cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of bronchoalveolar lavage yield with chest computed tomography findings and symptoms in immunocompromised patients.

Introduction: Fiber-optic bronchoscopy (FOB) with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a common procedure performed in immunocompromised patients with undiagnosed pulmonary pathology. Identifying patients with the highest potential diagnostic yield may help to avoid morbidity in patients unlikely to benefit from the procedure. We sought to determine which patient factors, specifically chest computed tomography (CT) findings, affected diagnostic yield of BAL. Methods: Retrospective chart review of immunocompromised patients who underwent FOB with BAL from 01/01/2010 to 12/31/2011 at an academic medical center was performed. The lung lobe lavaged, characteristics of pulmonary infiltrate on radiograph, patient symptoms, and diagnostic yield were collected. A positive diagnostic yield was defined as a positive microbiological culture, finding on cytopathologic staining, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, alveolar eosinophilia or a positive immunologic or nucleic acid assay. Results: The overall diagnostic yield was 52.6%. Infiltrates that were predominantly reticular or nodular by CT had a lower diagnostic yield than predominantly consolidated, ground-glass, or tree-in-bud infiltrates (36.5% vs. 61.2%, P = 0.0058). The diagnostic yield was significantly improved in patients with both fever and chest symptoms compared to patients without symptoms (61.3% vs. 29.6%, P = 0.0066). Conclusion: CT findings of reticular and nodular infiltrates portend a worse diagnostic yield from BAL than those that are alveolar in nature. Symptomatic patients are more likely to have diagnostic FOB with BAL than asymptomatic patients.
Observations on the fine structure of propylthiouracil‐induced “brown degeneration” in the zona reticularis of mouse adrenal cortex

Propylthiouracil (6-propyl-2-thiouracil), an anti-thyroid agent, was fed to mice in a concentration equal to 0.1% of their diet for periods of 10 and 15 weeks. The cells of the inner zone of the adrenal cortex were examined with the electron microscope. In animals receiving propylthiouracil for ten weeks mitochondria were altered and the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) showed a marked focal proliferation. In contrast to control animals rough endoplasmic reticulum was abundant and was frequently associated with the hyperplastic SER. After 15 weeks these alterations were no longer present but had been replaced by a spectrum of "brown degeneration." The less affected cells were characterized by increased numbers of liposomes and lysosomes and the more affected cells by liposomal and mitochondrial degeneration. These observations emphasize that "brown degeneration" is a true degenerative process and not a spontaneous proliferation of ceroid pigment. It is suggested that the changes described may be directly related to an alteration in cholesterol metabolism.
Further proof for the second-derivative magnetic-resonance powder-spectrum method

It is shown analytically that the second-derivative magnetic-resonance powder-spectrum method is valid for determining the first-derivative peak-to-peak full linewidth of a Lorentzian (as well as Gaussian) single-crystal line in a polycrystalline-amorphous sample.
Expansion of Potato Late Blight Forecasting Models for the Columbia Basin of Washington and Oregon

A regional potato late blight forecasting system for irrigated potatoes in the semiarid environment of the Columbia Basin was expanded by developing specific forecasting models for four vicinities throughout the Basin. Relationships between weather and outbreaks of late blight at the locations over a 27-year period were examined using logistic regression analysis. The response variable was a year either with or without a late blight outbreak. An indicator variable representing the occurrence of an outbreak during the preceding year (Yp) and number of days of rain during April and May (Ram) correctly classified the disease status (presence or absence of late blight) of 89, 82, 78, and 78% of the years at Prosser, Washington, Hermiston, Oregon, and Hanford and Othello, Washington, respectively. The percentage of years with disease outbreaks correctly classified was 93, 85, 79, and 79% at the four respective locations. All years with late blight outbreaks and 96% of the total years were correctly classified using data from at least one of the four locations. These predictors are particularly important early in the growing season and can be used to make area forecasts. A second set of predictors, Yp and number of days of rain in July and August (Rja), for Hermiston and Hanford, and a third set, Yp, Ram, and Rja, for Prosser and Othello were found effective for making additional late blight forecasts later in the growing season.
Electronic energy states and relaxation in superlattices

Abstract Strained layer ZnSe Zn 1− x Mn x Se artificial microstructures have been successfully grown recently by molecular beam epitaxial techniques. Optical properties of these multiple quantum wells (MQW) and superlattice structures have been investigated by continuous wave and transient spectroscopies. Kinetics of the “blue” exciton and “yellow” Mn-transition are described by a thermodynamic rate equation approach.
Cantilever dynamics and energy localization during atomic force microscope infrared spectroscopy

We report rapid nanometer-scale chemical identification of polymer films using atomic force microscope infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR). AFM-IR enables chemical characterization and identification in an AFM, but requires a relatively long acquisition time for high resolution mapping due to its low signal to noise ratio (SNR). In AFM-IR, infrared laser light incident upon a sample results in photothermal expansion of the sample, which is measured by an AFM tip in contact with the sample. The resulting cantilever vibrations vary in both time and frequency. We analyze the cantilever dynamic response during AFM-IR using a wavelet transform technique, which reveals how the energy is localized in the cantilever response. Based on this analysis, we tailor a time-frequency-domain filter to identify the region of highest vibrational energy. This approach can increase the SNR of the AFM-IR signal, such that the throughput is increased by 32X compared to state of the art. We show how this SNR improvement can improve AFM-IR imaging speed and chemical identification of nanometer-scale domains in polymer films.
Prediction of Bind Value Constants of Sausage Ingredients from Protein or Moisture Content

Ingredients used in comminuted meat products were divided into four classes: Class I–striated, skeletal muscle meats; Class II – striated, nonskeletal muscle meat; Class III – organ and smooth muscle meats; and Class IV – nonmeat proteins. Within this classification scheme, bind value constants developed by different workers were subjected to regression anaylsis using protein or moisture as the independent variable. Linear or multiple regression equations with high correlation coefficients were obtained for Class I and Class III meats indicating reliable predictive value of moisture or protein content. These equations should prove useful for esimating bind value constants for meat ingredients in these classes for which such constants have not been established by experimental procedures.
An instrument to assess self-statements during public speaking: scale development and preliminary psychometric properties.

Public speaking is the most commonly reported fearful social situation. Although a number of contemporary theories emphasize the importance of cognitive processes in social anxiety, there is no instrument available to assess fearful thoughts experienced during public speaking. The Self-Statements During Public Speaking (SSPS) scale is a 10-item questionnaire consisting of two 5-item subscales, the Positive Self-Statements (SSPS-P) and the Negative Self-Statements subscale (SSPS-N). Four studies report on the development and the preliminary psychometric properties of this instrument.
Climate dependency of tree growth suppressed by acid deposition effects on soils in Northwest Russia

Increased tree growth in temperate and boreal forests has been proposed as a direct consequence of a warming climate. Acid deposition effects on nutrient availability may influence the climate dependency of tree growth, however. This study presents an analysis of archived soil samples that has enabled changes in soil chemistry to be tracked with patterns of tree growth through the 20th century. Soil samples collected in 1926, 1964, and 2001, near St. Petersburg, Russia, showed that acid deposition was likely to have decreased root-available concentrations of Ca (an essential element) and increased root-available concentrations of Al (an inhibitor of Ca uptake). These soil changes coincided with decreased diameter growth and a suppression of climate-tree growth relationships in Norway spruce. Expected increases in tree growth from climate warming may be limited by decreased soil fertility in regions of northern and eastern Europe, and eastern North America, where Ca availability has been reduced by acidic deposition.
Bioabsorbable anterior cervical plate fixation for single-level degenerative disorders: early clinical and radiographic experience

Abstract Background context Increased fusion rates have been reported with the addition of an anterior cervical plate (ACP) to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Bioabsorbable implants have become increasingly used in orthopedic and spine surgical procedures. There are limited data regarding the outcomes of bioabsorbable ACP (bACP) with ACDF. Purpose To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients undergoing ACDF for single-level degenerative disorders with a bACP versus a conventional metal ACP (mACP). Study design Retrospective comparative cohort study. Patient sample Thirty-one patients undergoing ACDF for a single-level degenerative disorder (ie, disc herniation or spondylotic neural compression). Outcome measures Incidence of early (within 2 weeks) complications, postoperative sagittal alignment, Odom's criteria, and pseudarthrosis rate. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed the results of a consecutive series of patients undergoing ACDF for symptomatic single-level disc herniation or spondylotic neural compression with either a bACP or an mACP over a 3-year period. Operative notes, clinical charts, and radiographs were analyzed. Radiographic outcomes were assessed for intersegmental alignment, graft subsidence, fusion rate, prevertebral soft-tissue shadow, and graft containment. Clinical outcome was evaluated by Odom's criteria. Results Fourteen patients underwent ACDF with a bACP and 15 with an mACP. Radiographic outcomes at the most recent follow-up demonstrated pseudarthrosis in 4 of 14 patients (29%) in the bACP group and 0 of 15 patients in the mACP group. Graft extrusion and anterior displacement was present in three of four pseudarthroses (75%). Comparing preoperative and final radiographs, cervical lordosis was maintained at the operative segment in only 3 of 14 bACP patients (21%) compared with 8 of 15 patients (53%) in the mACP group. The mean Cobb angle was 2.4°±1.9° lordosis in the mACP group and −2.7°±2.5° kyphosis in the bACP group (p=.12). In the mACP group, 14 of 15 patients had good or excellent results. In the bACP group, only 7 of 14 patients had good or excellent results. Conclusions Bioabsorbable ACP fixation was associated with a high rate of graft extrusion and early loss of intersegmental cervical alignment. Inferior clinical outcomes were observed in patients in the bACP group compared with the mACP group. Based on these findings, continued use of the bACP used in this study cannot be recommended.
Observation of a one-dimensional state on stepped Cu(775)

We report on using high-resolution angle-resolved two-photon photoemission to observe a one-dimensional surface state 0.27 eV below the Fermi level on a stepped Cu(111) surface. The state is dispersive along the step direction but localized perpendicular to the step orientation. The origin of the state may be explained by confinement due to the step-edge potential.
Relationship Between Heart Failure and Overactive Bladder

The prevalence of heart failure and overactive bladder, both of which are already quite common, will continue to increase as the population ages. Both create caregiver and self-management burdens, but additional research is needed to understand the burden overactive bladder creates for heart failure patients and their caregivers. Emerging evidence suggests a relationship between heart failure and overactive bladder in which they share a common pathophysiologic pathway via the parasympathetic system. The authors conducted a systematic literature review of overactive bladder in heart failure patients from 2007 to the present. Conflicting evidence exists for the role diuretics play in the prevalence of overactive bladder. Further research is needed to better understand the role of heart failure disease trajectory and its medical management in the natural history of overactive bladder.
Bargaining as a dynamical system

Mathematically based dynamical systems, by producing abstract representations of phenomena that change as a function of time, provide ideal models of diverse physical, biological, and social systems. This paper focuses on bargaining and negotiation, and, as such, deals with decision making in human, dyadic group systems. In particular, bargaining is viewed as an interactive process in which the communications of one bargainer affect those of the other, and vice versa. Using concepts from the study of dynamical systems, an elliptic relationship between offer and response is postulated. This relationship is used to derive predictions about the outcome states of bargaining systems on the basis of the bargainers' interactions. The results suggest that the elliptic model provides a reasonable, though not perfect, explanation of bargaining outcome.
Silicon detectors: New challenges

Abstract An introduction is given to the areas of current interest in silicon radiation detector design and fabrication. Problems associated with detector grade silicon are reviewed. Passivation of detector surfaces with silicon dioxide or amorphous silicon is described. Two examples of silicon detector applications in X-ray detection and X-ray angiography are presented.
Cell-layer interactions influence the number and position of lateral shoot meristems in Nicotiana.

In higher plants the formation of lateral shoot meristems (i.e., axillary meristems) in the axils of leaves establishes potential growth centers along the principal axis of the stem. The position and number of lateral buds in Nicotiana glauca, two genotypes of Nicotiana tabacum, and a series of interspecific periclinal chimeras composed of these species was studied to establish the role of position (location of the node along the main axis), flowering, and cell-layer interactions on the pattern of lateral meristem initiation. In N. glauca, both the number of nodes generated and the transition to flowering influenced the number and position of lateral meristems. A short-day mutant of N. tabacum grown under long days remained vegetative and never produced multiple lateral buds per node, indicating that attaining a certain node number was not sufficient to cause the formation of multiple buds. Yet, flowering plants of both short-day and day-neutral N. tabacum possessed multiple buds in their upper nodes. An analysis of the number of buds per node and bud position along the main axis in periclinal chimeras indicated that the genotype of the third apical layer (LIII) of the meristem had the greatest influence on the pattern of lateral shoot meristems in both vegetative and flowering plants. The lineage of the three apical layers (LI, LII, and LIII) of the terminal shoot meristem was preserved in primary (1 degree) lateral meristems but minor deviations in lineage were observed in secondary (2 degrees) buds (i.e., those formed later but in the same node as the 1 degree bud). An analysis of the phenotype of 2 degrees shoots that displayed deviations from expected lineage indicated that in most cases the periclinal cell divisions that destabilized the lineage occurred at the flanks of the meristem and began before the most basal node, indicating that periclinal cell divisions most likely occurred prior to the inception of the 2 degrees lateral meristem. Based on our studies, we conclude that both 1 degree and 2 degrees lateral meristems in Nicotiana ultimately descend from derivatives of all three apical layers of the terminal shoot meristem.
Interpreting results of prostate-specific antigen testing for early detection of prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE: Calculation of likelihood ratios for serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels to discriminate potentially-curable prostate cancer in men selected for having benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or in randomly selected men.
Mechanistic Studies of the Azomethine Ylide-Forming Photoreactions of N-(Silylmethyl)phthalimides and N-Phthaloylglycine

In earlier studies we have shown that irradiation of MeCN solutions of N-[(trimethylsilyl)methyl]phthalimide and N-phthaloylglycine in the presence of electron-defecient olefins (e.g., methyl acrylate) results in the production of cycloadducts. In addition, irradiation of these substances in aqueous MeCN leads to formation of N-methylphthalimide. Laser flash photolysis and fluorescence spectroscopy have now been employed to investigate the mechanistic details of these novel excited-state processes. The results of this effort show that azomethine ylides are the key reactive intermediates in these processes. In addition, the investigations provide information about the dynamics of several ylide decay pathways and the nature of the excited states responsible for the ylide-forming silyl-migration (singlet and triplet) and decarboxylation (triplet) reactions. Pulsed irradiations of MeCN solutions of N-[(trimethylsilyl)methyl]phthalimide (1) and N-phthaloylglycine (2) give rise to transients whose absorption an...
Experimental density and PC-SAFT modeling of Krytox® (perfluoropolyether) at pressures to 275 MPa and temperatures to 533 K

Density data from 298 to 533 K and to 275 MPa are reported for Krytox® GPL 102, a poly(perfluoropropyl ether) (PFPE) with a CF3-branched fluoropropylether repeat group. The Tait equation fit to each density isotherm have mean absolute percent deviations (MAPD) between 0.11 and 0.30% with standard deviations (SD) not exceeding 0.20%. The perturbed-chain statistical associating fluid theory (PC-SAFT) fit to the density data has an MAPD of 0.67% and an SD of 0.67%. Likewise the PC-SAFT fit to previously reported density data of Demnum®, a PFPE with an n-fluoropropylether repeat group, has an MAPD of 0.22% and a SD of 0.21% for Demnum® S-20 and an MAPD of 0.27% with a SD of 0.14% for Demnum® S-65. The trends exhibited by the PC-SAFT pure component parameters obtained from the fits of these three PFPEs are similar to those reported for linear and branched hydrocarbons with the same number of carbons.
Unsteady heat transfer coefficient estimation for long duration

Measurement of convective heat rate is difficult in ground and flight tests due to thermal and chemical mismatches between gages and surface materials. Coaxial thermocouple gages, which can be matched with metallic surfaces, are attractive if the data reduction problem can be solved. A one-dimensional estimation algorithm with a Kalman filter is extended for coaxial gages with surface and backface temperature measurements. The algorithm estimates parameters for changes in the heat-transfer coefficient due to pitch sweep and other time variations, for specific heat capacity and conductivity, and for effective gage length. Results of a hypersonic wind-tunnel test for a blunt plate with an imbedded Teflon button are compared with numerical solutions of the Navier-Stokes and boundary-layer equations.
A two-step procedure for discrete minimization of truss weight

Five optimization methods are investigated to solve for the combination of standard-size members that minimizes the weight of a truss subjected to stress, displacement, and minimumgage constraints. After comparing the performance of the five methods on four case studies, the writers recommend a two-step procedure. First, Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP) is applied to solve the equivalent continuous problem, and crosssections are rounded up to standard sizes. Second, a Genetic Algorithm (GA) is applied to search locally for a better configuration of standard-size members. From the problems studied (having 16 standard sizes and up to 96 design variables) a weight reduction of the order of 5% appears possible from the second stage at an additional computational cost of about 20%.
Modified action glueballs

Abstract The mass of the 0 + glueball in 4-dimensional lattice gauge theory with a mixed SU(2)-SO(3) action is obtained via Monte Carlo. We work in a region far from the critical end point in the phase diagram, with an action partly motivated by renormalization group flows in the Migdal-Kadanoff approximation. A large- N resummation of perturbation theory is used to show that the mass gap scales as predicted by the perturbative renormalization group. Independent of this, our results show that the ratio of the glueball mass to the square root of the string tension, obtained from a previous Monte Carlo, is a renormalization group invariant.
Attitudes of elementary teachers toward black dialect

Abstract The definitions of black dialect and attitudes toward this dialect held by the elementary school teachers in Tuscaloosa, Alabama were studied. Two hundred-ten teachers completed a brief paper and pencil questionnaire. Results indicated that black dialect may be considered a significant problem to elementary-classroom teachers. For example, one third of the teachers view black dialect as an underdeveloped, undesirable, or uneducated manner of speaking and over two-thirds indicated that the school should provide special help for the dialect-speaking children.
Capacitated facility location/network design problems

Abstract We introduce a combined facility location/network design problem in which facilities have constraining capacities on the amount of demand they can serve. This model has a number of applications in regional planning, distribution, telecommunications, energy management, and other areas. Our model includes the classical capacitated facility location problem (CFLP) on a network as a special case. We present a mixed integer programming formulation of the problem, and several classes of valid inequalities are derived to strengthen its LP relaxation. Computational experience with problems with up to 40 nodes and 160 candidate links is reported, and a sensitivity analysis provides insight into the behavior of the model in response to changes in key problem parameters.
Concentration and temperature dependence on diffusivities of CO2 and N2 for poly(dimethyl, methylphenyl siloxane)

Experimental determination of solubility and diffusion coefficients of CO2 and N2 in poly(dimethyl, methylphenyl siloxane) (PMPS) for the pressure range 0–150 kPa and the temperature range of −10°C to 45°C is discussed. The absorption isotherms were measured by pressure decay equilibrium. Diffusion coefficients were determined by modeling the transient absorption data by Fickian diffusion. The value of solubility coefficient for CO2 at 35°C was 1.21 ± 0.02 cm3 CO2 (STP)/(cm3 polymer.atm) and it increased to 2.07 ± 0.01 cm3 CO2 (STP)/(cm3 polymer.atm) at 1°C. The absorption isotherms of CO2 obtained were linear for the pressure range 0–200 kPa and the enthalpy of sorption value was −10.82 kJ/mole for CO2. However, the diffusion coefficients of CO2 changed with feed pressure. The diffusion coefficient of CO2 in PMPS at 22°C and 128.6 kPa equilibrium pressure was 7.22 × 10−6 cm2/s and thus the permeability value at these conditions was 1392 Barrers. The diffusion coefficients of CO2 at 0°C and equilibrium pressures of 125.8 kPa and 10.5 kPa were 5.72 × 10−6 cm2/s and 4.31 × 10−6 cm2/s, respectively. Consequently, the CO2 permeability in PMPS decreases by about 20% when the pressure is reduced from 125.8 to 10.5 kPa at 0°C. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
A Sobolev gradient method for treating the steady-state incompressible Navier-Stokes equations

The velocity-vorticity-pressure formulation of the steady-state incompressible Navier-Stokes equations in two dimensions is cast as a nonlinear least squares problem in which the functional is a weighted sum of squared residuals. A finite element discretization of the functional is minimized by a trust-region method in which the trustregion radius is defined by a Sobolev norm and the trust-region subproblems are solved by a dogleg method. Numerical test results show the method to be effective.
Elution column fractionation of branched polyethylene

In a systematic study of the elution column fractionation of a well characterized branched polyethylene sample it was found that one of the most important factors contributing to the efficiency was the composition selected for the p-xylene-butyl cellosolve eluting mixture. With a mixture representing the critical solvent composition at 126°C., as determined by cloud point measurements, and deposition to an amorphous phase on a fine sand support, viscosity–distribution curves were obtained which were highly reproducible and completely free of any reversal. No further improvement was gained by using an elution temperature other than 126°C. or by the substitution of tetralin or mesitylene for p-xylene. Precipitation down a temperature gradient to produce a physical separation of species provided enhanced fractionation but is of doubtful practical interest. Fractionation was readily scaled up from 2g. to 4 or 6g., merely by increasing the mixing vessel size from 500 cc. to 1000 cc. There was no loss of efficiency, and fractions with Mw = 8 × 106, more than twentyfold higher than the sample value, were obtained despite eluted polymer concentrations exceeding 0.2%. There is evidence that many of the expected differences in the fractionation behavior of linear and branched polyethylene are erased when a solvent mixture is used which has been adjusted to the appropriate critical composition.
Targeting co-stimulatory pathways: transplantation and autoimmunity

The myriad of co-stimulatory signals expressed, or induced, upon T-cell activation suggests that these signalling pathways shape the character and magnitude of the resulting autoreactive or alloreactive T-cell responses during autoimmunity or transplantation, respectively. Reducing pathological T-cell responses by targeting T-cell co-stimulatory pathways has met with therapeutic success in many instances, but challenges remain. In this Review, we discuss the T-cell co-stimulatory molecules that are known to have critical roles during T-cell activation, expansion, and differentiation. We also outline the functional importance of T-cell co-stimulatory molecules in transplantation, tolerance and autoimmunity, and we describe how therapeutic blockade of these pathways might be harnessed to manipulate the immune response to prevent or attenuate pathological immune responses. Ultimately, understanding the interplay between individual co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory pathways engaged during T-cell activation and differentiation will lead to rational and targeted therapeutic interventions to manipulate T-cell responses and improve clinical outcomes.
Molecular clock mirages

Summary The hypothesis of the molecular clock proposes that molecular evolution occurs at rates that persist through time and across lineages, for a given gene. The neutral theory of molecular evolution predicts that the clock will be a Poisson process, with equal mean and variance. Experimental data have shown that the variance is typically larger than the mean. Hypotheses have been advanced to account for the hypervariance of molecular evolution. Four recent papers show that none of the predictive hypotheses that have been proposed can be generally maintained. The conclusion is that molecular evolution is dependent on the fickle process of natural selection. But it is a time-dependent process, so that accumulation of empirical data often yields an approximate clock, as a consequence of the expected convergence of large numbers. BioEssays 1999;21:71‐75. r 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Stereotactic radiosurgery as a therapeutic strategy for intracranial metastatic prostate carcinoma.

Intracranial metastatic prostate carcinoma is rare. We sought to determine the clinical outcomes after Gamma Knife® stereotactic radiosurgery (GKSRS) for patients with intracranial prostate carcinoma metastases. We studied data from 10 patients who underwent radiosurgery for 15 intracranial metastases (9 dural-based and 6 parenchymal). Six patients had radiosurgery for solitary tumors and four had multiple tumors. The primary pathology was adenocarcinoma (eight patients) and small cell carcinoma (two patients). All patients received multimodality management for their primary tumor (including resection, radiation therapy, androgen deprivation therapy) and eight patients had evidence of systemic disease at time of radiosurgery. The mean tumor volume was 7.7 cm3 (range 1.1–17.2 cm3) and a median margin dose of 16 Gy was administered. Two patients had progressive intracranial disease in spite of fractionated partial brain radiation therapy (PBRT) prior to SRS. A local tumor control rate of 85% was achieved (including patients receiving boost, upfront and salvage SRS). New remote brain metastases developed in three patients (33%) and one patient had repeat SRS for tumor recurrence. The median survival after radiosurgery was 13 months and the 1-year survival rate was 60%. SRS was a well tolerated and effective therapy either alone or as a boost to fractionated radiation therapy in the management of patients with intracranial prostate carcinoma metastases.
Immediate prolactin release after pericommissural deafferentation in behaving male rats.

Adult male rats received a chronic midline implant of Halasz-type knife placed at the level of the anterior commissure. A chronically implanted heart cannula allowed for sequential blood sampling in unrestrained conditions. Anterior knife rotation of 180 degrees induced a significant increase of plasma prolactin concentration in 30 min. Plasma LH levels remained within control levels. It is suggested that neural projections dorsally entering the preoptic-suprachiasmatic region are significantly involved in the control of prolactin release in male rats.
The Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) Payload Development and Performance in Flight

The primary objective of the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) was to confirm the presence or absence of water ice in a permanently shad- owed region (PSR) at a lunar pole. LCROSS was classified as a NASA Class D mission. Its payload, the subject of this article, was designed, built, tested and operated to support a condensed schedule, risk tolerant mission approach, a new paradigm for NASA science missions. All nine science instruments, most of them ruggedized commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS), successfully collected data during all in-flight calibration campaigns, and most im- portantly, during the final descent to the lunar surface on October 9, 2009, after 112 days in space. LCROSS demonstrated that COTS instruments and designs with simple interfaces, can provide high-quality science at low-cost and in short development time frames. Building upfront into the payload design, flexibility, redundancy where possible even with the science measurement approach, and large margins, played important roles for this new type of pay- load. The environmental and calibration approach adopted by the LCROSS team, compared to existing standard programs, is discussed. The description, capabilities, calibration and in- flight performance of each instrument are summarized. Finally, this paper goes into depth about specific areas where the instruments worked differently than expected and how the flexibility of the payload team, the knowledge of instrument priority and science trades, and proactive margin maintenance, led to a successful science measurement by the LCROSS payload's instrument complement.
Teachers' Interventions in Preschool and Kindergarten Children's Peer Interactions

Abstract This study describes early childhood teachers' (n=25) behaviors when they became involved in children's naturally occurring peer interactions in the context of free choice activities. Relationships of these teacher interventions to adult/child classroom ratio, teacher education, teacher beliefs, and program quality were also examined. Results indicate that teachers became involved in an average of 5.5 peer interaction episodes in each 30-minute observation period. The most commonly observed interventions were statements of rules and commands, and interventions in which the teacher terminated a peer interaction. Overall program quality, high adult/child ratio, teachers' beliefs about developmentally appropriate practice, and teachers' level of education were related positively to a variety of interventions having the potential to help children become autonomous in negotiating successful peer interaction. Greater specialized preparation in early childhood education was associated with more frequent...
Fast Pyrolysis of Distillated Ashe Juniper Biomass

Ashe Juniper is one of three major species of juniper native to Texas. Communities of Ashe Juniper occupy over 8 million acres of Texas rangelands and are responsible for herbage reduction, which adversely impacts the livestock carrying capacity. Ashe Juniper wood contains aromatic liquids called essential oils, which are economically beneficial for the personal care products industry. In order to exploit this benefit Texarome, Inc. of Leaky, Texas uses a large-scale steam distillation process to extract aromatic liquids from Ashe Juniper. This process results in a large quantity of Ashe Juniper woodchip waste for which there is few uses. A moderate temperature process known as fast pyrolysis was used to convert steam-distillated Ashe Juniper into a liquid known as bio-oil. An average liquid yield of 40.8% is reported for steam-distillated Ashe Juniper biomass and an average liquid yield of 47.3% is reported Ashe Juniper biomass that has not undergone the steam distillation process. This work demonstrates that the energy content of steam distillated Ashe Juniper can be extracted and the conversion to bio-oil is another potential use for Ashe Juniper woodchip waste. An economic model of Ashe Juniper biomass developed previously by Juarez and Daugaard was used to examine the economic impact of steam-distilled Ashe Juniper by simulating a 4,046-hectare (10,000 acre) Ashe Juniper energy plantation. It was found that bio-oil could be produced for as little as $5.20/GJ on a lower heating value basis if re-investment of profits made from the sale of essential oils extracted during the steam distillation process was assumed. Bio-oil from un-distillated Ashe Juniper could be produced for $13.21/GJ.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Design, construction, and ocean testing of a taut-moored dual-body wave energy converter with a linear generator power take-off

Abstract This paper presents an overview of the SeaBeavI project which began in the fall of 2006 and culminated in the ocean testing of a 10 kW direct-drive wave energy conversion system in the fall of 2007. The SeaBeavI project was an interdisciplinary effort bringing together researchers from electrical, mechanical, and ocean engineering. A systems design approach was used to develop the taut-moored dual-body wave energy converter concept with the detailed design focused on production and ease of maintenance.
Structurable Superalgebras of Classical Type

This article classifies simple structurable superalgebras with nontrivial involution over algebraically closed fields of characteristic 0 whose Kantor Lie superalgebra is of classical (i.e., non-Cartan) type. These are either structurable superalgebras of a hermitian superform or two examples constructed from cubic forms. It also makes extensive use of the Grassmann envelope to transfer constructions and results from ordinary algebras to superalgebras.
DNA oxidative damage by terpene catechols as analogues of natural terpene quinone methide precursors in the presence of Cu(II) and/or NADH.

Natural terpene quinone methides (QM) and their derivatives have been investigated as therapeutics due to their broad antifungal, antibacterial, and antitumor activities. Recently, we reported that a terpene QM was formed from the catechol precursor through the disproportionation of Cu(II)/(I) redox cycle, and extensive DNA damage was observed throughout the oxidation process. In this paper, we investigate DNA damage with a series of terpene catechols as analogues of natural QM precursors and suggest that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are responsible for the observed DNA damage in the Cu2+-induced oxidation despite the stereo- and structural difference of these catechol or subsequent oxidation products. In addition, the presence of NADH significantly enhanced the extent of DNA damage by oxidation of these catechols. Especially with alkene catechols 6−7, the extent of DNA damage was independent of the concentration of catechols, implying that NADH enables the continuous production of ROS through the redox ...
The lunar theory of Hill and Brown

Hill and Brown solved the equations of motions of the Moon with the help of multiple Fourier series. We describe their method and show how it can be adapted, so that all work can be carried out by a computer with the help of an algebraic processor called POLYPAK.
Real-world application of breast-specific gamma imaging, initial experience at a community breast center and its potential impact on clinical care.

Abstract Background Breast-specific gamma imaging (BSGI) has brought scintimammography back to the forefront by using a dedicated small field-of-view system designed to detect and localize lesions down to 2 mm. Initial studies have reported sensitivity equaling that of magnetic resonance imaging, but with improved specificity. We reviewed our initial experience to evaluate the impact of this technology at our community breast center. Methods We performed a retrospective review of the initial 176 patients who underwent BSGI. Results A total of 128 patients underwent BSGI because of suspicious imaging, abnormal physical examination, or high risk with dense breasts. BSGI was positive in 12 of 107 patients with breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) 1, 2, or 3. Two of these were cancer. Of the 21 patients with BI-RADS 4, 18 were BSGI negative (11 with benign biopsy, 7 observed), and 3 were BSGI positive with 2 being cancer. Forty-eight patients with a new diagnosis of cancer obtained BSGI for further work-up. It was positive at a new location in 6 cases: 2 cases were new cancers in the contralateral breast, 1 was in the ipsilateral breast, and the remaining 3 had benign pathology. Of the 176 initial patients, clinical management was changed significantly in 14.2%, with another 6.3% in whom a negative BSGI could have prevented a biopsy. Conclusions BSGI has played an important role in our clinical management of breast patients with complex breast tissue. BSGI is also a good adjunctive imaging tool in the work-up of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.
Benefits and risks of clopidogrel pretreatment before coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with fibrinolytics in CLARITY-TIMI 28

The Clopidogrel as Adjunctive Reperfusion Therapy-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 28 (CLARITY-TIMI 28) trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of clopidogrel in 3,491 patients receiving fibrinolytic therapy for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Patients were randomized to clopidogrel or placebo begun at the time of fibrinolysis. This analysis reports the outcomes among the 136 patients in the trial population who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) during the index hospitalization. There was no difference in the rates of TIMI major or minor bleeding between the clopidogrel and placebo groups from randomization to the end of follow-up (13.6% vs. 14.3%, P = 1.0) or from the time of CABG to the end of follow-up (9.1% vs. 11.4%, P = 0.78). When any day for study medication discontinuation ≤5 days prior to CABG was chosen as a cut point to evaluate bleeding risk for clopidogrel vs. placebo, there was no excess bleeding in the clopidogrel group. Among patients undergoing CABG, there was a trend toward reduction in the risk of cardiovascular death, recurrent MI, or recurrent ischemia requiring urgent revascularization at 30 days for those taking clopidogrel (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.27–1.5; P = 0.37), consistent with the benefit seen in the overall trial population (OR 0.80, CI 0.65–0.97; P = 0.03). In conclusion, early clopidogrel treatment among CLARITY-TIMI 28 patients undergoing CABG was not associated with an increase in the rate of peri-operative bleeding and showed a trend toward reduction in 30-day ischemic events.
Thermal behavior of glassy phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) thin films

Ammonium nitrate (AN) is a high interest material because of its wide usage in propellants and explosives but can be difficult to handle from a formulation standpoint. It is soluble in many common solvents and has complex phase behavior. Here, we formulate phase stabilized AN (PSAN) films in a polymer matrix and characterize thermal and phase behavior using neutron reflectometry and ellipsometry. These techniques are highly sensitive to small changes in composition and density which occur during phase transitions. Our PSAN films are generally stable up to 160 °C, though we observe small material loss between 60 and 100 °C, which we attribute to solvent interactions with the PSAN. Crystallization of AN from supersaturated polymer is most common at thicker regions of the film, suggesting a critical nucleation thickness for the AN which can be avoided by making very thin films.
Mitochondrial calpain 10 activity and expression in the kidney of multiple species

Abstract Calpains, Ca2+-activated cysteine proteases, have been implicated in the progression of multiple disease states. We recently identified calpain 10 as a mitochondrial calpain that is involved in Ca2+-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. The goals of this study were to characterize the expression and activity of renal mitochondrial calpain 10 in rabbit, mouse, and rat. Using shRNA technology and immunoblot analysis three previously postulated splice variants of calpain 10 were identified (50, 56, and 75 kDa). SLLVY-AMC zymography and immunoblot analysis was used to directly link calpeptin-sensitive calpain activity to calpain 10 splice variants. Rabbit, mouse, and rat kidney mitochondria contained 75 kDa (calpain 10a), 56 kDa (calpain 10c or 10d), and 50 kDa (calpain 10e) splice variants. Interestingly, zymography yielded distinct bands of calpain activity containing multiple calpain 10 splice variants in all species. These results provide evidence that several previously postulated splice variants of calpain 10 are localized to the mitochondria in kidneys of rabbits, rats, and mice.
Preventing Weight Gain and Obesity: Indirect Effects of the Family Check-Up in Early Childhood

The early signs of obesity are observable in early childhood. Although the most promising prevention approaches are family-centered, few relevant early prevention programs exist. This study evaluated the effects of an evidence-based, home-visiting intervention, the Family Check-Up (FCU), on the trajectory of children's weight gain. The FCU was designed to prevent the development of behavior problems by improving family management practices; children's weight has not been an explicit target. On the basis of previous research and conceptual models, we hypothesized that intervention effects on parenting practices, specifically caregivers' use of positive behavior support (PBS) strategies in toddlerhood, would mediate improvements in children's weight trajectories. A total of 731 indigent caregiver-child dyads from a multisite randomized intervention trial were examined. Observational assessment of parenting and mealtime behaviors occurred from age 2-5 years. The child's body mass index (BMI) was assessed yearly from age 5-9.5 years. Path analysis with a latent growth model revealed a significant indirect effect of the FCU on the trajectory of BMI in later childhood. Improvements in caregivers' PBS in toddlerhood, which was related to the nutritional quality of the meals caregivers served to the child during the mealtime task, served as the intervening process. Furthermore, findings indicate that the FCU prevents progression to overweight and obese status amongst at-risk children. These study results add to existing evidence that has demonstrated that family-based interventions aimed at improving general family management skills are effective at preventing weight gain. Future directions are discussed.
Effect of signaled reinforcer magnitude on delayed matching-to-sample performance in individuals with intellectual disabilities

The present study investigated effects of signaled reinforcer magnitude in a delayed identity matching-to-sample procedure. Four individuals with intellectual disabilities were trained on conditional discrimination with three geometric stimuli as sample and comparison stimuli. Retention intervals ranged from 0.1 to 16 s. The magnitude of the reinforcer (different durations of access to a video game) was signaled by the background color of the screen. Matching accuracy was overall higher when the larger reinforcer was signaled, independently of retention intervals.
Cognitive status and physical function in older african americans.

Poorer cognitive and physical functions are prevalent age-related conditions that result in disability in instrumental and basic activities of daily living, hospitalization, and admission to nursing homes.1–3 Cross-sectional studies have shown an association between cognition and physical performance.3–8 Previous studies have postulated that cognitive decline affects gait and increases the risk of falls, in particular when there is evidence of impaired executive function.9–11 Executive functioning encompasses a series of high-level processes. In particular, executive function is defined as the cognitive ability to perform complex goal-directed behaviors that facilitate adaptation to new or other complex situations when highly practiced cognitive abilities no longer suffice.12 Age-related decline in cognition, including executive function, has been well documented,13,14 but information on the relationship between domain-specific cognition and lower extremity performance in older African Americans (AAs) is limited. In addition, domain-specific predictors of lower extremity function may help in guiding medical decision-making in elderly people with declining physical function. For instance, elderly patients who have poor cognitive function might be managed more aggressively for fall prevention than those with decreasing physical performance but better cognition. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between global memory and global cognition, three specific domains of cognition, and lower extremity function in elderly community-dwelling AAs from two community settings. The association between executive function and lower extremity function was examined, and in particular, determination of the strength of this association was sought, adjusting for performance in other cognitive domains.