cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MO-A-BRD-05: Evaluation of Composed Lung Ventilation with 4DCT and Image Registration

Purpose: Regional pulmonary function can be derived using fourdimensional computed tomography (4DCT) combined with deformable image registration. However, only peak inhale and exhale phases have been used thus far while the lung ventilation during intermediate phases is not considered. In our previous work, we have investigated the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of lung ventilation and its dependence on respiration effort. In this study, composed ventilation is introduced using all inspiration phases and compared to direct ventilation. Both methods are evaluated against Xe-CT derived ventilation. Methods: Using an in-house tissue volume preserving deformable image registration, unlike the direct ventilation method, which computes from end expiration to end inspiration, Jacobian ventilation maps were computed from one inhale phase to the next and then composed from all inspiration steps. The two methods were compared in both patients prior to RT and mechanically ventilated sheep subjects. In addition, they wereassessed for the correlation with Xe-CT derived ventilation in sheep subjects. Annotated lung landmarks were used to evaluate the accuracy of original and composed deformation field. Results: After registration, the landmark distance for composed deformation field was always higher than that for direct deformation field (0IN to 100IN average in human: 1.03 vs 1.53, p=0.001, and in sheep: 0.80 vs0.94, p=0.009), and both increased with longer phase interval. Direct and composed ventilation maps were similar in both sheep (gamma pass rate 87.6) and human subjects (gamma pass rate 71.9),and showed consistent pattern from ventral to dorsal when compared to Xe-CT derived ventilation. Correlation coefficient between Xe-CT and composed ventilation was slightly better than the direct method but not significant (average 0.89 vs 0.85, p=0.135). Conclusion: More strict breathing control in sheep subjects may explain higher similarity between direct and composed ventilation. When compared to Xe-CT ventilation, no significant difference was found for the composed method. NIH Grant: R01 CA166703
A waveguide polarization controller

In this paper a novel waveguide polarizer is introduced that does not require rotary joints and the frequency of operation can easily be adjusted by a few set screws. In this method the degenerate eigenvalues of a circular waveguide are separated by deforming the waveguide cross section slightly. In order to generate a desired polarization, the orientation angle of the deformation point with respect to the polarization of the incident wave can be adjusted using a rotary roller mechanism concentric with the circular waveguide. Analysis of the problem based on the finite element method and an approximate analytical method is given. A prototype model at 34.5 GHz is built and tested. Experimental results shows excellent agreement with the theoretical prediction. >
Portable Convection Oven Thermal Efficiency Test Development

An investigation was conducted to find a simulated cooking load to test the thermal efficiency of portable convection ovens, which would reproduce values obtained with typical foods cooked in a series of commercially available ovens. In an extended survey of volunteer convection oven users, a 0.4-lb loaf cake in an aluminum foil pan was suggested as a “light” load; a 0.8-lb layer cake in an 8-in. aluminum cake pan, as a “medium” load; and a 1.5-lb meat loaf in a glass loaf dish, as a “heavy” load. Loads tested included sand-water mixtures, cotton cloth in water, starch dough in various containers, and aluminum test blocks, both blackened and shiny. The thermal efficiencies obtained with the starch dough baked in a standard chemical crystallization dish correlated best with the average of the efficiencies for the three food loads. A close second choice for the simu lated cooking test load would be either the 2.47-lb or 5.24-lb blackened alu minum block heated for 30 minutes.
Monte Carlo evidence for inhomogeneous states in the two-dimensional classical Heisenberg model

Abstract It is emphasized that topologically classifiable, finite energy intrinsic defect states are known analytically for the continuum classical, isotropic, Heisenberg model in two space dimensions both from statistical mechanics and field theory literature. Evidence from Monte Carlo simulations is presented for the existence of these nonlinear, metastable states at low temperatures.
HIV/AIDS education survey for mental health professionals.

Summary.-A total of 6804 mental health professionals, e.g., licensed and certified psychologists, Licensed professional counselors, in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas were mailed a questionnaire regarding HNIAIDS topics professionals might recommend For educational programs. Participants were asked to rate how strongly they would recommend each topic. The return rate was 31% (2121). The percentage of participants who did not recommend the topics was low (0.7%-10.9%). Most topics were either recommended (6.5%-50.2%) or strongly recommended (29.0%-92.8%). Topics with ratings of 80% of participants endorsing the strongly recommended rating included psychological crises associated with learning one is HN positive, psychosocial issues, and counseling dying clients regarding gief, loss, and legal issues. The results are discussed in terms of continuing to develop educational programs targeting mental health prohssionals. The Center for Mental Health Services is currently supporting HIV/ AIDS educators in the development and implementation of educational programs for mental health care providers. One of these programs is the American Psychological Association's HIV Office for Psychology Education Training Program, which has trained over 7,000 psychological professionals across the United States. Ln addition, 17 National AIDS Education and Training Centers receive support from the Health Resources and Services Adrninistration, with an emphasis on primary care providers. Potential participants generally have no input into the content of these programs. Therefore, it is uncertain whether the program would address the educational needs of participants. The ideal situation would be to screen the potential audience first and develop educational programs based upon the needs expressed by that auhence. This strategy, however, might not be costeffective. The present study was designed to asslst educators with the selection of topics on the basis of the opinions expressed by over 2000 mental health professionals across five states with respect to HIV/AIDS issues they considered relevant to the development of these programs.
Averting a new great game in central Asia

Concerns about a renewed great game are exaggerated. The vital national interests of the most important external countries are not at stake, but competitive pressures, unless restrained, do risk impeding opportunities for cooperation among them.
Early Alzheimer's disease blocks responses to accelerating self-movement

We assessed the cortical processing of self-movement stimuli in aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our goal was to identify distinguishing effects on neural mechanisms related to driving and navigation. Young (YNC) and older (ONC) normal controls, and early AD patients (EAD) viewed real-world videos and dot motion stimuli simulating self-movement scenes. We recorded visual motion event related potentials (VMERPs) to stimulus motion coherence and speed. Aging delays motion evoked N200s, whereas AD diminishes response amplitudes. Early Alzheimer's disease patients respond to increments in motion coherence, but they are uniquely unresponsive to increments in motion speed that simulate accelerating self-movement. AD-related impairments of self-movement processing may have grave consequences for driving safety and navigational independence.
Generation of Quantitative Vapor Samples for FTIR Spectroscopy

To help construct a database of 0.1 cm-1resolution quantitative vapor-phase infrared spectra, PNNL had devised methods of improved reliability and accuracy for the delivery of liquid- and solid- phase compounds to the vapor phase.
On the Whitehead determinant for semi-local rings

Abstract We answer the question: when the Whitehead determinant of a semi-local ring is the abelization of the multiplicative group?
White Light Coronagraph in OSO-7.

A small, externally occulted Lyot-type coronagraph, designed for use in the seventh unmanned Orbiting Solar Observatory (OSO-7), is described. Optical configuration, suppression of stray light, SEC vidicon detector, and data system are discussed, as well as integration of the instrument into the spacecraft and operation in orbit. Orbital operation produced daily images of the white light corona, from 2.8 to 10 solar radii, at least once per day for 2¾ yr. The first records of white light coronal transient events were obtained, and the corona was shown to be constantly changing.
Female self-injury and suicide attempts: Culturally reinforced techniques in human relations

There is a consistent and significant higher ratio of females who engage in self-injury or who attempt suicide as compared to males, or as compared to suicidal commits by both sexes. This paper focuses on the problem of female excess in self-injury and suicide attempts. Biological/psychological variables which have been linked to these female self-destructive behaviors are enumerated and an alternative sociocultural explanation is suggested. Sex-role expectations are shown to be essential in explaining female self-injury and suicide attempts. The notion that these female self-destructive behaviors offer self-preservation is criticized, as is the failure in the literature to investigate what female self-injury and suicidal attempts actually do accomplish. Direction for solutions is mentioned in terms of research findings on self-actualization and on androgynous persons.
A Compton scattering suppression based image reconstruction method for Digital Breast Tomosynthesis

In this paper, we present a novel statistical reconstruction method based on Compton noise suppression for Digital Breast Tomosynthesis. The physical modeling for X-ray's interaction with tissues was investigated. A Compton noise based statistical model with a conjugate prior was introduced. Results from our proposed method, Backprojection (BP) method, Simultaneous Algebraic Reconstruction Technique (SART) and Maximum Likelihood with Convex Algorithm (MLCA) were compared based on image quality analysis. Compared with other algorithms, our proposed method shows comparable performance. It also produces even better results in the Contrast to Noise Ratio (CNR) evaluation.
1991 World political risk forecast

Almost overnight the political risk map for the decade has been redrafted. This annual forecast of key risk factors keeps score for some 85 countries.
The Orphan Gene ybjN Conveys Pleiotropic Effects on Multicellular Behavior and Survival of Escherichia coli

YbjN, encoding an enterobacteria-specific protein, is a multicopy suppressor of temperature sensitivity in the ts9 mutant strain of Escherichia coli. In this study, we further explored the role(s) of ybjN. First, we demonstrated that the ybjN transcript was about 10-fold lower in the ts9 strain compared to that of E. coli strain BW25113 (BW). Introduction of multiple copies of ybjN in the ts9 strain resulted in over-expression of ybjN by about 10-fold as compared to that of BW. These results suggested that temperature sensitivity of the ts9 mutant of E. coli may be related to expression levels of ybjN. Characterization of E. coli ybjN mutant revealed that ybjN mutation resulted in pleiotropic phenotypes, including increased motility, fimbriation (auto-aggregation), exopolysaccharide production, and biofilm formation. In contrast, over-expression of ybjN (in terms of multiple copies) resulted in reduced motility, fimbriation, exopolysaccharide production, biofilm formation and acid resistance. In addition, our results indicate that a ybjN-homolog gene from Erwinia amylovora, a plant enterobacterial pathogen, is functionally conserved with that of E. coli, suggesting similar evolution of the YbjN family proteins in enterobacteria. A microarray study revealed that the expression level of ybjN was inversely correlated with the expression of flagellar, fimbrial and acid resistance genes. Over-expression of ybjN significantly down-regulated genes involved in citric acid cycle, glycolysis, the glyoxylate shunt, oxidative phosphorylation, amino acid and nucleotide metabolism. Furthermore, over-expression of ybjN up-regulated toxin-antitoxin modules, the SOS response pathway, cold shock and starvation induced transporter genes. Collectively, these results suggest that YbjN may play important roles in regulating bacterial multicellular behavior, metabolism, and survival under stress conditions in E. coli. These results also suggest that ybjN over-expression-related temperature rescue of the ts9 mutant may be due to down-regulation of metabolic activity and activation of stress response genes in the ts9 mutant.
Using Technology to Enhance Higher Education

Whether our students are sitting in the room with us as we teach, sitting in their home listening, participating by video-conference, or answering discussion questions on an online platform, technology can play a pivotal role in student learning. In this article we discuss technology in higher education, specifically its role in hybrid or online formats. As Renard (2005) so eloquently stated, "No generation has ever had to wait so little time for so much information" (p. 44). Presented here is a discussion of the types of students who benefit from distance learning, the factors that prompt instructors to engage in distance learning, and what instructors should know about distance education before they begin teaching with this kind of delivery.
Treatment of acute intracerebral hemorrhage with epsilon-aminocaproic acid: a pilot study.

Introduction: Up to 40% of primary intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs) expand within the first 24 hours (natural history). The authors aimed to study the safety and preliminary efficacy of ɛ-aminocaproic acid (EACA) in halting ICH enlargement. Methods: Consecutive patients with hematoma volumes ranging from 5 to 80 mL were recruited within 12 hours of ICH onset. A total of 5 g EACA was infused during 1 hour and then 1 g/hour for 23 hours. Hematoma volume was compared onbaseline, and 24–48-hour brain imaging. Consecutive untreated patients underwent the same imaging protocol. Results: Three of the first five patients treated had HE>33% of their baseline volume. HE occurred in two of the nine untreated patients. The 80% confidence interval for HE in the treated patients was 32–88%. No thrombotic or other serious adverse events were attributed to EACA. Conclusion: It is unlikely that the rate of HE in patients given EACA within 12 hours of ICH is less than the natural history rate, although this treatment appears to be safe.
Effect of temperature on larval development of the cestode, Hymenolepis diminuta

Abstract Experiments to determine the effect of different temperatures on the development of cysticercoids of Hymenolepis diminuta in Tribolium confusum yielded the following information. Development of infective cysticercoids is accomplished in 65 days at 15 °C and in 5 days at 37 °C. Temperatures above and below this range are unsuitable. At 10 °C the beetles die before development can be completed, and at 40 °C larval development is abnormal. For laboratory work, 30 °C appears to be most suitable. Periodic alternation of high and low temperatures will markedly influence the speed of development.
Regulation of early expression of Dlx3, a Xenopus anti-neural factor, by β-catenin signaling

Abstract The ectoderm of the pre-gastrula Xenopus embryo has previously been shown to be at least partially patterned along the dorsal-ventral axis. The early expression of the anti-neural homeodomain gene Dlx3 is localized to the ventral ectoderm by a mechanism that occurs prior to gastrulation and is independent of the Spemann organizer. The repression of Dlx3 is mediated by signaling though β-catenin, but is probably not dependent on the induction of the Xnr3 or chordin genes by β-catenin. We propose a model in which this early regulation of Dlx3 accounts for the pro-neural bias of dorsal ectoderm.
Silicon: a requirement in bone formation independent of vitamin D1.

Silicon has been reported to be involved in an early stage of bone formation as a result of earlier in vitro and in vivo studies in this laboratory. It is now possible to demonstrate that silicon exerts an effect on bone formation independent of the action of vitamin D. Day-old cockerels were fed Sideficient and Si-supplemented diets with adequate and no dietary vitamin D under trace element controlled conditions. At the end of 4 weeks chicks receiving dietary vitamin D3 (600 IU) exhibited optimal rates of growth whereas the growth rates of chicks receiving D2 (6000 IU) and no vitamin D were markedly depressed. There were no significant differences between growth of Si-deficient and Si-supplemented chicks on the same level of vitamin D. Skull and bone size was proportional to overall chick growth. However, all chicks on Sideficient diets irrespective of the level of dietary vitamin D had gross abnormalities of skull architecture, the overall skull appearance being narrower and shorter. The frontal area was narrower and the dorsal median line at the front parietal junction was depressed with a narrowing both posterior and laterally, stunting parietal and occipital areas. These abnormal areas showed fewer trabeculae and less calcification. Analyses of skull frontal bones for hexosamine, collagen, noncollagenous protein, and bone mineral demonstrated that the major difference was in collagen content, the Si-deficient skulls showing considerably less collagen at each level of vitamin D. These findings demonstrate that silicon has a significant effect on the bone matrix independent of vitamin D, and support the earlier postulate that silicon is involved in an early stage of bone formation.
An examination of the infracommunities and component communities from impala (Aepyceros melampus) in the Kruger National Park, South Africa.

The intestinal helminth parasites of the impala from the Kruger National Park, South Africa, were examined to describe the parasite community structure. Demographic variation and the associated differences in behavior were used to further investigate the patterns of community composition. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to test for differences in species richness and mean abundance between the various demographic groups, and nonmetric multidimensional scaling ordination was used to compare community composition. Seventeen species of nematodes, totaling more than 1.3 million worms, were recovered. Males harbored a greater number of nematode species than did females, but adult females were more heavily infected than their male counterparts. Lambs acquired infections early in life, and their parasite community composition rapidly approached that of the older animals. The parasite community in the juvenile and adult males was significantly different from the community of the adult females. These data s...
Defining a new biomarker for the autoimmune component of Multiple Sclerosis: Th40 cells.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory, neurodegenerative disease. Diagnosis is very difficult requiring defined symptoms and multiple CNS imaging. A complicating issue is that almost all symptoms are not disease specific for MS. Autoimmunity is evident, yet the only immune-related diagnostic tool is cerebral-spinal fluid examination for oligoclonal bands. This study addresses the impact of Th40 cells, a pathogenic effector subset of helper T cells, in MS. MS patients including relapsing/remitting MS, secondary progressive MS and primary progressive MS were examined for Th40 cell levels in peripheral blood and, similar to our findings in autoimmune type 1 diabetes, the levels were significantly (p<0.0001) elevated compared to controls including healthy non-autoimmune subjects and another non-autoimmune chronic disease. Classically identified Tregs were at levels equivalent to non-autoimmune controls but the Th40/Treg ratio still predicted autoimmunity. The cohort displayed a wide range of HLA haplotypes including the GWAS identified predictive HLA-DRB1*1501 (DR2). However half the subjects did not carry DR2 and regardless of HLA haplotype, Th40 cells were expanded during disease. In RRMS Th40 cells demonstrated a limited TCR clonality. Mechanistically, Th40 cells demonstrated a wide array of response to CNS associated self-antigens that was dependent upon HLA haplotype. Th40 cells were predominantly memory phenotype producing IL-17 and IFNγ with a significant portion producing both inflammatory cytokines simultaneously suggesting an intermediary between Th1 and Th17 phenotypes.
The Impact of Same‐Sex LMX Dyads on Performance Evaluations

Numerous studies have found that supervisors rate women lower than men for similar levels of performance, suggesting that for female employees, performance alone may not be able to guarantee fair ratings. What is not clear is whether this disparity is a function of the gender composition of the supervisor–subordinate dyad or simply a case of male supervisor rating behavior. Based on data from supervisor–subordinate dyads in four organizations, we found that after controlling for performance, both male and female supervisors exhibit a positive bias toward subordinates of the same sex and rate members of the same gender higher. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Obstructive sleep apnea and acute respiratory failure: An analysis of mortality risk in patients with pneumonia requiring invasive mechanical ventilation

Abstract Purpose Although obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common and pneumonia is a frequent cause of acute respiratory failure requiring admission to the intensive care unit, little is known about the effect of OSA on this patient population. This study examined outcomes associated with OSA in patients with pneumonia requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. Materials and methods The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was investigated for discharges with a primary diagnosis of pneumonia requiring invasive mechanical ventilation between 2009 and 2011. Persons aged 18 to 75 years with OSA were compared with patients without OSA. Outcomes included in-hospital mortality and nonroutine discharges. Results Among 74032 hospitalizations, 13.8% (10227) were obese, and 10.3% (7610) had OSA. Obstructive sleep apnea patients had decreased in-hospital mortality (17.0% vs 25.8%; P P P P Conclusions In mechanically ventilated patients with pneumonia, OSA was associated decreased in-hospital mortality and nonroutine discharge. It is possible that differences in treatment pattern may partially explain improved survival.
Are in vivo gastric bioadhesive forces accurately reflected by in vitro experiments

Bioadhesive polymers have been used in oral drug delivery to prolong the contact of dosage forms with the site of drug absorption. Previous investigators have coated oral dosage forms in polymers that demonstrated bioadhesive properties during in vitro screens in efforts to prolong the gastric residence of drugs absorbed only in the stomach and proximal duodenum without clinical success. To further investigate the bioadhesive properties of the gastric environment, an in vivo quantitative bioadhesive fracture strength test was developed. Bioadhesive and non-bioadhesive bioerodible polymers with potential for use in oral drug delivery were tested for bioadhesive fracture strength both in vivo and in vitro. Surprisingly, no statistically significant difference was found between the bioadhesive fracture strength of fast eroding polyanhydride and slowly eroding hydrophobic polymers in vivo. When the same polymers were tested in vitro, the expected difference was observed. The lack of IVIVC (in vitro/in vivo correlation) among bioadhesive fracture strengths reflects the clinical finding that polymers that produced strong bioadhesive forces in vitro may not achieve prolonged gastric retention in vivo due to differences between the in vitro screening conditions and the in vivo bioadhesive environment.
Identification and characterization of alpha1 adrenergic receptors in rat myocardium with a new iodinated radioligand, [125I]IBE 2254

Abstract The cardiac alpha adrenergic receptor has been identified in previous studies with tritiated radioligands. However, tritiated radioligands which are relatively low in specific activity, may pose distinct disadvantages in the detection of alpha receptors including the need for large quantitities of tissue, substantial non-receptor, nonspecific binding, and insensitivity at subsaturating ligand concentrations. To overcome these problems we have utilized 2-[β-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylamino-methyl] tetralone (BE 2254) a compound shown to be a potent pharmacological alpha 1 adrenergic inhibitor. BE 2254 was iodinated and purified to theoretically high specific activity (2200 Ci/mmol). A membrane fraction that retained stable binding properties and adenylate cyclase activity was prepared from Sprague-Dawley rat hearts. Specific binding of [ 125 I]IBE 2254 to cardiac membranes was demonstrable to as little as 10 μg of protein. Nonspecific binding, defined as that component of total binding inhibited by excess, unlabeled BE 2254 (4 μ m ), ranged from 0 to 20%. At 37°C binding was rapid, saturable, stable, and completely reversible. The association rate constant, k 1 , was 1.88 × 10 8 min −1 m −1 . The dissociation rate constant, k −1 , was 0.09 min −1 . An estimate of the equilibrium dissociation constant ( K D ) based upon these kinetic data (480 p m ) was in close agreement with the K D determined by Scatchard analysis (363 p m ). The binding capacity of a single class of high affinity binding sites was 280 fmol/mg protein. A series of adrenergic agonists and antagonists competed successfully with [ 125 I]IBE 2254 for binding to myocardial membranes with an order of potency indicating alpha site specificity. Dopamine and serotonin were extremely weak competitors at concentrations m . A series of alpha adrenergic antagonists inhibited [ 125 I]IBE 2254 binding with an order of potency consistent with alpha 1 subselectivity: prazosin (alpha 1 ) > phentolamine (alpha 1 /alpha 2 ) > yohimbine (alpha 2 ). Moreover, binding was stereoselective for both agonists and antagonists. These observations indicate that the alpha adrenergic antagonist BE 2254 can be iodinated, purified and used with sensitivity and specificity to identify alpha 1 adrenergic receptors in cardiac tissue.
Mitotic stability of yeast chromosomes: A colony color assay that measures nondisjunction and chromosome loss

A colony color assay that measures chromosome stability is described and is used to study several parameters affecting the mitotic maintenance of yeast chromosomes, including ARS function, CEN function, and chromosome size. A cloned ochre-suppressing form of a tRNA gene, SUP11, serves as a marker on natural and in vitro-constructed chromosomes. In diploid strains homozygous for an ochre mutation in ade2, cells carrying no copies of the SUP11 gene are red, those carrying one copy are pink, and those carrying two or more copies are white. Thus, the degree of red sectoring in colonies reflects the frequency of mitotic chromosome loss. The assay also distinguishes between chromosome loss (1:0 segregation) and nondisjunction (2:0 segregation). The most dramatic effect on improving mitotic stability is caused by increasing chromosome size. Circular chromosomes increase in stability through a size range up to approximately 100 kb, but do not continue to be stabilized above this value. However, linear chromosomes continue to increase in mitotic stability throughout the size range tested (up to 137 kb). It is possible that the mitotic stability of linear chromosomes is proportional to chromosome length, up to a plateau value that has not yet been reached in our synthetic constructions.
The Scanning Confocal Electron Microscope: A New Tool for Defect Studies in Semiconductor Devices

This work illustrates succinctly the ability of the SCEM to provide valuable information for metrological studies of thick non-optically transparent semiconductor devices. The utility of SCEM to failure analysis comes from its ability to provide relatively high-resolution images from extremely thick specimens. In this way, the instrument can bridge the gap between optical SCOM useful for observing features few microns in size, to TEM which can resolve atomic sized structures but requiring specimens less than 100 nm thick to reach this resolution. The main advantage of SCEM for failure analysis in semiconductor manufacturing is to investigate defects or devices without the need to significantly de-capsulate or cross-section to thickness typically employed by TEM/STEM observations. This allows un-disturbed observation of embedded defects. Depth of field and focus of the SCEM, like the SCOM are limited by the pre and post specimen convergence angles. With the advent of aberration correctors this aspect of the SCEM will become an even more useful tool
Comprehensive features of natural and in vitro selected GNRA tetraloop-binding receptors

Specific recognitions of GNRA tetraloops by small helical receptors are among the most widespread long-range packing interactions in large ribozymes. However, in contrast to GYRA and GAAA tetraloops, very few GNRA/receptor interactions have yet been identified to involve GGAA tetraloops in nature. A novel in vitro selection scheme based on a rigid self-assembling tectoRNA scaffold designed for isolation of intermolecular interactions with A-minor motifs has yielded new GGAA tetraloop-binding receptors with affinity in the nanomolar range. One of the selected receptors is a novel 12 nt RNA motif, (CCUGUG ... AUCUGG), that recognizes GGAA tetraloop hairpin with a remarkable specificity and affinity. Its physical and chemical characteristics are comparable to those of the well-studied '11nt' GAAA tetraloop receptor motif. A second less specific motif (CCCAGCCC ... GAUAGGG) binds GGRA tetraloops and appears to be related to group IC3 tetraloop receptors. Mutational, thermodynamic and comparative structural analysis suggests that natural and in vitro selected GNRA receptors can essentially be grouped in two major classes of GNRA binders. New insights about the evolution, recognition and structural modularity of GNRA and A-minor RNA-RNA interactions are proposed.
Document engineering education

This working session will be a roundtable discussion of document engineering education. The working session's goal is to allow educators and researchers to share their experiences in teaching topics related to document engineering. The hope is that these discussions will stimulate the development of common resources, including syllabi, reading lists, and exercises in order to facilitate the spread of document engineering as a viable topic for study.
SU-FF-T-92: An Investigation of the Effect of IMRTwith Large Jaw Defined Back-Up Fields On the Accuracy of Dose Calculations

Purpose: To investigate the effect of IMRT with large photon‐jaw defined back‐up fields on the accuracy of dose calculations by analyzing the deviation between calculated and measured dose, DV, for 19 IMRT cases with various jaw defined field sizes.Method and Materials: Suppose that Dc is the point dose calculated from a Pinnacle treatment planning system (TPS), and Dm is the dose measured at the same point in IMRT‐QA. The DV is defined as (Dm‐Dc)/Dm. Each IMRT case in this work had two PTVs, PTV1 and PTV2. For every case, the average equivalent field size (AEFS) of jaw defined fields for PTV1 was considerably larger (at least 3.5 cm larger) than that for PTV2 of the same case. The point at which the dose was measured and calculated was the same for PTV1 and PTV2 for each case. We compared the DV for PTV1 with that for PTV2. The beam energy used was 10 or 18‐MV. A 0.3cc ion chamber placed in solid water was used for measurements. Results: The AEFS of jaw defined fields for PTV1 ranged from 12.8 to 16.3 cm, and for PTV2 from 7.2 to 9.9 cm. The DV for PTV1 was from 2.7 to 8.9%, and for PTV2 from −2.1 to 3.3%. For 17 of 19 cases, the DV for PTV1 was much larger than that for PTV2. The average DV for PTV1 and PTV2 were 6.1 and 1.8% respectively. Conclusion: The results indicate that significant deviation between calculated and measured dose could be associated with IMRT using large jaw defined fields. It is possibly because the TPS doesn't fully account for radiation transmission and leakage through MLC and interleaf for large jaw defined fields. We believe that, to increase dose accuracy, MU corrections are necessary for IMRT with large jaw defined fields.
Modeling dispersal in the prehistoric West Indies

Abstract In an effort to study population movements in the prehistoric West Indies, a model that describes dispersal under two specific sets of conditions was deduced from the Verhulst‐Pearl logistic equation of density‐dependent population growth ‐ the same equation that previously gave us the carrying‐capacity concept and r‐ and K‐selection model. Population expansion in the prehistoric West Indies is shown to have occurred at a rapid pace during which only the most highly ranked resources were pursued. These conclusions contradict the conventional wisdom and provide insights into the economic, social and political foundations of Taino culture.
Structure of the near-injector region of nonevaporating pressure-atomized sprays

The dense-spray region of pressure-atom ized nonevaporating sprays was studied, emphasizing the properties of the multiphase mixing layer that surrounds the liquid core during atomization breakup. The dispersed-phase properties of a large-scale (9.5-mm injector diameter) water jet injected vertically downward in still air were measured using single- and double-pulse holography for both fully developed and slug flow jet exit conditions. The inner portion of the mixing layer contained large irregularly shaped liquid elements and drops, and the proportion of spherical drops increased and drop sizes decreased with increasing radial distance. For present test conditions, the liquid core and the large liquid elements cause mean liquid volume fractions to be high near the axis; however, the gas-containing region was relatively dilute at each instant. Additionally, the velocities of large drops were generally much larger than small drops and predictions based on the locally homogeneous flow approximation, providing direct evidence of significant separated-flow effects in the flow. Finally, the degree of flow development at the jet exit had a substantial effect on the structure of the mixing layer, with increased turbulence levels increasing the number and size of large irregular liquid elements through distortion of the surface of the liquid core—enhancing rates of removal of liquid from the core.
Integrating Psychotherapeutic Processes with Cognitive Behavioral Procedures

There has been a recent focus on the processes that underlie intervention delivery for children and adolescents throughout the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) literature. Certain process variables have been associated with treatment outcome among youth receiving CBT. Data for these process variables including: the therapeutic alliance or therapeutic relationship, child and parent involvement, other child and therapist variables, and issues of diversity, are reviewed. Based on this data, specific clinical recommendations are made. The treatment relationship as a very important process (VIP), and the facilitation of CBT so that it is real and relevant to youth are emphatically discussed. Process issues in modular CBT are identified. Ultimately, genuine collaborative empiricism and guided discovery preserve the therapeutic relationship as a VIP, and foster the customization of therapeutic tools and the treatment trajectory.
The Contribution of Typical Sex Differences in Facial Maturity to Sex Role Stereotypes

Females are stereotypically perceived as warmer and less powerful than males, and baby-faced adults are perceived as warmer and less powerful than those with more mature faces. As women, on the average, have more babyish faces than men, it was hypothesized that typical sex differences in facial maturity may contribute to sex role stereotypes. Subjects rated adult schematic faces of both sexes on sex-stereotypic traits and roles. In a typical facial maturity condition (mature-faced males and baby-faced females), typical sex role stereotypes were obtained. However, when the natural association of gender and facial maturity was eliminated (males and females equally mature-faced) or reversed (baby-faced males and mature-faced females), sex role stereotypes were weakened or reversed.
Neutron scattering and models: iron

Abstract Differential elastic and inelastic neutron-scattering cross sections of elemental iron are measured from 4.5 to 10 MeV in increments of ≈ 0.5 MeV. The measurements are made at ≳ 40 scattering angles distributed between ≈ 17° and 160°, with emphasis on elastic scattering and inelastic scattering due to excitation of the yrast 2 + state. The measured data is combined with earlier lower-energy results from this laboratory, with recent high-precision ≈ 9.5–15 MeV results from the Physikalisch. Technische Bundesanstalt and with selected values from the literature to provide a detailed neutron-scattering data base extending from ≈ 1.5 to 26 MeV. This data is interpreted in the context of spherical-optical and coupled-channels (vibrational and rotational) models, and the physical implications are discussed. Deformation, coupling, asymmetry and dispersive effects are explored. A good description of the interaction of neutrons with iron is achieved over the energy range ≲ 1.5–26 MeV, avoiding the dichotomy between high- and low-energy interpretations found in previous work in this mass region.
LOW DOSE GAMMA IRRADIATION OF BOVINE METMYOGLOBIN.

SUMMARY Bovine metmyoglobin (MetMb) in a pure state, in several differing states of purity and in meat was irradiated with ionizing gamma rays. Irradiation caused the brown MetMb to convert to a red myoglobin pigment which is similar but not identical to oxymyoglobin (MbO2). The formation of red pigment was accelerated at slightly basic pHs and under nitrogen atmospheres. Rate of red pigment formation is not dependent upon MetMb purity. Rate of red pigment formation in meat is identical to the rate of formation in buffered MetMb solutions. This study also demonstrated that gamma irradiation does alter MetMb structure. This alteration may be the loss of amide nitrogen from the protein.
Modeling oyster populations. V. Declining phytoplankton stocks and the population dynamics of American oyster (Crassostrea virginica) populations

Abstract Phytoplankton standing stocks have shown a steady decline in Galveston Bay, Texas over the last 20 years. Phytoplankton provides the primary food resource for oyster populations in Galveston Bay. We used a time-dependent population dynamics model of oyster populations to examine the impact of a decline in phytoplankton stocks on oyster populations. Simulations were run with two different types of mortality: winter mortality, assuming that the oyster fishery is the primary source of mortality; and summer mortality, assuming that predators and disease are the primary source of mortality. All simulations showed the same qualitative trends. Market-size adults disappear from the population in about 4 years, with an approximate 15% decline in food supply. Submarket-size adults maintained an increasing or steady population density for 10–14 years, after which the populations crashed to near extinction in 2–4 years. The proximate cause was a cessation in reproductive activity when food supply ceased to be sufficient to generate a fall spawn, an approximate 60% drop in food from current levels in Galveston Bay. The temporal sequence of mortality affected the outcome very little. The simulations suggest that populations decline rapidly in response to declining food supplies because a minimum food level is required to support a market-size population and a minimal reproductive activity. The simulations suggest that a reduction in market-size individuals is the primary early-warning signal of decreased food supply within the affected population and that this warning signal might easily be mistaken for overfishing. Proper management requires the monitoring of food supply and the use of a mathematical model to assess the importance of observed declines in population abundance. Unfortunately, once the fishery is affected, little time may remain before the termination of spawning and population extinction.
Approximation by bernstein systems

LetK denote an arbitrary compact subset of realL 2. Letf be any causal continuous function onL 2. Then there is a linear differential system:z(t)=A(t)z(t)+B(t)u(t), and a memoryless polynomic state to output mapw(t)=φ(z(t),t) such that the system, $$\hat f$$ , thereby computed satisfies $$\mathop {\sup }\limits_{u \in K} ||f(u) - \hat f(u)||< \varepsilon$$ wheree >0 is arbitrary. This and other results are developed.
Universal Marketing Myopia or Banks' Rational Behaviour? An Empirical Study of Bank Marketing in Turkey

Changing conditions in the Turkish economy, including newly emerging spending and saving patterns, increasing competition, new legislative structure and a more liberal economic policy, should necessitate a new banking strategy. A research study of the entire Turkish commercial banking industry, aimed at client executive officer level, reveals lack of customer orientation and bank differentiation. Awareness of these problems should lead to increasing interest in marketing principles.
Bidirectional associations in multi-trial free recall

An augmented measure of organization in free recall, combining reverse-order intertrial repetitions (R-ITR) and the usual same-order intertrial repetitions (S-ITR), was more highly correlated with measures of organization and number of words recalled than a measure including S-ITRs alone. The conditional probabilities of an S-ITR or an R-ITR between one pair of trials given an R-ITR between another pair of trials and the conditional probabilities of an S-ITR or an R-ITR given an S-ITR were well above chance. While in every case the observed proportion of S-ITRs was greater than the proportion of R-ITRs, it is estimated, excluding Ss who alphabetized the entire list, that the majority of the observed intertrial repetitions could be explained in terms of bidirectional associations.
EGFR signaling suppresses osteoblast differentiation and inhibits expression of master osteoblastic transcription factors Runx2 and Osterix

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its ligands regulate key processes of cell biology, such as proliferation, survival, differentiation, migration, and tumorigenesis. We previously showed that EGFR signaling pathway is an important bone regulator and it primarily plays an anabolic role in bone metabolism. In this study, we demonstrated that EGF-like ligands strongly inhibited osteoblast differentiation and mineralization in several lines of osteoblastic cells. Real-time RT-PCR and promoter reporter assays revealed that EGF-like ligands suppressed the expression of both early and late bone marker genes at the transcriptional level in the differentiating osteoblasts via an EGFR-dependent manner. This inhibitory effect of EGFR signaling was not dependent on its mitogenic activity. Furthermore, we demonstrated that EGFR signaling reduced the expression of two major osteoblastic transcription factors Runx2 (type II) and Osterix in osteoblast differentiating cells. EGFR-induced decrease in Runx2 transcriptional activity was confirmed by Runx2 reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. EGFR signaling increased the protein amounts of transcription corepressors HDAC4 and 6 and overexpression of HDAC4 decreased Runx2 amount in differentiating osteoblasts, implying that HDACs contribute to the down-regulation of Runx2 by EGFR. Moreover, activation of EGFR in undifferentiated osteoprogenitors attenuated the expression of early bone markers and Osterix and decreased Runx2 protein amounts. Together with our previous data that EGFR stimulates osteoprogenitor proliferation and that blocking EGFR activity in osteoblast lineage cells results in fewer osteoprogenitors and osteopenic phenotype, we conclude that EGFR signaling is important for maintaining osteoprogenitor population at an undifferentiated stage.
Neurologic outcomes after cardiac operations.

espite recent and rapid advances in percutaneous Dtechniques, open operation remains the standard of care for many patients with cardiac diseases. Numerous studies have shown coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to have a significantly lower reintervention rate in addition to a survival advantage in large subpopulations of patients with coronary artery disease compared with percutaneous therapy. Percutaneous valve repair and replacement techniques have been accepted and are becoming more widely applied. However, open valve repair or replacement is far more widely performed, and to date, insufficient data are available in comparable groups of patients to show that percutaneous technologies establish even noninferiority in terms of long-term efficacy and durability. Continued improvements in surgical techniques and devices have resulted in reductions in death and many of the morbidities associated with open cardiac operations over time. An important exception to these improvements is the incidence of stroke after cardiac operations. Recent analysis of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons CABG data by year shows a peak stroke rate of 1.7% in 2000 that falls to approximately 1.2% in 2008 and has remained constant since. Why have we not been able to make further progress in this area? Is it because patient age and disease acuity have increased over time? Although this may be so, these variables have not been well defined. Numerous strategies, such as intraoperative ascending aortic ultrasound imaging, more effective management of the thrombosis
MOS-device modeling for computer implementation

Generalized MOS-device and circuit modeling problems are discussed. Guidelines for comparing MOS-device models, for selecting phenomena to be modeled, for acquiring model parameters, and for implementing the model are established. A voltage variable capacitance subroutine within a four-terminal Q_B field-dependent model is recommended. The importance of accurate data acquisition and model and parameter maintenance is stressed and computer implementation configurations are discussed.
DECREASED LEAF-MINER ABUNDANCE IN ELEVATED CO2: REDUCED LEAF QUALITY AND INCREASED PARASITOID ATTACK

Most studies on the effects of elevated CO2 have focused on the effects on plant growth and ecosystem processes. Fewer studies have examined the effects of elevated CO2 on herbivory, and of these, most have examined feeding rates in laboratory conditions. Our study takes advantage of an open-top CO2 fertilization study in a Florida scrub-oak community to examine the effects of elevated CO2 on herbivore densities, herbivore feeding rates, and levels of attack of herbivores by natural enemies. Higher atmospheric CO2 concentration reduced plant foliar nitrogen concentrations, decreased abundance of leaf-mining insect herbivores, increased per capita leaf consumption by leafminers, and increased leafminer mortality. As suggested by other authors, reduced foliar quality contributed to the increase in herbivore mortality, but only partly. The major factor increasing mortality was higher attack rate by parasitoids. Thus increasing CO2 concentrations may reduce the survivorship of insect herbivores directly, by reducing plant quality, but also indirectly, by changing herbivore feeding and eliciting greater top-down pressure from natural enemies.