cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TH-A-9A-07: Investigation of Localization Errors Using CBCT for SABR-Based Treatment of Lung Cancer and Impact On Planning Margins and Dose Coverage

Purpose: In this study, we quantify setup errors and their impact on planning margin and dose coverage in the context of CBCT-based IGRT for SABR of lung tumors. The effect of respiratory excursion on setup up error was also investigated. Methods: The datasets of 150 patients, divided into four groups according to tumor location: upper-chest well seated (CWS), upper-island, lower-CWS, and lower-island, were evaluated. Setup errors and planning margins were calculated and compared. Degradation of dose coverage due to setup errors was investigated for 8 patients. For each patient, 4 CBCT localizing images were used to create internal target volume (ITVCBCT), which was considered a surrogate of respiratory-induced tumor excursion during treatment. Results: The percentage of patients showing >5 mm tumor respiratory excursion for upper-island/lower-island was 10.0/42.9% and for upper-CWS/lower-CWS was 4.2/46.7%. Without image-guidance for patient localization, ∑interfxn and σinterfxn of the inter-fraction setup errors were 2.2–3.9/2.9–5.0 mm and 2.3–4.2/3.0–5.1 mm for upper-island/lower-island and upper-CWS/lower-CWS, respectively. Errors were correlated to tumor excursion. Pearson coefficient for upper-island/lower-island was 0.36/0.60, and for upper-CWS/lower-CWS was 0.20/0.44. With the use of CBCT for daily image guidance, ∑residual and σresidual of the residual setup errors were 0.7–1.2/0.8–1.4 mm and 0.7–1.2/0.8–1.3 mm for upper-island/lower-island and upper-CWS/lower-CWS, respectively. The planning margin vectors (Ant./Post., Sup./Inf., Left/Right) for upper-island/lower-island tumor were (2.7, 2.8, 3.6)/(2.8, 3.6, 4.4) mm, and for upper-CWS/lower-CWS tumors were (2.4, 3.3, 3.3)/(2.8, 2.9, 3.5) mm. Average dose difference (D95) between delivered doses to ITVCBCT and planned doses was 4.5±0.9% and 7.4±1.9% with and without using CBCT for localization, respectively. Conclusion: This large cohort analysis suggests that tumor location may be predictive of tumor excursion and corresponding inter-fraction setup errors. The use of CBCT reduces setup uncertainty substantially. 3–5 mm ITV-to-PTV planning margin would be adequate to compensate for residual setup errors and provide sufficient dosimetric coverage.
Rescuing our families, our neighbors, and ourselves

Should computer scientists and engineers take on a greater responsibility to help reduce the loss of life and property damage from natural disasters?
Turkish Stock Prices and the Value of Turkish Lira

ABSTRACT It has been argued in the literature that currency depreciation can result in a change in stock prices and vice versa. Previous researchers investigated the relation between stock prices and exchange rates by drawing data from industrial countries. In this paper we consider the experience of a developing nation, i.e., Turkey. Using cointegration technique we are able to show that Turkish stock prices and exchange rates do have a long-run relationship. Application of error-correction modeling reveal that in the short-run stock prices and exchange rates do cause each other.
In the Aftermath of an Acquisition: Triggers and Effects on Perceived Organizational Identity

This study examines how the POIs of members of an online retail organization were affected after an acquisition. The authors find that (a) POI is more complex than previously understood, and continuity, change and confusion in POI can coexist. (b) The organizational change reactivated previously unresolved POI issues. (c) The structure of POI includes cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions, and changes occurred in these dimensions. (d) Top managers and employees who have more interactions with outsiders in their jobs tend to be more confused and make less POI change than employees who primarily deal with internal operations. Finally, (e) the image of the acquired organization and the change strategies used are triggers of POI confusion and/or change in the acquiring organization. This article highlights the experience of individuals in the acquiring organization and suggests that POI is an important lens for understanding and managing organizational changes.
Separation of rat liver methionine adenosyltransferase isozymes by hydrophobic chromatography

Abstract Rat liver methionine adenosyltransferase was fractionated into two activity peaks by chromatography on a hydrophobic resin, phenyl-Sepharose. The first peak of enzyme activity (methionine adenosyltransferase I), eluted in low-ionic strength buffer, was only slightly activated by 10% dimethylsulfoxide (twofold) and possessed a low K m (Met) of 14 μ m which was unaffected by Me 2 SO. A second peak of enzyme activity (methionine adenosyltransferase II) was more tightly bound to the hydrophobic resin but could be eluted with 40% dimethylsulfoxide. Upon removal of the eluting dimethylsulfoxide from methionine adenosyltransferase II on a DEAE-Sephacel column, this methionine adenosyltransferase isozyme was strongly activated by 10% dimethylsulfoxide. This unique liver isozyme possessed a high apparent K m (Met) of 1.3 m m with upward curvature of the double-reciprocal plot. In the presence of 10% dimethylsulfoxide the kinetics became hyperbolic with the K m lowering to 33 μ m . Dimethylsulfoxide did not significantly alter the V of methionine adenosyltransferase II.
Outdoor recreation expenditures and the effects of spatial structure

Abstract Visitor expenditure models have been the focus of substantial attention in outdoor recreation research because of their significance in estimating local economic impacts. At the disaggregate level models have usually included simple measures of distance decay and variables representing the attributes of households and supply features. Scholars have ignored the differential effects that the spatial structure of opportunities might have upon expenditures. This paper presents an analysis of the effects of spatial structure upon visitor expenditures for outdoor recreation in Oklahoma. Analyses are presented which identify and differentiate the relative effects of spatial structure upon visitor expenditures and the alternative forms of spatial diversification behavior consistent with such expenditure patterns.
Intravenous anaesthesia for thoracic procedures

Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) is indicated for procedures in which inhalational anesthetics may not be safely or effectively delivered, including endobronchial procedures using flexible or rigid bronchoscopy and proximal airway-disrupting surgeries. TIVA may also be beneficial in lung volume reduction surgery, lung transplantation, and thymectomy. TIVA is safer and more practical for thoracic procedures performed outside of the operating room, such as off-site locations, military field, or impoverished areas of the world. Target-controlled infusion (TCI) is a relatively new delivery system for TIVA that is based on pharmacokinetic models to optimize intravenous anesthetic delivery. TCI has many advantages over conventional calculator pumps but is not currently available in the United States. Because well-established MAC-type systems for intravenous anesthetics are not available, anesthetic depth monitors are useful in monitoring patients undergoing TIVA. Propofol, dexmedetomidine, ketamine, lidocaine, and remifentanil may be used in combination with anesthetic depth monitoring to execute an effective TIVA regimen. This chapter reviews the balanced TIVA technique currently used at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Crosslinked gelatin matrices: release of a random coil macromolecular solute.

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of matrix crosslinking and solute size on release of a random coil macromolecular solute from crosslinked gelatin matrices. Gelatin hydrogel matrices crosslinked with different molar ratios of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC):e-amino groups on gelatin (1:1, 4:1, and 10:1) were prepared containing dextran of molecular weights 12, 20, and 77 kDa, and hydrodynamic diameters 54, 74, and 133 A, respectively. The extent of matrix crosslinking was determined quantitatively and used to calculate the molecular weight between crosslinks ( M c ). The M c parameter and equilibrium swelling ratio ( Q m ) were used to calculate an estimated matrix mesh size ( ξ ). The in vitro release of incorporated dextran was evaluated at 37 °C in PBS at pH 7.4 for approximately 80 h. The one-, four- and 10-fold molar ratios of crosslinking agent EDC yielded 24, 41, and 78% of gelatin matrix crosslinking, respectively. The calculated average matrix mesh size ranged from 338 to 90 A. The effect of matrix crosslinking varied with solute size, from retarding diffusional release of the dextran to completely entrapping it inside the crosslinked matrices. These results support the threshold concept of solute size relative to matrix mesh size for release of a flexible, random coil macromolecular solute from a hydrogel.
Restoration of ovarian endocrine function by ovarian transplantation

Cancer treatment can cause changes in sex hormone production, premature ovarian failure and infertility. As survival rates for young cancer patients improve, protection against iatrogenic infertility caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy assumes a higher priority.
The Frictional Coefficient of Bovine Articular Cartilage Correlates With Interstitial Fluid Load Support in Creep

Articular cartilage functions as the bearing material in joints and provides low friction and wear over a lifetime. The cartilage lubrication mechanism has not yet been fully characterized though several theories have been proposed. In previous studies [1–3] it was hypothesized that interstitial fluid load support contributes significantly to the reduction of the frictional coefficient due to load transfer from the solid to the fluid phase of the tissue. This study provides experimental verification for a theoretical model based on this hypothesis [1,4]. The specific aim of this study is to experimentally investigate the correlation between the frictional response of bovine articular cartilage, and its interstitial fluid load support during sliding against glass under a constant load.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Dynamics of the Influenza Hemagglutinin Fusion Peptide: A Comparison of MD and NMR

Membrane insertion of influenza hemagglutinin (HA) is essential for viral membrane fusion. Previous NMR relaxation studies on bicelles [1, 2] analyzed the 23 conserved N-terminal residues of the HA2 subunit (fusion peptide). It was shown that this peptide, which adopted a helical hairpin structure, experiences wobbling motions relative to the bilayer surface on the ns timescale. Here, the dynamics of the HA fusion peptide hairpin on a DMPC membrane are studied using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Simulations were performed with the acidic groups (E11 and D19) protonated and unprotonated. Internal correlation functions of backbone N-H vectors are determined over the 100-ns MD simulations, and are fit to the Lipari-Szabo model free approach [3]. The calculated order parameters and correlation times are similar to those determined experimentally. Starting from an initial orientation parallel to the membrane, during the simulations the hairpin rotated nearly 90° around the axis that is parallel to the two helices, with the N-terminal helix buried more deeply in the lipid tail region.[1] J. L. Lorieau, J. M. Louis, and A. Bax, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 107 (2010) 11341.[2] J. L. Lorieau, J. M. Louis, and A. Bax, Journal of the American Chemical Society 133 (2011) 14184.[3] G. Lipari and A. Szabo, Biophysical Journal 37 (1982) A380.
Modulation of type-1 plasminogen activator inhibitor-induced vitronectin multimerization

Summary We recently reported that the interaction of active type-1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) with native vitronectin (Vn) present in unfractionated plasma induced the generation of conformationally altered, multimeric Vn. Here, the role of disulfide bridging in Vn and the role of the somatomedin B (SMB) domain of Vn in PAI-1-induced multimerization were characterized. Blocking of free SH-groups in Vn with the simultaneous addition of active PAI-1 prevented disulfide-linked Vn multimerization. In contrast, conformational changes and non-covalent stabilized multimerization were not affected. Moreover, pretreatment of Vn with dithionitrobenzoic acid (DTNB), followed by extensive dialysis to remove SH-reactive compounds, blocked disulfide-linked Vn multimerization. These observations point to the importance of free reactive cysteine(s) already present in native plasma Vn for the covalent stabilization of PAI-1-induced Vn multimers. Moreover, non-covalently and covalently-stabilized Vn multimerization and conformational changes were specifically prevented by recombinant Vn polypeptides encompassing the N-terminal SMB domain. The latter polypeptides may be of importance in elucidating the importance of PAI-1-induced Vn multimerization in complex biological systems.
Rising charges and costs for pediatric catheter ablation.

Pediatric Ablation Charges and Costs Are Rising. Introduction: Catheter ablation has been shown to be effective for pediatric tachyarrhythmias, but the associated charges and costs have not been described in the recent era. Understanding such contemporary trends may identify ways to keep an effective therapy affordable while optimizing clinical outcomes. Methods: We used the 1997–2009 Kids’ Inpatient Databases to examine trends in charges and costs for pediatric catheter ablation and identify determinants of temporal changes. Results: There were 7,130 discharges for catheter ablation in the sample. Mean age at ablation was 12.1 ± 0.2 years. Patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) made up 10% of the sample. Complications occurred in 8% of discharges. Mean total charges rose 219% above inflation (from $23,798 ± 1,072 in 1997 to $75,831 ± 2,065 in 2009). From 2003 to 2009, costs rose 25% (from $20,459 ± 780 in 2003 to $25,628 ± 992 in 2009). Charges for ablation increased markedly relative to surgical procedures, but with a similar slope to other catheter-based interventions. Multivariable analysis revealed that year (P < 0.0001), payer (P = 0.0002), CHD (P < 0.0001), valvular heart disease (P = 0.0004), cardiomyopathy (P = 0.0009), hospital region (P < 0.0001), length of stay (P < 0.0001), and complications (P < 0.0001) predicted increased charges. The same factors also predicted increased costs. Charges and costs varied considerably by region, particularly for high-volume centers (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Charges and costs for pediatric catheter ablation increased relative to other procedures and significantly outstripped inflation. Further study of complications, length of stay, and regional differences may help control rising costs while maintaining quality of care. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 162-169, February 2013)
Input of treatment planning data via a video frame grabber

Video frame grabbers are powerful devices which perform rapid conversion of video images into digital format for subsequent computer processing. Recently, the cost of these devices has become competitive with sonic and magnetic digitizing tablets commonly used in radiation therapytreatment planning. Frame grabbers, plus all associated hardware/software can be interfaced to a variety of personal or microcomputers, and allow input of irregular treatment field and patient contour data into standard treatment planning systems. Such a system is described, which offers advantages of speed, accuracy, and resolution as compared to more conventional digitizing systems.
Melanocyte signaling pathways and the etiology of melanoma

Treatment for malignant melanoma in its advanced stages remains extremely inadequate. With identification of the aberrant processes that lead to melanoma formation, novel specific therapies are now being developed to treat melanoma. Recent identification of common activating mutations in the B-RAF kinase has prompted development of drugs targeting this pathway. As other abnormalities are revealed, our available arsenal of effective drugs for treatment will increase. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of genetic alterations implicated in melanoma formation.
Using tags to encourage reflection and annotation on data during nomadic inquiry

Nomadic inquiry may benefit from tagging when used for educational purposes to support reflection and annotation during data collection. To that end we created Zydeco, a mobile system to scaffold learners through the science inquiry process in and out of the classroom, and tested it in a museum with 42 middle school students. Students report that tags encouraged reflection and annotation during data collection, suggesting that tagging can be used to support nomadic inquiry. From this work we present some emerging design recommendations for constructing similar systems.
The density of GABAB binding sites in the substantia nigra is greater in rat pups than in adults.

Abstract Baclofen-displaced [ 3 H]GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) binding to GABA B sites was assayed in brain regions obtained from adult and 14- to 17-day-old rats. The substantia nigra of rat pups exhibited a 3- to 5-fold higher density (B max ) of GABA B binding sites than the nigra of adult rats. In contrast, the density of GABA B sites was lower in hippocampal and cerebellar tissue from pups, both approximately two-thirds the density in corresponding adult structures. This anatomically selective overproduction of GABA B receptors in immature substantia nigra is consistent with the increased anticonvulsant efficacy of the GABA B agonist baclofen observed in rat pups.
A New Approach to Flux and Torque-Sensing in Induction Machines

A new method of air-gap flux sensing in induction machines is introduced which is based on sensing the voltage across individual motor coils. By subtracting the voltage across two properly located motor coils a signal is obtained which is independent of stator ir drop and nearly independent of motor leakage reactance drop. By combining the proposed flux sensing method with conventional current transducers, the electromagnetic torque is readily computed. The method has been implemented in the laboratory and good correlation has been obtained for both sinusoidal and inverter power supplies.
Nonreciprocal transmission through a silicon optical diode

An add-drop filter with asymmetric coupling to bus waveguides, cascaded with a notch filter, enables non-reciprocal data transmission through direction dependent resonance shift. Strong dispersion and attenuation near resonance allows one-way 10 Gbps data transmission.
Cortical microstimulation influences perceptual judgements of motion direction

Neurons in the visual cortex respond selectively to perceptually salient features of the visual scene, such as the direction and speed of moving objects, the orientation of local contours, or the colour or relative depth of a visual pattern. It is commonly assumed that the brain constructs its percept of the visual scene from information encoded in the selective responses of such neurons. We have now tested this hypothesis directly by measuring the effect on psychophysical performance of modifying the firing rates of physiologically characterized neurons. We required rhesus monkeys to report the direction of motion in a visual display while we electrically stimulated clusters of directionally selective neurons in the middle temporal visual area (MT, or V5), an extrastriate area that plays a prominent role in the analysis of visual motion information. Microstimulation biased the animals' judgements towards the direction of motion encoded by the stimulated neurons. This result indicates that physiological properties measured at the neuronal level can be causally related to a specific aspect of perceptual performance.
Optimum vertical design and evaluation techniques for high-current, high-voltage transistors

This paper discusses a quantitative design theory and new analysis techniques applicable to saturated switching power transistors. Methods for discriminating among various possible current-gain falloff mechanisms at high current densities are discussed in terms of easily measurable quantities allowing separation of the terminal currents in to physically meaningful components. The new analytical and experimental techniques presented allow rapidanalysis of any high current power transistor, allow characterization of various process sequences for their effects upon device performance, and allow optimal quantitative transistor design for a wide range of applications.
Curing studies of a polyimide precursor. II. Polyamic acid

The cure of pyromellitic dianhydride–oxydianiline polyamic acid is compared with that of a model compound, diphenylcarbamido–dicarboxy–benzene, both having been synthesized in 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP). Laser interferometry and thermogravimetric analysis showed that, analog to the diamic acid model compound, the polyamic acid forms complexes with NMP (repeat unit/NMP: 1/4 and 1/2). Thermal stability of these complexes was found to be similar to the ones of the diamic acid model compound as revealed by comparison of decomplexation temperature–heating rate curves. Activation energies of the decomplexation processes for the diamic acid are given. Anhydride formation, a reaction found in the cure of the model compound to compete with imidization, takes place also during the polyamic acid cure at fairly low temperatures. The molecular weight drop due to chain scission resulting from anhydride formation was followed by viscometry.
Ego integrity and fear of death: A comparison of institutionalized and independently living older adults

Abstract This study tested the hypothesis that level of resolution of Erikson's ego integrity versus despair crisis is inversely related to fear of death in older adults. Differences related to type of residence were also investigated. Fifty-one older adults ages 70 to 90 (11 males, 40 females) from a nursing home (N = 25) and an apartment complex (N = 26) completed measures of ego integrity and fear of death. Results of analyses of variance supported an inverse relationship between ego integrity and fear of death. This relationship was modified by type of residence indicating that among low integrity individuals, those living in the nursing home reported higher fear of death than those living in the apartment complex. No difference in fear of death in relation to residence type was obtained for high integrity individuals. If low ego integrity individuals lack a strong, internal support system they may be more dependent on external supports. It can be speculated that differences between independent and in...
Ternary Fission of U 235 Induced by Thermal Neutrons

Ternary fission events are studied in the thermal column of a reactor, using a U/sup 235/F/sub 4/ film and three coincidence detectors stationed 120 deg apart around this film (in a plane containing the film). It is demonstrated that the ternary count rate is caused by neither scattering nor accidental events. The distributions of total kinetic energy of the fission products, and of the masses of the fission products, are determined. Surface-barrier detectors are used, and the counting system has a 2 nsec resolution time. A lower limit of 1.2 ternary fissions per 10/sup 6/ binary fissions is indicated by the data. It is noted that the results are valid only at 120 deg spacing of the detectors. (T.F.H.)
Personality correlates of homophobia.

ABSTRACT This study explored the relationship between homophobia and several personality traits (empathy, religiosity, and coping style) in the context of respondents' gender and age. The sample consisted of 714 college students who responded to the Homophobia Attitude Scale (HAS) and personality trait scales. Results revealed that women endorsed fewer homophobic attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors than men and that age was negatively correlated with homophobia. Empathic concern and perspective taking were significantly correlated with lower overall homophobic attitudes, less affect discomfort in regard to gays, and less likelihood to abridge the human rights of gays. Religiosity was significantly correlated with more biased beliefs about the origins of homophobia, greater affective discomfort around gays, less endorsement of human rights for gays, and greater homophobia. Use of denial and isolation as coping styles were positively related to homophobia and use of turning against style was negatively correl...
Zein adsorption to hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces investigated by surface plasmon resonance.

Zein, the prolamine of corn, has been investigated for its potential as an industrial biopolymer. In previous research, zein was plasticized with oleic acid and formed into sheets/films. Physical properties of films were affected by film structure and controlled in turn by zein-oleic acid interactions. The nature of such interactions is not well understood. Thus, protein−fatty acid interactions were investigated in this work by the use of surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Zein adsorption from 75% aqueous 2-propanol solutions, 0.05% to 0.5% w/v, onto hydrophilic and hydrophobic self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) formed by 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid and 1-octanethiol, respectively, was monitored by high time resolution SPR. Initial adsorption rate and ultimate surface coverage increased with bulk protein concentration for both surfaces. The initial slope of plotted adsorption isotherms was higher on 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid than on 1-octanethiol, indicating higher zein affinity for hydrophilic SAMs. Also, ma...
Reciprocity of X-Ray Film Response for Nanosecond Exposures

X-ray film response in the 9–70-keV range was measured for exposures as short as 3 nsec corresponding to dose rates as high as 1017 photons/cm2/sec. Thermoluminescent dosimeters were used as calibration standards to normalize the film results. The ratio of film response at high dose rate divided by film response at low dose rate was used as a measure of reciprocity failure. No definitive reciprocity failure could be observed within the experimental error of 10%–15%, but there appears to be a slight trend towards reciprocity failure at lower energies.
Dosing chemotherapy in obese patients: Actual versus assigned body surface area (BSA)

Obesity is a chronic disease that has increased dramatically in the past few decades worldwide. More concerning, obesity is linked to many other disease states including cancer and has been shown to increase mortality. Unfortunately, oncology drug development and most clinical trials fail to address the problem of appropriate chemotherapy dosing in obese patients. This can potentially lead to either increased toxicity or decreased efficacy. Although dosing schemas may vary among practices and institutions, many oncologists tend to remain conservative and empirically dose-reduce obese patients despite data suggesting otherwise. The goals of this review were to consider the various aspects of pharmacokinetics in obese patients, to examine the existing literature regarding chemotherapy dosing in obese patients, and to determine the most appropriate weight estimation for body surface area (BSA) dose calculations. Based upon the current clinical data of obesity and chemotherapy dosing it can be concluded there is very limited if any data to support the perception that capping the doses of obese patients is beneficial and more likely this practice may have negative implications on survival outcomes. Under dosing patients with treatable or even curable disease to prevent toxicities could be costing the obese oncology patient population months to years of overall survival.
Reduction by pretreatment with dibenamine of hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride, thioacetamide or dimethylnitrosamine

Abstract Pretreatment with dibenamine (25 mg/kg sc 48 and 24 hr before the administration of a hepatotoxic agent) protected rats against the hepatotoxicity of CCl4, thioacetamide, or dimethylnitrosamine, but not against allyl alcohol or bromobenzene. Protection was evident from reduced activity of plasma glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and reduced liver necrosis as demonstrated by histologic evaluations. In rats pretreated with dibenamine, LD50 values for CCl4 and thioacetamide were elevated and liver triglycerides after CCl4 and dimethylnitrosamine were reduced. Dibenamine protection against hepatotoxicity did not correlate with alpha-adrenergic receptor blockade. Similar pretreatment with 3 other alpha-adrenergic blocking agents, tolazoline, phenoxybenzamine, and EEDQ (N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline), failed to protect rats against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity.
A unified assay for six enzymes of glutamate metabolism.

Abstract A single assay system has been developed for six enzymes of glutamate metabolism: glutamate dehydrogenase, glutaminase, asparate aminotransferase, γ-aminobutyrate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and glutamate decarboxylase. The first five are assayed by coupling them to Escherichia coli glutamate decarboxylase and measuring the release of 14 CO 2 from radioactive substrates. Glutamate decarboxylase is assayed directly. The assays are simple, use but one technique, and require very little working time. At a reasonable cost per assay, they are considerably more sensitive than other commonly used assays for the same enzymes. The sensitivity of the assay at a fixed price increases as the substrate concentration decreases.
Susceptibility to infectious disease, the response to active immunization and the antibody titres in diabetic schoolchildren.

SUMMARY In a group of 145 diabetic schoolchildren, 7–20 years old, and 126 matched non-diabetic controls, certain factors relevant to immunity and diabetes were investigated. The diabetics of all ages were found to have a higher school absenteeism and also, in the prepuberal ages, a higher incidence of acute infectious disease than corresponding non-diabetics. No major differences in the distribution of common bacterial antibody titers were observed and the formation of agglutinins to tyhoid/paratyphoid vaccine was found to be the same in both groups. The diabetics were carriers of common bacteria somewhat more often than the non-diabetics. Most results could not be correlated with the degree of diabetic control. It is suggested that the explanation of the differences between the two groups might be a longer voluntary phase of recuperation after acute infectious disease in the diabetics.
An Introduction to Logic Circuit Testing

An Introduction to Logic Circuit Testing provides a detailed coverage of techniques for test generation and testable design of digital electronic circuits/systems. The material covered in the book should be sufficient for a course, or part of a course, in digital circuit testing for senior-level undergraduate and first-year graduate students in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The book will also be a valuable resource for engineers working in the industry. This book has four chapters. Chapter 1 deals with various types of faults that may occur in very large scale integration (VLSI)-based digital circuits. Chapter 2 introduces the major concepts of all test generation techniques such as redundancy, fault coverage, sensitization, and backtracking. Chapter 3 introduces the key concepts of testability, followed by some ad hoc design-for-testability rules that can be used to enhance testability of combinational circuits. Chapter 4 deals with test generation and response evaluation techniques used in BIST (built-in self-test) schemes for VLSI chips. Table of Contents: Introduction / Fault Detection in Logic Circuits / Design for Testability / Built-in Self-Test / References
Single‐ and multiple‐tuned liquid column dampers for seismic applications

Design parameters for single- and multiple-tuned liquid column dampers for reducing the response of structures to seismic excitations are presented. A deterministic analysis is carried out using 72 earthquake ground motion records to determine the tuning ratio, tube width to liquid length ratio, and head loss coefficient corresponding to a given mass ratio for single-tuned liquid column dampers. A similar analysis is performed to determine the central tuning ratio, tuning bandwidth, and grouping of dampers for multiple-tuned liquid column dampers. The study indicates that by properly selecting the design parameters, single- and multiple-tuned liquid column dampers can reduce the response of structures to seismic excitation by up to 45 per cent. Design examples using single- and multiple-tuned liquid column dampers in a bridge and a ten-storey building are presented to illustrate how the parameters are selected and to demonstrate the performance of the devices under different ground excitations. The response of several structures with tuned liquid column dampers is compared with that using tuned mass dampers where it is shown that both devices result in comparable reductions in the response. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. This paper was produced under the auspices of the U.S. Government and it is therefore not subject to copyright in the U.S.
The metabolic clearance of aldosterone decreases similarly during infusion of angiotensin II in patients with essential hypertension and in normal subjects.

To determine if the abnormally large increases in levels of plasma aldosterone which occur during infusion of angiotensin II in some patients with essential hypertension are due to abnormal decreases in the metabolic clearance of aldosterone, we measured clearances of aldosterone before and duringinfusion of angiotensin II in 12 patients with essential hypertension and in 10 normal subjects. The metabolic clearance ofaldosterone in the patients and that in the normal subjects were the same before angiotensin II was infused and the clearances decreased similarly during infusion of angiotensin II. In agreement with our previous observations, the plasma aldosterone responses to angiotensin II were greater than normal in most of the patients with low renin essential hypertension. Thus, the brisk increases in levels of plasma aldosterone during infusion of angiotensin II in patients with essential hypertension reflect abnormally large increases in the secretion of aldosterone. These results add further support...
High speed and low power transceiver design with CNFET and CNT bundle interconnect

In this paper, a low power capacitive 4-PWAM transmitter architectures and circuits design using Carbon Nanotube Field Effect Transistor (CNFET) and Carbon Nanotube bundle interconnects is presented along with its performances analysis considering random jitter and PVT variations. A novel technique is proposed to reduce power and to increase speed by using capacitive driven low swing transceiver. The proposed transceiver design saves power by factor of 5.7∼6.4 and accomplishes 4 times higher data rate than the conventional CMOS technology designs. To implement 4-PWAM transmitter, new phase controller and adaptive capacitance network are designed while new architectures are proposed for PWM and PAM demodulation at the receiver side.
Comparison of error-amplification and haptic-guidance training techniques for learning of a timing-based motor task by healthy individuals.

Performance errors drive motor learning for many tasks. Some researchers have suggested that reducing performance errors with haptic guidance can benefit learning by demonstrating correct movements, while others have suggested that artificially increasing errors will force faster and more complete learning. This study compared the effect of these two techniques—haptic guidance and error amplification—as healthy subjects learned to play a computerized pinball-like game. The game required learning to press a button using wrist movement at the correct time to make a flipper hit a falling ball to a randomly positioned target. Errors were decreased or increased using a robotic device that retarded or accelerated wrist movement, based on sensed movement initiation timing errors. After training with either error amplification or haptic guidance, subjects significantly reduced their timing errors and generalized learning to untrained targets. However, for a subset of more skilled subjects, training with amplified errors produced significantly greater learning than training with the reduced errors associated with haptic guidance, while for a subset of less skilled subjects, training with haptic guidance seemed to benefit learning more. These results suggest that both techniques help enhanced performance of a timing task, but learning is optimized if training subjects with the appropriate technique based on their baseline skill level.
Application of the Reiner-Rivlin model to the slow flow of ice gravel past a cylinder

Abstract On a sufficiently large scale, fragmented ice can be considered homogeneous and isotropic, making model studies of its gross mechanical properties possible. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Reiner-Rivlin model by evaluating the effects of three parameters: Reynolds number, cross-viscosity, and size of the ice patch. Two-dimensional interaction with a circular cylinder is treated in detail. It has been found that, roughly speaking, the pressure distribution over a cylindrical surface is inversely proportional to Reynolds number, and directly proportional to the coefficient C, which depends on the size of the ice patch. The total force is also proportional to the angle at separation.
Information assurance in manets and wireless sensor networks

Manets and sensor networks are two classes of the wireless ad hoc networks with resource constraints. Manets typically consist of devices that have high capabilities, mobile and operate in coalitions. Sensor networks are typically deployed in specific geographical regions for monitoring and sensing. Both these wireless networks are characterized by their ad hoc nature that lack pre deployed infrastructure for computing and communication. Resource constraints, medium pathloss, and signal interference limit the communication range between any tow nodes, leading to the need for a multihop communication network. Such a network must be collaboratively formed and supported by the resource constraint nodes. For meaningful service provision, such a network must be able to provide confidentiality, integrity, and entity verification among participating nodes. In this talk, we will focus on such networks and discuss the challenges ahead that require fresh approaches in trust establishment and secure network service operations. We will take secure location services, probabilistic pre key deployment strategies, and group mobility scenarios of VANETs as examples to demonstrate the challenges in trust establishment and providing privacy.
Effects of acute microwave irradiation on phenobarbital sleep and disposition to brain in mice

Following a 10‐min near‐field exposure to sham radiation of 2.45 GHz microwave (MW) radiation at a power density of 10 mW/cm2, male Swiss‐Cox mice were injected with sodium phenobarbital (PB) (150 mg/kg, iv) and the onset and duration of PB‐induced sleep were recorded. MW‐pretreated mice exhibited a decreased PB sleep onset relative to sham when PB was administered 1 to 45 min following irradiation; however, no effect was seen by 24 h. The duration of PB‐induced sleep was increased; however MW pretreatment did not affect the duration of hexobarbital‐ or pento‐barbital‐induced sleep. At the time of onset of PB‐induced sleep, PB concentrations in brain of MW‐irradiated and control groups were the same despite a twofold difference in the time to sleep onset between these groups. But, when measured 5 min following PB injection, the PB concentrations in brain were higher in MW‐pretreated mice, suggesting that a dispositional mechanism accounted for the observed MW effects on PB‐induced sleep. Mice heated for 1...
Lesion location, stability, and pretreatment management: factors affecting outcomes of endovascular treatment for vertebrobasilar atherosclerosis

Background and purpose The proper role of endovascular treatment of cervicocerebral atherosclerosis is unclear. Posterior circulation disease has not been investigated as extensively as disease in the anterior circulation. In this study, we characterized the rates of technical success, transient ischemic attack, stroke, and death or disability, for both acute and elective endovascular treatment of atherosclerosis in the vertebrobasilar system. Methods We identified patients with atherosclerosis of the vertebrobasilar circulation who underwent endovascular intervention at our hospital through retrospective medical record review, and evaluated the association between lesion and treatment features and subsequent stroke, death, or disability at 30 days and 1 year. Results We identified 136 lesions in 122 patients, including 13 interventions for acute strokes. Technical success was achieved in 123 of 136 cases (90.4%). Elective procedures had higher rates of technical success (6.5% vs 15.4%, p=0.21) and better clinical outcomes. In multivariate analysis, intracranial lesions were associated with more disability (modified Rankin Scale score >2) at 30 days (OR 7.1, p=0.01) and 1 year (OR 10, p=0.03). Patients with non-hypoperfusion related symptoms had fewer strokes at follow-up at 1 year when treated after an asymptomatic interval of >10 days compared with those treated within 10 days of the presenting symptoms (OR 0.2, p=0.03). Statin treatment prior to intervention was associated with favorable outcomes across several examined endpoints. Preoperative antiplatelet treatment was associated with lower rates of disability at 30 days and 1 year (OR 0.1, p Conclusions Endovascular treatment of symptomatic vertebrobasilar atherosclerosis can be performed safely and with good outcomes. Technical results were better for those with extracranial disease while clinical outcomes were more favorable in those patients with non-progressive symptoms in the subacute period and those receiving statin therapy.
Women of reproductive age with endometriosis are not osteopenic

Abstract Objective: To determine whether women of reproductive age with endometriosis are osteopenic and whether bone density decreases with higher stages of endometriosis. Design: A multicenter cross-sectional study was performed. Setting: Thirty-nine gynecological clinics in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Patient(s): Two hundred forty-one women of reproductive age with laparoscopically proved endometriosis. Intervention(s): Diagnostic laparoscopy, bone densitometry. Main Outcome Measure(s): Endometriosis stages according to the criteria of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, lumbar spine bone mineral density (L2–L4) as measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Result(s): The mean lumbar spine bone mineral density, as well as the distribution of bone mineral density, of the women with endometriosis was similar to that of a normal population. There were no significant differences between endometriosis stage groups I–IV regarding bone mineral density as well as body weight, body mass index, and height. Conclusion(s): Women of reproductive age with endometriosis are not osteopenic. More advanced stages of endometriosis are not associated with a decrease in lumbar spine bone mineral density.
Effect of soybean meal, raw soybeans, corn gluten feed, and urea on the concentration of rumen fluid components at intervals after feeding.

Abstract Trials utilizing three fistulated steers, in two Latin-square designed experiments, were conducted with five rations equal in digestible protein and containing cottonseed hulls, plus one of the following protein supplements: soybean meal, raw soybeans, corn gluten feed, urea, or urea + soybean meal. In the first experiment, soybean meal, raw soybeans, and corn gluten feed were fed. The corn gluten feed ration was associated with the highest concentrations of total nitrogen (N) and protein N in the rumen fluid; the ration of raw soybeans was associated with the lowest concentrations; and the soybean meal ration with intermediate concentrations. Concentrations of ammonia-N were highest with soybean meal and the lowest with raw soybeans. Total volatile fatty acids (VFA) were similar for soybean meal and corn gluten feed. Soybean meal, urea, and urea + soybean meal were fed in the second experiment. The soybean meal ration was associated with the highest concentrations of total N and protein N; the urea ration with the lowest concentrations; and the urea + soybean meal ration with intermediate concentrations. Concentrations of ammonia-N were highest with urea and lowest with soybean meal. The urea ration was associated with a significantly lower (P
High frequency Differential MIMO: Basic theory and transceiver architectures

We propose a new multiple input multiple output (MIMO) transceiver architecture - Differential MIMO (D-MIMO) - that enables linear interference suppression between multiple spatially multiplexed and differentially encoded data streams. The D-MIMO transceiver architecture is particularly attractive in emerging high-frequency systems, such as millimeter-wave systems, in which the requirement of a phase-coherent local oscillator at the receiver can be challenging. A direct application of conventional linear interference suppression techniques is not possible with differential communication. Thus, we first develop a general model for D-MIMO systems, with a corresponding D-MIMO channel matrix, that forms the basis of the development in this paper. A surprising result is that a quasi-coherent version of the underlying channel matrix can also be estimated from the D-MIMO matrix, making conventional linear interference suppression possible as well. This leads to two D-MIMO transceiver architectures that are developed. Numerical results illustrate the promising and nearly identical performance of the proposed transceivers and the communication breakdown that can occur without interference suppression.
Families and genetics: Bridging the gap between knowledge and practice☆

Abstract The Human Genome Project (HGP) and news of genetic breakthroughs are pervasive to most of our lives today. Yet how many of us have had formal education in genetics? When and how do we integrate this knowledge into our clinical practice? This article discusses the relevance of genetics to newborn and infant nursing practice and how new genetic knowledge affects patients and their families. Approaches to educating clinicians about genetics within the context of the family are described, as newborn and infant nurses emphasize the family in their daily work and frequently work with children and families with genetic diagnoses. Education and research from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing are used as examples to describe the integration of genetics into the practice of nurses caring for newborns, infants, and their families. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Grandmas' hands rocked the cradle

Abstract A considerable number of women find themselves serving as surrogate parents for their grandchildren. This issue is particularly salient for African-American women. This article highlights the experiences of African-American grandmothers who are rearing their grandchildren in a rural southern community. Data collection included in-depth interviewing, observation, and document review. Findings from the study underscore the need for policy makers and practitioners to understand the structural and cultural context in which grandparent caregiving occurs. Grandmothers serving as surrogate parents should have access to a comprehensive array of services some of which include financial, psychological, medical, and legal services. In addition to these services grandparent caregivers should be empowered to engage in activities which encourage support and self-care. Study findings generate ideas that will be of interest to those responsible for practice and policy decisions.