cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simple, semiclassical method for the analysis of bound-free spectra

Abstract The oscillatory bound-free emission spectra of KrF* formed in the reaction of Kr( 3 P 2 ) with F 2 , NF 3 and CF 3 OF have been analyzed using the single energy, stationary-phase approximation. A straightforward solution for the position and amplitude of the oscillatory features is presented for an assumed guasian distribution of vibrational energy. The most probable fraction of reaction exoergicity resulting in vibrational excitation of the products has been computed and is in excellent agreement with more sophisticated calculations. An improved potential for the KrF A state has also been obtained.
Anemia and iron deficiency in heart failure.

Anemia is a common comorbidity in heart failure (HF), and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, it remains unclear whether anemia is merely a marker of poor prognosis or whether anemia itself confers risk. The pathogenesis of anemia in HF is multifactorial. Iron deficiency also confers risk in HF, either with or without associated anemia, and treatment of iron deficiency improves the functional status of patients with HF. An ongoing large clinical trial studying the use of darbepoetin–alfa in patients with anemia and systolic HF is expected to provide information that should improve our understanding of anemia in HF.
Learning probabilistic document template models via interaction

Document aesthetics measures are key to automated document composition. Recently we presented a probabilistic document model (PDM) which is a micro-model for document aesthetics based on a probabilistic modeling of designer choice in document design. The PDM model comes with efficient layout synthesis algorithms once the aesthetic model is defined. A key element of this approach is an aesthetic prior on the parameters of a template encoding aesthetic preferences for template parameters. Parameters of the prior were required to be chosen empirically by designers. In this work we show how probabilistic template models (and hence the PDM cost function) can be learnt directly by observing a designer making design choices in composing sample documents. From such training data our learning approach can learn a quality measure that can mimic some of the design tradeoffs a designer makes in practice.
Interleukin-12 enhances clinical experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis in susceptible but not resistant mice

Abstract Experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) is induced by antibodies against the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR). Studies indicate a role for interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in EAMG. We examined the effect of IL-12, a major inducer of IFN-γ production, on EAMG in C57BL/6 mice. Five doses of IL-12 accelerated and enhanced clinical disease in AChR-immunized mice. Control B6 mice, IFN-γ gene-knockout mice, and EAMG-resistant bm12 mice showed no enhancement of disease. Shifting to a Th1-type antibody isotype distribution was insufficient to cause disease. Other factors, such as direct effects of Th1 cytokines on muscle tissue, may be involved in EAMG susceptibility.
Application of the diminishing returns concept in the hydroecologic restoration of riverscapes

Increasing our knowledge of unplanned anthropogenic synergies, which have affected ecosystems since prehistory, may facilitate ecological restoration. Predictive relationships between spatial pattern and ecosystem processes and functions in riverscapes have the potential to inform applied ecosystem restoration planning and design, where principles are needed for large-scale river reconnections. Although synergistic, additive, and antagonistic interactions affect ecosystems, the role of such interactions in restoration rarely has been evaluated. Using hydrodynamic modeling, we experimentally examine the aggregate effects of reestablishing hydrologic connections in a tidal freshwater tributary on the floodplain of the Columbia River, USA, which is currently undergoing dike breaching to restore juvenile salmon habitat. Sets of dike breaches yielded average wetted floodplain areas conforming to a two-parameter hyperbola (r 2 = 0.93). These findings demonstrate that the yield of inundated floodplain habitat area from dike breaching can conform to the well-established “law of the diminishing increment,” developed in the study of agriculture and economics. Furthermore, the influence of spatial configuration on yield was strong, with midstream breaches yielding 63% and upstream breaches 2% of the wetted area produced by downstream breaches, although conditions of extreme high river flow were not studied. Opening the dike at 26% of the historically present channel outlets provided the maximum return on investment for the study riverscape. Verification of this relationship elsewhere in tidal areas of the Columbia River and on other large river floodplains would contribute to cost-benefit analyses in ecological restoration program planning and have implications for effects on biota.
P-REX1 creates a positive feedback loop to activate growth factor receptor, PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK signaling in breast cancer

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) promotes cancer cell survival, migration, growth and proliferation by generating phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3) in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. PIP3 recruits pleckstrin homology domain-containing proteins to the membrane to activate oncogenic signaling cascades. Anticancer therapeutics targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway are in clinical development. In a mass spectrometric screen to identify PIP3-regulated proteins in breast cancer cells, levels of the Rac activator PIP3-dependent Rac exchange factor-1 (P-REX1) increased in response to PI3K inhibition, and decreased upon loss of the PI3K antagonist phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). P-REX1 mRNA and protein levels were positively correlated with ER expression, and inversely correlated with PI3K pathway activation in breast tumors as assessed by gene expression and phosphoproteomic analyses. P-REX1 increased activation of Rac1, PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK signaling in a PTEN-independent manner, and promoted cell and tumor viability. Loss of P-REX1 or inhibition of Rac suppressed PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK, and decreased viability. P-REX1 also promoted insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor activation, suggesting that P-REX1 provides positive feedback to activators upstream of PI3K. In support of a model where PIP3-driven P-REX1 promotes both PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK signaling, high levels of P-REX1 mRNA (but not phospho-AKT or a transcriptomic signature of PI3K activation) were predictive of sensitivity to PI3K inhibitors among breast cancer cell lines. P-REX1 expression was highest in estrogen receptor-positive breast tumors compared with many other cancer subtypes, suggesting that neutralizing the P-REX1/Rac axis may provide a novel therapeutic approach to selectively abrogate oncogenic signaling in breast cancer cells.
Prediction of lactate threshold (LT) and fixed blood lactate concentrations (FBLC) from 3200-m running performance in women.

The present study evaluated the accuracy of predicting velocity and oxygen consumption (VO2) at the LT lactate threshold and FBLC fixed blood lactate concentrations from a 3200-m time trial in women. Forty-four women (mean age = 31.1 yrs, mean ht = 164.9 cm, mean wt = 65.0 kg) completed a treadmill protocol for the determination of LT and FBLC and a 3200-m time trial. Velocity and VO2 values at LT, FBLC of 2.0 2.5, and 4.0 mM, and peak were determined. Mean VO2 and velocity ranged from 27.8 +/- 10.8 ml/kg.min-1 at LT to 42.5 ml/kg.min-1 at peak and from 129.8 +/- 44.0 m.min-1 at LT to 187.0 +/- 52.4 m.min-1 at peak, respectively. Results indicated that a 3200-m time trial (mean time = 20.6 +/- 6.6 min) was a good predictor of VO2 and velocity at LT, FBLC, and peak. Correlation coefficients (using a quadratic model) for velocity ranged from R = 0.96 to R = 0.98 with SEE ranging from 9.0 to 13.1 m.min-1. Correlation coefficients for VO2 ranged from R = 0.94 to R = 0.96 with SEE ranging from 2.8 to 3.6 ml/kg.min. The validity of these regression equations was examined in 13 women who completed a 12-month running program (VO2 LT, VO2 at FBLC of 2.0, 2.5 and 4.0 mM, and VO2 peak increased by 34.7, 19.9, 16.9, 11.9, and 5.4%, respectively, p less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Generation of off-axis aspherics

A method for precise generation of optical surfaces is described. The work is turned about one axis, while a grinding head or cutting tool is gradually moved across by an arm turning about a second axis. This geometry can be used to directly generate spherical surfaces or aspherical surfaces presently termed 'hulahoids'. The properties of these surfaces are analyzed to determine how well large paraboloids and their off-axis segments can be generated. Very close approximations are possible. For example, 1.5-m segments of a 10-m paraboloid differ by only 0.6 microns peak-to-peak from the best fit hulahoid when the focal ratio is f/2, and 60 microns when it is f/0.4. For accurate generation the cutting tool may need numerically controlled travel of 1 mm or less, with the position set as a function of the swing arm angle.
Factors Affecting the Extrudate Swell and Melt Fracture Phenomena of Rubber Compounds

Abstract Post-extrusion swelling and extrudate distortion phenomena reveal the viscoelastic nature of elastomeric materials and are particularly critical in rubber processing. With the short dies used in the rubber industry, it is clear that extrudate swell depends not only on the rheological properties of the compounds, but also on the particular geometry of the extrusion system. Consequently, it is very difficult to compare laboratory results with the experience of industrial practice, because of the number and variety of extrusion processes. However, it is possible to draw some generally valid conclusions from the data currently available. The main factors affecting post-extrusion swelling and the critical conditions for the onset of extrudate distortion are: (1) the elastomer, its nature and molecular characteristics; (2) the filler, its grade and level; (3) the (cumulative) energy introduced into the rubber during the mixing operations; (4) the mixing procedure (particularly in blend preparation); (5...
Potassium channel activation inhibits proliferation of breast cancer cells by activating a senescence program

Traditionally the hERG1 potassium channel has been known to have a fundamental role in membrane excitability of several mammalian cells including cardiac myocytes. hERG1 has recently been found to be expressed in non-excitable cancer cells of different histogenesis, but the role of this channel in cancer biology is unknown. Results form recent studies on the effect hERG1 inhibition in some breast cancer cells are controversial as it can lead to apoptosis or protect against cell death. Nevertheless, these data suggest that the hERG1 channel could have an important role in cancer biology. Here we report the effects of hyperstimulation of hERG1 channel in human mammary gland adenocarcinoma-derived cells. Application of the hERG1 activator, the diphenylurea derivative NS1643, inhibits cell proliferation irreversibly. This event is accompanied by a preferential arrest of the cell cycle in G0/G1 phase without the occurrence of apoptotic events. Consequently, cells responded to NS1643 by developing a senescence-like phenotype associated with increased protein levels of the tumor suppressors p21 and p16INK4a and by a positive β-galactosidase assay. These data suggest that prolonged stimulation of the hERG1 potassium channel may activate a senescence program and offers a compelling opportunity to develop a potential antiproliferative cancer therapy.
Terminal lymphoblastic transformation in polycythemia vera.

Abstract A patient with polycythemia vera and lymphoblastic transformation is discussed. Phenotypic characterization revealed that the predominant leukemic cells were classic "null" lymphoid cells with a minority component of pre-B cells. This case provides evidence that the stem cell disorder in polycythemia vera may involve the lymphocyte early in development.
A fully-electronic charge-based DNA sequencing CMOS biochip

A 90×90 fully-electronic biosensor array for charge-based DNA sequence-by-synthesis is implemented in a 0.18µm standard CMOS process. Each 16 µm × 16 µm pixel consists of an integrated charge-sensing electrode connected to an embedded circuitry capable of detecting DNA polymerization and simultaneously measuring the electrode-electrolyte interface capacitance. The detection dynamic range of this sensor is +90dB while consuming 4 mW from a 3.3V supply when operating at 8.1s/frame.
Both Guns and Butter, or Neither: Class Interests in the Political Economy of Rearmament

Astate that is confronted with a grave external threat has three basic options of response, each of which involves certain trade-offs. First, it can strengthen its military. Rearmament, or “internal balancing,” allows it to maintain its diplomatic freedom of action, but its economy may suffer from the strain of accelerating the production of weapons of war. Second, it can join forces with another power. Alliances may obviate the need for an arms buildup, but they carry the risk that the state will be abandoned by its partners or drawn into undesired conflicts. Finally, it can attempt to reconcile with its adversaries by conceding to some of their demands. Appeasement may be the least troublesome way to eliminate a threat, but it is also the most risky because it transfers valued resources to a potential opponent. After weighing these options, the state should choose the policy, or combination of policies, that will provide an acceptable level of security at the lowest overall cost. 1 The foregoing account is appealingly parsimonious, but it captures only part of the story. States are frequently racked by bitter internal debates over how to deal with international pressures, and changes in their political leadership sometimes bring about sudden shifts in their behavior. Of the three strategies described above, rearmament is often the most acutely divisive. It requires a sharp increase in the extraction and mobilization of resources from society, so it can become highly politicized. Some groups will inevitably bear a heavier burden than others, and their discontent may eventually endanger the regime’s hold on power or its ability to prepare for war. To ensure domestic
Structural characterization of quaterphenyl cation radical: X-ray crystallographic evidence of quinoidal charge delocalization in poly-p-phenylene cation radicals.

Quaterphenyl derivative (QP) containing tert-butyl solubilizing groups at the terminal positions yields a stable cation radical salt that was isolated, and its structure was established by X-ray crystallography. The crystal structure of neutral QP and its cation radical (QP+•SbCl6-) provides unequivocal evidence for the quinoidal stabilization of the cationic charge or polaron by smoothing out the torsional motion of the interconnected p-phenylene rings. Such an observation of stabilization of the cationic charge in a poly-p-phenylene (PPP) derivative forms the basis for the noted high conductivities in PPP oligomers in their doped state.
Run Diameter Statistics as a Measure of Image Texture

The new concept of "run circles" and their "run diameters," which can be used as a statistical measure of the spacing between points in a two-dimensional image, are presented. For synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images the spacing between bright spots in the image is a useful measure of image texture. The histogram of the run diameters for a set of points has been found to be useful in characterizing the spacings of the points. These histograms can be classified either using features of the histogram such as mode or median, or using classical linear classifiers. As an example, the histogram of run diameters is used to detect a set of points with approximately equal spacing interspersed with a background set of randomly located points.
Covariance of Oxygen and Hydrogen Isotopic Compositions in Plant Water: Species Effects

Leaf water becomes enriched in the heavy isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen during evapotranspiration. The magnitude of the enrichment has been shown to be influ- enced by temperature and humidity, but the effects of species-specific factors on leaf water enrichment of D and 180 have not been studied for different plants growing together. Accordingly, to learn whether leaf water enrichment patterns and processes for D and 180 are different for individual species growing under the same environmental conditions we tested the proposal that leaf waters in plants with crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) show higher slopes (m in the leaf water equation (D = m 6180 + b) than in C3 plants. We determined the relationships between the stable hydrogen (6D) and oxygen (6180) isotope ratios of leaf waters collected during the diurnal cycle of evapotranspiration for Yucca schidigera, Ephedra aspera, Agave deserti, Prunus ilicifolia, Yucca whipplei, Heteromeles arbutifolia, Dyckia fosteriana, Simmondsia chinensis, and Enceliafarinosa growing at two sites in southern California. Slopes (m in the above leaf water equation) ranged from 1.50 to 3.21, compared to :8 for meteoric water, but differences in slope could not be attributed to carboxylation pathway (CAM vs. C3) nor climate (coastal California vs. Sonoran Desert). Higher slopes were correlated with greater overall ranges of leaf water enrichment of D and 180. Water in plants with higher slopes also differed most from unaltered meteoric water. Leaf water isotope ratios in plants with lower slopes were better correlated with temperature and humidity. The findings indicate that m in the aforementioned equation is related to the overall residence time for water in the leaf and proportions of water subjected to repeated evapotranspiration enrichments of heavy isotopes.
Local structure of electron correlations in atomic systems

Abstract The Jastrow—Feenberg functional variation method is applied to study electron correlations in atomic systems. The density and pair distributions of electrons are calculated by solving Euler—Lagrange equations for the pair distribution functions. From the calculated pair distributions, we examine the local structure of the exchange—correlation holes and find a sensitive dependence on the location of the electrons. Our theory gives correlation energies in good agreement with experimental data. We compare our results wit those from density functional theories.
ZEEMAN SPLITTING OF NUCLEAR QUADRUPOLE RESONANCES

The theory of the Zeeman splitting of the pure quadrupole energy levels for nuclei of half-integral spin is given in a form that is correct for any electric field gradient. The splitting of the spectra is discussed, and also the simplifications that can be made in the theory when the magnetic field is parallel to any of the three principal axes of the electric field gradient. For spin $\frac{3}{2}$ it is shown that the deviation of the gradient from cylindrical symmetry can be determined from the Zeeman spectrum, and detailed calculations are given for this case, along with a discussion of their experimental application.
Protein Translocation Across Biological Membranes

Subcellular compartments have unique protein compositions, yet protein synthesis only occurs in the cytosol and in mitochondria and chloroplasts. How do proteins get where they need to go? The first steps are targeting to an organelle and efficient translocation across its limiting membrane. Given that most transport systems are exquisitely substrate specific, how are diverse protein sequences recognized for translocation? Are they translocated as linear polypeptide chains or after folding? During translocation, how are diverse amino acyl side chains accommodated? What are the proteins and the lipid environment that catalyze transport and couple it to energy? How is translocation coordinated with protein synthesis and folding, and how are partially translocated transmembrane proteins released into the lipid bilayer? We review here the marked progress of the past 35 years and salient questions for future work. Subcellular compartments have unique protein compositions, yet protein synthesis only occurs in the cytosol and in mitochondria and chloroplasts. How do proteins get where they need to go? The first steps are targeting to an organelle and efficient translocation across its limiting membrane. Given that most transport systems are exquisitely substrate specific, how are diverse protein sequences recognized for translocation? Are they translocated as linear polypeptide chains or after folding? During translocation, how are diverse amino acyl side chains accommodated? What are the proteins and the lipid environment that catalyze transport and couple it to energy? How is translocation coordinated with protein synthesis and folding, and how are partially translocated transmembrane proteins released into the lipid bilayer? We review here the marked progress of the past 35 years and salient questions for future work.
DEVELOPMENTAL PATTERN OF AMINOGLYCOSIDE DISPOSITION IN PREMATURE INFANTS: BI-PHASIC CHANGES IN SERUM CLEARANCE

Previous studies evaluating aminoglycoside (A) disposition in premature infants have described the relationship between various indices of maturation and serum A clearance as either linear or exponential. Pharmacokinetic studies carried out in 992 infants demonstrated a distinctly bi-phasic pattern when indices of A elimination are compared to indices of maturation. Gestational age (GA) 24-39 wks, postnatal age (PNA) 1-20 wks, postconceptional age (PCA) 25-53 wks, birthweight (BW) 380-3950 gm and study weight (SW) 350-4620 gm were recorded. Serial A serum concentrations were determined by RIA. Volume of distribution (Vd) 0.29-0.63 L/kg, elimination rate constant (Ke) 0.029-0.231 hr-1, and serum clearance (C1) 0.0056-0.630 L/hr were calculated. When Ke and Cl were compared to GA, PCA, BW and SW, the relationship was distinctly bi-phasic. Prior to 34 wks GA and 35 wks PCA, Ke and Cl increased slowly with respect to increased GA and PCA. After 35 wks GA and 36 wks PCA, Ke and Cl increased rapidly with respect to increasing GA and PCA. These changes at 34-36 wks may represent a functional change in the neonatal kidney at this stage of maturation. Vd (L/KG) was found to decrease slightly with increasing GA, PCA, BW and SW. This data suggests that neither a linear nor exponential model fully describes the improvement of A Cl in the neonate. A biphasic model with a breakpoint at 34 wks GA or 35 wks PCA appears to be the most appropriate description of the improvement. Therefore, GA and PCA are important variables to evaluate in the determination of A dosing recommendations.
Performance Evaluation of Open MPI on Cray XE/XK Systems

Open MPI is a widely used open-source implementation of the MPI-2 standard that supports a variety of platforms and interconnects. Current versions of Open MPI, however, lack support for the Cray XE6 and XK6 architectures -- both of which use the Gemini System Interconnect. In this paper, we present extensions to natively support these architectures within Open MPI, describe and propose solutions for performance and scalability bottlenecks, and provide an extensive evaluation of our implementation, which is the first completely open-source MPI implementation for the Cray XE/XK system families used at 49,152 processes. Application and micro-benchmark results show that the performance and scaling characteristics of our implementation are similar to the vendor-supplied MPI's. Micro-benchmark results show short-data 1-byte and 1,024-byte message latencies of 1.20 µs and 4.13 µs, which are 10.00% and 39.71% better than the vendor-supplied MPI's, respectively. Our implementation achieves a bandwidth of 5.32 GB/s at 8 MB, which is similar to the vendor-supplied MPI's bandwidth at the same message size. Two Sequoia benchmark applications, LAMMPS and AMG2006, were also chosen to evaluate our implementation at scales up to 49,152 cores -- where we exhibited similar performance and scaling characteristics when compared to the vendor-supplied MPI implementation. LAMMPS achieved a parallel efficiency of 88.20% at 49,152 cores using Open MPI, which is on par with the vendor-supplied MPI's achieved parallel efficiency.
Tyrp1 and Oculocutaneous Albinism Type 3

Tyrosinase-related protein 1 (Tyrp1) is a melanocyte-specific gene product involved in eumelanin synthesis. Mutations in the mouse Tyrp1 gene are associated with brown pelage, and in the human TYRP1 gene with oculocutaneous albinism type 3 (OCA3). In the murine system, Tyrp1 expresses significant dihydroxyindole carboxylic acid oxidase (i.e. DHICA oxidase) activity. However, in humans, TYRP1 is enigmatic in that despite extensive efforts focused on the study of its function, its actual role in the human melanocyte is still unclear. There is mounting evidence demonstrating that in addition to its role in eumelanin synthesis, Tyrp1 is involved in maintaining stability of tyrosinase protein and modulating its catalytic activity. Tyrp1 is also involved in maintenance of melanosome ultrastructure and affects melanocyte proliferation and melanocyte cell death. The current review is an attempt to consolidate our understanding of the role of Tyrp1 in the melanocyte.
Self-accomodation and shape memory mechanism of ϵ-martensite — II. Theoretical considerations

Abstract Based on present experimental observations and related work, theoretical aspects of the self-accomodation and shape memory mechanism of ϵ-martensite are discussed in comparison with the well-known and widely studied Cu-based shape memory alloys. It follows that the γ → ϵ martensitic transformation and its related shape memory behavior share some similarities in self-accomodation of the transformation and variant reorientation upon deformation. Therefore the basic processes involved in the shape memory behavior of ϵ-martensite can be similarly generalized in terms of the model established for the Cu-based shape memory alloys, although some details differ significantly.
Effect of Intravenously Injected Tocopherol on Oxidized Flavor in Milk

Summary In investigating the role of tocopherol as an antioxidant in milk, intravenous injection of tocopherol was used as an approach that would give more complete control of variables than can be obtained in feeding trials. Injection of 7g of dl-α-tocopherol or 10g of dl-α-tocopherol acetate in unemulsified form gave negligible increases in tocopherol and oxidative stability of milk, but as little as 1.5g of either tocopherol injected in emulsified form caused marked increases in milk tocopherol and oxidative stability. When injected as emulsions, tocopherol acetate gave greater response than tocopherol. For individual cows, correlations between milk tocopherol and oxidative stability were highly significant. In comparing milks from different cows, however, the tocopherol level did not provide a reliable indication of susceptibility to oxidized flavor. In an experiment in which the milk lipids were fractionated by a churning procedure, changes in oxidative stability of the milk after tocopherol acetate injections correlated with tocopherol in the membrane lipids (from buttermilk) more closely than with that inside the fat globules (butteroil).
Triglyceride and Fatty Acid Clearance in Neonates Following Safflower Oil Emulsion Infusion

Fifteen neonates requiring parenteral nutrition with lipid emulsion were given a 1.0 g/kg dose of safflower oil emulsion to evaluate triglyceride (TGY) and free fatty acid clearance. The dose was infused intravenously over 4 hr, and serum was obtained at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 hr. Peak serum TGY averaged 592 mg/dl for the appropriate for gestational age newborns and 606 mg/dl for the small for gestational age babies. The small for gestational age neonates had significantly higher serum free fatty acids at 2 and 4 hr into the infusion than did the appropriate for gestational age infants. Peak serum free fatty acids ranged from 0.915 to 3.233 mM in the appropriate for gestational age babies and 2.518 to 3.586 mM in the small for gestational age infants. In contrast to previous work with soybean oil emulsion, we did not demonstrate differences in TGY clearance between small for gestational age and appropriate for gestational age neonates and did demonstrate a markedly elevated serum TGY in these critically ill ne...
An exposure assessment for methylmercury from seafood for consumers in the United States

An exposure model was developed to relate seafood consumption to levels of methylmercury (reported as mercury) in blood and hair in the U.S. population, and two subpopulations defined as children aged 2-5 and women aged 18-45. Seafood consumption was initially modeled using short-term (three-day) U.S.-consumption surveys that recorded the amount of fish eaten per meal. Since longer exposure periods include more eaters with a lower daily mean intake, the consumption distribution was adjusted by broadening the distribution to include more eaters and reducing the distribution mean to keep total population intake constant. The estimate for the total number of eaters was based on long-term purchase diaries. Levels of mercury in canned tuna, swordfish, and shark were based on FDA survey data. The distribution of mercury levels in other species was based on reported mean levels, with the frequency of consumption of each species based on market share. The shape distribution for the given mean was based on the range of variation encountered among shark, tuna, and swordfish. These distributions were integrated with a simulation that estimated average daily intake over a 360-day period, with 10,000 simulated individuals and 1,000 uncertainty iterations. The results of this simulation were then used as an input to a second simulation that modeled levels of mercury in blood and hair. The relationship between dietary intake and blood mercury in a population was modeled from data obtained from a 90-day study with controlled seafood intake. The relationship between blood and hair mercury in a population was modeled from data obtained from several sources. The biomarker simulation employed 2,000 simulated individuals and 1,000 uncertainty iterations. These results were then compared to the recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) that tabulated blood and hair mercury levels in a cross-section of the U.S. population. The output of the model and NHANES results were similar for both children and adult women, with predicted mercury biomarker concentrations within a factor of two or less of NHANES biomarker results. However, the model tended to underpredict blood levels for women and overpredict blood and hair levels for children.
Probability of lensing magnification by cosmologically distributed galaxies

We present the analytical formulae for computing the magnification probability caused by cosmologically distributed galaxies. The galaxies are assumed to be singular, truncated-isothermal spheres without both evolution and clustering in redshift. We find that, for a fixed total mass, extended galaxies produce a broader shape in the magnification probability distribution and hence are less efficient as gravitational lenses than compact galaxies. The high-magnification tail caused by large galaxies is well approximated by an A exp -3 form, while the tail by small galaxies is slightly shallower. The mean magnification as a function of redshift is, however, found to be independent of the size of the lensing galaxies. In terms of the flux conservation, our formulae for the isothermal galaxy model predict a mean magnification to within a few percent with the Dyer-Roeder model of a clumpy universe.
Aberrant Aggregation Behavior in Cationic Gemini Surfactants Investigated by Surface Tension, Interfacial Tension, and Fluorescence Methods

Bis(quaternary ammonium halide) surfactants (gemini surfactants) having, variously, diethyl ether, monohydroxypropyl, and dihydroxybutyl spacer groups have been investigated by surface tension, interfacial tension, and steady-state fluorescence techniques. The critical micelle concentration (cmc) and area per molecule (Amin) are shown to deviate from the expected patterns of behavior as the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl chain (n) increases beyond a certain maximum. This aberrant behavior is observed at the hydrocarbon/water as well as the aqueous/air interface. The unexpected values of the physicochemical parameters at long alkyl chain length have been interpreted on the basis of a concentration region in which submicellar or multilayer structures are forming. Fluorescence measurements provide confirmation of cmc values by an alternative technique. Comparison of the fluorescence emission maxima profiles of the gemini surfactants with those of their monoquaternary analogues demonstrates that there is...
Structure of a Nanophase Iron Oxide Catalyst

Abstract Iron K-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) studies have been carried out to determine the bulk and surface structures of a nanophase iron oxide catalyst with average particle size of 30 A. Both the extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and the X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectra indicate that the structure of the catalyst is similar to iron oxyhydroxide. The intensity of the 1s → 3d transition peak in the XANES of the 30-A catalyst is increased by a factor of 1.7 compared with that for iron oxide and iron oxyhydroxide model compounds, in which iron ions are coordinated by six oxygens or oxygen/hydroxyl groups. The increase of the 1s → 3d transition intensity is attributed to coordination unsaturated (CUS) sites on the particle surface produced by dehydroxylation. The absorption edge position of the 30-A catalyst indicates that the valence state of the iron ions remains + 3.
Spinal Cord Ischemia following Endovascular Repair of an Infrarenal Aortic Aneurysm

Spinal cord ischemia following repair of an infrarenal aneurysm is a rare but recognized complication following endovascular repair of an infrarenal aneurysm. Here we discuss its possible mechanism.
SU-FF-T-332: The Effect of Metal Implants On Proton Transport

Purpose:Proton therapytreatment planning in the presence of high‐density metal implants has considerable uncertainty. This uncertainty arises from artifacts produced through the imaging process, uncertainty in the CT density of the implant itself and the effect which both of these have on the range of protons. Because of this uncertainty, beam directions which pass through such implants are avoided if possible. However, in some cases such beams are unavoidable in order to preserve normal tissue and treat the tumor volume effectively. The goal of this ongoing project is to investigate protontransport through high‐density implants and to determine the accuracy of treatment planningsoftware in reproducing isodose distributions when such materials are present. Methods and Materials: We have constructed a phantom with titanium and medical grade stainless steel plates of 1–4 mm thickness embedded within polystyrene. The phantom has been CT‐scanned and then planned using the Odyssey treatment planning system (PerMedics Medical Systems), which is used in routine treatment planning at Loma Linda University Medical Center. The plan generated will be compared to physical dose measurements using ion chambers inserted into the polystyrene phantom. In addition, GEANT4 Monte Carlo simulations of the experimental setup will be completed using CT data as the basis for geometry and material definitions. Additional simulations will be performed with geometry defined based on manufacturers' specifications. Results: Treatment plans of the experimental setup provide an indication of the perturbation of the protonradiation field caused by the metallic implants and indicate areas where measurements and comparisons with GEANT4 should be completed. Conclusions: This study will provide useful data on the accuracy in treatment planning in the presence of metallic implants in proton therapy, and may indicate areas in which improvements to current treatment planning methods can be made.
Tryptic peptides of human thyroglobulin: I. Immunoreactivity with murine monoclonal antibodies

Human thyroglobulin (Tg) was treated with trypsin at different concentrations of trypsin/Tg for various incubation times at 37 degrees C using non-reducing conditions. A ratio of trypsin to Tg of 1:100 (w/w) was optimal to release small peptides that were reactive to murine MoAbs to human Tg. Most peptides were released after only 1 h incubation with trypsin, but these peptides were further degraded at longer incubation times. However, a few small peptides, the largest of which with an apparent molecular weight (MWap) of 40 kD, resisted tryptic digestion up to at least 12 h of incubation. These resistant peptides were further degraded by trypsin at 18-24 h of incubation. Tryptic peptides of Tg, released at 1 h and 4 h of incubation, were analysed for their immunoreactivity to 16 well characterized anti-Tg MoAbs by Western immunoblot. Patterns of peptide recognition of these MoAbs were generally unique. Eight MoAbs reacted with peptides of MWap of 10-25 kD and above. Four other MoAbs reacted with peptides of MWap of 25-43 kD and above, and the remaining four reacted with peptides of MWap > 43 kD. Nine of these MoAbs failed to recognize peptides after reduction, suggesting that the MoAbs bind conformation-dependent epitopes. The above information will promote the development of models relating the structure of Tg to the autoimmune process, and may provide an understanding of those regions of Tg responsible for the induction of autoimmune thyroiditis.
Surface Salinity and Temperature on the San Francisco-Honolulu Route June 1966-December 1970 and January 1972-December 1975

Abstract Time-distance distributions of surface salinity and temperature, and their anomalies, were investigated for a region of weak meridional currents, using 8.5 years of observations by merchant ships on the San Francisco-Honolulu route. Certain associations were observed in the year-to-year patterns of oceanic variability. When negative salinity anomalies in conjunction with strong, persistent salinity fronts were dominant in the outer California Current region and the Transition Zone, salinity anomalies were generally positive from 150°W to the Hawaiian Islands, and surface temperature anomalies were cold over both the eastern and western parts of the route. In contrast, when positive salinity anomalies were dominant in the eastern part of the route, salinity fronts were transient or weak, salinity anomalies were generally negative west of 150°W, and temperature anomalies were warm over most of the route. These combinations suggest that advective processes resulting from variations in meridional cur...
Antibodies to vesicular stomatitis virus proteins in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and in normal subjects.

Objective. To determine the presence of antibodies that bind vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) proteins in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient sera, as well as to examine any relationship between antibodies binding the viral nucleocapsid (N) protein and anti-Ro autoantibodies. Methods. Eighty SLE patient sera, 80 normal control sera, 47 rheumatic disease patient control sera, and 9 sera from Panamanian subjects (6 of whom were infected with VSV) were evaluated by immunoblot of purified VSV proteins. Results. Findings on immunoblots of the Panamanian subjects' sera were consistent with histories of endemic exposure to VSV, as determined by virus neutralization assays. Significantly different binding to viral proteins was seen in the group of 80 SLE patients compared with the normal control group and with the rheumatic disease control group, by a variety of measures. For example, most of the reactivity in the SLE patient sera included binding to the internal viral matrix (M) and N proteins, while the reactivity in the normal control sera was mostly against the surface viral glycoprotein (G) protein alone or the N protein alone. Within this SLE patient cohort, associations were found between binding to N protein and anti-Ro precipitins and between binding to M protein and anti–nuclear RNP autoantibody precipitins. Conclusion. The data are consistent with the original specific hypotheses of a relationship between 60-kd Ro autoantigenicity and VSV, as well as with the suggestion that a rhabdovirus may be important in SLE. They do not, however, make possible any conclusions concerning the role of rhabdoviruses in the development of SLE or of anti-Ro autoimmunity.
Prenatal stilbestrol experience of mothers of young cancer patients

Given the recent evidence indicating an increased risk of vaginal adenocarcinoma among young female offspring of mothers who ingested diethylstilbestrol during pregnancy a study was undertaken in New York to determine if male and female offspring of these mothers were at increased risk of developing cancers of the breast or of the urogenital organs other than vaginal adenocarcinoma. No evidence suggestive of a link between maternal use of diethylstilbestrol and the development of cancers at these other sites was found. All occurrences in New York from 1950-1971 of breast or urogenital organ cancers except vaginal adenocarcinoma among males and females born after 1947 were obtained from the New York Cancer Registry. Prenatal medical histories for the mothers of each of the 49 identified cancer cases were obtained by checking hospital and physician records or by interviewing the mothers. Only 1 of the mothers took diethylstilbestrol during pregnancy. Her daughter developed adenocarcinoma in both the cervix and the vagina. The primary site was undetermined. Time trends in the age-specific and sex-specific incidence of various types of cancers reported between 1950-1969 were compared for a group of 0-24 year olds and for a group of 25-34 year olds. The latter group was born prior to the use of diethylstilbestrol by pregnant women and the former group was born after diethylstilbestrol was prescribed for pregnant women. None of the observed difference between the 2 age groups were attributable to maternal ingestion of diethylstilbestrol. Tables provided data on 1) the diagnosis birth year and age at diagnosis for 48 cancer cases and 2) the number of malignant neoplasms in persons under 35 years old and the average annual age-specific incidence rate in New York by year sex and cancer site for 1950-1969.
Comparison of Treatment Response among GLB and non-GLB Street Living Youth.

Abstract Researchers have found that adolescents who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual (GLB) are at a higher risk for increased substance use and mental health symptoms. The current study is a secondary analysis of two clinical trials for street-living youth. This analysis examines self-identification as GLB as a moderator of treatment effects and addresses whether street-living GLB youth respond differently to a therapeutic intervention than non-GLB street-living youth. Comparisons were made of treatment outcomes on two categories of variables (drug use and mental health symptoms) among 244 homeless GLB and non-GLB identified adolescents. Overall, GLB and non-GLB adolescents showed similar reductions in drug use and mental health symptoms. However, compared to non-GLB adolescents, GLB adolescents showed greater improvement in reduction of drug use and internalizing and depressive symptom scores. While both groups reported less drug use and fewer mental health symptoms from baseline to post-intervention, GLB youth's scores improved more drastically. Implications of using the identified treatment intervention are discussed.
Cocaine Effects on Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone-Stimulated Anterior Pituitary Hormones in Female Rhesus Monkey*

The effects of acute cocaine administration on synthetic LHRH-stimulated anterior pituitary hormones (LH, FSH, and PRL) were studied in 6 female rhesus monkeys during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (days 4-7). Integrated plasma samples were collected every 10 min for 40 min before iv administration of cocaine (0.4 or 0.8 mg/kg) or an equal volume of vehicle control solution. Synthetic LHRH (100 micrograms, iv) was administered 10 min after cocaine or placebo-cocaine administration, and 10 plasma samples were collected for an additional 100 min. LHRH stimulated a significant increase in LH within 10 min after placebo-cocaine administration (P less than 0.05) and after each dose of cocaine (P less than 0.0001). Cocaine (0.4 mg/kg) significantly enhanced LHRH stimulation of LH compared to placebo or 0.8 mg/kg cocaine administration (P less than 0.01). FSH increased significantly within 20-30 min after LHRH alone (P less than 0.008) and after 0.4 mg/kg cocaine (P less than 0.0001). LHRH-stimulated FSH levels also were significantly higher after 0.4 mg/kg cocaine than after placebo or 0.8 mg/kg cocaine (P less than 0.01). These data indicate that cocaine does not suppress LHRH stimulation of pituitary gonadotropins, and low doses of cocaine significantly enhance LH and FSH release. Consequently, cocaine does not compromise anterior-pituitary function at the level of the gonadotroph and may stimulate hypothalamic release of endogenous LHRH. PRL levels were unchanged by LHRH and placebo-cocaine administration. After LHRH and cocaine administration, PRL levels decreased significantly (P less than 0.05-0.01) and remained suppressed throughout the 110-min postcocaine sampling period. These data indicate that cocaine's significant suppression of PRL is not blocked by LHRH. These findings are consistent with dopaminergic inhibitory control of PRL and suggest that cocaine's inhibition of dopamine reuptake down-regulates pituitary lactotroph activity in rhesus monkey.
Use of complementary and alternative medicine providers by fibromyalgia patients under insurance coverage.

Objective—To quantify how visits and expenditures differ between insured patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) who use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) providers compared to FMS patients who do not. FMS patients were also compared to an age and gender matched comparison group without FMS. Methods—Calendar year 2002 claims data from two large insurers in Washington State were analyzed for provider type (CAM vs. conventional), patient comorbid medical conditions, number of visits, and expenditures. Results—Use of CAM providers by FMS patients was two and a half times higher than in a comparison group without FMS. (56% vs. 21%) FMS patients who used CAM had more health care visits than FMS patients not using CAM (34 vs. 23, p < .001); however, CAM users had similar expenditures to non-users among FMS patients ($4638 vs. $4728, n.s.), because expenditure per CAM visit is lower than expenditure per conventional visit. FMS patients who used CAM also had heavier overall disease burdens than those not using CAM. Conclusion—With insurance coverage, a majority of FMS patients will use CAM providers. The sickest patients use more CAM and this leads to an increased number of health care visits. However, CAM use is not associated with higher overall expenditures. Until a cure for FMS is found, CAM providers may offer an economical alternative for FMS patients seeking symptomatic relief.