cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-E-T-295: Simultaneous Beam Sampling and Aperture Shape Optimization for Station Parameter Optimized Radiation Therapy (SPORT)

Purpose: Station Parameter Optimized Radiation Therapy (SPORT) was recently proposed to fully utilize the technical capability of emerging digital LINACs, in which the station parameters of a delivery system, (such as aperture shape and weight, couch position/angle, gantry/collimator angle) are optimized altogether. SPORT promises to deliver unprecedented radiation dose distributions efficiently, yet there does not exist any optimization algorithm to implement it. The purpose of this work is to propose an optimization algorithm to simultaneously optimize the beam sampling and aperture shapes. Methods: We build a mathematical model whose variables are beam angles (including non-coplanar and/or even nonisocentric beams) and aperture shapes. To solve the resulting large scale optimization problem, we devise an exact, convergent and fast optimization algorithm by integrating three advanced optimization techniques named column generation, gradient method, and pattern search. Column generation is used to find a good set of aperture shapes as an initial solution by adding apertures sequentially. Then we apply the gradient method to iteratively improve the current solution by reshaping the aperture shapes and updating the beam angles toward the gradient. Algorithm continues by pattern search method to explore the part of the search space that cannot be reached by the gradient method.more » Results: The proposed technique is applied to a series of patient cases and significantly improves the plan quality. In a head-and-neck case, for example, the left parotid gland mean-dose, brainstem max-dose, spinal cord max-dose, and mandible mean-dose are reduced by 10%, 7%, 24% and 12% respectively, compared to the conventional VMAT plan while maintaining the same PTV coverage. Conclusion: Combined use of column generation, gradient search and pattern search algorithms provide an effective way to optimize simultaneously the large collection of station parameters and significantly improves quality of resultant treatment plans as compared with conventional VMAT or IMRT treatments.« less
Series with zeta values and infinite products

In this short note, we point out an interesting connection between series with zeta values and certain infinite products. Using this connection we give a closed-form evaluation of a special class of series with zeta values in the coefficients.
Wives' Perceptions of Marital Decision Making

The objective of this study was to determine the relative importance of socioeconomic and demographic, value and goal orientation, perception, sociability, and satisfaction variables in explaining marital decision making as perceived by wives. The sample con sisted of 163 nuclear families living in small towns in southwestern Iowa. Multivariate regression was used to analyze the data. The results of this study partially supported the general hypothesis that sociability and psychological factors would be more closely asso ciated with marital decision making than socioeconomic factors. The findings indicated that marital satisfaction, going places together as a family, and the family income were positively related to joint decision making. On the other hand, the wife's employment outside the home, seeing and visiting with friends from work, the wife's perception of income adequacy, not being able to meet large bills, and the wife's inclina tion toward authority versus equality in regard to education were negatively related to joint decision making.
A Linear Ap roximator for the Class Marks of a Grouped Frequency Distribution, With Especial Reference to the Unequal Interval Case

This paper offers class mark estimators for the intervals of a grouped frequency distribution, derived by parabolic interpolation between any given interval and its adjacent intervals. The objective for the study is to increase the accuracy of a first moment calculation for a grouped distribution quoted in unequal interval terms over the use of midpoints. Cases in point are, e.g., distributions of income, which are highly skewed and for which a first moment calculated by midpoints can be expected to contain substantial grouping error. Classical (exact) methods are inappropriate in such instances since they require an equal interval configuration, a condition not usually met with income distributions. For intervals in convex upward or concave downward portions of the given distribution it can be argued in general that the proposed class mark estimator is more accurate than the midpoint. In the remaining cases the proposed estimators correct for bias in a directional sense, but cannot be proved generally mo...
The need for research in forensic science

Since the first episode of “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” aired in 2000, numerous television shows with forensic science themes have appeared, including two further additions to the CSI franchise (CSI: Miami and CSI: NY). These shows remain popular today and continue to rank in the top 20 ratings for network primetime series. With this popularity, the so-called “CSI Effect” has evolved, in which jurors have higher, and sometimes unrealistic, expectations of the evidence presented at trial. For example, in a survey conducted by Shelton et al., 46% of prospective jurors expected scientific evidence in every criminal case, and 22% expected DNA evidence in every criminal case [1]. The recent National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report “Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward” provides a more realistic assessment of forensic science today [2]. The report highlights current deficiencies and limitations in the community and makes recommendations to secure the future of forensic science. To improve the field for the future, the development of new technologies and procedures is recommended, with the NAS calling for “more and better research” to ensure that practices are “strongly rooted in science”. With this special issue on forensic analysis, we aim to highlight emerging research in forensic chemistry. The selection of papers is broad in scope, covering not only new technologies for the analysis of trace evidence but also the application of chemometric procedures for data analysis and interpretation. The papers included are only a sample of the novel and exciting research that is currently being conducted in various academic, state, and federal research laboratories, aiming to enhance current techniques and methodologies for the analysis and interpretation of forensic evidence. We hope this special issue illustrates that the NAS recommendation of “more and better research” is currently in progress. With additional funding and resources, such research may be further developed and eventually incorporated into crime laboratories for routine analysis. We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all our contributors; this special issue would certainly not have been possible without them.
AN OVERVIEW OF CHEMOTHERAPY TRIALS IN LOCALIZED AND RECURRENT NONMETASTATIC PROSTATE CANCER

ABSTRACTPurpose: High risk localized and recurrent prostate cancers remain difficult problems for clinicians. Definitive local treatments such as surgery and radiation therapy cure only a minority of these patients. As a result, efforts are being made to decrease the risk of recurrence and delay progression to symptomatic hormone refractory disease using chemotherapy prior to, during or after definitive local therapy.Materials and Methods: A MEDLINE literature review was performed of studies evaluating chemotherapy and other systemic therapies for localized prostate cancer. In addition, ongoing randomized clinical trials were reviewed.Results: Chemotherapy in the management of localized and recurrent disease is evolving. Early studies demonstrated the feasibility of administering chemotherapy to patients prior to and immediately after local therapy, and in the setting of an increasing prostate specific antigen state. Although chemotherapy has established activity and acceptable toxicity in patients with h...
Endogenous kappa opioid receptor systems modulate the responsiveness of mesoaccumbal dopamine neurons to ethanol.

Background: Endogenous κ-opioid receptor (KOPR) systems modulate the actions of several drugs of abuse. Their role in modulating the effects of ethanol is unknown. An increase in nucleus accumbens extracellular dopamine (DA) has been implicated in mediating the rewarding and locomotor-activating effects of ethanol and virtually all drugs of abuse. The present microdialysis studies were conducted to determine whether the lack of KOPR alters ethanol-evoked DA levels in the nucleus accumbens of naive mice and whether a similar effect is observed in mice repeatedly exposed to ethanol. Methods: Gene deletion techniques were used in conjunction with in vivo microdialysis to examine the influence of lack of KOPR on ethanol-evoked DA in the nucleus accumbens. To determine whether pharmacological inactivation of KOPR produces similar effects in naive mice and those repeatedly exposed to ethanol, the KOPR antagonist norbinaltorphimine (n-BNI) was administered in wild-type mice before repeated air or ethanol vapor inhalation. Microdialysis was conducted 24 hours later. Results: Acute ethanol administration increased DA levels in the nucleus accumbens of wild-type mice. In littermates lacking the KOPR gene, ethanol-evoked DA levels were enhanced. Prior ethanol exposure reduced ethanol-evoked DA levels in vehicle-treated and n-BNI–treated mice. Statistical analysis, however, revealed a significant main effect of n-BNI, indicating that KOPR blockade increased ethanol-evoked DA levels in naive mice and repeated ethanol exposure attenuated, but did not abolish, this effect. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that inhibition of KOPR leads to increased sensitivity to the DA-releasing effects of ethanol in the nucleus accumbens.
Parameters for Safer Gambling Behavior: Examining the Empirical Research

There have been claims that new gambling technology is hazardous to player health, and that technological interventions can alleviate gambling-related harm. In this paper, we systematically review the empirical research about the nexus between gambling and technology to evaluate the veracity of these claims. We use a public health perspective (i.e., the Epidemiologic Triangle) to organize and present study results (i.e., agent, host, and environment). This review intends to offer insight about emerging technology and identify areas that indicate a need for additional research. Forty-seven studies met our inclusion and exclusion criteria; a review of this body of work shows that attempts to develop and implement safety features for new gambling technology are promising, but methodologically are rudimentary and limited in scope. Increased attention to the dynamic interaction among host, agent, and environment factors hold potential to advance the field. In addition, improved study methods (e.g., longitudinal analyses of actual betting behavior), and collaboration among policymakers, manufacturers, and researchers can increase understanding of how new gambling technology affects the public health and stimulate new strategies for implementing effective public health interventions.
The thiolation, methylation, and formation of pseudouridine and dihydrouridine in tRNA of regenerating rat liver, human phytohemagglutinin stimulated lymphocytes, and Novikoff ascites cells.

Abstract Partially hepatectomized rats, PHA-stimulated human lymphocytes, and Novikoff ascites cells were pulsed with radioisotopes to monitor the methylation, thiolation, synthesis, and pseudouridine formation in tRNA. The enzymes responsible for pseudouridine formation in tRNA are coupled temporally during regeneration to tRNA synthesis, while the enzymes responsible for the post-synthetic methylation of tRNA are not. The pattern of methylation of different nucleoside of tRNA changes during regeneration; the pattern of methylation of ascites cells resembles regenerating liver. No radioactivity from 35S-methionine or cysteine was incorporated into rat, lymphocyte or ascites cell tRNA; apparently, the thiolation of mammalian tRNA occurs through a pathway different from E. coli.
Locus of control and clarity of self-concept.

Two studies examined the relationship between locus of control and clarity of self-concept, testing an adult sample of an industrial organization and a sample of undergraduates. Both studies show that clarity of self-concept is positively and significantly related to the degree of internality as measured by Rotter's I-E scale. These findings, which are explained by attribution theory of person perception, remain significant after partialling out two measures of self-esteem.
Barium contributions to the valence electronic structure of YBa2Cu3O7- delta, PrBa2Cu3O7- delta, and other barium-containing compounds.

Monochromatic photon beams were used to excite barium {ital N}{sub IV,V} soft x-ray emission spectra from YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7{minus}{delta}}, PrBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7{minus}{delta}}, BaF{sub 2}, and BaTiO{sub 3}. Near threshold excitation was used to demonstrate that small contributions to the barium {ital N}{sub V} and {ital N}{sub IV} emission spectra in the energy region above the 5{ital p}{r_arrow}4{ital d} core-core transitions do not arise as satellite emission from transitions in multiply excited atoms but rather occur as a result of transitions from the valence states. The emission spectrum of YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7{minus}{delta}} and PrBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7{minus}{delta}} reveals a contribution to the electronic density of states at the barium site in the region near the Fermi level. The YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7{minus}{delta}} compound is a superconductor and PrBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7{minus}{delta}} is an insulator. It has been proposed that the difference between them is due to mixing of praseodymium and barium among the sites occupied by yttrium and barium, with an accompanying change in electronic structure. However, our measurements indicate that the barium partial density of states for the two compounds are essentially identical.
Alteration in sexually dimorphic testosterone biotransformation profiles as a biomarker of chemically induced androgen disruption in mice.

Abstract Assessment of the impact of environmental chemicals on androgen homeostasis in rodent models is confounded by high intraindividual and interindividual variability in circulating testosterone levels. Our goal was to evaluate changes in testosterone biotransformation processes as a measure of androgen homeostasis and as a biomarker of exposure to androgen-disrupting chemicals. Sex-specific differences in hepatic testosterone biotransformation enzyme activities were identified in CD-1 mice. Gonadectomy followed by replacement of individual steroid hormones identified specific sex differences in biotransformation profiles that were due to the inductive or suppressive effects of testosterone. Notably, significant androgen-dependent differences in testosterone 6[alpha]- and 15[alpha]-hydroxylase activities were demonstrated, and the ratio of 6[alpha]- and 15[alpha]-hydroxylase activities proved to be an excellent indicator of the androgen status within the animal. The male or "masculinized" testosterone 6[alpha]/15[alpha]-hydroxylase ratio was significantly less than the female or "feminized" ratio. Male mice were exposed to both an antiandrogen, vinclozolin, and to a compound that modulates serum androgen levels, indole-3-carbinol, to test the utility of this ratio as a biomarker of androgen disruption. Treatment with the antiandrogen vinclozolin significantly increased the 6[alpha]/15[alpha]-hydroxylase ratio. Indole-3-carbinol treatment resulted in a dose-dependent, but highly variable, decrease in serum testosterone levels. The 6[alpha]/15[alpha]-hydroxylase ratio increased as serum testosterone levels decreased in these animals. However, the increase in the ratio was much less variable and more sensitive than serum testosterone levels. These investigations demonstrate that the 6[alpha]/15[alpha]-hydroxylase ratio is a powerful measure of androgen modulation and a sensitive indicator of exposure to androgen-disrupting chemicals in CD-1 mice.
New sugar-mimic alkaloids from the pods of Angylocalyx pynaertii.

Chromatographic separation of the pod extract of Angylocalyx pynaertii resulted in the isolation of 13 sugar-mimic alkaloids (1−13). The structures of the new alkaloids were elucidated by spectroscopic methods as the 6-O-β-d-glucoside (10) and N-hydroxyethyl derivative (11) of 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-d-arabinitol (DAB) (1), 1,6-dideoxynojirimycin (12), and 1,3,4-trideoxynojirimycin (13). 2,5-Imino-1,2,5-trideoxy-l-glucitol (7), 2,5-dideoxy-2,5-imino-d-fucitol (8), and β-homofuconojirimycin (9), isolated from the pods as well as the bark, were very specific inhibitors of α-l-fucosidase with no significant inhibitory activity toward other glycosidases. In this work, 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-d-ribitol (6) was found to be a better inhibitor of lysosomal β-mannosidase than 2,5-imino-1,2,5-trideoxy-d-mannitol (2). N-Hydroxyethyl-1-deoxynojirimycin (miglitol), which is commercially available for the treatment of diabetes, retained its inhibitory potential toward rat intestinal maltase and sucrase, whereas 11 and the ...
Student Veteran Discussion Panels: Deconstructing the Traumatized Veteran Stigma on Campus:

Nicholas J. Osborne describes a series of discussion panels held at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign that helped the campus community learn more about the varied experiences of the st...
Temperature Distribution in Different Materials Due to Short Pulse Laser Irradiation

The purpose of this study is to analyze the heat-affected zone in materials such as meat samples, araldite resin-simulating tissue phantoms, and fiber composites irradiated using a mode-locked short pulse laser with a pulse width of 200 ps. The radial surface temperature profiles are compared with that of a continuous wave (CW) laser of the same average power. The short pulse laser results in a more localized heating than a continuous laser with a corresponding high peak temperature. A parametric study addressing the effect of pulse train frequency, material thickness, and amount of scatterers and absorbing agent in the medium and different initial sample temperatures is performed, and the measured temperature profiles are compared with the theoretical non-Fourier hyperbolic formulations and Fourier parabolic heat conduction formulations for both CW and pulsed laser cases.
Structure-mutagenicity analysis with the CHO/HGPRT system☆

Abstract Using a mammalian cell gene mutational assay, the Chinese hamster ovary cell/hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (CHO/HGPRT) system, we have studied the structure-mutagenicity of ten alkylating agents and six platinum(II)chlorammines. In analysing the mutagenesis data, we describe the mutagenic activity as the number of mutants per 106 clonable cells induced by a 1μ m concentration of chemical tested. The mutagenicity of alkylating chemicals decreases with increasing size of the alkyl group; methylating agents are three to six times more mutagenic than the corresponding ethylating agents, cis-Pt(NH32Cl2, is mutagenic, but its steric isomer, trans-Pt(NH3)2Cl2, is very much less mutagenic. These results, together with determination of chemically induced DNA lesions permit analyses of certain aspects of mechanisms of chemical mutagenesis.
Social perception of internal-external control.

420 male and 324 female Ss were given photographs, previously scaled as being high, moderate, or low in physical attractiveness, and were instructed to fill out Rotter's I-E scale as they thought the person in the photograph would. Persons low in attractiveness were perceived as more external in I-E control than persons either high or moderately attractive, there being no difference between the latter. In addition, males perceived females as significantly more external than males, although female Ss did not make this distinction. The results were interpreted as demonstrating the relevance of I-E in interpersonal perception, and in particular the cue value of physical attractiveness in evoking varying perceptions of I-E in a first impression setting.
Comparison of the D 1 dopamine full agonists, dihydrexidine and doxanthrine, in the 6-OHDA rat model of Parkinson's disease

Preclinical evidence indicates that D1 dopamine receptor full agonists have potential as therapeutic agents for a variety of neurological conditions. Dihydrexidine (DHX) was the first high potency selective D1 dopamine receptor full agonist and has been studied as a possible treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD). Recently, we discovered doxanthrine (DOX), an oxygen bioisostere of DHX that has even greater selectivity for the D1 dopamine receptor. Using the unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rat model of PD, DOX and DHX were compared at several doses (0.625, 1.25, 2.5, or 5.0 mg/kg) for their ability to elicit contralateral rotation by either intraperitoneal injection or oral gavage. After intraperitoneal administration, both DOX and DHX showed robust contralateral rotation at doses of 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg compared to vehicle. In addition, after intraperitoneal administration at doses of 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg, DHX had a significantly longer duration of action than DOX (p < 0.05). Areas under the curves (AUC) for DOX and DHX were not significantly different, however, indicating that DOX and DHX have similar potency after intraperitoneal administration. By contrast, after oral administration, 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg of DOX produced significant contralateral rotations (p < 0.05), whereas DHX showed no significant activity after oral administration of any dose. These results demonstrate that although DHX and DOX have similar activity after intraperitoneal administration, DOX demonstrated greater activity after oral administration compared to DHX. Despite its catechol functionality, DOX may possess sufficient oral availability for development as a human therapeutic agent.
Solidification behavior and microstructural evolution during laser beam—material interaction

A laser-assisted visualization technique has been used to monitor the solidification behavior at the tail of a molten pool created by scanning high energy density laser beam. A high speed digital camera with spatial resolution of 64×64 pixels and temporal resolution of 40,500 frames/s has been employed along with a novel concept of illuminating the interaction zone by a secondary visible probe laser. This technique enabled in situ monitoring of the solid/liquid interface due to the characteristic difference in the reflectivity between solid and liquid surfaces. It is observed that the solidification behavior is unstable and is highly influenced by the instabilities in the flow, which develop from the complex laser-material interaction process. Quite often the growth front remelted back due to the fluctuating thermal field driven by flow instability. The fluctuations in the growth front and the fluctuations in the laser-material interaction process have been monitored simultaneously, however, no correlation is apparent. The influence of flow instability on the resulting microstructure has been analyzed.
Artificial Intelligence Methods in Computer-Based Instructional Design. The Minnesota Adaptive Instructional System.

Design of computer-based instruction (CBI) is presented from a management systems perspective using methods of artificial intelligence (AI). Instructional design variables taken from a programmatic research effort based on the Minnesota Adaptive Instructional System (MAIS) are reviewed. AI concepts are an integral component of the MAIS. Instruction is iteratively adjusted for each learner according to at-the-moment learning needs. Following a brief introduction to AI methods appropriate for intelligent CBI, the six design variables of the MAIS are reviewed. A unique feature of the MAIS is the extensive collection of empirical research findings that support the application capabilities of the design variables.
Obtaining Parotid Saliva Specimens After Major Surgery

The purpose of this study was to develop and test a standard method of collecting saliva from postoperative patients. Saliva was collected from patients following major abdominal surgery from both parotid glands in intraoral cups and measured in milliliters. Trained research nurses stimulated saliva production with lemon juice and collected saliva at 4 time points on postoperative day 2. Collection time was measured with a stopwatch, and flow rate was calculated by dividing the amount in milliliters by collection time in minutes. Attrition was 9% due to ineligibility after enrollment and 1 withdrawal. In participating patients (n = 68), there were 272 tests planned and 28% were missing. The reasons were postoperative health problems, hospital discharge, and not wanting to be bothered. When saliva collection attempts were made, three-fourths were successful, but the remainder resulted in "dry mouth." Milliliters, minutes, and flow rate were calculated with and without those with dry mouth. Mean flow rates were 0.23 to 0.33 ml/min excluding those with dry mouth and 0.17 to 0.24 ml/min including those with dry mouth. Saliva variables were correlated with antihypertension medications, opioids, opioid side effects, and length of surgery, but statistically significant correlations were not found consistently at all 4 time points. The findings suggest that nurse-researchers studying biological markers can successfully collect saliva from postoperative patients if they recognize the difficulties and make efforts to minimize and control for them.
Polyploidy in mammalian urothelial cells

The mitotic indices and the extent of polyploidy in urothelial cells of baboons, dogs and swine were studied. All three species had very low mitotic activity in vivo but short-term culturing of these cells in vitro stimulated mitosis thus enabling chromsome counts. Tetraploid cells were found in the urothelium of all three species, and higher ploidies also in dog and swine. There were substantial differences in the proportions of diploidy and higher ploidies among the three species and among individuals within cells were diploid (68%). Baboon urothelial cells had only two ploidy classes and 92% were diploid.
European economic integration and urban inequalities in Western Europe

Recent processes of European integration have influenced profoundly the fortunes of cities across Western Europe. Although some cities have benefited, others have been impacted adversely. Income inequalities result from economic growth differentials occurring between differ- ent cities over time. The theoretical literature differs on whether increased integration promotes or reduces income disparities. The European Union (EU) assumes that rising inequalities will impair EU growth and lead to even greater disparities. Empirical analysis has concentrated on the EU- defined regions because of problems of urban data availability and comparability. Using regional data, I identified that the overall level of inequalities changed little for the metropolitan regions between the early 1980s and the early 1990s. Urban disparities were cyclicaldecreasing during strong EU growth and increasing in slower growth years. Factors outside direct local government control, including relative location within Europe, reinforced the traditional strong-core^weak- periphery spatial pattern of development. I argue that additional factors specific to cities, such as limited EU urban policy and funding, contributed to overall higher and more sharply rising inequal- ities since the late 1980s for cities compared with regions. The positive linear relationship between levels of national income and urban disparities has implications for economic polarization within richer member states and for EU efforts to reduce inequalities by raising the level of development in poorer countries.
Effect of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infection on reproduction: disease, vertical transmission, diagnostics and vaccination

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) causes great economic losses in growing pigs and there are several reviews on disease manifestations and lesions associated with PCV2 in growing pigs. Reproductive failure in breeding herds, predominately associated with increased numbers of mummies and non-viable piglets at parturition, is one of the disease manifestations of PCV2 infection. Boars shed low amounts of infectious PCV2 in semen for extended time periods, and vertical transmission of PCV2 to fetuses during PCV2 viremia of the dam has been experimentally confirmed. However, intrauterine-infected piglets often are clinically normal. Nevertheless, pigs infected with PCV2 by the intrauterine route can be born viremic, possibly contributing to horizontal spread of PCV2 within the breeding herd and into the nursery. Shedding of PCV2 in semen and prevalence of intrauterine-infected piglets can both be greatly reduced by PCV2 vaccination well ahead of expected PCV2 exposure. This review is a discussion on current knowledge on the effects of PCV2 infection in the dam and in in utero fetuses, including clinical signs, lesions, diagnosis and prevention through vaccination. Infection of boars with PCV2, the potential for PCV2 transmission via semen and prevention of PCV2 shedding are also discussed.
TCK: a clinical genetics data collection system

This work examines the database design and user interface design for a clinical genetics data collection system known as TCK. A specific design goal is automatic generation of the CORN reports. Emphasis in this paper is on how the logical data model resulting from the database design, and the user interface work together to enforce the enterprise results pertaining to data. Data screens are shown, sample queries are explained and the data mapping to the CORN reports presented.
Phylogenetics and diversification of morning glories (tribe Ipomoeeae, Convolvulaceae) based on whole plastome sequences

Premise of the study Morning glories are an emerging model system, and resolving phylogenetic relationships is critical for understanding their evolution. Phylogenetic studies demonstrated that the largest morning glory genus, Ipomoea, is not monophyletic, and nine other genera are derived from within Ipomoea. Therefore, systematic research is focused on the monophyletic tribe Ipomoeeae (ca. 650-900 species). We used whole plastomes to infer relationships across Ipomoeeae. Methods Whole plastomes were sequenced for 29 morning glory species, representing major lineages. Phylogenies were estimated using alignments of 82 plastid genes and whole plastomes. Divergence times were estimated using three fossil calibration points. Finally, evolution of root architecture, flower color, and ergot alkaloid presence was examined. Key results Phylogenies estimated from both data sets had nearly identical topologies. Phylogenetic results are generally consistent with prior phylogenetic hypotheses. Higher-level relationships with weak support in previous studies were recovered here with strong support. Molecular dating analysis suggests a late Eocene divergence time for the Ipomoeeae. The two clades within the tribe, Argyreiinae and Astripomoeinae, diversified at similar times. Reconstructed most recent common ancestor of the Ipomoeeae had blue flowers, an association with ergot-producing fungi, and either tuberous or fibrous roots. Conclusions Phylogenetic results provide confidence in relationships among Ipomoeeae lineages. Divergence time estimation results provide a temporal context for diversification of morning glories. Ancestral character reconstructions support previous findings that morning glory morphology is evolutionarily labile. Taken together, our study provides strong resolution of the morning glory phylogeny, which is broadly applicable to the evolution and ecology of these fascinating species.
Collaborative Data Collection with Opportunistic Network Erasure Coding

Disruptive network communication entails transient network connectivity, asymmetric links, and unstable nodes, which pose severe challenges to data collection in sensor networks. Erasure coding can be applied to mitigate the dependency of feedback in such a disruptive network condition, improving data collection. However, the collaborative data collection through an in-network erasure coding approach has been underexplored. In this paper, we present an Opportunistic Network Erasure Coding protocol (ONEC) to collaboratively collect data in dynamic disruptive networks. ONEC derives the probability distribution of coding degree in each node and enables opportunistic in-network recoding, and guarantees that the recovery of original sensor data can be achieved with high probability upon receiving any sufficient amount of encoded packets. First, it develops a recursive decomposition structure to conduct probability distribution deconvolution, supporting heterogeneous data rates. Second, every node conducts selective in-network recoding of its own sensing data and received packets, including those opportunistic overheard packets. Last, ONEC can efficiently recover raw data from received encoded packets, taking advantages of low decoding complexity of erasure codes. We evaluate and show that our ONEC can achieve efficient data collection in various disruptive network settings. Moreover, ONEC outperforms other epidemic network coding approaches in terms of network goodput, communication cost, and energy consumption.
The synthesis of 3,3,4,4-tetraphenyl-2-butanone from 1,1-diphenylacetone

The preparation of 3,3,4,4-tetraphenyl-2-butanone by treatment of 1,1-diphenylacetone(1,1-DPA) with potassium-t-butoxide or lithium diisopropyl amide in THF at 0°C followed by heating with a diphenylmethylhalide is described. A single crystal X-ray analysis on the new ketone shows that the molecule crystallizes in a conformation in which the carbonyl group is not eclipsed with the benzylic hydrogen, but has a torsional angle of +41° toward a gauche (120°) conformation.
Effects of lesions of a sexually dimorphic nucleus in the preoptic/anterior hypothalamic area on the expression of androgen- and estrogen-dependent sexual behaviors in male ferrets

Abstract The male nucleus of the preoptic/anterior hypothalamic area (MN-POA/AH) is a sexually dimorphic structure present in male, but not in female ferrets. Ovariectomized female ferret given increasing dosages of estradoil benzoate (EB) normally run faster towards a stud male in an L-maze (i.e. become more proceptive). In two separate experiments, only gonadectomized males with bilateral damage to the MN-POA/AH following large or small electrolytic lesions approached stud males more quickly in response to EB. By contrast, males which received sham lesions, unilateral large POA/AH lesions, or bilateral lesions which missed the MN-POA/AH on at least one side failed to show EB-induced reductions in approach latencies in pre- or post-operative tests. Males with large POA/AH lesions also displayed significant post-operative decrements in masculine sexual behaviors during treatment with a high dose of testosterone propionate (TP). Less severe, but significantly significant deficits in masculine coital performance were also observed in males with small lesions which damaged the MN-POA/AH bilaterally; however, the ability of these males to achieve intromissions appeared normal. Together, these results suggest that the MN-POA/AH of the male ferret exerts an inhibitory influence on estrogen-dependent proceptive responsiveness, but plays only a minor role in the control of masculine coital behavior.
Intraocular gentamicin sulfate and postcataract anterior chamber aspirate cultures

We cultured anterior chamber aspirates of 28 patients who had uncomplicated cataract surgery. Fourteen patients had received 80 micrograms/ml of gentamicin in balanced salt solution through irrigation of the anterior chamber throughout cataract extraction, and 14 patients had received 8 micrograms/ml of gentamicin. Cultures of anterior chamber fluid obtained at the end of surgery from all 28 patients had no growth on two nonselective media. There was no clinical evidence of ocular toxicity. This study demonstrates that antibiotic in the intraocular irrigation fluid can reduce or eliminate the expected intraocular bacterial load after cataract surgery.
Tribological behavior of plasma-enhanced CVD a-C:H films. Part II: multinanolayers

Abstract The tribological behavior of multinanolayered amorphous hydrogenated carbon (a-C:H) films was investigated. The multilayered films were synthesized by depositing soft/hard a-C:H alternating nanolayers, using dc plasma-enhanced CVD in a CH4/Ar discharge. The soft and hard nanolayer components were produced by changing the CH4/Ar ratio. Multilayered films with the same or variable thickness of the soft and hard nanolayer were synthesized. The mechanical properties were studied by nanoindentation, intrinsic stresses by profilometry and tribological behavior by pin-on disk experiments. In general, the multilayered films exhibited lower intrinsic stresses, higher hardness and elastic modulus than the respected average values of their two constituent films. Furthermore, the multilayers were found to possess both, low friction and high wear resistance. The tribological properties were enhanced by decreasing interlayer thickness with the 50 nm/50 nm multinanolayered film exhibiting the best tribological performance. This behavior is attributed to a correlation between the thickness of the nanolayer constituent and properties of the transfer layer.
Check of the 2005-look up table for prediction of CHF in bundles ☆

The check whether it is possible to use the 2005-look up table primary designed for heated pipes also for heated rod bundles gives the surprising result that the bundle critical power for five data sets of three different bundles and different power distributions are predicted by a simple method described above using the 2005-look up table within the accuracy reported by the authors of this table.
MNU induction of neoplasia in a platyfish model.

Interspecific hybrid crosses between members of the fish genus Xiphophorus have been used for over 70 years to study the genetic aspects of melanoma formation. In the well-established Gordon-Kosswig cross, the platyfish X. maculatus is outcrossed to the swordtail X. helleri, and the resulting backcross segregants spontaneously develop melanoma. We recently produced a distinct cross between X. maculatus and another platyfish species, X. couchianus. X. maculatus strain Jp 163 A is homozygous for several X-linked pigment pattern genes, including the Spotted dorsal (Sd), Dorsal red (Dr), and Anal fin spot (Af). Af is a sex-limited trait, coding exclusively for melanophores distributed on the modified anal fin or gonopodium in the adult male fish. Within F 1 and BC 1 hybrids (to X. couchianus), the Sd pigment pattern is phenotypically suppressed, whereas Dr and Af are enhanced. We exposed BC 1 hybrids to the direct-acting carcinogen N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU). Treatment led to the development of schwannomas, fibrosarcomas, and retinoblastomas. In addition, numerous MNU-treated males that inherited Af developed a pronounced melanotic phenotype, with melanin-containing cells oftentimes totally covering the gonopodium and extending further to grow within the ventral regions of the fish. Genetic linkage analysis of the BC 1 hybrids revealed a significant (p < 0.01) association between CDKN2X genotype and the phenotypic degree of melanization. Such an association is consistent with a locus within linkage group V playing a role in the development of melanosis and delineates three genetic preconditions and a carcinogenic scheme resulting in melanosis of the ventral regions of hybrid fish. The overall study further alludes to the potential of using Xiphophorus fish to study carcinogenic mechanisms for tumors other than melanoma (schwannoma, fibrosarcoma, and retinoblastoma) and should enable extensive pathologic and molecular genetic studies of derived neoplastic abnormalities.
Exploring ethnic and racial differences in falls among older adults

Falls are common events that threaten the independence and health of older adults. Studies have found a wide range of fall statistics in different ethnic and racial groups throughout the world. These studies suggest that fall rates may differ between different racial and ethnic groups. Studies also suggest that the location of falls, circumstances of falls, and particular behaviors may also be different by population. Also migration to new locations may alter an individual’s fall risk. However, there are few studies that directly compare ethnic and racial differences in falls statistics or examine how known fall risk factors change based on race and ethnicity. This paper reviews the existing literature on how falls may differ between different racial and ethnic groups, highlights gaps in the literature, and explores directions for future research. The focus of this paper is community dwelling older adults and immigrant populations in the United States.
A Spatial Model of Regulation

This article outlines and tests a spatial model of regulation that contends that federal regulatory officials fashion enforcement strategies that fit each state's political climate. A pooled cross-sectional, time series design is used to examine the influence of both national and state forces on the rate of federal surface mining regulation in 21 states over the period 1978 to 1982. Although the rate of federal regulation reflects national political changes, much of the variation in enforcement is accounted for by the states' political climates. State-level factors prove to be particularly important during the more politically vulnerable Carter administration. Those findings suggest that scholars need to attend to spatial influences in accounting for regulatory outcomes.
Saber-sheath trachea in a patient with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome after lung transplantation:

Chronic rejection remains a major source of morbidity and mortality following lung transplantation. The clinical characteristics of chronic rejection involves bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), which leads to progressive airway obstruction. Changes in intrathoracic tracheal dimensions and shape are commonly present in the setting of airway obstruction, leading to the narrowing of the intrathoracic trachea in the coronal plane with anteroposterior lengthening characteristic of the saber-sheath trachea deformity. We present a 64-year-old man who underwent left lung transplantation for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who later developed saber-sheath trachea as a result of chronic airway obstruction due to BOS.
Evaluating stranger policies in P2P file-sharing systems with reciprocity mechanisms

How to deal with strangers efficiently is a big challenge for designing P2P systems, as ineffective stranger policies will cause the degradation of system performance and fairness. In this work, we focus on an open P2P file-sharing environment with reciprocity incentive mechanisms, and we evaluate the impact of different stranger policies to system performance and fairness using both numerical analyses and agent-based simulations. The results reveal that there exist tradeoffs between system performance and fairness; the optimal performance and fairness of the system cannot be reached simultaneously; free-riders will survive when system performance is optimal. The accuracy of this evaluation is verified through the analysis of stranger policies in BitTorrent and eMule/eDonkey. Therefore, this evaluation can effectively help P2P designers select appropriate stranger policies according to their individual design goals.
Graph applications for structure-property relationships of amorphous materials and for pattern analysis

Abstract A probabilistic representation of random graphs is proposed which may be especially useful for description and analysis of structure of amorphous materials, crosslinked polymers and ceramics in particular. Structure-property relationships as well as structural changes in time and/or space can be defined and analyzed in terms of patterns. Sol-gel dissipative structures (patterns) in crosslinked macromolecular systems are discussed in some detail, as an example of application of the general formalism. One finds that structure-property relationships can be defined also in absence of the usual types of information such as kinetic constants or diffusion coefficients.
Exploring the zinc proteome

The advent of the complete sequences of several genomes offers unprecedented opportunities to identify all metalloproteins and to establish a comprehensive database for the role of essential metals in health and disease. This summary examines new aspects of zinc proteins, which are a major fraction of metalloproteins. Their coordination environments have typical spacings between the amino acids that provide the metal ligands. The recognition of such “signatures” spawned interest in searching sequence databases for possible zinc binding sites in other proteins, thus, in essence, performing genomic metal “analyses”. In this manner, hundreds of catalytic zinc sites and thousands of structural zinc sites, many of which are generically referred to as zinc fingers, are predicted in the human proteome. However, dynamic zinc functions are not readily defined in these terms, suggesting that the number of zinc proteins (the zinc proteome) is significantly larger than the snapshot taken from currently known signatures. Protein interface sites, where zinc bridges proteins or their subunits, and inhibitory or regulatory sites, where zinc interacts with proteins transiently, are not all accounted for, nor are those for zinc in storage vesicles, transmembrane transporters, sensors, and proteins that participate in its cellular traffic. More structural work, experimental verification by analytical atomic spectroscopy, and speciation by hyphenated techniques, are needed before all signatures are defined and the complete zinc proteome can be functionally annotated.
The treatment of ‘quality’ in the cost of living index

Abstract This paper develops the implications of cost of living index theory for measuring the impact of changes in the availability and prices of goods on a household's welfare. It considers both the ‘goods approach’, which treats each variety as a separate entity, and two characteristics approaches: ‘L-characteristics’ and ‘H-characteristics’. L-characteristics are Lancaster's ‘linear and additive’ specification; H-characteristics are Houthakker's ‘heterogeneous’ specification in which the household consumes only a single variety of each product. The paper concludes by discussing the implications of the theory for actual index number construction and relating it to the literature on ‘quality’ and ‘hedonic indexes’.
Recanalization of totally occluded saphenous vein grafts using local urokinase delivery with the dispatchTM catheter

Current techniques for the percutaneous revascularization of totally occluded vein grafts are limited by a low initial success rate, a significant incidence of distal embolization, and a high rate of early graft reclosure. This case report describes two patients in whom graft recanalization was attempted with the combined use of balloon angioplasty/intra-graft stent placement and local urokinase delivery using a new angiotherapy catheter. Successful recanalization was achieved in both patients without major complications, in spite of a large thrombus burden as demonstrated by angiography. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Wide Operating Frequency Range Delay-Locked Loop Using a Recursive D/A Converter

A wide operating frequency range, false-lock free delay-locked loop with mixed-mode calibration is presented. The recursive D/A converter in the auxiliary circuit expands the operating frequency range with minimum hardware by controlling the capacitive loading of a delay cell. Moreover, the sampling phase detector with the D/A converter automatically tracks the false-lock free condition. The proposed DLL with equally spaced 14-phase clock outputs is implemented in 0.18-?m, 3.3V digital CMOS process, and its operating frequency ranges from 15MHz to 270MHz. The measured peak-to-peak jitter and rms jitter at 270MHz are 33.3psec and 3.93psec, respectively. The DLL occupies 0.22mm2 and consumes 19mA.