cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radiation therapy after a partial response to CHOP chemotherapy for aggressive lymphomas

Abstract Purpose: To analyze the results with involved-field radiotherapy after aggressive lymphomas had decreased in size by 50–99% in response to cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP)-based chemotherapy. Methods and Materials: From 1988 through 1996, 294 previously untreated patients with Working Formulation intermediate-grade or large-cell immunoblastic lymphomas underwent CHOP-based chemotherapy on 2 consecutive protocols at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Forty-four (15%) of these patients achieved, based on international working group guidelines, a partial (50–75%) response ( n = 25), or unconfirmed complete (76–99%) response ( n = 19) to a median of 6 cycles of chemotherapy. These patients were treated with salvage involved-field radiotherapy ( n = 32) or chemotherapy ( n = 12), e.g., MINE-ESHAP, without autologous stem-cell rescue (ASCR). Results: Median follow-up was 43 months. Partial responders experienced similar outcomes to unconfirmed complete responders. Local control (4-year rates: 86% vs. 53%, p = 0.009) and progression-free survival (4-year rates: 67% vs. 8%, p p = 0.067) were significantly better in those who received salvage radiotherapy, which was well tolerated. Conclusion: Progression-free and overall survival in aggressive lymphoma patients who underwent salvage radiotherapy were similar to results reported for high-dose chemotherapy with ASCR. The role of salvage radiotherapy in partial and unconfirmed complete responders to CHOP chemotherapy justifies examination in a large, cooperative group trial.
Shock wave consolidation of a Ni-Cr-Si-B metallic glass powder

We studied parameters for the shock wave consolidation of a metallic glass powder, such as the effects of the shock wave energy and the shock wave duration. Microstructural characterizations of the compacts showed that some of them remained amorphous with porosity of about 1%, and that the shock wave propagated in a planar fashion causing large particle deformations. For our experimental parameters the energy range for a successful consolidation was between 140 and 200 J/g.
Nonlinear Optics Using Rydberg Ensembles

Our work focuses on exploiting the strongly interacting character of Rydberg atoms for non-linear optics with the aim of realizing a robust quantum interface to control single photons.
Mechanical properties and deformation morphologies of covalently bridged multi-walled carbon nanotubes: Multiscale modeling

We formulate a multiscale modeling framework to investigate the deformation morphologies and energetics of covalently bridged multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The formulation involves extending a previously established quasi-continuum model by incorporating the inter-wall bridging energy density function into the constitutive relations via message passing from fully atomistic simulations. Using the extended numerical model, we studied the mechanical responses of the 10-walled MWCNT with varying inter-wall bridge densities under torsion, bending, and uniaxial compression. Our simulation results show that the presence of inter-wall covalent bridges not only enhances the post-buckling rigidities of the MWCNTs, but also modifies the deformation morphologies and morphology pathways. For bending and uniaxial compression, we constructed in the space of bridge density and applied strain the deformation morphology phase diagram, where three phases, uniformly deformed phase, rippling pattern, and diamond-shaped pattern, are identified and separated by linear phase boundaries. We attribute the deformation phase transitions to the interplay of inter-wall and intra-wall interaction energies. The multiple shape transitions of MWCNTs and the elastic nature of the deformation suggest that MWCNTs can be designed as shape-memory nanodevices with tunable stabilities.
Clinical Experience with the Isotopic Cardiac Pacemaker

Abstract Clinical experience with isotopic pacemakers in 59 patients is compared with that in 77 control patients having conventional chemical battery-powered pulse generators. The review covers a 5 1/2-year period. Statistical analysis of the two series is impossible because of the numerous variables such as age, type of disease, number of controls, types of test and control pulse generators, dates of insertion, and protocol regulations. However, there were pulse generator failures in the control group, but not in the test group. Though not proven in this study, the isotopic cardiac pacer is likely to last longer than conventional chemical battery-powered units, and could provide lifetime pacing for many patients. The risk of carcinogenesis is minimal and seems negligible in older patients. The isotopic cardiac pacer, in spite of restrictions of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, should be considered for any patient with a life expectancy of 10 or more years. Paradoxically, it might be indicated in older rather than younger patients.
Securin a new role for itself

Securin has biological functions in both cellular transformation and sister chromatid separation. A new study shows that it also interacts with p53 and regulates p53-mediated transcription and apoptosis.
SOX5 postmitotically regulates migration, postmigratory differentiation, and projections of subplate and deep-layer neocortical neurons

Neocortical projection neurons exhibit layer-specific molecular profiles and axonal connections. Here we show that the molecular identities of early-born subplate and deep-layer neurons are not acquired solely during generation or shortly thereafter but undergo progressive postmitotic refinement mediated by SOX5. Fezf2 and Bcl11b, transiently expressed in all subtypes of newly postmigratory early-born neurons, are subsequently downregulated in layer 6 and subplate neurons, thereby establishing their layer 5-enriched postnatal patterns. In Sox5-null mice, this downregulation is disrupted, and layer 6 and subplate neurons maintain an immature differentiation state, abnormally expressing these genes postnatally. Consistent with this disruption, SOX5 binds and represses a conserved enhancer near Fezf2. The Sox5-null neocortex exhibits failed preplate partition and laminar inversion of early-born neurons, loss of layer 5 subcerebral axons, and misrouting of subplate and layer 6 corticothalamic axons to the hypothalamus. Thus, SOX5 postmitotically regulates the migration, postmigratory differentiation, and subcortical projections of subplate and deep-layer neurons.
Non-Hermitian PT Symmetric Hamiltonian with Position-Dependent Masses: Associated Schrödinger Equation and Finite-Norm Solutions

A one-dimensional non-Hermitian PT symmetric Hamiltonian, characterized by position-dependent masses, defines a Schrodinger equation in terms of a field Ψ(x, t). Based on an exact classical field theory, the necessity of an extra field Φ(x, t) (which satisfies a conjugate equation and in general different is from Ψ∗(x, t)) is shown. Simple applications are investigated by solving analytically both equations and it is shown that the effective masses proposed lead to a probability density characterized by a finite norm, typical of the physical situation that occurs with the concentration of electrons in some semiconductor heterojunctions. An extension to a three-dimensional space is also presented.
Openshop scheduling with machine dependent processing times

Abstract This paper examines the openshop problem with machine dependent processing times. Two objectives are considered; minimizing the maximal completion (makespan), and minimizing the mean flow time. For this problem with the makespan criteria and the number of jobs greater or equal to the number of machines we present an O(mn) optimal algorithm and prove that the same problem with the number of jobs less than the number of machines but greater or equal three is NP-hard. We also present an O(n) optimal algorithm for this problem with mean flow time criteria but two machines only, and for a special case with m machines describe an optimal O(mn) algorithm. The three machine openshop problem with machine dependent processing times and mean flow time criteria remains open.
Debating Outcomes for “Working” Women: Illustrations from India

Women's work in developing economies, such as India, does not necessarily present an opportunity to fight poverty. On the contrary, though women are contributing enormously to the social and economic product at national and global levels, they remain at the bottom in the hierarchy of power and rewards in the work place. The primary thesis of this article is that there is a need to examine women's association with work beginning from the point of accessing work to its outcome on women's well-being and identity. The article proposes examining work as a key variable in place of gender, while undertaking examination of women and work relationships across occupational sectors. In doing so, the article reinforces the need to identify the right research questions to address issues of structural inequality and divergence in outcomes for working women's well-being.
Characterization of microsatellite loci for the detection of temporal genetic shifts within a single cohort of the brown demoiselle, Neopomacentrus filamentosus

Neopomacentrus filamentosus, a common damselfish on the Indo–Australian archipelago, undergoes significant shifts in size and mitochondrial genetic structure upon larval settlement and metamorphosis to juvenile stages. We characterized five polymorphic microsatellite loci in order to study temporal genetic shifts within a single generation of N. filamentosus sampled first as larval settlers then again as demersal juvenile recruits. All loci were extremely polymorphic and exhibited high levels of heterozygosity. While all loci from the larval samples conformed to Hardy – Weinberg expectations, significant heterozygote deficiencies were seen in two loci in the juvenile samples, likely due to extreme size-selective mortality imposed post-settlement.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Cells Growing in Macrophages Are Filamentous and Deficient in FtsZ Rings

FtsZ, a bacterial homolog of tubulin, forms a structural element called the FtsZ ring (Z ring) at the predivisional midcell site and sets up a scaffold for the assembly of other cell division proteins. The genetic aspects of FtsZ-catalyzed cell division and its assembly dynamics in Mycobacterium tuberculosis are unknown. Here, with an M. tuberculosis strain containing FtsZTB tagged with green fluorescent protein as the sole source of FtsZ, we examined FtsZ structures under various growth conditions. We found that midcell Z rings are present in approximately 11% of actively growing cells, suggesting that the low frequency of Z rings is reflective of their slow growth rate. Next, we showed that SRI-3072, a reported FtsZTB inhibitor, disrupted Z-ring assembly and inhibited cell division and growth of M. tuberculosis. We also showed that M. tuberculosis cells grown in macrophages are filamentous and that only a small fraction had midcell Z rings. The majority of filamentous cells contained nonring, spiral-like FtsZ structures along their entire length. The levels of FtsZ in bacteria grown in macrophages or in broth were comparable, suggesting that Z-ring formation at midcell sites was compromised during intracellular growth. Our results suggest that the intraphagosomal milieu alters the expression of M. tuberculosis genes affecting Z-ring formation and thereby cell division.
NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF STREAMER PROPAGATION IN OXYGEN

Glow discharges are being used in many fields of application. For the improvement of performance in these applications, it is necessary to understand discharge dynamics experimentally and numerically. In this paper, a Monte Carlo simulation is carried out in oxygen (O2) in uniform electric fields. The electron motion and avalanche growth are simulated by tracing individual paths, and the technique also accounts for the effect of the rapid spatial and temporal space charge variations by solving the Poisson equation. The streamer propagation, electron, positive and negative-ion distribution, and space charge fields are studied in detail as time increases.
Probabilistic Analysis of an Ancient Undeciphered Script

Probabilistic methods for analyzing sequences are providing new insights into the 4,000-year-old undeciphered script of the Indus civilization.
Rapid apparent polar wandering of South China during the latest Paleozoic and early Mesozoic: A paleomagnetic study of Upper Permian limestones from Guizhou province

Wang, Z. and Van der Voo, R., 1993. Rapid apparent polar wandering of South China during the latest Paleozoic and early Mesozoic: a paleomagnetic study of Upper Permian limestones from Guizhou province. ~ec~o~o~~y~~c~, 222: 165-176. The lower part of Upper Permian (_ 265 Ma) marine platform limestones in Guizhou province (South China Block) was sampled for paleomagnetic study. A total of 24 samples from 4 sites was collected. Progressive thermal demagnetization isolated single characteristic component magnetizations from 21 samples. The samples show mixed, but dominantly normal polarities. The mean direction is 46/23 (in-situ) and 53/11 (tilt-corrected), yielding a pole position of 34N, 208E. IRM acquisition experiments suggest that the magnetizations are carried by magnetite. SEM images of polished thin-sections show that the magnetite has replaced pyrite, indicating a secondary (diagenetic) origin for the magnetite. Considering the dominant normal polarity and by comparison with paleomagnetic results of Permian and younger ages for South China, we infer that these Upper Permian limestones in Guizhou province have been remagnetized during the latest Permian or Early Triassic. A review of the paleomagnetic data reported thus far for the Emeishan Basalts in different localities shows that the results from these Upper Permian rocks in general fall into three groups: one group (A) resembles the mean characteristic direction of our limestones; the second group (B) has yielded directions in agreement with those of the Triassic; and the third group (C) conforms to the directions obtained from the Late Triassic/Jurassic remagnetization data in some Paleozoic and Triassic rocks of South China. SEM observations of Emeishan Basalts thin-sections indicate that the A group directions most likely represent the primary magnetizations, while the B group directions are remagnetizations. A late Paleozoic/early Mesozoic apparent polar wander path for South China can thus be constructed by connecting these poles. Paleopoles calculated from northerly folding-associated remagnetizations (C) also fail on this path and are the youngest. This apparent polar wander path points to larger-scale rotations of the South China Block during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic than previously thought.
Phosphate (P32) Exchange in Brain Phospholipids in vivo and in vitro.

SummaryIn vitro, the specific activity of the phospholipid phosphate reaches a maximum within 20 minutes after the start of incubation, while in vivo the specific activity of this fraction rises continuously for at least 20 hours after the intraperitoneal administration of P32. When the lipid extract is divided into crude fractions, it is observed in in vitro experiments that the specific activities of these fractions are markedly dissimilar. Conversely, the specific activities of these fractions are approximately the same when obtained from the brains of rats that had been injected with P32 20 hours previously. some of the factors involved in these findings have standard microbiological method.
High temperature operation of an integrated erbium-doped DBR laser on an ultra-low-loss Si 3 N 4 platform

We demonstrate record high temperature operation, 400 °C, of an integrated Al 2 O 3 :Er3+ DBR laser on an ultra-low-loss Si 3 N 4 waveguide platform. Additionally, the device exhibits an uncompensated temperature dependent wavelength shift of 1.92 GHz/°C and maintains over 1.5 mW of output power throughout the entire temperature range.
Abstract IA37: Clinical genomics

The genomic features of pediatric malignancies and pediatric-specific issues in clinical investigation pose pediatric-specific challenges with respect to translating genomic discoveries to the clinic. However, through large scale molecular profiling of pediatric tumors, continued coordinated efforts to evaluate novel therapies in the pediatric population, thoughtful phase II and III trial design and continued drug development, molecularly based targeted therapies will become more common in the pediatric oncology clinic in the future. Consequently, it is essential to rigorously evaluate the clinical utility of advanced molecular diagnostics in pediatric oncology and the efficacy of a precision medicine approach to therapy selection. We are conducting a multi-institution clinical tumor profiling study, the iCat1 study evaluating the feasibility of identifying actionable alterations and making individualized cancer therapy recommendations using currently available clinically applicable tumor profiling technologies. Citation Format: Katherine A. Janeway. Clinical genomics. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pediatric Cancer at the Crossroads: Translating Discovery into Improved Outcomes; Nov 3-6, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;74(20 Suppl):Abstract nr IA37.
Localization of human somatostatin receptor 5 gene (SSTR5) to chromosome band 16p13.3 by fluorescence in situ hybridization

Somatostatin is a 14-amino-acid polypeptide that is widely distributed throughout the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. It potently inhibits basal and stimulated secretion from a wide variety of endocrine and exocrine cells and functions as a neurotransmitter/neuromodulator in the central nervous system with effects on locomotor activity and cognitive function. Somatostatin also has antiproliferative effects and may be an important hormonal regulator of cell proliferation and differentiation. Recent studies have shown that the physiological effects of somatostatin are mediated by a family of somatostatin receptors. They are all predicted to be membrane glycoproteins with seven {alpha}-helical membrane-spanning regions and members of the G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily. The receptors have been named, chronologically, sst{sub 1}, sst{sub 2}, and sst{sub 3}. However, the sequence of a fourth subtype was determined simultaneously by two different groups, and sst{sub 4} was assigned to two proteins of different sequence and functional properties. The nomenclature of these two proteins has been resolved, with the sst{sub 4} and the sst{sub 5} receptors denoting the proteins cloned by Bruno et. al. and O`Carroll et. al., respectively. 9 refs., 1 fig.
Microscale Confinement of Paramagnetic Molecules in Magnetic Field Gradients Surrounding Ferromagnetic Microelectrodes

Examples of the confinement of electrogenerated paramagnetic species in magnetic field gradients surrounding magnetized disk- and cylinder-shaped Fe microelectrodes (250 μm radius) are reported. Magnetization of the Fe microelectrodes in a uniform magnetic field (0.25 T) creates a field gradient in the local vicinity of the electrodes. The force acting on the redox molecule in this region is given by F∇ = 2(m*2/kT)(B·∇)B, where m* is the magnetic dipole of the molecule and B is the magnetic flux density. As anticipated, the distribution of paramagnetic molecules in the solution surrounding the electrode (recorded using video microscopy) is shown to be proportional to the quantity (B·∇)B; i.e., paramagnetic molecules are trapped in regions of space where the product of the field and field gradient is largest. Voltammetric measurements and video images illustrate the effectiveness of the gradient force in trapping paramagnetic molecules at the Fe microelectrodes and are compared with results obtained using ...
Both sides of the bed rail.

It’s been said of life that since we’re just passing through, we should make the most of it. So, it’s especially peculiar that health care professionals don’t embrace this little ditty with a veritable stranglehold. It’s not that “white coats” are any more astute than anyone else, it
Shape description via the use of critical points

Abstract A key element in pattern recognition is the description of shape. For two-dimensional objects (blobs), shape is conveyed by the curving of the boundary line and is normally considered independent of scale and orientation. The curving may be regarded as a concatenation of arcs of varying instantaneous radii of curvature, possibly interspersed occasionally by discontinuities. The description of shape is facilitated by segmenting the boundary line at so-called critical points — corners (discontinuities in curvature), points of inflection, and curvature maxima. Additional critical points are intersections and points of tangency. Algorithms are described for extracting such critical points in the presence of noise. An illustration is given showing how the critical points may be used in the development of a shape description system.
Should African Americans Have a Lower Blood Pressure Goal than Other Ethnic Groups to Prevent Organ Damage

African Americans manifest an inordinately high burden of hypertension, pressure-related target-organ injury (eg, left ventricular hypertrophy, stroke), and sub-optimal hypertension control rates to conventional levels (<140/90 mm Hg). A substantive proportion of the excessive premature mortality in African Americans relative to Whites is pressure-related. Randomized prospective pharmacologic hypertension end-point trials have shown invariable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction across a broad range of pre-treatment BP levels down to 110/70 mm Hg with the magnitude of CVD risk reduction across the 5 major antihypertensive drug classes being directly linked to degree of blood pressure (BP) lowering. Pooled endpoint data from pharmacologic hypertension trials in African Americans showed that CVD risk reduction was the same with major antihypertensive drug classes when similar levels of BP were achieved. A lower than conventional BP target for African Americans seems justified and prudent because attainment of lower BP should incrementally lower CVD risk in this high-risk population
Effects of processing parameters on the laser deposition of high temperature superconducting thin films

Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} pressed powders were ablated by pulses from a XeCl excimer laser, operating at 308 nm, 150 mJ/pulse, {approx}15 nsec/pulse and 20 Hz. Emission spectra from Y* and YO* were recorded as a function of ambient oxygen pressure in the range 10{sup {minus}5} -- 4 {times} 10{sup {minus}1} Torr, at a laser fluence of {approx} 4J/cm{sup 2}. A kinetic model is developed to describe the results, and the application to production of laser-deposited high-temperature superconductor thin films is discussed. 13 refs., 4 figs.
On adult midges (Chironomidae) as victims of the fungal pathogen Entomophthora culicis (Entomophthoraceae)

Abstract Adult midges infected with Entomophthora culicis were found in July and August of 1979 and 1980 on the moist‐shaded surfaces of concrete drainage basins in Ithaca, New York. Host species included Chirunomus crassicaudatus, C. decorus, and Dicrotendipes nervosus. It is suggested that afflicted midges actively seek out final resting sites that benefit the fungus by providing a source of free water essential for its growth following the host's death.
Powder technology in the pharmaceutical industry: the need to catch up fast

Pharmaceutical product development and manufacturing, which is largely an exercise in particle technology, is in serious need of technical upgrading. In this article, an overview of the current state of the art is provided, along with a discussion of expected research trends and their economic and societal impacts. In particular, the anticipated role of nanotechnology is discussed in some detail.
Size and confinement effects in glass forming liquids : Perspectives on bulk and nano-scale behaviours

Since the first measurements of the reduction of the glass transition of small molecule liquids in nanometer pores, there has been an increasing number of studies of the effects of size and confinement on the glass transition of both small molecules and polymers. The measurements coming from different groups often give apparently conflicting results. This paper surveys the state of the field and provides insights into possible reasons for the apparent discrepancies that suggest paths for further investigation.
Reconfigurable fault tolerance: A framework for environmentally adaptive fault mitigation in space

Commercial SRAM-based FPGAs have the potential to provide aerospace applications with the necessary performance to meet next-generation mission requirements. However, the susceptibility of these devices to radiation in the form of single-event upsets is a significant drawback. TMR techniques are traditionally used to mitigate these effects, but with an overwhelming amount of extra area and power. We propose a framework for reconfigurable fault tolerance which enables systems engineers to dynamically change the amount of redundancy and fault mitigation that is used in an FPGA design. This approach leverages the reconfigurable nature of the FPGA to allow significant processing to be performed safely and reliably when environmental factors permit. Phased-mission Markov modeling is used to estimate performability gains that can be achieved using the framework for two case-study orbits.
A colony-growth model for the imported fire ant: potential geographic range of an invading species

Abstract We present a colony-growth model for the red imported fire ant ( Solenopsis invicta ), compare predicted colony dynamics to field data, and use the model to examine the potential range of S. invicta in the United States. The model incorporates temperature-driven development rates of S. invicta life-stages to simulate the number of workers in a colony. Even though driving factors such as precipitation and competition were not included in the model, it tracks seasonal dynamics reasonably well, though the number of workers in the early stages of colony development is overestimated. The overwintering ability of the simulated S. invicta colony supports the −17.8°C January isotherm as the northern limit for range expansion. Simulations suggest that the ratio of minor to major workers is an important determinant of overwintering ability and S. invicta colony dynamics. The model suggests that other factors, such as alate production, food allocation within the colony, and competition with other ant colonies should be considered in future models.
Cystic Abnormalities of the Fetal Thorax Sonographic Evaluation

The antenatal diagnoses of three cystic fetal thoracic abnormalities are described. The ultrasound findings led to early postnatal surgical attention and prompt therapeutic intervention. This report will discuss the differential diagnoses of cystic lesions of the fetal chest and stress the importance of antenatal identification.
Physiological and Growth Responses of Sugarcane Genotypes to Nitrogen Rate on a Sand Soil

Yields of sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp.) in FL, USA, are lower on sand soils than on organic (muck) soils. Nitrogen (N) supply may limit sugarcane growth and yields on these sand soils. A 2-year pot study was conducted to determine sugarcane genotypic variation in response to N rate on a sand soil. Treatments included four N rates (0, 75, 150 and 225 kg ha−1) and three sugarcane genotypes (CP 80-1743, CP 01-2390 and TCP 87-3388). Nitrogen fertilizer was equally split and applied at about 55 and 125 days after planting (DAP) for each treatment. During the experiment, the number of nodes and length of the primary stalks and tillers were recorded. Leaf relative chlorophyll (soil plant analysis development (SPAD)) and net photosynthetic rate (Pn) were measured biweekly. All plants were harvested at 183 DAP to measure green leaf area (GLA), shoot biomass accumulation and partitioning, and fertilizer N use efficiency (NUE). Genotypes differed significantly in leaf SPAD, Pn, GLA, and shoot biomass accumulation and partitioning. CP 01-2390 had the highest leaf Pn and shoot biomass, and CP 80-1743 had the lowest GLA, shoot biomass and NUE among genotypes. Nitrogen rate affected leaf SPAD, GLA, shoot biomass and NUE, but had much less effect on leaf Pn. Green leaf area and biomass increased with increasing N rates. Our results suggest that a two-pronged approach, selection of genotypes with high NUE while working to optimize N rates and delivery can improve sugarcane yields on sand soils.
Toxicity of phenolic compounds to sediment bacteria

Biodegradation of organic compounds plays an important role in remediation of polluted environments. Several factors influence the rate and extent of biodegradation: number of degrading organisms, adequate supply of nutrients, adequate availability of a suitable electron acceptor. One important factor is the toxicity of the organic chemical itself. Very often chemicals may be susceptible to biodegradation at low concentrations, yet may be toxic to the degrading population at higher concentrations, thus inhibiting their own biodegradation. Phenolic compounds are known to exhibit toxicity to bacteria. Under batch conditions, a strain of Pseudomonas could degrade 0.1% phenol in approximately 48 hr, while taking over 130 hr to degrade 0.15% phenol. A concentration of 0.2% phenol was inhibitory to the cells, killing 50% of the inoculum within 10 d. Activated sludge bacteria maintained in pulse fed batch reactors were inhibited by concentrations of phenol in excess of 50 mg/L. Biodegradation of 4-chlorophenol by Alcaligenes sp. A 7-2 showed a similar concentration effect, being inhibited at concentrations above 160 mg/L in fed-batch culture. The present report is part of an investigation on the biodegradation of phenol in contaminated soils and sediments in northwestern Indiana. Phenol has been found in groundwater aquifers which drain intomore » the Grand Calumet watershed, and in groundwater contaminated by a Superfund site. Data on phenol toxicity were needed in order to assess the potential for in situ biodegradation of phenol and related compounds in sediments of the Grand Calumet River. 10 refs., 4 figs.« less
Oral manifestations of neurofibromatosis types I and II

The disease known as neurofibromatosis is now recognized to consist of distinct variants that differ from each other genetically, microscopically, and clinically. Neurofibromatosis type I (NF-I) is often referred to as von Recklinghausen's disease of skin, and its features are well known. Neurofibromatosis type II (NF-II) is a much more uncommon manifestation that probably results from a structural defect in chromosome 22, as opposed to NF-I, which is related to chromosome 17. Although neurofibromas occur in NF-II, neurilemmomas and acoustic neuromas are the predominant neural tumors; bilateral acoustic neuromas are the hallmark of the disease. NF-II largely afflicts the central nervous system and has a more gradual onset than and different clinical features from NF-I. One case each of NF-I and NF-II is presented, with emphasis on oral manifestations. Diagnostic techniques, treatment, and prognosis are reviewed.
SU-D-12A-02: DeTECT, a Method to Enhance Soft Tissue Contrast From Mega Voltage CT

Purpose: MVCT images have been used on TomoTherapy system to align patients based on bony anatomies but its usefulness for soft tissue registration, delineation and adaptive radiation therapy is severely limited due to minimal photoelectric interaction and prominent presence of noise resulting from low detector quantum efficiency of megavoltage x-rays. We aim to utilize a non-local means denoising method and texture analysis to recover the soft tissue information for MVCT. Methods: A block matching 3D (BM3D) algorithm was adapted to reduce the noise while keeping the texture information of the MVCT images. BM3D is an imaging denoising algorithm developed from non-local means methods. BM3D additionally creates 3D groups by stacking 2D patches by the order of similarity. 3D denoising operation is then performed. The resultant 3D group is inversely transformed back to 2D images. In this study, BM3D was applied to MVCT images of a CT quality phantom, a head and neck and a prostate patient. Following denoising, imaging texture was enhanced to create the denoised and texture enhanced CT (DeTECT). Results: The original MVCT images show prevalent noise and poor soft tissue contrast. By applying BM3D denoising and texture enhancement, all MVCT images show remarkable improvements. For the phantom, the contrast to noise ratio for the low contrast plug was improved from 2.2 to 13.1 without compromising line pair conspicuity. For the head and neck patient, the lymph nodes and vein in the carotid space inconspicuous in the original MVCT image becomes highly visible in DeTECT. For the prostate patient, the boundary between the bladder and the prostate in the original MVCT is successfully recovered. Both results are visually validated by kVCT images of the corresponding patients. Conclusion: DeTECT showed the promise to drastically improve the soft tissue contrast of MVCT for image guided radiotherapy and adaptive radiotherapy.
Role of Protein Conformational Dynamics in the Catalysis by 6-Hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin Pyrophosphokinase†

Enzymatic catalysis has conflicting structural requirements of the enzyme. In order for the enzyme to form a Michaelis complex, the enzyme must be in an open conformation so that the substrate can get into its active center. On the other hand, in order to maximize the stabilization of the transition state of the enzymatic reaction, the enzyme must be in a closed conformation to maximize its interactions with the transition state. The conflicting structural requirements can be resolved by a flexible active center that can sample both open and closed conformational states. For a bisubstrate enzyme, the Michaelis complex consists of two substrates in addition to the enzyme. The enzyme must remain flexible upon the binding of the first substrate so that the second substrate can get into the active center. The active center is fully assembled and stabilized only when both substrates bind to the enzyme. However, the side-chain positions of the catalytic residues in the Michaelis complex are still not optimally aligned for the stabilization of the transition state, which lasts only approximately 10(-13) s. The instantaneous and optimal alignment of catalytic groups for the transition state stabilization requires a dynamic enzyme, not an enzyme which undergoes a large scale of movements but an enzyme which permits at least a small scale of adjustment of catalytic group positions. This review will summarize the structure, catalytic mechanism, and dynamic properties of 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin pyrophosphokinase and examine the role of protein conformational dynamics in the catalysis of a bisubstrate enzymatic reaction.
Premenstrual changes, the gentle Ms. Jekyll and the hideous Ms. Hyde: the saga of catchy titles, myths and facts.

Methodological deficiencies in studies of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are briefly pointed out in response to a recent article. The detrimental effect of the nonsubstantiated use of the description ...
Important features of Iris OSQL

Abstract OSQL is the object-oriented database language developed for the Iris object-oriented database management system at Hewlett-Packard Laboratories. Its three fundamental constructs are objects, types, and functions. This paper provides an overview of the underlying concepts and some important features of OSQL.
Influence of disulfiram on the metabolism of the urinary bladder carcinogen N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine in the rat.

The effect of feeding disulfiram (DSF) to rats on the metabolism of N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BHBN) was examined in order to study the mechanism by which DSF inhibits bladder cancer induction by BHBN. After 2 weeks of feeding 0.5% DSF in the diet, animals were given [14C]BHBN (25 mg/kg) and the urine and expired CO2 were collected for 8 h. Radioactivity in expired air was very low, but DSF caused a significant reduction in expired 14CO2 (control 1.0% of dose; DSF 0.6%), presumably by inhibition of alpha-hydroxylation pathways. There was no difference in the excretion of total urinary radioactivity (control 84%; DSF 85%). Urine was analyzed by h.p.l.c. for BHBN, N-butyl-N-(3-carboxypropyl)nitrosamine (BCPN), N-butyl-N-2-hydroxy-3-carboxypropyl)nitrosamine (BHCPN) and N-butyl-N-carboxymethylnitrosamine (BCMN). DSF did not alter the urinary excretion of BCPN (control 64% of dose; DSF 61%), whereas BHCPN excretion was increased (control 11% of dose; DSF 22%) and urinary levels of BCMN were decreased (control 10% of dose; DSF 4%). The metabolism of BHBN was also studied in isolated hepatocytes from control and DSF-fed rats. Hepatocytes were incubated in Liebovitz's L-15 medium containing 0.5 mM [14C]BHBN and aliquots of the medium were removed for h.p.l.c. analysis at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 h. Metabolic rates are expressed as mumol/h/5 million cells. There was no difference in the overall rate of metabolism of BHBN in control and DSF-fed rats. BHBN was very rapidly oxidized to BCPN and the rate was not affected by DSF treatment (control 1.82; DSF 1.76). The rate of accumulation of BHCPN was increased 3.5-fold in the DSF-fed rats (control 0.06; DSF 0.21) and BCMN could not be detected. Taken together, these data show that (i) DSF may inhibit the low extent of alpha-hydroxylation of BHBN or BCPN; (ii) DSF does not inhibit the rapid oxidation of BHBN to BCPN and (iii) DSF appears to inhibit the metabolism of BHCPN.
Electrification of Suburban Railway Routes Through the City of Dublin

A technical description of the electrification in progress of the existing railway coastal routes from Howth to Bray through Dublin city, forming the first stage of a proposed rapid transit network.
Magnetic and structural properties of SmCo6.75−xFexZr0.25 compounds

Abstract Bulk alloys of SmCo 6.75− x Fe x Zr 0.25 , where x =0, 0.27, 0.41, and 0.54 were prepared by arc-melting. The alloys were characterized by X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometer, and SQUID magnetometer. X-ray diffraction shows that these compounds form the hexagonal TbCu 7 -type structure for x x ( x ≥0.67) the hexagonal TbCu 7 -type structure cannot be formed. The lattice parameters ( a and c ) are dependent on the iron concentration. The unit cell volume is found to increase with x which is due to the larger atomic volume of Fe. X-ray diffraction and magnetization measurements on magnetically aligned samples show that all the samples studied have uniaxial anisotropy. The saturation magnetization increases with x at both room temperature and 5 K. The Curie temperature for these compounds is about 770°C for all values of x under investigation.
Design of dual-band radomes for high off-normal incidence using frequency selective surfaces embedded in dielectric media

The authors present a radome design which simultaneously transmits frequencies between 2 and 18 GHz and at 95 GHz. Stringent design criteria, such as practical feasibility, transmission coefficients greater than –3 dB over both passbands, wide separation between the two bands, and operation at high off-normal incidence (thetas = 70°), necessitates a novel design procedure.
Hydroperiod Influences on Nutrient Dynamics in Decomposing Litter of a Floodplain Forest

Lack of clarity regarding the relationship between hydroperiod and decomposition dynamics has long been a barrier to the development of a clear understanding of floodplain biogeochemistry. Relationships between hydroperiod and decomposition processes were investigated using a controlled, field approach on the Ogeechee River floodplain in south Georgia. The study intent was to develop cause-effect relationships between specific flooding regimes and decomposition parameters. Microcosms designed to manipulate flooding regimes were installed and used in combination with litterbags containing abscised foliage. Treatments were designed to mimic realistic hydroperiod-nutrient inflow scenarios and included: a nonflooded control, flooded for 6 mo, flooded for 3 mo, flooded intermittently for 4 mo, flooded for 3 mo with elevated P inflow, and flooded for 3 mo with elevated N inflow. Mass, C, N, and P dynamics were studied for a 106-wk period. Flooding stimulated mass, C, N, and P loss. The data suggest that single, brief flooding regimes may stimulate mass and C loss to the greatest extent. The proportion of N and P remaining after 106 wk was only marginally different among flooding regimes. However, temporal patterns of immobilization-mineralization were strongly influenced by the nature of the flooding regime.
ARC, an inhibitor of apoptosis expressed in skeletal muscle and heart that interacts selectively with caspases

We have identified and characterized ARC, apoptosis repressor with caspase recruitment domain (CARD). Sequence analysis revealed that ARC contains an N-terminal CARD fused to a C-terminal region rich in proline/glutamic acid residues. The CARD domain of ARC exhibited significant homology to the prodomains of apical caspases and the CARDs present in the cell death regulators Apaf-1 and RAIDD. Immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that ARC interacts with caspase-2, -8, and Caenorhabditis elegans CED-3, but not with caspase-1, -3, or -9. ARC inhibited apoptosis induced by caspase-8 and CED-3 but not that mediated by caspase-9. Further analysis showed that the enzymatic activity of caspase-8 was inhibited by ARC in 293T cells. Consistent with the inhibition of caspase-8, ARC attenuated apoptosis induced by FADD and TRADD and that triggered by stimulation of death receptors coupled to caspase-8, including CD95/Fas, tumor necrosis factor-R1, and TRAMP/DR3. Remarkably, the expression of human ARC was primarily restricted to skeletal muscle and cardiac tissue. Thus, ARC represents an inhibitor of apoptosis expressed in muscle that appears to selectively target caspases. Delivery of ARC by gene transfer or enhancement of its endogenous activity may provide a strategy for the treatment of diseases that are characterized by inappropriately increased cell death in muscle tissue.
Distribution of O-linked sugar units on hCG and its free α-subunit

hCG, a glycoprotein hormone produced by the trophoblast in pregnancy, is composed of two dissimilar subunits, alpha and beta, joined non-covalently. hCG has four O-linked sugar units, all attached to the beta-subunit. The trophoblast also produces a free form of the alpha-subunit, which unlike the alpha-component of hCG, can contain an O-linked sugar unit. The structures of the O-linked sugar units were examined. Four structures were identified on urinary hCG. A hexasaccharide, NeuAc alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-3(NeuAc alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-6)GalNAc- accounting for 13%, a tetrasaccharide, NeuAc alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-3(NeuAc alpha 2-6)GalNAc-, for 34%, a trisaccharide, NeuAc alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-3GalNAc-, for 43% and a disaccharide, NeuAc alpha 2-6GalNAc- for 10% of the total O-linked sugar structures. Similar mixtures were found on peptides containing one, three or four sugar units suggesting a random distribution among attachment sites. The distribution of O-linked sugar structures on hCG and free alpha-subunit from trophoblast explant cultures was compared. The mixture of structures attached at the single site on the free alpha-subunit paralleled that at the four sites on the hCG.
Exploring market-based environmental policy for groundwater management and ecosystem protection for the Great Lakes region: Lessons learned

Abstract The Great Lakes–St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact (the Compact) was created to protect future water supplies and aquatic ecosystems in the Great Lakes. The Compact requires the eight Great Lakes state to regulate, among other things, large withdrawals of groundwater and surface water so that they do not negatively affect stream flows and ecosystems within the Great Lakes Basin. Thus, the Compact raises the possibility of increased restrictions on groundwater withdrawals in many locations throughout the Great Lakes region. However, restricting withdrawals is likely to encounter opposition from water users when such restrictions are viewed as an infringement on existing water use rights and/or as negatively impacting local economic development. Such conflicts could hinder effective implementation of state and regional water policy. This paper explores the application of a market-based environmental management tool called “Conservation Credit Offsets Trading (CCOT)” that could facilitate allocation of groundwater withdrawals, and develops a framework for guiding the implementation of CCOT within the context of a groundwater permitting system. Using a watershed in southwestern Michigan, this study demonstrates how bio-physical information and input from various local stakeholders were combined to aid groundwater policy designed to achieve the objective of no net (adverse) impact on stream ecosystems. By allowing flexibility through trading of conservation credit offsets, this groundwater policy tool appears to be more politically acceptable than traditional, less flexible, regulations. The results and discussion provide useful lessons learned with relevance to other areas in the Great Lakes Basin.
Advanced manganese oxide material for rechargeable lithium cells

Abstract A family of potassium-doped manganese oxide materials were synthesized with the stoichiometric formula Li 0.9− X K X Mn 2 O 4 , where X = 0.0–0.25 and evaluated for their viability as a cathode material for a rechargeable lithium battery. A performance maximum was found at X = 0.1 where the initial specific capacity for the lithium–potassium-doped manganese dioxide electrochemical couple was 130 mAh g −1 of active cathode material. The discharge capacity of the system was maintained through 90 cycles (95% initial capacity). Additionally, the capacity was maintained at greater than 90% initial discharge through 200 cycles. Other variants demonstrated greater than 75% initial discharge through 200 cycles at comparable capacity.