cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Discovery of 2n gametes in tetraploid oat Avena vaviloviana

Sexual polyploidization via the action of 2n gametes (gametes with the sporophytic chromosome number) has been identified as the most important evolutionary mode of polyploidization among plant genera. This study was conducted to determine whether 2n gametes are present in the tetraploid level of the genus Avena (2n=4×=28) Twenty tetraploid Avena lines, representing four species and one interspecific hybrid, were screened for pollen grain size in order to differentiate between n and 2n pollen. Avena vaviloviana (Malz.) Mordv. line PI 412767 was observed to contain large pollen grains at a 1.0% frequency. Cytogenetic analyses of pollen mother cells of PI 412767 revealed cells with double the normal chromosome number (i.e., 56 chromosomes at metaphase I and anaphase I). The mode of chromosome doubling was found to be failure of cell wall formation during the last mitotic division that preceded meiosis. The resulting binucleate cells underwent normal meiotic divisions and formed pollen grains with 28 chromosomes. Based on the formation and function of 2n gametes, three models involving diploid and tetraploid oat lines are proposed to describe possible evolutionary pathways for hexaploid oats. If stable synthetic hexaploid oat lines could be developed by utilizing 2n gametes from diploid and tetraploid oat species through bilateral sexual polyploidization, the resulting hexaploids could be used in breeding programs for transferring genes from diploids and tetraploids to cultivated hexaploids.
The skin, touch, and human development

Abstract Most of us take our skin for granted, except when it breaks out in pimples, wrinkles, or otherwise becomes blemished. At such times we tend to become somewhat irritated with it, and wish it would go away. Most people seem to think of the skin as a sort of binding or wrapper that keeps the skeleton from falling apart, or out of which, at least in other animals, shoes and various leather articles are made. In hot weather the skin sweats unpleasantly, and in cold weather it grows uncomfortably chilly. Perhaps worst of all, it sprouts hairs in the wrong places, which have to shaved, and where hair is desired most thickly it grows most thinly, and only too early takes on the color least desired. And this is the skin.
Theoretical study of self-balancing missiles

A theoretical study based on linear theory is presented for two types of 'self-balancing' missiles, designed to accelerate vertically or laterally without pitching or yawing. One type of missile had a variable-incidence wing and the other type had wing flaps to provide acceleration. The main objective of this investigation is to compare the maximum available acceleration for these self-balancing missiles with that of conventional pitching-type missiles. Ten different configurations were considered. The results indicate that self-balancing missiles with either variable wing incidence or wing flaps are feasible, but that the maximum available acceleration for these missiles is less than for a conventional pitching-type missile having the same wing and tail surfaces.
Quantity matching by an orangutan ( Pongo abelii )

An adult male orangutan (Pongo abelii) was presented with a series of delayed matching-to-sample (DMTS) tasks in which he was to match images based on (a) the number of individual animals depicted in the photograph (from 1 to 4), (b) the number of abstract shapes presented in the stimulus (from 1 to 4), or (c) the number of dots presented in the stimulus (from 1 to 4, 4–7, or 7–10). The spatial arrangement of the dots and the background color of the stimuli varied, and the size of the dots was manipulated to control for overall ratio of foreground to background. The subject’s performance was not affected by these perceptual features, but was affected by the absolute difference and ratio between number of elements in the comparison stimuli. However, the relationship between these variables and his performance was not always linear as predicted by the analog magnitude model. In addition, the subject showed a high degree of transfer to novel numerosities up to ten, indicating that orangutans are capable of estimating quantity for a greater number of items than can presumably be subtilized by humans.
The Impact of Dropwindsonde and Supplemental Rawinsonde Observations on Track Forecasts for Hurricane Irene (2011)

AbstractBecause of the threat that Hurricane Irene (2011) posed to the United States, supplemental observations were collected for assimilation into operational numerical models in the hope of improving forecasts of the storm. Synoptic surveillance aircraft equipped with dropwindsondes were deployed twice daily over a 5-day period, and supplemental rawinsondes were launched from all upper-air sites in the continental United States east of the Rocky Mountains at 0600 and 1800 UTC, marking an unprecedented magnitude of coverage of special rawinsondes at the time. The impact of assimilating the supplemental observations on National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Forecast System (GFS) model track forecasts of Irene was evaluated over the period that these observations were collected. The GFS track forecasts possessed small errors even in the absence of the supplemental observations, providing little room for improvement on average. The assimilation of the combined dropwindsonde and supplem...
Model for the lattice vibrations of a crystal of diatomic molecules—I. Frequency distributions, Debye-Waller factors, and infrared spectra*

Abstract Dispersion curves, frequency distribution spectra, and anisotropic X-ray temperature factors are computed for a model of the low-temperature forms of crystalline O2, N2 and F2 which assumes that the static equilibrium structure involves the rhombohedral close-packing of diatomic molecules. The interaction between nonbonded atoms is described by a Lennard-Jones [6, 12] potential centered on the atoms. An interpretation of the far-i.r. and lattice-combination spectra of these crystals in reasonable accord with the computed dispersion curves is offered. Theoretical root-meansquare amplitudes are in good agreement with predictions derived from X-ray and Raman scattering data.
Polymorphisms in the CYP1B1 gene are associated with increased risk of prostate cancer.

CYP1B1 has been evaluated as a candidate gene for various cancers because of its function in activating environmental procarcinogens and catalysing the conversion of oestrogens to genotoxic catechol oestrogens. To test the hypothesis that genetic polymorphisms in the CYP1B1 gene may associate with the risk for prostate cancer (CaP), we compared the allele, genotype, and haplotype frequencies of 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CYP1B1 among 159 hereditary prostate cancer (HPC) probands, 245 sporadic CaP cases, and 222 unaffected men. When each of the SNPs was analysed separately, marginally significant differences were observed for allele frequencies between sporadic cases and controls for three consecutive SNPs (−1001C/T, −263G/A, and −13C/T, P=0.04–0.07). Similarly, marginally significant differences between sporadic cases and controls in the frequency of variant allele carriers were observed for five consecutive SNPs (−1001C/T, −263G/A, −13C/T, +142C/G, and +355G/T, P=0.02–0.08). Interestingly, when the combination of these five SNPs was analysed using a haplotype approach, a larger difference was found (P=0.009). One frequent haplotype (C-G-C-C-G of −1001C/T, −263G/A, −13C/T, +142C/G, and +355G/T) was associated with an increased risk for CaP, while the other frequent haplotype (T-A-T-G-T) was associated with a decreased risk for CaP. These findings suggest that genetic polymorphisms in CYP1B1 may modify the risk for CaP.
The effect of solvent quality on the chain morphology in solutions of poly(9,9′-dioctylfluorene)

Abstract The thermodynamics of the alpha (α) phase to beta (β) phase transition was investigated in solution of poly(9,9′-dioctylfluorene) in a variety of solvents with UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, fluorescence spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and near-field scanning optical microscopy. The results show that the solvent quality has a strong affect on the α- to β-conformational change. The trend in enthalpies and transition temperatures indicates that the transition results from an increase in intramolecular interactions upon chain collapse at lower temperatures. This transition leads to subsequent gelation and/or aggregation that stabilizes the β-phase at higher temperatures and leads to a large hysteresis in the transition temperature. The enthalpy for the transition from an aggregated β-phase to a fully solvated α-phase is found to be 21.04 kJ mol −1 of monomer for toluene solutions. Differences between the measured heat and those previously reported are discussed.
Significance of High-Wax Oils with Respect to Genesis of Petroleum

High wax content of crude oil appears to be an original characteristic related to genetic environment or to the kind of organic matter from which the oil was derived. A review of the distribution of probable high-wax crudes throughout the world indicates that they are restricted largely to certain stratigraphic sequences and certain regions. These stratigraphic sequences in large part have in common the following: (1) shale-sandstone (as opposed to carbonate) lithology; (2) nonmarine origin or origin in waters of less-than-normal-marine salinity; (3) common association with coal or other highly carbonaceous strata; (4) stratigraphic range from Devonian to Pliocene, inclusive; (5) continental, paralic, or nearshore-marine environment; (6) association with low-sulfur (rathe than high-sulfur) crudes. Subject to more complete and authoritative data on the worldwide occurrences of high-wax crudes, it appears reasonable to suggest that high-wax oils may reflect the contribution of terrigenous organic matter (or of organic matter derived from aquatic organisms associated with waters of less-than-normal-marine salinity) to the genesis of petroleum.
'Axial apraxia' in labyrinthectomized lateral hypothalamic-damaged rats.

Abstract Contact righting, that is, turning from a recumbent position to prone, is abolished for a few days after large electrolytic lesions of the lateral hypothalamus. With recovery, contact righting reappears, but does so in a distinct manner. At first the body is righted by backleg movements, in the absence of any active axial rotation. Later, righting switches from back to front, so that righting begins in the shoulders and then proceeds to the pelvis. Such righting is achieved by axial rotation, that is, the limbs are carried by the torso, rather than vice versa. Labyrinthectomy, when combined with lateral hypothalamic (LH) damage, slows this recovery (now taking as long as 3 weeks), and reveals many intermediate stages of contact-righting. The absence of axial rotation in the early stages of recovery from combined LH damage and labyrinthectomy is compared to the ‘axial apraxia’ seen in some parkinsonian patients.
Cytological studies of hybrids involving Triticum durum and Secale cereale

The allopolyploid of T. durum var. Carleton and Secale celeale (spring rye) was crossed to the T. durum varieties Iumillo, Stewart, F.P.I. 94587 and Golden.A single hybrid each was obtained from the crosses involving Stewart and F.P.I. 94587. Fourteen bivalents and seven univalents were the most frequently observed configuration in the pollen mother cells. A quadrivalent in the form of a ring of four chromosomes was observed in some of the pollen mother cells. Genome constitution of these hybrids is believed to be AABBS.Five hybrids between Triticale and lumillo were obtained. Four hybrids had 32 and one hybrid had 31 somatic chromosomes. All hybrids lacked the hairy neck character. A quadrivalent in the form of a ring of four chromosomes was observed in the pollen mother cells of the hybrids. The genome constitution of the 32 and 31 chromosome hybrids is postulated to be AABBS-3 and AABBS-4 respectively.Two BC1 plants with 28 wheat chromosomes plus 1 rye chromosome were obtained by backcrossing hybrids 35-1 to Khapli. The presence of the rye chromosome resulted in plants with thin culms and narrow leaves.An individual with 28 wheat chromosomes plus chromosome I of rye was obtained by backcrossing hybrid 37-1 to Khapli. The presence of the rye chromosome adversely affected plant height and increased the frequency of asynapsis of one or two pairs of wheat chromosomes.Quadrivalents observed in the hybrids involving durum varieties are believed to be due to a reciprocal translocation present in the Triticale parent.
The fungibility of US assistance to developing countries and the impact on recipient expanditures: a case study of Pakistan

Abstract Development assistance continues to be an important source of funds to developing nations. Donor countries prefer to provide categorical (or project) aid since it is believed that the typing of aid to a specific project will help to ensure that the funds are used in accordance with the designated objectives. Development literature indicates, however, that the ability to tie aid may be illusory. Specifically, recipient nations can cut the ties associated with categorical aid and effectively transform it into purely income-augmenting funds, i.e., purely fungible resources. The funds legally designated for specific developmental purposes may finance projects whose purposes are not in line with the developmental objective. The fungibility of development assistance has received little empirical attention. This paper is an effort to fill that gap. We formulate an econometric model that explains the response of Pakistan's spending for defense, public nondefense, and private consumption to US assistance within the “fungibility” framework. Our results suggest that US assistance to Pakistan, whether military or nonmilitary, is fully transformed into fungible resources with impact on public spending less significant than expected.
Phonon spectroscopy of the electron-hole liquid in germanium

The absorption of phonons by the electron-hole liquid (EHL) in semiconductors has proven to be the principal process causing macroscopic transport of droplets of this Fermi fluid. A characterization of the phonon absorption for frequencies of several hundred gigahertz promises to elucidate this "phonon wind" transport mechanism as well as test the basic theory of deformation potential scattering within a degenerate Fermi liquid. Central predictions of this theory are an absorption rate which increases linearly with frequency at low frequencies and a transparency for phonon wave vectors greater than $2{k}_{F}$, where ${k}_{F}$ is the Fermi wave vector of the liquid. We have adapted the standard deformation potential theory to the case in which the phonon energies are comparable to the Fermi energy and have calculated the frequency and angle dependences of the phonon absorption by electron-hole liquid in Ge. The sharpness and position of the $2{k}_{F}$ cutoffs depend upon propagation direction and phonon polarization. Using the method of tunnel-junction phonon spectroscopy, we have measured the absorption of monochromatic phonons by electron-hole liquid over the frequency range 150-500 GHz. We concentrated on longitudinal phonons with $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{q}}\ensuremath{\parallel}〈111〉$, the long axis of an electron energy ellipsoid. By applying an appropriate uniaxial stress to the crystal we were able to vary the population of this valley, thereby continuously "tuning" the predicted $2{k}_{F}$ cutoff over a factor of about 4. The resulting absorption spectra agreed with theoretical predictions, displaying for the first time the $2{k}_{F}$ cutoff for this Fermi liquid. To determine the absolute phonon absorption length in EHL, we used a luminescence-imaging method to calibrate the volume of liquid in the phonon path. Our measured deformation potential is smaller than that obtained for free electrons in Ge via cyclotron resonance. We interpret this reduction in electron-phonon interaction strength as due to screening within the electron-hole liquid. This interpretation is consistent with a recent theoretical calculation.
The ratio of 111Pd isomers formed in charged-particle and photon-induced fission of several heavy nuclides

Abstract Cumulative yield isomeric ratios ( σ m / σ g ) c have been measured in the fission of 230 Th, 232 Th, and 236 U by helium ions of various energies. The data show the ratio to increase with energy. The angular distribution of the 111 Pd fission products indicates a maximum at 180° to the beam direction and a minimum at 90°. The isomeric ratio does not vary with angle within the accuracy of the experiment. Measurements of ( σ m / σ g ) c in the photofission of 232 Th, 238 U, 236 U, 235 U, 234 U and 233 U show a sharp increase with the fission parameter Z 2 /A. Independent yield isomeric ratios have been calculated from the measured ratios by applying the results of various charge distribution studies reported in the literature. These calculated ratios suggest that there is little correlation between the initial angular momentum of the compound nucleus and the isomeric ratio of the fission product.
Brain activation, affect, and aerobic exercise: An examination of both state‐independent and state‐dependent relationships

Resting electroencephalograph (EEG) asymmetry is a biological marker of the propensity to respond affectively to, and a measure of change in affect associated with, acute aerobic exercise. This study examined the EEG-affect-exercise relationship. Twenty participants performed each of three randomly assigned 30-min conditions: (a) a nonexercise control, (b) a cycling exercise at 55% VO 2 max, and (c) a cycling exercise at 70% VO 2 max. EEG and affect were assessed pre- and 0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 min postcondition. No significant results were seen in the control or 55% conditions. In the 70% exercise condition, greater relative left frontal activation preexercise predicted increased positive affect and reduced state anxiety postexercise. Participants (n = 7) with extreme relative left frontal activation postexercise reported concomitant decreases in anxiety, whereas participants (n = 7) with extreme relative right frontal activation postexercise reported increases in anxiety. These findings (a) replicate prior work, (b) suggest a dose-response intensity effect, and (c) support the idea that exercise is an emotion-eliciting event. Affective responses seem to be mediated in part by differential resting levels of activation in the anterior brain regions. Ongoing anterior brain activation reflected concurrent postexercise affect.
The effects of feeding distillers dried grains with solubles on broiler meat quality

A randomized complete block design with 3 replications (n = 144) was utilized to evaluate the effects of feeding distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS; 0% control and 8%) on broiler breast and thigh meat quality. Electrical stunning was performed, and broiler carcasses were scalded, picked, and eviscerated using commercial prototype equipment. At 4 h postmortem, carcasses were removed from the chill tank and breast and thigh removal was performed. Color, pH, cooking loss, and shear force values were measured on breasts that were removed from the right side of the carcass. Breasts removed from the left side of the carcass were utilized for sensory testing. Thigh meat was evaluated for TBA reactive substances and fatty acid composition. On average, no differences (P > 0.05) existed among the DDGS and control treatment with regards to color (CIE L*, a*, b*), ultimate pH, cooking loss, and shear values. In addition, no differences (P > 0.05) existed among treatments regarding the acceptability of texture, but the control treatment was slightly preferred (P 0.05) between the control and DDGS treatment. Fatty acid composition varied slightly (P < 0.05) between treatments. The DDGS treatment had a greater (P < 0.05) percentage of linoleic and total polyunsaturated fatty acids, indicating that it may be slightly more susceptible to oxidation. Overall, data suggest that both feeding treatments yielded high-quality breast and thigh meat with minimal product differences.
Fourier transforms in function-space and parabolic differential equations

Abstract A Fourier transform for sufficiently bounded and regular functionals on C([0, 1], R) is introduced, which interchanges multiplication and differentiation. We define convolutions and prove a convolution theorem. Finally, we use the transform to uniquely solve the Cauchy problem for second-order parabolic equations in function-space, where the coefficients depend only on t.
The Training and Certification of Early Childhood Personnel

This paper is directed to those concerned with the planning and supervising of training and certification of early childhood personnel. It represents one assessment of the present state of training, licensing, and certification, and one set of alternatives that might be considered in the formulation of future plans. The analysis is, at best, sketchy, but is nevertheless designed to suggest desirable directions for future efforts. Throughout the discussion, several major assumptions are made. 1. The certification and training of personnel are inseparable concerns. No useful analysis may be made of one without consideration of the other. 2. All personnel involved with the instructional or custodial care of children from birth to approximately 10 years of age constitute a coherent unit of the human service work force rather than a loose collection of separate units with disparate training and qualification needs. 3. Prior to certification, early childhood personnel should be able to demonstrate those functions which they are expected to perform after certification.
New production in the equatorial Pacific: a comparison of field data with estimates derived from empirical and theoretical models

Abstract Measurements of new production based on uptake of 15 N-labeled nitrate in the equatorial Pacific are compared with estimates derived from empirical and theoretical models. Average f-ratios and new production are predicted to within 10–20% by a theoretical steady-state model in which temperature and primary production are the independent variables that determine new production. Examination of the results reveals that the theoretical model gives a very accurate representation of the pattern in new production at primary production rates below ∼60–70 mmol C m −2 d −1 but systematically underestimates new production at higher primary production rates. The discrepancy between measured and predicted new production rates is significantly ( p −2 d −1 . Likely causes of the bias in the empirical model are the need to take temperature effects into account and artifacts in rate measurements made prior to the widespread acceptance of the need to use clean sampling and incubation techniques.
Desiccation survival in an Antarctic nematode: molecular analysis using expressed sequenced tags

Nematodes are the dominant soil animals in Antarctic Dry Valleys and are capable of surviving desiccation and freezing in an anhydrobiotic state. Genes induced by desiccation stress have been successfully enumerated in nematodes; however we have little knowledge of gene regulation by Antarctic nematodes which can survive multiple environmental stresses. To address this problem we investigated the genetic responses of a nematode species, Plectus murrayi, that is capable of tolerating Antarctic environmental extremes, in particular desiccation and freezing. In this study, we provide the first insight into the desiccation induced transcriptome of an Antarctic nematode through cDNA library construction and suppressive subtractive hybridization. We obtained 2,486 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from 2,586 clones derived from the cDNA library of desiccated P. murrayi. The 2,486 ESTs formed 1,387 putative unique transcripts of which 523 (38%) had matches in the model-nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, 107 (7%) in nematodes other than C. elegans, 153 (11%) in non-nematode organisms and 605 (44%) had no significant match to any sequences in the current databases. The 1,387 unique transcripts were functionally classified by using Gene Ontology (GO) hierarchy and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. The results indicate that the transcriptome contains a group of transcripts from diverse functional areas. The subtractive library of desiccated nematodes showed 80 transcripts differentially expressed during desiccation stress, of which 28% were metabolism related, 19% were involved in environmental information processing, 28% involved in genetic information processing and 21% were novel transcripts. Expression profiling of 14 selected genes by quantitative Real-time PCR showed 9 genes significantly up-regulated, 3 down-regulated and 2 continuously expressed in response to desiccation. The establishment of a desiccation EST collection for Plectus murrayi, a useful model in assessing the structural, physiological, biochemical and genetic aspects of multiple stress tolerance, is an important step in understanding the genome level response of this nematode to desiccation stress. The type of transcript analysis performed in this study sets the foundation for more detailed functional and genome level analyses of the genes involved in desiccation tolerance in nematodes.
Effect of Epiphytic Fungi on Brown Rot Blossom Blight and Latent Infections in Sweet Cherry.

ABSTRACT Antagonistic effects of Aureobasidium pullulans, Epicoccum purpurascens, and Gliocladium roseum on establishment of Monilinia fructicola infections on cv. Royal Anne cherry blossoms were assessed in a mist chamber and under field conditions. Conidia of each fungus were applied to blossoms that were subsequently inoculated with conidia of M. fructicola. Mist chamber experiments on forced blossoms demonstrated that incidence of recovery of M. fructicola from blossoms was significantly reduced (P ≤ 0.05) to similar levels when either E. purpurascens or the fungicide benomyl had been applied 24 h prior to inoculation with M. fructicola. In field trials in 1990, 1991, and 1993, application of E. purpurascens reduced blossom blight relative to nontreated blossoms by 47, 58, and 45%, respectively; whereas application of A. pullulans caused reductions of 54, 13, and 47%, respectively. Comparable reductions in blossom blight for the fungicide iprodione were 80, 95, and 98%, respectively. Latent M. fructic...
Abstract ES08-1: Imaging tumor response: Challenges of heterogeneity

Large-scale sequencing analyses of solid cancers have identified extensive genetic inter-tumor and intra-tumor heterogeneity, which likely contribute to treatment failure and drug resistance. For example, recent unbiased whole genome sequencing approaches have highlighted the complexity of the mutational landscape of ER+ luminal breast cancers. In 46 breast tumors, 82,000 total somatic mutations and 2,000 tier 1 mutations were identified. While pathway signatures enabled the evaluation of mutations with low recurrence frequency where statistical comparisons conventionally were underpowered, this massive heterogeneity presents an enormous challenge for therapy and prognostic assessment of cancer. Furthermore, cells have evolved complex molecular networks to sense cues from the environment and transmit them throughout the cell to elicit appropriate biological responses. These signaling pathways require certain elemental properties, such as sensitivity, reversibility, a capacity to be regulated, and robustness, that are crucial to reliably maintaining the organization and function of cells within organisms. These molecular networks comprise sets of recurring regulation patterns, manifest as network motifs, which link together in a variety of combinations to create a web of connectivity within a given signaling pathway or between multiple cascades. Using a kB5-IkBα-FLuc bioluminescent reporter as one example, we rigorously evaluated the dynamics of IkBa degradation and subsequent NF-kB transcriptional activity in response to diverse modes of TNFα stimulation in isogenic tumor cells. Tremendous heterogeneity in the transcriptional amplitudes of responding cells was observed, which was greater than the heterogeneity in the transcriptional kinetics of responsive cells. Thus, systems heterogeneity was observed even in isogenic cells, further adding to the complexity of cellular responses and their associated signaling networks. One must conclude that inter-tumor and intra-tumor heterogeneity at the level of cancer genes and systems responses may have important consequences for targeted molecular imaging strategies that commonly lack spatial and temporal resolution in their depiction of tumor phenotypes. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr ES08-1.
Divergent Effects of Forskolin on 3',5' Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Production and Parathyroid Hormone Secretion

Forskolin, a diterpene which directly stimulates adenylate cyclase, markedly stimulated cAMP production in intact rat parathyroid glands and dispersed cells from hyperplastic and adenomatous human parathyroid tissues. Stimulation of cAMP production in human parathyroid adenomas occurred as early as 2 min and continued for at least 2 h; furthermore, a dose-response relationship was observed, with a maximal 80-fold cAMP response occurring at 100 µM forskolin. When PTH secretion by rat or human parathyroid tissues was studied at low (0.5 mM) and high (2.5 mM) extracellular Ca2+ in either the presence or absence of forskolin, no significant stimulation by forskolin was observed at 15 min, 1 h, and 2 h. When 10 human parathyroid specimens were studied with varying concentrations of forskolin at 1 mM Ca2+, 6 failed to show stimulation of PTH secretion and 4 showed modest but detectable increases in PTH that did not appear dose-related. We conclude that (1) at low and high Ca2+ levels, marked stimulation of cAMP production by forskolin can occur without a corresponding increase in PTH secretion; (2) inhibition of PTH secretion by high extracellular Ca2+ levels continues unchanged despite stimulation of cAMP production by forskolin; and (3) at intermediate Ca2+ levels (1.0 mM), PTH secretion is affected either minimally or not at all by forskolin in human hyperparathyroid tissue preparations. The marked stimulation of parathyroid adenylate cyclase by forskolin without concomitant increases in PTH secretion in the majority of tissues suggests that the level of cAMP production is not a primary or sufficient determinant of hormone secretion.
Patient-related and system-related barriers to glaucoma follow-up in a county hospital population

Purpose To identify the barriers to glaucoma follow-up and to assess how ethnicity influences the effect of such barriers among patients in a county hospital population. Methods This cross-sectional study included 152 patients, 76 with poor clinic follow-up and 76 with good clinic follow-up, who were recruited at the San Francisco General Hospital glaucoma clinic as part of a case-control study. All subjects were required to be established patients with glaucoma initially seen and diagnosed in the clinic at least 1 year before enrollment. An oral questionnaire pertaining to the barriers to follow-up for glaucoma, as well as patient ethnicity, was administered to all participating subjects. The main outcome measure was the prevalence of significant barriers to follow-up, both overall and stratified by ethnicity. Results The most prevalent barriers to follow-up included long clinic waiting times (75%), appointment scheduling difficulties (38%), the effect of other medical or physical comorbidities (29%), and difficulties related to medical interpretation (23%). While several barriers were cited as being important across different ethnicities, Latinos and Asian-Pacific Islanders were particularly affected by difficulties related to medical interpretation (P = 0.0001) and long waiting times in the clinic (P = 0.048). Conclusions Understanding patient-reported barriers to glaucoma follow-up and their variation based on ethnicity may give providers insight as to why patients do not adhere to follow-up recommendations. Strategies to improve follow-up may include reduced clinic wait times, simplified appointment scheduling, and provision of appropriate education and counseling regardless of the patient's native language and ethnicity.
Development and testing of a food frequency recall instrument for describing dietary patterns in adults and teenagers

Abstract A 35-item Frequency Recall Evaluation of Dietary Intake Instrument (FREDI) was developed, validated, and tested for describing meaningful dietary patterns in adults (n-353) and teenagers (n=531) in Eastern NC. Validity studies showed that the FREDI instrument could predict (p
Usefulness of an aluminized polyester film for reducing heat in polyethylene calf hutches.

This study determined the efficacy of a radiant barrier material used in the construction industry to moderate summer temperatures in polyethylene calf hutches. The cover consisted of a single layer of two-sided reflective aluminized polyester film with a center polyester scrim reinforcement (reflectivity = 95 %). At each of two dairies, six hutches containing a young calf were either uncovered (control) or had reflective covers across the top and sides of the hutch, leaving the front, back, and 1.2 × 1.8-m attached outdoor wire pen exposed. Duplicate loggers mounted 20 cm above the flooring in the center of each hutch recorded interior temperature at 30-min intervals over 22 days during late August to early September. The mean daily interior peak temperatures in each of the hutches over 21 days of observation were significantly less (P < 0.001) in the hutches with reflective covers (37.48 ± 0.14 °C) than in the uncovered hutches (41.65 ± 0.45 °C) and did not differ (P = 0.77) between dairies. The mean daily interior peak temperatures in each of the hutches over the warmest 10 days of observation were significantly less (P < 0.001) in hutches with reflective covers (40.15 °C ± 0.16) than in the uncovered hutches (44.93 ± 0.47 °C). The mean interior ceiling temperatures in each of the hutches over 4 days of observation were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in the hutches with reflective covers (37.82 ± 0.36 °C) than in the uncovered hutches (46.89 ± 0.47 °C). The reflective cover used in this study moderated interior hutch temperatures but showed signs of delamination after 22 days and was relatively expensive, so more suitable material needs to be identified.
SU-E-T-305: Limitations of Using DICOM Data for BrachyVision Treatment Plan Evaluation

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of a real‐time automated method of performing dosimetric quality assurance using Eclipse DICOM files for patients receiving HDR‐brachytherapy and IMRT.Methods: GYN patients are treated with concurrent high‐dose rate brachtherapy and IMRT. The dosimetric parameters were obtained through an in‐house QA program developed using Matlab. The DICOM files containing DVH data for organsat‐risk (OAR) were analyzed Dosimetric data for 7 patients (total 42 fractions) were collected for bladder, rectum and sigmoid. The accuracy of the dosimetric parameters was estimated by comparing the parameters obtained from the DICOM based QA program and those in BrachyVision. Results: The maximal dose values (Dmax) for the OARs obtained using the DICOM‐based program are significantly smaller than those valued reported in BrachyVision by 36.2%–48.3%. The mean dose has a deviation from 1% – 2.4%. The dose for the volume of 2cc (D2cc) has a difference up to 7.6% for structures with the volume larger than 200 cc. The average difference of D2cc is 0.5% for structures less than 200 cc. We found that Eclipse BrachyVision only exports DVH data down to a volume equivalent to 1% of the maximum volume for a given structure. Therefore, the reported maximal dose values obtained from DICOM RT dose file do not accurately reflect the maximum dose in a treatment plan. This will also slightly affect the mean dose calculation and D2cc when the structure volume is larger than 200cc. Conclusions: The automatic QA tool based on DICOM files provides a quick retrieval of dose to organs‐at‐risk and coverage of targets. However, maximal dose to structures is not accurate due to the truncationof the DVH information contained in DICOM files.
Susceptibility of Giardia lamblia to aminoglycoside protein synthesis inhibitors: correlation with rRNA structure.

The very limited development of antiparasitic agents targeting protein synthesis stems in part from the belief that parasite and host ribosomes are sufficiently similar to preclude selective toxicity. However, recent studies have revealed that Giardia lamblia rRNA has an unusual size and sequence; consequently, this organism and its homogeneous rRNA provide a useful model for the development of protein synthesis inhibitors with antiparasitic activity. In this study, I determined the sequence and secondary structure of the 3' end of the small-subunit RNA, the target for aminoglycoside inhibitory activity. The primary structure of these 140 nucleotides includes two blocks of sequence highly conserved among other organisms; the remaining sequence, although not conserved, can be folded into a secondary structure common to all rRNAs. The presence of U-1495 within one of the conserved blocks predicts hygromycin susceptibility. Also, a specific base pair (C-1409.G-1491) implicated in paromomycin susceptibility is present; whereas all procaryotes have this base pair, it is absent in many eucaryotes (including mammals). Conversely, kanamycin and apramycin resistance can be predicted from substitution of A-1408 with G. A growth inhibition assay was used to test the susceptibility of G. lamblia to a variety of aminoglycosides. After 48 h, 8 of 11 aminoglycosides tested failed to inhibit growth at a concentration of 200 micrograms/ml. Paromomycin and hygromycin, however, inhibited growth of three strains tested by 50% at 50 to 60 micrograms/ml and by close to 90% at 120 micrograms/ml. These results correlate well with the sequence and secondary-structure analyses. Paromomycin may be clinically useful when the toxicity of standard antigiardial drugs is of concern.
Kinetic measurement of bacterial adherence to eukaryotic cells

Abstract We developed a kinetic assay using a monolayer of differentiated respiratory epithelium in culture to assess bacterial adherence. Mean residence time of bacteria in the tissue culture chamber was estimated from a model-independent (moment) analysis of the rate of bacterial washout from perfused Rose chambers. Results with this method compared favorably with visual assessment of adherence and double radiolabel method with H. influenzae . Adherence was assessed with low inoculae of H. influenzae, P. cepacia and P. aeruginosa avoiding cytotoxic effects seen when large inoculae are added to eukaryotic cells. This method will provide a means of assessing adherence of pathogenic respiratory bacteria to their cellular target at low inoculae.
Schizophrenia and increased risks of cardiovascular disease.

Objective The aim of the study is to review the absolute and relative impacts of the major causes for premature mortality among patients with schizophrenia. Data sources We reviewed published articles on causes of mortality in the general population as well as among patients with schizophrenia. Study selection We selected articles which published total and cause-specific mortality rates. Data extraction We reviewed the causes of mortality and their risk factors. Data synthesis The average life expectancy of the general population is 76 years (72 years in men, 80 years in women), whereas the corresponding figure is 61 years (57 years in men, 65 years in women) among patients with schizophrenia. Thus, patients with schizophrenia have approximately a 20% reduced life expectancy compared with the general population. Although patients with schizophrenia are 10 to 20 times more likely than the general population to commit suicide, more than two thirds of patients with schizophrenia, compared with approximately one-half in the general population, die of coronary heart disease (CHD). The chief risk factors for this excess risk of death are cigarette smoking, obesity leading to dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and diabetes, and hypertension. Conclusions The chief cause of excess premature mortality among patients with schizophrenia is CHD, caused mainly by their adverse risk factor profile. Because patients with schizophrenia have less access to medical care, consume less medical care, and are less compliant with their regimens, the choice of antipsychotic drug regimens that do not further adversely affect their risk factor for CHD is a major clinical and public health challenge among patients with schizophrenia.
An investigation of the effects of comorbid Axis II pathology on outcome of inpatient treatment for unipolar depression

DSM-based research on comorbidity has suggested thatdepression andpersonality disorder frequently occur together and that the combination of syndromes is associated with a poor response to treatment for depression. The present study was designed to explore the effect of comorbid Axis II pathology for a sample of 45 inpatients who received treatment for major depression. Both categorical and dimensional ratings of personality disorder were used in the statistical analysis. Positive categorical diagnosis of Cluster C (anxious-avoidant) disorder, as well as higher dimensional rating of Cluster A (odd-eccentric) pathology, was predictive of a poor response to treatment (p<.05), as measured by change in pre-post clinical ratings on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale. These results were construed as indicative of a significant Axis II comorbidity effect in the context of an inpatient, multimodal treatment setting for depression. The results also spotlight the influence of techniques of measurement in determining the outcome of statistical analysis.
Runway performance maintained by multiple rewards per trial

Thirty-six water-deprived albino rats were trained to traverse an alley that terminated in a goalbox equipped with a liquid dipper. The Ss were assigned to one of four groups produced by the factorial combination of a number of dipper presentations as reward per trial (2 vs 10) and interval between rewards (4 vs 10 sec). Running speed was related negatively to both interreward interval and number of rewards per trial although the effect was not reliable in the latter case. These results are discussed in terms of a “two-process” interpretation of reinforcement in instrumental conditioning.
SU‐DD‐A1‐06: RapidArc Patient Specific Quality Assurance: Comparison with DMLC IMRT

Purpose: To compare RapidArc (Varian Medical Systems) intensity modulated arc therapy and dynamic multileaf collimated IMRT (DMLC) delivery accuracy using patient specific quality assurance measurements. Method and Materials: We selected 6 cases (head and neck, para‐aortic lymph nodes, and 4 prostates) that were treated using both DMLC and RapidArc. The DMLC and RapidArc plans were equivalent with respect to target and critical structure dosimetry. Absolute dose measurements were made with an ionization chamber in a custom acrylic phantom, which was positioned such that the chamber was located in a high‐dose, low‐gradient region of the dose distribution. Film was used to obtain the dose distribution in a coronal plane at the level of the ionization chamber. A 2D ionization chamber array (Matrixx, IBA Dosimetry) was used to obtain a second measurement in the same coronal plane. The gamma index was calculated for both the film and 2D array measurements using the criteria of 3%/3mm. Results: The mean difference between the ionization chamber measurements and the calculations was 1.0% for both RapidArc and DMLC. The ranges were 0.6% to 1.6% and 0.0% to 2.3%, respectively. The mean fraction of pixels with gamma > 1 for the film was 4.3% (range 0.8% to 6.9%) for RapidArc and 10.4% (range 5.4% to 17.3%) for DMLC. For the 2D array the mean fraction of pixels with gamma > 1 was 0.5% (range 0.0% to 1.1%) for RapidArc and 1.6% (range 0.5% to 4.1%) for DMLC. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that RapidArc delivery is at least as accurate as that for DMLC. The mean fraction of pixels with gamma >1 and the range of fractions for both film and the 2D chamber array suggests that RapidArc may be modestly more accurate than DMLC. Conflict of Interest: Research sponsored by Varian Medical Systems.
Empirically testing the antecedents of BPR success

Abstract Business Process Reengineering (BPR) has been touted by many as dramatic improvements necessary for organization competitiveness, but in practice there are many unsuccessful cases. Thus, there is need for a more systematic and rigorous assessment of the factors deemed important to project success. That is the main objective of this study. In this case, success has been defined in three different ways: goals and objectives accomplished by the project, benefits derived from the project, and its impact on company performance. Based on the results, recommendations are made for managers to focus attention and resources on factors important to success, and to proceed in a fashion which minimizes the risk of failure. The point of entry into the companies participating in this study were internal auditing directors and comptrollers (IAs). The membership list for a national professional association was the original source. Questionnaires were mailed to the IAs of 1200 randomly selected organizations. The usable sample of 324 questionnaires represent a 27% response rate. In general, organizations are not emphasizing some of the most important activities and tasks recommended in the BPR literature, such as changes to customer/market related business processes, the value-added element of every business activity, and applying the right innovative technology. Based on the findings as a whole, it behooves top managers not to engage in BPR before ensuring the presence of the success factors found to be important.
SU-FF-T-234: Expected Diode Readings for In-Vivo Dosimetry in Electron Beams

Purpose: To develop a practical method for calculating expected diode readings for in‐vivo dosimetry in electron beams.Methods and Materials:Electron beams of 6, 8, 10, 12, and 15 MeV from an Elekta SL 25 series linac, using 100 and 110 cm SSD, were investigated. Several circular cut‐outs with diameter ranging from 2.3 to 6.0 cm were constructed for the 6×6 cm2 cone and from 4.1 to 8.5 cm for the 10×10 cm2 cone. Cut‐out factors were measured for each energy and SSD, using an ion chamber placed at dmax. Similar measurements were also made using a previously calibrated diode placed on the surface of the phantom. A diode cut‐out factor was obtained from these measurements. For each cone and SSD, graphs of cut‐out factors and of diode cut‐out factors vs. cut‐out diameter were constructed. The points were connected by a smooth line, such that we could relate the cut‐out factors as a function of the cut‐out diameter, and the results were compiled in the form of tables for ease of use. Output factors were measured for all available cones, all energies, and different SSDs using the ion chamber. Corresponding diode output factors were also measured, and tables of output factors and diode output factors were constructed. The following formula was used to calculate expected diode readings when using electron beams: DiodeRdg = Dose* Diode Output Factor* Diode Cut − Out Factor Output Factor* Cut − Out Factor Results: The method was validated by calculating expected diode readings for several different doses, cut‐outs, energies, and SSDs, and comparing to measured values. Agreement between calculated and measured readings was better than 1.3%. Conclusions: This work presents a practical method to calculate expected diode readings for electron beams, based on a few measurements performed with electron cut‐outs of different diameters, and the presentation of the results in the form of tables.