cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MUC1 and estrogen receptor α gene polymorphisms in dry eye patients

Abstract Dry eye syndrome is a collection of common disorders of multifactorial etiology. Although the epidemiology of dry eye has been well studied, reports of genetic patterns that might influence susceptibility to dry eye are few. We reported that the frequency of non-Sjogren's aqueous-deficient dry eye patients expressing only the MUC1/A splice variant of the mucin MUC1 may be lower than that of a normal control group [Imbert, Y., Darling, D.S., Jumblatt, M.M., Foulks, G.N., Couzin, E.G., Steele, P.S., Young, W.W., Jr., 2006. MUC1 splice variants in human ocular surface tissues: possible differences between dry eye patients and normal controls. Exp. Eye Res. 83, 493–501]. Also, He et al. [He, Y., Li, X., Bao, Y., Sun, J., Liu, J., 2006. The correlation of polymorphism of estrogen receptor gene to dry eye syndrome in postmenopausal women. Yan. Ke. Xue. Bao. 22, 233–236] reported a difference between Chinese dry eye and control groups in the frequency of a polymorphism in estrogen receptor α (ERα). In the present study we determined the statistical significance and generality of these observations and tested if the MUC1 splice variant difference between subject groups reflected a difference in the MUC1 variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) size class. There was a perfect correlation between the MUC1/A or MUC1/B splice variant pattern and the SNP genotype frequency of the SNP (rs4072037) controlling that splicing event. In contrast, western and Southern blotting indicated that MUC1 VNTR size class corresponded to the MUC1 SNP genotype in only 80% of cases. We determined the status of the MUC1 SNP in normal and dry eye populations all of whom were female Caucasians. The MUC1 SNP genotype frequency of the normal control group was statistically different from both the non-Sjogren's aqueous-deficient dry eye group with ocular surface staining (P = 0.017) and the evaporative dry eye group (P = 0.015). We also tested SNP rs2234693 to analyze the polymorphism in the ERα gene and found no significant difference in the SNP genotype frequency between the control group and either of the dry eye subtypes. Thus, among Caucasians there is no evidence for an association of the ERα gene polymorphism with dry eye syndrome as previously described in a Chinese population. In conclusion, the etiologies of evaporative dry eye and non-Sjogren's aqueous-deficient dry eye are known to be different. However, our results suggest that both of these subtypes of dry eye disease may share a common mechanism or factor related to MUC1 genotypic differences that affects susceptibility to ocular surface damage. This altered susceptibility may not be related to the MUC1 VNTR size class. Therefore, mechanisms influencing protection of the ocular surface against inflammation and damage in different types of dry eye disease warrant further investigation particularly in relation to MUC1 genotype.
Oxidation, flavor, and texture of walnuts reduced in fat content by supercritical carbon dioxide

English walnuts are popular because of their good taste, high n−3 FA content, and reported hypocholesterolemic effects. However, walnuts have a high fat content (∼70% w/w) that is highly polyunsaturated, which contributes to oxidative instability. The objectives of this study were: (i) to use supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extraction to decrease the total fat content of walnuts, and (ii) to determine the effects of SC-CO2 lipid extraction on the oxidative stability, flavor, and textural characteristics of the reduced-fat walnuts. The fat content of English walnut pieces was reduced by 25 and 40% with a pilot-scale SC-CO2 extraction system. Full-fat, 25-, and 40%-reduced-fat walnuts were stored at 25 and 40°C for 8 wk. FA profiles were similar for residual oil in all treatments, and the profiles did not change with storage. PV and volatile compounds were significantly greater (P<0.05) in full-fat walnuts than in reduced-fat walnuts at both storage temperatures. A trained sensory panel judged the reduced-fat walnuts to be less astringent and to have less walnut and rancid flavors. Full-fat walnuts had greater hardness than reduced-fat walnuts by both sensory and instrumental texture profile analyses. In general, reducing the relative fat contents of walnuts by 25% improved oxidative stability and maintained a high level of consumer acceptance.
The New Comet

ALTHOUGH others besides myself have probably noticed the remarkable inconsistencies in the published reports of the new comet, it seems worth while to draw attention to them. Its reported position for April 25, May 2 and May 4 are based on telegrams from the Cape and Peru, and there seems no reason to doubt their correctness. If, however, they are accurate, the comet could not have been seen in England in the morning, as at no time did it rise till after the sun. Yet Mr. Chambers saw it at Eastbourne at 3.5 a.m. on the 2nd, and a correspondent in the Daily News says it was fifteen degrees above the southern horizon at 3.30 a.m. on the 7th.
Utilization of the Bone/Liver Alkaline Phosphatase Activity Ratio in Blood Plasma as an Indicator of Ascorbate Deficiency in Salmonid Fish

AbstractThe goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that the ratio of liver to bone alkaline phosphatase in blood plasma reflects the ascorbate status in scurvy-prone teleost fish (rainbow tr...
Dietary Insulin Index and Insulin Load in Relation to Endometrial Cancer Risk in the Nurses' Health Study

Background: Although unopposed estrogen exposure is considered the main driver of endometrial carcinogenesis, factors associated with states of insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia are independently associated with endometrial cancer risk. We used dietary insulin load and insulin index scores to represent the estimated insulin demand of overall diets and assessed their association with endometrial cancer risk in the prospective Nurses' Health Study. Methods: We estimated incidence rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for risk of invasive endometrial cancer using Cox proportional hazards models. Between the baseline dietary questionnaire (1980) and 2010, we identified a total of 798 incident-invasive epithelial endometrial adenocarcinomas over 1,417,167 person-years of follow-up. Results: Dietary insulin scores were not associated with overall risk of endometrial cancer. Comparing women in the highest with the lowest quintile, the multivariable-adjusted RRs of endometrial cancer were 1.07 (95% CI, 0.84–1.35) for cumulative average dietary insulin load and 1.03 (95% CI, 0.82–1.31) for cumulative average dietary insulin index. Findings did not vary substantially by alcohol consumption, total dietary fiber intake, or body mass index and/or physical activity ( P heterogeneity ≥ 0.10). Conclusions: Intake of a diet predicted to stimulate a high postprandial insulin response was not associated with endometrial cancer risk in this large prospective study. Considering the complex interplay of diet, lifestyle, and genetic factors contributing to the hyperinsulinemic state, dietary measures alone may not sufficiently capture absolute long-term insulin exposure. Impact: This study is the first to investigate dietary insulin scores in relation to endometrial cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(8); 1512–20. ©2014 AACR . This article is featured in Highlights of This Issue, [p. 1443][1] [1]: /lookup/volpage/23/1443?iss=8
Freiberg's disease in diabetes mellitus.

We evaluated a total of 13 cases of Freiberg's disease in patients aged 47–77 years collected over an 8-year period. Seven were associated with diabetes mellitus and one with chronic renal failure; the remainder had no underlying disease. Atrophy of intrinsic small foot muscles secondary to neuropathy, which is prevalent in diabetes mellitus, may play a part in the development of Freiberg's infraction.
WE‐A‐224A‐01: IMRT Modeling Influence On Planning

The quality of an intensity modulated radiation therapy(IMRT)treatment plan can be strongly influenced by the physical and mathematical models underlying a clinical planning system. This lecture provides an overview of the models that are commonly employed for purposes of treatment planning for megavoltage (MV) photon‐beam IMRT achieved through multi‐leaf collimator(MLC) delivery. IMRTtreatment planningmodels will be examined which include models of: ionizing‐radiation dose computation; fluence‐map optimization; MLC delivery sequence optimization; dosimetric plan evaluation; and “biologic” plan evaluation. Models will be studied with focus on the assumptions, merits, and limitations involved with different models. The differences between reality and the models will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on plan characteristics that exist in reality but are not reflected in the model of the IMRT delivery. The influence of the algorithms employed to implement the models will also be discussed including methods that involve discretization, rounding, and limited numerical precision. Practical examples that demonstrate the influence of modeling differences on IMRT plan quality will be presented. Educational Objectives: 1. Understand the influence of the choice of physical models employed in clinical IMRT. 2. Understand the assumptions, merits, and limitations involved with different IMRT planning models. 3. Review the conditions where IMRT modeling is suspect and requires careful scrutiny in clinical implementation.
Self-Focusing and Stimulated Raman and Brillouin Scattering in Liquids

Experimental results on the self-focusing of a laser beam in many liquids are reported. It is shown that the optical Kerr effect and electrostriction cannot explain the temperature variation of self-focusing in some liquids. Forward stimulated Brillouin scattering seems important in such cases. Measurements on the generation of stimulated Raman and Brillouin radiation in liquids are presented. The effect of selffocusing and self-trapping on the forward-backward asymmetry in the Stokes generation is discussed. Other qualitative features in the stimulated Raman and Brillouin scattering are explained.
The proximity of DNA sequences in interphase cell nuclei is correlated to genomic distance and permits ordering of cosmids spanning 250 kilobase pairs.

The physical distance between DNA sequences in interphase nuclei was determined using eight cosmids containing fragments of the Chinese hamster genome that span 273 kb surrounding the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) gene. The distance between these sequences at the molecular level has been determined previously by restriction enzyme mapping (J.E. Looney and J.L. Hamlin, 1987, Mol. Cell Biol. 7: 569-577; C. Ma et al., 1988, Mol. Cell Biol. 8: 2316-2327). Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to localize the DNA sequences in interphase nuclei of cells bearing only one copy of this genomic region. The distance between DNA sequences in interphase nuclei was correlated to molecular distance over a range of 25 to at least 250 kb. The observed relationship was such that genomic distance could be predicted to within 40 kb from interphase distance. The correct order of seven probes was derived from interphase distances measured for 19 pair-wise combinations of the probes. Measured distances between sequences approximately 200 kb apart indicate that the DNA is condensed 70- to 100-fold in hybridized nuclei relative to a linear DNA helix molecule. Cell lines with chromosome inversions were used to show that interphase distance increases with genomic distance in the 50-90 Mb range, but less steeply than in the 25-250 kb range.
A FURTHER INQUIRY INTO THE SOURCE OF THE VIRUS IN BLACKHEAD OF TURKEYS, TOGETHER WITH OBSERVATIONS ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF IPECAC AND OF SULFUR

That the ovum of Heterakis papillosa is an important source of the virus in the natural transmission of blackhead in turkeys is suggested by experimental evidence obtained in the present investigation. Confirmatory morphological evidence has not thus far been obtained to establish definitely that this worm serves as the invertebrate host of Histomonas meleagridis. It is possible occasionally to produce blackhead in turkeys by feeding large amounts of the virus alone, as obtained in liver lesions. This artificial procedure is, however, not duplicated in nature since the lesions of the disease are not eaten by young turkeys. The intentional contamination of the food of young turkeys with dirt taken from hen yards has in the present experiments invariably produced blackhead. The conditions provided are essentially those that prevail in many farmyards. The identity of blackhead infection in common fowls with that of turkeys is indicated by the production of the typical disease in a turkey by the inoculation of liver lesions obtained from a diseased chicken. It is not known whether variation in the period between the ingestion of Heterakis ova and the onset of the disease is dependent on the absence of the virus for a time or on the absence of the conditions necessary for invasion. Under experimental conditions a large proportion of the Heterakis ova fail, at least when fed by hand, to hatch out in the intestine, but, passing through, may later be taken up with contaminated food. This is shown by the occurrence in the ceca of larvae in various stages of development long after the Heterakis material is fed. Ipecac, like other drugs previously tested, is found to be of no practical value in the control of blackhead. It has no deleterious effect on Histomonas in the tissues and does not prevent the development of Heterakis. Its daily administration to the limit of tolerance fails to prevent infection or a fatal outcome in the naturally acquired disease. The fact that ipecac may delay the onset of the infection may perhaps be due to some physiological property of this drug. Sulfur administered daily in large amount likewise, possibly on account of its evacuant action, tends to delay infection. Recovery from inoculated blackhead is associated with a degree of immunity. That this is not permanent is indicated by the appearance of symptoms of blackhead several months after recovery from the inoculated disease. The fact that blackhead sometimes appears in mature turkeys that have been kept constantly on infested ground suggests that these birds may suffer from repeated attacks. Observations made during the course of the present investigations confirm previous conclusions as to the flagellate character of Histomonas meleagridis.
The U.S. Navy Numerical Frontal Analysis Scheme: Further Development and a Limited Evaluation

Abstract Essentials of the U. S. Navy's numerical frontal analysis model, employing special second derivatives of the potential temperature field, are reviewed. The scheme is extended to include frontal-prognosis problems, visual presentation of numerical fronts, and application of the new approach to other areas of interest in meteorology and oceanography. The difficulties of accurately depicting baroclinicity for surface frontal analysis are also discussed. A limited evaluation of the surface, 1000- and 850-mb numerical frontal analyses relative to manually analyzed fronts for six synoptic times in February 1965 over the western part of the Northern Hemisphere is presented. Average departures of numerical frontal positions from U. S. Weather Bureau analyses are about 100 n mi and are less than 50 per cent of the mesh length used by the Fleet Numerical Weather Facility. Merits and deficiencies at each of these three levels are enumerated and discussed.
Longevity of Radopholus Similis (Cobb) in Host-Free Soil

Burrowing nematodes do not survive more than six months in sandy soils in Central Florida (U.S.A.) in the absence of suscept roots. Populations in citrus roots and soil contained in cheesecloth, nylon, or polyethylene bags buried at depths of 31-152 cm disappeared within six months, whereas Hoplolaimus coronatus, Pratylenchus brachyurus, and numerous saprobic species survived under these conditions. Polyethylene was not toxic to burrowing nematodes, and was impenetrable to this species in greenhouse tests. Living uninfected or infected citrus roots in the vicinity of buried polyethylene bags of infested roots and soil had no effect in prolonging the longevity of the Radopholus contained in those bags. Burrowing nematodes in soil and roots enclosed in polyethylene failed to survive when stored six months at an average laboratory temperature of 24.4° C. and an average refrigerator temperature of 1.1° C. Additional bags of infested material placed in gallon cans of autoclaved soil and held six months at an average greenhouse temperature of 24.9° C. likewise failed to yield burrowing nematodes when the cans were either kept dry, maintained at field capacity, or placed on an alternating cycle from field capacity to dry conditions.
Magnetic susceptibility of ferromagnetic metals: Application to nickel

Expressions for the transverse and longitudinal magnetic (spin) susceptibility of ferromagnetic metals, which have been derived from density-functional theory in the local-density approximation, are simplified and made practical for computation through a transformation from a Fourier representation to an orbital representation. The method is applied to a calculation of the transverse susceptibility of ferromagnetic nickel at $T=0$. Results are obtained for spin-wave energies and widths using a semiempirical band structure.
OPTICAL BISTABILITY IN COLLOIDAL CRYSTALS

We present a one-dimensional model for the nonlinear response of a colloidal crystal to intense light illumination along a high symmetry direction. The strong coupling between light and the colloidal lattice, via the electric gradient force acting upon the particles, induces an interesting large optical nonlinearity. We obtain a bistable behavior when the incident frequency is inside the stopband of the periodic structure, with decreasing switching intensity as the frequency increases. The transmission characteristics and the magnitude of the switching threshold intensity are also in good agreement with a recent experiment. @S1063-651X~97!08703-5#
Eddy covariance mapping and quantification of surface CO2 leakage fluxes

We present eddy covariance measurements of net CO{sub 2} flux (F{sub c}) made during a controlled release of CO{sub 2} (0.3 t d{sup -1} from 9 July to 7 August 2008) from a horizontal well {approx}100 m in length and {approx}2.5 m in depth located in an agricultural field in Bozeman, MT. We isolated fluxes arising from the release (F{sub cr}) by subtracting fluxes corresponding to a model for net ecosystem exchange from F{sub c}. A least-squares inversion of 611 F{sub cr} and corresponding modeled footprint functions recovered the location, length, and magnitude of the surface CO{sub 2} flux leakage signal, although high wavenumber details of the signal were poorly resolved. The estimated total surface CO{sub 2} leakage rate (0.32 t d{sup ?1}) was within 7% of the release rate.
Precise Seasat ephemeris from laser and altimeter data

Abstract The determination of a precise Seasat ephemeris has required improvements in the modeling of the gravitational and nongravitational forces acting on the satellite. Because laser range data were used as the primary ground-based tracking measurement, the limited data distribution in July and August, 1978, necessitated the use of other data to achieve an improved ephemeris. Consequently, the Seasat altimeter data were used to provide improved data distribution in the ocean region. In this study, an 18-day continuous ephemeris was used to determine a degree and order 26 gravity field and other geodetic parameters from laser range, altimeter and altimeter crossover measurements. The resulting 18-day ephemeris had an estimated accuracy of the radial component of 34 cm RMS. The modeling of the nongravitational parameters included radiation parameter coefficients and atmospheric resistance parameters. The resulting ephemeris has been further evaluated using radio tracking data, including S-band data, and these results will be discussed.
Retinoid Toxicity for Fibroblasts and Epithelial Cells Is Separable From Growth Promoting Activity

Abstract Three different retinoids with widely varying capacity to stimulate skin repair in vivo and stimulate fibroblast and epithelial cell growth in vitro were examined for capacity to lyse the same cells at high concentrations. These included all trans retinoic acid (RA), tetrahydro tetramethyl napthalenyl benzoic acid (TTNPB), and its biologically inactive structural analogue, meta-carboxy TTNPB. Despite their differing capacities to stimulate skin repair and cell growth, all of the agents were cytotoxic for fibroblasts and epithelial cells over the same range of concentrations (0.6-3 × 10 −5 M). Cytotoxicity for both fibroblasts and epithelial cells was blocked by addition of phosphatidylcholine to the cells along with the retinoid. In the presence of high concentrations of RA (0.75-3 × 10 −5 M) and phosphatidylcholine, proliferation was observed. The proliferative response was greater under these conditions than in the presence of an optimal concentration of RA (0.75-3 × 10 −6 M) without phosphatidylcholine. These data suggest that toxicity of retinoids can be separated, at least partially, from their growth-promoting activities.
Epidermal growth factor receptor plays a significant role in hepatocyte growth factor mediated biological responses in mammary epithelial cells

Breast cancers often have deregulated hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and c-Met signaling that results in increased tumor growth and invasion. Elucidating the mechanism responsible for HGF/c-Met action in breast cancer progression has been difficult as c-Met communicates with a number of secondary receptors that can lead to various pathological outcomes. Understanding how these secondary receptors facilitate HGF/c-Met cellular responses will aid in the development of better therapeutic treatment options for breast cancer patients with elevated HGF signaling. In the present study it was shown that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays a significant role in HGF/c-Met mediated biological activities indicative of advanced tumor pathology, including enhanced proliferation and invasion. The clinically relevant EGFR inhibitor gefitinib was used to determine the role of EGFR in HGF-induced proliferation and motility in several mammary carcinoma cells including PyVmT, MDA-MB-231 and 4T1. Our analyses indicated that EGFR inhibition significantly blocked HGF activation of c-Met and EGFR and that inhibition of these pathways mitigated HGF induced proliferation and motility. The data indicate that this inhibition was not through a direct effect of gefitinib on c-Met, but that EGFR is necessary for c-Met activation in the assays performed. These results provide a novel mechanism of action for EGFR as a mediator of HGF signaling thereby linking EGFR to the oncogenic potential of c-Met in mammary carcinomas cells.
4x4 space-time codes for free-space optical interconnects

Currently, free space optical interconnect systems can be severely limited by optical crosstalk that can arise due to unfocused systems and misalignments between transmitter and receiver elements. To address this limitation, space-time codes, largely developed for radio frequency channels, are adapted for use in a free space optical interconnect system. We have extended space-time coding for a 4x4 optical channel based on on-off keying that uses real intensity-based signals. These codes improve system performance by taking advantage of the optical crosstalk in a system composed of multiple transmitters and receivers. Data is encoded by space-time codes based on orthogonal designs and is split into four streams that are simultaneously transmitted using four transmitters with the same wavelength. The received signal at each of the four optical receivers is a superposition of the transmitted signals with the addition of noise. Decision metrics are calculated making use of the received signals and the optical path gains which are determined using channel training. These metrics, in conjunction with maximum likelihood decoding, decouple the individual signals transmitted from different transmitters. Use of the modified codes based on orthogonal designs allows for simple maximum likelihood decoding based on minimum Euclidean distance. Simulated results show that our system can achieve a low BER on the order of 10 -6 even in case of a substantial misalignment between the transmitter and receiver.
Characterization of the ribonucleic acid synthesized during amino acid-deprivation of a stringent auxotroph of Escherichia coli.

Abstract A polyauxotrophic stringent mutant of Escherichia coli was used to study the nature of the RNA synthesized during amino acid starvation. A small amount of RNA, about 5% of that observed in exponentially growing cells, is made when essential amino acids have been withdrawn from the culture medium. This RNA resembles pulse-labeled messenger RNA of exponentially growing cells in zone sedimentation pattern, size distribution, localization in polysomes, base composition and decay characteristics in the presence of actinomycin. When RNA-labeled cells, from amino acid-deprived or amino acid-supplemented cultures, are incubated in complete media with actinomycin, a biphasic decay curve is obtained; the initial half-life is three to four minutes, and about 25% of the RNA is resistant to decay in both types of cell. Incubation with actinomycin leads to the conversion of considerable quantities of polysomeassociated RNA to acid-soluble products. The residual fraction of RNA resistant to decay in the presence of actinomycin can be detected in the 70 s ribosome region, reveals distinct peaks of 23, 16 and 4 s RNA on sucrose gradients, and has a base composition resembling that of ribosomal RNA. All classes of RNA examined, such as messenger and small amounts of stable RNA's, appear to be made in amino acid-deprived cells; however, the high relative proportion of messenger RNA is not consistent with proposals that require a common, co-ordinate regulation of the synthesis of all cellular RNA's.
Patriotism in the News: “Rally Round the Flag”

In the United States, journalists learn the importance of objectivity, fairness, and independence. However, these values are often undermined, especially in times of crisis. Following the September 11 attacks, the media responded with a particularly patriotic slant to their reporting. Television news was marked by news reporters wearing flag pins; flag images; and red, white, and blue patriotic banners. An experiment using patriotic and neutral news stories shows that, generally, viewers of patriotic images didn't report that patriotic news stories were less fair, sensational, biased, accurate, important, newsworthy, or balanced. There were exceptions, however, as Democrats and liberals perceived the anchor to be less objective in one patriotic news story (about terrorism). Although viewers (as a whole) of patriotic news didn't think these stories adhered less to journalistic norms, some groups were affected by the patriotic news in one important way. Certain groups who viewed the patriotic news stories w...
Key elements of plant-based diets associated with reduced risk of metabolic syndrome.

Approximately 20 %–25 % of adults worldwide have metabolic syndrome. Vegetarian and vegan diets have demonstrated effectiveness in improving body weight, glycemic control, and cardiovascular risk factors, as compared with conventional therapeutic approaches, and are potentially useful in the prevention of metabolic syndrome. This article consists of two steps: (1) a review of the literature on studies examining vegetarian and vegan diets and metabolic syndrome and (2) a review of foods and nutrients that are protective against or associated with metabolic syndromes that may help to explain the beneficial effects of plant-based dietary approaches for metabolic syndrome. The present review found eight observational research studies, and no intervention studies, examining the association of plant-based dietary approaches with metabolic syndrome. These studies, conducted mostly in Asian populations, yielded varying results. The majority, however, found better metabolic risk factors and lowered risk of metabolic syndrome among individuals following plant-based diets, as compared with omnivores. Some dietary components that are lower in the diets of vegetarians, such as energy intake, saturated fat, heme iron, and red and processed meat, may influence metabolic syndrome risk. In addition, plant-based diets are higher in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, which are protective against the development of metabolic syndrome.
Highly potent, water soluble benzimidazole antagonist for activated alpha 4 beta 1 integrin.

The cell surface receptor α4β1 integrin, activated constitutively in lymphoma, can be targeted with the bisaryl urea peptidomimetic antagonist 1 (LLP2A). However, concerns on its preliminary pharmacokinetic (PK) profile provided an impetus to change the pharmacophore from a bisaryl urea to a 2-arylaminobenzimidazole moiety, resulting in improved solubility while maintaining picomolar potency [5 (KLCA4); IC50 = 305 pM]. With exceptional solubility, this finding has the potential for improving PK to help diagnose and treat lymphomas.
Neutron-deuteron analyzing power measurements at 50 MeV. I. Backward angles

The analyzing power of polarized 50 MeV neutrons on deuterons has been measured for center-of-mass angles between 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 150\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The data, combined with forward angle measurements, are compared with recent $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{p}+d$ analyzing power measurements at 49.3 MeV and also with a three-body calculation at 46.3 MeV.
Reversal of hypercoagulable state by bilateral nephrectomy

The hypercoagulable state associated with select cases of glomerulonephritis is difficult to diagnose by standard laboratory techniques but is clinically manifested by recurrent shunt and fistula thrombosis which may be refractory to anticoagulant therapy. Bilateral nephrectomy reversed this hypercoagulable state. After renal allograft, however, the patient experienced hyperacute rejection, and transplant nephrectomy was required to cure the recurrent hypercoagulable state. The mechanism of this previously unreported phenomenon and its implications with regard to renal transplantation are discussed.
Optimal Motion Generation for Groups of Robots: A Geometric Approach

In this paper we generate optimal smooth trajectories for a set of fully-actuated mobile robots. Given two end configurations, by tuning one parameter, the user can choose an interpolating trajectory from a continuum of curves varying from that corresponding to maintaining a rigid formation to motion of the robots toward each other. The idea behind our method is to change the original constant kinetic energy metric in the configuration space and can be summarized into three steps. First, the energy of the motion as a rigid structure is decoupled from the energy of motion along directions that violate the rigid constraints. Second, the metric is shaped by assigning different weights to each term. Third, geodesic flow is constructed for the modified metric. The optimal motions generated on the manifolds of rigid body displacements in 3-D space (SE(3)) or in plane (SE(2)) and the uniform rectilinear motion of each robot corresponding to a totally uncorrelated approach are particular cases of our general treatment.
Established and Emerging Plasma Biomarkers in the Prediction of First Atherothrombotic Events

In the current Adult Treatment Panel guidelines for cardiovascular risk detection,1 the plasma-based markers recommended for use in global risk assessment or in the definition of the metabolic syndrome are low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. It is widely recognized, however, that more than half of all future vascular events occur in individuals without overt hyperlipidemia. For example, in a recent large-scale analysis of >27 000 healthy American women, 77% of all future events occurred in those with LDL-C levels <4.14 mmol/L (<160 mg/dL) and 45% of all events occurred in those with LDL-C values <3.36 mmol/L (<130 mg/dL).2 Although risk-scoring systems that additionally evaluate traditional risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, and diabetes greatly improve risk prediction, multiple studies demonstrate that 20% to 25% of all future events occur in individuals with only 1 of these factors.3 Moreover, the prevalence of traditional risk factors is almost as high in those without disease as in affected individuals.4 As our understanding of the pathobiology of atherothrombosis has improved, researchers have attempted to evaluate the activities of these biological processes by measuring markers in plasma or urine (ie, biomarkers). Indeed, a series of candidate biomarkers reflecting inflammation, hemostasis, thrombosis, and oxidative stress have been evaluated as potential clinical tools in an effort to improve risk prediction. To be useful in a clinical setting, the biomarker of interest must be shown in multiple prospective studies to predict future cardiovascular events. Retrospective studies are of limited value because they are prone to bias and cannot exclude the possibility that the particular biomarker is elevated as a result of, rather than a cause of, disease. To be used widely, the proposed biomarker should provide independent information on risk or prognosis beyond that available from global assessment algorithms such …
Ischemic pituitary apoplexy associated with the lupus anticoagulant.

Abstract Purpose : To report a case of ischemic pituitary apoplexy secondary to a hypercoagulable state following elective orthopedic surgery. Design : Observational case report. Methods : A 48-year-old Caucasian man underwent an uneventful, left-sided total hip replacement and corrective osteotomy of the proximal femur. Two days post-operative, he developed a frontal headache and blurred vision in both eyes. Results : Ophthalmic examination revealed right VIth cranial nerve palsy. Imaging studies indicated pituitary apoplexy with a large hypodense pituitary lesion with widening of the sella turcica. Laboratory findings included positive lupus anticoagulant, a normal prothrombin time (PT), and an elevated activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Five days after the initial symptoms, a transsphenoidal pituitary resection was performed. At a 6 months follow-up, the VIth nerve paresis was completely resolved. Conclusions : This case describes ischemic pituitary apoplexy associated with a pre-operatively elevated aPTT and positive lupus anticoagulant. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of atypical apoplexy concurrent with antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies following an uneventful surgery. The results we obtained on this patient suggest that an associated hypercoaguable state may increase the risk of thrombosis following elective orthopedic surgery.
Panpenalty finite element programming for plastic limit analysis

Abstract A unified panpenalty finite element programming method for limit analysis is established based on the theory of convex analysis, and a penalty-duality finite element model is constructed, which provides an efficient algorithm for the exact solution of the safety factor. In order to reduce the number of degrees-of-freedom in nonlinear programming, a generalized matrix inverse technique is suggested, resulting in a decrease in computer time. Several numerical results for structural analysis are presented.
Ethnic Origins and the Disposition of Delinquents in Israel

Theoretical considerations lead to the hypothesis that the dispositions of juvenile cases affecting Oriental Jews will be harsher than those affecting European Jews in Israel. Further, that Arab juveniles will be dealt with more harshly than will either European or Oriental Jews. Analysis of official delinquency data reveals that this is the tendency. However, the authoritarian structure of the Arab community rather than prejudice explains the difference in handling Jewish or Arabic cases.
Molecules and elementary particles

A new field theory based on a generalization of Einstein's general theory of relativity is briefly discussed and some of its predictions and their comparisons with recent experiments are presented.
An intermediate in teichoic acid biosynthesis

Summary In the presence of UDP-N-acetyl glucosamine and CDP-glycerol a membrane preparation from Staphylococcus aureus synthesizes a lipophylic compound, which is an intermediate in the synthesis of the linkage region between teichoic acid (polyribitol phosphate) and peptidoglycan. The synthesis of this intermediate is inhibited by Tunicamycin.
The Use of Seismic Data in the Preparation of Wells Prognoses for Wildcat Wells

Type of seismic data interpretation are discussed that are of particular value in planning and drilling rank wildcat offshore wells including the interpretation of velocity analyses for gross lithology and geopressures, high resolution seismic and 'bright spot' analysis for shallow gas occurrence, and simple structural analysis for relative fracture pressure estimations. 10 refs.
Inviscid Limits for Active Scalar Equations with Mildly Singular Gradients

We address the problem of inviscid limits for a class of active scalar equations, where the drift velocity u and the active scalar θ are related via a Fourier multiplier of order zero. Recent developments show that solutions to the inviscid problems may not be unique, presenting an obstacle when passing to the limit κ → 0. This difficulty can be easily removed if one assumes that \({\nabla \theta \in L^1((0, T), L^\infty(\mathbb{R}^n))}\). In this paper, we consider a weaker condition, which admits \(\nabla \theta\) to be logarithmically singular, yet allows for inviscid limits.
Optimization of amount and blending of cementitious materials in high-performance concrete

In recent years, there has been a demand by the traveling public for longer-lasting, more durable transportation structures. One of the biggest problems encountered is the corrosion of reinforcing ...
Observation of a gamma-ray flash at ground level in association with a cloud-to-ground lightning return stroke

[1] Terrestrial gamma-ray flashes (TGFs) are bright, sub-millisecond bursts of gamma-rays, originating within the Earth's atmosphere. Most TGFs have been detected by spacecraft in low-Earth orbit. Only two TGFs have previously been observed from within our atmosphere: one at ground level and one from an aircraft at 14.1 km. We report on a new TGF-like gamma-ray flash observed at ground level, detected by the 19-station Thunderstorm Energetic Radiation Array (TERA) at the University of Florida/Florida Tech International Center for Lightning Research and Testing (ICLRT). The gamma-ray flash, which had a duration of 52.7 μs, occurred on June 30, 2009 during a natural negative cloud-to-ground lightning return stroke, 191 μs after the start of the stroke. This event is the first definitive association of a gamma-ray flash with natural CG lightning and is among the most direct links to a specific lightning process so far. For this event, 19 gamma-rays were recorded, with the highest energy exceeding 20 MeV. The high-energy radiation exhibited very different behavior from the typical x-ray emission from lightning. Specifically, the gamma-ray flash had a much harder energy spectrum, consistent with relativistic runaway electron avalanche (RREA) multiplication; it did not arrive in sub-microsecond bursts, typical of leader emission from lightning, and it occurred well after the start of the return stroke, which has not been previously observed for the x-ray emission from lightning. Nevertheless, we present evidence that the source region for the gamma ray flash was the same as that for the preceding leader x-ray bursts.
On-chip photonic crystal-based micro-interferometers with high spectral sensitivity

On-chip micro-interferometers are introduced in which a slab photonic crystal is used as a dispersive material system to enhance the spectral sensitivity. The output interference pattern is observed along a detection plane. The systematic design of these micro-interferometers is discussed. The performance of these devices as on-chip integrated micro-spectrometers is investigated, and it is shown that by properly employing strong dispersive properties of photonic crystals, very compact and high resolution integrated micro-interferometer/spectrometers can be realized for lab-on-a-chip sensing applications.
Breakdown and reformation of somatic muscle during the molt cycle of the land crab, Gecarcinus lateralis.

For intermolt (nongrowing) specimens of the land crab G. lateralis the amount of recoverable muscle per claw equals 0.095 ± 0.013 (propus length × propus width)3/2 gm/cm2. During the premolt period (approximately 50 days in large specimens of this animal) the quantity of muscle per chela decreases to approximately 60% the amount found in intermolt animals; during this time the fraction of protein per unit of wet weight of muscle remains constant. Therefore the decrease in wet weight represents extensive degradation of the tissue, not merely water loss. Immediately after ecdysis water moves into the tissue. Approximately two weeks later, muscle proteins are rapidly synthesized, and the animal enters a new intermolt period with both the amount of muscle per chela and the dimensions of the chela greater than in the previous intermolt period.
Correlation of ultraviolet absorption spectra of monosubstituted benzenes by empirical resonance and inductive parameters

Abstract A simple empirical procedure has been developed for evaluating the resonance and inductive parameters from the frequency shift data of a number of monosubstituted benzenes. The resonance parameters thus obtained are found to be linearly related to the substituent constant σ + - σ n or σ − - σ n from the reactivities. The results seem to justify the usual assumption that the changes in electron distribution occurring in the molecule as a result of electronic excitation are closely parallel to those occurring in the formation of the highly polarized transition state during chemical reaction. Although no such quantitative correlation exists between the inductive parameters and the corresponding parameters from the reactivities, there is nevertheless, a definite parallel trend between them.
Path Searching Towards the Symmetric Inward Open Structure of LeuT

Few crystal structures are available for transporters related to the biomedically important neurotransmitter transporters, such as the serotonin and dopamine transporters. One of these structures is the bacterial analog LeuT, which transports Leucine. Until recently the available crystal structures of LeuT provided information on only two distinct states: an outward open state, where the S1 substrate-binding site is exposed to the extracellular vestibule, and an occluded state, where the S1 binding site is occluded from both the extracellular and intracellular vestibules. Therefore, there was not enough structural information to support an understanding of the substrate transport mechanism. Several computational models emerged to describe the inward facing conformation of LeuT in which the substrate is released. Given the structural information, some of these models (e.g., the symmetric inward open model - SIO) assumed rigid body motions in which the molecule would transition between the outward open-occluded-inward open states. We attempt to evaluate the feasibility of various models of LeuT by generating a transition path between distinct conformational states using the Motion Planning (MP) module Pathrover, a method that can identify a set of low-energy, clash-free structural intermediates between known end states. Because the sodium-hydantoin transporter Mhp1, which transitions between the same kind of states, has been crystallized in three distinct conformations, and intermediates have been calculated from a force-based approach, dynamic importance sampling (DIMS), it was used here to test the robustness of the Pathrover approach. For Mhp1 we find a clear overlap between the Pathrover computed intermediates and the DIMS intermediates, and conclude that the transition among the Mhp1 states is well represented by Pathrover. The intermediates calculated for LeuT in this work form the basis for comprehensive molecular dynamics simulations probing the molecular mechanism.
Regulatory Requirements Of The Food And Drug Administration Would Preclude Product Claims Based On Observational Research

As norms of comparative effectiveness research are sought within the biomedical and health care communities, and the science of conducting and interpreting this research develops, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must balance diverse interests. The agency’s overarching interest is the development of high-quality comparative effectiveness information that contributes to improved patient care. To further this interest, the FDA can provide expertise in trial design and postmarketing surveillance. The FDA can also ensure that manufacturers of medical products use comparative effectiveness information in product promotion in a manner consistent with regulatory requirements. In this article we observe that these requirements would preclude the manufacturer’s use in a promotional context of comparative effectiveness findings derived from an observational study. The FDA recognizes, however, that there are ongoing efforts to address the methodological problems inherent in observational approaches and to fost...
Soil carbon, nitrogen, pH, and earthworm density as influenced by cropping practices in the Inland Pacific Northwest

Abstract Farmers within the Inland Pacific Northwest are gradually transitioning to direct seed (DS) practices that reduce soil disturbance and increase surface residue compared to conventional tillage (CT). Despite this transition the impacts of DS practices on soil properties and fauna in commercial fields has been little studied in the region. During the spring and summer of 2002 and 2003 we compared soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), pH, and earthworm and cocoon densities in CT and DS fields planted to either spring wheat or pea in the Palouse region of northern Idaho. In 2002 mean SOC within the 0–10-cm depth was greater in DS fields (2.05%) than at the same depth in CT fields (1.79%), however SOC within the 30–40-cm depth was lower under DS compared to CT. Mean soil pH within the 0–10-cm depth was 5.35 under DS and 5.61 under CT indicating that pH stratification can occur when tillage is reduced. Tillage effects on SOC, TN, and pH were not found in 2003. Tillage also did not significantly influence earthworm densities, which averaged 39 individuals m −2 in 2002 and 57 individuals m −2 in 2003. Correlations were detected in 2003 DS fields between soil properties (SOC and TN) and earthworm and cocoon densities at depths above 30 cm while in 2002 correlations in DS fields occurred with cocoon density, but not with earthworm density. Direct seed management can increase near-surface SOC and TN concentrations compared to CT practices, however, SOC concentrations deeper in the soil appear to remain the same or possibly decrease. Higher SOC and TN near the soil surface, as found in DS fields, appear to promote greater earthworm densities, which may improve long-term soil productivity.
Effect of thermal expansion on the stability of two-reactant flames

The full problem of flame stability for the two-reactant model, which takes into account thermal expansion effects for all disturbance wave lengths, is examined. It is found that the stability problem for the class of two-reactant flames is equivalent to the stability problem for the class of one-reactant flames with an appropriate interpretation of Lewis numbers.