cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patterns of local failure for sinonasal malignancies

Abstract Purpose To identify the patterns of local failure for sinonasal malignancies treated with radiation therapy (RT). Methods and Materials We retrospectively identified 79 patients with sinonasal malignancies treated between 2000 and 2011. The median follow-up was 34 months (7-137). Fifty patients (63%) had surgery and RT with or without chemotherapy, and 29 (37%) received definitive chemoradiation therapy. Twenty-six of 79 patients (33%) failed locally; 11 had persistent disease and 15 had local recurrence (LR). The patients with LR had at least a 3-month disease-free interval posttreatment. Imaging of the 15 LR was registered to the treatment planning computed tomography. Failures were categorized as in-field, marginal, or out-of-field if >95%, 20%-95%, or Results Of the 15 patients with LR, 7 were in-field, 2 were marginal, and 6 were out-of-field. For 3 patients, treatment plans were not retrievable; however, it was apparent from clinical records that 2 had in-field LR and 1 had an out-of-field LR (untreated contralateral maxillary sinus). No patient with a marginal or out-of-field recurrence had more than 39% of their recurrent tumor volume within 95% of the prescribed dose. Coverage of the LR by 54 Gy and 45 Gy was suboptimal in 7/7 and 5/7 patients with LR, respectively. Marginal and out-of-field LR were predominantly above the pretreatment tumor location and at the level of or superior to the eyes. Conclusions Sinonasal malignancies failed marginally or out-of-field in 53% (8/15) of LR and 31% (8/26) of all local failures. The anatomic location of these marginal and out-of field LR are predominately at, or superior to, the level of the eyes. This pattern of failure may be directly related to efforts to minimize RT to the optic structures and the degree of difficulty of skull base operations.
Selective Inhibition of Absorption and Long Distance Transport in Relation to the Dual Mechanisms of Ion Absorption in Maize Seedlings

The influence of several uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation and inhibitors of terminal electron transport was studied on absorption and long distance transport of both K and C1 at concentrations within each range of the dual isotherm typical of ion uptake by maize roots. At low concentrations in the range of system 1, the system considered to implement ion movement through the plasma membrane, root absorption and long distance transport are equally inhibited by a given inhibitor. In the high range of system 2, the system considered to mediate ion passage through the tonoplast, long distance transport is markedly less sensitive to inhibitors than is absorption. The observations are in accord with the hypothesis that only system 1 is involved in the uptake of ions from the external solution into the symplast, and hence into the xylem. At high concentrations, entrance into the symplasm is deemed to be largely by diffusion and therefore less inhibitor sensitive. With respect to absorption by the roots, the plasma membrane system is more inhibitor sensitive than is the tonoplast system. It is suggested that the difference in sensitivity is real, and not the consequence of an inequality of inhibitor concentration in the vicinity of the plasma membrane and tonoplast respectively.
Rapid solid-state transformation of tetrahedral [AlH4]− into octahedral [AlH6]3− in lithium aluminohydride

Polycrystalline LiAlH4 transforms into polycrystalline Li3AlH6 and Al during short time (5 min) ball-milling with 3 mol% TiCl4 at room temperature; solid-state rearrangement of tetrahedral [AlH4]− into octahedral [AlH6]3− at ambient conditions was previously unknown; this transformation does not occur during ball-milling of pure LiAlH4 or in the presence of 3 mol% TiCl4 without mechanochemical treatment.
Production of interleukin-1 and interleukin-2 in allogeneic mixed lymphocyte cultures under copper, magnesium and zinc deficient conditions

Abstract Copper, magnesium and zinc deficient in vitro conditions were established in allogeneic mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLC) between splenocytes of C57B1/6 mice and x-irradiated splenocytes of Balb/cBy mice. Cellular levels of copper, magnesium and zinc were significantly lower in respective single element deficient media. The monocyte derived helper factor interleukin-1 (IL-1) and the T “helper” lymphocyte produced helper factor interleukin-2 (IL-2) were measured in these MLCs over six days. IL-1 levels in the culture supernatants were kinetically different from control levels in the copper deficient and zinc deficient MLCs, and were not measurable in the magnesium deficient MLCs. Only magnesium deficient MLC levels of IL-2 were different from control IL-2 levels and kinetics (no detectable IL-2 increases were measured with allogeneic stimulation). Immunological “help” is comparable to control levels in copper deficient and zinc deficient MLCs when “helper” T cells are present, whereas a marked decrease in “help” is found in magnesium deficient MLCs even with normal numbers of “helper” T lymphocytes.
Corning's Success with the Discovery Channel 4.3 Meter Telescope

ABSTRACT Corning Incorporated has had success with many of the large optics for different programs. Cornings ability to fuse ULE ® monolithic blanks from smaller portions allows for a wide variety of shapes and configurations. Cornings latest success has come with the Discovery Channel Telescope (DCT) 4.3 meter ULE ® blank, produced for Lowell Observatory. This paper will document the process for the fabrication of the blank from inception to completion and shipment of the blank to the customer. There will be discussion of the manufacturing processes, ULE ® selection, and handling. Keywords: ULE ® , mirror blank, large mirror, low expansion material, CTE, DCT 1. INTRODUCTION Corning Incorporated has long history in fabricating large mirror blanks from ULE ® , Corning Code 7972. The history of Cornings involvement in mirror manufacturing has spanned almost 70 years. Cornings dedication to the industry led it to build a plant specifically for the market in Canton, New York 40 years ago. Cornings materials used in mirror blanks have evolved through the years from borosilicate glass Pyrex
An Approach to the Psychopharmacologic Care of Patients: Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Anxiolytics, Mood Stabilizers, and Natural Remedies

The number of safe and effective medication treatments for psychiatric illness has expanded substantially over the past 10 to 15 years. Knowing when and how to prescribe psychotropics--and knowing which medication to prescribe--can be challenging, but with knowledge of some basic principles, this task can be performed adeptly by physicians of all specialties. In this article, the authors discuss basic principles of psychopharmacology and outline an approach to using several commonly prescribed classes of medications.
Fixture Clamping Force Optimisation and its Impact on Workpiece Location Accuracy

Workpiece motion arising from localised elastic deformation at fixture-workpiece contacts owing to clamping and machining forces is known to affect significantly the workpiece location accuracy and, hence, the final part quality. This effect can be minimised through fixture design optimisation. The clamping force is a critical design variable that can be optimised to reduce the workpiece motion. This paper presents a new method for determining the optimum clamping forces for a multiple clamp fixture subjected to quasi-static machining forces. The method uses elastic contact mechanics models to represent the fixture-workpiece contact and involves the formulation and solution of a multi-objective constrained optimisation model. The impact of clamping force optimisation on workpiece location accuracy is analysed through examples involving a 3-2-1 type milling fixture.
Homology between actin coding and its adjacent sequences in widely divergent species

Abstract Eco Rl restriction endonuclease DNA fragments from several representatives of the kingdoms Protista and Animalia were electrophoretically separated and transferred to the nitrocellulose filters. These DNA's were hybridized with [32p]-labelled actin coding sequence from Drosophila melanogaster (Dm). The results indicate that the nucleic acid sequences of the genes coding for actin(s) has been highly conserved throughout evolution. Similar experiments were performed using the sequence derived from the 5′ end of Drosophila actin gene as a probe. Cross-hybridization was observed between Drosophila and Acanthamoeba castellanii . This may indicate a functionally important region at the 5′ end which has been conserved.
Profound endoesophageal cryotherapy.

Studies are reported to define the tolerance of the feline esophagus to cryoinjury. Thirty-seven cats underwent endoesophageal cryotherapy to temperatures of -100, -120, -140 degrees C for 30 sec. Animals were sacrificed at 90 min, 4, 10, 14, and 20 days. The extent of cryoinjury was evaluated with cine esophagogram, esophageal manometrics, and pathologic evaluation. Esophagograms demonstrated mural edema, coinciding with diminished amplitude of peristalsis in the area of freeze. All animals frozen to -100 degrees C survived with complete healing. Of the animals frozen to -120 and -140 degrees C, 14 and 15%, respectively, developed esophageal perforation. The feline esophagus tolerates local freezing to levels of -100 degrees C with complete healing. This modality may be useful in treating superficial lesions of the esophagus.
A model for tear film thinning with osmolarity and fluorescein.

Purpose We developed a mathematical model predicting dynamic changes in fluorescent intensity during tear film thinning in either dilute or quenching regimes and we model concomitant changes in tear film osmolarity. Methods We solved a mathematical model for the thickness, osmolarity, fluorescein concentration, and fluorescent intensity as a function of time, assuming a flat and spatially uniform tear film. Results The tear film thins to a steady-state value that depends on the relative importance of the rates of evaporation and osmotic supply, and the resulting increase of osmolarity and fluorescein concentrations are calculated. Depending on the initial thickness, the rate of osmotic supply and the tear film thinning rate, the osmolarity increase may be modest or it may increase by as much as a factor of eight or more from isosmotic levels. Regarding fluorescent intensity, the quenching regime occurs for initial concentrations at or above the critical fluorescein concentration where efficiency dominates, while lower concentrations show little change in fluorescence with tear film thinning. Conclusions Our model underscores the importance of using fluorescein concentrations at or near the critical concentration clinically so that quenching reflects tear film thinning and breakup. In addition, the model predicts that, depending on tear film and osmotic factors, the osmolarity within the corneal compartment of the tear film may increase markedly during tear film thinning, well above levels that cause marked discomfort.
Long term modulation of the HPA axis by the hippocampus. Behavioral, biochemical and immunological endpoints in rats exposed to chronic mild stress.

Mature rats were given lesions of the hippocampus (HIPPO), subiculum (SUBIC) or fimbria-fornix (FIFO) and then received the mild chronic stressors of food deprivation and isolation housing for ten months prior to testing. Group differences in circadian activity were investigated along with locomotion elicited by amphetamine (AMP 1.0-2.0 mg/kg i.p.) alone, and following the corticosterone (CORT) synthesis inhibitor, metyrapone (MET 10.0-25.0 mg/kg i.p.). Basal levels of plasma CORT, (ng/ml), plasma glucose (GLUC, mmol/l), thymic and splenic wet weights were subsequently determined along with complete blood counts (CBC). In comparison to age matched, unoperated controls, selective SUBIC lesions altered the circadian periodicity of locomotion, while rats with FIFO lesions were spontaneously hyperactive. Both HIPPO and FIFO animals showed significantly higher levels of amphetamine-induced locomotion. In all groups metyrapone significantly enhanced locomotion elicited by amphetamine, probably due to a pharmacokinetic interaction between these drugs. In comparison to controls, animals in the HIPPO group showed significant reductions in plasma glucose levels, decreased thymic wet weights and reductions in lymphocyte numbers, indicating lesion-related immuno-suppression. These findings highlight a functional difference among the effects of these specific hippocampal lesions on neural regulation of the HPA axis, under conditions of chronic mild stress, suggesting that the modulatory influence of the hippocampus on the stress axis is dependent on the neuroanatomical location and total extent of cell loss within this structure. They further suggest that the heightened response to amphetamine occurs independently of any lesion-induced changes in modulation of the HPA axis.
CNTF restores gallbladder contractility in leptin-resistant obese diabetic mice

Background. Obesity and diabetes are major risk factors for the development of cholesterol gallstones, and the majority of obese people have leptin-resistant obesity. Previous studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that both leptin-deficient (Lepob) and leptin-resistant (Lepdb) obese diabetic mice have decreased in vitro gallbladder motility. We have also shown that leptin administration to leptin-deficient (Lepob) animals restores gallbladder motility and reverses obesity and hyperinsulinemia. However, the administration of additional leptin to leptin-resistant (Lepdb) mice would not be expected to ameliorate their physiologic parameters. In contrast, recent studies have demonstrated that ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) can reduce weight and hyperinsulinemia in leptin-resistant obesity. Hypothesis. CNTF would cause weight loss, lower blood sugars, and restore gallbladder contractility in leptin-resistant (Lepdb) mice. Methods. To test this hypothesis, 20 C57b/6J and 20 Lepdb 8-week-old mice were injected intraperitoneally daily with either saline or 0.3 μg/g CNTFAx15 for 17 days. At 11 weeks, mice were weighed and underwent cholecystectomy. Intact gallbladders were mounted in 3 mL muscle baths and stimulated with acetylcholine (ACh) and cholecystokinin (CCK). Serum glucose levels were measured. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA. Results are shown in the table. Conclusions. These data suggest that daily administration of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) causes (1) significant weight loss, (2) improvement of diabetes, and (3) significant alterations in gallbladder motility which is decreased in lean nondiabetic mice and improved in obese diabetic mice. We conclude that ciliary neurotrophic factor may improve gallbladder contractility in leptin-resistant obese diabetes. TABLE—ABSTRACT 48. Strain Wt (g) Glucose (mg/dL) ACh 10−5 M (N/cm2) CCK 10−8 M (N/cm2) Saline C57 17 ± 0 110 ± 12 .39 ± .04 1.14 ± .13 CNTF C57 13 ± 0∗ 101 ± 7 .20 ± .04∗ 0.59 ± .08∗ Saline Lepdb 41 ± 2† 440 ± 26† .13 ± .03∗ 0.46 ± .08∗ CNTF Lepdb 22 ± 1‡ 200 ± 33† .54 ± .10‡ 1.02 ± .09‡ ∗ P < 0.05 versus Saline C57; † P < 0.01 versus other groups; Ddagger; P < 0.001 versus Saline lepdb.
Competing order, Fermi surface reconstruction, and quantum oscillations in underdoped high-temperature superconductors

We consider incommensurate $d$-density wave order in underdoped high temperature superconductors. We find that Fermi surface reconstruction can correctly capture the phenomenology of the recent quantum oscillation experiments that suggest incommensurate order. The predicted frequencies are a frequency around 530 T arising from the electron pocket, a hole frequency at around 1650 T, and a new low frequency from a smaller hole pocket at 250 T for which there are some indications that require further investigation. The oscillation corresponding to the electron pocket will be further split due to bilayer coupling but the splitting is sufficiently small to require more refined measurements. The truly incommensurate $d$-density wave breaks both time reversal and inversion but the product of these two symmetry operations is preserved. There is some similarity of our results with the spiral spin density wave order, which, as pointed out by Overhauser, also breaks time reversal and inversion. Calculations corresponding to higher order commensuration produces results similar to anti-phase spin stripes, but appear to us to be an unlikely explanation of the experiments. The analysis of the Gorkov equation in the mixed state shows that the oscillation frequencies are unshifted from the putative normal state and the additional Dingle factor arising from the presence of the mixed state can provide a subtle distinction between the spiral spin density wave and the $d$-density wave.
Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ( 1 H-MRS) Detection of Long-Term Neurotoxic Effects of Prenatal Cocaine Exposure in the Rat

Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ( 1 H-MRS) Detection of Long-Term Neurotoxic Effects of Prenatal Cocaine Exposure in the Rat
Generalizing a theorem of Schur

In a letter written to Landau in 1935, Schur stated that for any integer t > 2, there are primes p 1 < p 2 < … < p t such that p 1 + p 2 > pt. In this note, we use the Prime Number Theorem and extend Schur’s result to show that for any integers t ⩾ k ⩾ 1 and real ɛ > 0, there exist primes p 1 < p 2 < … < p t such that p 1 + p 2 + … + p k > (k − ɛ)p t .
STUDIES IN EXPERIMENTAL EXTRACORPOREAL THROMBOSIS : IV. EFFECTS OF CERTAIN PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL FACTORS ON EXTRACORPOREAL THROMBOSIS WITH AND WITHOUT THE USE OF ANTICOAGULANTS.

The effects of environmental temperature on thrombosis in circulating blood were tested in the extracorporeal loop by the method previously described. Cold (7° to 15°C.) about the collodion tube retards the clotting of circulating blood. Obstruction of the arterial cannula occurs after from 15 to 25 minutes. Heat (40° and 55°C.) tends to hasten clotting; obstruction by red clot takes place after from 4 to 6 minutes and from 2 to 4 minutes, respectively. In the latter case no characteristic thrombus structure may be seen. These results were what might be expected. The formation of white thrombi occurs even under the influence of cold, and they continue to form and grow as long as the circulation continues. When the carotid artery is partially occluded and the blood stream slowed, after the injection of the anticoagulant, the blood has a tendency to form red thrombi on the foreign surface of the vascular loop. The thrombi are deposited chiefly in the arterial half of the apparatus, especially at the bottom of the arterial end of the collodion tube, just as in the case of Aschoff's sand experiments. In spite of incoagulability of heparinized blood, red clots, with interwoven fibrin bands, are found. Also very tiny white thrombi may form in other parts of the collodion tube. The effect of complete obstruction of the carotid artery and jugular vein on thrombus formation was studied after the use of anticoagulant. When the carotid artery is obstructed the formation of white thrombi is negligible and sedimentation of erythrocytes and deposition of fibrin appear throughout the apparatus; then the blood, at a standstill, clots very slowly. When the jugular vein is obstructed, dislodgment of platelet thrombi probably results from the pulsating movement, and sedimentation of erythrocytes follows, forming mixed thrombi. The dislodged white thrombi tend to gather in the bottom of the tubes of the widest caliber, especially in the collodion tube.
Treatment of pemphigus with gold.

Background Although gold has been reported to be useful in treating pemphigus vulgaris, its use has waned in recent years because of concerns regarding efficacy and toxicity. Objective To review 26 patients with pemphigus who were treated with intramuscular gold over a 10-year period. Results Gold was effective in 62% of patients as a primary treatment for pemphigus or as a steroid-sparing agent. An average of 3 months of therapy was required before the daily prednisone dosage could be halved. Four patients were free of disease and stopped receiving all therapy at the conclusion of the study. Toxic effects due to gold therapy developed in 42% of patients and all adverse effects resolved with its cessation. Conclusions While toxic effects limit the use of gold in many patients with pemphigus, it may be effective in treating a large percentage of patients who otherwise are unable to reduce their steroid requirement. Because of its delayed onset of action, patients treated with gold usually require systemic steroids when therapy is initiated. Controlled, prospective trials are needed to further evaluate the efficacy of gold and its potential steroid-sparing effects.
Immunophilins in the YeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae:A Different Spin on Proline Rotamases

Abstract The clinically used immunosuppressant compounds—FK506, rapamycin, and cyclophilin A—are all natural products that were originally detected because of their antifungal action, not because of their fortuitous effects on the human immune system. Genetic and biochemical approaches have been used to identify binding proteins that serve as the receptors for these antibiotics in cells of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Three FK506/rapamycin-binding proteins (FKBPs) and six cyclosporin-A-binding proteins (cyclophilins) have been characterized in some detail, but there is evidence that additional members of both families exist in this organism. Cloning of the corresponding genes has shown that the yeast gene products are strikingly similar to their mammalian counterparts and possess peptidylprolyl- cis, trans -isomerase (proline rotamase) activity in vitro. Genetic analysis in yeast has confirmed, and significantly extended, complementary research in animal cell systems that has shed light on the roles that the FKBPs and the cyclophilins play in the mechanism of action of the immunosuppressant drugs. The application of genetic methods in yeast is also beginning to provide additional insights into the function of these proteins in normal cell physiology.
The influence of self-esteem on rate of verbal conditioning and social matching behavior.

The influence of self-esteem on rate of verbal conditioning and social matching behavior Donna Gelfand; The Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology
Radiation-Induced Ionic Grafting of Ethyl Vinyl Ether to Polypropylene Film

Abstract The radiation-induced grafting of ethyl vinyl ether to polypropylene film in bulk has been investigated under super-dry conditions. The per cent grafting increased linearly with increasing dose without an induction period. The grafting did not take place in the presence of traces of water, indicating that the grafting proceeds by an ionic mechanism. The dose-rate dependence of the rate of grafting was found to be 0.25. The grafting was also examined in n-pentane and neopentane solutions. Although the per cent grafting in the solution system was lower than that in the bulk system, n-pentane was found to increase the grafting efficiency.
Image-Guided Ovarian Mass Biopsy: Efficacy and Safety

Abstract Purpose Image-guided needle biopsy represents a minimally invasive method for pathologic diagnosis of a mass. This study evaluates the diagnostic yield, accuracy, and safety of ovarian mass biopsy with combined core and fine-needle technique. Materials and Methods Medical records of all women at least 18 years of age, referred from gynecologic oncology, who underwent image-guided ovarian mass biopsy from 2001 through 2011 were reviewed. Among 27 patients, ultrasound guidance was used in 13 (48%), six transabdominal and seven transvaginal; computed tomography guidance was used in 14 (52%), nine transabdominal and five transgluteal. Biopsy indications were suspected metastasis (n = 15; 56%), suspected ovarian cancer to be treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (n = 10; 37%), and relative contraindication to surgery (n = 2; 7%). Mean maximum lesion dimension was 9.9 cm (range, 2–23 cm), with solid composition in nine (33%), cystic in six (22%), and mixed in 12 (44%). Biopsy pathologic findings were compared versus those of the surgical specimen or, for masses that were not resected, versus the stability of benign masses and response to chemotherapy of malignant masses on follow-up. Results All biopsies yielded a diagnosis. No biopsy-related complications were noted. Eleven patients (41%) did not undergo lesion resection and were followed for an average of 28.8 months (range, 0.3–118.4 mo). In no patient did malignancy develop during clinical follow-up after a benign biopsy diagnosis. Sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of malignancy were 100% ± 0 (19 of 19) and 88% ± 26 (seven of eight), respectively, for cancer detection. In nine patients (33%) with final pathologic diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer, tumor seeding was not observed during a mean follow-up of 44.6 months (range, 1.3–110.2 mo). Conclusions Image-guided ovarian mass core needle biopsy results in a pathologic diagnosis of benign and malignant masses with high yield, accuracy, and safety.
Using a cognitive-behavioral family model in conjunction with systems and behavioral family therapy models

Abstract Practitioners and family scientists can use cognitive-behavioral family theory (CBF), along with systems and behavioral theories, to gain deeper understandings of and to facilitate change in the family unit. CBF states that every individual has a family schema. This construct contains the complete set of cognitions that guide individuals as they behave, react, perceive, and process information in the family unit. Following an overview of CBF, the paper illustrates how practitioners and family scientists who use CBF in conjunction with other models can gain richer understandings of individual and unit-level explanations of family stability and change.
Calcified breast tumors

Abstract 1.1. A case of a calcified retention cyst of the female breast is reported. 2.2. An x-ray study of the breast served to suggest the benign nature of the lesion. On the basis of this observation, local excision was considered safe and the patient was spared a radical breast resection. 3.3. A survey of the literature shows that there are only 31 authentic reports of tumors of the breast containing calcium or bone. The tumors are differentiated as (a) teratoid mixed tumors, (b) calcifying sarcomata or carcinosarcomata, and (c) benign calcified retention cysts.
Removal of a Venous Intraluminal Needle: A Case Report

In the United States, the population who report intravenous drug use is small but this behavior is associated with dangerous and costly health problems. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) 2009 Report, data from 2006 to 2008 showed that an average of 425,000 people annually aged 12 or older (0.17 %) used a needle to inject heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine or other stimulants [1]. However, within this group, behaviors with significant medical ramifications were quite frequent. The report found that only 29 % of users reported cleaning the needle with bleach prior to their last injection and 13 % of users used a needle they knew or suspected had been used before by themselves or another person [1]. The complications from intravenous drug use and its associated high-risk behaviors can be significant and include local infection, endocarditis, sepsis, human immunodeficiency virus transmission, hepatitis C transmission, drug overdose and even death. Another complication of intravenous drug use is needle breakage with retained needle fragment(s). This is particularly concerning when the needle fragment is intravascular due to the possibility of subsequent embolization of the fragment to distant sites. We report the case of a young woman with a retained needle fragment inside the lumen of a proximal forearm vein 7 days after attempted intravenous injection with Oxycodone. To our knowledge, this is the first successful local removal of a retained intravenous needle fragment reported in the literature.
Myosin binding protein C mutations and compound heterozygosity in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVES We sought to determine the frequency and phenotype of mutations in myosin binding protein C (MYBPC3) in a large outpatient cohort of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) seen at our tertiary referral center. BACKGROUND Mutations in MYBPC3 are one of the most frequent genetic causes of HCM and have been associated with variable onset of disease and prognosis. However, the frequency of mutations and associated clinical presentation have not been established in a large, unrelated cohort of patients. METHODS Using deoxyribonucleic acid from 389 unrelated patients with HCM, each protein coding exon of MYBPC3 was analyzed for mutations by polymerase chain reaction, denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography, and direct deoxyribonucleic acid sequencing. Clinical data were extracted from patient records blinded to patient genotype. RESULTS Of 389 patients with HCM, 71 (18%) had mutations in MYBPC3. In all, 46 mutations were identified, 33 of which were novel (72%). Patients with MYBPC3 mutations did not differ significantly from patients with thick filament-HCM, thin filament-HCM, or genotype-negative HCM with respect to age at diagnosis, degree of hypertrophy, incidence of myectomy, or family history of HCM or sudden death. Patients with multiple mutations (n = 10, 2.6%) had the most severe disease presentation. CONCLUSIONS This study defines the frequency and associated phenotype for MYBPC3 and/or multiple mutations in HCM in the largest cohort to date. In this cohort, unrelated patients with MYBPC3-HCM virtually mimicked the phenotype of those with mutations in the beta-myosin heavy chain. Patients with multiple mutations had the most severe phenotype.
Artistic Vision: painterly rendering using computer vision techniques

We present a method that takes a raster image as input and produces a painting-like image composed of strokes rather than pixels. Our method works by first segmenting the image into features, finding the approximate medial axes of these features, and using the medial axes to guide brush stroke creation. System parameters may be interactively manipulated by a user to effect image segmentation, brush stroke characteristics, stroke size, and stroke frequency. This process creates images reminiscent of those contemporary representational painters whose work has an abstract or sketchy quality. Our software is available at http://www.cs.utah.edu/npr/ArtisticVision.
Creating a cyber moving target for critical infrastructure applications using platform diversity

Abstract Despite the significant effort that often goes into securing critical infrastructure assets, many systems remain vulnerable to advanced, targeted cyber attacks. This paper describes the design and implementation of the Trusted Dynamic Logical Heterogeneity System (TALENT), a framework for live-migrating critical infrastructure applications across heterogeneous platforms. TALENT permits a running critical application to change its hardware platform and operating system, thus providing cyber survivability through platform diversity. TALENT uses containers (operating-system-level virtualization) and a portable checkpoint compiler to create a virtual execution environment and to migrate a running application across different platforms while preserving the state of the application (execution state, open files and network connections). TALENT is designed to support general applications written in the C programming language. By changing the platform on-the-fly, TALENT creates a cyber moving target and significantly raises the bar for a successful attack against a critical application. Experiments demonstrate that a complete migration can be completed within about one second.
Tandem parallel fragmentation of peptides for mass spectrometry

Parallel fragmentations of peptides in the source region and in the collision cell of tandem mass spectrometers are sequentially combined to develop parallel collision-induced-dissociation mass spectrometry (p2CID MS). Compared to MS/MS spectra, the p2CID mass spectra show increased signal intensities (2−400-fold) and number of sequence ions. This improvement is attributed to the fact that p2CID MS virtually samples all the ions generated by electrospray ionization, including intact and fragment ions of different charge states from a peptide. We implement the method using a quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometer. The instrument is operated in TOF-MS mode that allows the ions from source region broadband-passing the first mass analyzer to enter the collision cell. Cone voltage and collision energy are investigated to optimize the outcome of the two parallel CID processes. In the in-source parallel CID, elevated cone voltage produces singly charged intact peptide ions and large fragment ions, as...
Identification and synthesis of a kairomone inducing oviposition by parasitoidAphytis melinus from California red scale covers

The parasitoid waspAphytis melinus uses a kairomone from the cover of its scale host, California red scale (Aonidiella aurantii), as an oviposition stimulant. The kairomone was isolated from extracts of scale covers, and identified asO-caffeoyltyrosine by a combination of spectroscopic methods. The kairomone was synthesized, and the synthetic compound was determined to be as active as the chemical isolated from scale covers.
Mapping as a Cultural and Cognitive Universal

Abstract We hypothesize that nearly all humans, in all cultures, acquire the ability to read and use map-like models in very early childhood, and that this ability is a fundamental part of human ecological adaptation, comparable in many ways to tool use. Evidence pertaining to this theory should be sought in three kinds of research: studies in differing cultures of the development of young children's ability to use map-like models; studies probing for evidence of map-like modeling across the ethnographic spectrum; and studies probing for evidence of the use of map-like models in prehistory. We are pursuing all three lines of research. However, our main focus thus far has been on the developmental dimension of the problem. Here, we report evidence that supports the universality hypothesis from seven empirical studies carried out on mapping abilities of three- to five-year-old children in several Western and non-Western cultures; we offer a general ecological theory of the development of mapping abilities, ...
Why do male Cape ground squirrels live in groups

Abstract The Cape ground squirrel,Xerus inauris, is a social species of ground squirrel inhabiting the arid areas of southern Africa. The high degree of sociality in this species is due to the occurrence of all-male social groups. This study used scan and all-occurrence sampling to investigate male grouping in this species. Several hypotheses concerning the cause and function of all-male groups were addressed: aggregations around oestrous females, assessment of competitors, enhanced thermoregulation, reproductive alliances, satellite males, information exchange and enhanced predator avoidance. Males were able to detect the onset of oestrus in females. Although oestrus influenced male group size, males continued to group beyond the breeding period. These groups persisted throughout the year, regardless of ambient temperature. Older males were better at finding oestrous females than younger males, but younger males did not preferentially associate with older males to follow them to females. Results best support the hypothesis that males benefit from enhanced predator detection and deterrence. Aggregations of males roaming between groups of asynchronously breeding females may persist beyond the breeding period because the benefits to survival outweigh the relatively minor costs of reproductive competition.
Nonaqueous Synthesis and Photoluminescence of ITO Nanoparticles

SnO(2) has successfully been doped into octahedral In(2)O(3) nanoparticles using a high-temperature nonaqueous reaction. The resultant ITO nanoparticles exhibit a particle/crystal decrease in size, sphericity in morphology, and enhancement in photoluminescence.
Role of a ribosome-associated E3 ubiquitin ligase in protein quality control

Translation of mRNAs lacking stop codons (nonstop mRNA) results in the production of aberrant proteins that may have deleterious effects on cellular function. It is unclear how eukaryotic cells eliminate such 'nonstop' proteins. In this study, Mario Bengtson and Claudio Joazeiro demonstrate that in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, an E3 ubiquitin ligase called Ltn1 acts in the quality control pathway. It associates with ribosomes and marks nonstop proteins that are then targeted for proteasomal degradation by the ubiquitin pathway. Ltn1-mediated ubiquitylation is triggered when the proteins stall at the poly(A) tail in the ribosomes on translation. Loss of Ltn1 function conferred increased cellular stress as a result of elevated levels of nonstop proteins. The translation of messenger RNA that lacks stop codons results in the production of aberrant proteins, which may have harmful effects on the cell. It is unclear how eukaryotic cells eliminate these 'non-stop' proteins. Here it is shown that, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, an E3 ubiquitin ligase called Ltn1 acts in the quality-control pathway. It associates with ribosomes and marks non-stop proteins with ubiquitin, which targets the proteins for degradation. Messenger RNA lacking stop codons (‘non-stop mRNA’) can arise from errors in gene expression, and encode aberrant proteins whose accumulation could be deleterious to cellular function1,2. In bacteria, these ‘non-stop proteins’ become co-translationally tagged with a peptide encoded by ssrA/tmRNA (transfer-messenger RNA), which signals their degradation by energy-dependent proteases1,3. How eukaryotic cells eliminate non-stop proteins has remained unknown. Here we show that the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ltn1 RING-domain-type E3 ubiquitin ligase acts in the quality control of non-stop proteins, in a process that is mechanistically distinct but conceptually analogous to that performed by ssrA: Ltn1 is predominantly associated with ribosomes, and it marks nascent non-stop proteins with ubiquitin to signal their proteasomal degradation. Ltn1-mediated ubiquitylation of non-stop proteins seems to be triggered by their stalling in ribosomes on translation through the poly(A) tail. The biological relevance of this process is underscored by the finding that loss of Ltn1 function confers sensitivity to stress caused by increased non-stop protein production. We speculate that defective protein quality control may underlie the neurodegenerative phenotype that results from mutation of the mouse Ltn1 homologue Listerin.
Boundary detection in 3D ultrasound reconstruction using nearest neighbor map

Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive technique well-suited for detecting abnormalities like cysts, lesions and blood clots. In order to use 3D ultrasound to visualize the size and shape of such abnormalities, effective boundary detection methods are needed. A robust boundary detection technique using a nearest neighbor map (NNM) and applicable to multi-object cases has been developed. The algorithm contains three modules: pre-processor, main processor and boundary constructor. The pre-processor detects the object(s) and obtains geometrical as well as statistical information for each object, whereas the main processor uses that information to perform the final processing of the image. These first two modules perform image normalization, thresholding, filtering using median, wavelet, Wiener and morphological operation, estimation and boundary detection of object(s) using NNM, and calculation of object size and their location. The boundary constructor module implements an active contour model that uses information from previous modules to obtain seed-point(s). The algorithm has been found to offer high boundary detection accuracy of 96.4% for single scan plane (SSP) and 97.9 % for multiple scan plane (MSP) images. The algorithm was compared with Stick's algorithm and Gibbs Joint Probability Function based algorithm and was found to offer shorter execution time with higher accuracy than either of them. SSP numerically modeled ultrasound images, SSP real ultrasound images, MSP phantom images and MSP numerically modeled ultrasound images were processed.
Polyneuropathy associated with IgA monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance

Although polyneuropathies associated with IgM and IgG monoclonal gammopathies have been well described, polyneuropathy with IgA monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is less commonly seen and has not been well studied. We reviewed the clinical and electrodiagnostic features of 5 such patients, and the sural nerve biopsy findings in 4 of them. One patient was diabetic, while 4 were free of other diagnoses commonly associated with neuropathy. Clinical presentations were varied. Electrodiagnostic and histological studies ranged from primary demyelination to primary axon loss to a mixed axonal/demyelinating picture. Three patients who were treated appeared to respond to prednisone or intravenous gamma globulin, despite clear clinical, electrodiagnostic, and histological differences. We conclude that the polyneuropathy associated with IgA MGUS is heterogeneous, similar to that in IgM and IgG MGUS. A trial of immunomodulating therapy appears to be warranted in such patients if the neuropathy is sufficiently severe.
Synchronizing multiple chaotic maps with a randomized scalar coupling

Abstract Synchronization between chaotic systems has recently been a topic of great interest among physicists and engineers. In addition to theoretical results, a number of applications in communications and control have also been proposed. We have previously shown that identical chaotic maps can, under certain conditions, be synchronized by a common noise-like input. This raises the question whether the chaotic output from a map can synchronize other maps to itself. In this paper, we present results on the synchronization of two identical maps where the output of one map is used to drive both maps. We then apply this method to synchronizing identical but internally inhomogeneous populations of chaotic oscillators using a randomly constructed scalar coupling signal, which tends to white noise as the number of oscillators increases. Such a system may have applications in secure communication.
A review of hybrid-electric energy management and its inclusion in vehicle sizing

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine state-of-the-art in hybrid-electric propulsion system modeling and suggest new methodologies for sizing such advanced concepts. Many entities are involved in the modelling and design of hybrid electric aircraft; however, the highly multidisciplinary nature of the problem means that most tools focus heavily on one discipline and over simplify others to keep the analysis reasonable in scope. Correctly sizing a hybrid-electric system requires knowledge of aircraft and engine performance along with a working knowledge of electrical and energy storage systems. The difficulty is compounded by the multi-timescale dynamic nature of the problem. Furthermore, the choice of energy management in a hybrid electric system presents multiple degrees of freedom, which means the aircraft sizing problem now becomes not just a root-finding exercise, but also a constrained optimization problem. Design/methodology/approach – The hybrid electric vehicle sizing problem can be sub...
A castability expert system

Abstract The castability analysis of a part, its cost estimation and preparation of competitive quotations typically requires years of experience, is time consuming and is dependent on the expert personnel available. Considerable amount of personnel time is also involved in preparing these quotations. An expert system is ideally suited for this application as it can automate the castability analysis and the quotation preparation process. This will not only substantially improve productivity and consistency, but also the accuracy of the process. This paper describes the development and implementation of an expert system for a typical medium sized company, which receives approximately thousand requests for quotations every year. A Castability Expert System apart from reducing time and increasing accuracy, will enable people with little experience to analyze the part, estimate cost and prepare quotations without the assistance of an expert, whose time can be better utilized in other areas.
Charge-storage pulse-height analyzers for use with pulsed accelerators☆

Abstract Storage type pulse-height analyzers for use with low duty cycle pulsed accelerators are discussed and an analyzer described that accomodates up to nine pulses in a single burst with a resolution of two microseconds. The pulses to be analyzed are temporarily stored as lines of charge on the face of a cathode ray tube and are analyzed by means of an electron beam that detects the charge discontinuity at the peak of the pulse. The pulse-height information is then permanently stored in a magnetic core memory.
Vegetative compatibility groups in indigenous and mass-released strains of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana: likelihood of recombination in the field

Using nitrate non-utilizing (nit) mutants, we determined vegetative compatibility groups (VCG) among strains of Beauveria bassiana representing strains indigenous to North America, isolated from diverse insect hosts, and strains that have been mass released for insect control. Genetic similarity among these strains was analyzed using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Our data revealed 23 VCGs among the 34 strains tested, with most of these groups comprised of only a single strain. We also observed a VCG comprised of eight genetically similar strains isolated from Colorado potato beetles (CPB). Co-inoculation studies of CPB larvae with complementary nit mutants from the same or from different VCGs revealed heterokaryosis in four out of five same-VCG pairs, with only 5-17% of the sporulating cadavers generating few parasexual recombinants. In contrast, none of the infected beetles treated with non-compatible pairs generated recombinants. The large number of VCGs observed and the low frequency of in vivo recombination limited to vegetatively compatible strains indicate that this self/non-self recognition system may be an effective barrier preventing genetic exchange between dissimilar strains in the field.
The influence of natural antibody specificity on antigen immunogenicity

The natural antibody repertoire in humans, apes and Old World primates is distinct from the repertoire of all other placental mammals, and encodes antibodies specific for the carbohydrate epitope Galalpha1-3Galbeta1-4GlcNAc-R (alphaGal). Here, we examined whether conjugating antigens to the alphaGal epitope can augment their immunogenicity in alpha(1,3)galactosyltransferase knockout mice (GT0 mice) which, like humans, produce alphaGal-specific antibodies. Immunization of GT0 mice with BSA conjugated to alphaGal (alphaGal-BSA) led to significant production of anti-BSA IgG antibodies without the need for adjuvant. This response was dependent on the presence of alphaGal-reactive antibodies. Immunization of wild-type mice with alphaGal-BSA failed to induce an anti-BSA response. The presence of alphaGal-reactive antibodies also led to an increase in the T cell response to BSA following immunization with alphaGal-BSA when compared with mice that received BSA alone, resulting in an increased frequency of IFN-gamma- and IL-4-producing BSA-specific T cells. In addition, the ability to produce alphaGal-reactive antibodies enhanced the cytotoxic T lymphocyte anti-viral antigen response following vaccination with murine leukemia virus transformed cell lines that express alphaGal on their cell surface. Natural antibodies that bind alphaGal therefore play a key role in increasing the efficiency of priming to antigens decorated with alphaGal epitopes.