cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EMG muscle scanning: stability of hand-held surface electrodes.

Electromyographic (EMG) muscle scanning measures 2-second samples of integrated muscle action potentials from individual neck and back muscles using a hand-held scanner with post-style surface electrodes separated by a fixed distance. This “scanning” technique is widely used to expeditiously assess muscle activity in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders. In order to determine if the 2-second sample is sufficiently representative of electrical activity at a specific muscle site, the stability of the signal received by the hand-held scanner was measured bilaterally at six neck and back muscle sites over 40 seconds (20 2-second integration periods) in five seated subjects. Taking the overall average EMG activity as the “true” value, the mean number of 2-second integration periods required to achieve <5% standard error was calculated to be 1.47 for the 60 muscles tested. Only three sites required more than five integration periods. The validity of EMG scanning as a diagnostic tool is enhanced by longer integration periods
Brittle bones - fragile molecules: disorders of collagen gene structure and expression

Mutations in the genes that encode the chains of type I collagen, the major structural protein in most tissues, usually produce brittle bones. The consequences of even apparently minor mutations--single base substitutions--can range from lethal to mild, and the phenotypic consequences reflect the nature and position of the mutation. The manner in which phenotypes are produced depends on the effect of the mutation on the structural integrity of the molecule and on whether or how the abnormal molecules can be incorporated into an extracellular matrix.
The Indications for Lumbar Spinal Fusion With and Without Instrumentation

Study Design Literature review. Objectives A review, analysis, and discussion of the extensive literature on lumbar spinal fusion were done to attempt to place in perspective the indications and success rates fur lumbar spinal fusion with and without instrumentation. Summary of Background Data A wide variety of lumbar spinal conditions have been managed by spina! fusion. Results appear better when the diagnosis is very specific and related to definable instability or deformity in patienta with a stable psychologic state. Methods Search of literature. Results Success rates are higher in isthmic spondylolisthesis, unstable spinal stenosis syndromes (degenerative spondylolisthesis, degenerative scoliosis), and in patients with objective segmental instability. Variable success rates are reported for disc-related low back pain conditions and in patients with failed previous surgery. Instrumentation appears to be beneficial in situations where complex deformities or obvious instability is present. When applied for other diagnoses (e.g., internal disc disruption), results appear no better than with traditional surgical techniques. Conclusions The outcome of lumbar spinal fusion depends on careful assessment of the anatomic cause of pain and of the patient's functional state and expectations.
INSIGHT INTO TYROSINE PHOSPHORYLATION IN V-FPS USING PROTON INVENTORY TECHNIQUES

The phosphoryl group transfer step in the kinase domain of v-Fps, a nonreceptor tyrosine protein kinase, was analyzed using proton inventory and viscosometric techniques. The latter studies show that two nine-residue peptide substrates for v-Fps, peptides I (EAEAYEAIE) and II (EAEIYEAIE), are in rapid equilibrium with the active site and bind with similar affinities (Ks = 2.2 and 1.7 mM for peptides I and II). While phosphoryl group transfer is the rate-limiting step in kcat for peptide I (5 s-1) at neutral pH, peptide II is converted to product by a kinetic mechanism in which phosphoryl group transfer (45 s-1) and product release (20 s-1) partially control this parameter. Significant solvent isotope effects on kcat (k0/kn ≈ 1.6) are observed for the phosphorylation of both peptides in 95% D2O. Proton inventories on kcat for peptide I are linear, indicating that the phosphoryl group transfer step is associated with a single proton transfer. Conversely, proton inventories on kcat for peptide II are “bowed”...
Relationships of hormonal patterns and fertility to occurrence of two or three waves of ovarian follicles, before and after breeding, in beef cows and heifers

Ovarian follicular waves were characterized before and after breeding in 52 lactating beef cows and 16 heifers. Effects of two (2 W) or three (3 W) waves of follicular development and associated patterns of concentrations of steroids in jugular serum on pregnancy rate were examined. Animals were observed for oestrus (= day 0) twice daily and inseminated artificially at second oestrus. Follicular development was monitored by ultrasonography and jugular blood samples were collected simultaneously on alternate days from day 6 after first oestrus until ovulation after the second oestrus and from day 6 after second oestrus (insemination) until next ovulation or day 24 of pregnancy. Pregnancy was determined by ultrasonography at 25 days after insemination. From individual patterns of growth or regression of the largest follicles, more of the 59 animals with oestrous cycles of 17 to 25 days had 2 W (51, 86%) than 3 W (8, 14%) during the oestrous cycle before breeding (P 0.05). During the period equivalent to an oestrous cycle after breeding, 29 (49%) of the 59 animals had 2 W and 30 (51%) had 3 W. Fewer animals with 2 W than 3 W after breeding became pregnant (16/23, 70% vs 26/27, 96%; P < 0.05), but patterns of concentrations of progesterone on days 6 through 14 or mean oestradiol on day 14 (2.6 +/- 0.2 pg ml-1) did not differ. In conclusion, fewer animals had 3 W than 2 W before breeding and fertility did not differ. During the equivalent of one oestrous cycle after breeding, approximately equal numbers of animals had 2 W or 3 W and fertility was greater for animals with 3 W.
The first irrigation experience of a Burmese village-tract

Irrigation projects are usually planned and designed at national levels. Farmers are considered as one of the inputs for irrigation development. Governmental authorities generally assume that the goal of increasing agricultural production will be achieved when the problem of inadequate water during the cultivation season can be solved by providing irrigation water to the farmers. But it is not uncommon to learn of low production rates and various indicators which exhibit below success rates after the irrigation water is provided to the farmers.
Synthetic models of the inactive Copper(II)-tyrosinate and active Copper(II)-tyrosyl radical forms of galactose and glyoxal oxidases

A series of CuII and ZnII complexes with new ligands having either one or two substituted phenolates appended to the 1,4,7-triazacyclononane frame were prepared and characterized by optical absorption, EPR, NMR, and/or resonance Raman spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and, in eight cases, X-ray crystallography. Features of the active site geometries of the CuII−tyrosinate forms of galactose and glyoxal oxidases (GAO and GLO) were modeled by these complexes, including the binding of a redox-active phenolate and an exogenous ligand (Cl-, CH3CO2-, or CH3CN) in a cis-equatorial position of a square pyramidal metal ion. The role of the unique ortho S−C covalent bond between a cysteine (C228) and the equatorial tyrosinate (Y272) in the proteins was probed through an examination of the optical absorption and electrochemical properties of sets of similar complexes comprised of phenolate ligands with differing ortho substituents, including thioether groups. The o-alkylthio unit influences the PhO- → CuII LMCT tran...
A Systems Analysis of the Introduction of Unmanned Aircraft Into Aircraft Carrier Operations

Recent advances in unmanned and autonomous vehicle technology are accelerating the push to integrate these vehicles into environments, such as the National Airspace System, the national highway system, and many manufacturing environments. These environments will require close collaboration between humans and vehicles, and their large scales mean that real-world field trials may be difficult to execute due to concerns of cost, availability, and technological maturity. This paper describes the use of an agent-based model to explore the system-level effects of unmanned vehicle implementation on the performance of these collaborative human–vehicle environments. In particular, this paper explores the introduction of three different unmanned vehicle control architectures into aircraft carrier flight deck operations. The different control architectures are tested under an example mission scenario using 22 aircraft. Results show that certain control architectures can improve the rate of launches, but these improvements are limited by the structure of flight deck operations and nature of the launch task (which is defined independently of vehicles). Until the launch task is improved, the effects of unmanned vehicle control architectures on flight deck performance will be limited.
Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass in a Patient With an Implanted Left Ventricular Assist Device

i w r t m v s CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE (CHF) is a growing health issue, with significant morbidity and mortality. Of he 5.8 million Americans affected by CHF, approximately one hird of these suffer from nonischemic cardiomyopathy.1 Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) provide mechanical support to the heart and potentially can reverse the progression of heart failure.2,3 LVAD therapy improves heart failure symptoms by 1 to 2 New York Heart Association classes, improves hepatic and renal function, and can improve patient functional capacity. More than 5,000 patients have received a Heartmate II (Thoratec Corp, Pleasanton, CA) LVAD since 2005.2 As the success f LVAD therapy grows, it can be expected to see these atients return to the operating room with increasing frequency or noncardiac procedures. Anesthetic management of LVAD atients for open surgical procedures has been discussed in etail in prior literature3-5; however, there is a void concerning anagement for laparoscopic procedures.6 The anesthetic mangement for laparoscopic gastric bypass in a patient with an VAD is reported. Verbal consent was obtained from the atient before writing this case report.
Principles and Practice of Radiation Therapy in Exotic and Avian Species

Abstract Radiation therapy has long played a significant role in the treatment of cancer in people, dogs, and cats. Recently, this technology has been applied to small mammal, avian, and reptile species with some success. Radiation therapy may play an important role in the control of locally aggressive tumors and has been used in both definitive and palliative settings. However, there are some special challenges that must be overcome to successfully treat these species with radiation therapy and, in many cases, little is known about the natural behavior of the tumors being treated. This article introduces some of the basic tenets of radiation oncology, while addressing some of the aspects of radiation biology that are problematic when treating very small or air-filled patients. Much work needs to be done to define fractionation schemes and field geometries that will allow avian and exotic pets to be safely and effectively irradiated.
Role of glutathione peroxidase in protecting mammalian spermatozoa from loss of motility caused by spontaneous lipid peroxidation.

Mouse and human spermatozoa, but not rabbit spermatozoa, have long been known to be sensitive to loss of motility induced by exogenous H2O2. Recent work has shown that loss of sperm motility in these species correlates with the extent of spontaneous lipid peroxidation. In this study, the effect of H2O2 on this reaction in sperm of the three species was investi gated. The rate of spontaneous lipid peroxidation in mouse and human sperm is markedly enhanced in the presence of 1-5 mM H2O2, while the rate in rabbit sperm is unaffected by H2O2. The enhancement of lipid peroxidation, the rate of reaction of H2O2 with the cells, the activity of sperm glutathione peroxidase, and the endogenous glutathione content are highest in mouse sperm, intermediate in human sperm, and very low in rabbit sperm. Inac tivation of glutathione peroxidase occurs in the presence of H2O2 due to complete conver sion of endogenous glutathione to GSSG: No GSH is available as electron donor substrate to the peroxidase. Inactivation of glutathione peroxidase by the inhibitor mercaptosucci nate has the same effect on rate of lipid peroxidation and loss of motility in mouse and human sperm as does H2O2. This implies that H2O2 by itself at 1-5 mM is not intrinsically toxic to the cells. With merceptosuccinate, the endogenous glutathione is present as GSH in mouse and human sperm, indicating that the redox state of intracellular glutathione by itself plays little role in protecting the cell against spontaneous lipid peroxidation. Mouse and human sperm also have high rates of superoxide production. We conclude that the key intermediate in spontaneous lipid peroxidation is lipid hydroperoxide generated by a chain reaction initiated by and utilizing superoxide. Removal of this hydroperoxide by gluta thione peroxidase protects these sperm against peroxidation; inactivation of the peroxidase allows lipid hydroperoxide to increase and so increases the peroxidation rate. Rabbit sperm have low rates of superoxide reaction due to high activity of their superoxide dismutase; lack of endogenous glutathione and low peroxidase activity does not affect their rate or lipid peroxidation. As a result, these sperm are not affected by either H2O2 or mercapto-succinate. These results lead us to postulate a mechanism for spontaneous lipid peroxida tion in mammalian sperm which involves reaction of lipid hydroperoxide and O2 as the rate-determining step.
Microfluorometry analysis II. A bayesian approach

Abstract In flow microfluorometry (FMF) analysis cells stained with a fluorescent dye that binds specifically to DNA are passed through the instrument. The number of cells in the population having a fluorescence intensity is recorded in a single channel of a multichannel pulse height analyzer. The result is a DNA fluorescence histogram for the population. A method for decomposing an FMF histogram into its G 1 , S and G 2 + M components, corresponding to similarly designated phases of the cell cycle is given. This technique can also be applied to find the parameters in all of the previous approaches. The parameters are calculated by iteration which eliminates the need for non-linear optimization procedures.
A Bayesian Random Effects Discrete‐Choice Model for Resource Selection: Population‐Level Selection Inference

Modeling the probability of use of land units characterized by discrete and continuous measures, we present a Bayesian random-effects model to assess resource selection. This model provides simultaneous estimation of both individual- and population-level selection. Deviance information criterion (DIC), a Bayesian alternative to AIC that is sample-size specific, is used for model selection. Aerial radiolocation data from 76 adult female caribou (Rangifer tarandus) and calf pairs during 1 year on an Arctic coastal plain calving ground were used to illustrate models and assess population-level selection of landscape attributes, as well as individual heterogeneity of selection. Landscape attributes included elevation, NDVI (a measure of forage greenness), and land cover-type classification. Results from the first of a 2-stage model-selection procedure indicated that there is substantial heterogeneity among cow-calf pairs with respect to selection of the landscape attributes. In the second stage, selection of models with heterogeneity included indicated that at the population-level, NDVI and land cover class were significant attributes for selection of different landscapes by pairs on the calving ground. Population-level selection coefficients indicate that the pairs generally select landscapes with higher levels of NDVI, but the relationship is quadratic. The highest rate of selection occurs at values of NDVI less than the maximum observed. Results for land cover-class selections coefficients indicate that wet sedge, moist sedge, herbaceous tussock tundra, and shrub tussock tundra are selected at approximately the same rate, while alpine and sparsely vegetated landscapes are selected at a lower rate. Furthermore, the variability in selection by individual caribou for moist sedge and sparsely vegetated landscapes is large relative to the variability in selection of other land cover types. The example analysis illustrates that, while sometimes computationally intense, a Bayesian hierarchical discrete-choice model for resource selection can provide managers with 2 components of population-level inference: average population selection and variability of selection. Both components are necessary to make sound management decisions based on animal selection.
Theoretical study of ammonia oxidation on platinum clusters – Adsorption of ammonia and water fragments

Abstract This study examined the adsorption of reactants (NH3 and OH) and intermediates (NH2, NH, N and H2O) formed during the oxidation of ammonia by hydroxyl on platinum. Specifically, four clusters were used to model the catalytic surface in the Pt(1 1 1) orientation. Structural, electronic and vibrational properties were calculated using Density Functional Theory (DFT). The molecules resided in the favored positions predicted by prior experimental observations and DFT calculations, while the adsorption energies followed the trend: H2O
Evaluation of the viability of bone fragments

We used laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) to measure flux in cortical bone fragments as a method of determining their vascular status and viability. In an experimental tibial osteotomy measurements of flux were made from specific cortical sites both before and after osteotomy. Flux levels fell rapidly in non-vascularised fragments and remained significantly reduced throughout the experiment. By contrast, those in vascularised fragments were significantly reduced one and two hours after the osteotomy but then increased. From three hours after the osteotomy there was no significant difference in flux levels between the vascularised fragments and proximal bone stock. We conclude that measurement of bone flux by LDF may have a role in the objective evaluation of the viability of bone fragments, but that further studies are required to validate the technique before its adoption in the management of the injured patient.
Ettlia oleoabundans growth and oil production on agricultural anaerobic waste effluents

The feasibility of growth and oil production by Ettlia oleoabundans fed with anaerobic digester effluents of three agriculture wastes from the Arkansas Delta, catfish processing waste, soybean field waste, and rice hulls, was studied. Compared to standard BBM medium, all three effluents were deficient in phosphate and nitrate, but rich in ammonia and urea. Best growth was on 2% (v/v) soy effluent, but scant oil was produced on any of the effluents. When the three effluents were mixed, growth did not substantially increase, but oil content increased up to sixfold, depending on age of the effluent. Similar to growth in BBM, the main fatty acids produced were palmitic, oleic, and linoleic. These results show that anaerobically digested agricultural wastes can potentially support both growth and high oil productivity in E. oleoabundans.
Design of a drive system for a rotating arm

THE SELECTION and preliminary design of a drive system for a unique test facility called a ?rotating arm? was carried on simultaneously with the structural and mechanical designs. This rotating arm is required for directional-stability and maneuverability studies of high-speed submarines and surface ships. Large-scale models will be towed in circular paths with radii ranging from 12 1/2 feet to 120 feet and at submergence levels of as much as 10 feet. Final detail design of the electric machinery and control circuitry is contingent upon the results of exceedingly painstaking analog computer studies now partially completed. These studies are required of the manufacturer as proof of the adequacy of the machinery and its associated control circuitry for the intended application.
Application of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to the analysis of chemical warfare samples, found to contain residues of the nerve agent sarin, sulphur mustard and their degradation products

Samples of clothing, grave debris, soil and munition fragments, collected from the Kurdish village of Birjinni, were analysed by GC-MS with selected ion monitoring (SIM) for traces of chemical warfare agents and their degradation products. Positive analyses were confirmed, where possible, by full scan mass spectra, or at low concentrations by additional GC-MS-SIM analysis using chemical ionisation, by higher resolution GC-MS-SIM, and by GC-tandem mass spectrometry using multiple reaction monitoring. Sulphur mustard and/or thiodiglycol were detected in six soil samples; isopropyl methylphosphonic acid and methylphosphonic acid, the hydrolysis products of the nerve agent sarin, were detected in six different soil samples. Trace amounts of intact sarin were detected on a painted metal fragment associated with one of these soil samples. The results demonstrate the application of different GC-MS and GC-MS-MS techniques to the unequivocal identification of chemical warfare agent residues in the environment at concentrations ranging from low ppb to ppm (w/w). They also provide the first documented unequivocal identification of nerve agent residues in environmental samples collected after a chemical attack.
The biomedical model of mental disorder: A critical analysis of its validity, utility, and effects on psychotherapy research.

The biomedical model posits that mental disorders are brain diseases and emphasizes pharmacological treatment to target presumed biological abnormalities. A biologically-focused approach to science, policy, and practice has dominated the American healthcare system for more than three decades. During this time, the use of psychiatric medications has sharply increased and mental disorders have become commonly regarded as brain diseases caused by chemical imbalances that are corrected with disease-specific drugs. However, despite widespread faith in the potential of neuroscience to revolutionize mental health practice, the biomedical model era has been characterized by a broad lack of clinical innovation and poor mental health outcomes. In addition, the biomedical paradigm has profoundly affected clinical psychology via the adoption of drug trial methodology in psychotherapy research. Although this approach has spurred the development of empirically supported psychological treatments for numerous mental disorders, it has neglected treatment process, inhibited treatment innovation and dissemination, and divided the field along scientist and practitioner lines. The neglected biopsychosocial model represents an appealing alternative to the biomedical approach, and an honest and public dialog about the validity and utility of the biomedical paradigm is urgently needed.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MULTI-PURPOSE JOURNEY TO WORK IN URBAN TRAVEL BEHAVIOR

This study examines the journey to work as a multiple-purpose trip (home-to-home circuit). Using disaggregate travel diary data collected over 35 consecutive days, the study shows the importance of the multi-purpose work trip in the overall travel pattern of the urban household. A large proportion of many households' total travel is undertaken in conjunction with the journey to and from work. The paper also examines the nature of these work-induced travel linkages and finds that many types of urban establishments depend heavily upon stops made in connection with the work trip. In fact, there is a group of urban functions that have stronger travel links with the workplace than with the home or with any other type of urban establishment. The study examines the implications of the multi-purpose journey to work for policies regarding mode use and the viability of centrally-located urban functions.
Decay of three-dimensional turbulence at high Reynolds numbers

A modification of the Loitsyanskii integral is proposed as an invariant of three-dimensional decaying homogeneous and isotropic turbulence. As a result, the kinetic energy of a flow, generated in an infinitely large volume by the initial energy spectrum $E(k,t\,{=}\,0)$ , which peaks in the vicinity of the wavenumber $k_{0}\,{=}\,1/{\cal L}(0)\,{=}\,O(1)$ , $\cal L$ being an integral scale, decays with time in accordance with Kolmogorov's (1941) prediction: ${\cal K}\,{=}\,\frac{1}{2}\overline {u^{2}}\,{\propto}\, t^{-\gamma}$ with $\gamma\,{=}\,10/7$ .
Variation of male reproductive apparatus in relation to fertilization modalities in the catfish families Auchenipteridae and Callichthyidae (Teleostei: Siluriformes)

To investigate the relationship between fertilization modalities and the morphology of male reproductive apparatus, two species of Auchenipteridae, Auchenipterus nuchalis and Tatia intermedia, and six species of Callichthyidae, Callichthys callichthys, Corydoras aeneus, Corydoras bondi, Corydoras ehrhardti, Corydoras potaroensis and Hoplosternum littorale were studied. The species analysed show either internal or external fertilization, the latter including the so called ‘sperm drinking’ type of mating. An anal fin modified as an intromittent organ, a pair of seminal vesicles, and the release of sperm in the form of discrete bundles (spermatozeugmata) characterize the male reproductive apparatus of the internal fertilizer A. nuchalis. Seminal vesicles are present also in C. aeneus, C. bondi, C. ehrhardti, C. potaroensis and H. littorale, species performing ‘sperm drinking’ spawning. In contrast, regardless of the family, species showing the more classic type of external fertilization lack specialized accessory organs. Where occurring, the major function of seminal vesicles is the secretion of mucins. The role of these mucosubstances, in relation to spermatozeugmata formation, in internal fertilizers, or the protection of sperm passing through the female gut, in the ‘sperm-drinking’ species, is discussed. Variation, between families, in the shape of testis and accessory structures, as well as in the type of spermatogenesis was found. Neither the reproductive modalities nor the phylogenetic relationships, however, appear to fully account for these differences.
Regulatory mechanisms in the luminal and portal release of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide during vagal nerve stimulation in the cat.

The effect of vagal stimulation in chloralose-anesthetized cats on release of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide into the jejunal lumen and portal venous blood was tested simultaneously, and the effect of atropine and hexamethonium was investigated to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms involved in the release. Vagal stimulation caused a significant increase in vasoactive intestinal polypeptide concentrations in the luminal perfusates. A significant concomitant increase was seen in portal plasma. Gel filtration chromatography of luminal and portal samples demonstrated that the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide coeluted with synthetic porcine vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide infusion at 80 and 160 pmol/kg.min produced portal plasma levels of at least 3000 pM but did not increase vasoactive intestinal polypeptide concentrations in the luminal perfusates. Thus, luminal vasoactive intestinal polypeptide originates from gastrointestinal tissue rather than by transduction from the circulation. Vagally induced release of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide into the lumen and portal plasma was not abolished by atropine but was totally suppressed by hexamethonium. The regulatory mechanisms controlling the parallel release of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide into both the jejunal lumen and portal circulation are identical and involve a non-muscarinic process which is under cholinoceptive, nicotinic control.
Conditions of Autonomous Action and Performance A Study of the Fonds d'Action Sociale

A common presupposition in the resource dependence literature is that autonomy is a goal to be achieved by the organization. This longitudinal study of the Fonds d'Action Sociale's changing ability to act autonomously in its resource environment extends and modifies this concept, suggesting that autonomy and dependency describe several different conditions in which the organization functions. This study demonstrates that organizational performance varies with condition. More autonomous conditions permit better performance: increased innovation, the internal generation of goals, and improved morale. These results force us to question certain assumptions about the inherent limitations on public organization performance and reconsider the potential of, and conditions necessary for, autonomous public organization.
Stereotactic radiosurgery of World Health Organization grade II and III intracranial meningiomas: Treatment results on the basis of a 22-year experience

BACKGROUND: A study was undertaken to define the variables associated with tumor control and survival after single-session stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for patients with atypical and malignant intracranial meningiomas. METHODS: Fifty patients with World Health Organization (WHO) grade II (n = 37) or grade III (n = 13) meningiomas underwent SRS from 1990 to 2008. Most tumors were located in the falx/parasagittal region or cerebral convexities (n = 35, 70%). Twenty patients (40%) had progressing tumors despite prior external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) (median dose, 54.0 grays [Gy]). The median treatment volume was 14.6 cm3; the median tumor margin dose was 15.0 Gy. Seven patients (14%) received concurrent EBRT (median dose, 50.4 Gy). Follow-up (median, 38 months) was censored at last evaluation (n = 28) or death (n = 22). RESULTS: Tumor grade correlated with disease-specific survival (DSS) (hazard ratio [HR], 3.4; P = .008), local tumor control (HR, 2.4; P = .02), and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR, 2.6; P = .02) on univariate analysis, but not on multivariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that having failed EBRT and tumor volume >14.6 cm3 were negative predictors of DSS and local control (HR, 3.0; P = .02 and HR, 4.4; P = .01; HR, 3.3; P = .001 and HR, 2.3; P = .02;, respectively). Having failed EBRT was a negative predictor of PFS (HR, 3.5; P = .002). Thirteen patients (26%) had radiation-related complications at a median of 6 months after radiosurgery. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor progression despite prior EBRT and larger tumor volume are negative predictors of tumor control and survival for patients having SRS for WHO grade II and III intracranial meningiomas. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Natural convection in an enclosure with a vertical baffle

A numerical study is made of natural convection in an enclosure with a vertical, finitely conducting baffle. The end-wall is assumed to be either perfectly conducting or adiabatic. Predicted flow and isotherm patterns indicate the existence of strong thermal stratification in the baffle/cold wall region and are in qualitative agreement with reported experimental results. The baffle strongly influences the hot-wall Nusselt number distribution, but has a weaker effect on the cold-wall Nusselt number distribution. The predicted Nusselt numbers show satisfactory agreement with the high Rayleigh number based experimental correlation of Lin and Bejan in a partially divided enclosure of aspect ratio 0.3.
Effect of the state of phosphatidylcholine on the rate of its hydrolysis by phospholipase A2 (bee venom).

Activation of the rate of hydrolysis of egg lecithin by bee venom phospholipase is compared under a variety of substrate modification conditions, such as the presence of n -hexanol, n -propanol, Triton X-100, and deoxycholate. Experimental conditions are devised such that almost all the phospholipid in the unsonicated multilamellar liposomes can be made directly accessible to the enzyme under zero-order steady-state conditions. The kinetic results show that only in an aggregate state does lecithin serve as a substrate. Optimal activation is achieved when the additive-to-lipid ratio is more than 1:1 and less than 2:1. However, when compared under optimal conditions, different activating agents show some intrinsic differences which are reflected in the magnitude of the kinetic parameters. The results also demonstrate that a lecithin bilayer can serve as an ideal substrate for the bee venom phospholipase when the bilayer is modified by n -hexanol.
Model-Driven Decision Procedures for Arithmetic

Summary form only given, as follows. Considering the theoretical hardness of SAT, the astonishing adeptness of SAT solvers when attacking practical problems has changed the way we perceive the limits of algorithmic reasoning. Modern SAT solvers are based on the idea of conflict driven clause learning (CDCL). The CDCL algorithm is a combination of an explicit backtracking search for a satisfying assignment complemented with a deduction system based on Boolean resolution. In this combination, the worst-case complexity of both components is circumvented by the components guiding and focusing each other. In this talk, we describe new procedures for nonlinear real arithmetic and linear integer arithmetic based on the CDCL algorithm. These procedures perform a backtracking search for a model, where the backtracking is powered by a novel conflict resolution procedure. Our approach takes advantage of the fact that each conflict encountered during the search is based on the current assignment and generally involves only a few constraints, a conflicting core. When in conflict, we project only the constraints from the conflicting core and explain the conflict in terms of the current model. The conflict resolution provides the usual benefits of a CDCL-style search engine, such as non-chronological backtracking and the ability to ignore irrelevant parts of the search space. The procedures described in the talk are instances of the model-constructing satisfiability calculus proposed by the authors.
Column liquid chromatography of endotoxins

A new, fast and highly reproducible column liquid chromatographic method was elaborated for the analysis and small-scale preparative isolation of endotoxin from Serratia marcescens Bizio (ATCC No. 264). This procedure detects contaminants of such preparations with high sensitivity and it is capable of separating them from endotoxic components. Extensive heterogeneity of both 5% trichloroacetic acid and phenol-water-extracted endotoxin preparations was recorded. Heterogeneity among the endotoxic components of purified preparations could also be detected by this method. Measurements of biological activities, such as Limulus amoebocyte lysate activation, lymphoblastogenesis (mitogenicity) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) liberation were carried out on the chromatographically separated fractions. During these studies, non-toxic but in vitro TNF-generating components of crude endotoxin extracts were also detected.
Nonlinear instability of liquid jets with thermocapillarity

The breakup mechanism of a capillary jet with thermocapillarity is investigated. Effects of the heat transfer from the liquid to the surrounding ambient, the liquid thermal conductivity, and the temperature-dependent surface tension coefficient on the jet instability and the formation of satellite drops are considered. Two different disturbances are imposed on the jet. In the first case, the jet is exposed to a spatially periodic ambient temperature. In addition to the thermal boundary condition, an initial surface disturbance with the same wavenumber as the thermal disturbance is also imposed on the jet. Both in-phase and out-of-phase thermal disturbances with respect to surface disturbances are considered. For the in-phase thermal disturbances, a parameter set is obtained at which capillary and thermocapillary effects can cancel each other and the jet attains a stable configuration. No such parameter set can be obtained when the thermocapillary flows are in the same direction as the capillary flows, as in the out-of-phase thermal disturbances. In the second case, only an initial thermal disturbance is imposed on the surface of the liquid while the ambient temperature is kept spatially and temporally uniform.
Function and Regulation of AUTS2, a Gene Implicated in Autism and Human Evolution

Nucleotide changes in the AUTS2 locus, some of which affect only noncoding regions, are associated with autism and other neurological disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, epilepsy, dyslexia, motor delay, language delay, visual impairment, microcephaly, and alcohol consumption. In addition, AUTS2 contains the most significantly accelerated genomic region differentiating humans from Neanderthals, which is primarily composed of noncoding variants. However, the function and regulation of this gene remain largely unknown. To characterize auts2 function, we knocked it down in zebrafish, leading to a smaller head size, neuronal reduction, and decreased mobility. To characterize AUTS2 regulatory elements, we tested sequences for enhancer activity in zebrafish and mice. We identified 23 functional zebrafish enhancers, 10 of which were active in the brain. Our mouse enhancer assays characterized three mouse brain enhancers that overlap an ASD–associated deletion and four mouse enhancers that reside in regions implicated in human evolution, two of which are active in the brain. Combined, our results show that AUTS2 is important for neurodevelopment and expose candidate enhancer sequences in which nucleotide variation could lead to neurological disease and human-specific traits.
Differential patterns in the temporal experession ofBombyx mori chorion genes

cDNA clones for two distinct families ofBombyx mori chorion protiens, Class A (m2774) and Class Hc (m5000), were used to study the developmental regulation of specific chorion mRNAs. Individual follicles from maturing ovarioles were assayed by Northern blotting techniques and amino acid pulse-labeling to determine concomitant RNA accumulation and protein synthesis patterns with a temporal resolution of 2.2–2.6 h of developmental age. RNAs hybridizing to the two cloned chorion sequences at high criterion showed distinctive, non-overlapping patterns of accumulation during the middle-late and very late stages of choriogenesis. Moreover, the periods of expression of these RNAs coincided exactly with the synthetic periods of two distinct subsets of chorion proteins, one containing Class A and B components, and the other containing Class Hc components alone. These results suggest that chorion gene transcription and translation are tightly coupled.
Effect of a trapping molecule on the monolithic organic photorefractive materials

A peculiar effect of a trapping molecule on two closely related monolithic organic photorefractive (PR) materials was described. It was found that the trapping molecule C affects the PR performances differently in two materials made from either A or B, although the two molecules have similar chemical structures. Detailed studies on the charge mobility with the time-of-flight technique and activation energies for charge transport revealed that the trapping molecule C plays the role of electron trapper in material A and bipolar trapping center for both hole and electron in material B.
Studies on pituitary lactogenic hormone. XXI. Immunochemical studies of the sheep hormone.

Abstract Rabbit antisera to ovine prolactin and performic acid-oxidized prolactin have been prepared. Quantitative immunochemical studies with these antisera were carried out by both precipitin and complement fixation procedures. It was found that the extent of precipitin reaction of the unmodified hormone with the antiserum to the oxidized hormone was far greater than that of the oxidized antigen with the antiserum to the unmodified hormone. A total cross reaction between the periodate-treated hormone and antisera to the unmodified hormone was demonstrated by quantitative immunochemical techniques. Similar studies with an active core obtained from a chymotryptic digest of ovine prolactin indicated that the molecular integrity of the hormone protein is not essential for immunochemical activity. Anaphylactic shock experiments with guinea pigs showed that the antigenicity of ovine prolactin is reduced by partial hydrolysis with chymotrypsin.
Comparison of tumor control and toxicity outcomes of high-dose intensity-modulated radiotherapy and brachytherapy for patients with favorable risk prostate cancer.

External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy are each considered acceptable and standard treatment options in the management of localized prostate cancer. Long-term outcomes have demonstrated that for low risk disease, excellent prostate-specific antigen (PSA) relapse-free survival outcomes are observed, and the risk of significant treatment-related morbidities are low for either treatment approach.1-9 Given the lack of randomized trials to further provide guidance for selection of therapy, most physicians and their patients will chose a specific treatment intervention based on personal bias/preference, convenience (favoring brachytherapy), and the presence of baseline urinary obstructive symptoms or larger prostate sizes (favoring EBRT) among other variables. Over a decade ago we compared the outcomes of EBRT with low-dose-rate permanent interstitial implantation with I-125 for patients with low-risk prostate cancer10. In that report we noted similar biochemical control rates at 5 years for these two treatments, with a higher risk of chronic urinary-related toxicities among patients treated with brachytherapy. Yet, there were several limitations to that analysis, including the fact that EBRT patients were treated to 70.2 Gy instead of the higher dose levels that are routinely employed currently. In addition, brachytherapy patients were treated with a preplanned computed tomography approach, instead of our current approach using real-time intraoperative planning, which has demonstrated more consistent delivery of the radiation dose with less associated morbidities. Thus, the reported differences in efficacy and tolerance profiles between the two treatment interventions may not be applicable with current modes of practices. There have been few if any outcome comparisons of these two modalities from one institution when optimal high-dose EBRT delivered with intensity-modulated treatment planning has been compared with high-quality permanent seed implantation with optimal delivery of the radiation dose. In the present report we compare the long-term outcomes of 729 patients treated with either high-dose intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and real-time transrectal ultrasound-guided I-125 prostate implantation with follow-up beyond 10 years after treatment. Biochemical tumor control and survival outcomes are compared between the treatment groups as well as the incidence of late toxicities.
Undermining and Admissibility

Our best physical theories seem to tell us that the world is an objectively chancy place. Some possible futures have some chance of being actual, and this is the most that can be said. More knowledge about the way the world is now and what the laws are won't yield complete information about what will be. Of course, our best theories may be wrong, but they are not wrong merely because they advert to the notion of objective chance. Quantum mechanics may be incorrect because it postulates entities or properties that there aren't; it might even be wrong because it makes no sense; but it isn't wrong because the notion of chance it so freely makes use of makes no sense. Whether our best theories are to be believed or not, they force upon us the conceptual possibility of objectively chancy events. Given this, one might wonder whether the totality of facts about the world which aren't about chance determines the chances, whether matters of chance supervene on matters of non-chance. We do not learn about the chances directly, rather we make hypotheses about what the chances are based on information about relative frequencies. Induction justifies us in thinking that the relative frequencies we have observed will continue throughout world history. But if supervenience fails we have reason-in addition to general worries about i.nduction-to be sceptical concerning our knowledge of the chances. For if supervenience fails, the correctness of our views on what there is and how it behaves won't suffice to determine the chances. So one reason to hope for a successful reductive analysis of chance is that it would show that chance does supervene on matters of non-chance. One way that matters of chance might supervene on matters of non-chance is through Humean supervenience, the view that all supervenes on local matters of particular fact. David Lewis is the view's architect, but he has also given reason to think that chance cannot supervene in a Humean manner (Lewis 1994). He begins with a vague worry that does not itself force the Humean to give up hope. However, by adding an extremely plausible premise concerning the relationship between chance and credence, he turns the worry into a proper argument. It has gone unnoticed that the trouble Lewis raises is not restricted to Humean reductions of chance. The argument-if sound-destroys the hope of virtually any reductive analysis of chance. Indeed, the argument even raises difficulties for some views according to which chance is brute and unanalysable. The primary purposes of this paper are to show how broad the scope of the argument is, and then to offer a response.
Making friends with disruptive technology: ‐ an interview with Clayton M. Christensen

In this interview, the author of The Innovator’s Dilemma reviews his theory of how businesses are affected by disruptive technology. Most business leaders are aware of sustaining technologies, which can be simple incremental improvements or radical, up‐market technology innovations that leap‐frog ahead of the competition. However, they tend to ignore disruptive technologies, which initially provide neither a better product nor acceptable margins. By ignoring disruptive technology, companies forfeit the opportunity to ensure long‐term growth and prosperity. Business leaders must help their organizations develop new business models that utilize the disruptive technologies if they are to survive and evolve over time.
Transmission electron microscopy investigation of ultrafine coal fly ash particles.

Ultrafine (<100 nm) ash particles in three coal fly ashes (CFA) produced by the combustion of three U.S. coals have been examined by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and electron diffraction. These ultrafine particles, either as primary ash particles derived directly from coal minerals or as secondary products of decomposition and vaporization-condensation processes, show quite different morphologies, compositions, and microstructures as compared to particles in coarser, micrometer-size fractions previously examined by CCSEM. An eastern U.S. bituminous CFA sample shows abundant discrete crystalline particles rich in Fe, Ti, and Al in its ultrafine ash fraction, and crystalline phases down to 10 nm size have been identified. Western U.S. low-rank CFA samples contain considerable amounts of alkaline-earth element aggregates in the form of phosphates, silicates, and sulfates and mixed species. Most of them show crystalline or crystalline pl...