cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radiation dose escalation using intensity modulated radiation therapy for gross unresected node-positive endometrial cancer

Abstract Purpose To determine rates of nodal control and survival in patients with endometrial cancer treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with dose escalation to unresected nodal disease. Methods and Materials Between November 2005 and April 2011, 22 endometrial-cancer patients received IMRT with dose escalation to gross nodal disease with curative intent. Twelve were treated for recurrent disease (RD) and 10 in the primary setting, of whom 5 had a hysterectomy. The boost area included pelvic nodes in 9 patients (41%), paraaortic nodes (PAN) in 6 (27%) and both pelvic and PAN in 7 (32%). The median gross nodal dose was 63 Gy (range, 55-65). Rates of local control, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results Median follow-up time was 37.6 months (range, 10-88). Median nodal size was 2.25 cm (range, 1-6.9). The median time to first relapse after IMRT was 12 months (range, 6-49). Relapses occurred in 5/12 RD (42%), 1/5 hysterectomy (20%), and 5/5 inoperable cases. Nodal relapses occurred in-field in 3/12 RD and 1/5 hysterectomy patients. At 3 years, nodal control was 86%, DFS was 58% and OS was 68%. Three patients experienced grade 3 late hematologic toxicity (anemia). No late grade ≥3 gastrointestinal or genitourinary toxicity occurred. Conclusions In endometrial cancer, the use of IMRT for dose escalation to gross nodal disease is feasible with acceptable rates of toxicity. Patients with nodal recurrence or unresectable nodal disease after a hysterectomy may benefit from radiation dose escalation.
The influence of mineral nutrition and time of year upon the elemental concentration of muscadine grapes (vitis rotundifolia)

Abstract Concentration of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and B in the foliage of Vitis rotundifolia varied widely between years and at different sampling dates within the year. Concentrations of N, P, and K in the foliage decreased sharply until late July each year. Calcium concentration in foliage increased as the season progressed each year while the concentration of B was similar for all dates in the same year. Variation for the concentration of Mg varied between years but no clear seasonal pattern was evident. Soil amendments of dolomitic lime or epsom salts increased the concentration of Mg in the foliage. Concentration of B in the foliage was less than normally reported for other grape species and was increased by application of B to the soil.
Interpretation of high energy string scattering in terms of string configurations.

High energy string scattering at fixed momentum transfer, known to be dominated by Regge trajectory exchange, is interpreted by identifying families of string states which induce each type of trajectory exchange. These include the usual leading trajectory [alpha]([ital t])=[alpha][prime][ital t]+1 and its daughters as well as the sister'' trajectories [alpha][sub [ital m]]([ital t])=[alpha]([ital t])/[ital m][minus]([ital m][minus]1)/2 and their daughters. The contribution of the sister [alpha][sub [ital m]] to high energy scattering is dominated by string excitations in the [ital m]th mode. Thus, at large [minus][ital t], string scattering is dominated by wee partons, consistent with a picture of the string as an infinite composite system of constituents'' which carry zero energy and momentum.
Evidence for the association of unexplained pulmonary hypertension in children with the major histocompatibility complex.

BACKGROUNDA link between primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) and autoimmune disorders has been postulated. To investigate this relation, we performed immunofluorescent antinuclear antibody tests (ANA) and serological human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A, B, C, DR, and DQ typing on two groups of Caucasian children with unexplained pulmonary hypertension (PHT) and their parents.METHODS AND RESULTSGroup 1 consisted of 17 children with PPH including two patients with familial PPH and three patients with trivial congenital pulmonary to systemic communications. Group 2 consisted of 13 children with advanced PHT and anatomically large congenital pulmonary to systemic communications (PHT + shunt). Both groups had comparably severe pulmonary vascular disease documented by cardiac catheterization. The following statistically significant data (p less than 0.05) were obtained when the study groups were compared with those published for normal controls. Although positive ANAs and varying titers of autoantibodies were foun...
Responding to the legitimacy problems of big tobacco: An analysis of the “people of Philip Morris” image advertising campaign

This study integrates the theories of organizational legitimacy and image restoration/repair. The need for and challenges to legitimacy establish the reason organizations undertake image repair discourse. The People of Philip Morris campaign is examined as an example of this integration. The image repair strategies Philip Morris uses indicate that it is trying to deflect attention away from tobacco‐related issues by focusing on the corporate character reflected in its philanthropic deeds. The legitimacy defense and image repair campaign would be more effective and ethical if they focused on tobacco issues and corrective actions taken in response to them.
Possibility of detection of an in vitro expression of a group of human cancer-prone genes by automated methodologies

Abstract Increased in vitro hyperdiploidy has been considered to be an in vitro expression of some cancer-prone genes in human dermal monolayer cultures. Examination of metaphases in chromosome preparations does not lend itself to studies on either large high-risk kindreds or populations. It is postulated that increased in vitro hyperdiploidy should be detected by 2 different automated assays for cellular DNA content: (a) incorporation of [ 3 H] thymidine during logarithmic growth and (b) the occurrence (%) of cells with double (4n) and greater than double (>4n) DNA content by flow cytophotometry. Concurrence between these two assays and with the metaphase assay should make feasible the use of this in vitro abnormality in the identification of individuals at increased cancer risk.
Tests of emotional behavior in rats following depletion of norepinephrine, of serotonin, or of both

Groups of rats were depleted of norepinephrine (using 6-OHDA), of serotonin (using chronic PCPA), or of both, and were tested on a variety of behavioral tasks. 6-OHDA treated rats and PCPA treated rats showed different and in many cases opposed behavioral syndromes, but animals which received both drugs generally showed the greatest behavioral disruptions. Animals receiving PCPA showed decreased locomotion (freezing) in quiet novel environments but increased locomotion when stimulated, as well as increased shock elicited aggression. Rats receiving 6-OHDA showed an initially decreased rate of rearing in open field and decreased sucrose consumption when food deprived. The results are discussed in terms of the reserpine model of depression.
Who Knows What about Whom: What Role Does Common Ground Play in Accessing Distant Information?

Abstract Do readers keep track of protagonists’ common ground? If so, what role does this awareness play in reactivating distant information? Using passages in which protagonists part and later reunite, in Experiment 1 we replicated the finding (Greene, Gerrig, McKoon, & Ratcliff, 1994) that their reunion reactivates text elements that were part of their common ground. In Experiment 2, we tested two accounts of this effect: (a) readers reactivate the contents of protagonists’ common ground by way of preparing for their interaction; and (b) low-level memory processes reactivate text elements associated with the protagonist returning to the reader's focus. We found that the pattern of reactivation was almost identical whether the text element was part of common ground or not, supporting the memory-based account. In Experiment 3 we obtained evidence that despite the lack of role for common ground in reactivating distant information, readers are indeed aware of who knows what about whom in short texts. The results are discussed in terms of memory-based theories of text processing.
The evolution of the policy objectives of South Korea's Broadband Convergence Network from 2004 to 2007

Abstract The purpose of this study is to explore the South Korean government's policy objectives for the Broadband Convergence Network (BcN) between 2004 and 2007. The BcN is envisioned as conduit for broadband content and applications. This paper uses generativity as a conceptual framework to determine whether the objectives for the BcN, based on a content analysis of policy documents and interviews with experts, empowered the network to sustain a generative critical information infrastructure. This study is designed to be useful for executives in the private sector, officials in government and academics in university settings who are interested in drawing insights from Korean experience to inform their own work.
A preliminary comparison of meiobenthic cladoceran assemblages in natural and constructed wetlands in central Florida

In Florida, phosphate mining companies that destroy natural wetlands are required to construct mitigation wetlands. Comparisons of plant communities are frequently used to determine the degree to which constructed wetlands mimic natural wetlands, but efforts to address similarity based on fauna are rare. Studies in lake littoral zones suggest that meiobenthic cladocerans possess characteristics that may make their use in wetland comparisons advantageous. In this study, meiobenthic cladocerans were sampled from 8 natural freshwater wetlands and 11 freshwater wetlands constructed on phosphate-mined lands. The pulsed nature of the cladoceran communities limits their value as a quantitative measure of the similarity of natural and constructed wetlands. Qualitative analyses based on the presence or absence of species suggest that cladoceran assemblages of some constructed wetlands mimic those of some natural wetlands, but the range of assemblages found in constructed wetlands is narrower than that found in natural wetlands.
Impaired Integrin-mediated Adhesion and Signaling in Fibroblasts Expressing a Dominant-negative Mutant PTP1B

To investigate the role of nonreceptor protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) in β1-integrin– mediated adhesion and signaling, we transfected mouse L cells with normal and catalytically inactive forms of the phosphatase. Parental cells and cells expressing the wild-type or mutant PTP1B were assayed for ( a ) adhesion, ( b ) spreading, ( c ) presence of focal adhesions and stress fibers, and ( d ) tyrosine phosphorylation. Parental cells and cells expressing wild-type PTP1B show similar morphology, are able to attach and spread on fibronectin, and form focal adhesions and stress fibers. In contrast, cells expressing the inactive PTP1B have a spindle-shaped morphology, reduced adhesion and spreading on fibronectin, and almost a complete absence of focal adhesions and stress fibers. Attachment to fibronectin induces tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin in parental cells and cells transfected with the wild-type PTP1B, while in cells transfected with the mutant PTP1B, such induction is not observed. Additionally, in cells expressing the mutant PTP1B, tyrosine phosphorylation of Src is enhanced and activity is reduced. Lysophosphatidic acid temporarily reverses the effects of the mutant PTP1B, suggesting the existence of a signaling pathway triggering focal adhesion assembly that bypasses the need for active PTP1B. PTP1B coimmunoprecipitates with β1-integrin from nonionic detergent extracts and colocalizes with vinculin and the ends of actin stress fibers in focal adhesions. Our data suggest that PTP1B is a critical regulatory component of integrin signaling pathways, which is essential for adhesion, spreading, and formation of focal adhesions.
The hardnesses and elastic moduli of pulsed laser deposited multilayer AlN/TiN thin films

Abstract The hardnesses and elastic moduli of multiple aluminum nitride (AlN) and titanium nitride (TiN) thin film bilayers of various periodicities deposited on silicon (111) and sapphire (0001) were investigated using nanoindentation based on a continuous stiffness measurement technique. Multiple bilayer thin films of AlN/TiN were grown by the pulsed laser deposition method. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the deposited thin films were highly textured polycrystalline oriented along the [0001] and [111] axes for aluminum nitride and titanium nitride, respectively. The AlN/TiN multiple layer hardness measurements ranged from 18 to 23 GPa, compared to single component film hardnesses of 34 and 24 GPa for TiN and AlN, respectively. The elastic moduli measured were 290–340 and 275–290 GPa for multiple layer AlN/TiN thin films deposited on sapphire (0001) and silicon (111), respectively.
Methodology for developing and evaluating the PROMIS smoking item banks.

Introduction This article describes the procedures used in the PROMIS Smoking Initiative for the development and evaluation of item banks, short forms (SFs), and computerized adaptive tests (CATs) for the assessment of 6 constructs related to cigarette smoking: nicotine dependence, coping expectancies, emotional and sensory expectancies, health expectancies, psychosocial expectancies, and social motivations for smoking. Methods Analyses were conducted using response data from a large national sample of smokers. Items related to each construct were subjected to extensive item factor analyses and evaluation of differential item functioning (DIF). Final item banks were calibrated, and SF assessments were developed for each construct. The performance of the SFs and the potential use of the item banks for CAT administration were examined through simulation study. Results Item selection based on dimensionality assessment and DIF analyses produced item banks that were essentially unidimensional in structure and free of bias. Simulation studies demonstrated that the constructs could be accurately measured with a relatively small number of carefully selected items, either through fixed SFs or CAT-based assessment. Illustrative results are presented, and subsequent articles provide detailed discussion of each item bank in turn. Conclusions The development of the PROMIS smoking item banks provides researchers with new tools for measuring smoking-related constructs. The use of the calibrated item banks and suggested SF assessments will enhance the quality of score estimates, thus advancing smoking research. Moreover, the methods used in the current study, including innovative approaches to item selection and SF construction, may have general relevance to item bank development and evaluation.
Isolation and characterization of nuclear microsatellite loci in Lupinus group Microcarpi (Leguminosae)

Microsatellite loci are described for Lupinus group Microcarpi (Leguminosae), an assemblage of annual plants primarily inhabiting western North America. In all, 188 unique microsatellite loci were isolated, and seven loci (averaging 9.6 alleles each) have been developed as polymorphic markers for estimating population structure and outcrossing rates in Lupinus microcarpus var. densiflorus and var. horizontalis. Departures from Hardy–Weinberg expected frequencies of heterozygotes are consistent with structured populations and autogamous or mixed mating systems. Several loci were amplified successfully in other species of Lupinus, demonstrating the potential utility of these markers beyond group Microcarpi.
Anterior Myocardial Infarction, Acute Aortic Dissection, and Anomalous Coronary Artery

Acute dissection of the ascending aorta has, on rare occasions, been accompanied by myocardial infarction due to the compression of the ostium of a coronary artery. Rarer still is the presence of an aortic dissection, myocardial infarction, and an anomalous coronary artery. A case is described of a patient who survived an acute aortic dissection complicated by anterior myocardial infarction due in part to the presence of an anomalous circumflex artery. The anatomy, diagnosis, and consequences of aortic dissection are discussed.
Frequency Dispersion in Capacity Measurements at a Disk Electrode

The geometry of an electrode system affects the frequency dispersion of impedance measurements if the primary current distribution on the electrode is nonuniform. This effect is treated for a disk electrode embedded in an insulating plane with the counterelectrode at infinity. The apparent capacity is found to approach zero at large frequencies. The frequency dependence of the apparent capacity will be much smaller for a spherical electrode tangent to an insulating plane. The latter system is also treated briefly.
Urocortin-deficient mice show hearing impairment and increased anxiety-like behavior

Urocortin is a member of the corticotropin-releasing hormone peptide family and is found in many discrete brain regions. The distinct expression pattern of urocortin suggests that it influences such behaviors as feeding, anxiety and auditory processing. To better define the physiological roles of urocortin, we have generated mice carrying a null mutation of the urocortin gene. Urocortin-deficient mice have normal basal feeding behavior and stress responses, but show heightened anxiety-like behaviors in the elevated plus maze and open-field tests. In addition, hearing is impaired in the mutant mice at the level of the inner ear, suggesting that urocortin is involved in the normal development of cochlear sensory-cell function. These results provide the first example of a function for any peptidergic system in hearing.
Risk-based multiobjective resource allocation in hierarchical systems with multiple decisionmakers. Part I: Theory and methodology

This paper sets forth a resource allocation process for mitigating the risks that natural disasters, accidents, or willful attacks pose to large-scale hierarchical systems. Such systems are typically comprised of plural decisionmakers at each organizational level, each with multiple risk management objectives. In this paper, we propose a Multiobjective Multi-Decisionmaker Resource Allocation (MOMDRA) framework to model this process; we also offer a discussion of risk modeling methods under the MOMDRA framework. Furthermore, using a Hierarchical Multiobjective (HMO) approach, this paper derives strategies for generating Pareto optimal resource allocation options for different cases of decisionmakers. An illustrative example demonstrates the effectiveness of the MOMDRA framework in risk-based modeling and decisionmaking within large-scale hierarchical systems. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 14: 1–16, 2011 © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spectrum of Sm iii

Approximately 15 000 lines of the emission spectrum of doubly ionized samarium were photographed between 1800 A and 9500 A under varied conditions of arc and spark discharge and with electrodeless lamps. The 7F ground multiplet of 4f6 and 36 septet levels of 4f55d have been found
Summary Report on Synchronization, Diagnostics and Instrumentation

The proceedings of Working Group 4 of the 2005 Energy Recovery Linac (ERL) workshop are summarized. Working Group 4 dealt with the challenging topic of beam diagnostics for ERL machines. Energy Recovery Linacs represent a challenge for beam diagnostics from several perspectives; invasive versus non-invasive diagnostics, longitudinal and transverse beam diagnostics, overall machine timing/synchronization and machine protection. Beam diagnostics for an ERL can benefit strongly from the experience at third generation light sources, recirculating linacs and presently operating ERLs. During the workshop there were presentations from all these communities, representing a large range of experience in beam diagnostics. A brief summary Working Group 4 discussion is presented in this paper.
On-line covering a cube by a sequence of cubes

A procedure for packing or covering a given convex bodyK with a sequence of convex bodies {Ci} is anon-line method if the setCi are given in sequence. andCi+1 is presented only afterCi has been put in place, without the option of changing the placement afterward. The "one-line" idea was introduced by Lassak and Zhang [6] who found an asymptotic volume bound for the problem of on-line packing a cube with a sequence of convex bodies. In this note a problem of Lassak is solved, concerning on-line covering a cube with a sequence of cubes, by proving that every sequence of cubes in the Euclidean spaceEd whose total volume is greater than 4d admits an on-line covering of the unit cube. Without the "on-line" restriction, the best possible volume bound is known to be 2d?1, obtained by Groemer [2] and, independently, by Bezdek and Bezdek [1]. The on-line covering method described in this note is based on a suitable cube-filling Peano curve.
Readily implementable conjugate gradient methods

Conjugate gradient methods have been extensively used to locate unconstrained minimum points of real-valued functions. At present, there are several readily implementable conjugate gradient algorithms that do not require exact line search and yet are shown to be superlinearly convergent. However, these existing algorithms usually require several trials to find an acceptable stepsize at each iteration, and their inexact line search can be very timeconsuming.
Independent component analysis (ICA) and self-organizing map (SOM) approach to multidetection system for network intruders

With the growing rate of interconnection among computer systems, network security is becoming a real challenge. Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is designed to protect the availability, confidentiality and integrity of critical network information systems. Today’s approach to network intrusion detection involves the use of rule-based expert systems to identify an indication of known attack or anomalies. However, these techniques are less successful in identifying today’s attacks. Hackers are perpetually inventing new and previously unanticipated techniques to compromise information infrastructure. This paper proposes a dynamic way of detecting network intruders on time serious data. The proposed approach consists of a two-step process. Firstly, obtaining an efficient multi-user detection method, employing the recently introduced complexity minimization approach as a generalization of a standard ICA. Secondly, we identified unsupervised learning neural network architecture based on Kohonen’s Self-Organizing Map for potential functional clustering. These two steps working together adaptively will provide a pseudo-real time novelty detection attribute to supplement the current intrusion detection statistical methodology.
TIME AND TEMPERATURE FACTORS IN HARDENING PLANTS

It has been the practice in measurements of low temperature resistance to expose plants to continuous low temperatures 1 for a certain number of days and then to determine their hardiness by freezing them at constant temperatures considerably below the freezing point of the tissues. By making several tests at a series of freezing temperatures, comparisons can be made between the relative hardening capacity of varieties and also of the rate of acquiring hardiness. If a single uniform variety of plant is used, a comparison can be made also between the effectiveness of different treatments for hardening plants. In testing the relative effectiveness of various temperatures and time exposures in evoking hardiness, cabbage plants were used because they can be hardened easily, the evidences of freezing injury are readily seen, and varieties with known and relatively uniform hardening capacity are available. The plants were exposed at 20? C., IO' C., 50 C., and o0 C. for five days continuously, and then the hardiness was determined by freezing for twelve hours at various constant temperatures, 40 C., 50 C., and 70 C. When the critical freezing temperature had been determined, it was used for the test and the relative amount of injury after freezing at this temperature was recorded and used in photographs, because this injury criterion gives a more accurate comparison between treatments than the determination of the freezing temperature which is just sufficiently low to give one hundred percent killing of the plants. Furthermore, the critical killing point requires much more experimentation for its accurate determination. Early Jersey Wakefield cabbages were grown to a height of about four inches in four-inch pots. They showed good uniformity in size and rate of growth; they also gave uniform performance in hardening trials. Five plants were taken for each exposure treatment at 200, IO, 50, and o0 C. continuously for five days. Also similar sets of cabbages were alternated between various high temperatures and o0 C., being kept twelve hours at o0 C. and twelve hours at the higher temperatures, IO0 and 200 C. This alternation of the temperature exposure of the plants was accomplished by moving the plants between rooms kept constantly at 00, 50, IO0, and 200 C. 'Harvey, R. B. Hardening process in plants and developments from frost injury. Jour. Agr. Res. 15: 83. I9I8. . Varietal differences in the frost resistance of cabbages and lettuce. Ecology 3:
Abrogation of peripheral cholecystokinin-satiety in the capsaicin treated rat.

Abstract Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a peripheral and central mediator of short-term satiety. When given i.p., CCK decreases food intake in previously fasted rats for a period of 30 min. The effect has been previously shown to be abolished by vagotomy and more specifically by severing of vagal sensory rootlets. These studies were designed to determine the effects on rat feeding behavior, and in particular CCK-satiety, of the sensory neurotoxin capsaicin. In neonates, capsaicin selectively and permanently destroys unmyelinated sensory fibers including those in the vagus nerve. Rat neonates were treated with capsaicin, 50 mg/kg or vehicle, and surviving females studied at 8–10 weeks of age. The weights, 24-h food intake, and feeding responses to insulin were the same in adult capsaicin treated (Cap Rx) and vehicle treated (Veh Rx) rats. CCK (8 μg/kg i.p.) reduced 30 min food intake 61 ± 18% in Veh Rx animals (mean ± S.D., P ). In capsaicin denervated animals, CCK also significantly reduced 30 min food intake from 5.09 ± 1.10 to 3.92 ± 0.84 g ( P ), but the mean reduction, 23 ± 6% , was significantly less than in Veh Rx rats ( P −4 ). A separate group of females, similarly treated as neonates with capsaicin or vehicle, were subjected to bilateral lesioning of the ventromedial hypothalamus. Both Cap Rx and Veh Rx animals gained significantly and equally more than non-lesioned controls. 24 h vagal transport of substance P was reduced 70% in age matched capsaicin treated animals compared to controls. These studies demonstrate that peripheral CCK-satiety is partly mediated by capsaicin sensitive fibers, presumably in the vagus nerve. Substance P is one possible transmitter mediating this reflex. Further conclusions are that active inhibition of an intact peripheral CCK-stimulated reflex arc is not necessary for full expression of central inducers of feeding, e.g., insulin or lesioning of the ventromedial hypothalamus, and that destruction of these fibers does not alter long-term weight regulation in rats receiving a normal diet.
Relative Slip on Contact Surface under Partial Slip Fretting Fatigue Condition

: A combined experimental–numerical approach was utilized to characterize the relative slip along the contact surface and its features under the partial slip fretting fatigue condition. Relative displacements at two locations on the substrate (specimen) and fretting pad were measured in fretting fatigue tests. These measurements were then utilized to validate finite element analysis. Effects of the coefficient of friction on the relative slip and contact condition were investigated. The stress state along the contact surface was also investigated. Two contact geometries were analysed: cylinder-on-flat and flat-on-flat. There was no change in relative displacement between locations away from the contact surface because of the change in the coefficient of friction, while relative slip on the contact surface was affected by coefficient of friction. In addition, stick/slip sizes were affected by the change in coefficient of friction. Comparison between present and previous finite element models showed that stress state, as well as a critical plane-based crack-initiation parameter, was not much different between these approaches, while relative slip on the contact surface changed considerably.
Intestinal Tyzzer's Disease and Spirochetosis in a Guinea Pig

Tyzzer's disease (bacillus piliformis infection) was diagnosed in a young guinea pig killed because of diarrhea and poor condition. There was necrosis and inflammation of the colon, cecum and ileum. Typical B. piliformis were in intestinal epithelial cells. Spirochetes were in large numbers in intestinal crypts and were often adjacent to the intracellular B. pilifbrrnis. Extracellular B. piliformis occasionally were surrounded by spirochetes. Tyzzer's disease, a naturally occurring infection of laboratory animals caused by Bacillus piliformis was first described in mice in 1917 (19). It was believed to be confined to that species until 1965, when it was diagnosed as a fatal disease in rabbits (l). Since then Tyzzer's disease has been described in Rhesus monkey (12), gerbil (20), hamster (2), muskrat (9), cat (lo), rat (8) and horse (7, 141. This report describes the apparent first report of naturally occurring Tyzzer's disease in a guinea pig. Cryptosporidiosis and intestinal spirochetosis also were diagnosed. Occasionally intracellular spiral or curved organisms were seen; similarity in size and staining characteristics was noted between extracellular spirochetes and intra- cellular B. piliformis. Case History A thin unthrifty guinea pig with diarrhea was submitted for necropsy. It came from a group of 50 3- to 4-week-old Moen Chase guinea pigs purchased from a commercial supplier about a week earlier. Two other sick guinea pigs from this group had been necropsied 2 days earlier and had cervical lymphadenitis and pneumonia. A fourth guinea pig from this group had died but was not necropsied. The guinea pig was necropsied immediately after it was killed. It was moderately emaciated (160 grams) and had a rough hair coat. Yellow fecal material matted the hair of the rear legs. Mesenteric and colonic lymph nodes were swollen, The mucosa of the cecum and colon had irregular red patches. The ileum and cecum contained serous red fluid and a small amount of soft yellow feces.
Symptoms Plus Family History Trump Size in Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

A 43-year-old woman presented with chest pain of unclear cause. The patient's mother and brother had suffered aortic dissection. Echocardiography had shown mild dilatation of the ascending aorta at 4.0 cm. Echocardiogram and magnetic resonance imaging were negative for dissection. The patient was taken to the operating room on the basis of her painful symptoms and her family history. Unexpectedly, a localized dissection was found in the ascending aorta (see Fig 2), which was too small for imaging detection. Without preemptive surgery, full-fledged dissection would have likely occurred with attendant short and long-term consequences. This case emphasizes that size criteria pertain to asymptomatic patients, and symptomatic patients with aneurysm require resection regardless of size.
Regulation of the Alternative Sigma Factor σE during Initiation, Adaptation, and Shutoff of the Extracytoplasmic Heat Shock Response in Escherichia coli

The alternative sigma factor σE is activated in response to stress in the extracytoplasmic compartment of Escherichia coli. Here we show that σE activity increases upon initiation of the stress response by a shift to an elevated temperature (43°C) and remains at that level for the duration of the stress. When the stress is removed by a temperature downshift, σE activity is strongly repressed and then slowly returns to levels seen in unstressed cells. We provide evidence that information about the state of the cell envelope is communicated to σE primarily through the regulated proteolysis of the inner membrane anti-sigma factor RseA, as the degradation rate of RseA is correlated with the changes in σE activity throughout the stress response. However, the relationship between σE activity and the rate of degradation of RseA is complex, indicating that other factors may cooperate with RseA and serve to fine-tune the response.
Inventory control and LQG: Connections and extensions

This paper presents a review of two classical business approaches to inventory control. This is followed by a discussion of an engineering approach using Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) control. The main result is to show that under certain conditions all three methods generate the same policy. Using the state-space model of the LQG formulation, we explore the multi-echelon system and model uncertainty cases.
Linear stratospheric gravity waves above convective thermal forcing

Abstract The spectra of linear gravity waves generated by a time-varying tropospheric thermal forcing representing organized convection are compared to the spectra of stratospheric gravity waves generated by organized convection in a fully nonlinear two-dimensional squall line simulation. The resemblance between the spectra in the two simulations suggests that stratospheric gravity waves above convection can be understood primarily in terms of the linear response to a time- and space-dependent thermal forcing. In particular, the linear response to thermal forcing accounts for the correlation between the dominant vertical wavelength of the stratospheric waves and the depth of the tropospheric convection as well as the the fact that the dominant frequency of the stratospheric waves is the same as the frequency of oscillation of the main convective updraft.
Characterization of the Vaccinia Virus A35R Protein and Its Role in Virulence

The vaccinia virus A35R gene is highly conserved among poxviruses and encodes a previously uncharacterized hydrophobic acidic protein. Western blotting with anti-A35R peptide antibodies indicated that the protein is expressed early in infection and resolved as a single sharp band of ∼23 kDa, slightly higher than the 20 kDa predicted from its sequence. The protein band appeared to be the same molecular weight on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, whether expressed in an in vitro transcription/translation system without microsomes or expressed in infected cells, suggesting that it was not glycosylated. A mutant virus with the A35R gene deleted (vA35Δ) formed wild-type-sized plaques on all cell lines tested (human, monkey, mouse, and rabbit); thus, A35R is not required for replication and does not appear to be a host range gene. Although the A35R protein is hydrophobic, it is unlikely to be an integral membrane protein, as it partitioned to the aqueous phase during TX-114 partitioning. The protein could not be detected in virus-infected cell supernatants. A35R localized intracellularly to the virus factories, where the first stages of morphogenesis occur. The vA35Δ mutant formed near-normal levels of the various morphogenic stages of infectious virus particles and supported normal acid-induced fusion of virus-infected cells. Despite normal growth and morphogenesis in vitro, the vA35Δ mutant virus was attenuated in intranasal challenge of mice compared to wild-type and A35R rescue virus. Thus, the intracellular A35R protein plays a role in virulence. The A35R has little homology to any protein outside of poxviruses, suggesting a novel virulence mechanism.
Diurnal Variations of Plasma Thyrotropin, Thyroxine, and Triiodothyronine in Female Rats Are Phase Shifted after Inversion of the Photoperiod

The present study examined plasma TSH, T4, and T3 concentrations in rats throughout the day to determine if diurnal variations of these hormones occurred. Female rats on a 12-h light, 12-h dark cycle (onset of light, 0730 h) were sampled by cardiac puncture at 2-h intervals throughout the day on 2 days, 1 week apart. Significant diurnal variations of plasma TSH, T4, and T3 were detected (P less than 0.01), Peak TSH concentrations occurred soon after the onset of light, whereas T4 and T3 concentrations peaked 3-4 h later. After these variations were detected, the effect of inverting the photoperiod was examined. Female rats were placed on 12-h light,, 12-h dark cycles, with the onset of light at 0730 h (LD) or 1930 h (DL). After 3 weeks, rats from each group were killed by decapitation at 4-h intervals throughout the day, and trunk blood was collected. Diurnal variations in plasma TSH, T4, and T3 (P less than 0.01) were similar to those found with 2-h sampling intervals in the previous experiment, and plasma corticosterone and PRL rhythms peaked near the onset of darkness (P less than 0.05). Inversion of the photoperiod phase shifted all diurnal variations, such that they maintained a similar phase relationship to the light-dark cycle on both LD and DL photoperiods. These results indicated that diurnal variations of plasma TSH, T4, and T3 concentrations could be repeatedly detected with different sampling protocols. These variations were phase shifted by inverting the photoperiod, which indicated that some aspect of the light-dark cycle can act to set the phase of these diurnal variations in the pituitary-thyroid axis.
A fast point-to-tangent plane technique for multi-view registration

We address a registration refinement problem and presents an accurate and fast point-to-(tangent) plane technique. Point-to-plane approach is known to be very accurate for registration refinement of partial 3D surfaces. However, the computation complexity for finding the intersection point on a destination surface from a source control point is hindering the algorithm from real-time applications. We introduce a novel point-to-plane registration technique by combining the high-speed advantage of point-to-projection technique. In order to find the intersection point fast and accurately, we forward-project the source point to the destination surface and reproject the projection point to the normal vector of the source point. We show that iterative projections of the projected destination point to the normal vector converge to the intersection point. By assuming the destination surface to be a monotonic function in a new 2D coordinate system, we show contraction mapping properties of our iterative projection technique. Experimental results for several objects are presented for both pair-wise and multiview registrations.
Optimal coding with a single standard run length

The optimum single standard run lengths for a binary first-order Markov source are derived and extended to multilevel first-order Markov sources. Maximization of the compression ratio is used as the criterion of optimality. When the output symbols are block coded, the optimal single standard run length n_i for each symbol is shown to satisfy an implicit equation of the form (n_i - 1)(-\ln q_{ii}) = 1 - q_{ii}^ {n_i} , where q_{ii} is a transition probability. An expression for the overall compression ratio is derived for the binary case, and a comparison is made with enumerative source encoding. Compression ratio maxima are found by computer search for the binary independent source when the output symbols are subsequently Huffman coded, and a comparison of this scheme with ordinary run-length and source-extension coding is given.
Multi-view of the ACM classification system

The ACM Computing Classification System (CCS) is a hierarchical classification system used to index and classify all the published literature of ACM. They reflect major areas and topics of the computing field and they often serve as an overview and navigational guide to the field. However, similar to all the traditional classification systems and subject domain thesauri, such an overview and navigational guide is static and sketchy, representing only a top-down representation of a domain. In this paper, we look into a 10-year period of ACM literature and examine how the CCS terms are actually used in the ACM digital library and how the patterns of term usages show different term relationships than those defined in the CCS. By comparing the dynamic statistical patterns of term usage with the static hierarchical structures of the terms, we show that much can be gained by integrating both of them into an interactive interface to provide better overview maps and navigational guides to the domain of computing.
Improving nutritional quality of life for older adults: bringing global unity to the field.

The field of nutrition and aging is complex and diverse—it brings together two fields that by definition are each multidisciplinary. Thus, physiology, biology, a host of medical subspecialties, psy...
Thermodynamics of the oxidation-reduction reaction {2 glutathionered(aq) + NADPox(aq) = glutathioneox(aq) + NADPred(aq)}

Abstract Microcalorimetry, spectrophotometry, and high-performance liquid chromatography (h.p.l.c.) have been used to conduct a thermodynamic investigation of the glutathione reductase catalyzed reaction {2 glutathione red (aq) + NADP ox (aq)=glutathione ox (aq) + NADP red (aq)}. The reaction involves the breaking of a disulfide bond and is of particular importance because of the role glutathione red plays in the repair of enzymes. The measured values of the apparent equilibrium constant K ′ for this reaction ranged from 0.5 to 69 and were measured over a range of temperature (288.15 K to 303.15 K), pH (6.58 to 8.68), and ionic strength I m (0.091 mol · kg −1 to 0.90 mol · kg −1 ). The results of the equilibrium and calorimetric measurements were analyzed in terms of a chemical equilibrium model that accounts for the multiplicity of ionic states of the reactants and products. These calculations led to values of thermodynamic quantities at T =298.15 K and I m =0 for a chemical reference reaction that involves specific ionic forms. Thus, for the reaction {2 glutathione red − (aq) + NADP ox 3− (aq)=glutathione ox 2− (aq) + NADP red 4− (aq) + H + (aq)}, the equilibrium constant K =(6.5±4.4)·10 −11 , the standard molar enthalpy of reaction Δ r H o m =(6.9±3.0) kJ · mol −1 , the standard molar Gibbs free energy change Δ r G o m =(58.1±1.7) kJ · mol −1 , and the standard molar entropy change Δ r S o m =−(172±12) J · K −1 · mol −1 . Under approximately physiological conditions ( T =311.15 K, pH=7.0, and I m =0.25 mol · kg −1 the apparent equilibrium constant K ′ ≈0.013. The results of the several studies of this reaction from the literature have also been examined and analyzed using the chemical equilibrium model. It was found that much of the literature is in agreement with the results of this study. Use of our results together with a value from the literature for the standard electromotive force E o for the NADP redox reaction leads to E o =0.166 V ( T =298.15 K and I =0) for the glutathione redox reaction {glutathione ox 2− (aq) + 2 H + (aq) + 2 e − =2 glutathione red − (aq)}. The thermodynamic results obtained in this study also permit the calculation of the standard apparent electromotive force E ′o for the biochemical redox reaction {glutathione ox (aq) + 2 e − =2 glutathione red (aq)} over a wide range of temperature, pH, and ionic strength. At T =298.15 K, I =0.25 mol · kg −1 , and pH=7.0, the calculated value of E ′o is −0.265 V.
Scaling an optimistic parallel simulation of large-scale interconnection networks

Parallel computers today are designed with larger number of processors than ever before, connected by large scale interconnection networks. Communication is the key to achieving high performance on such machines, making the study of interconnection networks important. Parallel simulations of interconnection networks present a unique problem characterized by fine-grained computation and strong dependence among events. The absence of large lookaheads makes it unsuitable to use a conservative simulation. Using an optimistic parallel discrete event simulation allows us to extract reasonable parallelism from this simulation. In this paper we present BigNetSim, an interconnection network simulator. We analyze its performance and present techniques related to enhancing performance and scaling it to a large number of processors on different artificial traffic patterns and real application logs. Inspite of the overheads of a parallel optimistic simulation, we have achieved a breakeven with sequential simulation at four processors and demonstrate perfect scaling to 128 processors.
Ischemic preconditioning depends on age and gender.

The goal of this study was to determine if an ischemic preconditioning (IPC) protocol improved post–ischemic functional recovery of female mouse hearts. A previous study found that IPC did not occur in hearts from 10–week–old females. We studied Langendorff–perfused hearts from both 10– and 18–week–old mice (males and females). Hearts were subjected to 45 min ischemia and 45 reperfusion (I/R); IPC involved pretreatment with 3 min ischemia. We measured hemodynamics, infarct size and levels of the phosphorylated prosurvival kinase Akt (p–Akt). Similar to a previous study, for 10– week–old mice we found that the IPC protocol appreciably improved recovery of LV developed pressure (LVDP) for hearts from males but not females. However, for 18–week–old mice we found that the IPC protocol doubled the recovery of LVDP for both males and females. For both ages, hearts from females had greater recovery of LVDP and higher levels of p–Akt compared to males. These findings are consistent with growing evidence that preconditioning induced by ischemia or other interventions can occur in hearts from females. However, for hearts from females, preconditioning depends on age. Moreover, consistent with previous studies, hearts from females have greater inherent resistance to ischemic injury, possibly involving increased signaling via p–Akt.
Autoimmune Hepatitis and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis in Children and Adolescents.

Clinical presentation and histopathology of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) overlap syndrome (OS) are similar, but their management is different. We conducted a pediatric retrospective cross-sectional study of 34 patients with AIH and PSC. AIH had female predominance (74%) and was lower in PSC (45%). There was a trend toward higher frequency of blacks in PSC/OS (55%) compared to Caucasians (36%) and Hispanics (9%), but not race differences in AIH. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was present in 75% of PSC/OS. Plasma cells were not specific for AIH (found in 42% of PSC). Concentric fibrosis was not reliable for PSC as was found in 46% of AIH. Conclusion: A combination of clinical history, laboratory tests, imaging studies and liver biopsy are required to confirm and properly treat AIH and PSC. Liver biopsy should be used to grade severity and disease progression, but cannot be used alone to diagnose these conditions.