cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal Target Delineation and Treatment Techniques in the Era of Conformal Photon and Proton Breast and Regional Nodal Irradiation.

Abstract Purpose Regional nodal irradiation improves disease-free and distant disease–free survival in patients with high-risk breast cancer (BC). Trials demonstrating this used 2- or 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (2-dimensional or 3-dimensional [3D] conformal radiotherapy [CRT]) fields based on bony anatomy. Modern volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and pencil beam scanning proton therapy (PBSPT) may underdose regional nodes (RNs) not contoured but covered by 3D CRT. Multiple atlases guide modern treatment planning. This study addresses the risk of underdosing when relying on published atlases and treating with 3D CRT, VMAT, and PBSPT. Methods and Materials Targets per the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG), European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), and Radiotherapy Comparative Effectiveness Consortium (RADCOMP) atlases were contoured on a representative patient CT scan. 3D CRT plans based on anatomic borders and VMAT and PBSPT plans for each set of target volumes were generated. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scans were reviewed. CT-positive and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG)–avid RNs (n = 389) were mapped from 102 patients with locally advanced (n = 51; median 2; range, 1-8 nodes) and metastatic (n = 51; median 4; range, 1-19 nodes) BC: axillary (AX; n=284), supraclavicular (SCV; n = 60), and internal mammary nodal (IMN; n=45). 18F-FDG-avid RNs falling within the 95% isodose line were considered adequately covered. Results 3D CRT plans provided excellent RN coverage. Low AX nodes were covered (≥99%) in all plans. Underdosing of 18F-FDG–avid RNs falling in the high AX (78%-92%), SCV (52%-75%), and IMN (84%-89%) volumes was observed following the RTOG and ESTRO atlases for VMAT and PBSPT plans. Use of the RADCOMP atlas provided coverage of these areas (89%-100%) with slightly increased heart and lung doses. Atlas guided VMAT/PBSPT plans provided cumulative nodal coverage as follows: ESTRO (89%/88%), RTOG (93%/91%), and RADCOMP (98%/96%). Conclusions VMAT and PBSPT for regional nodal irradiation in patients with high-risk BC risks underdosage in the high AX, SCV, and IMN nodal regions unless comprehensive target delineation is performed.
Biological Effective of organic solvent extracts of Datura innoxia Leaves in the Cumulative and Non-cumulative for mortality of Immature insect Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera : Culicidae)

The present research included the evaluation of the efficiency of organic solvent extracts (hexane, ethyl acetate, ethyl alcohol) separately using ppm (100, 250, 5001500, 1000, 2000) concentrations of Datura innoxia leaves. In the non- cumulative and cumulative mortality of the immature stage of Culex quinquefaciatus Say mosquitoes where LC50 and LC90 by probit analysis were estimated. The hexane extract of the leaves D.innoxia plant was the most affected hexane extract was the most effective of ethyl acetate and ethyl alcohol in the non-cumulative mortality of the immature instar where LC50 for egg mortality was (1495.8, 1727.2, 2199.9) ppm for hexane extract, ethyl acetate and ethyl alcohol respectively For the four larva linstar, the first larval instar were the most sensitive of the larval instar of all extracts The hexan extract was LC50(245.8, 301.1, 418.4, 1128.6) PPM The ethyl acetate extract was LC50 (246.9, 375.3, 622.6, 1188.2) ppm for the four larvae instar respectively. The LC50 for ethyl alcohol extract (332.4, 568.5 1004.7, 1446.6) ppm. In instar pupa, the value of LC50 (1146.5, 1179.6, 1249.6) ppm for hexane extract, ethyl acetate and ethyl alcohol, respectively. As for the cumulative depreciation, the cumulative mortality rate of the immature stage reached 100% at the concentration of 2000ppm and for all organic solvents compared to the control, which was limited to (8-17) %.
The correlation analysis of amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram and magnetic resonance imaging in infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

Objective To investigate the correlation analysis of amplitude-integrated electro-encephalogram (aEEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) to early evaluate the severity of HIE. Methods Ninety term infants with HIE were selected. They were detected by aEEG within 12 hours after birth, and accepted cranial MRI 3 to 7 days after birth. The infants were divided into 3 groups (aEEG normal, mild abnormality and severe abnormality) according to the result of aEEG. The Spearman correlation analysis was completed in infants with HIE between aEEG clinical grading and cranial MRI grading. Results In 90 infants with HIE, the clinical grading: mild HIE 44 cases (48.9%), midrange HIE 29 cases (32.2%) and severe HIE 17 cases (18.9%). Cranial MRI grading: mild 49 cases (54.4%), midrange 23 cases (25.6%) and severe 18 cases (20.0%). The result of aEEG: aEEG normal 43 cases (47.8%), aEEG mild abnormality 25 cases (27.8%) and aEEG sever abnormality 22 cases (24.4%). The result of correlation analysis showed that aEEG grading was positive correlation with the HIE clinical grading (r = 0.970 7, P<0.01) and MRI grading (r= 0.933 5, P<0.01). Conclusion The aEEG can early evaluate the severity of HIE. Key words: Hypoxia-ischemia, brain; Infant, newborn; Magnetic resonance imaging; Electroe-ncephalography
Conductive spinels derived from Co–Mn based alloy precursor for SOFC cathode-side contact application

Abstract The utilization of gas-atomized Co–Mn based alloy precursor is a promising approach to lowering the sintering temperature of the spinel contact layer and enhancing its performance. In this study, simulated interconnect/contact/cathode cells are employed to investigate the effects of different metallic precursors (i.e., three Co–Mn based alloy powders and a mixture of Co + MnO2 powders) on the microstructure and performance of the reactively-sintered MnCo2O4-based contact layer. While excellent overall electrical performance is observed for all the cells with the four contact precursors during 1000-h testing at 800 °C in air, the cell with the Ce-doped alloy contact precursor shows the lowest cell area specific resistance (ASR) and ASR degradation rate. Cross-sectional observation of the tested cells is conducted to assess the compatibility of the contact layer with adjacent components as well as its effectiveness in reducing the Cr2O3 scale growth and blocking Cr migration from the interconnect to the cathode.
Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System Therapy with Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy Enhanced Clearance of Piperacillin in a Pediatric Patient and Led to Failure to Attain Pharmacodynamic Targets.

Molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS), an extracorporeal support device used in patients with liver failure, specifically removes albumin-bound molecules, including antibiotics. Case reports in adult patients showed that MARS enhances the clearance of piperacillin. However, for those patients, pharmacodynamic targets were achieved when piperacillin/tazobactam was administered as extended infusions over 3-4 hours. In contrast, piperacillin/tazobactam is typically given as short intermittent infusions in children. No reports describe the effect of MARS on piperacillin pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamic target attainment in pediatric patients with liver failure. This case report describes the effects of MARS on piperacillin clearance and target attainment in a child with liver failure. It was noted that MARS, in conjunction with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), enhanced the clearance of piperacillin when compared with CRRT alone (6.4-7.4 L/hr vs 3.0 L/hr). Pharmacodynamic targets were not attained during MARS-CRRT cycles with free piperacillin concentrations being above 64 µg/ml for < 50% of dosing intervals, the goal target. We performed simulation analysis to identify a dosing regimen to optimize target attainment. For this patient, doses 3 times what she received over 3-hour extended infusions and an additional dose within 5 hours of cycle initiation would have led to target attainment throughout the MARS-CRRT cycles.
The Role of Advisory Committees in Bureaucratic Oversight: The Case of AGAC

The inner workings of advisory commissions are opaque, which has frustrated inquiries about them. However, relying on data obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request from the Department of J...
Abnormal pulmonary flow is associated with impaired right ventricular coupling in patients with COPD

Cor Pulmonale or right ventricular (RV) dysfunction due to pulmonary disease is an expected complication of COPD resulting primarily from increased afterload mediated by chronic alveolar hypoxemia and resulting hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. Early detection of elevated RV afterload has been previously demonstrated by visualization of abnormal flow patterns in the proximal pulmonary arteries. Prior analysis of helicity in the pulmonary arteries in pulmonary hypertension patients has demonstrated a strong association between helicity and increased RV afterload. However, these flow hemodynamics have yet to be fully explored in patients with COPD. We hypothesized that patients with COPD will have abnormal pulmonary flow as evaluated by 4D-Flow MRI and associated with RV function and pulmonary arterial stiffness. Patients with COPD (n = 15) (65 years ± 6) and controls (n = 10) (58 years ± 9) underwent 4D-Flow MRI to calculate helicity. The helicity was calculated in the main pulmonary artery (MPA) and along the RV outflow tract (RVOT)—MPA axis. Main pulmonary arterial stiffness was measured using the relative area change (RAC). We found COPD patients had decreased helicity relative to healthy controls in the MPA (19.4 ± 7.8vs 32.8 ± 15.9, P = 0.007) and reduced helicity along the RVOT-MPA axis (33.2 ± 9.0 vs 43.5 ± 8.3, P = 0.010). Our investigation indicates a strong association between helicity along the MPA-RV outflow tract axis and RV function and suggests that 4D-Flow MRI might be a sensitive tool in evaluating RV—pulmonary arterial coupling in COPD.
Broad interests, narrow interests, and the politics of the budgetary process

Interest politics, as opposed to party politics, make fixing Illinois’ budget problems very complex and difficult. All people and businesses have multiple and overlapping interests in what the state does. Thinking about broad and narrow interests, helps understand them. Broad interests are those that many people hold weakly; for example, we all have an interest in a balanced state budget. Narrow interests are those that fewer people hold, but they often do so very strongly; for example, all teachers have an interest in higher pay for educators. Strongly held narrow interests frequently crowd out broader interests People will organize groups to pursue their narrow interests, hire lobbyists, and fight for their cause in Springfield. People will not be bothered to do so in pursuit of their broader interests. There are thousands of narrow interests at play in state government, which causes the politics of the budgetary process to be complex and often intractable.
Validation of ground truth fire debris classification by supervised machine learning

Abstract A set of 767 laboratory-generated fire debris samples of known ground truth as to whether an ignitable liquid residue was present (class IL) or absent (class SUB) were used to train five machine learning classifiers. Linear and quadratic discriminant analysis (LDA and QDA), k-nearest neighbors (kNN), and support vector machines with radial and linear kernels (SVMr and SVMl) were tested for their performance in correctly classifying the fire debris samples into class IL or class SUB. Each classifier was trained and tested/validated on 500 class-balanced data sets, each comprised of 400 fire debris samples (200 IL and 200 SUB) that were bootstrapped from the 767 laboratory-generated samples. Each bootstrapped data set was split into subsets for training (75%, 300 samples) and testing/validation (25%, 100 samples). The LDA, SVMr and SVMl were found to give satisfactory performance based on area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.86–0.92), equal error rates (17%−22%) and well-calibrated probabilities. The three satisfactory classifiers were further applied to a set of 129 fire debris samples produced in large-scale test burns. The classifications generated by the machine learning models were compared with the sample classes assigned by an informed analyst having knowledge of the chromatographic patterns of the ignitable liquids use to start the large-scale fires. The LDA and SVMl models gave results most closely aligned with the informed analyst.
Safety and utility of modified ultrafiltration in pediatric cardiac surgery.

Introduction:Modified ultrafiltration (MUF) is employed at the termination of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in pediatric and neonatal patients undergoing congenital heart surgery to reduce the accum...
Associative Processes in Spinal Reflexes

Acute, paralyzed, spinal cats were used to examine extinction and retention parameters as well as the involvement of cutaneous afferent terminals in classical conditioning of a hindlimb flexor nerve response. The CS consisted of a train of pulses delivered to the superficial peroneal (sensory) nerve and the UCS was a 50 V shock delivered to the ankle skin of the same hind leg. Conditions was measured as an increase in the response amplitude of the deep peroneal (motor) nerve. First, the effects of presenting massed vs. distributed extinction trials were explored. Conditioned response amplitude decrements were found when 60 extinction trials were administered immediately after aquisition at a rate of one per minute (massed condition). These decrements were not apparent when one extinction trial was delivered every ten minutes (distributed condition). From this data it is apparent that the conditioned response increase does not fall off spontaneously over a two hour period. In the second experiment, significant differences were not found between groups of animals allowed 1/2, 1, 2, 3, or 4 hr. between acquisition and extinction trials. These results were interpreted to indicate that response amplitude increases noted during acquisition were not the product of simple sensitization. Finally, excitability changs involving cutaneous afferent terminals were studied using the antidromic invasion technique. No tonic or phasic excitability changes were found over the course of training. This finding indicates that presynaptic facilitation is not involved in response amplitude increases observed during classical conditioning of the cat hindlimb flexor nerve response.
The Genetics and Biosynthesis of Lipopolysaccharides

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the genetics and biosynthesis of lipopolysaccharides. The story of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) genetics began during the early decades of the nineteenth century as pathologists and bacteriologists attempted to sort out the apparently bewildering variety of enteric pathogens and normal enteric flora. Biochemical tests, such as sugar fermentation and hydrogen sulphide production can differentiate these into broad species, but an underlying complexity has been revealed by serological analysis. Three general types of antigens have been identified: H antigens, K or Vi antigens, and 0 antigens are discussed in the chapter. Further, the term endotoxin refers to certain common features of almost all LPS molecules which allow them to bind to specific receptors and elicit a broad range of host defences, including activation of various components of the immune systems of host animals.
Bullying and Cyberbullying

The purpose of this essay is to explore diverse forms of bullying according to multiple theoretical frameworks of aggression, victimization, and human development. We comment on existing anti-bullying legislation and bullying prevention programs. Bullying manifests in a variety of settings, and with the popularity and accessibility of the Internet, a new form of bullying has become prevalent: cyberbullying or cyber aggression. Different forms of cyber aggression are discussed, as well as psychosocial implications for both aggressors and victims. Current trends in bullying and cyber aggression such as Internet trolling and innovative prevention strategies are detailed, as well as potential areas of future research in the social and behavioral sciences. Keywords: bullying; cyberbullying; victimization; human development; cyber aggression; victims; prevention strategies; behavioral science
Identification of a Lysophospholipase C That May Be Responsible for the Biosynthesis of Choline Plasmalogens by Madin-Darby Canine Kidney Cells*

The biosynthesis of choline plasmalogens was investigated in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells to determine the source of the vinyl ether linkage. 1-O-[3H] Alk-1'-enyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine was a better precursor than 1-O-[3H]alkyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine for the synthesis of 1-O-[3H]alk-1'-enyl-2-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine; this suggests that the vinyl ether linkage in choline phosphoglycerides originates from ethanolamine plasmalogens. The contribution of N-methylation and base exchange enzymes to choline plasmalogen biosynthesis was assessed using 1-O-[3H]alkenyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-[32P]phosphoethanolamine. While 1-O-[3H]alkenyl-2-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine was formed from this precursor, the 32P was lost indicating that N-methylation and base exchange enzymes do not contribute significantly to the synthesis of choline plasmalogens. The conversion of a phosphono analog of 1-O-[3H]alkyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, which is resistant to phospholipase D hydrolysis, to 1-O-[3H]alkenyl-2-acyl-sn-glycero-2-phosphocholine was observed demonstrating that phospholipase D is not required for choline plasmalogen biosynthesis. A Mg(2+)-dependent lysophospholipase C activity was detected in microsomes that actively hydrolyzed ether-linked lysophosphoglycerides as well as the lysophosphono analog. To assess the role of lysophospholipase C in shuttling 1-O-alk-1'-enyl-sn-glycerol (alkenylglycerol) from ethanolamine plasmalogens to choline plasmalogens, cells prelabeled with 1-O-[3H]alkenyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine were treated with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. This resulted in the rapid deacylation of 1-O-[3H]alkenyl-2-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine to 1-O-[3H]alkenyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine and the subsequent generation of 1-O-[3H]alkenylglycerol. A concomitant 2-3-fold increase in 1-O-[3H]alkenyl-2-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine was observed. These studies suggest that the alkenyl linkage in choline phosphoglycerides may originate from 1-O-alkenyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine through an enzymatic pathway involving lysophospholipase C to generate alkenylglycerol that is subsequently converted to choline plasmalogens.
Growth, maturation, and body composition: the Fels Longitudinal Study 1929-1991.

Preface Abbreviations 1. Introduction 2. The management and analysis of data 3. Prenatal, familial and genetic studies 4. Physical growth 5. Physical maturation and development 6. Bones and teeth 7. Body composition and risk factors for cardiovascular disease Epilogue References Index.
Modifications of membrane lipids in response to wounding of Arabidopsis thaliana leaves

Mechanical wounding of Arabidopsis thaliana leaves results in modifications of most membrane lipids within 6 hours. Here, we discuss the lipid changes, their underlying biochemistry, and possible relationships among activated pathways. New evidence is presented supporting the role of the processive galactosylating enzyme SENSITIVE TO FREEZING2 in the wounding response.
Enrichment options for African painted dogs (Lycaon pictus).

Best practices for carnivore enrichment encourage the diversity of species-typical behaviors, increased activity, and reduced stereotypic behavior; ideally considering the life-history and behavior of each species. African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), or painted dogs, are social carnivores that have large home ranges and complex pack dynamics (e.g., variation in group size, relatedness, etc.). As there are relatively few studies on painted dog enrichment, the goal of this study was to compile a list of enrichment options used by institutions participating in the species survival plan (SSP). Representatives were asked to describe social groups (n = 45), enclosures (n = 21), enrichment practices (options, delivery frequency, perceived success), and overall best practices. Respondents (61%, n = 23) reported using options for all six enrichment categories recommended by the Canid Taxon Advisory Group: environmental enrichment devices, habitat, sensory, food, behavioral, and social. Perceived success was significantly higher for the food category, followed by the sensory and behavioral categories. All respondents reported delivering enrichment at least multiple times a month, and most reported multiple times per week. Enclosure size did not differ significantly for mixed-sex groups (n = 28) compared to single-sex groups (n = 17). We discuss respondents' suggestions for best practices and the need to record data to compare perceived success with actual behavioral effects, controlling for variation in group size and composition. Overall, respondents recommended a flexible approach, since not all painted dogs and groups respond in the same way to the enrichment options. Zoo Biol. 33:475–480, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Bringing Next-Generation Sequencing into the Classroom through a Comparison of Molecular Biology Techniques.

Although the development of next-generation (NextGen) sequencing technologies has revolutionized genomic research and medicine, the incorporation of these topics into the classroom is challenging, given an implied high degree of technical complexity. We developed an easy-to-implement, interactive classroom activity investigating the similarities and differences between current sequencing methodology and three NextGen technologies. The activity uses existing materials created by each of the biotechnology companies that outline their instrumentation and chemistries. Following this activity, students will understand the molecular biology behind these NextGen applications and the similarities to existing Sanger sequencing methods.
Urinary Incontinence: Proper Assessment and Available Treatment Options

Urinary incontinence is a common condition that imposes significant burdens on the health and well-being of the patient. Urinary incontinence is underreported because people who suffer from the disorder are often reluctant to discuss it with healthcare professionals. It is undertreated because of misperceptions regarding its etiology and amenability to therapy. Failure to distinguish among the different types of urinary incontinence can hinder optimal treatment. This summary paper reviews the types of urinary incontinence, its prevalence, its impact on medical costs and patient quality of life, and approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
Effect of enteral versus parenteral feeding on leucine kinetics and fuel utilization in premature newborns

To determine whether the route of nutrient delivery affects whole-body protein kinetics and fuel utilization, eight premature newborns were studied during both a 4-h period of enteral intake and a 4-h period of parenteral nutrition. The kinetics of the essential amino acid leucine were measured using a constant tracer infusion of 1-13C-leucine, and fuel utilization and energy expenditure were assessed by respiratory calorimetry. All leucine kinetic parameters were similar during enteral or parenteral nutrition (in mean +/- SD mumol/kg/h, flux = 233 +/- 51 enteral versus 258 +/- 42 parenteral, leucine from protein breakdown = 177 +/- 50 enteral versus 200 +/- 41 parenteral, leucine oxidation = 57 +/- 26 enteral versus 63 +/- 20 parenteral, and leucine used for protein synthesis = 176 +/- 63 enteral versus 196 +/- 50 parenteral). In addition, overall rates of energy expenditure (approximately 52 kcal/kg/d) and pattern of fuel utilization (approximately 70% carbohydrate, 13% fat, 17% protein) were unaltered by the route of feeding. Thus, as reflected by leucine kinetics, overall rates of protein turnover, synthesis, oxidation, and breakdown as well as energy expenditure and fuel utilization are similar when nutrition is provided to premature newborns by either the enteral or parenteral route. These results suggest that short-term provision of parenteral nutrition may be able to substitute appropriately for enteral intake, at least with regard to the utilization of one essential amino acid and the overall pattern of fuel utilization.
Children in the Midst of War: Paradoxes of Play

Abstract The perception of play as a good is a basic premise in leisure studies. But an examination of the dark side of play has much to offer those who want to explore leisure more fully. One example of dark play is found in children's behavior during war. From World War II to modern inner city conflicts, studies indicate that children continue to play even during the darkest horrors, that their play, characteristic of sound mental health, enables them to transcend atrocities. This study suggests that the play of these children has profound implications for the field of leisure studies.
MFA-SPINE noise reduction for text images

Imaging text documents always adds a certain amount of noise and other artifacts. Fidelity of electronic reproduction depends very much on the accuracy of noise removal algorithms. The present algorithms attempt to remove artifact by filters that are based on convolution or other methods that are “invasive” with respect to the original representation of the text document. As a result, it is highly desirable to design noise removal algorithms that restore the image to the original representation of text, removing merely noise and added artifacts without blurring or tampering with font corners and edges. In this paper, we present a solution to this problem by design of a filter based on accurate statistics of text in its Matrix Frequency Representation that was developed earlier by the authors
Scanning tunneling microscopy studies of the initial stages of germanium growth on Si(001)

Abstract The growth process of germanium on Si(001) has been investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and a comprehensive picture of the major kinetic processes is obtained. A methodology based on STM analysis of denuded zones of adatom islands is developed to study the microscopic aspects of the growth kinetics. Surface diffusion of germanium on Si(001) is found to be anisotropic. The two types of monatomic step are shown to have different lateral sticking coefficients for germanium adatoms. No observable energy barrier exists at a SB monatomic step to prevent germanium adatoms from crossing downwards. The transition from two-dimensional (2D) to three-dimensional (3D) growth is found to occur via a kinetic pathway—a novel type of intermediate 3D cluster. The facets of these new 3D clusters are determined to be reconstructed {105} planes.
Differential desensitization properties of rat neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit combinations expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes.

1. Chronic administration of nicotine up-regulates mammalian neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). A key hypothesis that explains up-regulation assumes that nicotine induces desensitization of receptor function. This is correlated with behaviorally expressed tolerance to the drug.
Factor Structure of the Short Form Measure of Self-Actualization in a Black Sample:

The present study sought to assess the factor invariance of Jones and Crandall's short form measure of self-actualization on a sample of 213 black undergraduates. A principal components analysis fo...
Impact of pre‐construction planning and project characteristics on performance in the US electrical construction industry

The mild recession experienced in the early part of this decade forced many US electrical contractors to reduce their profit margins as a way to win jobs and survive economically. However, to make up for lower profit margins, contractors turned to ‘better planning’ as a method for improving their efficiency and increasing their profitability. In general, contractors believe that better planning contributes to better project performance, but the evidence has been mostly anecdotal. A study was conducted recently that transformed anecdotal evidence about the impact of pre‐construction planning on performance into quantitative evidence. The research resulted in the development of a model pre‐construction planning process that was based on outstanding projects that were well planned and performed well. The study quantified the relationship between pre‐construction planning activities, project characteristics and performance, and a separate validation study found that those projects that performed a comprehensi...
Active transport of formaldehyde in methanol-utilizing bacteria

Abstract Formaldehyde transport experiments were carried out with Pseudomonas C in batch cell-suspension systems in the absence of a growth-supporting carbon source. Direct measurements of extracellular formaldehyde concentrations and indirect measurements of intracellular formaldehyde concentrations were made. Initial transport rates were estimated for different initial formaldehyde concentrations. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) consumption during formaldehyde transport was noted. Observed was the transport of formaldehyde against its own concentration gradient, along with the depletion of intracellular ATP. A proposed active transport model involving substrate inhibition was shown to be in agreement with the transport rate data. A stoichiometric relationship of three formaldehyde molecules transported per ATP molecule dephosphorylated was calculated from formaldehyde and ATP mass balances.
The identification of general pseudoreciprocal vector fields

A reciprocal vector field is a vector field for which the linearization of the vector field is reciprocal. A vector field is called pseudoreciprocal if it can be written as the composition of a matrix with a reciprocal vector field. The main types of pseudoreciprocal vector fields studied here are those where the matrix is invertible. The identification of such vector fields is completed for the cases when the matrix is either invertible, invertible symmetric, symmetric positive definite, diagonal positive definite, or diagonal invertible. In the process of such identification, a decomposition of the original vector field as the composition of a matrix and a reciprocal vector field will ensue. A definitive answer is given to the following question: given a state equation dx/dt =f(x), does there exist a nonlinear circuit made of only two-terminal, and/or reciprocal n terminal resistors, capacitors and inductors, which realizes this equation?. >
Somatostatin analog RC-160 inhibits the growth of human osteosarcomas in nude mice

We investigated the effects of the potent somatostatin analog RC-160 on the growth of human osteosarcoma cell lines SK-ES-1 and MNNG/HOS, transplanted into nude mice or cultured in vitro. Growth of SK-ES-1 and MNNG/HOS tumors in nude mice was significantly inhibited after 4 weeks of treatment with daily s.c. injections of 100 micrograms RC-160, as measured by a reduction in tumor volume and weight. Histologically, the number of mitotic cells was decreased in the groups treated with RC-160. In mice bearing either tumor model, administration of RC-160 significantly decreased serum growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) levels. Specific high-affinity receptors for somatostatin and epidermal growth factor were found on membranes of MNNG/HOS tumors but not on SK-ES-1 tumors. Receptor analyses also demonstrated high-affinity binding sites for IGF-I on membranes of both tumors. In cell cultures, the proliferation rate of MNNG/HOS cells, but not of SK-ES-1, was significantly suppressed by RC-160. Our findings demonstrate that RC-160 can significantly inhibit the growth of SK-ES-1 and MNNG/HOS osteosarcomas in mice.
Co-occurrence of health-risk behaviors among adolescents in the United States

Purpose: Although it is common for adolescents to experiment with several health-risk behaviors before reaching adulthood, little is known about the co-occurrence of these behaviors. The purposes of this study were to determine the co-occurrence of specific health-risk behaviors among a nationally representative sample of adolescents, and to examine whether the distribution of multiple risk behaviors varies by age, sex, and school enrollment status. Methods: This study analyzed survey data from a United States national probability sample ( n = 10,645) of youth aged 12–21 years. Survey items measuring current seat belt use, weapon carrying, tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use, and sexual behavior were included in the analysis. Results: The majority of adolescents aged 12–17 years did not engage in multiple health-risk behaviors. However, the prevalence of multiple risk behaviors increased dramatically with age. While only 1 in 12 adolescents aged 12–13 years engaged in two or more of these behaviors, one-third of those aged 14–17 years and half of the college-aged youth (18–21 years) did so. Male respondents and out-of-school youth aged 14–17 years were more likely to engage in multiple health-risk behaviors than were other respondents. Conclusions: These results suggest that the likelihood that adolescents engage in multiple health-risk behaviors is related to age and that many adolescents engage in these behaviors serially rather than at the same time.
Salt intake of rats fed diets deficient in calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, or all minerals

Groups of nine to ten male rats fed diets deficient in calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, or all minerals (i.e. no mineral mix) were given 0.3 M NaCl and water to drink. Over the first 30 days of dietary treatment, 0.3 M NaCl intake was progressively increased by deprivation of calcium or iron, unaltered by deprivation of phosphorus, and increased and then decreased by deprivation of magnesium, potassium, or all minerals. The changes in NaCl intake of rats deprived of potassium or all minerals were matched by corresponding changes in water intake. Water intakes of the other groups were unaltered. Thus, NaCl preference was increased by deprivation of calcium or iron, unaltered by deprivation of phosphorus, potassium, or all minerals, and decreased by deprivation of magnesium. To determine whether these changes were specific to the salty modality, animals maintained for 32 days on the diets deficient in calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus received 24-h two-bottle tests with water vs. 2.5 mM saccharin, 2.5 mM citric acid, 0.368 mM sucrose octa-acetate, or 0.3 M NaCl. Relative to controls, rats deprived of calcium drank less 2.5 mM saccharin, those deprived of magnesium drank less 0.3 M NaCl, and those deprived of calcium or iron drank more 0.3 mM NaCl. These results show that different mineral deficiencies have different effects on NaCl intake. They argue against the hypothesis that animals deprived of any mineral develop a chronic appetite for salt.
Development of a linear time-scale coherence spectrum

In spectral analysis of two or more signals, it is desirable to quantify the statistical relationships among them. The linear coherence spectra based on Fourier analysis have been widely used to quantify the linear relationships between two stationary fluctuating signals. However, in the case of nonstationary signals, the Fourier-based linear coherence spectrum has a limited utility, since temporal information is now required. It is the purpose of this paper to extend the notion of the classical linear coherence spectra to the time-scale coherence spectrum. it will be shown that not only is the new time-scale coherence spectrum capable of measuring linear relationships between two nonstationary signals in the time-scale domain but also of detecting their phase differences as well. Using the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality, it can be shown that the time-scale coherence spectrum is bounded by zero and one. The latter number indicates a perfect linear relation between the two nonstationary signals at a particular time and scale. The efficacy of the new method is demonstrated and compared with that of the classical coherence spectrum through numerical examples.
Evaluation of gait-related variables in lean and obese dogs at a trot

Objective—To assess differences in sagittal plane joint kinematics and ground reaction forces between lean and obese adult dogs of similar sizes at 2 trotting velocities. Animals—16 adult dogs. Procedures—Dogs with body condition score (BCS) of 8 or 9 (obese dogs; n = 8) and dogs with BCS of 4 or 5 (lean dogs; 8) on a 9-point scale were evaluated. Sagittal plane joint kinematic and ground reaction force data were obtained from dogs trotting at 1.8 and 2.5 m/s with a 3-D motion capture system, a force platform, and 12 infrared markers placed on bony landmarks. Results—Mean stride lengths for forelimbs and hind limbs at both velocities were shorter in obese than in lean dogs. Stance phase range of motion (ROM) was greater in obese dogs than in lean dogs for shoulder (28.2° vs 20.6°), elbow (23.6° vs 16.4°), hip (27.2° vs 22.9°), and tarsal (38.9° vs 27.9°) joints at both velocities. Swing phase ROM was greater in obese dogs than in lean dogs for elbow (61.2° vs 53.7°) and hip (34.4° vs 29.8°) joints. Increa...
SUBMICRON SIZED ORGANO-SILICA SPHERES FOR CAPILLARY ELECTROCHROMATOGRAPHY

Spherical, non-porous organo-silica materials in the submicron size range were synthesized by sol-gel processing and tested for capillary electrochromatography (CEC). The organo-silica spheres were prepared by copolymerization of alkyltriethoxy-silanes and tetraethoxysilane under ambient conditions. The synthetic approach provides silica spheres that are uniform in size (<10% R.S.D.) and contain organic moieties (e.g., C8) ready to be used as stationary phase for CEC, eliminating the step of stationary phase attachment after particle fabrication. The final particle size is controlled by the water concentration in the initial reaction mixture. The particles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, gas adsorption, and FT-IR. Fast CEC separations with high efficiency can be achieved using the fabricated submicron particles.
Olfactory system oscillations across phyla.

Neural oscillations are ubiquitous in olfactory systems of mammals, insects and molluscs. Neurophysiological and computational investigations point to common mechanisms for gamma or odor associated oscillations across phyla (40–100 Hz in mammals, 20–30 Hz in insects, 0.5–1.5 Hz in molluscs), engaging the reciprocal dendrodendritic synapse between excitatory principle neurons and inhibitory interneurons in the olfactory bulb (OB), antennal lobe (AL), or procerebrum (PrC). Recent studies suggest important mechanisms that may modulate gamma oscillations, including neuromodulators and centrifugal input to the OB and AL. Beta (20 Hz) and theta (2–12 Hz) oscillations coordinate activity within and across brain regions. Olfactory beta oscillations are associated with odor learning and depend on centrifugal OB input, while theta oscillations are strongly associated with respiration.
Coronary sinus adrenomedullin rises in response to myocardial injury.

Human adrenomedullin (ADM), a peptide comprising 52 amino acids, is a circulating hormone with vasodilator properties. We have evaluated its release by the heart following ischaemic myocardial damage, as indicated by elevated levels of the cardiospecific protein troponin-T (Tn-T) during cardiopulmonary bypass. ADM (pg/ml) and Tn-T (ng/ml) were measured in coronary sinus blood before and after aortic cross-clamp and in venous blood 6 h after surgery in 22 coronary-bypass patients. Based on the pre- and post-clamp Tn-T levels in the coronary sinus, the patients were divided into group I (no change; n=10) and group II (two times increase; n=12). Baseline ADM (362.7+/-106.2 and 303+/-58.7 pg/ml in groups I and II respectively; means+/-S.D.) and Tn-T (0.66+/-0.14 and 0.57+/-0.13 ng/ml respectively) levels were similar in both groups. In group I, the post-clamp ADM (317.6+/-80.8 pg/ml) and Tn-T (0.68+/-0.15 ng/ml) levels did not change significantly. In group II, the post-clamp ADM levels rose significantly above the baseline, mimicking the change in Tn-T (ADM, 541.4+/-89.4 pg/ml; Tn-T, 1.37+/-0.31 ng/ml; P=0.009). After 6 h, the systemic Tn-T levels were similar in both groups (2. 09+/-0.44 and 1.95+/-0.52 ng/ml in groups I and II respectively). We suggest that: (1) minor degrees of myocardial ischaemic damage result in release of ADM by the heart, and (2) ADM may play a protective role in the myocardium during an ischaemic insult. This suggests a possible therapeutic role for ADM in the management of intra-operative myocardial ischaemia.
Happiness and Leisure Across Countries: Evidence from International Survey Data

We study the statistical link between leisure and happiness. Using survey data from 33 countries in 2007, we find that (1) certain leisure activities, leisure’s role in self-fulfillment and social interaction, and leisure’s relation to work and other spheres of life are significantly linked to individual happiness; (2) the effect of leisure quantity is not as important as other aspects of leisure; and (3) some leisure activities can be negatively associated with happiness. Consistent with findings in previous studies, family income and individual demographic variables such as age and health condition are significantly associated with happiness. National unemployment and political stability also have robustly significant effects on happiness.
Definition of functional units in a small chromosomal segment of the mouse and its use in interpreting the nature of radiation-induced mutations.

Abstract Complementation mapping of a small chromosomal region of the mouse has defined a linear series of functional units and has aided in the interpretation of the nature of radiation-induced genetic changes. Mutations used for this purpose were derived from specific-locus mutation-rate experiments and were detected by their visible phenotype in combination with the test-stock's linkage-group-2 markers d and se (recombination frequency 0.16%). A total of 235 mutants of this type have been recovered, and 102 of these were used in complementation tests involving over 800 combinations and about 40000 progeny. While the original screening for mutants employed only 2 markers, the subsequent analysis has, so far, revealed 16 complementation groups spanning 8 or 9 functional units. Involvement in a mutation of 2 or more functional units is taken to indicate chromosomal aberration. All mutations are consistent with a linear map, except for 2, which appear to “skip” units but have been shown not to result from recombinationally separable changes. These 2 mutations, 1 of which gives “conversion”-like results in recombination tests, are interpreted as small rearrangements. The remaining multi-unit mutations are, for the time being, taken to be deficiencies. Although there is evidence that homozygous deficiency of either 1 of the marked loci gives a visible effect, this by itself is no proof against the single-unit mutations being “point” mutations (perhaps single base-pair changes). A strong effect of irradiated cell stage can be demonstrated, both on the locus-spectrum ( i.e. , relative frequencies of events involving d , se , or both) and on frequency of mutations that are interpreted as aberrations. The latter ranges from 13.5% in most X-or γ-rayed spermatogonia, through 42.3% in postgonial stages, to 65.6% in oocytes. Within spermatogonia, neutron irradiation and 24-h fractionation of X-rays shifts the distribution in the direction of postgonial results. The rest of the irradiated spermatogonia closely resemble the control distribution.
Preparation of radio-Sm by neutron activation for accelerator mass spectrometry

Field measurement of isotopic ratios may be used to fingerprint an element’s origin, be it from commercial power, industrial, medical or historical weapons fallout. Samples of samarium radionuclides were prepared by neutron activation for subsequent analysis using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). High purity samarium (III) oxide powder was irradiated in the University of Texas at Austin TRIGA reactor to a total neutron fluence of 5 × 1015 cm−2. An initial determination of the isotopic ratios was made using activation calculations with a BURN card in an MCNPX-based model of the TRIGA core. Experimental validation of the MCNP results was achieved by analyzing gamma spectra of the irradiated oxide powers after irradiation. Subsequent measurement of 151Sm will be conducted at the CAMS facility at LLNL demonstrating the first measurement of this isotope at this facility.
Pressure dependence of the Raman scattering by copper halides

We report Raman scattering in CuI, CuBr, and CuCl at 40, 100, and 295 K under hydrostatic pressures from 1 to 7 kbar. The TO- and LO-mode Gr\"uneisen parameters are determined for cases in which these modes are directly observed experimentally. By combining the experimental pressure dependence of the phonon frequencies with the experimental temperature dependence one can separate the anharmonic contributions into volume effects and multiphonon effects. In most cases the major contribution to the isobaric temperature dependence of the phonon frequencies in these crystals is the temperature dependence of the anharmonic coupling of the phonons. The logarithmic derivative of the Szigeti effective charge is calculated from mode Gr\"uneisen parameters; in CuBr at 40 K the value of this derivative is anomalous. A new design for sapphire windows for use in pressure cells is described.
The Institutional Logic of Religious Nationalism: Sex, Violence and the Ends of History

This essay seeks to explain the practices of contemporary religious nationalisms by examining these movements not as an agonistic struggle between groups, but as an effort to transform the institutional architecture of society. That religious nationalist movements tend toward violence and are preoccupied with the regulation of sexuality can be derived from the institutional logic of religion, from its parallel and conflicting claims to the ontological ground of state authority, from the fraught relation between birth, death and state authority. Using the inner logic of Max Weber's theory of value spheres, I show how the constitution of political authority involves a ‘religious’ ordering of love and death, which lends itself to religious politicization. Violent death and reproductive sex are institutionally natural stakes in a struggle over the interface between state and religion.
Differential Effects of Bovine PA28 on Six Peptidase Activities of the Lobster Muscle Proteasome (Multicatalytic Proteinase)

PA28, an endogenous activator of the bovine proteasome, stimulated the branched-chain amino acid-preferring (BrAAP; 99-fold activation), small-neutral amino acid-preferring (11-fold), acidic chymotrypsin-like (26-fold), and peptidylglutamyl peptide hydrolase (14-fold) activities of the lobster muscle proteasome, while having little or no effect on the trypsin-like, neutral chymotrypsin-like, and caseinolytic activities. These results show that the BrAAP activity, which has been linked to the degradation of myofibrillar proteins by the heat-activated proteasome, is allosterically regulated. However, the activation by PA28 differs from that induced by heat treatment, since heat activation stimulated both the BrAAP and the proteolytic activities but not the other peptidase activities. PA28 shifted the pH optimum of the acidic chymotrypsin-like activity from pH 6-6.5 to pH 7-7.5, while stimulating the activity about 10-fold. These results suggest that PA28 is involved in the activation of the acidic chymotrypsin-like component at physiological pH.