cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Copper(I) and copper(II) complexes of tetramethyldiphosphinedisulfide. I. Structural characterization of the dinuclear, molecular complex of copper(I) chloride

Abstract The potentially bidentate ligand, tetramethyldiphosphinedisulfide(CH3)4P2S2, has been found to react with copper(II) chloride dihydrate, CuCl2·2H2O, in ethanol at room temperature to yield, as the major product, a white compound. This is apparently the same substance reported in 1965 by Meek and Nicpon and formulated by them as [Cu(S2P2Me4)2][CuCl2) An X-ray crystallographic investigation has shown that the white substance is a molecular, dinuclear compound (which may, of course, dissociate or other- wise rearrange in solution) in which each Cu(I) is sur- rounded by a tetrahedral array of three sulfur atoms and one chlorine atom. The Me4P2S2 ligands have a gauche rotational configuration and each one chelates to one Cu(I) atom to form a five-membered ring. The Me4P2S4CuCl halves of the molecule are joined by two bridging sulfur atoms, one from each half, thus forming a planar Cu2S2 rhombic ring. The entire molecule has as its only symmetry element an inversion center. The principal crystallographic data are: space group, P21/n; a = 7.998(1) A; b = 9.688(2) A c = 14.473(3) A; β = 104.90(1)°; V = 1083.7(3) A3; Z = 2.
Successful treatment of congenital chylous ascites with a somatostatin analogue

Congenital chylous ascites (CCA) results from maldevelopment of the intra-abdominal lymphatic system. Newborns present with respiratory distress and abdominal distention. Medical treatment of CCA is often prolonged. A newborn with CCA was treated with octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, resulting in rapid and complete resolution of the ascites.
cDCC (Chicken homologue to a gene deleted in colorectal carcinoma) is an epithelial adhesion molecule expressed in the basal cells and involved in epithelial-mesenchymal interaction

Cloning of human DCC (deleted in colorectal carcinoma, Fearon et al., 1990) showed that it is an immunoglobulin superfamily member homologous to neural cell adhesion molecules (N-CAM). To explore the normal function of this molecule, we have cloned a chicken homologue to DCC (cDCC) and raised an antibody to DCC. cDCC is a protein of 160 kDa with an expression pattern distinct from those of other immunoglobulin family members including N-CAM and Ng-CAM. Transgene expression of cDCC in fibroblasts led to increased cell-cell adhesion. Localization studies in chicken and mouse embryos showed that DCC is expressed in the epithelia of skin, gut, lung, and bladder. In adult, the expression of DCC is limited to the basal layer of stratified epithelium in skin, crypt regions of intestinal villi, and stem cells in mammary duct. Cell aggregation assay using embryonic chicken skin epithelial cells and antibody to DCC showed it is a Ca2+ independent cell adhesion molecule. In epithelial-mesenchymal interactions during feather morphogenesis, antibody to DCC suppressed the formation of dermal condensations and the polarized localization of N-CAM and fibronectin. These results implied that DCC is an epithelial cell adhesion molecule required for mediating critical functions in epithelial-epithelial and epithelial-mesenchymal interactions.
Rapid Prototyping by Laser Foil Bonding and Cutting: Thermomechanical Modeling and Process Optimization

Abstract This paper introduces a new solid freeform fabrication technology based on successive joining of thin metal foils by laser spot welding, followed by laser cutting of each layer contour. This technology was implemented in the laboratory using a robotic Nd:YAG laser station with optical fiber transfer, and the optimal bonding and cutting conditions were determined experimentally for steel prototypes. A flexible thermomechanical finite element model of the process was established, with its boundary conditions calibrated and its predictions verified by pyrometry and profilometry measurements. This numerical model was used to study the layer deformation due to thermal gradients and to develop weld sequencing, cycle timing, and in-process heat treatment methods for minimization of warping distortions and residual stresses. This new rapid manufacturing technology can fabricate high-strength, high-density multi-metal parts and metalmatrix composites as well as internal functional structures with encapsulated active components.
Tricuspid Regurgitation: Pathophysiology and Management

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is one of the most commonly encountered valvular problems in clinical practice. Although diagnosed easily with echocardiography, it contributes to significant mortality and morbidity when severe. Once thought to be a benign functional valvular abnormality, TR has received more attention in recent years and different treatment options have emerged. However, there is no consensus regarding the superiority of one treatment approach over another. With the development of percutaneous atrioventricular valves, new horizons are open for exploration in the treatment of TR. Clinical indications of treatment are likely to change with increased use of left ventricular assist devices and increased survival of patients with poor right ventricular function. This review discusses the pathophysiology and management of TR along with newer treatment modalities currently under investigation.
Perfusion‐based fMRI: Insights from animal models

Modern functional neuroimaging techniques, including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and optical imaging of intrinsic signals (OIS), rely on a tight coupling between neural activity and cerebral blood flow (CBF) to visualize brain activity using CBF as a surrogate marker. Because CBF is a uniquely defined physiological parameter, fMRI techniques based on CBF contrast have the advantage of being specific to tissue signal change, and the potential to provide more direct and quantitative measures of brain activation than blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD)- or cerebral blood volume (CBV)-based techniques. The changes in CBF elicited by increased neural activity are an excellent index of the magnitude of electrical activity. Increases in CBF are more closely localized to the foci of increased electrical activity, and occur more promptly to the stimulus than BOLD- or CBV-based contrast. In addition, CBF-based fMRI is less affected by confounds from venous drainage common to BOLD. Animal studies of brain activation have yielded considerable insights into the advantages of CBF-based fMRI. Based on results provided by animal studies, CBF fMRI may offer a means of better assessing the magnitude, spatial extent, and temporal response of neural activity, and may be more specific to tissue state. These properties are expected to be particularly useful for longitudinal and quantitative fMRI studies.
Single‐center analysis of the first 40 adult‐to‐adult living donor liver transplants using the right lobe

The first adult-to-adult living donor liver transplant using the right hepatic lobe in the United States was performed only 2 years ago. Although initial reports were encouraging, continuous review of the results and appropriate modifications in patient management will be necessary to minimize donor risk and optimize recipient outcome. The results of 40 such transplantations were analyzed and are summarized. Recipients were listed for transplantation according to the usual criteria. Living donors were not considered for United Network for Organ Sharing status IIA patients after the initial 22 patients. Donor evaluation followed a rigid protocol. A graft-to-recipient body weight ratio of at least 0.8% was the minimum required throughout most of the study. The surgical procedures were similar, except the plane of transection was modified to better accommodate donor biliary anatomy, and uniform stenting of bile ducts was practiced after the first 10 transplants. Immunosuppression consisted of tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and a prednisone taper. The target tacrolimus level was decreased and mycophenolate was withdrawn more rapidly in the second half of the study because of the absence of acute cellular rejection. Donor morbidity has been limited to minor complications, and transplant recipient biliary complications decreased from 35% to 0%. Acute cellular rejection has not been observed despite less aggressive immunosuppression, and septic complications decreased dramatically. There have been no recipient deaths since these changes were instituted. Right lobectomy can be performed safely in the donor population. Recipient biliary complications can be minimized with stenting. Less aggressive immunosuppression is well tolerated and minimizes septic complications and attributable mortality.
DN-02VULNERABILITY AND RΓESISTANCE TO Wee1 INHIBITION IN GBM

Approximately 87% of GBMs have abnormalities in the p53 pathway. In the absence of functional p53, cell cycle G1 checkpoint control is compromised, and proliferative cells become highly reliant on G2 checkpoint control, largely regulated by Wee1 kinase. Activated Wee1 inhibits CDC2 function, thereby promoting G2 cell cycle arrest, preventing cells from entering mitosis in order to repair DNA. In tumor cells with p53 loss of function, inhibitors of Wee1 would heighten DNA damage due to compromised control of both G1 and G2 checkpoints. AZD1775 is a potent and selective small molecule inhibitor of Wee1 kinase, which demonstrates in preclinical studies, enhanced cytotoxic effect in combination with several chemotherapeutic agents. In this work, we demonstrate that pharmacological inhibition of Wee1 by AZD1775 as a single agent, in addition to cell cycle consequences, results in double-strand DNA breaks. We posit that the DNA-damaging effects of AZ1775 are greater in tumors with p53 aberrations, but also are dependent on (i) activity of Mus81-Eme1 endonuclease complex during S phase, recently shown to be regulated by Wee1 and (ii) assembly and activity of γH2A.X-mediated DNA double strand break (DSB) repair complex consequent to uncontrolled Mus81-Eme1 endonuclease activity. We selected an array of short-term cultures of glioma patient derived xenograft models (GBM43, GBM28, GBM79, GBM84, GBM46, GBM10) with aberrant and wild type G1 checkpoint pathways and investigated cytotoxic effects of AZ1775 as a single agent. Our results demonstrate that glioma xenograft cell lines harboring TP53 mutation show more sensitivity to Wee1 inhibition (IC50 1.5 µM). Further, effect on AZD1775 sensitivity after Mus81 and Eme1 depletion in glioma cells by siRNA oligonucleotides was also investigated. In summary, our results demonstrate that AZD1775, as a single agent, may be effective therapy in treatment of GBM harboring TP53 mutations.
Asian-American Literature and a Lacanian Reading of Maxine Hong Kingston's Tripmaster Monkey

In his paper, "Asian-American Literature and a Lacanian Reading of Maxine Hong Kingston's Tripmaster Monkey," Fu-jen Chen explores the protagonist's subjective progression into the post-Symbolic Real in Kingston's Tripmaster Monkey -from subject as Demand, through subject as Desire, to subject as jouissance. Tripmaster Monkey records Ah Sing's transformation from a racial paranoiac at the beginning of the novel through a subject as demand to a subject as desire who is learning to target new desires via his engaging in real myth and staging real theater, and finally to a subject as jouissance -one who is oriented to his own cause of desire and is able to enjoy. As a subject as jouissance, Ah Sing signifies a "New Man" whose racial identity as AsianAmerican is free from the grip of the nostalgic other (Chinese) or the racist Other (American) but subjected to the hyphen, the rupture as well as the joint that functions as the thing, cause of desire, and object petit a. At the end, Ah Sing finally can act as cause and subjectify the cause of his existence as an Asian-American. Fu-jen Chen, "Asian-American Literature and a Lacanian Reading of Maxine Hong Kingston's Tripmaster Monkey" page 2 of 9 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 6.2 (2004):
The contribution of the carpal bones to the assessment of skeletal age

The hand-wrist radiographs of 64 boys and 63 girls were examined to determine the effect of the elimination of the carpal centers from those considered in estimating the skeletal age using the 1959 standards of Greulich and Pyle. The carpals were found to be a source of significant variable error in girls in repeated readings by individual observers. In addition, they lagged behind epiphyseal centers, relative to the standards. Based on these and other considerations it is recommended that they not be considered in assessing skeletal age. The presence of systematic errors within and between experienced observers casts doubt upon the accuracy of the Inspectional Technique itself in cases where precise assessments are needed.
Establishing the Victim–Offender Relationship of Initially Unsolved Homicides Partner, Family, Acquaintance, or Stranger?

This analysis examines the extent to which homicides initially reported as unknown offender in end-of-year reports, once cleared, are more likely to have been perpetrated by strangers than other cl...
GROUPCOM: A computer program for investigating social processes in small groups

A flexible computer program for conducting on-line social psychological research is described. Using cathode-ray tube terminals, two to six subjects can communicate with one another, or one to six subjects can “communicate” with one to nine simulated others. In the latter case, the simulated information received by each subject can be independently manipulated. The experimenter has control over several features of the experimental trials, including response order, response type, method of response collection, and display format. The program can be used to investigate phenomena such as conformity, reaction to deviance, social comparison of abilities, group decision making, impression management, and leadership.
The bis(η5-cyclo­penta­dienyl)­methyl­zirconium(IV) methyl­tris­(penta­fluoro­phenyl)­borate ion pair

The title complex, [Zr(CH3)(C5H5)2][CH3B(C6F5)3], crystallizes as an ion pair linked through an unsymmetrical methyl bridge. The bridging Zr—Me distance [2.556 (2) A] is significantly longer than the terminal Zr—Me distance [2.251 (3) A], while the Zr—C—B angle approaches linearity [169.1 (2)°].
Nonlinear Infrared Spectroscopy of Protein Conformational Change during Thermal Unfolding

Femtosecond two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) spectroscopy, dispersed vibrational echo (DVE) spectroscopy, and dispersed pump−probe (DPP) spectroscopy of the amide I vibrations are used to follow the thermal denaturing of ribonuclease A. Each experiment measures a spectrum with features that reflect vibrational couplings between amide I transitions of the protein backbone and is therefore more sensitive to protein conformation than traditional FTIR spectroscopy. As the temperature is raised, 2D IR spectra show the disappearance of cross peaks between two vibrational transitions arising from antiparallel β-sheet structure as well as the blue shift to a diagonally elongated inhomogeneous spectrum. DVE and DPP spectra can be related to projections of the complex 2D IR correlation spectrum and also show clear signatures of β-sheet structure in the native state. Singular value decomposition of the nonlinear spectra reveal a pretransition at 47 °C that precedes the melting of β sheets in the primary denaturing t...
Utility Maximization over Ergodic Capacity Regions of Fading OFDMA Channels

This paper considers the jointly optimal rate and power allocation that maximizes a utility function of average rates in fading OFDMA multiple access and broadcast channels. Derived under the assumption that superposition coding is allowed per subcarrier, the proposed low-complexity (yet capacity-achieving) resource allocation scheme can yield higher achievable rates than the existing approaches based on exclusive subcarrier assignment. In addition, relying on the stochastic optimization tools, we develop a class of stochastic gradient iterations that are capable of converging to the optimal benchmarks without the knowledge of fading channel statistics a priori.
Zeta matrices of elliptic curves

Abstract Let O = lim n Z/p n Z , let A = O[g 2 , g 3 ] Δ , where g2 and g3 are coefficients of the elliptic curve: Y2 = 4X3 − g2X − g3 over a finite field and Δ = g23 − 27g32 and let B = A [X, Y] (Y 2 − 4X 3 + g 2 X + g 3 ) . Then the p-adic cohomology theory will be applied to compute explicitly the zeta matrices of the elliptic curves, induced by the pth power map on the free A † ⊗ Z Q -module H 1 (X, A † ⊗ Z Q) . Main results are; Theorem 1.1: X2 dY and Y dX are basis elements for H 1 ( X , Γ A ∗ ( X ) † ⊗ Z Q) ; Theorem 1.2: Y dX, X2 dY, Y−1 dX, Y−2 dX and XY−2 dX are basis elements for H 1 ( X − (Y = 0), Γ A ∗ ( X ) † ⊗ Z Q) , where X is a lifting of X, and all the necessary recursive formulas for this explicit computation are given.
Evaluating the abrasion resistance of coatings with abrasive finishing tape

Abstract Abrasion resistance is often a coating or surface treatment's most important characteristic. Unfortunately, most of the many abrasion tests that exist were not developed for use on thin coatings and surface treatments ( The test development and modifications are described and test data are presented on typical hard coatings (anodize, PVD TiN, chromium, etc.). The test is simple, fast, and it ranked the test coatings in agreement with known industrial experience. It is proposed that a coating test procedure be added to the G 174 standard, and that it be considered for use by surface engineers when abrasion resistance is a desired property.
Fetal Fibronectin Signaling Induces Matrix Metalloproteases and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in Amnion Cells and Preterm Birth in Mice

Fetal fibronectin (fFN) in cervical and vaginal secretions has been used as a predictor of preterm delivery. Here, we clarified the pathological function of fFN on cell type-specific matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and prostaglandin synthesis in fetal membranes. Treatment of amnion mesenchymal cells with fFN resulted in dramatic increases in MMP-1 and MMP-9 mRNA and enzymatic activity as well as COX-2 mRNA and prostaglandin E2 synthesis, activating both NFκB and ERK1/2 signaling. Fetal FN-induced increases in MMPs and COX-2 were mediated through its extra domain A and Toll-like receptor 4 expressed in mesenchymal cells. Lipopolysaccharide and TNF-α increased the release of free FN in medium of amnion epithelial cells in culture. Finally, injection of fFN in pregnant mice resulted in preterm birth. Collectively, these results indicate that fFN is not only a marker of preterm delivery but also plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of preterm labor and premature rupture of fetal membranes. Background: The function of fetal fibronectin (fFN) in the pathogenesis of preterm labor is not known. Results: fFN activates MMP-1, MMP-9, and COX-2 in mesenchymal cells and causes preterm labor in mice. Conclusion: fFN is biologically active and plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of preterm labor. Significance: Signaling of fFN in fetal membranes is important in the pathophysiology of premature preterm rupture of the membranes.
Cash holdings, risk, and expected returns

Abstract In this paper I develop and empirically test a model that highlights how the correlation between cash flows and a source of aggregate risk affects a firm's optimal cash holding policy. In the model, riskier firms (i.e., firms with a higher correlation between cash flows and the aggregate shock) are more likely to use costly external funding to finance their growth option exercises and have higher optimal savings. This precautionary savings motive implies a positive relation between expected equity returns and cash holdings. In addition, this positive relation is stronger for firms with less valuable growth options. Using a data set of US pubic companies, I find evidence consistent with the model's predictions.
Metabolic effects of inosine and uridine in rabbit hearts and rat skeletal muscles

Abstract Because of their cardiotonic properties and their close relations with tissue energetic stores, we studied the inotropic and metabolic effects of inosine and uridine in isolated perfused rabbit hearts and incubated rat diaphragm muscles. Inosine and uridine in concentrations of 10 −5 M increased myocardial contractility, glucose uptake, myocardial glycolysis and the breakdown of ATP in rabbit hearts. Uridine also increased glycogen content, most probably due to a stimulation of glycogen synthesis by this nucleoside. Neither nucleoside had an effect on myocardial lipolysis. Similarly, inosine in concentrations of 10 −4 to 10 −6 M stimulated glucose uptake and the rate of glycolysis in incubated rat diaphragm muscles. On the other hand, uridine in concentrations of 10 −4 to 10 −6 M stimulated glucose uptake and the content of glycogen in diaphragm muscles. However, no effect of uridine on glycogen content was observed when these muscles were incubated in Krebs bicarbonate medium without glucose. The inotropic and metabolic effects of inosine, but not of uridine, were abolished in isolated rabbit hearts treated with 10 −5 M propranolol. Despite this inhibition, it seems unlikely that the action of inosine and uridine is mediated by endogenous catecholamines. On the other hand, their metabolic effects are similar to those of cardiac glycosides.
Spot formation and scanning microscopy via multimode fibers

By manipulating the field input to a multimode fiber, we can scan a focused spot of light in three dimensions at the fiber output. Major applications include imaging, targeted light delivery, and sensor multiplexing.
Work in progress — Robust engineering problems for the study of problem solving strategies

Our research group is examining how first year engineering students develop problem-solving skills. It is important to select and design problems such that they promote self-efficacy and build effective problem solving skills. However, it is a challenge for engineering educators to determine the appropriate difficulty or rigor of assignments or assessments that will accomplish this, especially in introductory courses in which students have a range of academic preparedness. We are reporting here on methodologies developed for studying characteristics of engineering problems, perceived difficulty of the problems from students' perspective, and different problem solving strategies that first year engineering students typically use.
Transport of organic molecules in the lens.

Abstract The ocular lens is capable of transporting amino acids, peptides and other organic molecules by carrier-mediated processes which are energy and temperature dependent. The energy for this active transport is derived chiefly from the anerobic metabolism of glucose. While the site of active transport is apparently located in the epithelial layer the question whether lens fiber membranes also have active transport mechanisms remains an unresolved problem. Although several amino acids exhibit overlapping affinities for various sites of transport, groups of compounds having structural similarities and certain stereochemical configurations show preference for a specific site of transport. The fundamental question of whether carrier-mediated system(s) for organic molecules in the lens is related directly to sodium-potassium activated ATPase also cannot be answered since the effect of ouabain on the transport of various nonelectrolytes is not always immediate as in the case of sodium and potassium ions. Similarly, further studies are needed to clarify the nature of the coupling mechanism between the transport of cations and organic molecules.
Small cutaneous wounds induce telogen to anagen transition of murine hair follicle stem cells

Abstract Background Recent studies suggest that large (>1cm) diameter circular cutaneous wounds induce follicular neogenesis in mice. However, the effects of non-circular wounds or smaller circular wounds on the hair follicle cycle remain poorly understood. Objective We investigated whether non-circular wounds or smaller (≤1cm) circular wounds could induce early entry of hair follicle stem cells into anagen. Methods We created different shaped and sized full-thickness incisional wounds on the dorsal skin of 6-wk old mice (BALB/c, C57BL/6, and CD1), and then assessed for hair growth, wound contraction rates, and growth factor and/or immunomodulatory cytokine involvement. Results By day 16 and through day 26 post-wounding, we observed hair growth in the skin around the wound, but not in distant unwounded skin of BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. In contrast, CD1 mice showed hair growth in both the wounded and unwounded skin. In all mice, the hair growth pattern was independent of wound type. The area of hair growth induced by a 2cm linear wound was roughly 2-fold that induced by a 1cm linear wound and 4-fold that of a 0.5cm linear wound. Increased γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity was observed in hair follicles growing in the wounded area as well as an up to 8-fold upregulation of Wnt - and Shh -dependent signaling, consistent with anagen growth. Conclusion Our data strongly support that small cutaneous wounds induce telogen to anagen transition of murine hair follicle stem cells.
Query Aggregation in Session Search

Session search retrieves documents for a sequence of queries in a session. Prior research demonstrated that query aggregation is an effective technique for session search. This paper proposes a novel query aggregation scheme based on the discount factor in reinforcement learning. Moreover, we compare various query aggregation schemes and investigate the best scheme for aggregating queries in session search. Evaluation conducted over TREC 2011 and 2012 shows that the proposed scheme works the best and outperforms the TREC best system as well as learned weights by learning to rank.
SU-D-218-03: Resonant Frequency of Rotating Anode X-Ray Tubes.

Purpose: To evaluate a new rotating anode X‐ray tube from the resonant frequency point of view for stable and safe operation, and to validate a finite element model for insight into X‐ray tube rotor dynamics and vibration. Methods: The 3‐dimensional FEM model of the X‐ray tube motor has been developed using ANSYS and COMSOL. The resultant resonant frequency from the FEM simulation is substantiated by experiments. During deceleration of the X‐ray tube, an accelerometer and a corresponding amplifier send the time domain vibration response to a spectrum analyzer which generates the power spectrum. In the frequency domain analysis, a peak signifies large vibrations at that frequency. To corroborate the FEM model, the resonant frequency of the motor assembly without the anode attached was also measured. Lastly, a rough estimate of the resonant frequency can also be observed in angular speed curves which are obtained utilizing a quadrature position sensor.Results: The first mode resonance is expected at 20.3 Hz from the FEM simulation. This result matches closely with the peak at 22.2 Hz in the power spectrum and the location of the abrupt decreasing acceleration (slope) in the speed curve at 22 Hz. Without the anode, the FEM simulation result of 35.1 Hz is equal to the first peak at 35.1 Hz, and the angular acceleration is suddenly reduced at 34.4 Hz. Conclusions: For image‐guided interventional procedures using a hybrid system, the X‐ray tube should create flux at various times requiring repeatedacceleration and deceleration of the motor. Hence it is ideal that the resonant frequency is higher than operational speed, although alternatively the motor could accelerate through the resonant frequency quickly. Design improvements to modify the location of resonance of our motor assemblyare underway using the verified FEM model. NIH R01 EB007626, Richard M. Lucas Foundation
Measurement of mechanical accuracy of isocenter in conventional linear-accelerator-based radiosurgery.

Abstract Purpose: Five Varian linear accelerators were studied to determine whether their mechanical isocentric accuracies were sufficient for radiosurgery and, if not, if the observed errors were sufficiently consistent and predictable to be correctable by some form of secondary collimator steering device to maintain isocentric alignment. Methods and Materials: A 0.3 mW 670 nm diode laser was mounted in the secondary collimator insert of a radiosurgery extended collimator assembly. A cylindrical lens was used to create a laser fan beam that passed through isocenter and could be oriented parallel or perpendicular to the plane of rotation. A position sensitive photo-diode having an electrical output that varied with the portion of its surface illuminated was mounted at isocenter in a rotational mount. This mount tracked the accelerator gantry such that the surface of the photo-diode remained perpendicular to the laser beam during gantry rotation. An MY recorder was connected to the gantry-angle potentiometer of the accelerator and to the photo-diode and plotted the positional variation from isocenter with gantry rotation. Results: The root-mean-square error for the five machines was ± 0.06 to ± 0.08 mm in the plane of rotation and ± 0.17 to ± 0.35 mm out of (perpendicular to) the plane of rotation. The in-plane-of-rotation errors tended to be maximal near the diagonal gantry angles and the out-of-plane-of-rotation errors were maximal in the over and under vertical positions. Conclusions: Both types of errors were predictable but only the out-of-plane-of-rotation errors were considered large enough to warrant consideration of correction (although the need is debatable). On all the tested machines, the out-of-plane-of-rotation error curve was a relatively smooth bell-shaped function that would be readily amenable to correction. The diode laser/photo-detector system used should prove useful in accurately defining isocenter and facilitating the precise adjustment of the laser isocenter lights.
Parallel Stimulation of Glucose and Mg2+ Accumulation by Insulin in Rat Hearts and Cardiac Ventricular Myocytes

The stimulation of beta-adrenoceptors in cardiac cells results in a rapid loss of cellular Mg(2+). Because insulin physiologically counteracts several of the cellular effects mediated by the activation of beta-adrenoceptors and the elevation of cytosolic cAMP levels, we investigated whether insulin administration could prevent Mg(2+) mobilization from rat hearts and ventricular myocytes. Rat hearts were perfused in a retrograde Langendorff system, and the changes in extracellular Mg(2+) were measured by atomic absorbance spectrophotometry. Pretreatment of the hearts with 6 nmol/L insulin completely prevented the Mg(2+) extrusion induced by the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol. Furthermore, the administration of insulin per se induced an accumulation of Mg(2+) by the heart. This accumulation was small but detectable in the presence of 25 to 35 micromol/L [Mg(2+)](o) and increased in proportion to [Mg(2+)](o). Insulin-mediated Mg(2+) accumulation was not observed in hearts perfused with a medium devoid of glucose or with a medium containing the inhibitors of glucose transport, cytochalasin B and phloretin. Insulin-stimulated [(3)H]2-deoxyglucose accumulation was measured in collagenase-dispersed cardiac ventricular myocytes in the presence of varying levels of [Mg(2+)](o). Glucose transport was not observed below 25 micromol/L [Mg(2+)](o), and it also increased in proportion to [Mg(2+)](o). Taken together, these results indicate the presence of a major uptake of Mg(2+) into cardiac cells that is stimulated by insulin and may require the insulin-induced operation of a glucose transporter. Hence, extracellular and/or intracellular Mg(2+) may modulate glucose transport and/or utilization.
Development and experimental validation of a semi-autonomous cooperative active safety system

In this paper, the problem of collision avoidance between two vehicles is considered, in which one vehicle is autonomous and the other one is human-driven. This problem arises in cooperative active safety systems at traffic intersections, mergings, and roundabouts, in which some vehicles are equipped with on-board communication and automatic control, while others are not capable of communicating and are human-driven. We model the human driving behavior through a hybrid automaton, whose current mode is determined by the driver's decisions, and solve the problem as a safety control problem for hybrid systems with imperfect state information. The experimental results demonstrate that our solution is substantially less conservative than solutions employing worst-case design.
Detection of maneuvering target tracks

This paper presents a new technique for the detection of moving target tracks, where those tracks are linear paths or segments of circles[1,2]. The images used as input represent a time-varying sequence of noisy satellite images of terrain and a moving target(s). Preprocessing of the image sequence involves use of third order differencing to remove stationary points and produce a sequence of intermediate images containing only the target track(s) and noise from various sources[3]. The new procedure described in this paper begins by selection of a window from the preprocessed image sequence. A generalized Hough transform technique is then employed to obtain the equation for the line traveled by any target, and an extension of the linear technique is used to detect circular tracks. New strategies for reduction of the dimensionality of the Hough transformation are also described. The method has been shown to be robust when tested on simulated noisy target tracks.
Small-Strain Behavior of Granular Soils. II: Seismic Response Analyses and Model Evaluation

Using the recorded response at two vertical array sites, the SimSoil model presented in the companion paper is evaluated. The SimSoil model, which describes the small strain nonlinear behavior of granular materials, is implemented as a material model in AMPLE2000, a nonlinear, one-dimensional site response analysis code. Shear wave velocity profiles and laboratory test data available for both the La Cienega site, which was instrumented over 250 m, and the Lotung site, which was instrumented over 47 m, were used to determine SimSoil model parameters. Predictions from AMPLE2000 are compared with the measured response at several elevations for earthquakes that resulted in both nonlinear and nearly linear soil behavior. Using the available laboratory data and known input motions, the predictions of the response at these sites matched the recorded response well for varied magnitudes of shaking with a single set of parameters for each site.
Prevalence of shiga toxin-encoding bacteria and shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolates from dairy farms and county fairs

Shiga toxin-encoding bacteria (STB) and shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) were detected and isolated from dairy cattle and their farm environment and from manure piles at Minnesota (MN) county fairs from 2001 to 2002. A total of 2,540 samples were collected from 28 dairy cattle farms (8 organic and 20 conventional), 17 calf pens (5 organic and 12 conventional), and 12 county fairs. STB were detected from 71 (3.2%) of 2208 fecal samples with 20 (71.4%) of 28 dairy farms having at least one positive animal sample. In samples collected from conventional farms, 41 (2.3%) of 1750 fecal samples were STB-positive and 13 (65%) of 20 farms had at least one positive animal. Thirty (6.6%) of 458 fecal samples from organic farms were STB-positive and 7 (87.5%) of 8 farms had at least one positive animal. STB was detected from 31 (17.4%) of 178 samples and 7 (58.3%) out of 12 manure piles at county fairs. A total of 43 STEC isolates were recovered and belonged to 26 different serotypes (19 O and 18 H types). Among STEC, 60.5% possessed only stx1, 30.2% stx2, and 9.3% both stx1 and stx2. The genes eae and hlyA were detected in more than 50% of the STEC isolates. STB can be found on most dairy cattle farms including organic and conventional herds and county fairs. The presence of these potentially pathogenic bacteria in county fairs may pose a risk to the public who have contact with cattle or their environment.
A collective form of cell death requires homeodomain interacting protein kinase.

We examined post-eclosion elimination of the Drosophila wing epithelium in vivo where collective “suicide waves” promote sudden, coordinated death of epithelial sheets without a final engulfment step. Like apoptosis in earlier developmental stages, this unique communal form of cell death is controlled through the apoptosome proteins, Dronc and Dark, together with the IAP antagonists, Reaper, Grim, and Hid. Genetic lesions in these pathways caused intervein epithelial cells to persist, prompting a characteristic late-onset blemishing phenotype throughout the wing blade. We leveraged this phenotype in mosaic animals to discover relevant genes and establish here that homeodomain interacting protein kinase (HIPK) is required for collective death of the wing epithelium. Extra cells also persisted in other tissues, establishing a more generalized requirement for HIPK in the regulation of cell death and cell numbers.
Head-to-head comparison of bivalirudin versus heparin without glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing primary angioplasty

Abstract Background In patients receiving primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), bivalirudin with provisional glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors has been demonstrated to be noninferior to heparin plus systematic GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors in preventing recurrent ischemic events with improved safety in terms of bleeding. However, no study has been performed comparing head-to-head bivalirudin with heparin without GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor infusion in STEMI patients. Methods We retrospectively studied 899 consecutive patients who presented with STEMI treated by primary angioplasty within 12 h after symptoms. Among them, 566 received bivalirudin and 333 received unfractionated heparin. Their in-hospital outcome in terms of efficacy and safety was assessed using rates of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and major bleeding, respectively. Clinical, angiographic and procedural characteristics were well matched between the two groups. Results Patients in the heparin group more frequently required intra-aortic balloon pumping (6.6% vs. 3.6%, P =.037). Regarding the safety end point, the MACE rate, including death, ischemic stroke and urgent repeated revascularization, was low and similar in both groups (2.7% bivalirudin vs. 1.2% heparin, P =.15). The rate of major bleeding, including major hematoma, gastrointestinal bleeding and hematocrit drop >15% during hospitalization, was high and identical in the two groups (4.1% bivalirudin vs. 4.2% heparin, P =.92). Conclusion This study suggests that bivalirudin and heparin present similar safety and efficacy profiles when used without GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor infusion during primary angioplasty.
Relative Production Performance and Cost of Food Fish Production from Fingerlings of Channel-Blue F1 Hybrids, Ictalurus punctatus–Ictalurus furcatus, and NWAC-103 Channel Catfish, I. punctatus

Production studies comparing hybrid catfish (channel-blue), Ictalurus punctatus–Ictalurus furcatus, with NWAC-103 channel catfish strains have produced conflicting results depending on the size of fingerling stocked and maternal genetic inheritance. Generally, the strain with larger fingerlings at stocking tended to grow better than strains with smaller fingerlings at stocking. A production trial was conducted at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff research station to compare production characteristics and costs of hybrid catfish and NWAC-103 strains with similar stocking sizes of fingerlings and similar maternal inheritance. Ten 0.10-ha earthen ponds were stocked with 15,000 precision-graded fingerlings/ha (15–20 cm total length) of either channel-blue hybrid catfish or NWAC-103 channel catfish with five replicates of each treatment on April 14, 2006. There were no significant differences in growth, yield, survival, dress-out yield, seinability, and mean daily feed fed. The mean feed conversion ratio was significantly lower for the channel-blue hybrid catfish, but NWAC-103 channel catfish were more uniform in size at harvest. A partial budget analysis showed that, while the hybrids converted feed more efficiently, the benefit of the reduced cost of feed was less than the additional cost of the hybrid fingerlings. Thus, under the conditions of this study, it was more profitable to raise NWAC-103 channel catfish.
Seizures induced by the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine in rats.

Summary: The half-life (t1/2) of cocaine is relatively short, but some of the consequences of its use, such as seizures and strokes, can occur hours after exposure. This led us to hypothesize that a metabolite of cocaine may be responsible for some of those delayed sequelae. We evaluated the potential of the major metabolite of cocaine, benzoylecgonine (BE), to cause seizures. Two separate equimolar doses (0.2 and 0.4 μmol) of either cocaine or BE were injected ventricularly in unanesthetized juvenile rats. Treated rats were then evaluated for incidence, latency, and seizure pattern or for locomotor activity in animals without seizures. BE-Induced seizures occurred more frequently and had significantly longer latencies than those induced by equimolar amounts of cocaine. Whereas cocaine-induced seizures were best characterized as brief, generalized, and tonic and resulted in death, those induced by BE were prolonged, often multiple and mixed in type, and rarely resulted in death. Electrical recordings from the hippocampus showed a rhythmic progression in EEG frequency and voltage with clinical seizure expression. BE-Injected rats that did not have seizures had significantly more locomotor activity than cocaine-injected animals without seizures. The finding that cocaineand BE-induced seizures differ in several respects suggests more than one mechanism for cocaine-induced seizures and emphasizes the importance of a cocaine metabolite, BE.
Recent declines in mercury concentration in a freshwater fishery: isolating the effects of de-acidification and decreased atmospheric mercury deposition in Little Rock Lake

The atmospheric deposition of H+, SO4, and Hg to Little Rock Lake in northern Wisconsin has declined substantially during the past decade. Parallel decreases have been observed in the surface waters of the lake. Here we extend the observations to the fish community and we present evidence of a contemporaneous decline in levels of Hg in fish tissue. By comparing data from two separated basins of the lake, we then make an initial effort to isolate and quantify the relative importance of de-acidification and reduced Hg deposition on mercury contamination in fish. Statistical modeling indicates that fish Hg in both basins decreased by roughly 30% between 1994 and 2000 (-5%/y) due to decreased atmospheric Hg loading. De-acidification could account for an additional 5% decrease in one basin (-0.8%/y) and a further 30% decrease in the other basin (-5%/y), since the basins de-acidified at very different rates. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that depositional inputs of SO4 and Hg(II) co-mediate the biosynthesis of methyl mercury and thereby co-limit bioaccumulation. And they suggest that modest changes in acid rain or mercury deposition can significantly affect mercury bioaccumulation over short-time scales.
Activation of the melanocortin-4 receptor mobilizes intracellular free calcium in immortalized hypothalamic neurons.

Background At least 4% of childhood obesity is due to mutations in the hypothalamic melanocortin-4 receptor. The melanocortin-4 receptor, a seven transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptor, is important in the regulation of feeding behavior and body weight. The specific pathways of intracellular signaling remain in investigative stages. To further understand its function, we hypothesized that the melanocortin-4 receptor activates the Gαq/phospholipase C signaling pathway, resulting in alterations of cytoplasmic calcium in immortalized hypothalamic (GT1-1) neurons. Materials and methods Changes in intracellular calcium were measured after loading GT1-1 cells with fura-2-AM. Cells were treated with NDP-αMSH, an α-melanocortin stimulating hormone analogue, and intracellular calcium changes were recorded. Cells treated with NDP-α-MSH were also treated with the melanocortin-4 receptor antagonist, SHU-9119. To assess the specific G-protein subunit involved, GT1-1 neurons were treated with the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 and its inactive analogue, U73433. Experiments were also performed after inhibition of IP 3 receptors with 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborate (2APB). Additional experiments were conducted in a calcium-depleted buffer environment. Data were analyzed by ANOVA with statistical significance of P Results Agonist treatment (0.01–1000 n m ) of GT1-1 neurons resulted in dose-dependent increases in intracellular calcium. SHU-9119 (0.01–1000 n m ) abolished the calcium response. Treatment with U73122 (10 μ m ) attenuated the calcium response, while U73433 (10 μ m ) had minimal effect. 2APB (200 μ m ) inhibited the calcium transient, and the use of calcium-free buffer did not affect the amplitude of the calcium spike. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that, upon agonist binding, the melanocortin-4 receptor mediates increases in intracellular calcium through the Gαq-protein/phospholipase C dependent signaling pathway. Understanding the physiological importance of calcium signaling by the melanocortin-4 receptor may be important for future development of therapeutic targets.
Evaluating the appropriateness of a new computer-administered measure of adaptive function for children and youth with autism spectrum disorders

The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test is an alternative method for describing the adaptive function of children and youth with disabilities using a computer-administered assessment. This study evaluated the performance of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test with a national sample of children and youth with autism spectrum disorders aged 3-21 years. Parents (n = 365) completed an online survey that included demographics, the Social Communication Questionnaire, and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test Social/Cognitive, Daily Activities, and Responsibility domains. Item response theory analysis confirmed items in each domain fit a unidimensional model and few items misfit. A large number of items in the Social/Cognitive domain showed differential item functioning, indicating a unique order of item difficulty in this population in this domain. Differences in item difficulty estimates were addressed through a parameter linking (equating) process. Simulations supported the accuracy and precision of the Computer Adaptive Test. Results suggest that the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test, as modified for autism spectrum disorder, is an efficient and sound assessment for this population.
Life events and hassles as predictors of health symptoms, job performance, and absenteeism

Research on life events plays a prominent role in the stress literature. Unfortunately, cumulative life events have been found to positively correlate only weakly with health (Rabkin and Struening, 1976) and academic performance outcomes (Lloyd et al., 1980). The present study of 185 hourly employees examined the relationship of life events, daily hassles, and daily uplifts to general health symptoms, job performance, and absenteeism. Multiple regression analysis revealed that hassle frequency and intensity accounted for a significant portion of the variance in general health symptoms, with life events adding little to the variance explanation. Regression analysis also indicated that uplift frequency and intensity accounted for a significant portion of the variance in job performance and absenteeism. The present results suggest that additional organizational research on hassles and uplifts seems warranted when studying predictors of health symptoms, performance, and absenteeism.