cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of 1, 25(OH)2D3 on the proliferative ability of and methylation levels of genomic DNA and proliferation-associated gene promoter in human HaCaT keratinocytes

Objective To estimate the influence of 1,25(OH)2D3 on the proliferative ability of and methylation levels of genomic DNA and proliferation-associated gene promoter in human HaCaT keratinocytes.Methods Some cultured HaCaT cells were treated with 1,25 (OH)2D3 of 10-6,10-7 and 10-8 mol/L for 24 hours,then,methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was carried out to evaluate the proliferative activity of cells,and a global DNA methylation quantification kit was used to determine the global DNA methylation level.Real-time PCR was conducted to quantify the mRNA expression of DNA methyl transferases (DNMTs) and methyl-DNA binding domain (MBD) proteins,and methylation-specific PCR (MS-PCR) to evaluate the methylation status of promoter region in the programmed cell death 5 (PDCD5) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2) genes,in HaCaT cells after 24-hour treatment with 1,25 (OH)2D3 of 10-6 mol/L.The HaCaT cells receiving no treatment served as the control.Results Compared with the untreated HaCaT cells,those treated with 1,25(OH)2D3 of 10-6 mol/L showed significantly down-regulated proliferative activity (0.152 ± 0.027 vs.0.290 ± 0.017,P ＜ 0.01),global DNA methylation level (0.187 ± 0.071 vs.0.316 ± 0.049,P ＜ 0.05),DNMT3a and DNMT3b mRNA expression levels (P ＜ 0.01 or 0.05),but markedly upregulated mRNA expression levels of MECP2,MBD2,PDCD5 and TIMP2 (P ＜ 0.01 or 0.05).Moreover,the DNA methylation levels within the promoter region of PDCD5 and TIMP2 genes were significantly lower in HaCaT cells treated with 1,25 (OH)2D3 of 10-6 mol/L than in the control cells (0.38 ± 0.135 vs.0.72 ± 0.121,0.46 ± 0.172 vs.0.68 ± 0.133,both P＜ 0.05).Conclusions 1,25(OH)2D3 may down-regulate the global genomic DNA methylation level of,and modulate the expression of DNA methylationmodifying genes in,HaCaT cells.Furthermore,1,25 (OH)2D3 can decrease the promoter methylation levels but induce the overexpression of PDCD5 and TIMP2 genes,and decelerate the proliferation of HaCaT cells. Key words: Calcitriol; Keratinocytes; DNA methylation
Abdominal Cerebrospinal Fluid Pseudocyst as a Complication of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Placement.

The abdominal cavity has long been used for absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with hydrocephalus. Although the procedure is quite common, there are complications that can potentially arise following ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt insertion. Here, we report a case of a 39-year-old female patient in which a large abdominal pseudocyst was developed as a complication of VP shunt placement. Ultrasonographical evaluation of the abdomen showed a well-defined cystic mass lesion later confirmed on CT abdomen. She subsequently underwent surgical excision of the pseudocyst with resolution of previous symptoms. Clinicians should be aware of this complication since early diagnosis improves outcome and reduce patient's suffering and distress.
Low-Power ADS-B for GA Operating in Low Altitude Airspace

Complete and reliable awareness about surrounding traffic is a key pre-requisite of safe operations in any airspace. Performance of such traffic surveillance functions is usually much higher when directly supported by on-board systems of the monitored aircraft, and the term cooperative surveillance is then used for such capability. Nevertheless, operational benefits associated with the latter are directly depending on the amount of fleet equipped with such systems. This paper describes the situation associated with the latest deployment of Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) and discusses the possible ways how to extend the ratio of aircraft equipped with such capability in Europe (beyond the current mandate taking effect after June 2020) while mitigating the risk of spectrum congestion, namely considering 1090 MHz frequency.
Enhancing Model-Based Networked Control of Uncertain Process Systems Through Error-Triggered Parameter Re-Identification

This work focuses on the problem of stabilization of process systems controlled over resource-constrained communication networks, subject to process parametric uncertainty, limited state measurements and sensor-controller communication constraints. A methodology for augmenting model-based output feedback control with error-triggered parameter reidentification is developed. The goal is to maintain closed-loop stability in the presence of varying levels of plant-model mismatch during periods of process drift, while simultaneously keeping the rate of sensor-controller communication over the network to a minimum and maintain acceptable levels of closed-loop performance. The model-based controller utilizes observer-generated state estimates to periodically update the model states at the sensor-controller communication times. An error monitoring scheme with a time-varying instability alarm threshold is devised to determine on-line when model parameter updates are needed. Upon breach of the instability threshold at some time, process operation is temporarily safe-parked by increasing the sensor-controller communication rate to counteract the destabilizing influence of increased plant-model mismatch. The input and output data collected during the safe-parking period are used to obtain new estimates of the plant parameters, and a post-identification characterization of the networked closed-loop stability region associated with the new model is performed to determine the appropriate post-drift sensor-controller communication rates and controller/observer design parameters. The implementation of the developed methodology is illustrated using a chemical process example.
Application of text mining in smart lighting literature - an analysis of existing literature and a research agenda

Abstract There has always been a gap between research and engineering practices across almost all disciplines. The nature of these gaps are not identified; However, in order to be able to bridge these gaps a comprehensive understanding is required. In this study, in order to provide research agenda, we examine existing literature and users perception in smart lighting business. We consider two sources of data for this analysis 1-lighting research literature that reflects the research phase and 2-Amazon reviews about two smart lighting products that represent customers’ perceptions reflecting the development phase. We use text mining and analyze both data sources by topic modeling and sentiment analysis. We conducted a probabilistic aspect based sentiment analysis. One of the results of this analysis showed that while the research community is drastically concerned about energy consumption, the end users were excited about color changing ability in smart lighting products.
Eros under patriarchy: A study of Basson’s ‘sexual response model’

Basson’s ‘sexual response model’ may have been developed to more accurately represent women’s sexual interests and behaviour – to challenge previous sexual desire models based on men’s sexuality – ...
Stress‐induced volume reduction of isolated pores in wet soil

[1] This study deals with deformation of small pores in wet soils of relatively high bulk density such as in the final settlement phase of tilled or disturbed soils. Pore deformation was modeled by volume reduction of spherical voids embedded in a homogenous soil matrix. External constant stress and overburden were considered as steady stresses because the change in interaggregate contact stress under overburden is slow compared to the associated strain rate. In contrast, stress due to passage of farm implements was considered as transient because the rate of change of interaggregate stress is comparable with the strain rate. Rheological behavior of the soil matrix under steady and transient stresses was obtained from independent rheological measurements. Experimental data from the literature were used to illustrate the model. Model predictions of relative density compared favorably with experimental data for constant stress application as well as for constant strain rate experiments. Results showed that the rate of densification decreased as the relative density approached unity (complete pore closure) and the relative stress required for driving densification increased exponentially with increasing relative density.
Religious Choice and Exclusions of Religion

Among the most important recent questions under the Religion Clauses has been whether and when government programs that support private activities, such as education or social services, may exclude religious institutions or activities that include religious content. Nelson Tebbe's article, Excluding Religion, argues that government should have "considerable latitude" to make such exclusions, even though he concedes they will discourage citizens from choosing religious options. In this response, published in PENNumbra (the University of Pennsylvania Law Review's online companion), I argue that Tebbe's justifications for excluding religion fail if the protection of citizens' religious choices against government influence is a central purpose of the Religion Clauses. I then turn to the key question whether preserving religious choice is indeed central, and I argue that it is, based on precedent, on traditions and concepts associated with the Religion Clauses, and on the fact that they are counter-majoritarian while Tebbe's position gives majorities great discretion over religious matters.
Mentoring At-Risk Chicano Children and Their Parents

ABSTRACT This article discusses a mentoring project aimed at preventing youth violence and attributes initial success to principles of community practice. The program was unique in being housed in the community, targeting young Chicano children for long term mentoring, and providing support for the non-English speaking parents. Focus is on three theoretical elements-mentoring, empowerment, and multicultural consciousness-all of which implicitly embody concepts of community. Discussion centers on how these concepts played a role in the day-to-day challenges of implementation and in meeting initial program goals. This article offers insights to those wishing to duplicate this mentoring effort with Chicano or other multicultural clients.
NEW MEDIUM FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS DETECTION OF TOTAL COLIFORMS AND ESCHERICHIA COLI IN WATER

A new membrane filter agar medium (MI agar) containing a chromogen, indoxyl-beta-D-glucuronide, and a fluorogen, 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside, was developed to simultaneously detect and enumerate Escherichia coli and total coliforms (TC) in water samples on the basis of their enzyme activities. TC produced beta-galactosidase, which cleaved 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside to form 4-methylumbelliferone, a compound that fluoresced under longwave UV light (366 nm), while E. coli produced beta-glucuronidase, which cleaved indoxyl-beta-D-glucuronide to form a blue color. The new medium TC and E. coli recoveries were compared with those of mEndo agar and two E. coli media, mTEC agar and nutrient agar supplemented with 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-glucuronide, using natural water samples and spiked drinking water samples. On average, the new medium recovered 1.8 times as many TC as mEndo agar, with greatly reduced background counts (< or = 7%). These differences were statistically significant (significance level, 0.05). Although the overall analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between the E. coli recoveries on MI agar and mTEC agar, the new medium recovered more E. coli in 16 of 23 samples (69.6%). Both MI agar and mTEC agar recovered significantly more E. coli than nutrient agar supplemented with 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-glucuronide. Specificities for E. coli, TC, and noncoliforms on MI agar were 95.7% (66 of 69 samples), 93.1% (161 of 173 samples), and 93.8% (61 of 65 samples), respectively. The E. coli false-positive and false-negative rates were both 4.3%. This selective and specific medium, which employs familiar membrane filter technology [corrected] to analyze several types of water samples, is less expensive than the liquid chromogen and fluorogen media and may be useful for compliance monitoring of drinking water.
Gluconeogenesis in the kidney cortex. Effects of D-malate and amino-oxyacetate.

1. Rat kidney-cortex slices incubated with d-malate alone formed very little glucose. d-Malate, however, augmented gluconeogenesis from l-lactate and inhibited gluconeogenesis from pyruvate and l-malate. 2. d-Malate had little effect on the rate of the tricarboxylic acid cycle with or without other substrates added. 3. d-Malate inhibited the activity of the l-malate dehydrogenase in a high-speed-supernatant fraction from kidney cortex. 4. It was concluded that d-malate inhibited either the operation of the cytoplasmic l-malate dehydrogenase or malate outflow from the mitochondria in the intact kidney-cortex cell. This supports the hypothesis of Lardy, Paetkau & Walter (1965) and Krebs, Gascoyne & Notton (1967) on the role of malate as carrier for carbon and reducing equivalents in gluconeogenesis. 5. Gluconeogenesis from l-lactate in kidney-cortex slices was strongly inhibited by a low concentration (0.1mm) of amino-oxyacetate, whereas glucose formation from pyruvate, malate, aspartate and several other compounds was only slightly affected. 6. High concentrations of l-aspartate largely reversed the inhibition of gluconeogenesis from l-lactate caused by amino-oxyacetate. 7. Amino-oxyacetate inhibited strongly the glutamate–oxaloacetate transaminase in the 30000g supernatant fraction of a kidney-cortex homogenate. The presence of l-aspartate decreased the inhibition of the transaminase by amino-oxyacetate. 8. Detritiation of l-[2-3H]aspartate was inhibited by 90% during an incubation of kidney-cortex slices with l-lactate and amino-oxyacetate. 9. Low concentrations (10μm) of artificial electron acceptors such as Methylene Blue and phenazine methosulphate abolished most of the inhibition of gluconeogenesis from l-lactate by amino-oxyacetate. This is interpreted as an activation of net malate outflow from the mitochondria by-passing the inhibited transfer of oxaloacetate. 10. These findings support the concept that transamination to aspartate is involved in the transfer of oxaloacetate from mitochondria to cytosol required in gluconeogenesis from l-lactate.
Short time asymptotic expansions of solutions of parabolic equations

Their procedure is a direct analog of the ray methods used by Keller [2] and others to treat elliptic equations. However, their expansions are formal, and we wish to show that they are indeed asymptotic to exact solutions. We shall do so for the case of one space dimension with U(X) independent oft and with the extra term q(x) u included on the left side of (1.1). In this case, the parameter h can be eliminated by introducing t’ = t/A. Then t’ --+ 0 as h --f 00, so we shall determine the asymptotic expansion of the solution for t’ small. We shall also set U,,(X) = 6(x 5) so that u is the Green’s function or fundamental solution of the initial value problem. In Section 2 we formulate the problem and obtain the formal asymptotic expansion of U. In Section 3 we show how the expansion can be used to find
A Quantitative Histologic Study of the Normal Human Adult Soft Palate

This study was designed to re-examine the same soft palates studied qualitatively in a previous investigation (Kuehn and Kahane, 1990), using a true-color image analysis system. The quantified meas...
La muerte me da y su representación literaria de lo (in)visible: una aproximación alternativa a la violencia del género

La violencia fisica y simbolica representa uno de los temas candentes del Mexico actual con su reflejo mas patente en la produccion literaria contemporanea. El desplazamiento de espacios fisicos y discursivos refleja esta dimension violenta y potencialmente desconstructiva del poder que subyace las relaciones del genero en el sentido tanto literario como social. Una de las autoras mexicanas que se encuentra en una posicion estrategica de mediar este complejo terreno sociocultural es la matamorense, Cristina Rivera Garza. Su novela, La muerte me da (2007), representa una mina de lapsos temporales, imagenes rotas y citas intertextuales que crean un espacio literario distopico que deja que el lector cuestione la estabilidad o hasta la existencia misma de las categorias fijas, la realidad vivida y las lecturas exactas de un texto. Sera el proposito de esta investigacion explorar la aplicacion literaria de la teoria radical de Judith Bulter sobre el genero, la violencia y la (in)visibilidad de sus victimas para analizar el ambito literario garziano como una de las manifestaciones inesperadas de la violencia reflejada textualmente.
Agonistic interactions between male Frontinella pyramitela (Araneae, Linyphiidae)

Adult male bowl and doily spiders, Frontinella pyramitela (Walckenaer) (Linyphiidae), occupy females' webs during courtship, mating, and foraging. When males are abundant, they can be found on about 20% of all adult females' webs, and encounters between the territorial resident males and intruder males occur frequently. Stereotyped interactions take place in 78% of encounters when the resident male has recently copulated on the web, though the presence of the female during the encounters has no effect. When the resident male has had no recent copulatory experience on the web, only 33% of encounters evoke visible stereotyped interaction.
Modeling cesium behavior in nuclear reactor fuels at high temperatures

Abstract Cesium has important influences on the steady state and transient behavior of nuclear reactor fuel because of its large fission yield and high volatility. Recent experiments show that the release of cesium coincides with the disruptive behavior of rapidly heated fuel. This report investigates the pressure buildup of cesium in fuel pores during fast power transients. A model was developed which estimates the pressure of cesium in the pores as a function of temperature and oxygen/metal ratio of the fuel. The results of the calculation with this model show that cesium has a higher potential for pressure buildup, at temperatures near the fuel melting point, than xenon. There are, however, open questions which concern the kinetics of the cesium release to the pores, the chemical stability of the cesium compounds, and the microscopic distribution of the cesium.
Analysis of proliferative grade in glial neoplasms using antibodies to the Ki-67 defined antigen and PCNA in formalin fixed, deparaffinized tissues

In an effort to optimize immunocytochemical methods to evaluate cell kinetics in brain tumors, we studied two newly-developed antibodies which react with formalin resistant epitopes of Proliferating Cellular Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) and Ki-67. These results were compared with standard flow cytometric cell cycle data from the same tumor specimens to determine if these methods correlate with each other, and whether retrospective analysis using these antibodies is feasible for cell kinetic analysis of brain tumors. Thirty-one specimens of glial tumors submitted for flow cytometry during 1992 were also reacted with antibodies to PCNA (PC-10) and Ki-67 (MIB-1). Flow cytometry scores for S-phase Fraction were compared with immunocytochemical scores for both antibodies, using an arbitrary rating of 1 (low, 6%), and 1 ( 75% positive), respectively. MIB-1 results were found to correlate significantly with the S-phase fraction as determined by flow cytometry. The MIB-1 data showed a trend toward underestimating, i.e., lower scores, the proliferative index compared with flow cytometry. There was less of a correlation between PC-10 antibody scores and flow cytometry S-phase fraction, as PC-10 immunostaining typically overestimated the proliferative rate of brain tumors when compared with flow cytometry. There was an exact correlation between PC-10 and MIB-1 in only 4 cases, whereas in the remaining specimens, PC-10 results were always higher than MIB-1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Worldwide spread of the little fire ant, Wasmannia auropunctata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Native to the Neotropics, Wasmannia auropunctata has spread to numerous other tropical and subtropical areas, where it is can reach extremely high densities and threaten the local biota. To evaluate the worldwide spread of W. auropunctata, I compiled published and unpublished specimen records from > 1700 sites. I documented the earliest known W. auropunctata records for 53 geographic areas (countries, island groups, major West Indian islands, and US states), including many with no previously published records: Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, Caicos Islands, El Salvador, Guam, Montserrat, Nevis, St Kitts, St Martin, and Texas. In the New World, W. auropunctata has a seemingly continuous distribution from central Argentina to southernmost Texas, suggesting that it may be native throughout this expanse. Wasmannia auropunctata has also spread throughout the West Indies and to peninsular Florida, though it is unclear which West Indian islands may constitute part of its native range. The earliest Old World reports of W. auropunctata, in the 1890’s, came from West Africa: Sierra Leone and Gabon. Although no additional records have come from Sierra Leone, W. auropunctata has spread broadly across Gabon and into neighboring countries, where it is a serious pest. In Oceania, the earliest records of W. auropunctata date to 1972 from New Caledonia and 1974 from the Solomon Islands. Pacific populations of W. auropunctata are actively spreading within these islands and to many other island groups. In the past decade, first records of W. auropunctata have been reported from several Old World areas, including the Central African Republic, Papua New Guinea, Australia, Guam, Italy, and Israel. Wasmannia auropunctata appears to still have much potential for future spread in the Old World.
PHOTOTUBE-TYPE INTEGRATING LIGHT RECORDERS: A SUMMARY OF PERFORMANCE OVER A FIVE-YEAR PERIOD.

In recent years considerable attention has been given to a study of the relationship between the amount of light a plant receives and its vitamin content (1, 2, and 3). Such a relationship can be studied under laboratory and greenhouse conditions, but ultimately it has to be evaluated under field conditions. This requires some measure of the amount of sunlight. Various instruments are available for recording the amount of sunlight. One, used by the Weather Bureau, is the Eppley pyrheliometer, which is a multiplejunction thermocouple combined with a millivolt recorder. While this instrument gives a continuous and reasonably dependable record of the amount of solar radiation, it has certain drawbacks which limit its use under field conditions. It is expensive and requires an external source of electricity to operate the recorder. The record obtained must be integrated in some fashion, which either requires additional time in making use of the data obtained or requires the purchase of a rather expensive integrating unit. Furthermore, the light receiver is a horizontal disc, whereas in certain cases an opal glass globe receiver would appear to be more desirable (7). An instrument which appears to be more suitable for field experiments was described by Sprague and Williams (5, 6). This instrument is simple to construct, is portable and is battery operated. It uses an opal glass globe receiver of the type Wallace (7) found to be desirable for use in plant physiological experiments. Some years ago we were confronted with the problem of measuring sunlight under field conditions. After considering various possibilities we decided to construct a number of light recorders similar to the one described by Sprague and Williams (6). In constructing these instruments we had several aims: (1) To obtain dependable daily values for the amount of sunlight with a minimum of effort, (2) To be able to obtain these records under field conditions without being dependent upon an external source of electricity, (3) To obtain instruments which were readily portable and could be shipped readily to various cooperators.
Energy trapping during reverse flow operation with discrete power introduction : Experiments and theory

On montre que l'ecoulement inverse convient bien au fonctionnement en lit garni qui necessite un surcroit d'energie en provenance de sources externes au garnissage. Les profils de temperature en lit garni sont dictes par: a) la facon dont l'energie est distribuee axialement; b) le mouvement des profils de temperature, determine par le volume d'air introduit lors du demi-cycle (debit x periode du demi-cycle). Tandis que les profils de temperature en forme de pic resultent de l'entree d'energie en des points centraux axiaux, les profils en forme de plateau sont le fait d'une compensation de la distribution d'energie depuis le centre et des volumes d'air relativement importants introduits lors du demi-cycle. Dans les deux cas, cependant, l'integration d'energie efficace est obtenue lorsque l'elevation de temperature maximum est de plusieurs centaines de degres superieure a l'elevation de temperature adiabatique pour un ecoulement unidirectionnel.
Chapter 7: Pharmacogenomics.

There is great variation in drug-response phenotypes, and a “one size fits all” paradigm for drug delivery is flawed. Pharmacogenomics is the study of how human genetic information impacts drug response, and it aims to improve efficacy and reduced side effects. In this article, we provide an overview of pharmacogenetics, including pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), gene and pathway interactions, and off-target effects. We describe methods for discovering genetic factors in drug response, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), expression analysis, and other methods such as chemoinformatics and natural language processing (NLP). We cover the practical applications of pharmacogenomics both in the pharmaceutical industry and in a clinical setting. In drug discovery, pharmacogenomics can be used to aid lead identification, anticipate adverse events, and assist in drug repurposing efforts. Moreover, pharmacogenomic discoveries show promise as important elements of physician decision support. Finally, we consider the ethical, regulatory, and reimbursement challenges that remain for the clinical implementation of pharmacogenomics.
The transcription factor, Lmx1b, promotes a neuronal glutamate phenotype and suppresses a GABA one in the embryonic trigeminal brainstem complex

Achieving an appropriate balance between inhibitory and excitatory neuronal fate is critical for development of effective synaptic transmission. However, the molecular mechanisms dictating such phenotypic outcomes are not well understood, especially in the whisker-to-barrel cortex neuraxis, an oft-used model system for revealing developmental mechanisms. In trigeminal nucleus principalis (PrV), the brainstem link in the whisker-barrel pathway, the transcription factor Lmx1b marks glutamatergic cells. In PrV of Lmx1b knockout mice (-/-), initial specification of glutamatergic vs. GABAergic cell fate is normal until embryonic day 14.5. Subsequently, until the day of birth, glutamatergic markers (e.g., VGLUT2) stain significantly fewer PrV neurons, whereas, GABAergic markers (Pax2 and Gad1) stain significantly more PrV cells, notably in Lmx1b null PrV cells. These changes also occurred in Lmx1b/Bax double-/- mice, where PrV cells are rescued from Lmx1b-/- induced apoptosis; thus, effects upon excitatory/inhibitory cell ratios do not reflect a cell death confound. Electroporation-induced ectopic expression of Lmx1b in an array of sites decreases numbers of neurons that express GABAergic markers, but increases VGLUT2+ cell numbers or stain intensity. Thus, Lmx1b is not involved in the initial specification of glutamatergic cell fate, but is essential for maintaining a glutamatergic phenotype. Other experiments suggest that Lmx1b acts to suppress Pax2, a promoter of GABAergic cell fate, in a cell-autonomous manner, which may be a mechanism for maintaining a functional balance of glutamatergic and GABAergic cell types in development.
The use of exit detector sinograms to detect anatomical variations for patients extending beyond the TomoTherapy field of view: a feasibility study.

Purpose: This work describes an independent method to use the TomoTherapy Hi-ART megavoltage CTimagingsystem for daily monitoring of anatomical changes of cancer patients whose anatomy extends beyond the imaging field of view. Methods: The imaging detector response to changes in attenuating media was measured using water-equivalent plastic. Weight loss was simulated using an anthropomorphic phantom and determining the system's ability to detect the weight loss. Layers of tissue-equivalent bolus were added to an anthropomorphic pelvis phantom and CT simulations of the phantom were conducted, one in which the phantom and bolus were both within the TomoTherapy imaging field of view, and another in which the couch was raised so that the bolus was outside the field of view. Gynecological treatment plans were developed using the TomoTherapy treatment planning system, and successive fractions of the plan were then delivered to the phantom. Weight loss was simulated by removing a 0.5 cm layer of bolus following each fraction. The exit detectorsinograms were obtained from each fraction, and ratios of sinograms were calculated relative to a reference sinogram for which all bolus was in place. Histograms of ratio sinograms were determined and used to correlate with simulated weight loss. Exit detectorsinograms and ratio histograms were also retrospectively analyzed for five patients all of whose anatomies extended beyond the imaging field of view and all of whom experienced weight variations exceeding 10% during treatment. Results: Exit detector signal is well correlated to changes in attenuator thickness as demonstrated in both slab and anthropomorphic phantom geometries. Measured and expected signal increases agreed to within less than 2% for simulated weight loss on the anthropomorphic phantom. Exit detector signals for pelvic patients with significant weight loss variations were consistent with phantom measurements. Conclusions: The analysis of the ratio sinograms for the phantom measurements and real patients indicated that exit detectorsinograms can be used to detect relative changes in patient anatomy for each fraction as a means ofin vivo quality assurance.
Transcripts of the Drosophila blastoderm-specific locus, terminus, are concentrated posteriorly and encode a potential DNA-binding finger

Abstract The commitment of cells to specific fates, as well as the transitions in the cell cycle and transcription that occur at the cellular blastoderm stage of Drosophila embryogenesis, suggest that there are genes with unique functions expressed specifically at this stage. In an attempt to identify such genes, we used molecular screening to isolate several loci which encode blastoderm-specific transcripts (Roark et al., (1985). Dev. Biol. 109, 476–488). We report here the complete nucleotide sequence of one of these genes, terminus (ter), which maps to 75C1,2. The predicted ter protein possesses a transcription factor IIIA (TFIIIA)-like putative Zn-binding, DNA-binding finger. The ter RNA, detected by in situ hybridization, is distributed uniformly in the embryo during the syncytial blastoderm stage, and then becomes more concentrated in the posterior during the late cellular blastoderm stage. During gastrulation, the RNA is most concentrated in the amnioproctodeal invagination; it is also found at a lower concentration in the ventral furrow and in the anterodorsal neurogenic region. By the end of germ band extension, ter RNA is no longer detected.
Role of Cholesterol in the Formation and Nature of Lipid Rafts in Planar and Spherical Model Membranes

Sterols play a crucial regulatory and structural role in the lateral organization of eukaryotic cell membranes. Cholesterol has been connected to the possible formation of ordered lipid domains (rafts) in mammalian cell membranes. Lipid rafts are composed of lipids in the liquid-ordered (l(o)) phase and are surrounded with lipids in the liquid-disordered (l(d)) phase. Cholesterol and sphingomyelin are thought to be the principal components of lipid rafts in cell and model membranes. We have used fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching in planar supported lipid bilayers composed of porcine brain phosphatidylcholine (bPC), porcine brain sphingomyelin (bSM), and cholesterol to map the composition-dependence of l(d)/l(o) phase coexistence. Cholesterol decreases the fluidity of bPC bilayers, but disrupts the highly ordered gel phase of bSM, leading to a more fluid membrane. When mixed with bPC/bSM (1:1) or bPC/bSM (2:1), cholesterol induces the formation of l(o) phase domains. The fraction of the membrane in the l(o) phase was found to be directly proportional to the cholesterol concentration in both phospholipid mixtures, which implies that a significant fraction of bPC cosegregates into l(o) phase domains. Images reveal a percolation threshold, i.e., the point where rafts become connected and fluid domains disconnected, when 45-50% of the total membrane is converted to the l(o) phase. This happens between 20 and 25 mol % cholesterol in 1:1 bPC/bSM bilayers and between 25 and 30 mol % cholesterol in 2:1 bPC/bSM bilayers at room temperature, and at approximately 35 mol % cholesterol in 1:1 bPC/bSM bilayers at 37 degrees C. Area fractions of l(o) phase lipids obtained in multilamellar liposomes by a fluorescence resonance energy transfer method confirm and support the results obtained in planar lipid bilayers.
In Vivo and in Vitro Investigations into the Biosynthetic Relatedness of the Pseudopterosins

Both in vivo and in vitro techniques have been developed to test putative intermediates in the biosynthetic pathway to the pseudopterosins, antiinflammatory compounds isolated from Pseudopterogorgi...
Vinblastine, cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, bleomycin, doxorubicin, and etoposide in the treatment of small cell carcinoma of the ovary

This report presents five adolescent girls and adult women with small cell carcinoma of the ovary (SCCO) who were treated with a polychemotherapy regimen consisting of vinblastine, cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, bleomycin, Adriamycin (doxorubicin), and etoposide (VPCBAE). Two patients had Stage IA, one Stage IIC, and two Stage IIIA disease. Initial therapy consisted of unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in two cases and total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in three cases. Three patients remained clinically free of disease after six courses of VPCBAE and the two patients who had measurable pelvic disease before the administration of chemotherapy had objective responses. Four patients died of disease from 11 to 18 months after initial laparotomy. One patient is alive and disease-free at 29 months. The VPCBAE combination appears to be effective in select cases of SCCO. A study of the efficacy of VPCBAE in a larger group of patients with SCCO seems to be indicated.
Appliance daily energy use in new residential buildings: Use profiles and variation in time-of-use

Abstract One of the largest user of electricity in the average U.S. household is appliances, which when aggregated, account for approximately 30% of electricity used in the residential building sector. As influencing the time-of-use of energy becomes increasingly important to control the stress on today's electrical grid infrastructure, understanding when appliances use energy and what causes variation in their use are of great importance. However, there is limited appliance-specific data available to understand their use patterns. This study provides daily energy use profiles of four major household appliances: refrigerator, clothes washer, clothes dryer, and dishwasher, through analyzing disaggregated energy use data collected for 40 single family homes in Austin, TX. The results show that when compared to those assumed in current energy simulation software for residential buildings, the averaged appliance load profiles have similar daily distributions. Refrigerators showed the most constant and consistent use. However, the three user-dependent appliances, appliances which depend on users to initiate use, varied more greatly between houses and by time-of-day. During peak use times, on weekends, and in homes with household members working at home, the daily use profiles of appliances were less consistent.
Biochemical heterogeneity of splenic purine nucleoside phosphorylase (NP-1a) from five strains of wild mice.

Abstract 1. 1. Inbred and wild mice having the same purine nucleoside phosphorylase-1 electromorph exhibit differences in specific activity, Michaelis constants and thermal stability. 2. 2. The Np-1 a allele of C57BL/6J represents a high-activity variant. 3. 3. The Np-1 locus appears to be under regulatory control.
On using primes for public key encryption systems

Abstract It is shown that the popular RSA public key encryption scheme does not require two primes but that probable primes may be used instead. A method for finding probable primes is given and the security of systems based on probable primes is discussed.
Chloral Hydrate: A Solvent for Biological Membranes

A buffer system conitainin chloral hydrate, taurine, and bromopyridinium lactate was used to dissolve several biological membranes and separate their protein components by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. This solvent system was capable of separating molecules of similar size on the hasis of their charge and allows easy recovery of the proteins Thus. aqueous chloral hydrate is an effective solvent for biological membranes.
Preventing pregnancy loss

In this issue of Blood, 2 articles by The Nimes Obstetricians and Hematologists–Antiphospholipid Syndrome (NOH-APS) Study Group give us new information about the effects of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) on pregnancy complications in women with prior pregnancy loss and either purely obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) or inherited thrombophilia. The results better define women at risk, suggest a role for LMWH, and confirm the need for further investigation.
Wear testing of high Fe–N–C steels

Abstract A series of iron alloys consisting of iron, nitrogen and carbon has been produced, characterized, and evaluated for mechanical and wear properties. The Fe–C–N alloys have no carbide or nitride precipitates and have a duplex phase fcc–bct microstructure. The high 0.9 wt.% carbon + (0.4–0.9 wt.%) nitrogen interstitial concentrations produced significantly higher strength, higher hardness and much improved abrasive wear (scratch, pin-on-drum, pin-on-disk) resistance over that of the starting bcc phase iron alloy with 0.9 wt.% carbon and carbide precipitates. Results from compression, indent hardness, and scratch wear tests were analyzed using similar data reduction. This new data analysis technique resulted in an improved and coherent understanding of abrasive scratch wear process, which was directly related to the alloy's mechanical properties.
A Test for the Equality of Parameters for Separate Regression Models in the Presence of Heteroskedasticity

Testing for the equality of regression coefficients across two regressions is a problem considered by analysts in a variety of fields. If the variances of the errors of the two regressions are not equal, then it is known that the standard large sample F-test used to test the equality of the coefficients is compromised by the fact that its actual size can differ substantially from the stated level of significance in small samples. This article addresses this problem and borrows from the literature on the Behrens-Fisher problem to provide some simple modifications of the large sample test which allows one to better control the probability of committing a Type I error. Empirical evidence is presented which indicates that the suggested modifications provide tests which are superior to well-known alternative tests over a wide range of the parameter space.
High‐strength/high‐modulus fibers of p‐phenylene oxadiazole/n‐methyl hydrazide copolymers—a new class of high‐performance organic materials

p-Phenylene oxadiazole/N-methyl hydrazide copolymers were prepared by polymerization of terephthalic acid, dimethyl terephthalate, and hydrazine sulfate in fuming sulfuric acid, and coagulation of the polymer was obtained in aqueous sulfuric acid. Fibers spun from these copolymers have unusually high strength and modulus, making these materials attractive for the reinforcement of articles such as tires. Yarn tenacities of 16–21 gpd and moduli of 350–450 gpd were obtained. Yarn of these copolymers showed no significant degradation under conditions to which a tire cord material is subjected in tire building and end use. In their performance in vehicle tires, tire cords were found to be competitive with other reinforcing agents such as fiber glass, steel, and commercial poly(p-phenyleneterephthalamide).
Generation of vacuum ultraviolet radiation for precision laser spectroscopy.

We report on the generation of tunable nanosecond pulsed VUV radiation near 120 nm using difference-frequency mixing in H2. Our scheme uses two dye lasers, one fixed at 606 nm and the other tunable in the red. These convenient wavelengths simplify the metrology needed for accurate VUV laser spectroscopy. Efficient VUV generation is attained with modest Nd:YAG pump laser energies (approximately 160 mJ at 532 nm), making the scheme attractive even when narrow bandwidths are not essential.
Human papillomavirus and p53 mutational status as prognostic factors in head and neck carcinoma

Background Mutations of the p53 tumor-suppressor gene are common in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and may portend a worse prognosis. Human papillomavirus (HPV) represents another potential prognostic factor for SCCHN. The oncogenic potential of HPV may be due to the ability of its E6 oncoprotein to promote degradation of wild-type p53 protein. We wish to determine whether there is a lower incidence of p53 mutations in HPV-positive versus HPV-negative tumors, and if HPV and/or p53 status has an impact on survival. Methods Thirty-two SCCHN specimens were analyzed for mutations of the p53 gene using single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis followed by DNA sequencing. The HPV status of all specimens was evaluated by use of polymerase chain reaction with HPV consensus primers and Southern blot hybridization. Pertinent clinical information was obtained from chart review. Results Nonsilent p53 mutations were present in 2 of 15 (13%) of HPV-positive tumors compared with 6 of 17 (35%) of HPV-negative tumors (p = .229; Fisher's exact test, odds ratio .28). A survival advantage was found between HPV-positive compared with HPV-negative specimens (p = .0264) and between p53 wild type compared with p53 mutant specimens (p = .01) by univariate log rank analysis. When stratified according to both HPV and p53 status, a statistically significant survival difference was observed largely because of a 100% survival for the HPV-positive/p53 wild-type group (p = .003). Conclusions This preliminary study supports the notion that the presence of HPV confers a survival advantage among HNSCC patients, particularly when p53 is wild type. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 24: 841–849, 2002
Prion formation, but not clearance, is supported by protein misfolding cyclic amplification

Prion diseases are fatal transmissible neurodegenerative disorders that affect animals including humans. The kinetics of prion infectivity and PrPSc accumulation can differ between prion strains and within a single strain in different tissues. The net accumulation of PrPSc in animals is controlled by the relationship between the rate of PrPSc formation and clearance. Protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) is a powerful technique that faithfully recapitulates PrPSc formation and prion infectivity in a cell-free system. PMCA has been used as a surrogate for animal bioassay and can model species barriers, host range, strain co-factors and strain interference. In this study we investigated if degradation of PrPSc and/or prion infectivity occurs during PMCA. To accomplish this we performed PMCA under conditions that do not support PrPSc formation and did not observe either a reduction in PrPSc abundance or an extension of prion incubation period, compared to untreated control samples. These results ind...
Tourniquet use during cementation only during total knee arthroplasty: a randomized trial.

Background Total knee arthroplasty with the use of a tourniquet during the entire operation has not been shown to improve the performance of the operation and may increase the risk of complications.
A battery-powered three-mode temperature-controller circuit

Abstract This paper describes the design and operation of a three-mode (i.e. proportional, rate and reset response) controller which can supply several amperes at 0–24 V to a resistance heater. This circuit was designed to control taxidermic mounts used to measure standard operative temperature. It is suitable for other applications requiring regulation of a low-voltage (
JigDFS in container communities for international cargo security

The globalized economy has caused an unavoidable increase in the number of shipping containers. The gigantic number of shipping containers entering the USA on a regular basis poses a significant security risk and inspecting every container is impractical. We proposed a design of a comprehensive solution that would monitor containers' integrity from the originating port to the destination port and report any intrusion event if it has taken place; the intruded container can then be handled in an appropriate way. More important, the system itself is designed to be secure and intrusion resistant. In this paper we discuss an implementation of tamper resistance, which necessitates the design of smart containers and implementation of additional measures to ensure smart containers be tamper resistant. Moreover, this paper discusses an implementation of Jigsaw Distributed File System (JigDFS) to further protect the container communities.
Integrated Reliability Workshop

The IEEE International Integrated Reliability Workshop (IRW) originated from the Wafer Level Reliability Workshop in 1982. The IRW focuses on ensuring electronic device reliability through fabrication, design, testing, characterization, and simulation, as well as identification of the defects and physical mechanisms responsible for reliability problems. Through tutorials, paper presentations, discussion groups, special interest groups, and the informal format of the technical program, a unique environment is provided for understanding, developing, and sharing reliability technology and test methodology for present and future semiconductor applications as well as ample opportunity for discussions and interactions with colleagues. IIRW 2012 will include a special resistive memory invited session. Resistive memory abstract submissions are also encouraged. Additional hot reliability topics for the workshop include: high-K and nitrided SiO2 gate dielectrics, reliability assessment of novel devices, III–V, SOI, emerging memory technologies, transistor reliability including hot carriers and NBTI/PBTI, Cu interconnects and low-k dielectrics, impact of transistor degradation on circuit reliability, reliability modeling and simulation, optoelectronics, and single event upsets. We invite you to submit a presentation proposal that addresses any semiconductor related reliability issue, including the following topics: • Designing-in reliability (products, circuits, systems, processes) • Resistive Memory: Degradation Mechanisms • Deep sub-micron transistor and circuit reliability • Customer product reliability requirements / manufacturer reliability tasks • Root cause defects, physical mechanisms, and simulations • Wafer level reliability tests, test approaches, and reliability test structures