cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The transport and dynamic state of exogenous glycerol- and palmitic acid-labeled tripalmitin.

The radioactivities of the glycerol and fatty acid moieties of plasma, liver, and adipose tissue lipids were determined at intervals after the ingestion of glycerol- and palmitic acid-labeled tripalmitin by rats. The changes in the levels of activities of the glycerol and fatty acids, and in the ratios of those activities, demonstrated the following: Only about half of the glycerol is completely hydrolyzed from fatty acid during digestion and absorption. Plasma lecithin originating from dietary fat is synthesized extrahepatically. Plasma triglycerides are removed by the liver without change but are hydrolyzed before incorporation into adipose tisaue. Liver lecithins originate from liver triglycerides. Triglycerides are metabolically more active than lecithins and the latter more active than cephalins. In the postabsorptive period, glycerol disappears from adipose tissue triglycerides more rapidly than do the fatty acids, indicating hydrolysis and renewal of glycerol. In the liver, on the other hand, glycerol and fatty acid disappear from both triglycerides and phospholipids at the same rates, indicating that they are removed as units.
Quantitative Trait Loci Analysis of Powdery Mildew Disease Resistance in the Arabidopsis thaliana Accession Kashmir-1

Powdery mildew diseases are economically important diseases, caused by obligate biotrophic fungi of the Erysiphales. To understand the complex inheritance of resistance to the powdery mildew disease in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, quantitative trait loci analysis was performed using a set of recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between the resistant accession Kashmir-1 and the susceptible accession Columbia glabrous1. We identified and mapped three independent powdery mildew quantitative disease resistance loci, which act additively to confer disease resistance. The locus with the strongest effect on resistance was mapped to a 500-kbp interval on chromosome III.
Design of internal quality control for reference value studies

Internal quality control should assure that the desired quality goals are achieved during reference value studies. Quality goals are often stated in the form of allowable limits of error, such as an allowable total error or an allowable bias. For reference value studies, it may be more appropriate to utilize a goal for allowable bias. In either case, it is possible to calculate a metric in the form of the critical systematic error that can be used to guide selection or design of the internal quality control procedure. A graphical tool, called the critical-error graph, facilitates the selection by superimposing the calculated critical systematic error on the power curves of different control rules and numbers of control measurements. Examples are provided to illustrate the calculation of the critical systematic error from both an allowable total error goal and an allowable bias goal, using figures from an extensive tabulation of available total error and bias goals.
Single-crystal-to-single-crystal direct cross-linking and photopolymerisation of a discrete Ag(I) complex to give a 1D polycyclobutane coordination polymer

A discrete dinuclear Ag(I) complex undergoes a single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation to generate a 1D coordination polymer with a polycyclobutane backbone.
The Predictive Validity of Self-Efficacy in Training Performance: Little More Than Past Performance

Past research on the influence of self-efficacy in training has provided mixed results. Key differences between studies pertain to whether past performance is operationalized as a residual variable or as an unadjusted variable and to the type of task used. In this study, the authors conducted and performed a reanalysis to examine the influence of self-efficacy using both operationalizations of past performance in 2 experimental tasks. Results indicate that, regardless of task version or type, self-efficacy predicted performance only when a residual measure of past performance was used, but not when past performance was unadjusted. However, when past performance was adjusted, the findings for self-efficacy were likely a statistical artifact. These results suggest that self-efficacy is a consequence rather than a cause of performance in training.
Effects of Nitrogen Dioxide and 3-Methylcholanthrene on Pulmonary Enzymes

Guinea pig lung phenol-O-methyltransferase, catechol-O-methyltransferase, and benzpyrene hydroxylase activities were examined after nitrogen dioxide and 3-methylcholanthrene treatment. While benzpyrene hydroxylase activity was enhanced by 3-methylcholanthrene, none of the pulmonary enzyme activities was altered after exposure to either 40 or 70 ppm of nitrogen dioxide for 2 hr.
STUDIES IN THE SEROLOGY OF SYPHILIS II. THE PHYSICAL BASIS OF THE WASSERMANN REACTION

The substance in syphilitic serum which is responsible for the Wassermann reaction, like that which determines the diagnostic flocculation tests, is associated with the globulin fraction of serum. Every positive Wassermann is accompanied by microscopic (or submicroscopic) aggregation, which is not an essential feature of the reaction; conversely, after every positive flocculation test, the washed precipitate will fix complement. An excess of antigen removes both flocculating and complement-fixing substances completely (>95 per cent). Heating the lipoid-reagin precipitate to 100° for 1 minute destroys the sensitizing film of reagin globulin; the avidity for complement disappears simultaneously. Both the flocculating and complement-fixing properties of syphilitic serum are therefore determined by the same substance, a specifically altered fraction of the serum globulin, reagin. The Wassermann reaction is thus entirely analogous to complement fixation by any antigen-antibody complex. The same film of denatured serum globulin which sensitizes the antigen particles, whether red cells, bacteria, protein, or colloidal lipoid particles, to discharge and aggregation by electrolytes, also endows them with an avidity for complement. The pathogenesis of reagin will be discussed in a forthcoming paper.
The electrochemistry of nickel in a lithium-based solid polymer electrolyte in ultrahigh vacuum environments

The underpotential deposition (UPD) of lithium on polycrystalline Ni and Ni(111) from LiClO 4 /poly(ethylene))-oxide (PEO) and LiI/PEO electrolytes was examined by cyclic voltammetry in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) at temperatures, T, in the range 330-340 K. At least two well-defined UPD peaks (A and B), and their corresponding stripping counterparts (A' and B'), were identified in the region 0.25-2.0 V vs. Li[C/R]. Their combined charge, Q A - B (or Q A +B ), estimated from the smoother Ni(111) specimen, was about 40 μC/cm 2 , i.e. equivalent to a Li coverage (θ Li ) of ca. 0.15, assuming Li + undergoes full discharge. The presence of more than a single Li UPD voltammetric feature is consistent with low energy electron diffraction (LEED) studies of K, Cs and Li adsorbed on Ni(111), which revealed different surface superstructures as a function of the alkali metal coverage (θ alk ) for 300 < T < 350 K. Furthermore, the small values of θ Li found just prior to bulk Li electrodeposition, are in harmony with (i) additional LEED information, which indicates that a second alkali metal layer begins to form for θ alk ≤0.5 and (it) the rapid decrease in the work function of Ni. O Ni (and other high work function metals) as a function of θ alk to values lower than O alk for θ alk < 0.3. Electrodeposition of bulk Li on Ni displayed a nucleation growth loop and a sharp stripping peak with no evidence for alloy formation. Marked changes in the voltammetric features could be observed after dosing polycrystalline Ni surfaces with carbon, and especially oxygen, supporting the view that peaks A and B (and A' and B') can indeed be ascribed to Li UPD (and stripping) and not to effects associated with superficial impurities.
Structural Basis for Lower Lysine Methylation State-Specific Readout by MBT Repeats of L3MBTL1 and an Engineered PHD Finger

Human L3MBTL1, which contains three malignant brain tumor (MBT) repeats, binds monomethylated and dimethylated lysines, but not trimethylated lysines, in several histone sequence contexts. In crystal structures of L3MBTL1 complexes, the monomethyl- and dimethyllysines insert into a narrow and deep cavity of aromatic residue-lined pocket 2, while a proline ring inserts into shallower pocket 1. We have also engineered a single Y to E substitution within the aromatic cage of the BPTF PHD finger, resulting in a reversal of binding preference from trimethyl- to dimethyllysine in an H3K4 sequence context. In both the "cavity insertion" (L3MBTL1) and "surface groove" (PHD finger) modes of methyllysine recognition, a carboxylate group both hydrogen bonds and ion pairs to the methylammonium proton. Our structural and binding studies of these two modules provide insights into the molecular principles governing the decoding of lysine methylation states, thereby highlighting a methylation state-specific layer of histone mark readout impacting on epigenetic regulation.
Effects of nutrient enrichment, depuration substrate, and body size on the trophic transfer of cadmium associated with microalgae to the benthic amphipod Leptocheirus plumulosus.

Bioavailability and nutrient effects on the trophic transfer of Cd associated with microalgae to the marine benthic amphipod Leptocheirus plumulosus were investigated. Cadmium assimilation efficiency (AE) of suspension-feeding L. plumulosus significantly varied among three algal species tested (Nitzschia punctata, Thalassiosira weissflogii, and Isochrysis galbana). Depuration substrate greatly influenced Cd AE for L. plumulosus (AE was much higher for nonburrowed amphipods), probably because sediment burrowing allowed L. plumulosus to feed as a surface deposit feeder. The L. plumulosus body size, ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 mm, did not affect Cd AE. Nitrate enrichment from 0 to 180 M in algal culture significantly increased Cd AE from 9.4 to 18.8% for T. weissflogii, from 10.0 to 27.3% for N. punctata, and from 10.0 to 16.2% for I. galbana; nitrate enrichment from 0 to 60 M did not influence Cd AE in any algal species tested. Physiological turnover rate constants of Cd in L. plumulosus ranged from 0.016 to 0.025/h for the three species and were independent of nitrate addition. Nitrate enrichment strongly enhanced Cd distribution in algal cytoplasm. Phosphate enrichment (0-7.5 M) did not significantly affect Cd AEs in L. plumulosus. Overall, a significant linear relationship was observed between the Cd AE of L. plumulosus and the fraction of Cd available in algal cytoplasm. Our work suggests that eutrophication by nitrate enrichment has the potential to enhance the trophic transfer of Cd from microalgae to suspension-feeding benthic invertebrates. Keywords—Cadmium Nutrient enrichment Leptocheirus plumulosus Suspension-feeding benthic food webs Tro- phic transfer
Trace detection of inorganic oxidants using desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) mass spectrometry

Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI), an established ambient ionization method in mass spectrometry (MS) for the analysis of organic compounds, is applied here to trace detection of inorganic salts, including inorganic oxidants. In-situ surface analysis of targeted compounds, including nitrogen-, halogen- and sulfur-salts, down to sub-nanogram levels, was performed using DESI-MS. Successful experiments were carried out in both the negative and the positive ion modes; simple anions and cations as well as small cluster ions were observed. Various surfaces are examined and surface porosity effects were briefly explored. Absolute detection limits on porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) of 120 pg (surface concentration 0.07 ng mm−2) and 50 pg (surface concentration 0.03 ng mm−2), were achieved for sodium chlorate and sodium perchlorate, respectively. The compounds of interest were examined in the presence of a hydrocarbon mixture to assess matrix effects: only a two- or three-fold decrease in the target ion intensity was observed. Commercial fireworks were analyzed to determine perchlorate salts in complex mixtures. This work demonstrates the potential applicability of ambient ionization mass spectrometry to forensic investigations involving improvised explosives. Open image in new window
HYPOPLASTIC LEFT HEART SYNDROME (HLHS) RISK INCREASED WITH MEASURED FETAL SOLVENT EXPOSURE

Maternal volatile organic compound (VOC) exposure during pregnancy has been thought to increase offspring HLHS risk; however, prior study methodology has been limited by use of maternal exposure recall. Solvent metabolites have been implicated in congenital heart disease (CHD); common, functional
Sinorhizobium meliloti ExoR Is the Target of Periplasmic Proteolysis

ABSTRACT Sinorhizobium meliloti ExoR regulates the production of succinoglycan and flagella through the ExoS/ChvI two-component regulatory system. ExoR has been proposed to inhibit the ExoS sensor through direct interaction in the periplasm. To understand how ExoR suppression of ExoS is relieved, which is required for the expression of ExoS/ChvI-regulated symbiosis genes, we characterized wild-type ExoR and ExoR95 mutant proteins. In addition to the previously identified precursor and mature forms of ExoR (designated ExoRp and ExoRm, respectively), we detected a 20-kDa form of ExoR (designated ExoRc20) derived from the wild-type ExoR protein, but not from the ExoR95 mutant protein. ExoRc20 was isolated directly from S. meliloti periplasm to identify its N-terminal amino acids and the site of the proteolysis, which is highly conserved among ExoR homologs. ExoRc20 retains the C terminus of the wild-type ExoR. When expressed directly, ExoRc20 did not complement the exoR95 mutation, suggesting that ExoRc20 does not function directly in the ExoR-ExoS/ChvI regulatory pathway and that ExoRm is the functional form of ExoR. A single-amino-acid change (ExoRL81A) at the site of ExoR periplasmic proteolysis resulted in the reduction of the amount of ExoRm and the loss of the regulatory function of the ExoR protein. These findings suggest that ExoRm is a target of periplasmic proteolysis and that the amount of ExoRm could be reduced through effective proteolysis to relieve its suppression of ExoS.
A Qualified Method for Fluid-Structure Interaction in Piping Design

In piping design hydraulic load cases and the resulting dynamic structural loads are induced and generated by strongly time dependent pressure surges and subsequent oscillations. Therefore, with liquid filled piping, the implementation of fluid-structure interaction by coupling the fluiddynamic and the structural dynamic codes gives a substantial contribution to more realistic loading results. Considering this effect, usually a load reduction due to energy losses and the phase and frequency shift from fluid to structure and vice versa is achieved. In cases of fluid structure resonance the results are more reliable and can help to develop an optimized support concept. To realize the coupled calculation of both codes they are bundled by a special user environment, where the coupling points are specified and marked. We describe the input of fluid forces at those points and the treatment of the liquid masses inside the piping, as well as the method of back-coupling the resulting structural displacements into the fluid calculation. The method was validated against measurements of load cases in power plant piping systems and experimental results for various boundary conditions. The most realistic results were obtained by combining the coupling with the application of dynamic friction in the fluid code.© 2006 ASME
Histiocytosis X in children: Patterns of disease and results of treatment

The pathologic materials and clinical courses of 36 children aged 1 month-22 years, with histiocytosis X (H-X) seen at the Philadelphia Children's Cancer Research Center from 1970 to 1979 were reviewed. The pathologic subtype of H-X was favorable (type II) in 31 patients, unfavorable (type I) in one patient, and unclassified in four patients whose specimens were limited to a skin biopsy. Sixteen patients had localized H-X involving bone (14 patients), soft tissue (1 patient), or skin only (1 patient); all are alive and well after treatment with surgery alone (12 patients), radiation therapy (RT) (3 patients), or observation (1 patient); only 1 of the 16 developed recurrent H-X. The other 20 patients presented with multifocal H-X involving the skeleton alone (3 patients); the skeleton and soft tissues other than liver (7 patients); soft tissue exclusive of the liver (3 patients); soft tissue including the liver (4 patients); or soft tissues, skeleton, and liver (3 patients). These 20 patients were treated with surgery alone (1 patient), RT (4 patients), or multiple drugs +/- RT (15 patients). Seven of the 20 patients are alive and well without recurrence at a median of 4 years after diagnosis. Nine of the 20 patients, including 3 with liver dysfunction, responded completely to initial therapy but developed recurrence; each was retreated with drugs and is alive and well at a median of 4 years. The remaining 4 patients had widespread disease with dysfunction of the liver and/or hematopoietic system at diagnosis, failed to respond, and died. We conclude that (1) patients with multiple bony lesions with or without associated soft tissue disease or skin involvement have a favorable outlook and do not require systemic chemotherapy; (2) systemic treatment also is unnecessary for patients with localized H-X since recurrence is rare; (3) drugs can benefit patients with multifocal H-X, although the optimal duration of therapy is unclear; and (4) favorable response to treatment indicates high probability of disease-free survival. However, organ dysfunction at diagnosis is ominous: four of seven patients with liver dysfunction are dead, as are all three patients who presented with peripheral blood count depression.
Conformation and drift of a telechelic chain in porous media

The conformation and drift properties of a telechelic chain moving through a porous host of randomly distributed static obstacles are studied using Brownian dynamics simulation for a Grest–Kremer bead-spring model of polymer. Static chain conformations exhibit non-monotonic behaviour as a function of the impurity density ρimp at zero bias. The chain initially shrinks due to an entropic barrier as the density of the obstacles ρimp is increased. In the presence of the obstacles it requires only a tiny bias for a long chain to be mostly stretched. We then study the drift property of the chain as a function of the bias and impurity density. The drift velocity of the chain saturates beyond a threshold bias Fxcrit. This observation can be useful in designing DNA sequencing methods based on electrophoretic mobility.
Structure of the Teaching Analysis by Students (Tabs).

Recent trends in student-based evaluation of instruction indicate interest in diagnostic aspects of teacher behavior in the classroom. The Teaching Analysis By Students (TABS) was administered to 2096 students enrolled in 90 courses at the University of Hawaii. Thirty-nine (36 diagnostic, three criterion) ratings were factor analyzed, and seven factors were rotated with Varimax. The factors were labeled Accountability, Communication Facilitator, Dynamism/Flexibility, General Instructor Impact, Closure/Pacing, Openness, and Communication Skill. The factors divided into two broad categories: management of information and management of interpersonal relations. Stepwise multiple regression was employed to predict three criterion ratings: instructor impact (R # .72), course impact (R # .64), and cognitive and affective growth (R # .52). The findings supported the view that specific instructor behaviors are related to educational outcomes.
Femtosecond laser-induced formation of spikes on silicon

We find that silicon surfaces develop arrays of sharp conical spikes when irradiated with 500-fs laser pulses in SF6. The height of the spikes decreases with increasing pulse duration or decreasing laser fluence, and scales nonlinearly with the average separation between spikes. The spikes have the same crystallographic orientation as bulk silicon and always point along the incident direction of laser pulses. The base of the spikes has an asymmetric shape and its orientation is determined by the laser polarization. Our data suggest that both laser ablation and laser-induced chemical etching of silicon are involved in the formation of the spikes.
Longitudinal and transverse waves in anisotropic elastic materials

It is shown that a necessary and sufficient condition for a longitudinal wave to propagate in the direction n in an anisotropic elastic material is that the elastic stiffness C11 (n) is a stationary value (maximum, minimum or saddle point) at n. Explicit expressions of all n and the corresponding elastic stiffness C11 (n) for which a longitudinal wave can propagate are presented for orthotropic, tetragonal, trigonal, hexagonal and cubic materials. As to longitudinal waves in triclinic and monoclinic materials, only few explicit expressions are possible. We also present necessary and sufficient conditions for a transverse wave to propagate in the direction n. As an illustration, explicit expressions of all n, the polarization vector a and the wave speed c for which a transverse wave can propagate in cubic and hexagonal materials are given. The search for n in hexagonal materials confirms the known fact that a transverse wave can propagate in any direction. A longitudinal wave is necessarily accompanied by two transverse waves. However, a transverse wave can propagate without being accompanied by a longitudinal wave.
A review of UV detectors for astrophysics: past, present, and future

This is an update of previous review by Ulmer in 2005 of UV detectors and UV astrophysics. The developments have been slow to come, both observationally and in terms of instrument development. Since it is redundant to devote significant space to repeating the previous review, we concentrate on updated science drivers based on recent NASA project studies such as the Large UV Optical Space Telescope (LUVO or LST) as well as several new areas of instrument advancement. We discuss recent advances in GaN-based avalanche photodiodes, complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) and low temperature devices (LTDs, operating near 50 mK) called Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors (MKIDs).
Annexin-V promotes anti-tumor immunity and inhibits neuroblastoma growth in vivo

The goal of the current study is to determine the effects of blocking phosphatidylserine (PS) on the growth of neuroblastoma in mice. PS, an anionic phospholipid restricted to the cytoplasmic surface of plasma membranes in most cells, is externalized to the surface of apoptotic cells. PS has been shown to induce immune tolerance to self-antigens. PS can also be found on the surface of live cells and in particular tumor cells. Annexin-V (AnV) is a protein that specifically binds and blocks PS. To determine the effects of blocking PS with AnV on tumor growth and immunogenicity, mice were inoculated with AGN2a, a poorly immunogenic murine neuroblastoma that expresses high level of PS on the cell surface. Survival and anti-tumor T cell response were determined. AGN2a were engineered to secrete AnV. Secreted protein effectively blocked tumor PS. 40 % of mice inoculated with AnV-expressing AGN2a cells survived free of tumor, whereas none of the mice inoculated with control cells survived (p = 0.0062). The benefits of AnV were lost when mice were depleted of T cells. The findings suggest that AnV could protect mice from tumor challenge through an immune mediated mechanism. Mice were then immunized with irradiated AnV-secreting or control cells, and challenged with wild-type AGN2a cells. AnV-secreting cell vaccine protected 80 % of mice from AGN2a challenge, while control cell vaccine prevented tumor growth in only 30 % of animals (p = 0.012). ELISPOT analysis demonstrated that AnV-secreting cell vaccine induced a greater frequency of interferon-gamma producing splenic T cells. T cells isolated from mice immunized with AnV-secreting but not control vaccine lysed AGN2a. In summary, AnV blocked PS, enhanced T cell mediated tumor immunity, and inhibited tumor growth.
Correlation of the Tight Junction-like Distribution of Claudin-1 to the Cellular Tropism of Hepatitis C Virus

Claudin-1 (CLDN1), a tight junction (TJ) protein, has recently been identified as an entry co-receptor for hepatitis C virus (HCV). Ectopic expression of CLDN1 rendered several non-hepatic cell lines permissive to HCV infection. However, little is known about the mechanism by which CLDN1 mediates HCV entry. It is believed that an additional entry receptor(s) is required because ectopic expression of CLDN1 in both HeLa and NIH3T3 cells failed to confer susceptibility to viral infection. Here we found that CLDN1 was co-immunoprecipitated with both HCV envelope proteins when expressed in 293T cells. Results from biomolecular fluorescence complementation assay showed that overexpressed CLDN1 also formed complexes with CD81 and low density lipoprotein receptor. Subsequent imaging analysis revealed that CLDN1 was highly enriched at sites of cell-cell contact in permissive cell lines, co-localizing with the TJ marker, ZO-1. However, in both HeLa and NIH3T3 cells the ectopically expressed CLDN1 appeared to reside predominantly in intracellular vesicles. The CLDN1-CD81 complex formed in HeLa cells was also exclusively distributed intracellularly, co-localizing with EEA1, an early endosomal marker. Correspondingly, transepithelial electric resistance, obtained from the naturally susceptible human liver cell line, Huh7, was much higher than that of the HeLa-CLDN1 cell line, suggesting that Huh7 is likely to form functional tight junctions. Finally, the disruption of TJ-enriched CLDN1 by tumor necrosis factor-α treatment markedly reduced the susceptibility of Huh7.5.1 cells to HCV infection. Our results suggest that the specific localization pattern of CLDN1 may be crucial in the regulation of HCV cellular tropism.
Teacher-Child Conversation in the Preschool Classroom

This article explores conversations between preschool children and their teachers in the classroom environment. Teachers have an opportunity to engage students in cognitively challenging conversations at critical times during the day: book reading, playtime, and mealtimes. The article provides examples of the types of conversations preschool educators can model and facilitate in order to further develop a child's oral language and subsequent literacy skills during the school day.
New insights into the prevention and treatment of familial breast cancer.

Individuals who inherit a deleterious mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 are at very high risk for breast cancer but there are several strategies available for successfully managing this risk. Breast cancers that develop in the context of germline BRCA gene mutation present challenges for management but also opportunities. DNA damaging agents, like cisplatin, and the new class of drugs called PARP inhibitors exploit the underlying defect in DNA damage repair to great effect. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 103:294–298. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Tooth root length-volume relationships, an aid to periodontal prognosis. I. Anterior teeth

Abstract 1. 1. A representative group of freshly extracted maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth were collected in the Oral Surgery Department of Georgetown University School of Dentistry. 2. 2. Incremental root volume determinations were made using mercury and the principle of Archimedes. 3. 3. Formulas relating root length changes to root volume changes were derived from experimental data.
Social Observation for Sustainability Science about Water

I advance the following argument: (1) Coupled observation of humans and nature at large scale is important to many fundamental questions of sustainability. (2) Current programs observing natural and social systems are inadequate to address fundamental questions of sustainability at coarse scale. (3) Water is an attractive medium around which to design an observation program, and water researchers agree on many characteristics of water-related data needed to advance sustainability science. (4) A program of coupled observation around water will need to be (a) realistic about attainable scope, (b) design data collection scientifically to be representative at useful scale(s) and of both humans and the hydrosphere, (c) leverage existing data collection programs, (d) explore new ways of protecting privacy while enhancing spatial resolution of data and (e) include data on social institutions as well as individuals.
Optimized relay node placement for establishing connectivity in sensor networks

Relay node placement in wireless sensor networks has gained importance due to its potential use in prolonging network life time, reducing data latency, and establishing connected topologies. In this paper we studied the relay node placement problem to establish multi-hop communication paths between every pair terminals (i.e., sensors) where each hop in the path is less than a common communication range. Such a problem is defined as Steiner Tree problem with minimum Steiner points and Bounded Edge-Length problem which is known to be NP-Hard. This paper presents a novel relay node placement heuristics called Incremental Optimization based on Delaunay Triangulation (IO-DT). The algorithm takes advantage of feasibility of finding optimal solution for the case of three terminals. IO-DT calculates the Delaunay triangulation (DT) of terminals and iterates over the formed triangles. In each iteration the algorithm steinerizes a triangle as part of the final topology if selecting such a triangle provides a reduction in total number of relay node required as compared to the minimum spanning tree (mst) based approach. The time complexity of IO-DT is quadratic in the number of terminals, which is superior to competing schemes. The performance of the algorithm is validated through simulation.
Growth Failure in Cholestatic Rats: The Effect of Malnutrition on Insulin-Like Growth Factor I

Low IGF-I levels are found in patients with chronic liver disease, but it is not known whether these reductions in IGF-I are secondary to hepatic dysfunction or to malnutrition. To determine whether malnutrition associated with hepatic dysfunction causes the decrease in these levels, serum and liver IGF-I concentrations and liver IGF-I mRNA content were compared in three groups of Sprague-Dawley rats: 15 rats underwent bile duct obstruction; 10 rats were sham-operated and pair-fed with operated rats to control for nutritional status; and 12 rats were sham-operated controls fed ad libitum. In addition, IGF-I peptide and mRNA were compared with food intake, crude nitrogen balance, total wt gain, tail length increase and leg muscle wt. All the parameters were lower in cholestatic and nutritionally deprived animals than in control animals (p less than 0.001). There was no difference in serum and hepatic IGF-I and liver IGF-I mRNA values between the 10 cholestatic and pair-fed animals, despite lower crude nitrogen balance, tail length gains, and leg muscle wt in the bile duct-obstructed animals. These studies suggest that in chronic bile duct obstruction, the low serum and hepatic IGF-I levels are primarily due to decreased food intake and appear unrelated to cholestatic liver disease itself. However, factors in addition to suboptimal nutrition and decreased IGF-I levels must also contribute to cholestasis-induced growth failure.
Radiation Dose–Volume Effects in Radiation-Induced Rectal Injury

The available dose/volume/outcome data for rectal injury were reviewed. The volume of rectum receiving ≥60Gy is consistently associated with the risk of Grade ≥2 rectal toxicity or rectal bleeding. Parameters for the Lyman-Kutcher-Burman normal tissue complication probability model from four clinical series are remarkably consistent, suggesting that high doses are predominant in determining the risk of toxicity. The best overall estimates (95% confidence interval) of the Lyman-Kutcher-Burman model parameters are n = 0.09 (0.04–0.14); m = 0.13 (0.10–0.17); and TD50 = 76.9 (73.7–80.1) Gy. Most of the models of late radiation toxicity come from three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy dose-escalation studies of early-stage prostate cancer. It is possible that intensity-modulated radiotherapy or proton beam dose distributions require modification of these models because of the inherent differences in low and intermediate dose distributions.
Isomerization of Neopentyl Chloride and Neopentyl Bromide by a 1,2-Interchange of a Halogen Atom and a Methyl Group

The recombination of chloromethyl and t-butyl radicals at room temperature was used to generate neopentyl chloride molecules with 89 kcal mol(-1) of internal energy. The observed unimolecular reactions, which give 2-methyl-2-butene and 2-methyl-1-butene plus HCl, as products, are explained by a mechanism that involves the interchange of a methyl group and the chlorine atom to yield 2-chloro-2-methylbutane, which subsequently eliminates hydrogen chloride by the usual four-centered mechanism to give the observed products. The interchange isomerization process is the rate-limiting step. Similar experiments were done with CD(2)Cl and C(CH(3))(3) radicals to measure the kinetic-isotope effect to help corroborate the proposed mechanism. Density functional theory was employed at the B3PW91/6-31G(d',p') level to verify the Cl/CH(3) interchange mechanism and to characterize the interchange transition state. These calculations, which provide vibrational frequencies and moments of inertia of the molecule and transition state, were used to evaluate the statistical unimolecular rate constants. Matching the calculated and experimental rate constants, gave 62 ± 2 kcal mol(-1) as the threshold energy for interchange of the Cl atom and a methyl group. The calculated models also were used to reinterpret the thermal unimolecular reactions of neopentyl chloride and neopentyl bromide. The previously assumed Wagner-Meerwein rearrangement mechanism for these reactions can be replaced by a mechanism that involves the interchange of the halogen atom and a methyl group followed by HCl or HBr elimination from 2-chloro-2-methylbutane and 2-bromo-2-methylbutane. Electronic structure calculations also were done to find threshold energies for several related molecules, including 2-chloro-3,3-dimethylbutane, 1-chloro-2-methyl-2-phenylpropane, and 1-chloro-2-methyl-2-vinylpropane, to demonstrate the generality of the interchange reaction involving a methyl, or other hydrocarbon groups, and a chlorine atom. The interchange of a halogen atom and a methyl group located on adjacent carbon atoms can be viewed as an extension of the halogen atom interchange mechanisms that is common in 1,2-dihaloalkanes.
Thermal Stresses in a Plasma-Sprayed Ceramic Gas Path Seal

A ceramic/metallic aircraft gas turbine outer gas path seal designed to enable improved engine performance is studied. Transient temperature and stress profiles in a test seal geometry have been determined by numerical analysis. During a simulated engine deceleration cycle from sea-level takeoff to idle conditions, it has been shown that the maximum seal temperature occurs below the seal surface and that the top layer of the seal is probably subjected to tensile stresses exceeding the modulus of rupture. In this regard the analysis supports experimental thermal fatigue testing of the seal where surface cracking has been observed. In the stress analysis both twoand three-dimensional finite element computer programs were used. Predicted trends of the simpler and more easily usable two-dimensional element programs were borne out by the three-dimensional finite element program results.
Children's Use of Retreats in Family Child Care Homes.

The use of retreat spaces by 65 children in 9 family child care homes was assessed in this study. Family child care providers used daily diaries to collect information about children's retreat frequency and associated behavior. The findings revealed that nearly half of the children used informal, readily available retreats during the research period. Playing with toys was the most frequent and stable retreat activity across age groups. Yet the number of passive and engaged behaviors varied based on child characteristics such as age, gender, and child's mood for the day. Retreat use can be viewed as a potentially adaptive environmental strategy that children apply as their needs change in a given day and from one developmental period to the next. Thus, it is recommended that child care professionals provide access to retreats and support children's varied use of retreat space.
680 RESISTANCE OF CULTURED CHORIOCARCINOMA CELLS TO CYTOTOXIC LYMPHOCYTES

Cultured choriocarcinoma cells (BeWo) exist which share many of the morphologic and biosynthetic properties of normal human trophoblasts.In an attempt to develop a model for the immunologic relationship between mother and fetus, we mixed BeWo cells with mitogen-activated cytotoxic lymphocytes in vitro. Microscopic observations revealed that BeWo cells exhibited a marked resistance to the cytolytic effects of the activated lymphocyte in spite of 24 hour exposure and intimate cell to cell contact. The control target cells, a line of human hepatoma cells, were readily destroyed. A quantitative cytotoxicity assay was devised which involved measuring the residual radioactivity of 3-H-Thymidine prelabeled target cells following exposure to activated lymphocytes. Employing this assay, we confirmed the morphologic results and showed that BeWo cells were resistant to the cytotoxic effects of lymphocytes activated by phytohemagglutinin, pokeweed, and allogeneic cells in mixed lymphocyte cultures. Moreover, BeWo were resistant to injury over a wide range of killer to target cell ratios. Significant killing of the BeWo cells occurred only after prolonged exposure (48 and 72 hours) to the activated lymphocytes. Exposing the target cells briefly to trypsin augmented the killing of control cells but not BeWo. These observations suggest that one mechanism which may assist the fetus (or a choriocarcinoma) in its immunologic survival is the intrinsic resistance of trophoblast to lymphocyte mediated cytotoxicity.
Budding Yeast Chromosome Structure and Dynamics during Mitosis

Using green fluorescent protein probes and rapid acquisition of high-resolution fluorescence images, sister centromeres in budding yeast are found to be separated and oscillate between spindle poles before anaphase B spindle elongation. The rates of movement during these oscillations are similar to those of microtubule plus end dynamics. The degree of preanaphase separation varies widely, with infrequent centromere reassociations observed before anaphase. Centromeres are in a metaphase-like conformation, whereas chromosome arms are neither aligned nor separated before anaphase. Upon spindle elongation, centromere to pole movement (anaphase A) was synchronous for all centromeres and occurred coincident with or immediately after spindle pole separation (anaphase B). Chromatin proximal to the centromere is stretched poleward before and during anaphase onset. The stretched chromatin was observed to segregate to the spindle pole bodies at rates greater than centromere to pole movement, indicative of rapid elastic recoil between the chromosome arm and the centromere. These results indicate that the elastic properties of DNA play an as of yet undiscovered role in the poleward movement of chromosome arms.
Oft‐overlooked business wisdom highlighted from the youth‐soccer sidelines

Purpose – This paper aims to present a number of important reminders and examples of oft‐overlooked managerial capabilities found to be useful in a variety of businesses.Design/methodology/approach – This paper's “reflections on practice” are prompted by observations of kids in action – youth soccer. Combining those prompts with personal experiences drawn from over 30 years of working with business managers, and from a synthesis of over 100 contemporary business articles, 11 important bits of business wisdom are surfaced, explained, championed, and storied.Findings – The paper presents 11 oft‐overlooked, under‐valued, subtle, bits of business wisdom. In addition, the usefulness of analogical thinking is demonstrated as observations from a non‐business setting spark insights and reflections applicable to business.Practical implications – The field‐based bits of business wisdom presented here are immediately, broadly, and beneficially applicable across the corporate landscape.Originality/value – Readers are...
Relation between Second-look Arthroscopic Findings and Clinical Results after Double Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

E-mail: bklee@gilhospital.com Purpose: This study examined the relationship between the findings of a second-look arthroscopy and clinical results in double bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using hamstring tendons fixed with a Ligament PlateR. Materials and Methods: Twenty eight cases of a double bundle ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendons were retrospectively reviewed. The follow-up period was more than 1 year and all cases were reviewed by second-look arthroscopy. The average follow-up period was 20.6 months (range: 12-34 months). In second-look arthroscopy, the anteromedial (AM) bundle and posterolateral (PL) bundle of the grafts were evaluated based on the tension, rupture and synovial coverage. Clinical evaluation was assessed using the Lysholm score, international knee documentation committee score, Hop test, Lachman test, pivot shift test, KT-2000 arthrometer and anterior drawer stress radiograph using TelosR in 30 knee flexion. The correlation between the arthroscopic findings of the grafts and the instability tests was evaluated. Results: The AM graft was evaluated as being taut in 89.3% and lax in 10.7%, and the PL graft was assessed as being taut in 71.4% and lax in 28.6% according to the tension. The AM and PL grafts were evaluated as ‘no rupture’ in 78.6% and ‘partial rupture’ in 21.4%. There was no ‘complete rupture’ in any graft. The AM grafts were found to be good in 53.6%, fair in 35.7% and poor in 10.7%; the PL grafts were assessed as good in 50.0%, fair in 28.6% and poor in 21.4% according to the synovial coverage. The AM graft tension showed statistically significant results regarding both the Lachman test (ρ=0.743, p<0.001) and degree of rupture (ρ=0.438, p=0.020). The PL graft tension showed statistically significant results regarding both the pivot shift test (ρ=0.548, p=0.003) and the degree of rupture (ρ=0.663, p<0.001). Conclusion: Double bundle ACL reconstructions using hamstring tendons show good biological and clinical results. The graft tension and the degree of rupture show a statistically significant relationship to the stability of the reconstructed joint. On the other hand, the synovial coverage did not show a significant result.
Photon counting spectral CT: improved material decomposition with K-edge-filtered x-rays

Photon counting spectral computed tomography (PCSCT) provides material selective CT imaging at a single CT scan and fixed tube voltage. The PCSCT data are acquired in several energy ranges (bins) arranged over the x-ray spectrum. The quasi-monoenergetic CT images are acquired in these energy bins and are used for material decomposition. The PCSCT exhibits inherent limitations when material decomposition is performed using energy bins. For effective material decomposition, the energy bins used for material decomposition should be sufficiently narrow and well separated. However, when narrow bins are used, a large fraction of the detected x-ray counts is lost and statistical noise is increased. Alternatively, the x-ray spectrum can be split into a few larger bins with no gap in between and all detected x-ray photons can be used for material decomposition. However, in this case the energy bins are too wide and not well separated, which results in suboptimal material decomposition. The above contradictory requirements can be resolved if the x-ray photons are physically removed from the regions of the energy spectrum between the energy bins. Such a selective removal can be performed using filtration of the x-ray beam by high-Z filter materials with appropriate positions of K-edge energies. The K-edge filtration of x-rays can, therefore, provide necessary gaps between the energy bins with no dose penalty to the patient. In the current work, we proposed using selective K-edge filtration of x-rays in PCSCT and performed the first experimental investigation of this approach. The PCSCT system included a cadmium zinc telluride semiconductor detector with 2 × 256 pixels and 1 × 1 mm(2) pixel size, and five energy bins. The CT phantom had 14 cm diameter and included contrast elements of iodine, gold and calcifications with clinically relevant concentrations. The tube voltages of 60, 90 and 120 kVp were used. K-edge filters based on Ba (E(k) = 37.44 keV) were used for a 60 kVp tube voltage and Gd (E(k) = 50.24 keV) was used for the 90 and 120 kVp tube voltages, respectively. The material selective CT images were also acquired with conventional Al filtration for comparison. The half-value layers of x-ray beams after K-edge and Al filtration were matched. The mean entrance skin exposure was 280 mR for all tube voltages and filters. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in material-decomposed images was approximately 30%-50% higher when K-edge filters were used instead of Al filters. It was concluded that K-edge filtration of x-rays provides substantial improvement of the CNR in material-selective PCSCT. Further optimization of K-edge filter materials, tube voltages, detector technology and energy bin settings will provide even higher CNR in decomposed images.
Comments, with reply, on 'Predicting source-code complexity at the design state' by S. Henry and C. Selig

The commenter objects to the claim made by the authors of the above-mentioned article (see ibid., vol.7, no.2, p.36-44, 1990) that Halstead's E (effort) metric has been extensively validated and to a lack of precise definition for units of 'elementary mental discrimination.' With regard to the first point, S. Henry points out that since E seems to give an indication of error-prone software, it must be measuring some aspect of the source code, and that many studies have shown high correlations between effort and lines of code and McCabe's cyclomatic complexity. She agrees with the commenter's second point. >
Dangerous Water: A Biography Of The Boy Who Became Mark Twain

A refreshingly imaginative recreation of Samual Clemens boyhood years in Hannibal and how he drew on these years for the rest of his life as he wrote under the name of Mark Twain.. In Powers exploration of Twains formative years he emphasizes that Twains childhood was not an innocent time full of benign encounters, but rather was one marked by numerous deaths and his fathers bankruptcy. Twain dealt with those tragedies in a uniquely American manner, through humor and the tall tale. }Twain was a distinctly American writer. From age ten when he boarded his first Mississippi steamer to his first encounter with a traveling mesmerizer (from which Twain gained a penchant for acting and a flair for spectacle); from the brooding sense of guilt and fear of eternal damnation inculcated into him at church to the superstitions and stories of witchcraft he learned from the Blacks on his farm, Twain was shaped by the people of Hannibal, Missouri and by a distinctly American culture. Interwoven between Twains childhood experiences are various themes of nature expressed in beautifully written passages that evoke scenes like those of the Mississippi River as it flows through Hannibal and of the mysterious, foreboding cave in which Twain used to play.During his childhood, Mark Twain learned to negotiate the dangerous waters of experience and turn trials into humorous stories that shaped the American literary tradition. }