cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Blood Gene Expression Data Toward Early Detection of Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most commonly diagnosed cause of dementia, and it is the fifth leading cause of death among people aged 65 and older. During the years, the early diagnosis of AD patients has been a significant concern for researchers, in view of the fact that early diagnosis not only can lead to saving lives of the AD patients but also could bring a considerable amount of saving in health and long-term care expenditures for both people and the government. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), defined as a transitional state between being healthy and having AD, is considered an established risk factor for AD. Hence, an accurate and reliable diagnosis of MCI and, consequently, discrimination between healthy people, MCI individuals, and AD patients can play a crucial role in the early diagnosis of AD. In recent years, analysis of blood gene expression data has been grabbed more attention than the conventional AD diagnosis method because it provides the opportunity to investigate the biochemical pathways, cellular functions, and regulatory mechanisms for finding the key genes associated with MCI and AD. Therefore, in this study, we employed blood gene expression data from Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), two feature selection methods for determining the most prominent genes related to MCI and AD, and three classifiers for the most accurate discrimination between three groups of healthy, MCI and AD. The proposed method yielded the selection of top ten genes from more than 49,000 genes and the best overall classification result between healthy and AD patients with average values of the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77 ± 0.08. Furthermore, gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed that four genes were enriched with the GO terms of regulation of cell proliferation, negative regulation of cell population proliferation, signaling receptor binding, biological adhesion, and cytokine production.
On the Origin of Sinter-Resistance and Catalyst Accessibility in Raspberry-Colloid-Templated Catalyst Design

Author(s): van der Hoeven, JES; Kramer, S; Dussi, S; Shirman, T; Park, KCK; Rycroft, CH; Bell, DC; Friend, CM; Aizenberg, J | Abstract: Nanoparticle (NP) sintering is a major cause of the deactivation of supported catalysts. Raspberry-Colloid-Templated (RCT) catalysts are an emerging class of materials that show an unprecedented level of sinter-resistance and exhibit high catalytic activity. Here a comprehensive study of the origin of NP stability and accessibility in RCT catalysts using theoretical modeling, 3D electron microscopy, and epitaxial overgrowth is reported. The approach is showcased for silica-based RCT catalysts containing dilute Pd-in-Au NPs previously used in hydrogenation and oxidation catalysis. Modeling of the contact line of the silica precursor infiltrating into the assembled raspberry colloids suggests that a large part of the particles must be embedded into silica, which is confirmed by quantitative visualization of g200nindividual NPs by dual-axis electron tomography. The RCT catalysts have a unique structure in which all NPs reside at the pore wall but have g50%nof their surface embedded in the matrix, giving rise to the strongly enhanced thermal and mechanical stability. Importantly, epitaxial overgrowth of Ag on the supported NPs reveals that not only the NP surface exposed to the pore but the embedded interface as well remained chemically accessible. This mechanistic understanding provides valuable guidance in the design of stable catalytic materials.
Heidegger et Deleuze : même combat?

Nombre de travaux ont fait ressortir les divergences entre Heidegger et Deleuze. Comment, a present, faire converger leurs philosophies? Cette question nous occupe dans ce qui suit. Il s’agit d’abord de montrer que les pensees heideggerienne et deleuzienne se recoupent par leur volonte de mettre a bas les acceptions classiques du possible. Nous faisons voir, dans un second temps, que Heidegger et Deleuze se rejoignent aussi par leurs manieres respectives de repenser le probleme du possible. En troisieme lieu, plongeant dans les enjeux pratiques, nous nous demandons si le projet deleuzien n’est pas susceptible de venir completer la philosophie heideggerienne. Notre objectif ne sera donc pas d’effacer de maniere obtuse la distance entre Heidegger et Deleuze; il consistera, bien plutot, a attenuer l’important ecart qu’on voit d’ordinaire entre eux et a faire signe vers une certaine complementarite, encore inapercue jusqu’ici.
Prophylaxe und Management von Katheter-assoziierten Infektionen bei Peritonealdialyse-Patienten: rezente Studien und aktuelle Guidelines

Die Prophylaxe und die Behandlung von Katheter-assoziierten Infektionen an der Peritonealdialyse (PD) sind ein Schlussel zum Erfolg dieser Art der Nierenersatztherapie. Die prophylaktische systemische Antibiotikagabe bei Katheterimplantation reduziert signifikant das Risiko fur eine Peritonitis im ersten Monat nach Operation, nicht aber fur eine Katheteraustrittsstellen-(KAST-) oder Tunnelinfektion. Obwohl randomisierte Studien, die einen Benefit durch die Verwendung von Povidon-Jod oder Natriumhypochlorid bei chronischen PD-Patienten beweisen, fehlen, wird dennoch die Desinfektion der Katheteraustrittstelle mit lokalen Antiseptika in den meisten Guidelines empfohlen. Ein weiterer prophylaktischer Therapieansatz ist die Verwendung von lokalen Antibiotika intranasal oder um den Katheter. Die Verwendung von Mupirocin fuhrt zu einer Senkung der Rate von Tunnel- und Exit-site-Infektionen sowie der Zahl der Staphylococcus-aureus-Carrier. Ebenso effektiv ist Gentamycin, das zusatzlich auch gegen Pseudomonaden wirksam ist. Bei der lokalen Anwendung beider Antibiotika ist aber die Gefahr der Resistenzentwicklung zu beachten. Eine orale Antibiotika-Prophylaxe bei chronischen PD-Patienten kann nach der derzeitigen Datenlage nicht empfohlen werden, zusatzlich sind systemische Nebenwirkungen mehrfach beschrieben. Quelle fur S.-aureus-Besiedelungen konnen auch Familienmitglieder und medizinisches Personal sein. Es gibt jedoch keine allgemein anerkannten internationalen Protokolle, die den Sinn eines Screenings oder einer prophylaktischen Therapie dieser Personen beweisen. Welche Verbandstechnik derzeit zu bevorzugen ist (beziehungsweise ob uberhaupt ein Verband notwendig ist), oder auch die Frage nach der Bedeutung von Mundmasken bei Verband- oder Beutelwechsel kann aufgrund der derzeit vorhandenen Literatur nicht beantwortet werden. Es fehlen auch randomisierte, kontrollierte Studien, um die Frage zu beantworten, ob PD-Patienten ohne Gefahr schwimmen oder in die Sauna gehen durfen. Die Diagnostik und Klassifikation von Katheter-assoziierten Infektionen sind international nicht standardisiert und bislang Thema von nur wenigen Arbeiten. Zur Erfassung des Ausmases einer Infektion mit oder ohne Tunnelbeteiligung und der Verlaufkontrolle unter Therapie im Falle einer Tunnelinfektion ist die Sonographie ein bisher zu wenig genutztes, aber wertvolles Instrument. Katheter-assoziierte Infektionen sollten mindestens 2 Wochen antibiotisch behandelt werden, wobei, mit Ausnahme des Methicillin-resistenten S. aureus, die orale der intraperitonealen Gabe gleichwertig ist. Ein eindeutiger Zeitpunkt, zu dem ein CAPD-Katheter nach Nierentransplantation entfernt werden sollte, kann nach der derzeit vorliegenden Literatur nicht festgelegt werden.
The Real and Promised Brasília An Asymmetrical Symbol in 1960s Brazilian Literature

To write about Brasilia in the 1960s was to write about a dual city, part symbol and part reality. This dual city grew out of an impulse to oversimplify representations of the real city in order to preserve its mythic promise of national progress. The oversimplifications derived from a national desire to showcase how Brazil had found an authentic path toward its own progress, as opposed to copying preexisting models in other nations. Three texts from the 1960s challenge efforts to preserve the ideal vision of the new capital at any cost and alternatively expose the city's asymmetries and complexities, which were often glossed over in discourses that ideal- ized the construction of Brasilia as the definitive symbol of national progress. These texts are Clarice Lispector's cronica "Brasilia: cinco dias" (1964), Jose Marques da Silva's Diario de um candango (1963), and Jose Geraldo Vieira's novel Paralelo 16: Brasilia (1966).
Effect of sodium chloride on tree seedlings in two potting media

Abstract Seedlings of six tree species grown in two potting media, Morley silt loam or peat:perlite:sand mix (1:1:1 v:v:v), were treated with sodium chloride solution or water. Ginkgo Ginkgo biloba , honeylocust Gleditsia triacanthos , and Japanese pagoda tree Sophora japonica showed the least foliar injury in response to salt; eastern white pine Pinus strobus was intermediate, and sycamore Platanus occidentalis and white flowering dogwood Cornus florida showed the most injury. Foliar injury and height growth suppression for several species were somewhat greater in the mix than in the silt loam. Chloride concentrations, which were less affected by the potting medium used than were sodium concentrations, appeared low in the stems of tolerant species and high in sensitive species. Except for K in the stem, which decreased in most species, most essential elements (N, P, Ca, Mg, Mn, B, Cu) increased in response to salt in both stem and leaves. The relative tolerance of species shown in this study correlates well with results from a previous study with liquid culture. Ginkgo, a species not examined in previous studies, appeared to be more salt-tolerant than honeylocust.
Maximum genus and connectivity

Abstract It is shown that ⌈β(G)/3⌉ is the tight lower bound on the maximum genus γM(G) of 2-edge-connected simplicial graphs, where β(G) is the cycle rank of the graph G. Also, a systematic method is developed to construct 3-vertex-connected simplicial graphs G satisfying the equality γM(G) = ⌈β(G)/3⌉. These two results combine with previously known results to yield a complete picture of the tight lower bounds on the maximum genus of simplicial graphs.
Surface pressure and wave-damping effects of surface-active organic compounds on seawater

The surface pressure vs concentration and area per molecule curves for monolayers of stearic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, palmitoleic acid, triolein, and cholesterol were determined on a clean artificial seawater surface using a modified Langmuir trough. The effectiveness of each compound at wave damping was then estimated mathematically using equations derived by Dorrestein [(1951) General linearized theory of the effect of surface films on water ripples. Proc. Amster. Aca. Sci. 54, 260–350]. We conclude from these analyses that compounds forming highly expanded monolayers on seawater are more effective at damping capillary and short gravity waves (<6 cm wavelength) and generally require lower surface concentrations for this effect than materials forming highly condensed monolayers. Maximal variations in wave amplitude attenuation by different materials are predicted for wavelengths between 2 and 6 cm. All six materials are predicted to cause some wave damping at wavelengths less than 20 cm. However, between 6 and 20 cm waves, a rapid transition occurs which makes the condensed monolayers more effective at damping the longer wavelengths.
Gene-chip array study of an immunodeficiency patient with idiopathic bacillus calmette-guerin (BCG) infection and mucocutaneous candidiasis☆

Abstract Rationale The underlying defects of idiopathic BCG and/or chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis are thought to be an impairment of immune defense mechanism, but the molecular basis remains to be defined. We report herein a case (a 17 month-old boy) with idiopathic BCG infection and mucocutaneous candidiasis, and provide initial evidence for multiple cytokine deficiency. Methods PBMCs from the patient, parents and a normal control were stimulated with a mitogen, PHA. Patterns of gene expression were analyzed and compared by the use of gene-chip arrays containing 20000 human cDNA sequences. Differential gene expression was validated by RT-PCR. Results Cell differential count and the levels of immunoglobulins were within normal ranges. Gene-chip array analyses show that around 1400 genes with at least 2-fold or greater difference were identified between the patient and the control. Notably, low levels of gene expression for proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1α, IL-1β, and IFN–γ, were observed in the patient, while sequencing analysis of both 5'- and 3'-untranslated region of IFN-γ gene showed no sequence variations. Low levels of gene expression were also seen for Th2 cytokines (IL-4, 5, 6, and 13), CC and CXC chemokines, transcription factors and surface molecules. Of interest, genes associated with B-cell development and activation, such as CD20 and CD19, are significantly elevated in this patient. Conclusion In this unusual patient, IFN-γ deficiency is found, and deficiency in multiple cytokine and chemokine genes was also noted, suggesting that the underlying defect may reside in upstream signaling and accessory cell functions.
When does an imperfect sampling frame produce more efficient estimators than a perfect frame

The issue of when imperfect sampling frames can result in more efficient estimators of population totals than perfect frames is explored. Our analysis is based on an expression we call the difference score. We show how, when properly expanded it provides an illuminating basis for comparing a weighted estimator under an imperfect frame with that of a conventional estimator assuming the frame has been corrected. Specifically, the circumstances (i.e., population and frame characteristics) under which an imperfect frame results in estimates of population totals that are more precise than those from a perfect frame can in many cases be discerned by analytically examining the terms in the expansion of this difference score. In addition, a classification tree methodology was used to further explore circumstances under which imperfect frames result in more precise estimators. The results of this analytical study complement, strengthen, and in many cases explain those discovered in an earlier empirical investigation that lead to recommendations as to when to correct a frame or when to adjust for imperfection using a weighting methodology called the arc weight estimator.
Organic conductors: A dash of salt is superconducting

In an experimental tour de force involving ultrahigh vacuum and low-temperature scanning probe techniques, researchers have created organic nanostructures that show evidence of unconventional superconductivity.
Model Order Reduction of a Multi-scale PBM-DEM Description of a Wet Granulation Process via ANN

Abstract Wet granulation is a particle design process, often used in the pharmaceutical, consumer product, food, and fertilizer industries. A better process understanding is needed to improve process design, control, and optimization. Two modeling frameworks are available to simulate granulation processes: population balance modeling (PBM) and discrete element methods (DEM). PBM simulates changes in the number of particles in each size class due to rate processes such as aggregation, often relying on empirical rate kernels or require additional mechanistic information, such as flux data, collision frequencies, and impact forces. DEM tracks each particle individually, with the abilities to simulate spatial variations and collect mechanistic data. DEM does not inherently simulate particle size changes and is highly computationally expensive. While DEM can determine collision rates between particles of various sizes, PBM can use this data to determine aggregation rates and calculate a net change in the number of particles in each size class. As the size distribution develops, the collision rates change, resulting in a time- and size-dependent aggregation rate kernel. To solve this complex model, reduced order modeling (ROM) is used to replace the computationally expensive DEM step. An artificial neural network (ANN) was trained using DEM results to relate particle size, size distribution, and impeller speed to the collision frequency. Results showed a high correlation between the trained ANN predictions and DEM-generated data. The ANN was coupled with a PBM as a key component of the aggregation rate kernel. The coupled model showed a different development of average particle size and size distribution over time from that of a constant aggregation rate kernel. In addition, the coupled model demonstrated sensitivity to the impeller speed via the ANN rate kernel.
Elastic scattering of 162-MeV pions by nuclei

The elastic scattering of 162-MeV ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$ and ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ by $^{9}\mathrm{Be}$, Si, $^{58}\mathrm{Ni}$, and $^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$ have been measured. All angular distributions, except for $^{9}\mathrm{Be}$, exhibit strong diffraction patterns. Optical-model calculations with matter distributions deduced from electron scattering qualitatively reproduce the data, but better agreement for all but $^{9}\mathrm{Be}$ can be obtained with suitable modifications. No substantial differences in neutron- and proton-matter radii are indicated.
Separate but Equal: Complementary Influences of the Mother and Father on the Narrator's Development in Proust's A la recherche du temps perdu

This article aims to show how, notwithstanding the tendency in Proustian criticism to focus on maternal influence, in A la recherche du temps perdu both parents contribute to the narrator's artistic development. In a sort of reversed Aristotelian paradigm, the mother is associated with culture, igniting the narrator's passion for art and reading, whilst the father is associated with nature and sensual experiences that stimulate the imagination. The 'maternal' Venice the narrator visits with his mother in Albertine disparue , the Venice of perennial monuments to which he relates as receptor, is contrasted with the 'paternal' Venice of Combray to which he relates as creator and which is a pure product of his imagination, composed of floral imagery that grows out of the father's announcement of vacation plans. The father's Venice connects the present to an as-yet unrealized future, emphasizing the diachronic passage of time in a process similar to that of creating a narrative that links him to writing. It is the ostensible counterpart to the mother's Venice, which, in Le Temps retrouve , connects past and present in the resuscitated image of a bygone synchronous moment captured by involuntary memory. Liminal figures illustrate that Proust does not simply reverse the mother-nature/father-culture paradigm. Paternal aunt Leonie, integrating the maternal and the paternal, is a caricatural portrait of the artist underscoring their complementary influence on artistic creation.
Conversion and the Imitation of Christ in Anglican and Puritan Writing

In recent years a great deal of scholarly energy has been expended in attempts to identify differing religious parties and movements in Elizabethan and early Stuart England.' On the one hand, J.F.H. New has described the actions of Anglicans and Puritans as "teleological acts attempts to make practice conform to preconceived philosophies."2 He believes that Anglican and Puritan doctrines derived from quite different conceptions of human moral capacity, conceptions which were distinct from their sixteenth-cen-
Investigating the Impact of Elements in Educational Mathematics Software on Girls' Attitudes

Past research has suggested that certain features of educational computer software (such as aggressive distracters, competition, and the under-representation of female characters) may negatively impact girls' attitudes toward computer software. This article describes two studies that investigated the impact of these three features on girls' attitudes toward computer software. In the first study, forty-eight seventh-grade female mathematics students were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: Female character/Competitive task, Male character/Competitive task, Female character/Cooperative task, and Male character/Cooperative task. Each subject completed a computer task in her assigned condition and then independently completed the Computer Game Attitude Scale (CGAS), a scale that was designed to assess basic student attitudes toward using computer games. The subjects' scores on the CGAS were analyzed using a 2 × 2 ANOVA to examine to effects of learning environment (cooperative vs. competitive) and ge...
P-SV 4C Rotation Analysis Compared to Direct Shear Wave 4C Rotation Analysis And Sensitivity to Acquisition Geometry

Multi-azimuthal four component rotation analysis using Cwaves (3C) and direct shear waves (9C) was applied to azimuthally anisotropic (HTI) synthetic seismic data in order to make a direct comparison between the two methods. P-SV 4C analysis relies on multi-azimuth data binned into orthogonal sets of CCP gathers, the sensitivity analysis was performed in order to investigate the effect of non-orthogonal acquisition settings on anisotropic analysis and fracture characterization. It is found that in general the same results can be obtained from both 9C and 3C data, with some significant differences in the symmetry of the response, due to variations of the reflection coefficients for P-SV and SS waves. It is also found that for synthetic data, processed using 4C rotation, amplitudes suffer as a consequence of source-receiver azimuthal pairs that are less than orthogonal, yet yield robust results when looking for principle symmetry axes.
Alcohol-mediated changes in left atrial size in coronary heart disease patients.

Epidemiologic studies of the relationship between alcohol use and risk of cardiovascular outcomes in nonecoronary heart disease (non-CHD)especific populations have typically identified aU-shaped relationship.A consistent finding among these studies is that light to moderate alcohol consumption is inversely associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Additional potentially beneficial effects identified include favorable changes in levels of highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol, fibrinogen, platelet aggregation, and lipoprotein(a). Conversely, alcohol use is well known to increase blood pressure, itself a risk factor for many negative outcomes, including atrial fibrillation (AF), increased left atrial size (LAS), and stroke. The associations between alcohol use and stroke are more complex. It appears that overall ischemic stroke and ischemic strokemortality rates are reduced in moderate drinkers, but that drinking pattern, particularly binge drinking, is associated with increased rates of hemorrhagic stroke. Alcohol use in noneCHD-specific populations has been associated with atrial fibrillation in both men and women as well as with development of alcoholic cardiomyopathy. The risk appears to be mainly among heavy drinkers, and some studies in light to moderate drinkers have even shown a protective effect on atrial arrhythmias. Studies investigating the role of LAS have focused mainly on patients with atrial fibrillation. Left atrial enlargement appears to explain a significant portion of the increased risk of AF associated with increasing obesity and age. However, hypertension appears to influence AF risk in a way that is not as closely mediated by LAS. Nonetheless, the main risk factors for the development of increased LAS include hypertension, age, sex, diabetes, and increased body size. In addition, LAS is a strong predictor of new-onset AF and stroke. Inhibition of
Magnetic nanoparticles as an orthogonal support of polymer resins: applications to solid-phase suzuki cross-coupling reactions.

Most of the reactants immobilized on conventional solid-phase resins are buried inside the interiors of lightly cross-linked polystyrene beads. An orthogonal support of solid-phase resins needs to be small enough to penetrate the interpolymeric chain spaces of a swollen resin to reach reaction sites. In this paper, we report the use of magnetic nanoparticles (∼4 nm) as an orthogonal matrix to assist solid-phase reactions. A magnetic nanoparticle-supported homogeneous Pd catalyst was employed for promoting the Suzuki cross-coupling of an aryl halide on resins and an excessive arylboronic acid in solution. The workup separating three components (the catalyst, product, and remaining arylborate) is a chromatography-free process. The Pd catalyst was magnetically isolated and recycled from the reaction mixture by applying an external magnetic field. Then, a filtration process was followed to recover the excess borate reagent from the resins/product. Our work here presents the first example of an orthogonal matr...
RAPHAEL: Developing major V/HTR technology

Abstract The FP6 RAPHAEL Integrated Project on V/HTR technology concluded in April 2010 after 5 years of successful performance. 35 partners from 10 Member States, an overall budget above 18 MEUR and about 170 key deliverables are some important figures of the project. RAPHAEL provides results in seven V/HTR technology areas: core physics, fuel, fuel cycle back end, materials, components, safety and system integration covering the major systems and components of a V/HTR. Major highlights include design, fabrication and testing of innovative helium components, improved fuel fabrication and fuel and materials irradiation, and safety testing and PIE of irradiated fuel. In the area of coupled reactor physics and core thermo fluid dynamics, benchmarks have been performed on core safety experiments on the AVR and HTR10 high temperature test reactors, and on the HFR EU1bis fuel burn-up experiment. The fuel cycle back-end activities cover characterisation of V/HTR-specific waste, disposal behaviour and conditioning and spent fuel performance modelling. The materials activities comprise vessel and high-temperature materials, the latter work in collaboration with EXTREMAT, and graphite irradiation and characterisation. Safety and licensing assessments of a V/HTR, and the system integration aspects with respect to plant reference data and R&D results complete the comprehensive scope of RAPHAEL. Selected results will be made available as Euratom input for exchange within the GIF VHTR projects in negotiated procedures. Two advisory groups (safety-SAG and industrial users-IUAG) accompanied the project and provided valuable input regarding adjustment of concept specifications. The recommendations of the Industrial Users Advisory Group, including major end-users, are used as input to EUROPAIRS, an FP7 support action aiming at integrating end-users into the R&D process towards a demonstrator for cogeneration. To address the key issue of knowledge transfer, RAPHAEL conducted three Eurocourses, with support of the IAEA, to transmit V/HTR physics and technology to young engineers and students. Furthermore, RAPHAEL was regularly present in conferences and has issued numerous technical publications. RAPHAEL executed intensive international collaboration mainly in the areas of materials and fuel, in particular with Korea, and in safety. In addition, its representation and contribution was often requested in collaboration initiatives of Euratom with Russia and China, and in workshops organised by IAEA.
What fraction of white dwarfs are members of binary systems

White dwarfs were originally discovered as the subordinate faint companions of bright nearby stars (i.e. Sirius B and 40 Eri B). Several general categories of binary systems involving white dwarfs are recognized: Sirius-like systems, where the white dwarf may be difficult to detect, binary systems containing white dwarfs and low mass stars, where the white dwarf is often readily discerned; and double degenerate systems. Different modes of white dwarf discovery influence our perception of both the overall binary fraction and the nature of these systems; proper motion surveys emphasize resolved systems, while photometric surveys emphasize unresolved systems containing relatively hot white dwarfs. Recent studies of the local white dwarf population offer some hope of achieving realistic estimates of the relative number of binary systems containing white dwarfs. A sample of 132 white dwarfs within 20 pc indicates that an individual white dwarf has a probability of 32 ± 8% of occurring within a binary or multiple star system.
WE-G-BRD-07: Investigation of Distal Lung Atelectasis Following Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Using Regional Lung Volume Changes Between Pre- and Post- Treatment CT Scans

Purpose: To propose a quantitative method using lung deformations to differentiate between radiation-induced fibrosis and potential airway stenosis with distal atelectasis in patients treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for lung tumors. Methods: Twenty-four lung patients with large radiation-induced density increases outside the high dose region had their pre- and post-treatment CT scans manually registered. They received SBRT treatments at our institution between 2002 and 2009 in 3 or 5 fractions, to a median total dose of 54Gy (range, 30–60). At least 50 anatomical landmarks inside the lung (airway branches) were paired for the pre- and post-treatment scans to guide the deformable registration of the lung structure, which was then interpolated to the whole lung using splines. Local volume changes between the planning and follow-up scans were calculated using the deformation field Jacobian. Hyperdense regions were classified as atelectatic or fibrotic based on correlations between regional density increases and significant volume contractions compared to the surrounding tissues. Results: Out of 24 patients, only 7 demonstrated a volume contraction that was at least one σ larger than the remaining lung average. Because they did not receive high doses, these shrunk hyperdense regions were likely showing distal atelectasis resulting from radiation-induced airway stenosis rather than conventional fibrosis. On average, the hyperdense regions extended 9.2 cm farther than the GTV contours but not significantly more than 8.6 cm for the other patients (p>0.05), indicating that a large offset between the radiation and hyperdense region centers is not a good surrogate for atelectasis. Conclusion: A method based on the relative comparison of volume changes between different dates was developed to identify potential lung regions experiencing distal atelectasis. Such a tool is essential to study which lung structures need to be avoided to prevent atelectasis and limit lung function loss.
Amine-Modified Polyborazylenes: Second-Generation Precursors to Boron Nitride

New second-generation polymeric precursors to BN ceramics have been synthesized in high yield by the reaction of polyborazylene (PB), [B3N3H∼3.5]x, with diethylamine (DEA), dipentylamine (DPA), and hexamethyldisilazane (HMD). Elemental analyses and the spectroscopic data indicate that the resulting DEA-PB, DPA-PB, and HMD-PB polymers contain boron-bonded amino groups attached to the polyborazylene backbone. Analysis of volatile byproducts of the reaction suggests modification of PB with DEA and DPA occurs primarily through dehydrocoupling reactions, while the reaction with HMD involves amine Si−N bond cleavage with elimination of trimethylsilane. Combined molecular weight/infrared spectroscopy studies show the polymers are modified throughout the molecular weight distribution. Modification with HMD results in increased molecular weights due to cross-linking reactions involving the silazane. The DEA-PB and DPA-PB polymers have lower molecular weights than the starting PB, with the highest amine concentrati...
The Role of Intercultural Communication in Cyberterrorism

This article analyzes the role of intercultural communication in cyberterrorism. Cyberspace is a common site of meeting and interaction between cyberterrorists from multiple cultural backgrounds. It is also a place where cyberterrorists have to face law enforcement agents. As a result, intercultural clashes sometimes occur. This justifies the necessity for better understanding intercultural communication in Internet-mediated situations. Although there have been published pieces on hackers' culture, this article breaks new ground partly because no literature review has produced work on the role of intercultural communication in cyberterrorism.
Synaptic phosphoproteins: specific changes after repetitive stimulation of the hippocampal slice

Repetitive stimulation (100 pulses per second for 1 second) of the Schafer collateral-commissural system of the rat hippocampus induces long-term potentiation of synaptic strength and produces significant changes in the subsequent endogenous phosphorylation of a 40,000-dalton protein from synaptic plasma membranes. This effect is not observed after stimulation in calcium-deficient media or after simulation at the rate of one pulse per second for 100 seconds. These findings provide evidence that repetitive synaptic activation can alter the phosphorylation machinery of the synaptic region and suggest a biochemical process which may be involved in the production of neuronal plasticity.
Stable chlorine isotopes in hydrothermal processes

Abstract Values of δ37Cl can now be routinely measured with an analytical precision of ±0.2%., as reported herein on fluid inclusion leachates from the Elmwood-Gordonsville Mississippi Valley-type deposit and formation waters from its host formation; basin brines from the Gulf Coast and Palo Duro Basins; and fluid inclusion leachates and biotites from the Bingham, Silver Bell and Panguna porphyry copper deposits. Isotopic measurements are not affected by reaction yield in the range 85–100% or by generation of free I2 during sample preparation. In the Elmwood-Gordonsville deposit, five successive paragenetic stages of ore and gangue (sphalerite, fluorite, calcite 2, barite and calcite 3) each yielded multiple δ37Cl measurements. Ranges of δ37Cl vary in alternating fashion between stages with more negative values (sphalerite, calcites 2 and 3) and those with more positive values (fluorite, barite). An interface between two brine systems with δ 37 Cl and >0.0%. appears to have moved back and forth across the zone of mineralization. Brines from the Gulf Coast and Palo Duro basins are apparently bimodal in δ37Cl with modes near −0.9%. and 0.0%., consistent with the variation in δ37Cl observed in fluid inclusion leachates from Elmwood-Gordonsville. Biotite in the Bingham deposit has δ37Cl values up to 1.7%. and chlorine isotopes that are fractionated with respect to salt-rich hydrothermal fluid. Hydrothermal fluids in all three porphyry copper deposits studied have a δ37Cl range of −0.1 to 0.4%. with the one exception of a −0.5%. value at Bingham. Loss of low -δ 37 Cl chloride in vapor may balance chloride with a net δ 37 Cl > 0 in the porphyry deposits.
Effect of neonatal caloric deprivation on head growth and 1-year developmental status in preterm infants

The effects of neonatal illness and caloric intake on head growth velocity and on 1-year developmental outcome were studied in 73 appropriate (AGA) and small for gestational age (SGA) premature infants of (mean±SD) 30±2 weeks gestation who received intensive care during the neonatal period. Head growth from birth to 1 year of corrected age was characterized by a triphasic curve initiated by a period of growth arrest or suboptimal growth followed by a period of catch-up growth and terminated by a period of growth along standard curves. Head growth arrest or suboptimal head growth were directly related to the duration of the initial period of caloric deprivation (
Implications of nitrate and nitrite isotopic measurements for the mechanisms of nitrogen cycling in the Peru oxygen deficient zone

Abstract Oceanic oxygen deficient zones (ODZs) are important regions for oceanic primary productivity, nitrous oxide (N 2 O) production, and the marine nitrogen (N) budget. These areas are recognized as hotspots for fixed N loss, although the rates and mechanisms of N loss have been difficult to quantify. Stable isotopes of nitrate and nitrite integrate the effects of a complex suite of processes occurring in these regions. Here we examine the distributions of nitrate δ 15 N and δ 18 O and nitrite δ 15 N in the Peruvian ODZ. Our data reveal elevated nitrate δ 15 N and δ 18 O values, particularly after correcting for the isotopic contribution of nitrite. Moreover, the isotopic composition of nitrite, a central intermediate in the marine N cycle, provides an additional constraint on the processes occurring in the Peru ODZ. A simple finite difference model is used to interpret the mechanisms and relative rates of N transformation in the waters sampled off the coast of Peru. Nitrite oxidation is found to be an important sink for nitrite, in many cases exceeding the rate of nitrite reduction. In model results, the apparent isotope effect for nitrate reduction, as inferred from a closed system Rayleigh model of nitrate concentration and δ 15 N, is greater than the prescribed value due to the effects of nitrite oxidation. Accordingly, the isotope effect for nitrate reduction that best fits the data is 12‰, much lower than the commonly inferred 25‰. Furthermore, nitrite oxidation may mediate the δ 15 N of N 2 produced in this water column suboxic zone through its effect on the δ 15 N values of NO 2 − and NO 3 − .
On the Rate of Boronate Ester Formation in ortho-Aminomethyl Functionalized Phenyl Boronic Acids.

The role of the ortho-aminomethyl functional group in phenyl boronic acids for sugar complexation is a topic of debate. To decipher its effect on the kinetics of boronate ester formation, we first performed pseudo-first-order kinetics analyses at five pH values up to 4 mM in fructose, revealing a first-order kinetic dependence upon fructose. Under these conditions, the reaction is in equilibrium and does not reach completion, but at 50 mM fructose saturation is achieved, revealing zero-order dependence upon fructose. This indicates rate-determining creation of an intermediate prior to reaction with fructose, which we propose involves leaving group departure of inserted solvent. Furthermore, the region of kinetics displaying zero-order dependence has a kinetic isotope effect of 1.42, showing involvement of a proton transfer in the leaving group departure. The ratio of forward and reverse rate constants branching from the intermediate shows that fructose is several thousand times more nucleophilic than the ...
Reduced autonomic responsiveness to gambling task losses in Huntington's disease.

We examined the possible role of autonomic activity in Huntington's disease (HD) during a risky decision making task. Skin conductance responses (SCRs) of 15 HD participants and 16 healthy controls were measured while they performed a computerized version of the Simulated Gambling Task (SGT). The results replicated our previous finding of a performance decrement in HD, and showed that HD was associated with an altered pattern of SCRs during the risky decision task. Specifically, the healthy controls produced increased SCRs following selections from the disadvantageous decks and following losing selections. In contrast, the SCRs of the HD group did not differentiate between wins and losses. These findings indicate a reduced impact of loss on decision-making processes under risky conditions in HD. (JINS, 2004, 10, 239–245.)
Community Structure and Ecological and Behavioral Traits of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Massachusetts Open and Forested Habitats

Abstract - We investigated ant species richness, interspecific behavioral interactions, and community composition in adjacent forested and open habitat plots in two forest types of the northeastern United States: 1) the more common hemlock-White Pine forest studied at Harvard Forest Long Term Ecological Research Station in central Massachusetts, and T) the rare Pitch Pine barrens of Myles Standish State Forest in southeastern Massachusetts, which also provide habitat for multiple rare and endangered species. Overall, we found that species richness, behavioral interactions, and ecological traits vary between forested and adjacent open habitat plots. The number of species is five times higher per plot in the hemlock-White Pine open habitat (compared to forest habitat), but this pattern (i.e., higher species richness in open vs. forested plots) is not observed in the Pitch Pine barren site. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analyses suggest that community composition is significantly different between fore...
Ro 15-1788 antagonizes the discriminative stimulus effects of diazepam in rats but not similar effects of pentobarbital

The benzodiazepine antagonist properties of Ro 15-1788 were evaluated in rats trained to discriminate between saline and either 1.0 mg/kg of diazepam or 10 mg/kg of pentobarbital in a two-choice discrete-trial shock avoidance procedure. When administered alone, 1.0 mg/kg of diazepam and 10 mg/kg of pentobarbital produced comparable amounts of drug-appropriate responding (less than 84%), whether rats were trained to discriminate between diazepam or pentobarbital and saline. Ro 15-1788 (3-32 mg/kg, p.o.), administered 10 min before diazepam or pentobarbital, produced a dose-related blockade of the discriminative effects of diazepam in both groups of rats, but was completely ineffective in blocking the discriminative effects of pentobarbital. The dose-effect curve for the discriminative effects of diazepam was shifted to the right in a parallel fashion 3- and 13-fold by 10 and 32 mg/kg of Ro 15-1788, respectively, indicating that Ro 15-1788 acts as a surmountable, competitive antagonist of diazepam. When administered alone, Ro 15-1788 (32-100 mg/kg, p.o.) produced primarily saline-appropriate responding, although 100 mg/kg of Ro 15-1788 produced drug-appropriate responding in one out of eight rats. When administered orally 30 min after diazepam, Ro 15-1788 (32 mg/kg) completely reversed within 10 min the discriminative effects of diazepam. The blockade of diazepam's discriminative effects by 32 mg/kg of Ro 15-1788 appeared to last at least as long (approximately 2 hr) as the effects of diazepam alone.
A constant-amplitude transistorized unit for remote brain stimulation

Abstract A remote-control brain stimulation unit is described which combines a number of practical features and can be mounted on and carried by small laboratory primates.
Neural network algorithms for motion stereo

Motion stereo infers depth information from a sequence of image frames. Both batch and recursive neural network algorithms for motion stereo are presented. A discrete neural network is used for representing the disparity field. The batch algorithm first integrates information from all images by embedding them into the bias inputs of the network. Matching is then carried out by neuron evaluation. This algorithm implements the matching procedure only once, unlike conventional batch methods requiring matching many times. The method uses a recursive least square algorithm to update the bias inputs of the network. The disparity values are uniquely determined by the neuron states after matching. Since the neural network can be run in parallel and the bias input updating scheme can be executed on line, a real-time vision system employing such an algorithm is very attractive. A detection algorithm for locating occluding pixels is also included. Experimental results using natural image sequences are given. >
The effect of electrical stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus on seizures is frequency dependent.

Summary: Purpose: Animal studies and anecdotal human case reports have indicated that the subthalamic nucleus (STN) may be a site of anticonvulsant action. Methods: We tested the hypothesis that continuous electrical stimulation of the STN inhibits seizures acutely. We determined the effects of three stimulation frequencies, 130 Hz, 260 Hz, and 800 Hz, on generalized clonic and tonic–clonic flurothyl seizures. Adult male rats were implanted with concentric bipolar stimulating electrodes in the STN bilaterally. After recovery, rats underwent flurothyl seizures to compare the effects of each stimulation frequency on seizure threshold. Rats were tested 4 times, twice in the stimulated condition, and twice in the unstimulated condition. The order of trials was random, except that stimulation trials alternated with control trials. Flurothyl seizure thresholds under each stimulation condition were compared with control values from the same animal. Results: Bilateral stimulation of the STN at 130 Hz produced a significant increase in the seizure threshold for clonic flurothyl seizures, whereas stimulation at 260 Hz did not appear to have any effect on seizures. STN stimulation at 800 Hz significantly lowered seizure threshold for tonic–clonic seizures. Conclusions: We conclude that electrical stimulation of the STN can be anticonvulsant, but the effects appear to depend on the stimulation frequency and the type of seizure.
Optimizing outcomes in damage control resuscitation: identifying blood product ratios associated with improved survival.

Background: Despite recent attention and impressive results with damage control resuscitation, the appropriate ratio of blood products to be transfused has yet to be defined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether suggested blood product ratios yield superior survival rates. Materials: After IRB approval, a retrospective evaluation was performed on all trauma exsanguination protocol (TEP, n = 118) activations from February 1, 2006 to July 31, 2007. A comparison cohort (pre-TEP, n = 140) was selected from all trauma admissions between August 1, 2004 and January 31, 2006 that (1) underwent immediate surgery by the trauma team and (2) received greater than 10 units of PRBC in the first 24 hours. We then compared those who received FFP: RBC (2:3) and platelet:RBC (1:5) ratios with those who did not reach these ratios. Multivariate analysis was performed for independent predictors of mortality. Results: A total of 259 patients were available for study. Patients receiving FFP: RBC at a ratio of 2:3 or greater (n = 64) had a significant reduction in 30-day mortality compared with those who received less than a 2:3 ratio (n = 195); 41% versus 62%, p = 0.008. Patients receiving platelets:RBC at a ratio of 1:5 or greater (n = 63) had a lower 30-day mortality when compared with those with who received less than this ratio (n = 196); (38% vs. 61%, p = 0.001). Regression model demonstrated that a ratio of FFP to PRBC is an independent predictor of 30-day mortality, controlling for age and TRISS (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.01-3.14). Conclusions: Increased FFP:PRBC and PLT:PRBC ratios during a period of massive transfusion improved survival after major trauma. Massive transfusion protocols should be designed to achieve these ratios to provide maximal benefit.
Impact of Instrument Response Variations on Health Physics Measurements

Uncertainties in estimating the potential health impact of a given radiation exposure include instrument measurement error in determining exposure and difficulty in relating this exposure to an effective dose value. Instrument error can be due to design or manufacturing deficiencies, limitations of the sensing element used, and calibration and maintenance of the instrument. This paper evaluates the errors which can be introduced by design deficiencies and limitations of the sensing element for a wide variety of commonly used survey instruments. The results indicate little difference among sensing element choice for general survey work, with variations among specific instrument designs being the major factor. Ion chamber instruments tend to be the best for all around use, while scintillator-based units should not be used where accurate measurements are required. The need to properly calibrate and maintain an instrument appears to be the most important factor in instrument accuracy.