cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Function Relating Stuttering to Phoneme Frequency and Transition Probability.

Information theories of stuttering maintain that stuttering is associated with linguistic units which carry high information. Our independent variables were the frequency and transition probability of phonemes in initial positions of words and carefully constructed nonsense syllables. Our experimental controls involved phoneme position, type of phoneme, word stress, word length, word frequency, syllable structure, speech rate, operational definitions of stuttering, comparisons of mild and severe stutterers, and tests of interjudge scoring reliability. Twenty-nine stutterers and 78 nonstutterers produced the materials at maximum rate. We found no correlation between stuttering and either phoneme frequency or transitional uncertainty. The function relating stuttering to phoneme frequency and transition probability was flat.
Local turbulence model for predicting circulation rates in bubble columns

Mise en place d'un nouveau modele a partir de ceux de la litterature qui permet la determination des profils de vitesse moyens dans le temps. Trois zones sont considerees: le cœur, le tampon et la couche laminaire claire a la paroi. Le modele prend en compte la viscosite du liquide
Pampered or enslaved? the moral dilemmas of pets

This essay discusses whether the practice of keeping pets, defined as a class of animals existing for human purposes, is morally acceptable. Clouding the issue is the claim that humans have always had pets. Selected historical examples show that this is not the case. Instead, the doctrine of human supremacy has meant that close relationships with animals have often been ideologically impossible. Today, however, increasing knowledge about animals’ intellectual and emotional capacities blurs the once‐distinct boundary between humans and other animals. Given this knowledge, treatment of animals must also be reassessed. In particular, the essay argues that animals have the basic right not to be treated as the property of others. Although a world without pets is unpleasant to consider, the perpetuation of our pleasure is not sufficient reason to enslave other animals.
SU‐E‐J‐55: Dosimetric Evaluation of Centrally Located Lung Tumors: A Monte Carlo (MC) Study of Lung SBRT Planning

Purpose: To compare dose distributions calculated using the iPlan XVMC algorithm and heterogeneities corrected/uncorrected Pencil Beam (PB-hete/PB-homo) algorithms for SBRT treatments of lung tumors. Methods: Ten patients with centrally located solitary lung tumors were treated using MC-based SBRT to 60Gy in 5 fractions for PTVV100%=95%. ITV was delineated on MIP-images based on 4D-CT scans. PTVs(ITV+5mm margins) ranged from 10.1–106.5cc(mean=48.6cc). MC-SBRT plans were generated with a combination of non-coplanar conformal arcs/beams using iPlan-XVMC-algorithm (BrainLABiPlan ver.4.1.2) for Novalis-TX consisting of HD-MLCs and 6MV-SRS(1000MU/min) mode, following RTOG 0813 dosimetric criteria. For comparison, PB-hete/PB-homo algorithms were used to re-calculate dose distributions using same beam configurations, MLCs/monitor units. Plans were evaluated with isocenter/maximal/mean doses to PTV. Normal lung doses were evaluated with V5/V10/V20 and mean-lung-dose(MLD), excluding PTV. Other OAR doses such as maximal spinal cord/2cc-esophagus/max bronchial tree (BT/maximal heart doses were tabulated. Results: Maximal/mean/isocenter doses to PTV calculated by PB-hete were uniformly larger than MC plans by a factors of 1.09/1.13/1.07, on average, whereas they were consistently lower by PB-homo by a factors of 0.9/0.84/0.9, respectively. The volume covered by 5Gy/10Gy/20Gy isodose-lines of the lung were comparable (average within±3%) when calculated by PB-hete compared to XVMC, but, consistently lower by PB-homo by a factors ofmore » 0.90/0.88/0.85, respectively. MLD was higher with PB-hete by 1.05, but, lower by PB-homo by 0.9, on average, compared to XVMC. XVMC max-cord/max-BT/max-heart and 2cc of esophagus doses were comparable to PB-hete; however, PB-homo underestimates by a factors of 0.82/0.89/0.88/0.86, on average, respectively. Conclusion: PB-hete significantly overestimates dose to PTV relative to XVMC -hence underdosing the target. MC is more complex and accurate with tissue-heterogeneities.The magnitude of variation significantly varies with ‘small-island-tumor’ surrounded by low-density lung tissues -PB algorithms lacks later electron scattering. Dose calculation with XVMC for lung SBRT is routinely performed in our clinic, its performance for head'neck/sinus cases will also be investigated.« less
U-74, 500A inhibition of burn-induced cardiac dysfunction

Our previous studies suggest that oxygen-derived free radicals, particularly the hydroxyl radical, play a major role in cardiac dysfunction which is characteristic of burn injury. In this present study, we examined the effects of U-74,500A (U7), a 21-aminosteroid, nonglucocorticoid on ventricular contraction and relaxation recovery from burn injury. Parameters measured included left ventricular pressure (LVP) and the maximal rate of LVP rise (+dP/dt max) and fall (-dP/dt max). Full-thickness burns comprising 45% of the total body surface area (burn groups, N = 69) or 0% for controls (Group 1, N = 8) were produced in guinea pigs. In Group 2, 20 burned guinea pigs were not fluid resuscitated (vehicle only) and served as untreated burns; in Group 3, 11 burned guinea pigs received U7 alone (2.5 mg/kg in 0.01 N HCl iv). Eleven burned guinea pigs were resuscitated with vehicle plus 4 ml lactated Ringer's (LR)/kg/% burn for 24 hr (Group 4); in Group 5, 14 guinea pigs were treated with U7 as described for Group 3 followed immediately by LR for 24 hr as described for Group 4. In Group 6, U7 was administered immediately postburn as described for Group 3; and LR resuscitation, begun 1 hr postburn, was continued for 24 hr (N = 14). Compared to controls, untreated burn injury significantly impaired cardiac function as indicated by a fall in LVP (74 +/- 3 vs 60 +/- 4 mm Hg, P less than 0.05) and +/- dP/dt max (1126 +/- 51 vs 1011 +/- 39 and 1159 +/- 53 vs 993 +/- 59 mm Hg/sec, P less than 0.05, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A finite element approach to global-local modeling in composite laminate analysis

A finite element model is described to study interlaminar stresses within polymer composite laminated materials. This model is based upon a global-local model proposed by Pagano and Soni in 1983. The development of solution procedures includes an out-of-core memory solving technique. The numerical results generated for simple plate problems with and without holes in the center under uniaxial loading are reported. Comments regarding the finite-element mesh-size, numerical stability, problem size and sensitivity of results to substructuring of the laminate into global and local regions have also been discussed.
SU-E-J-174: ITV Variations as a Function of CT Geometry and Scan Time : A Simulation Study Using Patient Data.

Purpose: The internal target volume (ITV) accounts for uncertainties in tumor position and shape and is defined from images acquired with 4DCT. In this work, the locations of gold fiducial markers implanted in lungtumors of seven patients are used to represent tumor motion and investigate the role of the CTscanner geometry and scan duration on ITV definition. Methods: All of the simulations are geometric simulations performed in MATLAB (The Mathworks, Nattick,MA) and variations in image reconstruction are not considered. The CTscanner geometries simulated include a 4‐slice CTscanner (with an axial field of view of 10 mm) and an ‘ideal’ CTscanner geometry that covers all potential tumor positions in the same bed position (axial field of view of 100 mm). The scan durations were varied from 6 seconds per bed position to 30 seconds per bed position. For all of the simulations, the tumor was modeled as a sphere of diameter 25 mm. The ITVs were compared by calculating the mean ITV for each patient and scan parameters. Results: For all of the patients, the mean ITV increased as the scan duration increased. The maximum increase in mean ITV was 25%. Conclusions: This work highlights the potential benefit of modified CT protocols to determine the ITV. One example of a modified protocol would be to increase the scan duration (to decrease ITV uncertainties) while decreasing the mA of the scanner (to avoid giving extra radiation dose). The largest factor influencing the ITV is the scan duration (and not the scanner geometry).
Sexual differences in the excretion of organic and inorganic mercury by methyl mercury-treated rats.

Adult male and female Long Evans rats received 1 μmole of methyl (203Hg) mercuric chloride per kilogram sc. Whole-body retention of mercury and excretion of organic and inorganic mercury in urine and feces were monitored for 98 days after dosing. Females cleared mercury from the body more rapidly than did males. The major route of mercury excretion was feces. By 98 days after dosing, cumulative mercury excretion in feces accounted for about 51% of the dose in males and about 54% of the dose in females. For both sexes, about 33% of the dose was excreted in feces as inorganic mercury. Cumulative excretion of organic mercury in feces accounted for about 18 and 21% of the dose in males and females, respectively. Urinary excretion of mercury was quantitatively a smaller route for mercury clearance but important sexual differences in loss by this route were found. Over the 98-day experimental period, males excreted in urine about 3.2% of the dose and females excreted 7.5%. Cumulative organic Hg excretion in urine accounted for 1.8% of the dose in males and 5.3% of the dose in females. These sexual differences in urinary and fecal excretion of organic and inorganic mercury following methyl mercury treatment were consistent with previous reports of sexual differences in mercury distribution and retention in methyl mercury-treated rats, particularly sexual differences in organic mercury uptake and retention in the kidney. Relationships between body burdens of organic or inorganic Hg and output of these forms of Hg in urine and feces were also found to be influenced by the interval after MeHg treatment and by sex. Relationship between concentration of Hg in liver and feces and in kidney and urine differed for organic and inorganic Hg and depended upon sexual status and interval after MeHg treatment. These findings emphasize that sexual differences in distribution, retention, and metabolism of methyl mercury are factors to be considered in estimations of hazards associated with exposure to this agent.
Information systems and collection development in public libraries

Collection development in public libraries is performed by one or more librarians who make use of a variety of selection tools. Computers and information systems are becoming increasingly important tools for selectors because they offer alternatives for assessing user needs, for gathering information about published materials, and for obtaining materials quickly. This paper describes a case study of twelve public library systems, the tasks they perform, and the sources they use in collection development. The selectors reported satisfaction with their jobs, increasing reliance upon information systems and electronic resources, and the need for system improvements to support selection for local collections in a publishing climate responsive to popular taste.
A finite volume model of cardiac propagation.

This paper describes a two-dimensional cardiac propagation model based on the finite volume method (FVM). This technique, originally derived and applied within the field of computational fluid dynamics, is well suited to the investigation of conduction in cardiac electrophysiology Specifically, the FVM permits the consideration of propagation in a realistic structure, subject to arbitrary fiber orientations and regionally defined properties. In this application of the FVM, an arbitrarily shaped domain is decomposed into a set of constitutive quadrilaterals. Calculations are performed in a computational space, in which the quadrilaterals are all represented simply as squares. Results are related to their physical-space equivalents by means of a transformation matrix. The method is applied to a number of cases. First, large-scale propagation is considered, in which a magnetic resonance-imaged cardiac cross-section serves as the governing geometry. Next, conduction is examined in the presence of an isthmus formed by the microvasculature in a slice of papillary muscle tissue. Under ischemic conditions, the safety factor for propagation is seen to be related to orientation of the fibers within the isthmus. Finally, conduction is studied in the presence of an inexcitable obstacle and a curved fibe field. This example illustrates the dramatic influence of the complex orientation of the fibers on the resulting activation pattern. The FVM provides a means of accurately modeling the cardiac structure and can help bridge the gap between computation and experiment in cardiac electrophysiology.
Effects of operation parameters on multitarget tracking in proximity sensor networks

ABSTRACT This paper investigates eects of operation parameters on multitarget tracking in proximity sensor networks. Insuch a network, the sensors report a detection when a target is within the proximity; otherwise, the sensors reportno detection. Previous work has revealed the potential of multitarget tracking via the particle-based probabilityhypothesis density (PHD) lter when incorporating these binary reports. This work investigates how the sensordensity, sensing range, and target separation aect the ability of the PHD lter to estimate the number of targetsin the scene and to localize these targets (as measured by four dierent metrics). Two possible measurementmodels are considered. The disc model assumes target detection within a sensing radius, and the probabilisticmodel assumes 1 /r propagation decay of the source signal so that the probability of detection decreases withrange r. The simulations demonstrate the simplistic disc model is inadequate for the PHD lter to estimate thenumber of targets, and the lter for the disc model exhibits diculty to localize widely separated targets forlow sensor densities. On the other hand, the more realistic probabilistic model leads to a PHD lter that canaccurately estimate the number and locations of targets even for small target separations.Keywords: Proximity sensor, multiple target tracking, PHD lter
Formation of periodic microstructures on multilayer dielectric gratings prior to total ablation

The damage morphology produced by high-power, short-pulse lasers on multilayer dielectric (MLD) gratings has been closely examined. An unusual ripple formation arises under specific laser fluence conditions and produces a bright diffractive effect. A single irradiation does not produce this morphology, proving that it is a cumulative effect requiring multiple laser shots on a test site. The period of this microstructure is found to be between 2.0 and 2.4 mum. The ripple orientation varies across the test site. Varying several experimental conditions such as pulse length, beam polarization and angle of incidence still produces this periodic microstructure, though not always efficiently. This morphology is not seen on MLD stacks or other homogeneous samples.
Building a graphics debugger

While the dream of a graphics debugger on par with GDB or Visual Studio is one of the better sorts of dreams to have, there are many difficult challenges involved in making that dream a reality. Some of these challenges are fundamental to the task of graphics debugging while others are the result of drivers, shaders and hardware being designed with little thought to the graphics debugging process. While adding additional detail to our SIGGRAPH paper on this subject[Duca et al. 2005] is one of our goals, we also want to show how well current systems work with the basic paradigm of graphics debugging. As will be clear, some graphics systems and programming models put up hurdles that, if removed, would go a long way toward simplifying the design of a graphics debugger.
Gas-phase basicities of serine and dipeptides of serine and glycine

The gas-phase basicities of serine and dipeptides containing amino acid residues of serine and glycine were determined by proton transfer reactions in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. The gas-phase basicity (GB) of L-serine was found to be 205.9 kcal/mol, with addition of a hydroxymethyl group (−CH2OH) increasing the basicity by 4.5 kcal/mol relative to the simplest amino acid glycine (GB = 201.4 kcal/mol). This is attributed to a combination of intramolecular hydrogen bonding, induction, and symmetry effects. For the dipeptides, addition of a hydroxymethyl group does not result in a large increase in basicity relative to the basicity of glycylglycine (GB = 208.0 kcal/mol). The gas-phase basicities determined for glycyl-l-serine, l-serylglycine, and l-sery-l-serine are 209.3,210.6, and 210.9 kcal/mol, respectively. In comparison to glycylglycine, addition of the hydroxymethyl group at the N terminus has a greater impact on basicity than its placement at the C terminus. These data suggest that the protonation site for these dipeptides is the N-terminal amino nitrogen.
Automated standardization technique for an inductively-coupled plasma emission spectrometer

Abstract The manifold assembly subsystem described permits real-time computer-controlled standardization and quality control of a commercial inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer. The manifold assembly consists of a branch-structured glass manifold, a series of microcomputer-controlled solenoid valves, and a reservoir for each standard. Automated standardization involves selective actuation of each solenoid valve that permits a specific mixed standard solution to be pumped to the nebulizer of the spectrometer. Quality control is based on the evaluation of results obtained for a mixed standard containing 17 analytes, that is measured periodically with unknown samples. An inaccurate standard evaluation triggers restandardization of the instrument according to a predetermined protocol. Interaction of the computer-controlled manifold assembly hardware with the spectrometer system is outlined. Evaluation of the automated standardization system with respect to reliability, simplicity, flexibility, and efficiency is compared to the manual procedure.
Atomic absorption with ultracold atoms

Abstract Recent advances in laser-atom cooling techniques and diode-laser technology now allow one to conduct an idealised atomic absorption experiment comprising a sample of ultracold, quasi-stationary absorbing atoms and a source of near-monochromatic resonant light. Under such conditions, the atomic absorption coefficient at line centre is independent of the oscillator strength of the atomic resonance line. This offers the prospect of ‘oscillator-strength-free’ atomic absorption spectroscopy in which the absorption signal is equally large for both strong and weak (closed) transitions of the same wavelength and in which absolute atomic absorption could be performed without knowledge of the oscillator strength. Moreover, the resolution and sensitivity for a given atom density are greatly enhanced, typically by approximately three orders of magnitude (and even more for weak transitions), compared with conventional flame or graphite-furnace atomic absorption. We describe an atomic absorption experiment based on samples of ultracold, laser-cooled caesium atoms and a narrow-bandwidth diode laser source that approximates the idealised conditions for oscillator-strength-free atomic absorption. The absorption measurements are used to determine the number density and temperature (approx. 6 μK) of the sample of ultracold atoms. Some of the technical obstacles that would have to be overcome before samples of ultracold atoms and diode laser sources could be used in analytical atomic absorption spectroscopy are discussed.
Thermal conductivity and H2O content in rabbit kidney cortex and medulla

1. 1.|H2O content and local-tissue thermal conductivity were measured in cortex and medulla of 7 freshly-excised rabbit kidneys. 2. 2.|Tissue H2O content and thermal conductivity k (83.4% and 0.516 W m−t K−1, respectively) in the medulla were significantly higher than those (77.7% and 0.475 W m−1 K−1, respectively) measured in the cortex. 3. 3.|Correlations between the measured parameters are made, and the variability of previously-reported measurements of kidney-tissue thermal conductivity is discussed.
Bohr's Radius for Polynomials in One Complex Variable

We consider complex polynomials of degree n that are bounded by one in the unit disc and give estimates on the size of the radius Rn of the disc where the sum of the moduli of the individual terms of the polynomial is less than one. We find that there are positive constants C1, C2 such that $$C_1 \frac{1} {{3^{{n \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {n 2}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} 2}} }} < R_n - \frac{1} {3} < C_2 \frac{{\log n}} {n}.$$ This result generalizes the celebrated theorem of Harald Bohr to polynomials of degree n.
Functional restoration of elbow flexion in brachial plexus injuries: results in 167 patients (excluding obstetric brachial plexus injury).

Abstract From 1985 to 1990, 167 patients were treated for impaired elbow flexion caused by brachial plexus injury. Surgical procedures were divided into two categories: nerve reconstruction (128 patients) and muscle or tendon transfers (39 patients). Surgery in the nerve reconstruction group included direct suturing, nerve grafting of portions of the brachial plexus responsible for elbow flexion, or nerve transfer (intercostal, phrenic, or spinal accessory nerve) to the musculocutaneous nerve. The second category included tendon or muscle transfer or a functioning free muscle transplantation for biceps replacement. Results were assessed by the Medical Research Council grading system and weight-lifting evaluation. Functional results revealed that nerve reconstruction was superior to muscle tendon transfers, direct suturing was superior to nerve grafting, short nerve grafts ( 10 cm), infraclavicular plexus injuries did better than supraclavicular injuries, vascularized ulnar nerve grafts (if indicated) were superior to conventional long nerve grafts, ruptured plexus injuries recovered better than root avulsions. Intercostal nerve transfer to the musculocutaneous nerve has satisfactory results. In the muscle tendon transfer group, Steindler flexorplasty resulted in upgrading muscle strength from level one to level two. Functioning free muscle transplantation had results similar to the latissimus dorsi transfer.
Is Embedded Librarianship Right for Your Institution

Embedded librarians, connected with students and faculty inside the classroom, lab and studio, have new opportunities for preparing students for research and for collaborating with faculty on course-integrated information literacy, research assignment design, teaching, assignment interpretation, and timely student assistance. What makes embedded librarianship a good fit for an institution? How different is this from the traditional librarian support of student and faculty research based in the library? The answers may be found by looking at the evolution of partnerships and embedded librarians in an online nursing course and an on-campus biology learning community at one institution.
The effect of evolving resource synergy beliefs on the intentions–behavior discrepancy in ethical consumption

Abstract Consumers are less likely to buy ethical products than their stated intentions in marketplace polls, due at least in part to the distinct temporal frames guiding their poll responses versus actual purchase decisions. We propose that as consumers' beliefs about the synergy between the resources a firm devotes to their ethical and functional attributes evolve, as part of the broader ethical marketing/corporate social responsibility movement, from negative to positive, this discrepancy between intentions and behavior is likely to disappear. Two studies provide support for this basic contention, implicating the importance consumers ascribe to a brand's ethical attribute as the driver of the temporal frame- and resource synergy beliefs-based differences in their preference for that brand.
Potassium Currents in Developing Neurons

: In Xenopus spinal neurons, delayed rectifier type voltage-dependent potassium currents (IKv) are developmentally regulated. These currents play a pivotal role in maturation of the action potential from a long-duration calcium-dependent impulse to a brief sodium-dependent one. Although spinal neurons are heterogeneous, IKv undergoes a synchronized and homogenous developmental functional up-regulation across this diverse population of motor, sensory, and interneurons. This finding suggested that the diverse population of neurons expressed a common potassium channel. Thus, recent efforts have been directed towards cloning the relevant potassium channel gene. However, these molecular studies reveal an unsuspected heterogeneity in the molecular components of voltage-dependent potassium channels. Further, synchronous differentiation of IKv is achieved via heterogeneous Kv channel gene expression.
Upregulated expression of complement inhibitory proteins on bladder cancer cells and anti-MUC1 antibody immune selection

Membrane complement inhibitors (CD46, CD55 and CD59) are upregulated in some human cancers indicating that they play a role in immune evasion. We investigated complement inhibitor expression in bladder cancer and examined the hypothesis that selective pressure of an antibody response (anti-MUC1) results in the upregulated expression of complement inhibitors on tumor cells. Paired samples of tumor and normal tissue from 22 bladder cancer patients were analyzed for expression of MUC1, CD46, CD55 and CD59, and matched serum samples analyzed for anti-MUC1 IgM and IgG levels. Relationships between anti-MUC1 antibody levels and complement inhibitor expression were investigated. MUC1 mRNA was upregulated in 86% of tumor samples. CD46 was upregulated in 77%, CD55 in 55% and CD59 in 59% of tumors. Low titer anti-MUC1 IgM was detected in normal human sera, but was elevated in 41% of the bladder cancer patients. Anti-MUC1 IgG was virtually absent from normal sera, but present in 32% of the cancer patients. There was a direct relationship between anti-MUC1 antibody titer and expression level of complement inhibitors. Analysis of the correlation of each antibody with the expression of each complement inhibitor by Spearman's rank test revealed a strong correlation between both anti-MUC1 IgM and IgG levels and increased expression of CD46 and CD55, and combined anti-MUC1 IgM/IgG levels correlated with increased expression of all 3 complement inhibitors. In conclusion, the data demonstrate upregulated complement inhibitor expression and the presence of an anti-MUC1 antibody response in bladder cancer patients and support the hypothesis of antibody-mediated immune selection.
TRAINING ANALYSIS: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE.

My attempt has been to show that there are fundamental and wide areas of agreement in psychoanalytic theory and technique, as formulated. By focusing on these, wasting no energies to proving others wrong, only when necessary warding off attempts at interference with open forums for discussion, while devoting most of our energies to defining the issues in this transitional phase will we be better able to preserve and develop what psychoanalysis can offer now and in the future. I have attempted to indicate that there are aspects of psychoanalytic theory and technique which are fundamental in psychoanalytic education and that every political ideology has been forced to realize that interference with the unbiased approach has blocked their advances in science. The preservation and enhancement of these aspects of psychoanalytic education are our greatest opportunity and our greatest responsibility.
Lipids in the Northern Pike

Abstract The northern pike, Esox lucius, is a ready source of food in many arctic and subarctic areas of North America. Because little information is available concerning lipids in fresh-water fish a study was made of these substances in the northern pike. Specimens were caught on hooks in Lake Minchumina, Alaska. Blood and liver were analyzed for fatty acids, sterols, and phospholipids. The pike is distinctive in having a rather high liver cholesterol–0.89 percent of fresh tissue. The other lipids are not unique but fall into the pattern for animals previously studied. However, marine fish in general have consistently more fat in the liver than does the northern pike.
Visual Survey of Cancer Dissemination: Classic Patterns on Helical CT of the Neck and Thorax

Important sites of metastasis from intrathoracic and extrathoracic primary neoplasms are depicted on helical CT of the neck and thorax. This pictorial essay reviews several of these key sites of dissemination. For each, we illustrate the typical or classic appearance on helical CT and note the commonly associated primary malignancies.
Unitary non-shrinking diffraction peaks

Abstract A simplified model of n-particle production amplitudes is constructed, which, combined with unitary, yields a non-shrinking elastic scattering amplitude, and an integral equation which can be used to determine the shape of the diffraction peak.
Discovery of selective bioactive small molecules by targeting an RNA dynamic ensemble

Current approaches used to identify protein-binding small molecules are not suited for identifying small molecules that can bind emerging RNA drug targets. By docking small molecules onto an RNA dynamic ensemble constructed by combining NMR spectroscopy and computational molecular dynamics, we virtually screened small molecules that target the entire structure landscape of the transactivation response element (TAR) from HIV type 1 (HIV-1). We quantitatively predict binding energies for small molecules that bind different RNA conformations and report the de novo discovery of six compounds that bind TAR with high affinity and inhibit its interaction with a Tat peptide in vitro (K(i) values of 710 nM-169 μM). One compound binds HIV-1 TAR with marked selectivity and inhibits Tat-mediated activation of the HIV-1 long terminal repeat by 81% in T-cell lines and HIV replication in an HIV-1 indicator cell line (IC(50) ∼23.1 μM).
Evaluation of the geometric accuracy of surrogate-based gated VMAT using intrafraction kilovoltage x-ray images.

Purpose: To evaluate the geometric accuracy of beam targeting in external surrogate-based gated volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) using kilovoltage (kV) x-ray images acquired during dose delivery. Methods: Gated VMAT treatments were delivered using a Varian TrueBeam STx Linac for both physical phantoms and patients. Multiple gold fiducial markers were implanted near the target. The reference position was created for each implanted marker, representing its correct position at the gating threshold. The gating signal was generated from the RPM system. During the treatment, kV images were acquired immediately before MV beam-on at every breathing cycle, using the on-board imaging system. All implanted markers were detected and their 3D positions were estimated using in-house developed software. The positioning error of a marker is defined as the distance of the marker from its reference position for each frame of the images. The overall error of the system is defined as the average over all markers. For the phantom study, both sinusoidal motion (1D and 3D) and real human respiratory motion was simulated for the target and surrogate. In the baseline case, the two motions were synchronized for the first treatment fraction. To assess the effects of surrogate-target correlation on the geometric accuracy,more » a phase shift of 5% and 10% between the two motions was introduced. For the patient study, intrafraction kV images of five stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) patients were acquired for one or two fractions. Results: For the phantom study, a high geometric accuracy was achieved in the baseline case (average error: 0.8 mm in the superior-inferior or SI direction). However, the treatment delivery is prone to geometric errors if changes in the target-surrogate relation occur during the treatment: the average error was increased to 2.3 and 4.7 mm for the phase shift of 5% and 10%, respectively. Results obtained with real human respiratory curves show a similar trend. For a target with 3D motion, the technique is able to detect geometric errors in the left-right (LR) and anterior-posterior (AP) directions. For the patient study, the average intrafraction positioning errors are 0.8, 0.9, and 1.4 mm and 95th percentile errors are 1.7, 2.1, and 2.7 mm in the LR, AP, and SI directions, respectively. Conclusions: The correlation between external surrogate and internal target motion is crucial to ensure the geometric accuracy of surrogate-based gating. Real-time guidance based on kV x-ray images overcomes the potential issues in surrogate-based gating and can achieve accurate beam targeting in gated VMAT.« less
Immunoregulatory adherent cells in human tuberculosis: Radiation-sensitive antigen-specific suppression by monocytes

In human tuberculosis, adherent mononuclear cells (AMC) selectively depress in vitro responses to the mycobacterial antigen tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD). The phenotype of this antigen-specific adherent suppressor cell was characterized by examining the functional activity of adherent cells after selective depletion of sheep erythrocyte-rosetting T cells or OKM1-reactive monocytes. Adherent cell suppression was studied in the (/sup 3/H)thymidine-incorporation microculture assay by using T cells rigorously depleted of T cells with surface receptors for the Fc portion of IgG (T gamma cells) as antigen-responsive cells. PPD-induced (/sup 3/H)thymidine incorporation by these non gamma T cells was uniformly reduced (mean, 42% +/- 10% (SD)) when autologous AMC were added to non gamma T cells at a ratio of 1:2. Antigen-specific suppression by AMC was not altered by depletion of sheep erythrocyte-rosetting T cells or treatment with indomethacin. However, AMC treated with OKM1 and complement or gamma irradiation (1,500 rads) no longer suppressed tuberculin responses in vitro. These studies identify the antigen-specific adherent suppressor cell in tuberculosis as an OKM1-reactive, non-erythrocyte-rosetting monocyte. The radiosensitivity of this monocyte immunoregulatory function may facilitate its further definition.
Political Developments and Tendencies

It has seemed fitting, at this second meeting of the Association in New Orleans, where it was organized a quarter of a century ago, to give some attention to significant happenings during this period, in the affairs of the Association, in the field of political action, and in the analysis and interpretation of political phenomena. At least two former presidents have discussed some phases of these topics; but there is perhaps room for a difference of approach and emphasis.When this Association was organized, the systematic study and teaching of political problems was but slightly developed. Only a few courses in public law and government were given in some of the larger universities. Of the twenty-five persons who were present at the organization of the Association, and the 214 who became members during the first year, a large proportion were primarily interested in history, economics, and other social studies with political bearings, rather than in political problems themselves.In the constitution of the Association, its object was stated to be: “The encouragement of the scientific study of politics, public law, administration, and diplomacy.” In the first presidential address, President Goodnow outlined the field of work of the Association as including political theory, constitutional and administrative law, comparative legislation, historical and comparative jurisprudence, and political parties. He also noted the opportunity of the Association to secure the active cooperation of teachers of these subjects, and to bring together the student and those actively engaged in political life. A further indication of the plans of those who established the Association may be seen in the appointment of a series of standing committees on different branches of the field outlined, and the reorganization of these a year later into sections.
A dodecameric ring-like structure of the N0 domain of the type II secretin from enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli.

In many bacteria, secretins from the type II secretion system (T2SS) function as outer membrane gated channels that enable passage of folded proteins from the periplasm into the extracellular milieu. Cryo-electron microscopy of the T2SS secretin GspD revealed previously the dodecameric cylindrical architecture of secretins, and crystal structures of periplasmic secretin domains showed a modular domain organization. However, no high-resolution experimental data has as yet been provided about how the entire T2SS secretin or its domains are organized in a cylindrical fashion. Here we present a crystal structure of the N0 domain of the T2SS secretin GspD from enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli containing a helix with 12 subunits per turn. The helix has an outer diameter of ∼125A and a pitch of only 24A which suggests a model of a cylindrical dodecameric N0 ring whose dimensions correspond with the cryo-electron microscopy map of Vibrio cholerae GspD. The N0 domain is known to interact with the HR domain of the inner membrane T2SS protein GspC. When the new N0 ring model is combined with the known N0·HR crystal structure, a dodecameric double-ring of twelve N0-HR heterodimers is obtained. In contrast, the previously observed compact N0-N1 GspD module is not compatible with the N0 ring. Interestingly, a N0-N1 T3SS homolog is compatible with forming a N0-N1 dodecameric ring, due to a different N0-vs-N1 orientation. This suggests that the dodecameric N0 ring is an important feature of T2SS secretins with periplasmic domains undergoing considerable motions during exoprotein translocation.
The Yume Project: Artists and Androids

Creating believable androids is not just a technological feat, but an artistic one. The Yume Project addresses the challenge of creating lifelike androids by developing complex character. The authors demonstrate the unique perspectives artists can bring to the humanoid robot design process through costume, character, and story development. The authors hope to show that it is a focus on believability rather than realism that is needed to advance the field of humanoid robotics.
A Candida albicans‐specific region of the α‐pheromone receptor plays a selective role in the white cell pheromone response

Candida albicans strains homozygous at the mating type locus can switch from white to opaque, and must do so to mate. Opaque cells then secrete mating pheromones that stimulate opaque cells of opposite mating type to undergo mating. These same pheromones stimulate mating-incompetent white cells to become cohesive and adhesive, and enhance white cell biofilm development, a pathogenic trait. Stimulation is mediated through the same receptor, G protein complex and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Here we present evidence that a C. albicans-specific 55-amino-acid region of the first intracellular loop, IC1, of the alpha-pheromone receptor Ste2p, is required for the alpha-pheromone response of white cells, but not that of opaque cells. This represents a unique regulatory configuration in which activation of a common pathway by the same ligand, the same receptor and the same signal transduction pathway is dependent on a unique region of an intracellular loop of the common receptor in one of the two responding phenotypes.
Arm flexion during ultrasound assists localization of an intramuscular etonogestrel contraceptive implant

A nonpalpable etonogestrel implant was identified by high-frequency ultrasound in the biceps muscle 4–6 mm below the skin. Active elbow flexion resulted in proximal movement of the implant relative to the ultrasound probe, suggesting localization in the muscle. This maneuver may assist in verifying intramuscular placement prior to surgical excision.
P-69: Association of body mass index and lipid profiles: Evaluation of a broad spectrum of body mass index patients including the morbidly obese

Prior epidemiologic studies have shown that increasing body mass index (BMI) is associated with higher total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL). However, these studies were limited by underrepresentation of obese subjects. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an association between BMI and lipid profiles in a population of patients with a broad spectrum of BMI values. A case-control study was performed involving patients seen at the Cleveland Clinic Florida. Cases (BMI >30 kg/m2) were obtained from the obesity surgery database between August 31, 2000, and April 4, 2002. Controls (BMI ≤ 30 kg/m2) were obtained from a database of primary care physicians between May 1, 2004, and November 18, 2004. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to assess the relationship between BMI and lipid fractions. Multiple linear regression was performed to assess the independent effect of BMI on lipid levels while adjusting for potential confounders and propensity scores. Six hundred thirty-seven patients were analyzed (females, n = 362, 57%). There was no association between higher BMI and LDL (r = 0.19 p = 0.07), a negative association with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL; r = 0.45, p < 0.001), and a positive association with the log transformation of triglycerides (r = 0.32, p = 0.005).
DIFFERENTIATION SYNDROME IN PROMYELOCYTIC LEUKEMIA : CLINICAL PRESENTATION, PATHOGENESIS AND TREATMENT

Differentiation syndrome (DS) represents a life-threatening complication in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) undergoing induction therapy with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) or arsenic trioxide (ATO). It affects about 20-25% of all patients and there are no definitive diagnostic criteria. Clinically, DS is characterized by weight gain, fever not attributable to infection, respiratory distress, cardiac involvement, hypotension, and/or acute renal failure. At the histological point of view, there is an extensive interstitial and intra-alveolar pulmonary infiltration by maturing myeloid cells, endothelial cell damage, intra-alveolar edema, inter-alveolar hemorrhage, and fibrinous exsudates. DS pathogenesis is not completely understood, but it is believed that an excessive inflammatory response is the main phenomenon involved, which results in increased production of chemokines and expression of adhesion molecules on APL cells. Due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with DS, its recognition and the prompt initiation of the treatment is of utmost importance. Dexamethasone is considered the mainstay of treatment of DS, and the recommended dose is 10 mg twice daily by intravenous route until resolution of DS. In severe cases (respiratory or acute renal failure) it is recommended the discontinuation of ATRA or ATO until recovery.
Novice and Insider Perspectives on Academic and Workplace Writing: Toward a Continuum of Rhetorical Awareness

Communication researchers have helped frame understandings about disciplinary and professional writing. But often they are outsiders looking in. To complement that research, this study focuses on insider perspectives of engineers in academic and industrial contexts at diverse career stages. Qualitative data are analyzed using phenomenological research methods. Findings indicate that participant perspectives fall along a rhetorical awareness continuum at points spanning from denial and acknowledgment to an accentuation of rhetoric as critical to individual and organizational success. Participant perspectives along the continuum also vary in terms of writer and reader roles, writer identity, career stage/organizational role, and objectivity. Implications for practitioners are discussed.
Follow-up costs after external radiation for low risk prostate cancer.

Abstract Purpose: Some routine follow-up costs for external radiation for prostate cancer might not be justifiable. To study this possibility, we reviewed the follow-up costs and clinical course of 36 consecutive, unselected patients treated with external beam radiation (EBRT) for low-risk prostate cancer at the University of Washington. Methods and Materials: Thirty-six consecutive patients with Stage T1/T2 prostate cancer and pretreatment prostate specific antigen (PSA) Results: A total of 8 patients demonstrated biochemical evidence of tumor progression/persistence, none of whom has had any therapeutic intervention for progressive cancer. No patient had local disease progression by physical examination. One patient experienced a Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) grade 3 bowel complication (obstruction), not detected on routine follow-up. The average combined PSA and physician follow-up charges for the first 2 years after therapy was $1,013. Conclusion: The data presented here suggests that for low-risk prostate cancer (PSA
High frequency transmission line transformer for DC/DC converters

A high frequency transmission line transformer for DC/DC power converters is proposed. A DC isolated transformer is formed using cascades of interconnected transmission line sections. The energy transfer takes place via electromagnetic waves. The distinct feature of the transformer is that the voltage ratio is determined solely by the characteristic impedance of transmission lines forming the transformer. The transformer features a planar coreless construction and has high efficiency due to its coreless nature. In order to achieve compactness in size and weight, printed circuit and microfabrication technology is utilized to build prototypes on planar multilayered structures, where transmission lines are made of etched parallel strips of copper. >
A Comparison of Curing Practices and Sodium Nitrite Levels on the Chemical and Sensory Properties of Smoked Turkey

Abstract Three different curing procedures using two levels of NaNO2 were evaluated for color, residual NO2, percent NaCl, percent moisture, and organoleptic quality of smoked turkey. Curing procedures included 1) soaking in a 15% NaCl brine for 48 hr prior to cooking, 2) injecting an amount of 15% salt brine equal to 10% of the carcass weight followed by soaking in 15% brine for 24 hr, and 3) injecting brines to obtain a finished product with 2% salt and cooking immediately. Turkeys were smoked while cooking to an internal temperature of 71 C. Smoked breast meat from turkeys cured with reduced amounts of NO2 had significantly lower residual NO2. Injection of brine plus 24 hr of soaking yielded breast meat with the highest concentration of residual NO2 and salt. Hunter color “a” values demonstrated no cured color difference in breast tissues due to concentration of NO2 in curing brine, whereas significant color differences resulted from cure methods. Injection with immediate cooking resulted in less uniform color development. Product with higher levels of residual NO2 and salt received higher, but not significantly different, taste panel scores for cured meat flavor intensity, salt intensity, and juiciness. These results show that cured meat flavor and color can be produced in turkey breast tissue with 25% of the maximum permitted levels of NaNO2. The results also suggest that curing time can be reduced if more uniform color can be obtained with direct injection of brine followed by immediate cooking and smoking.