems (GPS) to study the history of the Public Waterfront Act (the “Chapter 91” program), a policy designed to balance private property rights, public interest, and environmental protection in the Massachusetts tidelands. The issues discussed range from the role of GIS in society and its limitations as a representational tool to the ability of current GIS to deal with historical data and to manage temporal attributes. *William Campbell, Richard Gelpke, and Alberto Giordano at the University of Massachusetts Boston directed the Chapter 91 pilot project. We wish to thank the many students at University of Massachusetts Boston who helped us complete the work, especially during the stages of data collection and GIS implementation. Special thanks also to Ma...
The analysis of flow rate through orifices of MEMS valves with experimental results

In this paper, we study the flow rate through orifices of an electro-thermally actuated linear MEMS gate valve which consists of a surface-micromachined metal gate on top of bulk-micromachined through orifices on silicon wafer. Theoretical models are established and a dual-iteration method is presented to calculate the air flow rate through the orifices of the MEMS valve. To compare with another method, the flow rate is also calculated using the method which considers slip flow with slip boundary condition. Corresponding to each set of initial conditions in the theoretical analysis, we conducted experiments to measure actual flow rate. Two orifices with rectangular cross-sections were used in experiments: 50 /spl mu/m /spl times/ 1000 /spl mu/m and 200 /spl mu/m /spl times/ 1050 /spl mu/m. Comparisons between the theoretical predictions and experimental results are presented. Finally, the sources of error in modeling and simulation of flow rates were discussed. It is concluded that the dual-iteration method presented in this paper works well for estimating the air flow rate through rectangular orifices of MEMS valves for the purpose of design for MEMS valves with through orifices.
Herbivory by an introduced Asian weevil negatively affects population growth of an invasive Brazilian shrub in Florida

The enemy release hypothesis (ERH) is often cited to explain why some plants successfully invade natural communities while others do not. This hypothesis maintains that plant populations are regulated by coevolved enemies in their native range but are relieved of this pressure where their enemies have not been co-introduced. Some studies have shown that invasive plants sustain lower levels of herbivore damage when compared to native species, but how damage affects fitness and population dynamics remains unclear. We used a system of co-occurring native and invasive Eugenia congeners in south Florida (USA) to experimentally test the ERH, addressing deficiencies in our understanding of the role of natural enemies in plant invasion at the population level. Insecticide was used to experimentally exclude insect herbivores from invasive Eugenia uniflora and its native co-occurring congeners in the field for two years. Herbivore damage, plant growth, survival, and population growth rates for the three species were then compared for control and insecticide-treated plants. Our results contradict the ERH, indicating that E. uniflora sustains more herbivore damage than its native congeners and that this damage negatively impacts stem height, survival, and population growth. In addition, most damage to E. uniflora, a native of Brazil, is carried out by Myllocerus undatus, a recently introduced weevil from Sri Lanka, and M. undatus attacks a significantly greater proportion of E. uniflora leaves than those of its native congeners. This interaction is particularly interesting because M. undatus and E. uniflora share no coevolutionary history, having arisen on two separate continents and come into contact on a third. Our study is the first to document negative population-level effects for an invasive plant as a result of the introduction of a novel herbivore. Such inhibitory interactions are likely to become more prevalent as suites of previously noninteracting species continue to accumulate and new communities assemble worldwide.
Throughput guarantee targeted hybrid scheduling for downlink WCDMA data networks

Emerging WCDMA data services will likely require resource allocation to ensure that throughput targets are met. Scheduling of power and rate among competing data streams is a key component to any such resource allocation strategy. We believe a scheduler should be both efficient and fair. We propose here a scheduler that takes advantage of variations in the wireless channel both channel fluctuations in time for each user, and channel variations among multiple users at a particular time. By mixing a max-min policy with a policy of serving users with relatively good channels, the scheduler can achieve individual average throughput targets in a manner that encourages system efficiency. We analyze the proposed scheduler using numerical examples, which demonstrate the superiority in both efficiency and fairness over proportional fair scheduling. We also analyze the limiting effects of system power and rate supply
The relationship between family medical history and childhood vitiligo.

Background The association between a family history of vitiligo and other autoimmune/endocrine diseases and increased incidence of childhood vitiligo has been described; however, the influence of family history on the clinical characteristics of childhood vitiligo has rarely been investigated. Objective We sought to examine the relationship between family history and the incidence, extent, and course of childhood vitiligo. Methods A retrospective chart review and telephone interviews were performed for 137 pediatric patients with vitiligo and 140 control patients (patients with acne, warts, or molluscum contagiosum matched in age, sex, and ethnicity to the study group). Information about the age, sex, ethnicity, age of onset and diagnosis, site of onset, distribution, treatment, course of disease, and family history was obtained. Results Patients with vitiligo and an extended family history of vitiligo were more likely to have an earlier age of onset of disease than those with a negative family history (odds ratio=3.70, P = .024). There was no association between family history and site of onset, distribution, or course of disease. Limitations A relatively small sample size, recall bias, disease misclassification, and confounding factors are potential limitations of this study. Conclusion Earlier onset of pediatric vitiligo is linked to a family history of vitiligo. Awareness of this association can allow for closer monitoring, earlier detection, and earlier initiation of treatment.
Influence of Spectators' Identification on Evaluation of the Past, Present, and Future Performance of a Sports Team:

This is a report of a study designed to test the prediction that persons high in identification with a sports team would be more biased in their evaluations of that team than persons low in identification. The hypothesis was supported for memory and predictions of team records as well as for direct measures of past, present, and future team evaluations. Discussion focussed on the motivational processes underlying the relationship.
Axion dark matter detection using atomic transitions.

Dark matter axions may cause transitions between atomic states that differ in energy by an amount equal to the axion mass. Such energy differences are conveniently tuned using the Zeeman effect. It is proposed to search for dark matter axions by cooling a kilogram-sized sample to millikelvin temperatures and count axion induced transitions using laser techniques. This appears to be an appropriate approach to axion dark matter detection in the $1{0}^{\ensuremath{-}4}\text{ }\mathrm{eV}$ mass range.
Performance, optimization, and fitness: Connecting applications to architectures

Recent trends involving multicore processors and graphical processing units (GPUs) focus on exploiting task- and thread-level parallelism. In this paper, we have analyzed various aspects of the performance of these architectures including NVIDIA GPUs, and multicore processors such as Intel Xeon, AMD Opteron, IBM's Cell Broadband Engine. The case study used in this paper is a biological spiking neural network (SNN), implemented with the Izhikevich, Wilson, Morris–Lecar, and Hodgkin–Huxley neuron models. The four SNN models have varying requirements for communication and computation making them useful for performance analysis of the hardware platforms. We report and analyze the variation of performance with network (problem size) scaling, available optimization techniques and execution configuration. A Fitness performance model, that predicts the suitability of the architecture for accelerating an application, is proposed and verified with the SNN implementation results. The Roofline model, another existing performance model, has also been utilized to determine the hardware bottleneck(s) and attainable peak performance of the architectures. Significant speedups for the four SNN neuron models utilizing these architectures are reported; the maximum speedup of 574x was observed in our GPU implementation. Our results and analysis show that a proper match of architecture with algorithm complexity provides the best performance. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Forage management effects on protein and fiber fractions, protein degradability, and dry matter yield of red clover conserved as silage

Abstract Due to the action of o -quinones formed via polyphenol oxidase, conserved red clover ( Trifolium pratense L.) contains abundant rumen undegradable protein (RUP), but inadequate rumen degradable protein (RDP) for dairy cattle. This study examined how forage management influences RDP, RUP, crude protein (CP) and fiber fractions in red clover silage and dry matter (DM) yields during the first full production year. In 2003 and 2006, red clover was cut early on 7 June or late on 14 June with two ∼40 d regrowth cuts. For comparison, alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) was cut early on 26 May with three ∼32 d regrowth cuts or late using the same schedule as early cut red clover. After ensiling at 370 g/kg DM, CP and fiber were fractionated according to the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS). RDP and RUP were calculated from CNCPS fractions or estimated by a more convenient Streptomyces griseus protease procedure, which gave highly related ( R 2 ≥ 0.95) estimates of CP degradability. Early cutting of red clover favorably decreased RUP, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) and increased RDP and CP in the first two harvests. Regression analyses indicated desirable levels of RDP (>150 g/kg DM) and NDF (∼400 g/kg DM) could be obtained by harvesting red clover at a mean stage weight maturity of 2.0 at first cut, 3.0 at second cut, and 3.5–4.0 at third cut. Averaged across harvest schedules, red clover had lower RDP, CP and ADF, higher RUP, and similar NDF compared to alfalfa. Total DM yields of red clover and alfalfa were not influenced by harvest schedule. Time of establishment had little effect on silage quality, but it did influence total DM yields; April vs. August seeding depressed red clover yields (12.3 t/ha vs. 13.1 t/ha) but enhanced alfalfa yields (12.5 t/ha vs. 11.9 t/ha) during the first full production year. Overall, these results suggest protein utilization and performance of dairy cattle could be moderately improved without sacrificing DM yield by taking a very early first cutting of red clover followed by regrowth cuttings made at progressively later maturities.
Evaluation of student design processes

In order to better understand how students design, a set of techniques have been developed for analyzing and criticizing design processes. As students complete design projects, data is collected on the methodologies that they follow. Using a variety of statistical and graphical tools, the data is then analyzed to profile how students spend their time during design and to identify those design practices that are most likely to be either problematic or successful. Results are provided from a series of experiments using these techniques in an introductory computer programming class.
MHC class I and II expression in prostate carcinoma and modulation by interferon-alpha and -gamma.

BACKGROUND Expression of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I and II antigens are critical for the cellular immune response. Loss of MHC expression represents one mechanism by which cancer cells escape immune recognition. PURPOSE To define MHC class I and II expression by prostate cancer (PCa) in vivo and in vitro and the ability to modulate MHC expression in vitro with IFN-α and -γ. METHODS Frozen tissue sections of 25 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and 18 PCa specimens were studied by immunohistochemistry. PCa cell lines LNCaP, PC-3, and DU145 were studied by FACS, ELISA, and cytospin. Class I was detected by monoclonal antibody (mAb) W6/32, and class II by mAb 13.17. The effects of IFN-α and -γ were assessed by testing the three cell lines in the presence or absence of varying concentrations of the cytokine for varying incubation times. RESULTS Class I was strongly expressed by 24/25 BPH specimens; 4/18 (22%) PCa were homogeneously class I-positive, while 5/18 (28%) were heterogeneously positive and 9/18 (50%) were class I-negative. PC-3 and DU-145 expressed normal levels of class I, while LNCaP expressed only low levels. All lines except LNCaP demonstrated significant up-regulation of class I with either IFN-α or -γ. Class II expression was not seen in BPH epithelium nor in 17/18 PCa. Class II could be only weakly induced in the three PCa lines. CONCLUSIONS These findings confirm prior studies demonstrating that class I expression is commonly lost or diminished in PCa. In addition, class II up-regulation by IFN-γ appears very limited in relation to other normal or neoplastic epithelium. IMPLICATIONS The present findings, taken together with previous studies, are most consistent with the expression of neoantigens by PCa, which are recognized and appropriately eliminated by the cellular immune system. This selective pressure favors outgrowth of cells which down-regulate or lose class I and/or class II expression. Understanding PCa immunobiology will help in the development of effective immunotherapy for this disease. Prostate 33:233–239, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
How a US regulator can encourage new science.

The Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is developing a process to qualify biomarkers for use under particular conditions. As part of this effort, Goodsaid et al. have carried out work, described in this issue, on the formal qualification of novel biomarkers of acute renal toxicity in animals. The authors’ experiences highlight the importance of collaboration and the role of regulators. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2009) 86 5, 471–472. doi:10.1038/clpt.2009.188
Nerve Terminal Nicotinic Cholinergic Receptors on Excitatory Motoneurons in the Myenteric Plexus of Guinea Pig Intestine

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) localized to excitatory longitudinal muscle motoneurons were studied in segments of guinea pig ileum maintained in vitro. Longitudinal muscle contractions caused by the nAChRs agonists, dimethylphenylpiperazinium (DMPP), nicotine, and cytisine were measured using isometric strain gauge transducers. In normal Krebs' solution, the nAChR agonists caused concentration-dependent biphasic contractions with a rank order potency of DMPP > cytisine = nicotine. Contractions caused by DMPP and nicotine were inhibited more than 80% by tetrodotoxin (TTX, 0.3 microM). Responses caused by DMPP were inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by the competitive nAChR antagonist dihydro-beta-erythroidine (pA(2) = 5.4). In the presence of scopolamine (1 microM) to block muscarinic cholinergic receptors, the nAChR agonists caused longitudinal muscle contractions that were monophasic and smaller in amplitude than those recorded in the absence of scopolamine. With scopolamine present, the agonist rank order potency was nicotine = DMPP > cytisine. Contractions caused by DMPP and nicotine (each at 100 microM) were reduced by TTX by only 52 +/- 7 and 59 +/- 6%, respectively. Noncholinergic contractions caused by DMPP and nicotine were blocked by the neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist, CP 96,345-1 (0.3 microM). Dihydro-beta-erythroidine also inhibited noncholinergic contractions caused by DMPP with a pA(2) value of 5.4. It is concluded that nAChRs are localized to the somatodendritic region of excitatory longitudinal muscle motoneurons. There are also nAChRs localized to the nerve terminals of these neurons where agonists can cause noncholinergic contractions via a TTX-insensitive mechanism.
Transformational and taxic homology revisited

Usages and meanings of the terms "taxic" and "transformational homology" are reviewed from 1982 to the present. While "taxic homology" has been relatively invariant in its connotation, "transformational homology" as employed by different authors refers to at least three different concepts. This has resulted in confusion.
Conjugate points on the symplectomorphism group

Let \(\mathcal {D}_{\omega }^{s}(M)\) denote the group of symplectic diffeomorphisms of a closed symplectic manifold \(M\), which are of Sobolev class \(H^{s}\) for sufficiently high \(s\). When equipped with the \(L^{2}\) metric on vector fields, \(\mathcal {D}_{\omega }^{s}\) becomes an infinite-dimensional Hilbert manifold whose tangent space at a point \(\eta \) consists of \(H^{s}\) sections \(X\) of the pull-back bundle \(\eta ^{*}TM\) for which the corresponding vector field \(u=X\circ \eta ^{-1}\) on \(M\) satisfies \(\mathcal {L}_{u}\omega =0\). Geodesics of the \(L^{2}\) metric are globally defined, so that the \(L^{2}\) metric admits an exponential mapping defined on the whole tangent space. It was shown that this exponential mapping is a non-linear Fredholm map of index zero. Singularities of the exponential map are known as conjugate points and in this paper we construct explicit examples of them on \(\mathcal {D}_{\omega }^{s}(\mathbb {C}P^{n})\). We then solve the Jacobi equation explicitly along a geodesic in \(\mathcal {D}_{\omega }^{s}\), generated by a Killing vector field, and characterize all conjugate points along such a geodesic.
Literary and Rhetorical Theory in Irenaeus, Part 1

Scholars have long queried the influence of rhetorical theory upon Irenaeus’ thought. Despite the identification of various aspects of rhetorical theory in his work, a clear sense of the centrality and importance of rhetorical theory to Irenaeus has not emerged. In this article I argue that concepts belonging to literary and rhetorical theory are of central importance to Irenaeus’ anti-Gnostic polemic in AH 1.8.1-10.3 and even feature in his constructive thought. What emerges is a picture of Irenaeus as a polemicist and theologian who ably uses tools acquired in a thorough grammatical and rhetorical education.
Small HDL particles containing two apoA-I molecules are precursors in vivo to medium and large HDL particles containing three and four apoA-I molecules in nonhuman primates.

We hypothesized that small HDL particles, con- taining two apoA-I molecules but no apoA-II (LpAI), may be converted in vivo into medium and large HDL particles, containing three or four apoA-I molecules, respectively, and that more conversion will occur in animals with higher HDL concentrations. To test this possibility, kinetic studies of small LpAI were performed in African green monkeys with either high plasma HDL cholesterol concentrations (120 6 36 mg/dl, mean 6 SD, n 5 3) or low plasma HDL choles- terol concentrations (40 6 13 mg/dl, n 5 3). Tracer small LpAI was purified, without ultracentrifugation, by immu- noaffinity and gel filtration. After injection, the specific ac- tivity of apoA-I in small, medium, and large HDL, consisting of both LpAI and LpAI:AII particles, was followed. A multi- compartmental model was developed with the simultaneous analysis of urine and plasma turnover data for the kinetics of apoA-I in small, medium, and large HDL. These analyses indicated that small HDL is converted to either medium or large HDL with little or no interconversion of medium HDL and large HDL. Much of the metabolic conversion of small HDL occurs in a sequestered pool, effectively outside the circulating plasma, in a unidirectional manner before re- entering the circulating plasma as medium or large HDL. The mean fractional catabolic rate of apoA-I in small, medium, and large HDL was not different comparing the high and low HDL group. In contrast, the mean production rate of apoA-I was greater in the high HDL group compared with the low HDL group. These data support the hypoth- esis that the plasma concentration of HDL is primarily a function of the rate of appearance of apoA-I in medium and large HDL. —Colvin, P. L., E. Moriguchi, P. H. R. Bar- rett, J. S. Parks, and L. L. Rudel. Small HDL particles con- taining two apoA-I molecules are precursors in vivo to me- dium and large HDL particles containing three and four apoA-I molecules in nonhuman primates. J. Lipid Res. 1999. 40: 1782-1792.
Native and exotic plant species show differential growth but similar functional trait responses to experimental rainfall

In the coming decades, rainfall in many Mediterranean-type ecosystems is expected to decline overall, but also become more variable interannually. Historically plant communities in these regions have been dominated by native shrubs, but are becoming increasingly invaded by exotic annual species, making it important to evaluate how native versus exotic species will respond to shifting rainfall patterns associated with climate change. Exotic species are often found to possess a suite of traits associated with fast growth and resource uptake, as well as high plasticity in traits. Hence, we hypothesized that exotic species would benefit disproportionately over native species under high rainfall conditions, while native species with more conservative growth strategies would better tolerate drought. We evaluated these expectations by manipulating rainfall (five levels, from total exclusion to a doubling of ambient rainfall) over plots containing a mix of herbaceous exotic species, mature native shrubs, and planted shrub seedlings, and measured functional trait and growth responses of focal species. We found significant variation among groups in their response to variation in rainfall quantity: growth of exotic herbaceous species was higher in response to high rainfall, and lower in response to drought, compared with native adult shrubs, with juvenile shrubs having an intermediate response. In contrast with these growth responses, functional traits of native and exotic species responded similarly to experimental variation in rainfall. Further, although we found exotic species possessed thinner leaves and higher photosynthetic capacity, neither mean trait values nor trait plasticity were predictive of species-level responses to altered rainfall in this system. We conclude that while some functional traits often predict community composition across large environmental gradients, traits may not predict species responses to environmental change at local scales with limited species pools.
The Power of Pleistocene Hunter-Gatherers

The first hunter-gatherers in North America were present at the time mammoths and other large mammals native to the continent rapidly became extinct. These early people may have been at least partly responsible for the extinctions (Martin and Klein, 1984). In this chapter we address some questions about Paleoindian foraging and the possible effect it had on mammoth populations. We also offer suggestions about the nature of the debate that has continued for decades over the cause of the extinction event.
Metabolism of Glycolic and Glyoxylic Acids.

SummaryIt has been shown that in the fasted rat glycolic acid does not form glycogen nor does it form acetone bodies in the fed or fasted rat. Glyoxylic acid causes the formation of acetone bodies in the fed rat. From this evidence it has been concluded that neither glycolic nor glyoxylic acids are inter-mediates in the transformation of glycine to glucose in the animal body.
AN APPROACH BY GAME THEORY TO DESIGN OF ROBUST OUTPUT FEEDBACK CONTROLLERS

This paper considers the problem of design of robust output feedback controllers with parameteruncertainties.Using game theory,the design of robust controllers in the minmax sense is transformed intooptimization,verification of the saddle point condition,and robust stability analysis.And the transforma-tion condition is obtained.Finally,an example is given to illustrate the design procedure of the robust con-trollers.
An Ultra-miniature Rb Atomic Clock

An ultra-miniature Rb atomic clock is reported in this paper.For this Rb atomic clock,the microwave cavity is filled with a new type of ceramic material to reduce the physics package,the Rb spectrum lamp can lighten instantly with the aid of a voltage step-up circuit.Besides,it is the first time in China for this kind of clocks that the low voltage technique is applied to the circuits to realize 12 V(DC) supply and the output signal of this ultra-miniature Rb atomic clock can be synchronized with outside 1 PPS(1 pulse per second) signal.The volume of this Rb atomic clock is 190 mL and it can be locked in 3 minutes after starting.The frequency stability of this clock is 1.5×10-11/τ(1/2)(τ :1～1 000 s),the power dissipation is 5.5 W for stable status.