cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Semiautomated Resolution of Overlapping Stutter Patterns in Genomic Microsatellite Analysis

Abstract Microsatellites are polymorphic, short nucleotide repeating units scattered more or less randomly throughout the genome. They are readily detectable by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and often used as genomic markers. One problem in the analysis of microsatellite data is the appearance of secondary bands during PCR that result in extended banding patterns. These “stutter” patterns may overlap in heterozygous alleles and obscure the overall pattern, severely interfering with analysis. This paper develops a model that successfully predicts the general shape of stutter patterns. It then presents techniques for measuring the intensity of the individual contributing alleles. The model is based on the assumption that there is a certain probability of losing or gaining a microsatellite repeat unit during each PCR cycle. The effect is cumulative, with the chance of losing a repeat unit being much greater than that of gaining one, which leads to a gradual reduction in the mean length of the pattern with increased PCR cycles. This can be modeled quantitatively to predict the shape of the stutter pattern, a prediction borne out by experiment. Next, a least-squares technique is presented that is used to analyze the overlapping stutter patterns and determine the relative concentration of each microsatellite in heterozygous alleles. The technique is based on the observation that, at least for microsatellites of approximately the same length, the relative intensity of each band in the stutter pattern is approximately the same for each allele. The stutter shape is most easily determined from homozygous alleles. It can also be approximated from heterozygous samples if the difference between the lengths of the primary microsatellite bands can be determined.
Pilot study assessing robotic laparoscopic hysterectomy and patient outcomes.

Abstract Study objective To examine the operative variables and complications associated with robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Design Canadian Task Force classification II-1. Setting Gynecology service affiliated with a major cancer center in Southern California. Patients Twenty women with a benign gynecologic condition. Intervention Robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Patient status was evaluated in terms of operative morbidity, length of surgery, anesthesia time, estimated blood loss, and hospital stay. Measurements and main results Mean operative time was 3.2 hours, and anesthesia time was 4 hours. Mean estimated blood loss was 81 mL, and patient postoperative hospital stay was 2 days. The complication rate in this study was low. The surgical procedure was converted to a laparotomy and abdominal hysterectomy in two patients because of poor visualization during robotic-assisted surgery. Conclusions While the number of patients and nonrandomized nature of this single-institution experience are insufficient to draw any definitive conclusions regarding potential treatment efficacy, the patient postoperative stay and low complication rates suggest that this procedure is feasible and promising. Additional study comparing the efficacy and cost of robotic laparoscopic hysterectomy with standard laparoscopic hysterectomy with a larger patient population is warranted.
Infusions of interleukin-1α after autologous transplantation for Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma induce effector cells with antilymphoma cytolytic activity

We evaluated the cytolytic function, phenotypic characteristics, and cytokine levels of 22 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and 7 with Hodgkin's disease receiving interleukin-la (IL-1α) following autologous bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. IL-1α was given i.v. over 6 hr, between day 0 and day +13 posttransplant. On day +14, cells from patients receiving high-dose IL-1α (3.0 μg/m2/day) had significantly enhanced killing of natural killer (NK)-sensitive and -resistant lymphoma targets compared to those treated with low-dose IL-1α (0.1, 0.3, or 1.0 μg/m2/day). The differences in cytolytic function between the two groups persisted but were not as striking on day +28. Patients receiving higher-dose IL-1α had a significantly increased proportion of CD3+ T cells on days +14 and +28, while the proportion of CD16+ and CD56+ NK cells was decreased compared to those of patients treated with the lower dose. There were no detectable levels of IL-2, interferon-γ, or tumor necrosis factor-α in the plasma of patients receiving IL-1α posttransplant. However, higher-dose IL-1α therapy was associated with significant increases in serum IL-6 levels in comparison to those in patients receiving low-dose IL-1α. IL-1α may increase cytolytic function post-bone marrow transplantation; it remains to be determined, however, whether this would have an impact on decreasing relapse rates of patients undergoing transplantation for lymphoma.
Behavior of fibers in cumulative extension cycling

The cumulative extension cycling behavior is a combination of the effects of elastic recovery, viscoelasticity, and fatigue. The purpose of this research was to examine the elastic recovery aspects of the behavior. A model behavior idealized to include only elastic recovery was assumed and a computer program written to simulate cumulative extension cycling behavior based upon this idealized model. Tests were performed with an apparatus which removed the sample's slack after each cycle. A comparison of the experimental and computed results yielded an improved understanding of the elastic recovery aspects of the cumulative extension cycling behavior.
Rational tableaux and the tensor algebra of gl n

Abstract A generalization of the usual column-strict tableaux (equivalent to a construction of R. C. King) is presented as a natural combinatorial tool for the study of finite dimensional representations of GL n ( C ). These objects are called rational tableaux since they play the same role for rational representations of GL n as ordinary tableaux do for polynomial representations. A generalization of Schensted's insertion algorithm is given for rational tableaux, and is used to count the. multiplicities of the irreducible GL n -modules in the tensor algebra of GL n . The problem of counting multiplicities when the k th tensor power gl n ⊗ k is decomposed into modules which are simultaneously irreducible with respect to GL n and the symmetric group S k is also considered. The existence of an insertion algorithm which describes this decomposition is proved. A generalization of border strip tableaux, in which both addition and deletion of border strips is allowed, is used to describe the characters associated with this decomposition. For large n , these generalized border strip tableaux have a simple structure which allows derivation of identities due to Hanlon and Stanley involving the (large n ) decomposition of gl n ⊗ k .
Identifying Needs and Audiences in Farm Management Outreach Education

The objective of this research is to better understand farmers' perceptions of the importance of various farm management educational topics. A technique for identifying interested clientele for educational programs is also presented. Topics rated most highly by farmers include income tax management, agricultural input prices, year-end financial analysis, and U.S.—world agricultural outlook. A multivariate logit analysis was used to examine the relationships between the farmers' evaluations of three education topic categories and various farm business and information source characteristics. Operator age, tenancy, size of farm business, and farm enterprise type were important predictors of topic preference.
Transcriptional activation of the follicle-stimulating hormone beta-subunit gene by activin

Activin markedly stimulates FSH beta messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in rat pituitary cells. Nonetheless, the molecular mechanisms through which activin enhances FSH beta gene expression are not clear. To assess the role of transcriptional activation in activin stimulation, we first transfected two -2300FSH beta Luc constructs into primary pituitary cells and treated them with activin in plated culture and perifusion. Basal expression of the constructs was low, and no activin response was observed. These results suggested that additional FSH beta sequences are required for basal expression or that the effects of activin are not transcriptional. An alternative approach for measuring transcriptional responses was developed based upon changes in the levels of FSH beta primary transcripts (FSH beta-PT; newly transcribed mRNAs that still contain the first intron) after activin (3 ng/ml) stimulation of perifused rat pituitary cells. An increase in FSH beta-PT was observed after 30 min of activin stimulation, preced...
Patterning of highly conducting polyaniline films

Polyaniline is a family of soluble, electrically conducting polymers that have a potential for a number of applications. They are a unique class of electronic materials which combines the electronic properties of metals with the mechanical and physical properties, and the processing advantages of a conventional organic polymer. In this paper, we will discuss the synthesis, and formulation of a highly conductive polyaniline that has applications as electrodes or thin film wiring. However, for these and other uses it is necessary to pattern the conducting polymer lithographically. We will discuss the various ways of patterning polyaniline, either indirectly or using the conventional photoresist technology. The effects of each patterning procedure on the conductivity of the polyaniline will also be covered.
Differential RNA splicing predicts two distinct nerve growth factor precursors.

Nerve growth factor (NGF) has a crucial role in the development of sensory and sympathetic neurones1–6. However, although it can affect other neural cell types under certain experimental conditions7, no biological role has been convincingly demonstrated elsewhere in the nervous system. The 5′ end of the mouse NGF gene contains several relatively short exons8. The NGF messenger RNA contains two in-frame initiator methionine codons; the second precedes the signal peptide sequence. Studies of the translation of other eukaryotic mRNAs indicate that the first AUG is preferred, suggesting that the signal for secretion might be ambiguous. We have analysed the NGF mRNA species from various cell types, some of which (clonal myoblast and fibroblast cell lines) are known to secrete NGF9,10, to search for different NGF transcripts. One pathway of RNA splicing generates the transcript already described from a submaxillary gland complementary DNA clone11. We demonstrate here that there is another splicing pathway, leading to a shorter transcript that lacks the second exon. This short transcript is the major form in most other mouse tissues and in the tissues of several other species, but both transcripts are usually present. In the short transcript, the initiator methionine is immediately upstream from a signal peptide-like sequence whereas in the long transcript the first methionine is 62 amino acids upstream from the signal peptide-like sequences. This may result in a different cellular localization of the NGF or alter the biological activity of the NGF precursor.
Computer Simulation of Grain Growth and Ostwald Ripening in Alumina—Zirconia Two‐Phase Composites

The kinetics of grain growth and Ostwald ripening in Al 2 O 3 -ZrB 2 two-phase composites was systematically investigated using two-dimensional (2-D) computer simulations, based on a diffuse-interface field model. Using average values for the experimentally measured ratios of the grain boundary energies to the interphase boundary energy as the input, the predicted 2-D microstructural features and their evolution are in excellent qualitative agreement with experimental observations on 2-D cross sections of 3-D Al 2 O 3 -ZrO 2 two-phase composite microstructures. It was found that the coupled grain growth in Al 2 O 3 -ZrO 2 composites is controlled by long-range diffusion and the average size (R t ) as a function of time (t) follows the power-growth law, R t m -R 0 m = kt with m = 3, which is independent of the initial microstructures and volume fractions of the two phases. The predicted variation of the kinetic coefficient (k) on the volume fraction follows a trend similar to that experimentally measured through the entire range of volume fractions. The scaling of grain size distributions is observed at a given volume fraction, i.e., they are time-invariant in the steady state. However, the characteristics of size distributions vary with the initial microstructures and the volume fractions. The relationship between matrix grain size and second-phase grain size is discussed.
Competitive and uncompetitive N -methyl- d -aspartate antagonist discriminations in pigeons: CGS 19755 and phencyclidine

The purpose of the present studies was to examine representative uncompetitive and competitive NMDA antagonists, as well as the glycine/NMDA antagonist, HA 966, in pigeons trained to discriminate either PCP or CGS 19755 from saline. Separate groups of pigeons were trained to discriminate either the uncompetitive, phencyclidine (PCP; 0.32 and 1.0 mg/kg, IM), or the competitive, CGS 19755 (cis-4-phosphonomethyl-2-piperidine-carboxylic acid; 1.8 mg/kg, IM), NMDA antagonists from saline. Uncompetitive and competitive NMDA antagonists were examined in generalization studies, as were the racemate and the (+) and (−) stereoisomers of HA 966 (3-amino-1-hydroxypyrrolid-2-one). Dizocilpine (MK 801) was fully generalized to PCP but not to CGS 19755. All competitive NMDA antagonists tested were fully generalized to CGS 19755, but not to PCP. The competitive antagonists, however, produced >50% PCP-appropriate responding. The (+) isomer of HA 966 was fully generalized by three of four pigeons discriminating PCP (1.0 mg/kg) or CGS 19755, whereas the racemate and the (−) isomer produced 10% drug-appropriate responding in either discrimination group. The competitive antagonists tended to produce peak drug-appropriate responding at times greater than 60 min after administration, whereas uncompetitive antagonists produced peak drug-appropriate responding at earlier times. HA 966 also had a relatively slow onset of action as compared to PCP. These results suggest that antagonists acting at different modulatory sites of the NMDA receptor complex produce similar, but not identical, discriminative stimuli.
Mouse models of alopecia: identifying structural genes that are baldly needed

The mature hair follicle undergoes a unique developmental cycle, in which phases of growth are interspersed with phases of involution and rest. The main effectors of this cycle are skin epithelial stem cells that reside in a specialized compartment of the follicle. Defects in this cycle, or in the structure of the hair produced, often result in alopecia (partial or complete hair loss), a condition that affects a significant fraction of the population. Here we discuss transgenic mouse models that exhibit alopecia as a primary phenotype, resulting from the inactivation of genes encoding structural proteins.
The tensor product: a mathematical programming language for FFTs and other fast DSP operations

The use of the tensor product as a tool for modeling and developing digital signal processing algorithms is discussed. A precise mathematical definition of the tensor product is established along with several important properties. Special tensor matrices suited for implementation on various computer architectures are then identified. The notion of the stride permutation matrix is introduced as a method of modeling operand addressing. An important connection between tensor matrices and stride permutations is made explicit. By identifying particular tensor matrices suited for implementation on a given machine the tensor product has been transformed from a mathematical convenience into an extremely useful tool for matching algorithms to computer architectures. Several design examples in which a tensor matrix multiplication is implemented on several radically different types of computer architectures are presented. >
Beyond Software Performance Visualization

Performance visualization tools of the last decade have yielded new insights into the new behavior of sequential, parallel, and distributed programs. However, they have three inherent limitations: (1) They only display what happened in one execution of a program. (This is dangerous when analyzing concurrent applications, which are prone to non-deterministic behavior.) (2) A human uses one or more bandwidth-limited senses with a visualization tool. (This limits the scalability of a visualization tool.) (3) The relationship of "interesting" program events are often separated in time by other events; thus discerning time dependent behavior often hinges on finding the "right" visualization - a possibly time-comsuming activity. CHITRA93 complements visualization systems, while alleviating these limitations. CHITRA93 analyzes a set (or ensemble) of traces by combining the visualization of a few traces with a statistical analysis of the entire ensemble (overcoming (1)); and reduces the ensemble to empirical models that capture the time dependent relationships of "interesting" program events through application, programming language, and computer architecture independent analysis tools (addressing (2) and (3)). CHITRA93 incorporates: transforms, such as aggregation, that simplify the ensemble and reduce the state space size of the models generated; a user interface that allows some transforms to be selected by editing the visualization with a mouse; homogeneity tests that allow partitioning of an ensemble; an efficient semi-Markov model generation algorithm whose computation time is linear in the sum of the lengths of the traces comprising the ensemble; and a CHAID-based model that can fathom non-Markovian relationships among transitions in the traces. The use of CHITRA93 is demonstrated by partitioning ten parallel database traces with nearly 8,000 states into two homogeneous subsets, each modeled by a 20 state irreducible, periodic (non-Markovian) stochastic process.
Homelessness and Money Mismanagement in Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans

Objectives. We examined the empirical link between money mismanagement and subsequent homelessness among veterans.Methods. We used a random sample of Iraq and Afghanistan War era veterans from the National Post-Deployment Adjustment Survey in 2009–2011.Results. Veterans were randomly selected from a roster of all US military service members in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom who were separated from active duty or in the Reserves/National Guard. Veterans (n = 1090) from 50 states and all military branches completed 2 waves of data collection 1 year apart (79% retention rate). Thirty percent reported money mismanagement (e.g., bouncing or forging a check, going over one’s credit limit, falling victim to a money scam in the past year). Multivariate analysis revealed money mismanagement (odds ratio [OR] = 4.09, 95% CI = 1.87, 8.94) was associated with homelessness in the next year, as were arrest history (OR = 2.65, 95% CI = 1.33, 5.29), mental health diagnosis (OR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.26,...
The use of the computer in serum lipid and lipoprotein analysis.

The usefulness of computers in data evaluation is generally recognized; however, the problem of utilizing a computer in the most intelligent manner deserves careful consideration. Several programs are described which aid in serum lipid and lipoprotein analysis. Two programs requiring a minimum of manual measurements have been developed to analyze gas-liquid chromatograms. These programs perform many operations including corrections for baseline, linearity, Gaussian resolution, and variation in column conditions. The presentation in some detail of one of these programs for NCH elemental analysis illustrates the development and refinement of a program for a specific instrument. Finally, a general purpose statistical analysis program has been developed which greatly aids in summarizing and correlating data from these programs, as well as other sources, such as ultracentrifugal data.
Thermal redistribution of energy from an excited 3ππ∗ term to a nearby chemically reactive 3dd level in [Rh(III)(NN)3](PF6)3 complexes

Abstract Below ∼ 150 K [Rh(NN) 3 ](PF 6 ) 3 complexes display 3 gpπ ∗ phosphorescences characteristic of the NN diimine ligand [NN = 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) or 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy)]. Above ∼ 150 K and below the melting point of glycerol, a temperature-dependent first-order photoreaction occurs. Temperature dependencies of these photochemical reactions conform to the Arrhenius equation with activation energies in the 2–3 × 10 3 cm −1 range. These results are interpreted in terms of thermal redistribution from an excited 3 ππ ∗ term to a nearby chemcially reactive 3 dd manifold. The relationship of the Arrhenius activation energies to the electronic states of the parent complexes and the paths of intramolecular energy migration are discussed.
Sexually Mature Cuttlefish are Attracted to the Eggs of Conspecifics

Cuttlefish typically are solitary, but form aggregations to spawn. We tested the hypothesis that bioactive factors in the eggs of conspecifics may facilitate the formation of spawning groups of Sepia officinalis. Cuttlefish detected odors from cuttlefish eggs, resulting in an increased ventilation rate. Extracts from female ovaries induced the largest increase in ventilation rate, suggesting that this organ could be a potential source of the bioactive chemicals. In y-maze assays, sexually mature, but not subadult, cuttlefish, were attracted to odors of cuttlefish eggs. These data suggest that Sepia eggs could be a source of reproductive pheromones.
Thermoplastic toughened styrenic thermosets: synthesis, properties and consequences of radical based cure chemistry

A novel thermosetting resin based on vinylic end groups was prepared and its network formation investigated. 2,2-Bis(4-vinylbenzyloxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane was prepared by the condensation of vinylbenzyl chloride with Bisphenol-AF in the presence of K2CO3. This distyrenic monomer was cured thermally to produce a highly crosslinked network with <0.5% sol fraction. The networks prepared by this reactive monomer were brittle. However, their fracture toughness could be modified with the incorporation of vinylbenzyl end-capped perfluoroalkylene aryl ether oligomers. The thermoplastic component phase separated into discrete composite particles in the continuous network phase. The thermoplastic modified network showed improved fracture toughness without sacrificing the modulus or good dielectric characteristics.
Hydrogen evolution by the flagellate green alga, Chlamydomonas moewusii.

Abstract 1. 1. Cultures of the flagellate green alga Chlamydomonas Moewusii Gerloff, grown under aerobic and autotrophic conditions, produce molecular hydrogen and carbon dioxide anaerobically in the dark. The ratio of hydrogen to carbon dioxide thus produced is below 0.5. 2. 2. Low light intensities have a pronounced effect on the production of hydrogen and a smaller effect on the production of carbon dioxide. The ratio of extra-light hydrogen to extra-light carbon dioxide reaches a value of 1.7. 3. 3. In the absence of carbon dioxide the rate of hydrogen production is a function of light intensity. It yields a curve with a maximum falling to zero near the light intensity which corresponds to the oxygen compensation point for normal photosynthesis and respiration. 4. 4. At low light intensities the ratio of hydrogen produced anaerobically and of oxygen produced in normal photosynthesis is in the neighborhood of two. This observation is in agreement with the assumption that the basic photochemical reaction in the two processes is the same. 5. 5. One atmosphere of hydrogen completely inhibits photoproduction of hydrogen. Molecular nitrogen and ammonia have no effect on this process. These observations are in agreement with previous work on the green alga Scenedesmus .
Applied travel research on trial

Abstract The 13th Annual Conference of the Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) was held in Miami, USA, 13–16 June 1982. Some 265 individuals from 35 of the United States and 28 other nations brought an international flavour to the 1982 conference. The theme was “Travel Research on Trial: Relevancy to the Travel Marketing Process in Troubled Times”.
PAIRING SYMMETRY AND PAIRING STATE IN FERROPNICTIDES: THEORETICAL OVERVIEW

Abstract We review the main ingredients for an unconventional pairing state in the ferropnictides, with particular emphasis on interband pairing due to magnetic fluctuations. Summarizing the key experimental prerequisites for such pairing, the electronic structure and nature of magnetic excitations, we discuss the properties of the s± state that emerges as a likely candidate pairing state for these materials and survey experimental evidence in favor of and against this novel state of matter.
Falsely positive bovine TSH radioimmunoassay responses in sera from patients with thyroid cancer.

ABSTRACT We previously reported a high incidence of material similar in immunological activity to bovine TSH in patients with thyroid cancer. Further investigation has revealed that these results were falsely positive. They can be attributed in part to previous immunization of some patients with injections of bovine TSH, and in part to nonspecific protein effects on the solid-phase radioimmunoassay system, which requires not only a constant protein concentration, but also a constant protein composition of the reaction medium.
The influence of variations in performance profiles on the performance evaluation process: An examination of the validity of the criterion.

Abstract This study investigated the effects of workers' actual performance on supervisory ratings of workers' ability, motivation, and overall performance. Sixty subjects participated in this 2 × 3 factorially designed experiment. Ratings made by judges of workers' total output were relatively unaffected by different worker performance patterns. High-variability workers were judged to be more able and less motivated than low-variability workers. Workers showing improvement were rated as more motivated than those whose pattern of performance was either random or deteriorating over time. The findings are discussed in terms of their implications for examining potential contamination by reducing the validity of the criterion test as suggested by the standards of APA.
Protein nanoparticles engineered to sense kinase activity in MRI.

We introduce a family of protein nanoparticles capable of sensing analytes in conjunction with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The new sensors are derived from the iron storage protein ferritin (Ft); they are designed and optimized using facile protein engineering methods, and self-assembled in cells harboring specific combinations of DNA coding sequences. As illustration, we show that suitably constructed Ft-based sensors can report activity of the important neural signaling enzyme protein kinase A (PKA). Phosphorylation of the engineered Ft-based nanoparticles by PKA promotes clustering and changes in T2-weighted MRI signal.
An Algorithm for the boundary control of the wave equation

Abstract An algorithm for the approximate determination of boundary controls in controllability problems for the wave equation is presented. The algorithm and its variants apply in any number of space dimensions. Furthermore, the algorithm can be used in connection with more general controllability problems involving hyperbolic partial differential equations.
Case 2-1993 Cardiopulmonary bypass in a patient with connective tissue disease (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) and multiple, small arteriovenous fistulae

A 59-year-old white man with a greater than 20 year history of high-output congestive heart failure (HOCHF) believed secondary to multiple arteriovenous (AV) fistulae presented for mitral valve replacement. He had a connective tissue disorder of undetermined type, but which was clinically similar to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). The patient was first noted to have an increased heart size and varicose .veins at the age of 17 and underwent multiple surgeries for varicose veins. He underwent pericardiectomy in 1970 for a pcricardial effusion with adhesions comphcated by venous thrombophlebitis. He had been on warfarin anticoagulation since then. In 1984, he complained of chronic dyspnea and was noted to be in atrial fibrillation (AF). Cardiac catheterization at that time showed a cardiac output (CO) of 10.6 Limin with otherwise normal hemodynamics. and moderate mitral and tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Multiple radiologic studies were unable to demonstrate AV malformations. After two episodes of severe CHF in 1990, he underwent repeat cardiac catheterization, which showed a markedly enlarged heart without significant wall motion abnormahties. The ejection fraction was 64%. Severe MR was present. The coronaries were normal. Resting hemodynamits revealed normal right-sided and left-sided filling pressures. With exercise, the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and pulmonary capillary wedge pres-
Precision radiotherapy for cancer of the pancreas: Technique and results

Abstract Forty patients with locally extensive, unresectable adenocarcinoma of the pancreas received precision high dose (PHD) radiation therapy with a 45 MeV betatron. A histologic diagnosis of cancer was established at laparotomy in every case. The gross margins of the tumor were outlined with radio-opaque clips in all but one case. The clipped tumor volume plus a 1 to 3 cm margin was irradiated to a minimum dose of 5900 to 7000 rad in 180 rad fractions over 7 to 9 weeks. For slender patients, a "mixed beam" technique was employed: opposed lateral 45-MeV photon beams mated to an anterior "mixed beam" consisting of 50 % 45-MeV photons and 50% 15–35 MeV electrons. The choice of electron energy depended upon the depth of the posterior margin of the target volume. For non-slender patients, a "box" technique consisting of 3 or 4 fields of 45-MeV photons was used. Where indicated, fields were shaped to conform the isodose distribution to the shape of the target volume. PHD radiotherapy was generally well tolerated. During !treatment, only 7 patients experienced significant nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or anorexia. Late gastrointestinal radiation reactions were observed in 7 patients (severe in 3 patients). Twelve patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. Relief of pain occurred in 2232 patients and anorexia improved in 815 patients following PHD radiotherapy. The projected survival of patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer treated with PHD radiotherapy is comparable to that of patients with resectable disease operated on for cure. The projected one year survival rate is 49%.
Modulation and genetic identification of the M channel

Abstract Potassium channels constitute a superfamily of the most diversified ion channels, acting in delicate and accurate ways to control or modify many physiological and pathological functions including membrane excitability, transmitter release, cell proliferation and cell degeneration. The M-type channel is a unique ligand-regulated and voltage-gated K + channel showing distinct physiological and pharmacological characteristics. This review will cover some important progress in the study of M channel modulation, particularly focusing on membrane transduction mechanisms. The K + channel genes corresponding to the M channel have been identified and will be reviewed in detail. It has been a long journey since the discovery of M current in 1980 to our present understanding of the mysterious mechanisms for M channel modulation; a journey which exemplifies tremendous achievements in ion channel research and exciting discoveries of elaborate modulatory systems linked to these channels. While substantial evidence has accumulated, challenging questions remain to be answered.
Comprehensive Periodontal Regenerative Care: Combination Therapy Involving Bone Allograft, a Biologic, a Barrier, and a Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft to Correct Hard- and Soft-Tissue Deformities

Type of Case: A 70-year-old white female was referred for evaluation and treatment of isolated periodontal lesions throughout her mouth. Her chief concern was the soft-tissue deformity that was present on her maxillary right canine. Radiographic evaluation of this area revealed that, along with this mucogingival defect, there was an intrabony lesion that required treatment.Case Presentation: The ability to enhance the prognosis and appearance of this tooth by restoring the hard-tissue support and soft-tissue profile in the same procedure has rarely been reported in the literature. This case report focuses on a layered approach that simultaneously addresses both aspects of the patient's problem. Treatment involved a mineralized allograft, a biologic agent, an amnion–chorion barrier, and a subepithelial connective tissue graft on a root treated with tetracycline.Conclusions: The clinical and radiographic results at 6 months suggest a very favorable result. Efforts to treat teeth that have both hard- and sof...
Sexual and physical abuse histories among child and adolescent psychiatric outpatients

Despite linkages between physical and sexual abuse experienced by children and adolescents and subsequent emotional, behavioral and mental disorders, no prior studies have examined the sexual or physical abuse histories occurring among young clients receiving outpatient mental health services. In the present chart review study, a high prevalence of documented and suspected abuse histories were found, with significant differences among male and female, and black and white outpatients, with respect to types of abuse experienced. Recommendations regarding further investigations in this area are discussed.
Role of prostaglandin E (PGE) in the modulation of the action of vasopressin on water flow in the urinary bladder of the toad and mammalian kidney.

PGE1 and PGE2 are known to interfere with the water permeability effect of vasopressin in toad bladder and kidney. It has been proposed that endogenous prostaglandin E (PGE), synthesized within cells of vasopressin-sensitive tissues, serves to modulate the permeability changes elicited by the neurohypophyseal hormone. Direct evidence in support of this hypothesis is as follows: vasopressin increases the biosynthesis of PGE2 in renal interstitial cells and in isolated toad bladder. In the latter, inhibition of vasopressin-induced synthesis of PGE by a variety of inhibitors results in a greater water permeability response to vasopressin. It appears that vasopressin has two effects in toad bladder and kidney: (i) it activates adenylate cyclase thereby increasing the concentration of adenosine 3′,5′ monophosphate (cyclic AMP), the nucleotide responsible for the resultant increase in water permeability; and (ii) it activates a phospholipase that serves to release arachidonic acid, the precursor of PGE2 from intracellular pools. The PGE derived from the arachidonic acid diminishes adenylate-cyclase activity, in consequence of which the response of the enzyme to vasopressin is modulated.
Adenosine deaminase‐deficient mice as models for adenosine‐mediated lung inflammation and damage

Adenosine has been implicated to play a role in the inflammatory lung disease, asthma; however, there are few in vivo model systems with which to study the role of adenosine in aspects of this disease. We recently generated mice deficient in the purine catabolic enzyme adenosine deaminase (ADA) that controls the levels of adenosine in tissues and cells. Results presented here demonstrate that elevated adenosine levels in ADA-deficient mice result in abnormal lung development and the promotion of lung inflammation and damage. ADA-deficient mice exhibit alveolar defects that are overcome by biochemically restoring ADA enzymatic activity to these animals. In addition, lowering ADA substrates in the lung using enzyme therapy reverses lung eosinophilia and mucus production. These results suggest that elevated adenosine, and perhaps abnormal adenosine signaling, are implicated in abnormal lung development and lung inflammation and damage in ADA-deficient mice. These mice will therefore serve as useful in vivo models in which to study the role of purinergic signaling in aspects of lung development and disease.
Balancing filter distortion and crosstalk impairments in optical networks

The design of optical communication networks with network switching elements operating in the optical domain requires careful system analysis and potentially stringent component requirements. We consider here network elements such as transparent optical cross-connects that demultiplex WDM signals, optically switch individual channels, and then multiplex the wavelengths together again before transmission into the next span. Network element optical impairments that can degrade signal quality are in-band (same wavelength) crosstalk, out-of-band crosstalk, and signal distortion from filter concatenation effects. These impairments can limit the transmission distance of a signal before regeneration is required. We examine the trade-offs between crosstalk and filter distortion in the context of the optical filters used in the optical multiplexers and demultiplexers in the network elements. We demonstrate the balance that must be struck between these impairment types in the design of the filters and network system. We study a 10 Gb/s network with 50 GHz channel spacing, examining both NRZ and RZ modulation formats. In both cases, we find optimal filter bandwidths that minimize the total signal degradation measured in terms of Q penalty. The total penalty suffered by RZ signals is higher than that of NRZ signals and must be considered when estimating system reach.
Sensitivity Functions and Their Uses in Inverse Problems

Abstract : In this note we present a critical review of the some of the positive features as well as some of the shortcomings of the generalized sensitivity functions "GSF" of Thomaseth-Cobelli in comparison to traditional sensitivity functions "TSF". We do this from a computational perspective of ordinary least squares estimation or inverse problems using two illustrative examples: the Verhulst-Pearl logistic growth model and a recently developed agricultural production network model. Because GSF provide information on the relevance of data measurements for the identification of certain parameters in a typical parameter estimation problems, we argue that they provide the basis for new tools for investigators in design of inverse problem studies.
Clinical Experience with a Port-Free Internal Liver Retractor in Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery

As laparoscopic techniques and instrumentation advance, bariatric surgery has begun to be performed through smaller incisions and fewer ports. Since the visualization of the dorso-lateral portion of the left liver lobe is critical for most bariatric procedures, surgeons have developed various techniques for providing adequate liver retraction without compromising patient safety. Herein, we present our experience with a port-free internal liver retractor used for bariatric cases. Endolift™ does not require an additional port or anchoring to an external device. After insertion through an existing 5-mm port by means of the applier, one of the two attached clips (one on either end) was anchored to the left crus of the diaphragm while the other was fixed to the peritoneum above the right liver lobe through or beneath the falciform ligament. At the end of the surgery, the device was easily removed by using the applier. We used this technique for 31 Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses and 2 single-incision sleeve gastrectomies. There were 24 females and 9 males with a mean age of 46 and mean body mass index 45.0 kg/m2. The mean operative time was 136.5 min. The time required for the placement of the device was 1–3 min. The approach to the upper part of the stomach was satisfactory in all patients. No device-related complications were observed. The internal liver retractor is easy to handle and provides adequate retraction and exposure for bariatric cases. It also has potential benefits for single-incision and reduced port laparoscopic procedures.
Pseudorandom noise code–based technique for thin-cloud discrimination with CO2 and O2 absorption measurements

NASA Langley Research Center is working on a continuous wave (CW) laser based remote sensing scheme for the detection of CO2 and O2 from space based platforms suitable for ACTIVE SENSING OF CO2 EMISSIONS OVER NIGHTS, DAYS, AND SEASONS (ASCENDS) mission. ASCENDS is a future space-based mission to determine the global distribution of sources and sinks of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). A unique, multi-frequency, intensity modulated CW (IMCW) laser absorption spectrometer (LAS) operating at 1.57 micron for CO2 sensing has been developed. Effective aerosol and cloud discrimination techniques are being investigated in order to determine concentration values with accuracies less than 0.3%. In this paper, we discuss the demonstration of a pseudo noise (PN) code based technique for cloud and aerosol discrimination applications. The possibility of using maximum length (ML)-sequences for range and absorption measurements is investigated. A simple model for accomplishing this objective is formulated, Proof-of-concept experiments carried out using SONAR based LIDAR simulator that was built using simple audio hardware provided promising results for extension into optical wavelengths.
Tables and intercomparisons of evolutionary sequences of models for massive stars

Tables of evolutionary sequences of models for massive stars have been prepared for a variety of physical input parameters that are normally treated as free. These parameters include the interior convective mixing scheme, the mixing length in the outer convective envelope, the rate of stellar-wind mass loss, the initial stellar mass, and the initial chemical composition. Ranges of specified initial mass and initial chemical composition are M = 10-120 solar masses, Xe = 0.602-0.739, and Ze = 0.021-0.044. The tables cover evolution of the star from the ZAMS to either the end of core H burning or the end of core He burning. Differences among the evolutionary tracks are illustrated primarily in terms of the interior mixing scheme, since the amount and timing of stellar wind mass loss are still very uncertain for initial masses above about 30 solar masses.
High-performance liquid chromatography of oleanane-type triterpenes

Abstract Seven oleanane-type triterpenes and sitosterol, which may be present together in natural mixtures, were successfully resolved by normal phase high-performance liquid chromatography on a silica gel column. A rapid isocratic separation was achieved using a ternary solvent system of hexane-isopropanol methanol (96:3.5:0.5). Derivatization was not required for compounds that were detected by UV absorption at 210 nm. This method, applied to qualitative and quantitative analysis of triterpenes extracted from seeds and callus tissue culture of Chenopodium quinoa, has proved to be efficient, highly reproducible and sensitive.
Sodium nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of myocardial tissue of dogs after coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging techniques have been applied to the observation of tissue sodium-23 in normal and ischemic canine myocardium. To produce a region of ischemia and infarction in the myocardium, in six dogs a coronary artery was subjected to 1 hour of surgical occlusion followed by 1 hour of reperfusion. The dogs were then killed and sodium-23 NMR images of the excised hearts were obtained using a high field NMR imaging system. These images were compared with tissue sodium contents measured by flame photometry. The regions of ischemic damage were clearly visible as areas of increased sodium NMR signal on the three-dimensional images. A good correspondence was found between the relative intensity of the sodium signals and the sodium contents of normal myocardium and myocardium subjected to coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion. The data suggest the feasibility of NMR sodium imaging to detect the location and extent of myocardial damage in patients with coronary artery disease.
NFBD1, Like 53BP1, Is an Early and Redundant Transducer Mediating Chk2 Phosphorylation in Response to DNA Damage

Abstract Signaling pathways in response to DNA double strand breaks involve molecular cascades consisting of sensors, transducers, and effector proteins that activate cell cycle checkpoints and recruit repair machinery proteins. NFBD1 (a nuclearfactor with BRCT domains protein 1) contains FHA (forkhead–associated), BRCT (breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 carboxylterminus) domains, and internal repeats and is an early participant in nuclear foci in response to IR. To elucidate its role in the response pathways, small interfering RNA (siRNA) directed against NFDB1 in human cells demonstrated that its absence is associated with increased radio-sensitivity and delayed G2/M transition, but not G1 to S. NFBD1 associates with nuclear foci within minutes following IR, a property similar to histone H2AX, 53BP1, and Chk2, which are all early participants in the DNA damage signaling cascade. Temporal studies show that H2AX is required for the foci positive for NFBD1, but NFBD1 is not needed for 53BP1- and H2AX-positive foci. NFBD1, together with 53BP1, plays a partially redundant role in regulating phosphorylation of the downstream effector protein, Chk2, since abrogation of both diminishes phosphorylated Chk2 in IR-induced foci. These results place NFBD1 parallel to 53BP1 in regulating Chk2 and downstream of H2AX in the recruitment of repair and signaling proteins to sites of DNA damage.
New Opacity Calculations

I have computed new opacities for model stellar atmospheres and envelopes using a large grant of Cray computer time at the San Diego Supercomputer Center. The opacities include 58,000,000 atomic and diatomic molecular lines. Twelve-step distribution functions are tabulated for 56 temperatures in the range from 2000K to 200000K, for 21 log pressures from −2 to 8, for 1212 wavelength intervals from 10 to 10000 nm, for microturbulent velocities 0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 km/s, for scaled solar abundances [+1.0], [+0.5], [+0.3], [+0.2], [+0.1], [+0.0], [−0.1], [−0.2], [−0.3], [−0.5], [−1.0], [−1.5], [−2.0], [−2.5], [−3.0], [−3.5], [−4.0], [−4.5], [−5.0], and [+0.0, no He] (log abundance of elements heavier than helium relative to solar). Rosseland means are also tabulated for each case. The final files for each abundance require three 6250 bpi VAX backup tapes. I am now distributing tape copies. I hope to have CD-ROMs available in the near future. A solar photospheric model computed with the new opacities matches the observed energy distribution.
Large scale enantiomeric synthesis, purification, and characterization of ω-unsaturated amino acids via a Gly-Ni(II)-BPB-complex

Abstract The enantiomeric syntheses of ω-unsaturated amino acids and β-substituted ω-unsaturated amino acids were accomplished by using Gly-Ni-2[N-(N′-benzylprolyl)amino]benzophenone (BPB) as a chiral auxiliary. The synthesis provides excellent yields and high diastereoselectivities. The product crystallization followed by isomer epimerization strategy makes the reaction practical and useful for large-scale preparations. Dialkylation of the Ni(II)-complex, which was designed for mechanistic considerations, revealed that high diastereoselectivity is obtained due to the thermodynamic conformational stability of the Ni(II)-complex. The assignment of absolute configuration was accomplished by NMR, which is supported by corresponding X-ray structure and optical rotation data. Both enantiomerically pure amino acids can be synthesized in this alkylation–hydrolysis two-step strategy in multi gram scales.