cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Asymptotic adaptive tracking with input amplitude and rate constraints and bounded disturbances

In this paper, we develop a direct model reference adaptive control framework for asymptotic adaptive tracking in the presence of actuator input amplitude and rate constraints for some classes of uncertain linear time-invariant systems and nonlinear systems. This framework also allows for rejection of bounded time-varying disturbances, without causing any chatter in the control input. Moreover, positive (ρ; μ)-modification is proposed to protect the control law from the actuator saturation limits. The design is model-based and ensures global asymptotic tracking for open-loop input-to-state stable systems, while an estimate of the domain of attraction is derived for local asymptotic tracking in the case of input-to-state unstable systems. The approach is illustrated with examples.
Structural alterations in alpha1-antichymotrypsin from normal and acute phase human plasma

Human alpha 1-antichymotrypsin, isolated at pH 8.0 from both normal and acute phase plasma, has been found to have two different amino terminal sequences despite the fact that inhibitory activities are unchanged. In normal plasma over 90% of the protein has an amino terminal sequence beginning with aspartic acid and less than 10% with arginine. However, in acute rheumatoid arthritis plasma 55% of the inhibitor begins with arginine and the remainder with aspartic acid. Sequence studies indicate that a fifteen amino acid peptide fragment has been cleaved to yield the arginine protein. Human alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor also shows this heterogeneity, but the ratios do not change between normal and acute phase plasma. It may well be that the missing peptide has some biological activity manifested only in the acute phase state.
Increase in point spread function uniformity over the compensated field of view in strong scintillation using two deformable mirrors

The weighted parallel generalized projection algorithm is applied in two steps to the control of two deformable mirrors using multiple wavefront sensing beacons to simultaneously increase the compensated field of view while maximizing point spread function uniformity. Wave optical simulation results are presented that indicate that, even in strong scintillation, not only can the size of the compensated field of view be increased, but also the uniformity of the point spread function over the compensated field of view can be improved by augmentation of constraints enforcing point spread function uniformity.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Decreased Cell Adhesion Promotes Angiogenesis in a Pyk2-dependent Manner

Angiogenesis is regulated by both soluble growth factors and cellular interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM). While cell adhesion via integrins has been shown to be required for angiogenesis, the effects of quantitative changes in cell adhesion and spreading against the ECM remain less clear. Here, we show that angiogenic sprouting in natural and engineered three-dimensional matrices exhibited a biphasic response, with peak sprouting when adhesion to the matrix was limited to intermediate levels. Examining changes in global gene expression to determine a genetic basis for this response, we demonstrate a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced upregulation of genes associated with vascular invasion and remodeling when cell adhesion was limited, whereas cells on highly adhesive surfaces upregulated genes associated with proliferation. To explore a mechanistic basis for this effect, we turned to focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a central player in adhesion signaling previously implicated in angiogenesis, and its homologue, proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2). While FAK signaling had some impact, our results suggested that Pyk2 can regulate both gene expression and endothelial sprouting through its enhanced activation by VEGF in limited adhesion contexts. We also demonstrate decreased sprouting of tissue explants from Pyk2-null mice as compared to wild type mice as further confirmation of the role of Pyk2 in angiogenic sprouting. These results suggest a surprising finding that limited cell adhesion can enhance endothelial responsiveness to VEGF and demonstrate a novel role for Pyk2 in the adhesive regulation of angiogenesis.
1113 FACTORS AFFECTING METABOLIC CONTROL IN CHILDREN WITH INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES(IDD)

In 477 children with IDD treated conventionally, glycosylated hemoglobin(GHb),blood glucose(BG) & C-peptide(CP)were measured 2-3 hr.postprandially over a lyr period as indicators of metabolic control to assess the effects of pt. age,sex,disease duration, & in a subgroup of 273,no. of daily injections & dose of insulin. The mean±SEM %GHb over this period was 11.8±.2% & BG 237±9 mg/dl. Only 13(2.7%)had a normal %GHb(≤7.5%).There was a highly significant correlation(p lyr.In 321 IDD children evaluated more than once %GHbremained within ±.5% of the initial value in 17%,decreased in 53%, & increased in 30%.There was no relationship between %GHb & no.of daily injections or dose of insulin.There was no seasonal variation. In 150, GHb was measured in RBCs both without (routine) & with incubation 1:10 in normal saline to assess the labile&stable forms of GHb respectively.%GHb was 11.6±.2% & 10.1±.1%respectively (r=.91,p<0.001).Correlation to BGremained significant in both, though less in the saline-incubated specimens(r=.54&.37respectively).CP levels did not correlate with %GHb in either the remission or later stages.Because of the closer correlation of %GHb to age than to other factors such as disease duration,we suggest that hormonal&compliance factors during puberty may be more important determinants than residual β-cell function in achieving good metabolic control.Our ability to improve control over the short term has been quite limited.This study may help target those IDD children requiring more aggressive therapy.
Initiation and elongation of protein synthesis in growing cells: differential inhibition by cycloheximide and emetine.

Abstract The mechanisms of action of cycloheximide and emetine in exponentially growing Chinese hamster ovary cells have been studied (a) by measuring the incorporation of [ 35 S]methionine into N-terminal and internal positions of nascent peptide chains by an Edman degradation modified for handling a large number of samples and (b) by determining the size distribution of polysomes in the presence of the drugs. These combined techniques have confirmed that all three phases of protein synthesis (initiation, elongation, and termination) are susceptible to inhibition by cycloheximide and have shown that the primary sensitive step varies with the concentration of drug between 10 −9 and 10 −3 m . At the lowest doses, initiation appears, by these criteria, to be the step most sensitive to inhibition by cycloheximide, while emetine seems to act primarily on elongation.
Knowledge management across multi-tier enterprises: the promise of intelligent software in the auto industry

Abstract The automotive industry is at a critical juncture in its evolution. Vehicle manufacturers are merging horizontally into large portfolio-oriented companies focused on assembly and marketing while reducing their in-house development and manufacturing depth in favor of a multi-tier supplier base. This realignment has increased organizational flexibility and global technology access, but concerns have been raised about the industry's ability to manage complex product programs across multi-tier interfaces — and about knowledge leaks to competitors. In this paper we argue that these virtually integrated enterprises are not well served by hierarchical planning tools and dedicated communications networks. Instead, distributed intelligence in an open-architecture and secure enterprise network provides the connectivity needed for successful product development and delivery. Emerging software tools such as intelligent agents or applets, common in Internet applications such as assisted personal computing, are well-suited for coordinating complex product management processes in multi-tier enterprises. As these new information technologies advance, competitive success will depend on the intertwined evolution of these embedded software tools and the new business processes that they are creating.
Topical application of DEET for schistosomiasis

N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide (also known as DEET) is a broad-spectrum insect repellent that is used extensively against both human and animal pests, worldwide. Recent studies show that topical lipid formulations of DEET, such as LipoDEET, are highly effective in killing schistosome cercariae in the skin. Minimal systemic absorption, low manufacturing cost, and a wide range of activity against insects and schistosomes potentially makes compounds such as LipoDEET an excellent prophylactic agent against human and animal schistosomiasis in endemic areas, especially for travelers, until an effective vaccine is available.
TIGER: Toolbox for integrating genome-scale metabolic models, expression data, and transcriptional regulatory networks

Background Several methods have been developed for analyzing genome-scale models of metabolism and transcriptional regulation. Many of these methods, such as Flux Balance Analysis, use constrained optimization to predict relationships between metabolic flux and the genes that encode and regulate enzyme activity. Recently, mixed integer programming has been used to encode these gene-protein-reaction (GPR) relationships into a single optimization problem, but these techniques are often of limited generality and lack a tool for automating the conversion of rules to a coupled regulatory/metabolic model.
Barley Stripe Mosaic Virions Associated with Spindle Microtubules

Virions of barley stripe mosaic virus were observed attached to microtubules of the spindle apparatus. This phenomenon was found in barley cells undergoing meiosis and mitosis. The microtubules may be involved in the assembly and cell-to-cell transfer of the virus.
P38 mitogen activated protein kinase expression and regulation by interleukin-4 in human B cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas

The prevalence and regulation of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) expression in human lymphomas have not been extensively studied. In order to elucidate the role of p38 MAPK in lymphomagenesis, we examined the expression of native and phosphorylated p38 (p-p38) MAPK in cell lines derived from human hematopoietic neoplasms including B cell lymphoma-derived cell lines using Western blot analysis. The p-p38 MAPK protein was also analyzed in 30 B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) tissue biopsies by immunohistochemistry. Our results show that the expression of p38 MAPK was up-regulated in most of the cell lines as compared with peripheral blood lymphocytes, while the expression of p-p38 MAPK was more variable. A subset of B cell NHL biopsies showed increased expression of p-p38 MAPK relative to reactive germinal center cells. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) induced a dose-dependent increase in the expression of p-p38 MAPK (1.6- to 2.8-fold) in cell lines derived from activated B cell-like diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) but not those from germinal center-like DLBCL. No change was seen in native p38 MAPK. The in vitro kinase activity of p38 MAPK, however, was induced (1.6- to 3.2-fold) in all five cell lines by IL-4. Quantitative fluorescent RT-PCR demonstrated that all four isoforms of p38 MAPK gene were expressed in the lymphoma cell lines, with p38γ and p38β isoforms being predominant. IL-4 stimulation increased the expression of β, γ, and δ isoforms but not α isoform in two cell lines. In conclusion, there is constitutive expression and activation of p38 MAPK in a large number of B-lymphoma-derived cell lines and primary lymphoma tissues, supportive of its role in lymphomagenesis. The differential IL-4 regulation of p38 MAPK expression in cell lines derived from DLBCL may relate to the cellular origin of these neoplasms.
Integrating program review in planning and budgeting: A systemwide perspective

The University of Maryland System designed a data-driven program review process to reallocate resources systemwide.
Effects of rhenium addition on the temporal evolution of the nanostructure and chemistry of a model Ni–Cr–Al superalloy. I: Experimental observations

Abstract The temporal evolution of the nanostructure and chemistry of a model Ni–8.5 at.% Cr–10 at.% Al alloy, with the addition of 2 at.% Re, aged at 1073 K from 0.25 to 264 h, was studied. Transmission electron microscopy and atom-probe tomography were used to measure the number density and mean radius of the γ ′ (L1 2 structure)-precipitates and the chemistry of the γ ′-precipitates and the γ (face-centered cubic)-matrix, including the partitioning behavior of all alloying elements between the γ - and γ ′-phases and the segregation behavior at γ / γ ′ interfaces. The precipitates remained spheroidal for an aging time of up to 264 h and, unlike commercial nickel-based superalloys containing Re, there was not confined (nonmonotonic) Re segregation at the γ / γ ′ interfaces.
Plasma total glutathione in humans and its association with demographic and health-related factors

The tripeptide glutathione is proposed to be protective against a number of chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, there have been few studies of plasma glutathione levels in humans and in those studies the numbers of participants have been very small. In an exploratory analysis the determinants of plasma total glutathione (GSHt) were investigated in a group of 100 volunteers aged 18-61 years in Atlanta, Georgia, USA during June and July 1989. Data on demographic and health-related factors were collected by interview and plasma GSHt was measured using a recently modified laboratory method. The mean concentration of plasma GSHt for all 100 participants was 761 micrograms/l, with a standard deviation of 451 micrograms/l, a range of 86-2889 micrograms/l and a median of 649 micrograms/l. Men had significantly higher levels of plasma GSHt than women (924 v. 692 micrograms/l; P = 0.006). Seventh-day Adventists participating in the present study had higher plasma GSHt levels than other subgroups defined by race and/or religion. Among Seventh-day Adventists consumption of a vegetarian diet was associated with increased plasma GSHt concentration (P = 0.002). Plasma GSHt levels also appeared to vary by race, but relationships with race could not be clearly disassociated from relationships with religion. Among white participants plasma GSHt concentration decreased with age in women but increased with age in men (P = 0.05). Few other factors were associated with plasma GSHt concentration, although use of oral contraceptives (P = 0.10) was somewhat associated with decreased plasma GSHt levels. These findings suggest that plasma GSHt levels may vary with several demographic and health-related attributes and support the need for further research on this potentially important disease-preventive compound.
Van der Waals theory of nematogenic solutions. II. Application to binary solutions with spherical solutes and rodlike solvents

The Van der Waals theory of nematogenic solutions derived in Paper I of this series is here applied to binary mixtures with effectively spherical solute molecules and rodlike solvent molecules. Predicted temperature-mole-fraction phase diagrams are shown to be in rather good agreement with experimental data for the systems C${\mathrm{Cl}}_{4}$-$p$, ${p}^{\ensuremath{'}}$-dihexyloxyazoxybenzene (DHAB), (C${\mathrm{H}}_{3}$)$_{4}\mathrm{Sn}$-methoxybenzylidene $n$-butylaniline (MBBA), (${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$${\mathrm{H}}_{5}$)$_{4}\mathrm{Sn}$-MBBA, (${\mathrm{C}}_{3}$${\mathrm{H}}_{7}$)$_{4}\mathrm{Sn}$-MBBA, and (${\mathrm{C}}_{4}$${\mathrm{H}}_{9}$)$_{4}\mathrm{Sn}$-MBBA. On the basis of these calculations, it is argued that when a more or less spherical solute is added to a nematic mesophase, the onset of the nematic\ensuremath{\rightarrow}isotropic phase transition is controlled primarily by excluded-volume effects and the overall strength of the intermolecular attractions in the system.
Gamma Knife Stereotactic Radiosurgery as Salvage Therapy After Failure of Whole-Brain Radiotherapy in Patients With Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose Radiosurgery has been successfully used in selected cases to avoid repeat whole-brain irradiation (WBI) in patients with multiple brain metastases of most solid tumor histological findings. Few data are available for the use of radiosurgery for small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Methods and Materials Between November 1999 and June 2009, 51 patients with SCLC and previous WBI and new brain metastases were treated with GammaKnife stereotactic radiosurgery (GKSRS). A median dose of 18 Gy (range, 10–24 Gy) was prescribed to the margin of each metastasis. Patients were followed with serial imaging. Patient electronic records were reviewed to determine disease-related factors and clinical outcomes after GKSRS. Local and distant brain failure rates, overall survival, and likelihood of neurologic death were determined based on imaging results. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine survival and local and distant brain control. Cox proportional hazard regression was performed to determine strength of association between disease-related factors and survival. Results Median survival time for the entire cohort was 5.9 months. Local control rates at 1 and 2 years were 57% and 34%, respectively. Distant brain failure rates at 1 and 2 years were 58% and 75%, respectively. Fifty-three percent of patients ultimately died of neurologic death. On multivariate analysis, patients with stable (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.89) or progressive (HR = 6.98) extracranial disease (ECD) had worse overall survival than patients without evidence of ECD ( p = 0.00002). Concurrent chemotherapy improved local control (HR = 89; p = 0.006). Conclusions GKSRS represents a feasible salvage option in patients with SCLC and brain metastases for whom previous WBI has failed. The status of patients' ECD is a dominant factor predictive of overall survival. Local control may be inferior to that seen with other cancer histological results, although the use of concurrent chemotherapy may help to improve this.
Neomedievalism and the modern subject in T.S. Eliot’s Murder in the Cathedral

This essay argues that a historically nonlinear, neomedievalist approach structures Eliot’s use of the medieval in his play Murder in the Cathedral and opens up the work’s previously overlooked tensions. The medieval period is generally seen to serve Eliot as a counter-site of spiritually oriented social and intellectual cohesion against which modern soullessness and fragmentation is gauged. Little attention has been paid to the way that Thomas Becket (c. 1118–1170), as a hero with a distinctly modern crisis of faith, disrupts the coherence of Eliot’s characterization of the supposed unity of premodern consciousness. Rather than a simple nostalgia for medieval social coherence, Eliot’s imbedding of a modern hero in a medieval storyline implies the capacity of the medieval to collapse into, and inhabit, the modern.
Grain Alignment and the Magnetic Field Geometry in the Filamentary Dark Cloud GF 9

We present measurements of the interstellar polarization at 1.65 μm of stars shining through the filamentary dark cloud GF 9. Unlike many dark clouds, the interstellar polarization through GF 9 increases significantly with increasing extinction through the cloud. We find the magnetic field geometry in GF 9–core is very smooth, in agreement with results from far-infrared polarimetry by Clemens, Kraemer, & Ciardi (published in 1999). Our much more limited results for GF 9–filament are consistent with a disordered field, also in agreement with the far-infrared polarimetry. Comparison of the near-infrared and far-infrared position angles suggests that there is a moderate rotation in the projected magnetic field direction from the exterior to the interior of GF 9–core.
Absorption of antibiotics by plant cells. IV. Chloramphenicol.

Chloramphenicol entered cells of the alga Nitella clavata slowly and the concentration of antibiotic in the cell sap tended to equilibrate with that in the treating solution. The permeability constant was 1.5 × 10−7 cm/sec. The rate of chloramphenicol uptake was influenced by concentration and temperature, but not by pH or 2,4-dinitrophenol. Normal and starved cells absorbed chloramphenicol at an equal rate, and treated cells lost the antibiotic they had absorbed at a rate comparable to the rate of uptake. The results appear consistent with the view that chloramphenicol permeated cells of the alga by simple diffusion.
Blood flow restriction reduces time to muscular failure

Abstract Exercise to failure results in similar muscle protein synthesis responses, independent of intensity. However, low-intensity exercise likely requires more repetitions and individuals with injuries may be incapable of sustaining the mechanical stress to reach failure. The aim of this study was to determine if knee wraps provide a stimulus to decrease time to failure. Twenty healthy individuals participated in a randomized crossover study consisting of three trials. The first trial was used to determine one-repetition maximum (1-RM) on leg extension. Participants were then assigned to a blood flow restriction or control group. After trial 2, participants crossed over to the opposite trial. Knee wraps were placed around the upper thigh of each leg during blood flow restriction. Leg extensions were completed at 30% 1-RM until failure. A rating of perceived exertion was taken after exercise and whole blood samples were taken before, after, and 3 min after exercise for the determination of lactate. Repe...
A specific helical orientation underlies the functional contribution of the activin responsive unit to transcriptional activity of the murine gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor gene promoter.

Activin responsiveness of the murine GnRH receptor (GnRHR) gene promoter requires two spatially distinct regulatory elements termed the GnRH receptor activating sequence or GRAS and the downstream activin regulatory element or DARE. While GRAS interacts with multiple transcription factors, DARE activity requires tandem homeodomain binding motifs (TAAT) and displays specific binding to the LIM homeodomain protein LHX3. Herein, we find that both the murine GnRHR gene promoter and DARE fused to a minimal heterologous promoter are responsive to LHX3 over-expression. A dominant-repressor of LHX3 attenuates transcriptional activity of the murine GnRHR gene promoter but had no impact on activin responsiveness. Thus, LHX3 would not appear to be the protein mediating activin responsiveness of this promoter. Within DARE itself, the tandem TAAT motifs are separated by 4bp. Although this arrangement differs from the prototypical P2 or P3 binding sites characterized for paired-like homeodomain proteins and from the directly abutting TAAT motifs found for LHX3, a LIM-class home-odomain protein, we find that separation of the TAAT sites by 5 and 10 bp decreases GnRHR promoter activity to a level similar to promoters containing loss of function mulations in either the proximal or distal TAAT motif. Thus, the juxtaposition of the TAAT sites is critical for the functional activity of DARE. That activin responsiveness of the GnRHR promoter requires both GRAS and DARE suggests that these elements may be both functionally and structurally coupled. As to the latter, GRAS and DARE are separated by 20 bp, thus placing the elements on the same side of the helical backbone. To determine if this spatial organization is functionally relevant, multiples of 5 bp were inserted or deleted between GRAS and DARE. Any insertion or deletion that resulted in a half-turn alteration in the helical positioning between the two elements reduced promoter activity. Thus, an important spatial relationship underlies functional cooperation between GRAS and DARE and the emergence of a complex activin responsive unit (ARU) within the mouse GnRHR promoter.
Observations of the rapid oscillations of EM Cygni

High-speed two-color photometric observations have been made of the dwarf nova EM Cyg and rapid coherent oscillations with periods between 14.6 and 16.5 sec have been found. The minimum period is less than the period of a Keplerian orbit at the surface of a carbon white dwarf. The color temperature of the oscillating component is much higher than that of the constant component of the luminosity. These results suggest that the source of the oscillations is the white dwarf or the inner part of the accretion disk.
Digital angiography of experimental choroidal melanomas using benzoporphyrin derivative

Purpose To examine benzoporphyrin derivative angiography as a modality for studying photosensitizer biodistribution in experimental choroidal melanomas. Methods A liposomal preparation of benzoporphyrin derivative was used in this study. Digital benzoporphyrin derivative angiograms were performed in 10 rabbits (six for experimental choroidal melanomas, two for normal choroids, and two for irides) using a Topcon ImageNet H1024 digital imaging system, a Kodak Megaplus video camera, and a Topcon TRC-50-VT fundus camera. Only one eye from each rabbit was used. Filters specifically designed for benzoporphyrin derivative (peak absorption at 580 nm and peak emission at 695 nm) were used. Benzoporphyrin derivative (1 mg/kg) was injected into an ear vein while images of tumor, normal choroid, or iris were being obtained. Follow-up images were obtained during the first 3 hours and at 24 hours after injection. Fluorescence microscopy was performed in all 10 rabbits using 1 mg/kg of benzoporphyrin derivative. Tumor-bearing eyes were enucleated at the same time points that angiograms were performed, and the two sets of results were compared for maximum dye accumulation. Results Digital angiography demonstrated that maximal benzoporphyrin derivative fluorescence occurred in tumors 15 to 45 minutes after injection. Fluorescence photometry corroborated these results. Conclusion Photosensitizer angiography is a valid modality for determining the optimum treatment time for photodynamic therapy.
A strain criterion for fatigue threshold based on Neuber's approximation

Abstract The plastic blunting process is considered to operate during crack growth in the vicinity of the threshold stress intensity range as well as above. A model for determining the threshold stress intensity range for fatigue crack propagation at R ≥0 is proposed using linear elastic fracture mechanics concepts and Neuber's considerations to approximate local stress and strain near the crack tip. It is shown here that, for deep cracks, the threshold stress intensity range for a given material is a constant, depending only on material properties. Experimental results taken from the literature are in reasonable accord with predictions by the model.
In vivo studies on the effects of human recombinant interleukin-1β on articular cartilage

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a cytokine produced by a number of connective-tissue and inflammatory cells which has been shown in organ culture to stimulate the breakdown of cartilage proteoglycans and inhibit their synthesis. Intraarticular injection of human recombinant IL-1β into the knee joints of rabbits induced a dose-related decrase in cartilage proteoglycan content and increased infiltration of cells into the synovial fluid. Following a single intraarticular injection, the loss of proteoglycan was maximal at 3 days. By 7 days, proteoglycan content began to return toward control levels. IL-1 also resulted in a dose-related decrease in the ability of cartilage to synthesize new proteoglycan as measured by35S incorporation. Thesein vivo effects of IL-1 on articular cartilage closely reflect those effects observedin vitro in organ culture and are consistent with the hypothesis that IL-1 may play a role as a mediator of the loss of cartilage in some arthritic diseases.
SU-E-T-236: Brachytherapy for Breast Cancer Patients with Implanted Pacemeker, Using Multi Lumen Partial Breast Applicator.

Purpose: Discuss optimised Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) using a Strut‐Adjused Volume Implant (SAVI) applicator for patients with implanted pacemeker, without overdosing or relocating the pacemaker. Methods: A right breast cancer patient with an in situ pacemaker (Medtronic model ADDR01) on the right side underwent breast conservative surgery and was referred for Partial Breast Irradiation (PBI) using Ir‐192 High Dose Rate Brachytherapy. Preliminary estimation of the pacemaker dose from a pre‐insertion CT study was about 8 % of the prescribed dose which exceeded the generally accepted dose of 2Gy. The challenge was to use a suitable applicator to treat the tumor bed and 1cm margin without exceeding the 2Gy limit to the pacemaker and the leads. A seven catheter SAVI device was selected and implanted in the right breast in an optimal direction and a 3D treatment plan was generated following a post insertion CT scan, using the Oncentra Brachy treatment planning system. Optimization tools namely anatomy based Inverse Planning Simulated Annealing (IPSA), and graphical optimization were utilized to load and optimize the dwell time in the catheters and reduce the dose received by the pacemaker. Device interrogation was conducted before and after the treatment. All operational parameters of the pacemaker were found to be normal.No change in the baseline reference values were observed. Results: Using the SAVI device it was possible to limit the pacemaker/ leads dose to less than 2 Gy. Target V100, V95 and V90 were 90.1%, 95.5% and 98.5% respectively. V150 and V200 being 18.6cc and 10.6cc respectively.Calculated average point doses on pacemaker assembly for ten fractions was 140cGy. Conclusions: By combining the optimization tools of today's Brachytherapy planning system and a multilumen SAVI applicator, HDR partial breast irradiation can be safely delivered for breast cancer patients with in situ pacemaker, with out the fear of interrupting pacemaker functionality
Defect-induced magnetism in nitride and oxide nanowires: Surface effects and quantum confinement

Defect-induced local moment formation in GaN and ZnO nanowires is investigated using density functional theory-based first-principles electronic-structure methods. We find that quantum confinement and surface effects, coupled with strong structural relaxations in nanowires, significantly enhance the spin-polarization energy and reduce the defect formation energy. These results are consistent with the fact that unconventional magnetism is often found in nanostructures and thin films.
Learning and Motivational Characteristics of Boys with AD/HD and/or Giftedness:

This study compared the academic and learning characteristics of students with (a) Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), (b) giftedness, and (c) giftedness with AD/HD, and examines specific a priori questions. The information reported by teachers, parents, and children was analyzed with a multiple-case design with constant comparative procedures within and across groups. The results indicated that giftedness conferred benefits related to specific talents but did not offer protection from the negative outcomes of AD/HD, such as inattention and homework problems. The learning and motivational profiles of each group were discussed in terms of implications for differential diagnosis and research and for teaching children with AD/HD and giftedness in general and special settings.
Impacts of vegetation and cold season processes on soil moisture and climate relationships over Eurasia

[1] A number of modeling studies have addressed soil moisture persistence and its effects on the atmosphere. Such analyses are particularly valuable for seasonal to interannual prediction. In this study, we perform an observation-based study to further investigate the impacts of vegetation and cold season processes on soil moisture persistence and climate feedbacks. The joint analysis of independent meteorological, soil moisture and land cover measurements, without the use of a model, in the former Soviet Union provides a unique look at soil moisture–climate relationships at seasonal to interannual timescales. Averaged data over the growing season show a strong consistency between soil moisture and precipitation over grassland dominant regions, suggesting that precipitation anomalies are a dominant control of soil moisture at interannual timescales. Investigation of soil moisture persistence at the seasonal timescale shows a strong correlation between soil moisture in spring and the subsequent precipitation in summer over forest dominant regions and between cold season precipitation accumulation in winter and soil moisture in the following spring. Our findings can be explained by the theory proposed by Koster and Suarez (2001) and are consistent with the results from other modeling studies. Although it is hard to obtain the statistical meaningful conclusions because of the short data records, our results show the potential role of vegetation and cold season processes in land-atmosphere interactions. Further modeling studies and analyses using long in situ data records are necessary to fully verify our results.
Influences of biotin deficiency and dietary trans-fatty acids on tissue lipids in chickens.

I. The combined effects of feeding hydrogenated fats and varying the levels of biotin and linoleate (18:2w6) on polyunsaturated fatty acids were studied in the chicken. 2. Biotin deficiency signs were not exacerbated by feeding hydrogenated fats or by diets low in linoleate for 21 d. 3. Biotin deficiency resulted in proportionately higher levels of 18:2w6 and y-linolenate (18: 3w6) in liver triglycerides, and lower levels of dihomo-y-linolenate (20: 3w6) in liver and heart phospholipids irrespective of the 18 : 2w6 level in the diet. 4. Biotin deficiency did not alter arachidonate (20:4w6) levels in tissue lipids at 21 d. 5. Feeding high levels of trans-18: 1 isomers with adequate biotin led to reduced 20:3w6 and 20:4w6 levels in liver and heart phospholipids with compensatory increases in w3 fatty acids. 6. The trans-isomers of 18: 1 were incorporated into several tissues of the chick. Incorporation was dependent on the levels fed. Very small amounts were incorporated into brain compared with other tissues when dietary trans-isomer levels were high, but were similar when dietary trans-isomer levels were low. The trans-18: 1 isomers appear to be preferentially incorporated into phospholipids as opposed to triglycerides in heart and liver.
The level of agreement between child self-reports and parent proxy-reports of health-related quality of life in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Purpose To investigate the level of agreement between child self-reports and parent proxy-reports of the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) using both classical test theory (CTT) and Rasch analysis.
Could PD-L1 prove to be an effective therapeutic target for bladder cancer?

Highlighting this years’ American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference were presentations focusing on T-cell immune checkpoint blockade as a therapeutic target in solid tumors. Promising results in melanoma, lung and renal cancers have led to further disease-specific Phase I and II trials of immune checkpoint blockade in other solid tumors refractory to treatment. Metastatic urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) is one such tumor; this disease is associated with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. The last significant advance in metastatic bladder cancer treatment came with the application of cisplatin-based chemo therapies over two decades ago. Despite the widespread use of cisplatin-based combination regimens and improved supportive care, 5 year survival rates for metastatic UBC remain around 15%. The response rates with second-line chemotherapies continue to be dismal, generally around 20% or less, with median survivals of 6–9 months. Thus, the identification of new therapeutic targets for UBC is crucial to improving outcomes in this disease. There is already precedent for use of immune therapy in UBC; treatment of superficial bladder cancer with intravesicular BCG remains the standard of care for non-muscle invasive carcinoma. BCG stimulates a plethora of immune responses, including the activation and recruitment of CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes. The programmed death-1 receptor is an inhibitory transmembrane receptor expressed by CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes that plays a crucial role in the regulation of T-cell response. It is a member of the CD28/CTLA-4 family of T-cell regulators that, when engaged by its ligands, PD-L1 (B7-H1) or PD-L2 (B7-DC), leads to dephosphorylation of proximal signaling molecules downstream of the TCR complex via src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase (SHP)-1 and -2, as well as augmentation of PTEN, leading to decreased T-cell proliferation, survival and protein synthesis. Ligand expression in the form of PD-L1 and PD-L2 is, thus, necessary in the development and maintenance of immune tolerance and the prevention of auto immunity. The upregulation of PD-L1 expression by tumor cells, however, is thought to be a mechanism by which solid tumors evade or develop tolerance to immune regulation. Urothelial bladder tumors have been shown to have levels of PD-L1 expression similar to other solid tumors [1]. Interestingly, higher levels of PD-L1 expression are seen in more advanced and metastatic tumors compared with earlystage tumors [2], both supporting the notion the that higher PD-L1 expression can help tumors evade immune regulation, as well as highlighting the promise of PD-L1 blockade. At ASCO, updated results of an ongoing Phase I study of the human anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody MPDL3290A in metaCould PD-L1 prove to be an effective therapeutic target for bladder cancer?
A method for determining transmissibility‐ and storage‐coefficients by tests of multiple well‐systems

Ground-water has long been recognized as one of our important natural resources, but only in about the last 20 years has concentrated effort been made to place ground-water hydrology on a quantitative basis. The quantitative approach to ground-water work has been brought about largely through the leadership of O. E. MEINZER, Chief of the Ground-Water Division of the Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior, who has originated and applied many quantitative methods himself, and who has consistently fostered and encouraged this method of attack by his coworkers. That this effort has been ably directed and especially fruitful Is shown by the vast number of important ground-water problems relating to the water-supplies for war activities that have been worked out by means of quantitative methods in the last few years.
Partnership to improve quality care for veterans: the VA Nursing Academy.

More than 22 million living veterans reside in the United States. In fact, understanding military culture and the experiences of these veterans is important to their ongoing health care and the unique challenges faced by many. The Veterans Affairs (VA) Nursing Academy began in 2007 to fund pilot partnerships between schools of nursing and local VA health care facilities to better serve our veteran population. Fifteen academic/service partnerships were selected for funding between 2007 and 2009 with the goals of expanding faculty and professional development, increasing nursing student enrollment, providing opportunities for educational and practice innovations, and increasing the recruitment and retention of VA nurses. This article details critical components of the partnership developed between the Birmingham VA Medical Center and the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing, a VA Nursing Academy partnership funded in the 2009 cohort. Site-specific goals of the partnership are described along with a discussion of the framework used to develop the Birmingham VA Nursing Academy, which includes relationship building, engagement, governance, evaluation of outcomes, and sustainability. The logic model developed for the partnership is included, and the interim outputs and outcomes of this practice–academic partnership are detailed, a number of which can be replicated by VAs and schools of nursing across the country.
Inorganic interferences in the 2,4-xylenol spectro-photometric method for nitrate and their elimination

Abstract A study of inorganic interferences with the 2,4-xylenol spectrophotometric method for nitrate and their elimination is reported. Fifty-three substances do not interfere with the original method. Nitrite interferes somewhat by producing a faint yellow color. Certain reducing agents (Fe 2+ , S 2- , S 2 O 3 2- , and SCN - ) cause low results by reducing the nitrate in the strong sulfuric acid solution, while some oxidizing agents (Mn 7+ , Cr 6+ , V 5+ , and ClO 3 - ) cause low results by inactivating or destroying the 2,4-xylenol. Persulfate and small amounts of H 2 O 2 produce a slight deepening of the color; larger amounts of H 2 O 2 ; cause low results, as do Cl - , Br - , I - , and metals. The recommended maximum permissible limits (mg per 10-ml aliquot) for the original method are NO 2 - -N, Fe 2+ , S 2- , SCN - , V 5+ , ClO 3 - , Cl - , I - , 0.2; Mn 7+ , Cr 6+ , S 2 O 8 2- , 5; H 2 O 2 , 0.02; S 2 O 3 2- , Br - , 0.1; metals, none. Procedures for the elimination of most of the interferences are described. Nitrite is destroyed with sulfamic acid. The interferences of reductants (Fe 2+ , S 2- , S 2 O 3 2- , and SCN - ) and oxidants (Mn 7+ and Cr 6+ ) are eliminated with hydrogen peroxide, the excess of which (and S 2 O 8 2- ) is destroyed by boiling in the presence of Fe 3+ . The interference of Cl - , Br - , and I - is eliminated by precipitation with silver sulfate. An alternative to the sulfamic acid procedure is to oxidize nitrite to nitrate with peroxide and deduct NO 2 - -N from the total NO 3 - -N. After elimination of interferences, a 10-ml aliquot of sample solution is treated with 17.0 ml of sulfuric acid and 2,4-xylenol, the 6-nitro-2,4-xylenol is steam-distilled into an ammonia—water—isopropanol mixture, and the yellow color is measured.
The Top Loops of the C2 Domains from Synaptotagmin and Phospholipase A2 Control Functional Specificity

The phospholipid-binding specificities of C2 domains, widely distributed Ca2+-binding modules, differ greatly despite similar three-dimensional structures. To understand the molecular basis for this specificity, we have examined the synaptotagmin 1 C2A domain, which interacts in a primarily electrostatic, Ca2+-dependent reaction with negatively charged phospholipids, and the cytosolic phospholipase A2(cPLA2) C2 domain, which interacts by a primarily hydrophobic Ca2+-dependent mechanism with neutral phospholipids. We show that grafting the short Ca2+-binding loops from the tip of the cPLA2C2 domain onto the top of the synaptotagmin 1 C2A domain confers onto the synaptotagmin 1 C2A domain the phospholipid binding specificity of the cPLA2C2 domain, indicating that the functional specificity of C2 domains is determined by their short top loops.
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds Inhibit and Reduce the Attachment of Viable Salmonella typhimurium to Poultry Tissues

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) were studied to characterize their inhibition and reversal of S. typhimurium's strong attachment to chicken skin. An initial screening human buccal epithelial cell model and a novel, highly quantitative model using pieces of chicken skin in culture plates were used. Some QAC, particularly cetylpyridinium chlo ride (CPC), were extremely effective at both inhibiting and reversing attachment of viable S. typhinlurium to chicken skin. Pretreatment of chicken skin (room temperature, 10 min) with 0.1% CPC completely inhibited the attachment of S. typhimurium. CPC may be very beneficial in reducing S. typhimurium contamination of poultry carcasses during processing and especially in preventing cross-contamination.
Scattering by a sphere

If a plane electromagnetic wave is incident on a perfectly conducting sphere of large radius, the scattered field can be expressed as a sum of optics and creeping-wave terms. The appropriate formulas are derived and the results are presented in a form suitable for computation.
Anomalous Stokes shift in CdSe nanocrystals

We investigate the temperature dependence of exciton fluorescence, absorption, and Stokes shift for five sizes of high quality $\mathrm{Cd}\mathrm{Se}∕\mathrm{Zn}\mathrm{S}$ nanocrystals from the perspective of the fine structure model and exciton-acoustic phonon coupling. The Stokes shift is found to have a weak temperature dependence for all sizes. Within the fine structure model, we use the temperature dependence of the Stokes shift to infer the upper level energy and oscillator strength. We also interpret our ensemble measurements using an exciton-acoustic phonon scattering model. We find that neither the fine structure nor exciton-acoustic phonon scattering is able to adequately explain our data in isolation and conclude that a comprehensive theory which includes the physics of both models on an equal footing is required.
Injury and Death of Frozen Listeria monocytogenes as Affected by Glycerol and Milk Components

Abstract A cell suspension of Listeria monocytogenes strain Scott A in phosphate buffer solution alone or with added glycerol, milk fat, lactose, or casein was frozen and stored at –18°C. At suitable intervals, samples of cell suspensions were thawed at 35°C and plated on suitable media to distinguish between surviving injured and noninjured cells of L. monocytogenes . Glycerol (2 or 4%) protected L. monocytogenes from death and injury during frozen storage for up to 6 mo; however, when 2% glycerol was present, 30min of frozen storage had to elapse after completion of freezing before protection against death was evident. During short-term (2 wk or less) frozen storage, lactose, milk fat, and casein, each at 2%, provided better protection to L. monocytogenes than did 2% glycerol. During long-term frozen storage, milk components, each at 2%, protected L. monocytogenes against death and injury, but less than that provided by glycerol. Protection by lactose and milk fat against death during frozen storage was observed during 4 wk and against injury during 5 mo and 4 wk of frozen storage, respectively. Protection by casein against death and injury occurred during frozen storage for up to 6 mo. Salts that simulate mil k ultrafiltrate provided almost no protection to L. monocytogenes during freezing and frozen storage. Increasing the concentration of milk fat from 2 to 4% resulted in almost no change in death of L. monocytogenes , but in a decrease in injury only during the first 24h of frozen storage. A similar change in concentration of lactose resulted in an obvious decrease in death of L. monocytogenes during frozen storage for up to 6 mo and in a decrease in injury only during the first 24h of frozen storage.